Entirely deserted by the militia who composed the whole centre and left wing of the army, the continental troops, with the Baron De Kalb at their head, were left without orders, under circumstances which might have justified a retreat.  But taking counsel from their courage, and seeing only the path of duty, they preferred the honourable and dangerous part of maintaining their position.  They were charged by Lord Rawdon about the time the militia on their left were broken by Webster; but the charge was received with unexpected firmness.  The bayonet was occasionally resorted to by both parties, and the conflict was maintained for near three quarters of an hour with equal obstinacy.  During this time, the regiment on the left of the second Maryland brigade being covered by the reserve, so that it could be only engaged in front, gained ground and made prisoners.

The reserve, having its left entirely exposed, was flanked by the British right wing under Webster; who, after detaching a part of his cavalry and light infantry in pursuit of the flying militia, wheeled on that brigade, and attacking it in front and round the left flank, threw it into some disorder.  The soldiers were, however, quickly rallied, and renewed the action with unimpaired spirit.  Overpowered by numbers, they were again broken, and by the exertion of their officers were again formed, so as still to maintain the combat, and still to cover the flank of their brethren of the second brigade, who were in a manner blended with the enemy, and who kept up a desperate conflict in the hope of yet obtaining the victory.

[Sidenote:  Death of De Kalb.]

The fire of the whole British army was now directed against these two devoted brigades.  They had not lost an inch of ground when Lord Cornwallis, perceiving that they were without cavalry, pushed his dragoons upon them, and at the same instant, charged them with the bayonet.  These gallant troops were no longer able to keep the field.  They were at length broken; and, as they did not give way until intermingled with the enemy, they dispersed and fled in confusion.  Before they were reduced to this last extremity, the Baron De Kalb, who fought on foot with the second Maryland brigade, fell under eleven wounds.  His aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Colonel Du Buysson, received him in his arms, announced his rank and nation to the surrounding foe, and begged that they would spare his life.  While thus generously exposing himself to save his friend, he received several wounds, and, with his general, was taken prisoner.  The Baron expired in a few hours, and spent his last breath in dictating a letter, expressing the warmest affection for the officers and men of his division, and the most exalted admiration of their courage and good conduct.[35]

[Footnote 35:  Journal of Colonel Williams.]