One of those unlucky accidents, utterly unavoidable, but always dangerous to extensive combinations, had a principal effect on the result.

The morning was very misty, and the fog, soon thickened by the smoke, caused confusion, random firing, and, worst of all, that uncertainty of feeling and action which something or nothing converted into a panic.

Nevertheless, the Americans rallied quickly this time, and a good retreat was made, under the lead of Greene, until safety was reached.

The action, while it lasted, had been very sharp, and the losses on both sides were severe, the Americans suffering most.
Washington, as usual when matters went ill, exposed himself recklessly, to the great alarm of his generals, but all in vain.

He was deeply disappointed, and expressed himself so at first, for he saw that the men had unaccountably given way when they were on the edge of victory.