 In response, Washington got on horseback and threw himself into the action. He rallied his men as they repulsed the British three times. As nightfall came, Cornwallis and his men debated whether or not to continue the attack into the night or wait until the next day. Cornwallis wanted to end the rebel cause in one stroke, but he decided to let his men rest for the night. He tried reassuring himself about the outcome, saying, and I quote, "'We've got the old fox,' talking about Washington."