uld display. Meanwhile, Lee, with the
rest of the legion, had reached the bridge, which they proceeded to
repair. A momentary pause for reflection, a glance before and around
them, revealed to Armstrong and Macauley, the fact that they were almost
alone, unsupported by their party, and with the British recovering
themselves in front. They reflected that, only while the British
officers were in their rear, should they be secure from the fire of the
enemy in front; and, urging their way through the flying soldiers on
the causeway, they wheeled into the woods on their left, and escaped by
heading the stream. Had they been followed by the whole party, boldly
charging across the bridge, the entire force of the enemy must have laid
down their arms. The British were so crowded in the lane and causeway,
in such inextricable confusion, without room to display or to defend
themselves, that they must have yielded by spontaneous movement to
avoid being cut to pieces. The reproach lies heavily against the halting
cavalry, that could leave to their fate the brave fellows who had
crossed the bridge.

Colonel Coates dared not longer trust himself in the open country in
the face of a cavalry so active and powerful. Retiring to Shubrick's
plantation, after destroying the bridge, he resolved to defend himself
under cover of the buildings. These were situated on a rising ground,
and consisted of a dwelling-house of two stories, with outhouses and
fences. They afforded security against cavalry, and a good covering from
the American marksmen.

It was not till 3 o'clock, P.M., that Sumter, with the main body of the
Americans, reached the ground. He found the British drawn up in a square
in front of the house, and ready to receive him. As he had very few
bayonets, to march directly up to the attack would have been out of the
question. He divided his force into three bodies. His own brigade, led
by Cols. Middleton and Polk, Taylor and Lacy, advanced in front, under
shelter of a line of negro houses, which they were ordered to occupy.
Marion's brigade, thrown into two divisions, was ordered to advance on
the right of the British, where there was no shelter but that of fences,
and those within forty or fifty yards of the houses held by the enemy.
The cavalry constituted a reserve, to cover the infantry from pursuit.

Sumter's brigade soon gained the negro houses, from whence they
delivered their rifles with great effect. Col. Taylor with about