British army. Terrified by the furious
charge of the Americans, they threw down their arms without firing
a gun. Favored by this circumstance, the cavalry of Mayham, and the
Legion, pressed forward. Coates had passed Quinby Bridge, and made
dispositions for its demolition, as soon as the rear-guard and baggage
should have passed. The planks which covered the bridge had been
loosened from the sleepers, and a howitzer, at the opposite extremity,
was placed to check the pursuit. But, as the rear-guard had been
captured without firing a shot, their commander was unapprised of their
fate, and unprepared for immediate defence. Fortunately for his command,
he was present at the bridge when the American cavalry came in view. His
main body, at this moment, was partly on the causeway, on the south
side of the bridge, and partly pressed into a lane beyond it--in both
situations so crowded as to be almost wholly incapable of immediate
action. Coates, however, coolly took measures for his safety. Orders
were dispatched to them to halt, form, and march up, whilst the
artillerists were summoned to the howitzer, and the fatigue party to the
destruction of the bridge.

The legion cavalry were in advance of Mayham's command. Captain
Armstrong led the first section. Their approach to the bridge was marked
by all the circumstances of danger. They were pressing upon each other
into a narrow causeway, the planks of the bridge were fast sliding
into the water, and the blazing port-fire hung over the howitzer. The
disappearance of the fatigue party from the bridge would be the signal
for it to vomit death upon the ranks of the approaching Americans. There
was no time for deliberation. Armstrong, followed close by his section,
dashed over the bridge and drove the artillerists from the gun.
Lieutenant Carrington followed, but the third section faltered. Mayham,
of Marion's cavalry, feeling the halt, charged by them; but the death
of his horse arrested his career. Captain Macauley, who led his front
section, pressed on and passed the bridge. The causeway was now crowded;
the conflict was hand to hand. Some of the working party, snatching up
their guns, delivered a single fire and fled. Two of the legion dragoons
were slain at the mouth of the howitzer, several wounded. But the
officers remained unhurt. Coates, with several of the British, covered
by a wagon, opposed them with their swords, while their troops were
hurrying forward to where they co