Existing comment:
Observing this, General Winder, who was with Stansbury in the Baltimore militia's second line, ordered two thirds of the line, a total of some 1,300 men, forward into the orchard. They never reached it. Cockburn had been quick to raise his rocket fire and it was now falling on the slowly advancing American second line. Between the rockets and the sight of the routed first line, these men too fled for cover.
General Winder and Brigadier General Stansburg repositioned themselves with the third American line. Once again the British advanced. The British took three volleys of heavy fire and then turned off the road and charged Winder's flank on the right over an open field. The American artillery fire became more intense and the charge slowed. Seizing the opportunity, Barney led his 500 sailors and marines in a rush against the center of Ross' force. The British were driven back to a wooded ravine, leaving several of their wounded officers in the hands of the Americans. Colonel William Thornton, who had led the British column was severely wounded, and General Ross had his horse shot from under him.
Barney and his men were the only remaining resistance to the British advance and General Winder ordered a retreat. This order never reached Commodore Barney but with no ammunition, flanked on the right and deserted on the left, Barney ordered his own men to retreat. Captain Miller had been wounded and Commodore Barney had received a musket ball in the thigh. They were taken prisoner by Major General Ross. |