the same disorganized retreat. Yet, Wayne was one of the few officers that actually kept his unit together, and was able to make feeble, but incredibly brave, attempt to return musket volley. Another unit which served well under these horrendous conditions was Colonel Stuart and his repel of the British Dragoons on our right flank. During the early course of the battle, the actions of these officers were two bright spots in what looked to be a rout . A new threat soon appeared on the battlefield. The 17th Light Dragoons and a brigade of red-coat regulars, both of which were hastily re-stationed from Knyphausen’s force, appeared on the left flank of the confused American army. This double attack, and the vacillating orders from Lee, completed the demoralization of the Continental troops and the lines soon broke. As the Continentals ran, the British, encumbered by the blazing heat (96 F), large wool coats they were forced to wear, and the full packs that they had to carry, even in the miserable heat, began a half-hearted attempt to pursue the Americans . Lee, upon seeing this, was able to rally his troops into defensive positions halfway between his original position and Washington’s force, which Lee was unaware of. The positions that Lee had placed the Army into were excellent positions. It finally looked as if Lee would become a leader and fight. In fact, should Lee have made any real attempt to fight, “…it would have been virtually out of the question for the enemy to dislodge him before the arrival of Washington and the main army. ” Once again, however, Lee performs inadequately. Around 10:00 AM the British launch a vigorous attack on these positions. Many of the British soldiers drop dead from heatstroke during the march toward these positions. “The panic-stricken Lee, whose chicken-hearted timidity was reflected in the conduct of the men under him, with almost no attempt to fight back, ordered a ...
