Fragmented Attack

On the left flank of the American first line, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee and his legion of cavalry and infantry were ordered to withdraw and support the second line after the first line gave way. In the thick woods and confusion of battle, Lee’s forces became disoriented, veered southeast, and missed the second line’s left flank. This confusion had serious consequences for both armies when a large contingent of redcoats and Hessians split from the main British advance and pursued Lee’s Legion in a separate running battle, fragmenting the British attack and causing both sides’ battle plans to begin unraveling.

Greensboro, North Carolina · United States