Pressed by the British attack, some of the militia units broke under fire and fell back, leaving the 5th exposed to the full weight of the enemy.

[8] Sterett's men "gallantly" held their ground, pushing the British back at bayonet point,[8] but the 5th was soon flanked by the advancing enemy and Brigadier General Tobias Stansbury soon ordered a full retreat.

Sterett's men also performed with great credit on September 12 at the Battle of North Point which, while tactically a defeat for the Americans, bought valuable time to organise the successful defense of Baltimore.

[10]After the battle Sterett retreated to his plantation, which was nearby, and made arrangements to remove his family from Mount Deposit to a place of greater safety.

[11] The following naval bombardment of Baltimore was not able to break the city's defences, and the British, perceiving the Americans to be "entrenched in the most formidable manner, having covered the whole face of the heights with breastworks", eventually withdrew without risking a land assault.