British General Lord Cornwallis placed troops on both sides of New Garden Road below the fields of Joseph Hoskins’ farmstead. Ahead of them the North Carolina militia, drawn up behind a fence line, was supported by two cannons in the middle of the road. The British artillery quickly positioned three cannons and began exchanging fire with the American artillery.

The British infantry formed a line of battle across the road, then advanced across Hoskins’ muddy fields. At 150 yards, the Americans opened fire with scattered volleys. Though staggered by this fire, the British regrouped, stepped over their dead, and continued to advance. At about 50 yards, they halted and fired their own volley, then charged with bayonets.

Lieutenant O’Hara, a spirited young officer, was unfortunately killed, whilst directing the three-pounders before the line was ready to move on.

        Banastre Traleton, British Dragoons

Marker is at the intersection of New Garden Road and Battleground Avenue (U.S. 220), on the right when traveling east on New Garden Road.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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