The British light parties were drawn in, and the piquets were forced by the riflemen without much resistance, but an advanced post which covered the encampment from the view of the Americans, was perseveringly maintained, though three of the officers commanding it were successively picked off by the riflemen.

Lafayette, who arrived a little before sunset, suspected from the obstinacy with which this post was maintained, that it covered more than a rear guard, and determined to reconnoitre the camp, and judge of its strength from his own observation.[78] It was in a great measure concealed by woods; but from a tongue of land stretching into the river, he perceived the British force to be much more considerable than had been supposed, and hastened to call off his men.
[Footnote 78: Correspondence with Lafayette.] [Sidenote: Action near Jamestown.] He found Wayne closely engaged.

A piece of artillery had been left weakly defended, which Wayne determined to seize.

Scarcely was the attempt made, when he discovered the whole British army, arranged in order for battle, moving out against him.

To retreat was impossible, and the boldest had become the safest measure.