British see the empty American works

Major Mackenzie of General Pigot’s Headquarters staff observed the American lines and saw that the Americans had left. Major Mackenzie rode to Pigot to update him on the situation. General Pigot ordered the troops to prepare for battle. Pigot had about 5,750 men at his disposal along with Artillery men and 160 Marines stationed at Tonomy Hill. The goal of the British was to hamper the American retreat.