Chapter I

THE OPERATIONS AND SKIRMISHES OF HE BRITISH AND AMERICAN ARMIES IN 1776, BE-FORE THE BATLE OF WHITEPLAINS.

The position which General Washington took with the main body of his army, in September, 1776, after the evacua-tion of New York, was upon the rocky and elevated grounds which are usually called Harlem Heights, and are situated in the northern part of Manhattan or New York Island. The island is here about a mile in width and is separated on the east and north, from its nearest mainland, the County of Westchester, by Harlem river and Spyt den duivel Creek; the one, a strait issuing from the East River or Long Island Sound, and the other a narrow inlet from the Hudson. The chain of rugged heights which borrow their name from Harlem, extends above the place where this ancient village stood; stretching from south to north for several miles, along the upper part of Manhattan. Fort Washington had already been erected upon the most commanding of these eminences. It overlooked the Hudson, being about two miles and a half south of Kingsbridge and Dyckmansbridge, both of which crossed the Spyt den duivel Creek, and formed, at that time, the only passes from Manhattan Island to the mainland. Fort Independence, at the same time in rapid process of construction, stood upon elevated ground on the main, about a mile northeast of Kingsbridge, between the highway leading to Boston and the Milesquare road. About a mile and a half south of Forth Washington, two in-trenched lines, nearly parallel with each other, and extend-ing across the island from Harlem River to the Hudson,

It overlooked the Hudson, being about two miles and a half south of Kingsbridge and Dyckmansbridge, both of which crossed the Spyt den duivel Creek, and formed, at that time, the only passes from Manhattan Island to the mainland. Fort Independence, at the same time in rapid process of construction, stood upon elevated ground on the main, about a mile northeast of Kingsbridge, between the highway leading to Boston and the Milesquare road. About a mile and a half south of Forth Washington, two in-trenched lines, nearly parallel with each other, and extend-ing across the island from Harlem River to the Hudson,

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were formed by the American commander-in-chief. These lines were about a quarter of a mile apart. They faced the enemy's camp, to the south, and were defended by batteries and advanced works. The outer line toward New York, occupied a succession of eminences, until it reached the Hudson. It intersected the post-road leading to Kings-bridge, at the spot where this highway, after ascending from Harlem plain, passes over the brow of the height called Breackneck Hill. The inner line was stronger than the other, both from the nature of the ground it traversed, and from the greater progress made toward its completion. In a few days these intrenchments attained sufficient strength to resist a vigorous attack. They defended the American position in front, toward the south. Toward the north, the camp was covered by Fort Washington, with its outworks and batteries, and by Fort Independence; while on their flanks, the Americans were protected by Harlem River and the Hudson. Washington's headquarters were about a quarter of a mile north of the inner line, at a country-seat then belonging to Colonel Roger Morris, and now known as the "Jumel House." The British army at this time lay in an encampment which stretched across the island, with its right resting upon the East River near Horen's Hook, and its left extending to the Hudson, a little south of Macgowan's Pass, being protected by vessels of war upon either flank.

Washington's headquarters were about a quarter of a mile north of the inner line, at a country-seat then belonging to Colonel Roger Morris, and now known as the "Jumel House." The British army at this time lay in an encampment which stretched across the island, with its right resting upon the East River near Horen's Hook, and its left extending to the Hudson, a little south of Macgowan's Pass, being protected by vessels of war upon either flank. Harlem Plains extended between the hostile camps. Before the end of September, Washington's fortifications had become so formidable, that the Commander-in-chief of the Royal army would not run the hazard of attempting their reduction by assault. Thenceforward, the thoughts of the latter were bent upon getting in the rear of his adversary by an invasion of Westchester. The supplies of the American camp came principally from the counties along the Hudson and from New England, and General Howe thought with reason, that Washington, when his communications with the country toward the north and east should once be cut off, would either be compelled to surrender at discretion, or to

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fight under all disadvantages. The policy of the two generals was exactly antagonistic. Howe was at the head of a regular army, which was not only in the highest state of discipline and equipment; but flushed with the victory of Long Island; he was therefore desirous of terminating the war by a pitched battle in the open field. Washington's forces were for the most part patriotic, but untrained militiamen or volunteers, capable of fighting well under cover, but unskilled in military evolutions and disheartened from recent defeat. He was de-termined therefore to act upon the defensive, and to avoid a general action, unless he should be well intrenched upon strong ground.

Howe was at the head of a regular army, which was not only in the highest state of discipline and equipment; but flushed with the victory of Long Island; he was therefore desirous of terminating the war by a pitched battle in the open field. Washington's forces were for the most part patriotic, but untrained militiamen or volunteers, capable of fighting well under cover, but unskilled in military evolutions and disheartened from recent defeat. He was de-termined therefore to act upon the defensive, and to avoid a general action, unless he should be well intrenched upon strong ground. He hoped moreover before the occurrence of a general action, to animate his men and accustom them to danger, by allowing them to engage in small enterprises and skirmishes to which they were naturally much inclined. General Howe was now anxiously desirous to possess him-self of the Hudson, as far up as the highlands. The command of the river above York Island, at all times desirable for military operations in that quarter, was at this moment rendered peculiarly important to the British general, from the well known fact that the supplies of the Continental army, were to great extent received, by way of the North River; and from his knowledge that the inhabitants of Dutch-ess and Westchester were, for the most part, in the royal interest, and from recent and certain information, that they "were actually mediating an insurrection for the purpose of seizing the posts in the Highlands." Washington was well aware of their designs, and in order to prevent or defeat any such attempt, several corps of militia from New Hampshire and Connecticut, were, a few days subsequently ordered to Fishkill and Courtland's Manor. The British commander now employed his men in throw-in up a chain of redoubts, to extend across Macgowan's Hill, from the north to the East River.

The command of the river above York Island, at all times desirable for military operations in that quarter, was at this moment rendered peculiarly important to the British general, from the well known fact that the supplies of the Continental army, were to great extent received, by way of the North River; and from his knowledge that the inhabitants of Dutch-ess and Westchester were, for the most part, in the royal interest, and from recent and certain information, that they "were actually mediating an insurrection for the purpose of seizing the posts in the Highlands." Washington was well aware of their designs, and in order to prevent or defeat any such attempt, several corps of militia from New Hampshire and Connecticut, were, a few days subsequently ordered to Fishkill and Courtland's Manor. The British commander now employed his men in throw-in up a chain of redoubts, to extend across Macgowan's Hill, from the north to the East River. The object of these labors, was to cover the city of New York, and render it capable of a vigorous defense, while the main body of the army should be engaged in remote operations. The most anxious and frequent question which one Amer-

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ican whig now put to another, was "Where will the British make their next attempt?" Here Washington's general off-icers were divided in opinion. Some of them supposed that General Howe's most earnest wish was to make himself the immediate master of the whole of New York Island, and that therefore he would at once attempt the subjugation of Fort Washington and its dependencies, by a direct attack. The others attributed to him more military skill. They main-tained that he would land in Westchester, and establish him-self in the American rear, for the purpose of compelling Washington either to hazard a general action, or to abandon his fortifications.

Some of them supposed that General Howe's most earnest wish was to make himself the immediate master of the whole of New York Island, and that therefore he would at once attempt the subjugation of Fort Washington and its dependencies, by a direct attack. The others attributed to him more military skill. They main-tained that he would land in Westchester, and establish him-self in the American rear, for the purpose of compelling Washington either to hazard a general action, or to abandon his fortifications. In a council of war held at this time, it was determined to guard against both these contingencies. Ten thousand men under the Commander-in-chief, were to be retained on the island, for the defense of Fort Washington, and the redoubts and lines in that vicinity; while the shores of Morrisania and Westchester Town, were to be protected by General Heath, also at the head of ten thousand men. A floating bridge was to be thrown across Harlem River in order that the two corps of the army might be enabled to communicate with, and support each other. Major-general Greene, on the Jersey side of the Hudson, was to command a flying camp, five thousand strong. These determinations were carried into effect immediately. On the 3d of October, General Heath who was apprehensive that the British might land on Throg's Neck, reconnoitered his position in that direction, accompanied by Colonel Hand of the Pennsylvania rifle corps. Throg's Neck is an island turned into a peninsula by a causeway and a bridge, and formed part of the old Borough Town of Westchester. It is upward of two miles in length and encircled by Eastchester Bay, the Sound and Westchester Creek, being separated on the west and north from the main-land by the narrow creek and by a marsh.

On the 3d of October, General Heath who was apprehensive that the British might land on Throg's Neck, reconnoitered his position in that direction, accompanied by Colonel Hand of the Pennsylvania rifle corps. Throg's Neck is an island turned into a peninsula by a causeway and a bridge, and formed part of the old Borough Town of Westchester. It is upward of two miles in length and encircled by Eastchester Bay, the Sound and Westchester Creek, being separated on the west and north from the main-land by the narrow creek and by a marsh. The causeway, terminated at the west end by a plankbridge, crossed this marsh and creek, and led to the mainland. The upper ex-tremity of the creek was passable at low water, in several places.

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With a view to the defense of this pass, the two recon-noitring officers made a careful examination of the causeway. Contiguous to the plankbridge which connected the village of Westchester with the west end of the causeway stood a tidemill. Near the western extremity of the bridge, being the side occupied by the American army, there was at this time deposited a long range of cordwood, which was piled in such a manner as to cover effectually a party engaged in defending the pass. After a full view, Heath directed Colonel Hand to fix upon one of the best subaltern officers and twenty-five picked men of his corps, and assign them to this pass, as their alarmpost at all times. In case the enemy should make a landing on Throg's Neck, this officer was to be directed, immediately to take up the plants of the bridge, and to have everything in readiness to set the mill on fire; but not to burn it unless the riflemen should be unable to check the advance of the enemy.

After a full view, Heath directed Colonel Hand to fix upon one of the best subaltern officers and twenty-five picked men of his corps, and assign them to this pass, as their alarmpost at all times. In case the enemy should make a landing on Throg's Neck, this officer was to be directed, immediately to take up the plants of the bridge, and to have everything in readiness to set the mill on fire; but not to burn it unless the riflemen should be unable to check the advance of the enemy. Colonel Hand was also directed to assign another party to the head of the creek, and to reinforce both, in case of a hostile descent. He received at the same time, ample assurances of support in exigency, and made his arrangements accordingly. After the arrival at New York of the Royal armament, the secure possession of the Hudson River, formed a subject of great anxiety, both with the Continental and State Congress. During the summer, numerous large hulks and heavy chevaux-de-frise had been placed and sunk in a line across the river at Fort Washington, for the purpose of effectually blocking up the passage; and additional obstructions were in the course of preparation, consisting principally of ships filled with stone and which were nearly ready to be submerged in the channel. The river at this point was commanded by batteries on the York and Jersey shores. On board the sloop at anchor, near the obstructions, with his celebrated machine for submarine explosion, called the American turtle or torpedo, as the ingenious Mr. David Bushnell of Saybrook in Connecticut, anxiously waiting for an opportunity for blowing up his Majesty's men-of-war.

