The bugle of the Virginians struck
up its martial tones; and in a few moments both the hills, the one held
by the royal troops and the other by their enemies, were alive with
armed men. Day had begun to dawn, and preparations were making by both
parties, to give and to receive the attack. In numbers the Americans had
greatly the advantage; but in discipline and equipment the superiority
was entirely with their enemies. The arrangements for the battle were
brief, and by the time the sun rose the militia moved forward.
The ground did not admit of the movements of horse; and the only duty
that could be assigned to the dragoons was to watch the moment of
victory, and endeavor to improve the success to the utmost. Lawton soon
got his warriors into the saddle; and leaving them to the charge of
Hollister, he rode himself along the line of foot, who, in varied
dresses, and imperfectly armed, were formed in a shape that in some
degree resembled a martial array. A scornful smile lowered about the lip
of the trooper as he guided Roanoke with a skillful hand through the
windings of their ranks; and when the word was given to march, he turned
the flank of the regiment, and followed close in the rear. The Americans
had to descend into a little hollow, and rise a hill on its opposite
side, to approach the enemy.
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