usion, and Dunwoodie seized the opportunity to
charge. No ground could be more favorable for the manoeuvres[57] of
horse, and the attack of the Virginian was irresistible. It was aimed
chiefly at the bank opposite the wood, in order to clear the Americans
from the fire of their friends who were concealed; and it was
completely successful. Wellmere, who was on the left of the line, was
overthrown by the impetuous[58] fury of his assailants. Dunwoodie was
in time to save him from the impending blow of one of his men, and
raised him from the ground, had him placed on a horse, and delivered
to the custody of his orderly.

[Footnote 57: changes in position.]

[Footnote 58: violent; fierce.]

The left of the British line was outflanked by the Americans, who
doubled in their rear, and thus made the rout in that quarter total.
Henry Wharton, who had volunteered to assist in dispersing the guides,
was struck on his bridle-arm by a ball, which compelled him to change
hands. His charger became ungovernable, and his rider, being unable
with his wounded arm to manage the impatient animal, Henry Wharton
found himself, in less than a minute, unwillingly riding by the side
of Captain Lawton. The dragoon comprehended at a glance the ludicrous
situation of his new comrade, but he had only time to cry aloud before
they plunged into the English line:

"The horse knows the righteous cause better than his rider. Captain
Wharton, you are welcome to the ranks of freedom."

No time was lost, however, by Lawton, after the charge was completed,
in securing his prisoner again; and perceiving him to be hurt, he
directed him to be conveyed to the rear.

Captain Lawton called to a youth, who commanded the other troop, and
proposed charging the unbroken line of the British. The proposition
was as promptly accepted as it had been made, and the troops were
arrayed for the purpose. The eagerness of their leader prevented the
preparations necessary to insure success, and the horse, receiving a
destructive fire as they advanced, were thrown into additional
confusion. Both Lawton and his more juvenile comrade fell at this
discharge. Fortunately for the credit of the Virginians, Major
Dunwoodie reentered the field at this critical instant. The eye of the
youthful warrior flashed fire. At his feet lay Captain Singleton and
Captain Lawton. Riding between his squadron and the enemy, in a voice
that reached the hearts of his dragoons, he recalle