During the summer, numerous large hulks and heavy chevaux-de-frise had been placed and sunk in a line across the river at Fort Washington, for the purpose of effectually blocking up the passage; and additional obstructions were in the course of preparation, consisting principally of ships filled with stone and which were nearly ready to be submerged in the channel. The river at this point was commanded by batteries on the York and Jersey shores. On board the sloop at anchor, near the obstructions, with his celebrated machine for submarine explosion, called the American turtle or torpedo, as the ingenious Mr. David Bushnell of Saybrook in Connecticut, anxiously waiting for an opportunity for blowing up his Majesty's men-of-war.

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Four galleys mounted for the most part with either one or two heavy guns and with swivels, and having enterprising officers and select crews, were stationed above the obstruct-tions, ready to attack the enemy's vessels the moment they should be brought to, by the chevaux-de-frise. The river at this point, on either shore, was so completely commanded by the American batteries, and the obstructions and other de-fenses in aid, were in such a state of forwardness, that it was thought no hostile vessel would be able to pass Fort Washington. This opinion, however, was soon proved to be the result of illusion. For some weeks, a British squadron had been lying opposite Bloomingdale, where they supported the left flank of the King's army, and their dangerous proximity to the flotilla at Fort Washington, called for the utmost vigilance on the part of the Americans. In the beginning of October, Lord Howe and his brother the general, determined to send a detachment of frigates above Fort Washington, in order to secure the command of the Hudson. Captain Parker was chosen for the execution of this service, having under his command, the Phoenix and Roebuck, each of forty-four guns, and the Tartar of twenty guns.

For some weeks, a British squadron had been lying opposite Bloomingdale, where they supported the left flank of the King's army, and their dangerous proximity to the flotilla at Fort Washington, called for the utmost vigilance on the part of the Americans. In the beginning of October, Lord Howe and his brother the general, determined to send a detachment of frigates above Fort Washington, in order to secure the command of the Hudson. Captain Parker was chosen for the execution of this service, having under his command, the Phoenix and Roebuck, each of forty-four guns, and the Tartar of twenty guns. Accordingly the two former of these frigates, on the 4th of October, sailed up the North River, and joined the other ships which lay at anchor off Bloomingdale. This accession to the enemy's naval forces, rendered their contiguity still more alarming, and the fleetest of the galleys, named the Independence and commanded by Captain Baker, was ordered to drop down about a mile below Fort Washington, where she closely watched the proceedings of the hostile fleet. Northerly winds prevented the British ships from proceed-ing up the river until the 9th of October. On the morning of this day, the Independence was on the lookout as usual, but the captain was absent and the galley under the command of the lieutenants Putnam and Cleaves. It was about seven o'clock when these officers observed the hostile ships below, to be moving. They immediately piped all hands to quarters and signalized the news to their companions above; but did

Northerly winds prevented the British ships from proceed-ing up the river until the 9th of October. On the morning of this day, the Independence was on the lookout as usual, but the captain was absent and the galley under the command of the lieutenants Putnam and Cleaves. It was about seven o'clock when these officers observed the hostile ships below, to be moving. They immediately piped all hands to quarters and signalized the news to their companions above; but did

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not quit their station until they perceived that all the American vessels were under way. They then hove about, and stood up the river after their comrades. Having passed the chevaux-de-frise, they overtook two new ships, intended to be sunk in the channel, and spoke to Captain Cook who had charge of them, asking what he intended to do. Cook answered that he should stand up the river, as there was not water enough to go into Spyt den duivel Creek. The whole flotilla which had been at anchor off Fort Washington, was now under full sail, and as the wind was moderate, the Americans gained upon their pursuers, and hopeful of escape, were en-couraged to exertion, and kept steadily along. It was about eight o'clock in the morning, when the three hostile frigates with their tenders approached Fort Wash-ington, standing up the river before a gentle southern breeze. Commodore Parker in the Phoenix, led the way. A heavy fire was instantly opened upon the enemy, from the forts and batteries on Manhattan Island, and from those belonging to the opposite post at Mount Constitution on the Jersey shore, which a few days afterward, took the name of Fort Lee. The men-of-war to all appearance, sustained but little injury from the batteries, and were not impeded in the least by the chevaux-de-frise or hulks.

Commodore Parker in the Phoenix, led the way. A heavy fire was instantly opened upon the enemy, from the forts and batteries on Manhattan Island, and from those belonging to the opposite post at Mount Constitution on the Jersey shore, which a few days afterward, took the name of Fort Lee. The men-of-war to all appearance, sustained but little injury from the batteries, and were not impeded in the least by the chevaux-de-frise or hulks. Four days afterward, in writing of this affair to the Maryland Council of Safety, Colonel Ewing referring to the commander of one of the frigates, Captain Parker probably, says: "One gentleman, seemingly in command walked the second deck as if nothing were the matter, although seven forts kept firing constantly upon the ship. What damage was done is uncertain, but believe to be very trifling." From the report, however, which was subsequently made to Lord Howe by the British commodore, it appears that the ships suffered much in their masts and rigging; and that a lieutenant, two midshipmen, and six men were killed, and eighteen wounded; the loss fall-ing principally upon the Phoenix. The men-of-war kept on their course before the wind, while the American vessels, scudding ahead of them, stretched all their canvas and made every effort for escape. For a

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while the hostile parties continued to make about the same headway, and the fugitives were full of hope. But this was a short duration, for the breeze freshened, and it soon be-came apparent that fortune was in favor of the pursuers. Near the mouth of the Spyt den duviel, they overtook a schooner laden with rum, sugar, wine and other supplies for the American army, which they captured, together with a vessel lying at anchor. They next overhauled the sloop hav-ing on board Bushnell's American Turtle and it was supposed that they were well aware of what the cargo consisted, for they continued firing into her until she went down to the bottom of the Hudson.

Near the mouth of the Spyt den duviel, they overtook a schooner laden with rum, sugar, wine and other supplies for the American army, which they captured, together with a vessel lying at anchor. They next overhauled the sloop hav-ing on board Bushnell's American Turtle and it was supposed that they were well aware of what the cargo consisted, for they continued firing into her until she went down to the bottom of the Hudson. "This machine," says Heath, in speaking of the Turtle, "was worked under water. It con-veyed a magazine of powder, which was to be fixed under the keel of a ship, then freed from the machine, and left with the clock-work going, which was to produce fire when the machine had got out of the way. Mr. Bushnell had great confidence of its success, and had made several experiments, which seemed to give him countenance; but its fate was truly a contrast to its design." Two of the galleys and most of the small craft made out to enter Spyt den duviel Creek, where they found protection from either shore. Captain Cook, afraid to run up the creek on account of its shallowness, kept on with the ships; but was compelled to drive ashore at Philipse-Mills. The other two galleys, of which the Independence was one, were fast sailers and confidently believed that they could keep ahead of their pursuers; but the wind freshened more and more, and the enemy gained so fast upon the fugitives, that soon after eleven o'clock the former began to fire at them with their bow-chasers, and at noon overreached them. This caused them to bear in shore. At half past one, escape had become impossible, and the galleys were run aground above Dobbs Ferry. The crews at first, attempted to save their arms and baggage; but a heavy cannonade soon compelled them to jump overboard and swim ashore, where they con-concealed themselves in the bushes, until driven from their hiding places, by repeated broad sides of grapeshot.

The other two galleys, of which the Independence was one, were fast sailers and confidently believed that they could keep ahead of their pursuers; but the wind freshened more and more, and the enemy gained so fast upon the fugitives, that soon after eleven o'clock the former began to fire at them with their bow-chasers, and at noon overreached them. This caused them to bear in shore. At half past one, escape had become impossible, and the galleys were run aground above Dobbs Ferry. The crews at first, attempted to save their arms and baggage; but a heavy cannonade soon compelled them to jump overboard and swim ashore, where they con-concealed themselves in the bushes, until driven from their hiding places, by repeated broad sides of grapeshot. The

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enemy then took possession of the two galleys, and got them off. These fine vessels, were in after years of great service to the Royal commanders in their operations up the Hudson, where the Independence figured in the King's service, under the new name of Dependence. Details of these occurrences, by different expresses, were brought to Washington in the course of the afternoon. His first solicitude was for the safety of the two new ships, which had run aground near Philipse-Mills; to secure which, he instantly sent up a party of artillery, with two twelve pound-ers, and a detachment of a hundred riflemen. Later in the afternoon, when word was brought that the enemy had landed a body of troops at, or near Dobbs Ferry, he ordered General Heath to dislodge them. Heath acted upon this occasion, with his usual promptness. Without a moment's delay, he placed Colonel Sargeant, at the head of a force, consisting of five hundred infantry, forty lighthorse, two companies of artillery, having with them two twelve pounders, and a howitzer, ordering him to march im-mediately upon Dobbs Ferry, with all possible expedition, and to drive the British back to their vessels.

Later in the afternoon, when word was brought that the enemy had landed a body of troops at, or near Dobbs Ferry, he ordered General Heath to dislodge them. Heath acted upon this occasion, with his usual promptness. Without a moment's delay, he placed Colonel Sargeant, at the head of a force, consisting of five hundred infantry, forty lighthorse, two companies of artillery, having with them two twelve pounders, and a howitzer, ordering him to march im-mediately upon Dobbs Ferry, with all possible expedition, and to drive the British back to their vessels. Before these troops could reach the ferry, a party from one of the frigate's boats, had plundered and set on fire a Continental store house situated there, and had then withdrawn. The British works across Manhattan Island were completed about the 10th of October, and General Howe determined to prosecute without delay, his movement against the rear of the Americans; while Lieutenant-general Earl Percy, with two brigades of British and one of Hessians, remained in the redoubts for the protection of New York. Eighty or ninety flat boats and small vessels, were assem-bled at Kipp's Bay; and on the night of the 11th, an embarka-tion of the troops was made, under the direction of Commo-dore Hotham. Early in the morning of the 12th the fleet sailed down the Sound. A thick fog prevailed, when the boats entered the then dangerous passage that conducted through Hellgate. Several boats, caught in one of the whirl-pools, and carried round and round toward the center, were

Eighty or ninety flat boats and small vessels, were assem-bled at Kipp's Bay; and on the night of the 11th, an embarka-tion of the troops was made, under the direction of Commo-dore Hotham. Early in the morning of the 12th the fleet sailed down the Sound. A thick fog prevailed, when the boats entered the then dangerous passage that conducted through Hellgate. Several boats, caught in one of the whirl-pools, and carried round and round toward the center, were

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violently dashed against each other. For a while, the British officers apprehended the most disastrous consequences, but by skillful management, and extraordinary exertions, on the part of the oarsmen, they effected the passage without mate-rial damage, except such as arose from the oversetting of an artillery boat; an accident which occasioned the loss of three men and two field pieces. The enemy then coasted along, beyond Morrisania. Gen-eral Howe's chief guide, upon this occasion, was a gentleman of consideration, from the lower part of Westchester County. By this person's advice, the British commander was induced to disembark at Throg's Point, and the Carysfort frigate was placed so as to cover the descent; which took place about nine in the morning, Admiral Lord Howe being present along with his brother. The force that landed at this time was about four thousand strong; consisting of the guards, light infantry, reserve and Donop's corps. After completing a debarkation at Throg's Point, the British forced formed, and their advance pushed forward imme-diately to secure the only safe pass there was to the mainland. But General Heath was ready for them. On their first land-ing, Colonel Hand's select party of twenty-five riflemen, dis-mantled the bridge, under the direction of Major William S. Smith, afterward the son-in-law of President John Adams.

