The legion infantry, however, pressed the rear so closely as to make a serious struggle to enter the house with the British.

The door was forcibly shut in their faces, and several British officers and men were excluded.

These were made prisoners, and mixed with the Americans, so as to save them from the fire of the house while retiring from it.
As the British left gave way, Washington was directed to charge their right.

He advanced with his accustomed impetuosity, but found it impossible, with cavalry, to penetrate the thicket occupied by Majoribanks.

Perceiving an interval between the British right and the creek, he determined to pass through it round their flank and to charge them in the rear.