Not only Waddie, but the two captains in his battalion, who had more real influence than the commander, urged the Wimpletonians to stand firm, and not be driven from their position. But the time for argument was short. The victorious Toppletonians swept down the hill, and rushed furiously at the foe. This time I am quite sure there were some wounds given on both sides. Major Tommy, mortified, no doubt, by the taunts of Putnam, and perhaps of others, did not march in the rear of his column, but very imprudently placed himself in advance of it. Fortunately for him, there were several privates near him who were inspired by his gallant example, and the centre of the column broke through the enemy’s front. This would have been a success to the Toppletonians if the right and left wings had supported the movement with equal zeal. They did not, and were forced back by the desperate Wimpletonians, and in a moment more were retreating up the hill, closely pursued by the enemy. When it was too late, Tommy saw where he was. He was standing, supported by only half a dozen privates, several rods in advance of his battalion. A squad of the enemy, led on by Captain Pinkerton, charged upon him. The daring little major defended himself with zeal and courage, slashing right and left with his sword. His supporters, seeing the situation, fell back and joined their companions. Closely pressed by his exultant foe, Tommy struck savage blows against the muskets of his assaulters; but suddenly his sword blade snapped off near the hilt. “Capture him! Capture him!” shouted Pinkerton; and sending part of his squad behind Tommy, he cut off his retreat. The gallant major was now unarmed, and incapable of making any defence. His companions in arms had been forced back to the summit of the hill. “Surrender!” cried Pinkerton. “Never!” yelled Tommy, with tragic grandeur, as he made a dive at the captain, with the intention apparently of wresting his sword from him. Such bravery deserved a better fate; but two of the enemy came behind the impetuous major, and, grasping him by the shoulders, threw him down. The whole squad then fell upon him, and poor Tommy was a prisoner of war. Two of the stoutest of his captors, each of them half a head taller than he was, were detailed to guard the major, and he was marched to a tree near the camp baggage.