The force that landed at this time was about four thousand strong; consisting of the guards, light infantry, reserve and Donop's corps. After completing a debarkation at Throg's Point, the British forced formed, and their advance pushed forward imme-diately to secure the only safe pass there was to the mainland. But General Heath was ready for them. On their first land-ing, Colonel Hand's select party of twenty-five riflemen, dis-mantled the bridge, under the direction of Major William S. Smith, afterward the son-in-law of President John Adams. In the action of the 16th of September, on Harlem Heights, Major Smith was wounded and fell from his horse, while service as aid-de-camp to Major-general Greene. He was thereupon taken to Westchester where he remained under the hands of his surgeon, until the approach of the King's army, when he rose from his bed, and was permitted to take command of the subaltern's detachment. Before the British vanguard reached the causeway, Hand himself was on the spot with the main body of his regiment, and under cover of the woodpiles, opened a fire across the creek, upon the fore-most ranks of the enemy; which put a stop to their father progress in that direction. The Royal advance then has-tened to the passes further up the creek, and attacked the riflemen posted there; attempting to force their way to the

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main. The Americans stood firmly upon the defensive, until the arrival of reinforcements from General Heath. This prudent and sagacious commander, when he heard of the hostile landing, immediately ordered Colonel Prescott of Bunker Hill celebrity, with his regiment, and Captain-lieu-tenant Bryant of the artillery, with a three pounder, to strengthen Colonel Hand at the causeway; while Colonel Graham of the New York line, with his regiment, and Lieu-tenant Jackson of the artillery with a six pounder, were at the same time directed to support the other detachment.

The Americans stood firmly upon the defensive, until the arrival of reinforcements from General Heath. This prudent and sagacious commander, when he heard of the hostile landing, immediately ordered Colonel Prescott of Bunker Hill celebrity, with his regiment, and Captain-lieu-tenant Bryant of the artillery, with a three pounder, to strengthen Colonel Hand at the causeway; while Colonel Graham of the New York line, with his regiment, and Lieu-tenant Jackson of the artillery with a six pounder, were at the same time directed to support the other detachment. Colonel Graham arrived before any advantage was gained by the enemy, and drove them back. Disappointed in not se-curing a passage to the main, the British commander now prepared to encamp on the Neck. Other troops disembarked, and joined him in the afternoon. While the riflemen and yagers were engaged in picking each other off by firing across the creek and marsh, the American and the British general, each threw up a work at his own end of the causeway. When a good object offered, Bryant and Jackson saluted the enemy with their field pieces. Howe was deeply mortified when he discovered that he had landed upon an island, and was unable to operate against the American army. Some of his own officers, at this time, in their letters home, amused themselves at his expense, by writing the most ridiculous accounts of his insular position. Losing his usual courtesy in the surrounding perplexities, he himself sent for his principal guide and addressed him to this effect: "Mr. P. It was by your advice that I came to his place. You must find some way of getting me on the mainland, and that, too, speedily. There are some reasons for supposing that you have aced treacherously, and if they prove correct, my provost-marshal shall do his duty." Washington was upon the spot with reinforcements soon after Howe landed, and at once ordered additional works to be thrown up at all places where the creek and marsh might be crossed at low water.

It was by your advice that I came to his place. You must find some way of getting me on the mainland, and that, too, speedily. There are some reasons for supposing that you have aced treacherously, and if they prove correct, my provost-marshal shall do his duty." Washington was upon the spot with reinforcements soon after Howe landed, and at once ordered additional works to be thrown up at all places where the creek and marsh might be crossed at low water. He felt confident that the American lines could not easily be forced at this point. In a letter written the next day to the president of Congress, he says:

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"The grounds from Frog's Point are strong and defensible, being full of stone fences, both along the road and across the adjacent fields, which will render it difficult for artillery, or indeed any large body of foot, to advance in any regular order, except through the main road. Our men, who are posted on the passes, seemed to be in great spirits when I left them last night." On the 14th General Charles Lee arrived in camp from the South, and joined the grand army. He had acquired a great military reputation, and was welcomed with enthusiasm by the soldiers, who expected extraordinary results from his abilities. At the moment of his arrival, the American com-mander-in-chief was absent, being engaged with the general officers of the army, in reconnoitring the grounds in the vicin-ity of Throg's Neck. Lee at once rode forth and joined them. Washington immediately gave him command of all the troops posted between Harlem River and the Sound, now more than half of the army; but desired that he would not exercise his office for a day or two, in order that he might make him-self acquainted with the circumstances and duties of the post.

At the moment of his arrival, the American com-mander-in-chief was absent, being engaged with the general officers of the army, in reconnoitring the grounds in the vicin-ity of Throg's Neck. Lee at once rode forth and joined them. Washington immediately gave him command of all the troops posted between Harlem River and the Sound, now more than half of the army; but desired that he would not exercise his office for a day or two, in order that he might make him-self acquainted with the circumstances and duties of the post. General Heath in the meanwhile continued in the command. The long established mode of conducting public affairs in the United States, "required that every important measure should be the result of consulation and should receive the approbation of a majority." General Washington, therefore, in compliance with the opinions and usages of the people, called in council the general officers on the 16th, and laid be-fore them the propriety of removing the American army from its position, in order to counteract the operations of the enemy. A long and animated debate ensued. General Lee whose experience and late success gave him great weight, strongly urged the abslute necessity of the measure. "After much consideration and debate," say the Proceedings of the Council of war, "the following question was put: 'Whether it having appeared, that the obstructions in the North River have proved insufficient, and that the enemy's whole force is in our rear at Frog's Point, it is now deemed possible in our present situation to prevent the enemy from cutting off

General Lee whose experience and late success gave him great weight, strongly urged the abslute necessity of the measure. "After much consideration and debate," say the Proceedings of the Council of war, "the following question was put: 'Whether it having appeared, that the obstructions in the North River have proved insufficient, and that the enemy's whole force is in our rear at Frog's Point, it is now deemed possible in our present situation to prevent the enemy from cutting off

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the communication with the country, and compelling us to fight them at all disadvantages, or surrender prisoners at discretion?' agreed, with but one dissenting voice, namely, General Clinton, that it is not possible to prevent the com-munication from being cut off, and that one of the conse-quences mentioned in question, must certainly follow." It was at the same time agreed to retain Fort Washington as long as possible, in order to preserve a communication with the Jerseys. Although British vessels of war had al-ready ascended the Hudson, above New York Island, at two different times, passing the chevaux-de-frise, upon each oc-casion without material injury; yet, "the hope was still cherished, that by increasing the obstructions in the river, ships might be prevented from passing them." The un-fortunate decision of the council, to retain Fort Washington, was, no doubt much influenced by the urgent wishes ex-pressed by the Continental Congress. Five days previously, this body passed a resolution desiring General Washington, "by every art and at whatever expense, to obstruct effectually the navigation of the river, between Fort Washington and Mount Constitution, as well to prevent the regress of the enemy's frigates lately gone up, as to hinder them from receiving succor." The main body of the American army, now prepared to quit New York Island, the opinion of the Council of War, being almost unanimous in favor of the measure.

Five days previously, this body passed a resolution desiring General Washington, "by every art and at whatever expense, to obstruct effectually the navigation of the river, between Fort Washington and Mount Constitution, as well to prevent the regress of the enemy's frigates lately gone up, as to hinder them from receiving succor." The main body of the American army, now prepared to quit New York Island, the opinion of the Council of War, being almost unanimous in favor of the measure. Washing-ton's forces were thereupon formed into four divisions, under the command, respectively of Major-generals Lee, Heath, Sullivan and Lincoln. "This last," says Sparks, "was not a Continental officer, but had recently come forward with a body of Massachusetts militia." The strategy, which Washington now adopted, to counter-act the British commander, was to conduct his army slowly, in a northerly direction, along the high grounds on the west bank of the river Bronx, always keeping in advance of his antagonist and constantly facing him as he moved on the eastern side. The Bronx, although narrow, is generally a deep stream, and ran for the most part through forests, at

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the feet of a long succession of ridges. Wherever it was crossed by bridges, or where the fords were easy, the passage was commanded by breast works and redoubts, constructed for the purpose. Thus, in a short time, as it moved along, the American army formed a chain of fortified posts, which extended along the high grounds, on the west side of the Bronx, from the vicinity of Kingsbridge, to the village of White-plains, a distance of about thirteen miles. Strong detach-ments constantly patrolled in the immediate neighborhood of the Royal forces, and outguards were sometimes established on the eastern side of the Bronx. These dispositions on the part of General Washington, have perhaps never been sur-passed in skill.

Thus, in a short time, as it moved along, the American army formed a chain of fortified posts, which extended along the high grounds, on the west side of the Bronx, from the vicinity of Kingsbridge, to the village of White-plains, a distance of about thirteen miles. Strong detach-ments constantly patrolled in the immediate neighborhood of the Royal forces, and outguards were sometimes established on the eastern side of the Bronx. These dispositions on the part of General Washington, have perhaps never been sur-passed in skill. They placed his troops constantly in strong positions, and enabled them to protect he roads, along which their stores and baggage were being transported, while they themselves daily faced, and outflanked the enemy. Finding it a difficult and uncertain game, to lead his army against the Americans by land, General, now Sir William Howe, determined to make a virtue of necessity, by turning a bad position to the best account. Works were thrown up at several places, along the creek and marsh between Throg's Neck, and the mainland of Westchester, as though he intended to fore his way across. These feints were continued for five successive days. During this time, he was concentrating his troops upon Throg's Neck. Three brigades, three bat-talions of Hessians, and other foreces were drawn from Flush-ing, Staten Island and Harlem, and great quantities of pro-visions and military stores were brought to the Point. On the sixth day after landing, the preparations of the British general for a movement were complete. Before the approach of day on the morning of the 18th, Sir William reembarked several corps in flat boats, which passed around Throg's Neck, and landed at Pelham Point, below the mouth of the Hutchinson's River. The royal guide, for a while suspected of treason, had found means to reassure the British commander of his fidelity.

