In 1814, about 4,500 British troops marched from North Point toward Baltimore, and roughly 3,200 Americans under Brigadier General John Stricker moved to impede them by taking position across a road at a narrow neck of land midway between North Point and the city. The Battle of North Point took place on September 12, and although the Americans retreated, they inflicted many British casualties, including the death of Major General Robert Ross. The determined American defense surprised the British, who did not pursue, and this delay allowed the Americans to join the forces on Hampstead Hill prepared to repel an expected attack on Baltimore.