Three times a minute we fired, until we had no more dry powder.

With the command “Charge Bayonet” we leveled our steel at our foes. “Advance” and we started to march. Our drums beat out a steady rhythmic cadance.

Hessians were in small knots of men. Many of their officers were down. I saw one, more braid on him than the others, hunched over in his saddle. With each step we drew closer. The knots of their men formed into lines. They looked about and tried to dress their line. In August these men had bayoneted our wounded and captured on Long Island. Today they would see what Americans, armed with courage and steel could do. With each step they could see death coming closer for them.

Then their remaining officers stood to their front facing them. Arms held wide and motioning to the ground they were giving commands. The Hessians looked stunned. They dropped down to one knee and held their muskets by the barrel, muzzle down. Our officers called a halt and I heard the Hessian drums. They were sounding parley.