Three brigades, three bat-talions of Hessians, and other foreces were drawn from Flush-ing, Staten Island and Harlem, and great quantities of pro-visions and military stores were brought to the Point. On the sixth day after landing, the preparations of the British general for a movement were complete. Before the approach of day on the morning of the 18th, Sir William reembarked several corps in flat boats, which passed around Throg's Neck, and landed at Pelham Point, below the mouth of the Hutchinson's River. The royal guide, for a while suspected of treason, had found means to reassure the British commander of his fidelity. He accompanied the advance guard upon the present occasion. Among the first of the King's officers that trod the shores

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of Pelham, was Captain George Harris of the grenadiers, who in after days became General Lord Harris, and was celebrated as the conqueror of Seringapatam. In a letter to his uncle, written about this time, he says: "On the 18th of October at one o'clock in the morning, the van of the army, consisting of the light infantry and grenadiers embarked at Frog's Neck for the continent, and landed without opposition." Soon after daylight, the Americans who were at the West-chester causeway, found that the main body of the British army at Throg's Neck, was under arms, and seemed to be moving toward the pass at the head of the creek. Heath and Washington were soon upon the spot. The division commanded by the former, got ready for action and took up a position which appeared well suited for opposing the enemy. Presently, however, it was found that the Royal fores were marching to the east side of Throg's Neck, where they em-barked on board their flat boats, crossing Eastchester Bay, and landing at Pelham Point, with their artillery and bag-gage, a few hours subsequently.

In a letter to his uncle, written about this time, he says: "On the 18th of October at one o'clock in the morning, the van of the army, consisting of the light infantry and grenadiers embarked at Frog's Neck for the continent, and landed without opposition." Soon after daylight, the Americans who were at the West-chester causeway, found that the main body of the British army at Throg's Neck, was under arms, and seemed to be moving toward the pass at the head of the creek. Heath and Washington were soon upon the spot. The division commanded by the former, got ready for action and took up a position which appeared well suited for opposing the enemy. Presently, however, it was found that the Royal fores were marching to the east side of Throg's Neck, where they em-barked on board their flat boats, crossing Eastchester Bay, and landing at Pelham Point, with their artillery and bag-gage, a few hours subsequently. Colonel Glover of General Lee's division, with a brigade, which he temporarily commanded, lay at this time at Mile-square <right margin> Pelham </right margin> to watch the enemy's movements. The brigade con-sisted of four regiments, commanded by Colonels Read, Shepherd, Baldwin and Glover himself, and numbered in all, less than eight hundred men. Early in the morning, Colonel Glover ascended an eminence that commanded a view of the Sound, and from which he was in the habit of recon-noitring the hostile forces with a telescope. He discovered at once that the King's fleet in the East River, was under way. In a short time upward of two hundred boats filled with troops, and formed into four grand divisions, embarked from the upper part of Throg's Neck and stood across East-chester Bay in the direction of Pelham Point. Although a young and inexperienced soldier, Glover saw the urgency of the case and acted promptly.

Early in the morning, Colonel Glover ascended an eminence that commanded a view of the Sound, and from which he was in the habit of recon-noitring the hostile forces with a telescope. He discovered at once that the King's fleet in the East River, was under way. In a short time upward of two hundred boats filled with troops, and formed into four grand divisions, embarked from the upper part of Throg's Neck and stood across East-chester Bay in the direction of Pelham Point. Although a young and inexperienced soldier, Glover saw the urgency of the case and acted promptly. He made his drums beat to arms, and sent an express with intelligence of the movement to General Lee, who was three miles off. He then put him-self at the head of his brigade, and with about seven hundred

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and fifty men, and three field pieces, hastened toward Pel-ham, to oppose the landing of the enemy. A detachment of British light infantry, preceded by a small vanguard, was upon Pelham Heights before the Amer-ican colonel had reached Hutchinson's River. He instantly detached a captain's guard of forty men, with directions to march rapidly and stop the enemy's advance. These orders were executed with celerity and skill, the men running the whole distance. When they approached the enemy, the latter halted. Having by this movement brought the British forces to a stand, Glover left his field pieces behind, upon a hill, crossed the river near Pell's bridge, already dismantled, and ascended the Heights of Pelham. He then made the most advantageous disposition of his followers. Colonel Read's regiment was posted on the left of the road leading to Pelham Point, with Shepherd's and Baldwin's in the rear upon his right. These troops for the most part, were well covered by stone walls.

Having by this movement brought the British forces to a stand, Glover left his field pieces behind, upon a hill, crossed the river near Pell's bridge, already dismantled, and ascended the Heights of Pelham. He then made the most advantageous disposition of his followers. Colonel Read's regiment was posted on the left of the road leading to Pelham Point, with Shepherd's and Baldwin's in the rear upon his right. These troops for the most part, were well covered by stone walls. They were supported by Glover's regiment, which was stationed as a body of reserve, under the command of Captain Curtis. With a modest appreciation of his own ability and a deep sense of responsibilities about to be encountered, Glover watched in vain for the approach of General Lee or some superior of more experience than himself. The colonel was left to his own resources, and prompt action was requisite. He then rode forward to his advance guard, and led it against the enemy's detachment. When within fifty yards, he re-ceived the hostile fire, without the loss of a man, returned it instantly, brought down four of the British and maintained his ground till they had exchanged five rounds. By this time the Americans had two killed and several wounded, while they were much outnumbered by the British, whose two de-tachments having united, advanced to the charge with bay-onets. Glover now ordered a retreat, and his bold captain led the men back without further loss. The enemy pursued with loud huzzas. In great excitement and some disorder, they ran forward to overtake the captain's guard, and in this state approached within thirty yards of the spot where Read's

By this time the Americans had two killed and several wounded, while they were much outnumbered by the British, whose two de-tachments having united, advanced to the charge with bay-onets. Glover now ordered a retreat, and his bold captain led the men back without further loss. The enemy pursued with loud huzzas. In great excitement and some disorder, they ran forward to overtake the captain's guard, and in this state approached within thirty yards of the spot where Read's

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Regiment lay undiscovered behind a stonewall. His men hen rose up and fired a volley which sent the King's light infantry back to their main army at the Point. The Americans remained in nearly the same position for about two hours. At the end of this time, a strong force approached, under Brigadier-general Leslie and Sir William Erskine, with seven pieces of artillery. Colonel Read was posted under cover as before. When the King's troops were about forty yards from him, the whole battalion again rose up and fired. The enemy halted, and returned the fire until seven rounds had been exchanged, when Read retreated and formed again, in the rear and on the left of Colonel Shepherd. The Royal forces shouted and pushed on, until they reached the post occupied by the latter, behind a thick double stone wall. Shepherd now ordered his men to rise and discharge their muskets by grand divisions. By this means he kept up an incessant fire, and maintained his ground for a long while; causing his assailants to retreat several times a short distance off, where they formed again and returned to the combat. "Once," says Colonel Glover, "they retired so far, that a soldier of Colonel Shepherd's leaped over the wall and took a hat and canteen off a captain, that lay dead on the ground they retreated from." The officer thus despoiled, was Captain Evelyn of the light infantry belonging to the Fourth regiment, a gallant youth, not then dead but mortally wounded, who at the head of his company, was foremost of the enemy, when first they at-tacked Colonel Shepherd.

"Once," says Colonel Glover, "they retired so far, that a soldier of Colonel Shepherd's leaped over the wall and took a hat and canteen off a captain, that lay dead on the ground they retreated from." The officer thus despoiled, was Captain Evelyn of the light infantry belonging to the Fourth regiment, a gallant youth, not then dead but mortally wounded, who at the head of his company, was foremost of the enemy, when first they at-tacked Colonel Shepherd. It was not long before the superior numbers of the enemy enabled them to dislodge Shepherd from his position. After their last repulse, they returned in greater force, brought forward their field pieces and completely outflanked the Amer-icans, who were compelled to retreat and form in the rear of Baldwin's regiment. But they had now retired beyond the old Pell house upon the Heights, where the descending ground gave the enemy an advantage, and Colonel Glover found it necessary to retreat down the hill. He then forded Hut-chinson's River and ascended the opposite height where he

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had left his artillery. The enemy halted upon the command-ing eminence they had gained, placed their artillery in battery, and commenced a cannonade which was answered, and was maintained by both sides until the approach of night. At dark, Glover received orders to take a new position in ad-vance of the enemy. Here the weary soldiers of his brigade, after a hard day's fight, lay all night long as a picket guard in the open air by the roadside, without food or refreshment. The next morning they were relieved, and marched back to their encampment, where they broke a fast of more than twenty-four hours. Colonel Glover says, he had eight men killed, and thirteen wounded in the action.

At dark, Glover received orders to take a new position in ad-vance of the enemy. Here the weary soldiers of his brigade, after a hard day's fight, lay all night long as a picket guard in the open air by the roadside, without food or refreshment. The next morning they were relieved, and marched back to their encampment, where they broke a fast of more than twenty-four hours. Colonel Glover says, he had eight men killed, and thirteen wounded in the action. Some letters from officers of his brigade make the loss greater. From re-turns made to the British War Office, it would seem, that the King's troops had about eleven men killed, and forty-four wounded, the loss falling principally upon the First battalion of light infantry and on the Seventy-first regiment, the former belonging to Leslie's brigade, and the latter to tht under Sir William Erskine. The only American officer dangerously wounded, was the brave Colonel Shepherd, who received a musket ball in the throat, and underwent a long and painful confinement at Northcastle near Whiteplains, where he was immediately sent, for surgical treatment. Of the British officers, Captain Evelyn of the light infantry, belonging to the Fourth regiment was killed, and Lieutenant-colonel Musgrove and Lieutenant Rutherford were wounded. General Lee reviewed Glover's brigade the next day, and returned thanks to both officers and soldiers for their adroit and daring conduct throughout the action. General Wash-ington at the same time bestowed high praise upon them in his general orders. The affair of Pelham Heights was in fact a stand made by Glover's small brigade, against the main body of the British army, and was conducted throughout by the Americans with the greatest skill, coolness and intrepidity. As the story of the skirmish spread abroad, fame exaggerated its importance, and when the news reached the headquarters of the Northern

General Lee reviewed Glover's brigade the next day, and returned thanks to both officers and soldiers for their adroit and daring conduct throughout the action. General Wash-ington at the same time bestowed high praise upon them in his general orders. The affair of Pelham Heights was in fact a stand made by Glover's small brigade, against the main body of the British army, and was conducted throughout by the Americans with the greatest skill, coolness and intrepidity. As the story of the skirmish spread abroad, fame exaggerated its importance, and when the news reached the headquarters of the Northern

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army, General Gates on the 27th, in the general orders of the day, dictated as follows, viz.: "All the troops off duty to be under arms at one o'clock at their respective alarm posts, when, upon a signal given by the firing a cannon from the northeast angle of the covert way of the old fort, the whole will give three cheers for the glorious success with which it has pleased Providence to bless the arms of the United States on the 18th instant, in defeating the Army of the enemy near Eastchester." After this action, the British army marched across the Manor of Pelham, and encamped with the right wing near the village of New Rochelle, while the left extended to Hutch-inson's River. On the next day, the Americans extended their left, in order to keep in advance of the King's forces, and Washington with the main body of the army commenced moving up along the west side of the Bronx. He determined, if the enemy persisted in their attempt upon his rear, to concentrate his troops at once, in a fortified camp at Whiteplains. The re-tention of Fort Washington having been determined upon in the council of war, it now became necessary to occupy it with a strong garrison.

