Wellmere, who was on the left of his line, was overthrown by the
impetuous fury of his assailants. Dunwoodie was in time to save him from
the impending blow of one of his men, and raised him from the ground,
had him placed on a horse, and delivered to the custody of his orderly.
The officer who had suggested the attack upon the guides had been
intrusted with its execution, but the menace was sufficient for these
irregulars. In fact, their duty was performed, and they retired along
the skirt of the wood, with intent to regain their horses, which had
been left under a guard at the upper end of the valley.
The left of the British line was outflanked by the Americans, who
doubled in their rear, and thus made the rout in that quarter total. But
the second in command, perceiving how the battle went, promptly wheeled
his party, and threw in a heavy fire on the dragoons, as they passed
him to the charge; with this party was Henry Wharton, who had
volunteered to assist in dispersing the guides. A ball struck his bridle
arm, and compelled him to change hands. As the dragoons dashed by them,
rending the air with their shouts, and with trumpets sounding a lively
strain, the charger ridden by the youth became ungovernable--he plunged,
reared, and his rider being unable with his wounded arm, to manage the
impatient animal, Henry Wharton found himself, in less than a minute,
unwillingly riding by the side of Captain Lawton.
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