A loyalist in the 1700's was a colonial who agreed with the way Britain ruled and considered themselves an Englishman. Patriots were the opposite. They wanted to leave the British's ways behind and start fresh. The loyalists ended up mostly moving back to England when the Revolutionary war was over.
The patroits were againts the king. The loyaist supported the king.
Patriots and Loyalists had some commonalities. They were both dedicated to their cause. They were both, more likely than not, born in the colonies. They both wanted to avoid conflict if possible.
The Battle was on 28 October with about 3,100 Continentals and Militia facing about 6,000 British, Hessian, Waldeck and Loyaist forces. Washington's troops had a front of about 3 miles and held the high ground at Chatterton's Hill. General Sir William Howe's advance was slow and steady with ample covering fire from his artillery. Hessians led the assault, a few American Militia units broke ranks and Washington fought an orderly withdrawal. The day ended with each side suffering about 50 killed and 150 wounded. The 29th and 30th were rain days and by the time Howe resumed his attack on the 31st, the Continental Army had eluded his grasp.