On the next day, the Americans extended their left, in order to keep in advance of the King's forces, and Washington with the main body of the army commenced moving up along the west side of the Bronx. He determined, if the enemy persisted in their attempt upon his rear, to concentrate his troops at once, in a fortified camp at Whiteplains. The re-tention of Fort Washington having been determined upon in the council of war, it now became necessary to occupy it with a strong garrison. General Heath was directed to leave behind one of his regiments for the defense of Fort Inde-pendence. Stores to a large amount, intended for the American army, were at this time deposited in and near the Church in the village of Eastchester. General Lee was anxious to secure them before they fell into the hands of the enemy, and ac-cordingly, sent for Colonel Glover on Sunday the 20th, com-municated the fact to him, and requested him to devise some plan for bringing them off. Glover found that the enemy had not yet taken possession of them. He sent out to the neighboring farmhouses, pressed fifteen wagons, and when nigh came, went to the village with the whole brigade, and carried off two hundred barrels of pork and flour. They had to approach so near the British camp upon this occasion, that Glover's advance parties heard distinctly the conver-sation of the enemy and the music of their bands. The

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Glover found that the enemy had not yet taken possession of them. He sent out to the neighboring farmhouses, pressed fifteen wagons, and when nigh came, went to the village with the whole brigade, and carried off two hundred barrels of pork and flour. They had to approach so near the British camp upon this occasion, that Glover's advance parties heard distinctly the conver-sation of the enemy and the music of their bands. The

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Royal forces received information, unfortunately, of Glover's exploit, and early the next morning, secured the residue of the stores. About this time the King's army was joined by a strong force of light dragoons, consisting of the greater part of the Sixteenth regiment under Lieutenant-colonel Harcourt, and the whole of the Seventeenth, under Lieutenant-colonel Burch. On the 21st, the right and centre of the Royal army moved to a position upon the high grounds, about a mile and a half to the northward of New Rochelle village, where they en-camped for four days, on both sides of the road leading to Whiteplains. The British commander-in-chief left Lieu-tenant-general De Heister to occupy the former encampment for the present with three brigades, two of which were Hessians. With the exception of a few independent companies of volunteers from New York, the only Provincial troops belong-ing at this time to Sir William Howe's army, consisted of a regiment of Royalists, called the "Queen's American Rangers," raised and commanded by Major Robert Rogers, celebrated for his exploits on the frontiers during the seven years war. He had been promoted to the rank of colonel, and his men were for the most part, natives of Long Island, Connecticut and Westchester. They were fresh recruits, well armed, but not yet in uniform, and were upward of five hundred strong.

With the exception of a few independent companies of volunteers from New York, the only Provincial troops belong-ing at this time to Sir William Howe's army, consisted of a regiment of Royalists, called the "Queen's American Rangers," raised and commanded by Major Robert Rogers, celebrated for his exploits on the frontiers during the seven years war. He had been promoted to the rank of colonel, and his men were for the most part, natives of Long Island, Connecticut and Westchester. They were fresh recruits, well armed, but not yet in uniform, and were upward of five hundred strong. Rogers had been engaged with Stark, Putnam and Dalzell, in their most daring enterprises against the French on the Canadian frontier; at which time he was at the head of a celebrated corps of rangers who were called by his name. His fame as a partisan officer, enabled him to raise the corps he now commanded, in a few weeks, during the summer and autumn on 1776. Colonel Rogers on the evening of the 20th of October, was ordered to take possession of Mamaroneck and to secure the stores deposited there for the American army. The next morning accordingly, about sunrise, he attacked and drove away some militia companies that guarded the place, and took possession of great quantities of Continental provisions in

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the mills and houses along Mamaroneck River; consisting principally of rum, molasses, flour and pork. Having ren-dered this service to the Royal cause, he returned to the village and posted his regiment on a smooth field upon Heathcote Hill, in the rear of what is now known as the Delancey House. The station thus selected was memorable in the recollections of the aged. It was the spot which formed part of the ornamental garden, that at the commencement of the eighteenth century, surrounded the fine mansion built by Colonel Caleb Heathcote, Lord of the Manor of Scarsdale, and a member of the Royal Council for the province of New York.

Having ren-dered this service to the Royal cause, he returned to the village and posted his regiment on a smooth field upon Heathcote Hill, in the rear of what is now known as the Delancey House. The station thus selected was memorable in the recollections of the aged. It was the spot which formed part of the ornamental garden, that at the commencement of the eighteenth century, surrounded the fine mansion built by Colonel Caleb Heathcote, Lord of the Manor of Scarsdale, and a member of the Royal Council for the province of New York. Rogers took possession of the village school house, which stood on the west side of the Boston highway, opposite to the road which leads to Delancey's Neck. He dismissed the children to their homes, and the place of their instruction became his quarters for several days subsequently. After nightfall sen-tinels were carefully posted in advance along the roads and passes in the direction of Whiteplains, Harrison, and Rye, while the approaches from the British camp almost en-tirely unguarded; it not being considered probable that an enemy would venture so near the right wing of the Royal army. The Rangers had no tents and bivouacked around rail fires, made out of the neighboring fences. Lord Sterling who was taken prisoner by the enemy at the battle of Long Island, and subsequently, on the 7th of October, exchanged for Governor Brown, was now with the army of Whiteplains. He had previously been stationed with his brigade, in the vicinity of this last place, and was well acquainted with the country between it and the Sound. He had obtained accurate information of the post occupied by Rogers and Heathcote Hill and formed an extemporaneous plan for the capture or destruction of the Queen's Rangers, which was at once carried into execution.

Lord Sterling who was taken prisoner by the enemy at the battle of Long Island, and subsequently, on the 7th of October, exchanged for Governor Brown, was now with the army of Whiteplains. He had previously been stationed with his brigade, in the vicinity of this last place, and was well acquainted with the country between it and the Sound. He had obtained accurate information of the post occupied by Rogers and Heathcote Hill and formed an extemporaneous plan for the capture or destruction of the Queen's Rangers, which was at once carried into execution. Seven hundred and fifty men of whom six hundred were Delawares and Marylanders, and the rest Virginians, were placed under the command of the redoubtable Colonel Haslet of the Delaware regiment, who had distinguished himself in the battle of Long Island, and was now selected to conduct

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the enterprise against the enemy's post at Heathcote Hill. Lord Sterling had received the most accurate information of the position in which the Queen's Rangers lay. He knew, too, exactly where their sentinels were placed; and was ac-quainted with whatever precautions against surprise they had taken, as late as eight or nine o'clock at night. This, with his knowledge of the roads, enabled him to dictate the precise route to be taken by the detachment. It was late at night when Haslet started. His forces, pre-ceded by a corps of guides, marched in profound silence, along the road leading from Whiteplains to Mamroneck, until they came to Cornell's Fork; when they took the cross road leading to New Rochelle and passing by the Quaker Meeting House. They were now in the immediate and perilous vicinity of the position taken during the previous day by the right wing of the British army. Wheeling to the left, they marched along the road that conducts from the Quaker Meeting House toward the Sound, until they arrived within half a mile of the highway from New York to Boston.

His forces, pre-ceded by a corps of guides, marched in profound silence, along the road leading from Whiteplains to Mamroneck, until they came to Cornell's Fork; when they took the cross road leading to New Rochelle and passing by the Quaker Meeting House. They were now in the immediate and perilous vicinity of the position taken during the previous day by the right wing of the British army. Wheeling to the left, they marched along the road that conducts from the Quaker Meeting House toward the Sound, until they arrived within half a mile of the highway from New York to Boston. The Americans now took to the fields, and advanced north-easterly against Heathcote Hill; following the guides, who acted also as pioneers and removed obstacles, while they pointed out the way. It was toward four o'clock in the morn-ing, when they approached a lane on the other side of which they knew here was a sentinel. This sentinel was a young Indian, picked up by Rogers somewhere on Long Island. Major Green of the First Virginia regiment commanded the American vanguard, and himself and his men had some difficulty, during the prevailing darkness, in detecting the exact spot where the Indian was posted. When his station was ascertained, several of the guard crept along the ground, throttled and threw him down, before he had time to fire. But though taken and secured, the Indian proved refractory. Young and active, he kicked and struggled so violently, that one of the officers found it necessary to dispatch him with a sword thrust. Success seemed now as if about to crown the daring essay, and the destruction of the old partisan's regi-ment appeared inevitable, but fortune, who so often had be-

When his station was ascertained, several of the guard crept along the ground, throttled and threw him down, before he had time to fire. But though taken and secured, the Indian proved refractory. Young and active, he kicked and struggled so violently, that one of the officers found it necessary to dispatch him with a sword thrust. Success seemed now as if about to crown the daring essay, and the destruction of the old partisan's regi-ment appeared inevitable, but fortune, who so often had be-

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friended him in danger, stepped forward once more to his assistance. Late at night, Rogers carefully walked the round of all his sentinels. When he reached the southwestern borders of his position, it seems to have occurred to him, that an attack might come from that quarter; where but little precaution against surprise had been taken, because it was not supposed probable that an enemy would venture to approach from the direction of the British camp. At any rate, he ordered Cap-tain Eagles, with about sixty men, to take post as an outguard between Heathcote Hill and the place where the farthest sentinel was stationed, near the lane. Having made this change in position, Rogers retired to his quarters, at the schoolhouse. It happened, unfortunately, that the bivouac of Eagles and his company was exactly in Major Green's line of march, who stumbled in the dark upon the sleeping guard. The Amer-icans called out for an instant surrender. Some of the rangers rose to submit and some to resist. Hughson of Dutchess County, one of their lieutenants, cried out, "Fire away boys, Fire ! never give up to the rebels," and fell dead a few mo-ments afterward, fighting to the last. At this instant Colonel Haslet came up with the main body of his detachment, and completely surrounded the ranger guard, but Green's Virgin-ians were by this time mixed up with the enemy, and all was darkness and uncertainty.

