When the Americans opened fire, it was "a heavy and well-directed fire", according to one British officer. The battle lasted for more than 2 hours, until both sides were nearly out of ammunition, and the British were virtually surrounded by Americans. The sound of Indian war whoops from the north prompted the Americans to retreat, and they retired to the fort with their wounded, including Van Rensselaer, who had taken a shot in the hip.
Upon opening fire, the Americans unleashed a intense and accurate barrage, as reported by one British officer. The battle lasted for over 2 hours, until both sides were exhausted of ammunition, and the British were trapped by Americans. The cries of Native American warriors from the north prompted the Americans to fall back, and they retreated to the fort with their wounded, including Van Rensselaer, who had been hit in the hip.