Gates continues to recruit troops, with incentives of Rum for the troops, but dysentery and illness is prevent among the troops. When they arrive there is no rum, but only molasses, which makes the situation only worse. Gates however figuring that he has numerical superiority with his 7,000 troops (but he is mistaken, he has only 4100), figures he will engage Cornwallis. His aide pleads with him not to fight, as only 1/2 are able to fight at all.
On the 16th of August, Gates starts to march his troops down the road into town. At 02:30Hrs, the first shots of the battle are fired. Things are a bit confused so both sides retire on their ground, and await daylight.
Gates positioned his militia, 80% of them untested in battle, opposite the British seasoned regulars. He then placed his regular Marylanders and Delaware Continentals on the right, with a small detachment of Marylanders in reserve. Gates then positions himself in the rear, and waits.
The Virginia militia (some 50 volunteers) advance, and are immediately routed, running immediately to the rear. Seeing the running of their fellow militia, the North Carolina militia joins suit, leaving the Marylanders with no flank support.
The British eyeing the bigger prize, lets the militia run, and rolls up the Maryland flank. The British, then focus their attention to the Maryland reserves.