Greene was himself on the left, and witnessed the misfortune without being able to remedy it.  His militia being entirely routed, the flight of one-fourth of his continental troops would most probably decide the fate of the day.  Unwilling to risk his remaining three regiments, only one of which could be safely relied on, without a man to cover their retreat should the event prove unfortunate, he ordered Colonel Greene of Virginia to withdraw his regiment from the line, and to take a position in the rear, for the purpose of affording a rallying point, and of covering the retreat of the two regiments which still continued in the field.

The guards were soon called from the pursuit of the second Maryland regiment, and led by Lieutenant Colonel Stuart against the first.  About this time Webster, finding himself overpowered by the first Maryland regiment, then commanded by Colonel Gunby, and by Kirkwood’s company and the remaining regiment of Virginia, with whom he was engaged at the same time, had in a great measure withdrawn from the action, and retired across a ravine into an adjoining wood.  This critical respite enabled Gunby to provide for the danger in his rear.  Facing about, he met the guards, and a very animated fire took place on both sides, during which the Americans continued to advance.

In this critical moment, Lieutenant Colonel Washington, who was drawn to this part of the field by the vivacity of the fire, made a furious charge upon the guards and broke their ranks.  At this juncture, Gunby’s horse was killed under him, and the command devolved on Lieutenant Colonel Howard.  The regiment advanced with such rapidity that Gunby could not overtake it, and was within thirty yards of the guards when they were charged by the cavalry.  Almost at the same instant the Maryland infantry rushed upon them with the bayonet, and following the horse through them, were masters of the whole battalion.  In passing through it, Captain Smith of the infantry killed its commanding officer.

After passing through the guards into the open ground where the second regiment had been originally posted, Howard perceived several British columns, with some pieces of artillery.  Believing his regiment to be the sole infantry remaining in the field, he retreated in good order, and brought off some prisoners.  The cavalry also retreated.[64]

[Footnote 64:  After passing through the guards into the cleared ground, Washington, who always led the van, perceived an officer surrounded by several persons who appeared to be aids-de-camp.  Believing this to be Lord Cornwallis, he rushed forward in the hope of making him a prisoner, but was arrested by an accident.  His cap fell from his head, and, as he leaped to the ground to recover it, the officer leading the column was shot through the body, and rendered incapable of managing his horse.  The animal wheeled round with his rider, and galloped off the field.  He was followed by all the cavalry, who supposed that this movement had been directed.]