d them to their
duty. His presence and words acted like magic. The line was formed
promptly and with exactitude; the charge sounded; and, led on by their
commander, the Virginians swept across the plain with an impetuosity
that nothing could withstand, and the field was instantly cleared of
the enemy; those who were not destroyed sought a shelter in the woods.
Dunwoodie slowly withdrew from the fire of the English, who were
covered by the trees, and commenced the painful duty of collecting the
dead and wounded.

The guides took charge of Wharton, and, with a heavy heart, the young
man retraced his steps to his father's cottage.

The English had lost in the several charges about one-third of their
foot, but the remainder were rallied in the wood; and Dunwoodie,
perceiving them to be too strongly posted to assail, had left a strong
party with Captain Lawton, with orders to watch their motions, and to
seize every opportunity to harass them before they reembarked.

Intelligence had reached the major of another party being out by way
of the Hudson, and his duty required that he should hold himself in
readiness to defeat the intentions of these also. Captain Lawton
received his orders with strong injunctions to make no assault on the
foe, unless a favorable chance should offer.

The injury received by this officer was in the head, being stunned by
a glancing bullet; and parting with a laughing declaration from the
major, that if he again forgot himself, they should all think him more
materially hurt, each took his own course.

It became incumbent on Dunwoodie to arrange the disposal of his
prisoners. Sitgreaves he determined to leave in the cottage of Mr.
Wharton, in attendance on Captain Singleton. Henry came to him with a
request that Colonel Wellmere might also be left behind, under his
parole. To this the major cheerfully assented.

Captain Wharton voluntarily gave a pledge to his keepers not to
attempt to escape, and then proceeded to execute those duties, on
behalf of his father, which were thought necessary in a host.

His duty to the wounded performed, Dunwoodie proceeded to the field
where his troops had halted. The remnant of the English were already
seen, over the tops of the trees, marching along the heights towards
their boats, in compact order and with great watchfulness.

The party under Lawton had watched the retiring foe to his boats with
the most unremitting vigilance, without finding any fit openin