Some of the rangers rose to submit and some to resist. Hughson of Dutchess County, one of their lieutenants, cried out, "Fire away boys, Fire ! never give up to the rebels," and fell dead a few mo-ments afterward, fighting to the last. At this instant Colonel Haslet came up with the main body of his detachment, and completely surrounded the ranger guard, but Green's Virgin-ians were by this time mixed up with the enemy, and all was darkness and uncertainty. In the midst of this confusion, the Captain of the rangers adopted the outcries of the Amer-icans and shouted forth: "Surrender you Tory dogs ! Sur-render." His men followed his example. For several minutes nothing was heard but execrations against Rogers and his Tories. Comrades, in the meanwhile, grappled with each other, and friend could not be distinguished from foe. By the cunning adoption and liberal use of such abusive names as were bestowed by the Whig soldiers upon their antagonists, Eagles and about one third of his men escaped during the continuance of the tumult. The rangers were now on the alert, while most of Haslet's guides had either deserted or could not be found; but the

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intrepid Colonel secured his prisoners and their arms and then immediately pushed forward at the head of his men to-ward Heathcote Hill. The encounter between Eagles' company and Major Green's followers roused Rogers from his slumbers at the schoolhouse. Seizing a fusil which it was his custom to carry, he ran with the utmost speed to Heathcote Hill, where his men were at their posts but in great alarm, expecting an immediate attack from forces much superior. He had barely time to address a few words of encouragement to his soldiers, when Colonel Has-let advanced to the attack.

The encounter between Eagles' company and Major Green's followers roused Rogers from his slumbers at the schoolhouse. Seizing a fusil which it was his custom to carry, he ran with the utmost speed to Heathcote Hill, where his men were at their posts but in great alarm, expecting an immediate attack from forces much superior. He had barely time to address a few words of encouragement to his soldiers, when Colonel Has-let advanced to the attack. The hoarse voice of the old "Indian-hunter" was now heard above the din of battle - "Steady boys ! steady ! Fire, Fire !" A volley first and then a rolling fire succeeded, which checked the Americans. The first resistance of the rangers and the darkness of the night discouraged the Continental soldiers, who fancied they were now being led against an enemy strongly posted, and more numerous than themselves. Haslet determined in consequence, to prosecute his enterprise no farther. He there-fore immediately retired by the route along which he had advanced, carrying with him thirty-six prisoners and most of his wounded, together with a variety of trophies and spoils, consisting principally of a pair of colors, sixty stand of arms and a quantity of blankets. Haslet says his loss was three of four killed and about fifteen wounded. Among the latter, were Major Green and Captain Pope; the former being badly wounded in the soul-der, while the other received a shot in the leg. The attack was well planned and bravely executed, and would no doubt have been completely successful had the assailants known exactly where Captain Eagles and his com-pany lay. As it was, the affair has always been considered brilliant. The news was received with joy throughout the ranks of the American army, and led to several other attempts upon the enemy's outposts.

Among the latter, were Major Green and Captain Pope; the former being badly wounded in the soul-der, while the other received a shot in the leg. The attack was well planned and bravely executed, and would no doubt have been completely successful had the assailants known exactly where Captain Eagles and his com-pany lay. As it was, the affair has always been considered brilliant. The news was received with joy throughout the ranks of the American army, and led to several other attempts upon the enemy's outposts. Lord Sterling himself was highly pleased with the result, and thanked the officers and men of the detachment publicly, on the parade. Those who were killed at Heathcote Hill were, on the next

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morning, buried by the rangers upon the spot; but the wounded, both British and American, remained a long time upon the field, where their moans from pain and their cries for water were distressing. In the afternoon they were all conveyed upon ox-carts pressed from the neighboring in-habitants, to New Rochelle Church, for the time being con-verted into a hospital. Although Major Green's collision with the picket guard alarmed and made ready for defense the main body of the rangers, there can be little doubt that the whole corps would have been either taken or dispersed, but for the intrepidity of their commander and the erroneous estimate of their num-bers which the Continental troops entertained. Rogers was not popular except with his own men. His exterior was rough and unpromising, his conversation full of gasconade, and he was openly charged by some of the Royal officers with having broken his parole. They also imputed to him dis-obedience of orders and incapacity; asserting that he was directed to place himself a short distance in advance of the British army, instead of which, the post he took was two miles off, where he suffered himself to be surprised.

Rogers was not popular except with his own men. His exterior was rough and unpromising, his conversation full of gasconade, and he was openly charged by some of the Royal officers with having broken his parole. They also imputed to him dis-obedience of orders and incapacity; asserting that he was directed to place himself a short distance in advance of the British army, instead of which, the post he took was two miles off, where he suffered himself to be surprised. A court-martial was called for, but Sir William Howe stood his friend. His activity and success in the capture of the Continental stores, and his coolness and courage in the defense of his post, saved him from a military investigation. But these were his last exploits. In the course of a few months he was com-pelled to resign the command of the Queen's Rangers. Sub-sequently, he appeared in arms on the northern frontier as a partisan for the King; but his services were not attended with either honor or success, and thenceforward, "the old Indian-hunter" walked in obscurity. When the attempt against Rogers was reported to Sir William Howe, the Sixth brigade under General Agnew was immediately moved to Mamaroneck, where this officer took up a strong position, for the purpose of supporting the rangers. On the same day, Lieutenant-general Knyphausen with the Second division of Hessians and the regiment of Waldeckers landed at New Rochelle. These troops were ordered to re-

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main there for the present, to cover the debarkation of stores and provisions. Washington now hastened to concentrate his forces at Whiteplains, where the line for a fortified camp had been marked out several days previously, and where a corps of men had been engaged in throwing up works. The head-quarters of the army were removed on the 21st from Morris's House to Valentine's Hill.

These troops were ordered to re-

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main there for the present, to cover the debarkation of stores and provisions. Washington now hastened to concentrate his forces at Whiteplains, where the line for a fortified camp had been marked out several days previously, and where a corps of men had been engaged in throwing up works. The head-quarters of the army were removed on the 21st from Morris's House to Valentine's Hill. Colonel Magaw, with about two thousand men, was left in command of Fort Washington, and Fort Independence was garrisioned by Colonel Lasher's reg-iment, which belonged to General Heath's division. At about four o'clock in the afternoon of the 21st, General Heath's division marched for Whiteplains, from their camp above Kingsbridge, taking with them, besides their light field pieces, two heavy iron twelve pounders. It was about eight o'clock when they passed General Lincoln's quarters, on Valentine's Hill. Here Washington was to pass the night, and Heath waited upon him to receive his particular orders. Heath was advised by the commander-in-chief to send for-ward one of the regiments, an occupy the road which crosses the Bronx near Ward's House, in order to secure his right flank from any annoyances that might be offered by British patrols. It was four o'clock on the ensuing morning that the division ascended Chatterton Hill, upon the borders of Whiteplains, after having marched the whole night. The instant he reached the summit, Heath noticed many successive flashes of light, proceeding apparently from the other side of a field across which he was marching. A captain with a party of men was ordered out to ascertain the cause of this appearance, but the officer returned and reported that he was unable to make any discovery. This phenomenon remained a mystery, until the return of Colonel Haslet's detachment from Mamaroneck.

It was four o'clock on the ensuing morning that the division ascended Chatterton Hill, upon the borders of Whiteplains, after having marched the whole night. The instant he reached the summit, Heath noticed many successive flashes of light, proceeding apparently from the other side of a field across which he was marching. A captain with a party of men was ordered out to ascertain the cause of this appearance, but the officer returned and reported that he was unable to make any discovery. This phenomenon remained a mystery, until the return of Colonel Haslet's detachment from Mamaroneck. It was then ascertained that the transient lights which had alarmed the American general proceeded from Heathcote Hill, seven or eight miles distant. They were, in fact, the flashes of the muskets discharged by the Queen's Rangers, when attacked by the main body of the Americans; the ocular

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deception being caused by the height of the ground and the darkness of the night. During this day, General Heath moved his division and took post on the strong grounds which lay north of the Court House, and commanded the road to Connecticut. His men were immediately set to work in throwing up field works for the protection of his camp. In the course of the succeed-ing night, he was joined by the division of Sullivan. The whole American army was now assembled at Whiteplains, with the exception of the divisions commanded by Lee and Lincoln, which still maintained their position at Milesquare on the west bank of the Bronx, between Valentine's Hill and Kings-bridge, from whence they watched the movements of the Royal forces, and covered and secured "the heavy baggage and military stores, which, in consequence of the difficulty of obtaining wagons, could be but slowly removed to a place of safety." After their successful skirmish on Pelham Heights, Colonel Glover's men were eager for another enterprise, and on the 22nd he complied with their wishes by allowing a corporal and two privates to reconnoitre.

The whole American army was now assembled at Whiteplains, with the exception of the divisions commanded by Lee and Lincoln, which still maintained their position at Milesquare on the west bank of the Bronx, between Valentine's Hill and Kings-bridge, from whence they watched the movements of the Royal forces, and covered and secured "the heavy baggage and military stores, which, in consequence of the difficulty of obtaining wagons, could be but slowly removed to a place of safety." After their successful skirmish on Pelham Heights, Colonel Glover's men were eager for another enterprise, and on the 22nd he complied with their wishes by allowing a corporal and two privates to reconnoitre. These adventurers there-upon advanced boldly to the British camp, and brought off a number of fat cattle. At five o'clock the next morning, the King's troops were startled by a heavy firing of small arms near the left of their encampment. It was a skirmish between Colonel Hand of General Lee's division and a Hessian scouting party. Hand, at the head of two hundred and fifty of his Pennsylvania riflemen, waylaid and encountered the Hessians, whose num-bers were about equal to his own, in the fields northeast of Ward's House. They had been below patrolling, and were returning back loaded with plunder. Hand from his am-bush fired upon and then charged them. They fled in great disorder, leaving their booty behind, and were pursued by Major Ross and a part of the Pennsylvanians, until they gained the left of the Royal camp. Here Ross attempted to capture a British officer on horseback, but the latter wheeled about and rode furiously along the lines, shouting to the

They had been below patrolling, and were returning back loaded with plunder. Hand from his am-bush fired upon and then charged them. They fled in great disorder, leaving their booty behind, and were pursued by Major Ross and a part of the Pennsylvanians, until they gained the left of the Royal camp. Here Ross attempted to capture a British officer on horseback, but the latter wheeled about and rode furiously along the lines, shouting to the

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extent of his voice, "The rebels are upon us with all their forces ! turn out ! turn out !" The alarm became general, the drums beat to arms, and in a few minutes the Royal troops were on the alert preparing to resist an attack. When the true state of the case was disclosed, a detachment was sent out, which buried the dead and brought in fourteen of the wounded soldiers upon doors and window shutters, taken from the neighboring houses. The sufferers were immediately sent in carts to the East River, where they were placed for treatment on board a hospital ship. Ten of the Hessians were killed and two taken prisoners. In the afternoon, Colonel Glover sent out a scouting party, drawn principally from his own regiment. When the com-manding officer approached the hostile camp, he concealed his detachment behind a stone wall, and in order to draw the enemy toward his ambuscade, sent forward the corporal and two soldiers who had distinguished themselves during the preceding day. This time, they went directly in the rear of the Hessian camp, but the bold intrusion was presently dis-covered and the adventurers became fugitives. When the pursuers had approached sufficiently near, the Massachusetts scouts suddenly attacked and drove them back to their grounds in great confusion, killing or wounding eight or ten, and taking three prisoners.

