At sunrise on July 12, 1780, Patriot militia under Colonels Bratton and Neel attacked the Loyalist militia in the field south of the Williamson house. The Loyalists were taken completely by surprise; many were killed or wounded, while others, including their commander, Colonel Matthew Floyd, fled the battlefield. Loyalist Colonel James Ferguson was shot down at point blank range as he tried to rally his men. The Patriots then advanced toward the Provincial troops camped in Williamson's Lane.