As the British began to retreat from the field, the Patriots, not content with having repulsed the attack, left their positions on the ridge to chase the fleeing enemy. Soon, the battle disintegrated into a fierce hand-to-hand fight for survival. Sabers, knives, tomahawks and fists became the weapons of choice, and guns were used as clubs since there was no longer time to reload. This brutal fighting continued until the remaining Loyalists and Provincials could escape to their camp on the other side of the Enoree River.