When the com-manding officer approached the hostile camp, he concealed his detachment behind a stone wall, and in order to draw the enemy toward his ambuscade, sent forward the corporal and two soldiers who had distinguished themselves during the preceding day. This time, they went directly in the rear of the Hessian camp, but the bold intrusion was presently dis-covered and the adventurers became fugitives. When the pursuers had approached sufficiently near, the Massachusetts scouts suddenly attacked and drove them back to their grounds in great confusion, killing or wounding eight or ten, and taking three prisoners. One of the killed was a mounted officer, whose horse was taken and brought off. The only loss sustained by Glover's men, was one private, belonging to Colonel Baldwin's regiment, who was mortally wounded. The American commander-in-chief arrived at Whiteplains some time in the afternoon of the 23rd, and established his headquarters on the main street of the village, near the Presbyterian Church. A few hours afterward, the three regi-ments commanded by Colonels Tyler, Huntingdon and Throop of General Parson's brigade, and Heath's division, moved and took post at the head of King Street, between Rye Pond and "The Duke's Trees." During the night of the 23rd, several of the enemy's ships of war, that had lain off Teller's Point, fell down and an-chored near the left bank of the river, between Dobbs Ferry

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and the Philipse Manor House, for the purpose of prevent-ing the Americans from bringing their stores from below by water, and from removing those that had been landed at the last two places. On the 24th, General Lee issued orders for the march of the whole corps under his command, to commence at seven o'clock the next morning. A quantity of Continental stores had been deposited at Dobbs Ferry, which could not be removed in consequence of one of the enemy's vessels of war having anchored close in to the landing.

and the Philipse Manor House, for the purpose of prevent-ing the Americans from bringing their stores from below by water, and from removing those that had been landed at the last two places. On the 24th, General Lee issued orders for the march of the whole corps under his command, to commence at seven o'clock the next morning. A quantity of Continental stores had been deposited at Dobbs Ferry, which could not be removed in consequence of one of the enemy's vessels of war having anchored close in to the landing. She was permitted for one day to lie there undisturbed, but during the night, two heavy field pieces were sent over from Whiteplains. At daybreak on the 25th the American artillerymen opened a fire against her. She weighed anchor and hoisted sail, but could make no way for want of wind, and her crew were at length obligated to put out their boats, and tow her off, a slow operation, in which, although assisted by her comrades, she was exposed to a continual fire. She was hulled, it was said, eleven times, and was glad to find safety in another station. On the same morning General Lee broke up his camp at Milesquare, and moved his whole corps with great caution, along the enemy's front, toward Whiteplains. The following was his order of march. A subaltern's command, twenty-five in number, led the way, followed by a field officer with one hundred and fifty men, as an advanced guard. General Nixon's brigade led the main column, to which the field pieces succeeded. Next to the field pieces came General Lincoln's division, and Colonel Glover closed the march; a captain with a company of men forming the rear guard. The rifles under Colonel Hand formed a right flank column, from which small parties commanded by sergeants were detached still farther to the right, in Indian file, as flankers to the right column.

A subaltern's command, twenty-five in number, led the way, followed by a field officer with one hundred and fifty men, as an advanced guard. General Nixon's brigade led the main column, to which the field pieces succeeded. Next to the field pieces came General Lincoln's division, and Colonel Glover closed the march; a captain with a company of men forming the rear guard. The rifles under Colonel Hand formed a right flank column, from which small parties commanded by sergeants were detached still farther to the right, in Indian file, as flankers to the right column. The baggage marched in front of Glover's brigade till the army arrived at the fork of the roads leading to Whiteplains and Dobbs Ferry, where it filed off to the latter under the escort of Howe's regiment. In this order, the two divisions under General Lee marched

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slowly and silently, along the rough highways of a broken and hilly country; and in the afternoon formed a new en-campment, upon the heights of Tuckahoe, nearly opposite Ward's House. Here they rested for a day and a half. Although assisted by the teams and wagons belonging to the main army, Lee was not able to transport the whole of his stores and his artillery at the same time. A large quantity of provisions which he was unwilling to lose was left behind at Milesquare; and he probably wished at the same time to interpose as long as possible between Sir William Howe and the North River. In the course of this same morning, Lieutenant-general de Heister effected a junction with Howe, and the whole army in two columns then moved forward about three miles, and took a position along the easterly side of the old New York and Whiteplains post road, with the river Bronx in their front; the right of their line being now at the distance of four miles only from Washington's camp.

A large quantity of provisions which he was unwilling to lose was left behind at Milesquare; and he probably wished at the same time to interpose as long as possible between Sir William Howe and the North River. In the course of this same morning, Lieutenant-general de Heister effected a junction with Howe, and the whole army in two columns then moved forward about three miles, and took a position along the easterly side of the old New York and Whiteplains post road, with the river Bronx in their front; the right of their line being now at the distance of four miles only from Washington's camp. This movement caused great alarm at Whiteplains. About two o'clock in the after-noon, it was reported at headquarters, that three or four de-tachments of the enemy were on their march, and had ad-vanced as far as Barker's House in Scarsdale. This intelli-gence was soon confirmed by persons sent out to reconnoitre. The main body of the British army was supposed to be on its march, and a general attack was momentarily expected. The American drums beat to arms, the troops were ordered to their several posts, and the whole army placed in battle order; but toward evening it was ascertained that the enemy had halted and formed a new encampment. The dangerous vicinity of the British army now placed Washington more than ever upon the alert. During the night, he sent General Putnam, with eight regiments and dis-cretionary powers of action, against the enemy at Scarsdale. The veteran general hoped, by a silent and rapid march, to surprise the right of the Royal forces; but unfortunately, while yet at a distance from them, he fell in with one of their patrols, which gave the alarm and rendered an attack in-expedient.

The dangerous vicinity of the British army now placed Washington more than ever upon the alert. During the night, he sent General Putnam, with eight regiments and dis-cretionary powers of action, against the enemy at Scarsdale. The veteran general hoped, by a silent and rapid march, to surprise the right of the Royal forces; but unfortunately, while yet at a distance from them, he fell in with one of their patrols, which gave the alarm and rendered an attack in-expedient.

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Sir William Howe's intentions became every day more apparent. He moved his army directly forward in large columns, scarcely ever detaching parties upon lateral expedi-tions, however near or promising the objects might be. He persisted to the last in reserving his strength for a pitched battle; and even allowed General Lee to encamp in his neigh-borhood and retreat unmolested along his front; although that officer's position was a full day's march distant from Washington's camp, and bad in other respects. The ground left vacant by the removal of General Lee's army was soon traversed by the enemy. A captain, with a company of soldiers, was in charge of the provisions that had been left behind. About noon on the 26th, this officer was surprised by a detachment of the King's troops, consisting of one hundred dragoons and about as many infantry; and was compelled to abandon the stores and retire to Fort Independence. The dragoons followed him a short distance, but he escaped by taking to the woods. After this, the enemy continued their march to the North River, and took posses-sion of Philipse Manor House. Early on the ensuing morning, the British detachment re-turned to the left wing of their main army. During the course of their march, they encountered several American scouting parties, which the horsemen charged, or pursued with loud shouts and brandished swords.

About noon on the 26th, this officer was surprised by a detachment of the King's troops, consisting of one hundred dragoons and about as many infantry; and was compelled to abandon the stores and retire to Fort Independence. The dragoons followed him a short distance, but he escaped by taking to the woods. After this, the enemy continued their march to the North River, and took posses-sion of Philipse Manor House. Early on the ensuing morning, the British detachment re-turned to the left wing of their main army. During the course of their march, they encountered several American scouting parties, which the horsemen charged, or pursued with loud shouts and brandished swords. The fine horses, splendid arms, and sudden movements of the Royal dragoons filled the American troops, at this time, with great apprehension. This was not to be wondered at in soldiers who had never before witnessed the rapid evolutions and formidable appear-ance of a body of well trained cavaliers. The Continental generals became fearful of the consequences. During the afternoon of the same day, General Washington issued a general order instructing both officers and soldiers, that in a country so broken as Westchester, and so intersected by fences, no foes were more inefficient than dragoons. They could seldom leave the road, so that infantry might always attack them to advantage, from adjacent woods or thickets, and from fields inclosed with stone

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walls; where mounted men could seldom venture to follow an assailant. For the purpose of encouraging enterprises against these new adversaries, Washington further proclaimed in the same order, a reward of one hundred dollars, for every trooper brought in with his horse and accoutrements; and so in pro-portion if the capture should not be complete. It was how-ever some time before the American troops could in the open field, confront the British cavalry without uneasiness.

walls; where mounted men could seldom venture to follow an assailant. For the purpose of encouraging enterprises against these new adversaries, Washington further proclaimed in the same order, a reward of one hundred dollars, for every trooper brought in with his horse and accoutrements; and so in pro-portion if the capture should not be complete. It was how-ever some time before the American troops could in the open field, confront the British cavalry without uneasiness. On the morning of the same day (Sunday the 27th) a heavy cannonade was heard throughout the American camps, which seemed to proceed from the direction of New York Island; and officers and volunteers immediately mounted and galloped of in quest of information. This firing, which startled the troops under Washington and Lee, and which was maintained at intervals throughout the day, was caused by the approach of some of the enemy's vessels, supported by Lord Percy's brigades, against Fort Washington and Fort Lee. The following account of this attack or reconnaissance, is taken principally from General Greene's letters and from a letter which appeared at the time in the Pennsylvania Journals, and is attributed to Thomas Paine, the celebrated political writer, who witnessed the affair from Fort Lee. At seven o'clock in the morning, the British frigates as-cended the Hudson and came to anchor near Bourdett's Ferry, in the immediate vicinity of the Morris House, appar-ently with the intention of cutting off the communication between Fort Washington and Fort Lee. The foremost of these men-of-war lay directly opposite to Fort number One on York Island. The enemy at the same time made their appearance in force, on Harlem Plains, between the advanced posts of the two armies. Lord Percy's intention probably was to test the strength and countenance of the Americans, and if he found them weak and wavering, to push through the lines and drive them into the fort; while on the other hand, if they turned out in numbers and appeared firm, he meant,

The foremost of these men-of-war lay directly opposite to Fort number One on York Island. The enemy at the same time made their appearance in force, on Harlem Plains, between the advanced posts of the two armies. Lord Percy's intention probably was to test the strength and countenance of the Americans, and if he found them weak and wavering, to push through the lines and drive them into the fort; while on the other hand, if they turned out in numbers and appeared firm, he meant,

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under cover of his artillery, to reconnoitre their position closely, and then to retire. On Lord Percy's advance, Colonel Magaw, who commanded on New York Island, ordered the lines to be manned by troops encamped in the vicinity. The ships endeavored to dislodge them by an enfilade on their right flanks. A barbette battery, on the high hill to the left of the ferry on the Jersey shore, opened on the frigates, and fired down a considerable time, but without much effect. When the cannonade from the summit of the Palisades ceased, Colonel Magaw sent down to Fort number One a heavy gun, which fired fifty or sixty rounds and hulled the uppermost of the British vessels more than twenty times, being loaded frequently with two balls. Two eighteen pound-ers, at the same time, were brought down from Fort Lee, and planted on the west bank of the river opposite the ships. This fire from both shores was more than the frigates could stand. They hoisted all sail and used every effort to with-draw. The foremost slipped her cable and left her anchor, but could make no way, although towed by two of her own boats. At length her companion, perceiving her distress, sent two barges to her assistance, and the united exertions of the four boats at length dragged her beyond the reach of the American artillery.

