Existing comment:
Colonel Howard's misunderstood order
The main American defense line under Colonel John Howard stood firm, trading volley for volley, until British reinforcements appeared. Instructions from Howard to reform the threatened American right flank were misunderstood. Believing a retreat has been ordered, other officers wheeled their troops about and moved toward the rear. Near this location, General Daniel Morgan ordered the Continentals to face about and fire a crushing volley at close range. The disorderly British attack disintegrated. |