About four miles from Guilford court house, the advance, led by Lieutenant Colonel Tarlton, fell in with Lee, and a sharp skirmish ensued, which was terminated by the appearance of such large bodies of British troops, as rendered it prudent for Lee to retire.

His lordship continued to advance until he came within view of the American army.

His disposition for the attack was then made in the following order.
The seventy-first British regiment, with the German regiment of Bose, led by General Leslie, and supported by the first battalion of the guards under Colonel Norton, formed the right, and the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments, led by Lieutenant Colonel Webster, and supported by Brigadier General O'Hara with the grenadiers and second battalion of the guards, formed the left.

The light infantry of the guards and the Yagers, posted in the wood on the left of the artillery, and the cavalry in column behind it in the road, formed a corps of observation.[62] [Footnote 62: Letter of Lord Cornwallis .-- _Stedman._] This disposition being made, the British troops advanced to the charge, with the cool intrepidity which discipline inspires.
The North Carolina militia were not encouraged by the great advantages of their position to await the shock.

They broke instantly; and, throwing away their arms and flying through the woods, sought their respective homes.
The British then advanced on the second line, which received them with more firmness; and maintained their ground for some time with great resolution.