noon
The troops marched out to meet them , Lord Cornwallis being resolved to give them battle ; but they retired as we advanced , evidently at that time not wishing to bring on the final struggle . Our army , therefore , returned within the lines . 28th . -- At noon the enemy appeared in front of our works , in force about 26,000 . They extended the whole distance from the right to the left of our lines , and a very formidable force they appeared . It was evident that they wished , by their show of numbers , to strike terror into the hearts of our men . They were mistaken , however , if such was their object , for nothing could persuade our fellows that any one of themselves was not equal to twenty Continentals or Frenchmen .