Washington, much excited, took his place in the central battery along with Generals Knox and Lincoln and their staff.

Those about him recognized the peril he was in, and one of his adjutants called his attention to the fact that the place was much exposed.

"If you think so," said he, "you are at liberty to step back." Shortly afterward a musket ball struck the cannon in the embrasure and rolled on till it fell at his feet.

General Knox took him by the arm.

"My dear General," he exclaimed, "we can't spare you yet." "It is a spent ball," Washington rejoined calmly; "no harm is done." When the redoubts were taken, he drew a long breath and said to Knox: "The work is done, and well done."[1] Lord Cornwallis saw that his position was desperate, if not hopeless.