British Attack

British General Lord Cornwallis placed troops on both sides of New Garden Road below the fields of Joseph Hoskins’ farmstead, where North Carolina militia stood behind a fence line supported by two cannons in the middle of the road. British artillery quickly positioned three cannons and exchanged fire with the American artillery as British infantry formed a line of battle across the road and advanced over Hoskins’ muddy fields. At 150 yards, the Americans opened fire with scattered volleys, and although the British were staggered, they regrouped, stepped over their dead, and continued forward. At about 50 yards, they halted, fired their own volley, and then charged with bayonets. Lieutenant O’Hara, a spirited young officer, was killed while directing the three-pounders before the line was ready to move on. Banastre Tarleton, British Dragoons

Greensboro, North Carolina · United States