This fire from both shores was more than the frigates could stand. They hoisted all sail and used every effort to with-draw. The foremost slipped her cable and left her anchor, but could make no way, although towed by two of her own boats. At length her companion, perceiving her distress, sent two barges to her assistance, and the united exertions of the four boats at length dragged her beyond the reach of the American artillery. "The confusion and distress," says General Greene, in his letter to the President of Congress, "that appeared on board the ship, exceed all description. Without doubt she lost a great number of men. Had the tide run flood one half hour longer we should have sunk her." By this time Lord Percy had placed his field pieces and mortars in position, and commenced an attack upon the lines at Harlem Heights. His fire was resolutely answered by the Americans. Colonel Magaw was not sufficiently strong to quit the high ground in force. He permitted, however, small de-tachments of his men to skirmish with the light parties, British and Hessians, which approached him. The firing was pretty warm during most of the day, and a few men were killed and wounded on either side. "An Irish lad of about eighteen," says Graydon, "who belonged to my com-

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pany, killed a British soldier and brought off his arms; which on the evening parade, were formally presented to him by Colonel Cadwallader, in reward of his bravery." During the latter part of the day, the firing was only occasional, and on the approach of evening, it ceased entirely. The ships then fell down the river, and the adverse troops which had ad-vanced on Harlem Plains retired again within their respective lines.

34 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

pany, killed a British soldier and brought off his arms; which on the evening parade, were formally presented to him by Colonel Cadwallader, in reward of his bravery." During the latter part of the day, the firing was only occasional, and on the approach of evening, it ceased entirely. The ships then fell down the river, and the adverse troops which had ad-vanced on Harlem Plains retired again within their respective lines. In a letter to General Mifflin, Greene writes: "Our artil-lery behaved incomparably well. Colonel Magaw is charmed with their conduct, in firing at the ship and in the field." In speaking of the pompous display, made upon this occa-sion by Lord Percy, Paine says: "It is now seven o'clock, and the firing has just ceased; but nothing extraordinary I believe has happened. We take this day's movement to be only a feint; at any rate it is little honorable to the redcoats." Soon after the commencement of the Sunday cannonade near Fort Washington, the left and centre of the British army moved from the positions they had occupied for two days, in New Rochelle and Eastchester, with the intention of drawing nearer to their right. The news brought to Gen-eral Lee was, that they had struck their tents and were march-ing in two columns, toward the Hudson. Lee saw the perilous situation in which he was likely to be placed, and acted with his accustomed promptness. He instantly broke up his en-campment and put his forces in motion toward the main army, at Whiteplains. The rough and hilly highway along which he marched, is generally known as the Tuckahoe road, and it was filled for the space of four miles by the two divisions under his command, eight thousand strong, with their artil-lery and baggage, including a train of a hundred and fifty wagons, laden with stores and ammunition.

Lee saw the perilous situation in which he was likely to be placed, and acted with his accustomed promptness. He instantly broke up his en-campment and put his forces in motion toward the main army, at Whiteplains. The rough and hilly highway along which he marched, is generally known as the Tuckahoe road, and it was filled for the space of four miles by the two divisions under his command, eight thousand strong, with their artil-lery and baggage, including a train of a hundred and fifty wagons, laden with stores and ammunition. In ascending several of the hills on this road, he was obliged to halt and double the teams, in open view of the enemy, and at no con-siderable distance from them. They made no attempt, how-ever, to interfere with his dangerous retreat along their front. Had they done so, the total loss of his cannon and wagons could scarcely have been avoided. In this case he would

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have moved his forces unencumbered, toward the Hudson, and then have united himself to the main army, by marching along the Sprain, or the Saw Mill River road. As it was, he spent the whole of a toilsome night in floundering along the Tuckahoe road; but arrived at Whiteplains, on Monday morning, in safety, with all his men and material.

A few days afterward, while a body of Continental troops lay at Northcastle, one of the American commanders, wish-ing to make use of a large quantity of corn stalks, made an arrangement with a Quaker farmer named William Carpenter, for all he could furnish from his corn then standing, and con-sisting of a field of twelve acres. To expedite the business, a detachment of military was ordered out, which cut down, husked, and carried up the whole crop into his granary.

A few days afterward, while a body of Continental troops lay at Northcastle, one of the American commanders, wish-ing to make use of a large quantity of corn stalks, made an arrangement with a Quaker farmer named William Carpenter, for all he could furnish from his corn then standing, and con-sisting of a field of twelve acres. To expedite the business, a detachment of military was ordered out, which cut down, husked, and carried up the whole crop into his granary. All this was accomplished in a single day, and Friend Carpenter was much gratified with the operation. He manifested upon the occasion, the well known kindness of his disposition, by borrowing all the pots and kettles in the neighborhood, and making Indian pudding enough to give the soldiers a hearty supper of suppawn and milk, which they declared to be the greatest treat they had since the commencement of the campaign. During the civil commotions that preceded the declaration of independence, tea drinking was proscribed. Good Whig husbands generally found it easy to abstain from a decoction which was deemed unpatriotic and had become unpopular; but wives longed for the forbidden beverage and not unfre-quently enjoyed it. During the summer of '76, however, tea became scarce in the interior of the country, and those who possessed a stock of the article, held it fast, in the expectation of a great rise in its value. This led to female insurrection in several of the counties that bordered upon the Hudson River. Storehouses containing the covered Bohea, at the time al-most the only kind of tea in general use, were besieged by thirsty housewives, sometimes for several days in succession, and for the most part successfully; the owners being at length compelled to sell by retail, at reasonable prices.

During the summer of '76, however, tea became scarce in the interior of the country, and those who possessed a stock of the article, held it fast, in the expectation of a great rise in its value. This led to female insurrection in several of the counties that bordered upon the Hudson River. Storehouses containing the covered Bohea, at the time al-most the only kind of tea in general use, were besieged by thirsty housewives, sometimes for several days in succession, and for the most part successfully; the owners being at length compelled to sell by retail, at reasonable prices.

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<top margin> Westchester Tea party - New Castle </top margin> In the month of August, a cavalcade of about one hundred Dutchess County women suddenly appeared at Fishkill, where the riders paraded before the house of Colonel Brinkerhoff, an extensive country merchant, "insisting," as the old news-papers say, "upon having tea at the lawful price of six shill-ings per pound." They scolded so long, and threated so fiercely, that the gallant militia officer was glad at length to buy his peace by surrendering to them one chest from his store, upon the terms they proposed. The Amazons then withdrew, but Colonel Brinkerhoff dreaded their return, and in a few days afterward, sold out his entire stock of tea to some New York speculators, who for fear of another female outbreak, "precipitately forwarded the nefarious stuff," as the patriots termed it, to the North River, where it was put afloat and conveyed to Albany; the sloop that contained it making her escape, although guards to watch over her had been planted by the intrepid tea drinkers, upon both banks of the Hudson. It was a short time after the battle of Whiteplains that the excursion, commonly called the "Westchester tea-party," took place.

The Amazons then withdrew, but Colonel Brinkerhoff dreaded their return, and in a few days afterward, sold out his entire stock of tea to some New York speculators, who for fear of another female outbreak, "precipitately forwarded the nefarious stuff," as the patriots termed it, to the North River, where it was put afloat and conveyed to Albany; the sloop that contained it making her escape, although guards to watch over her had been planted by the intrepid tea drinkers, upon both banks of the Hudson. It was a short time after the battle of Whiteplains that the excursion, commonly called the "Westchester tea-party," took place. During the previous summer, a man whose name was John Arthur, and who for some time had kept a grocery store in the city of New York, was induced in consequence of the revolutionary troubles to break up his establishment and re-move to a sequester place in Westchester County, on the borders of Bedford, and of the town now known as Newcastle. He brought with him some articles of merchandise, part of his old stock in trade, among which was a quantity of Bohea tea. Apprehensive of a foray, Arthur carefully concealed from female inquisition, the fact that he had in his possession sun-dry chests of the delectable leaf, but by some means it be-came whispered about, that such was the case. This news was carried from farm house to farm house, until at length it reached the country along the Hudson; where the good housewives had so long abstained from the bewitching in-fusion, that they began to forget its joyous qualities. The information that now came from the direction of Bedford,

Apprehensive of a foray, Arthur carefully concealed from female inquisition, the fact that he had in his possession sun-dry chests of the delectable leaf, but by some means it be-came whispered about, that such was the case. This news was carried from farm house to farm house, until at length it reached the country along the Hudson; where the good housewives had so long abstained from the bewitching in-fusion, that they began to forget its joyous qualities. The information that now came from the direction of Bedford,

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Brought back their old appetites. Their thoughts hovered about Bohea throughout the day, and they fancied its fra-grance during the visions of the night. The tea was within their reach, and not many miles distant. Daughters of Eve as they were, the time soon came when they could no longer resist the temptation. As the giant in the nursery tale. When he had smelt the blood of the Englishman, gave way to his cannibal instincts and resolved, dead or alive, to have some; so the dames of Philipse Manor, when in dreams they had scented the treasures in their vicinity, felt their old tastes revive, and determined once more to enjoy the "liquor that they loved," by coming down upon the ex-grocer, Arthur, for the needful material. A rendezvous was consequently agreed upon at the most convenient place. At the appointed time, upon an autumnal morning, upward of thirty females assembled, from the precincts of Sing-Sing, Tarrytown, Sleepy-Hollow, and Weekersqueeke, all mounted on horseback, and eager for the enterprise. As captain of their company, they unanimously made choice of Jonas Orser's better half, a woman of undaunted resolution who ruled her own household and influenced her neighbor-hood. Placing herself at the head of her forces, she at once put them in motion, toward Arthur's Hamlet.

At the appointed time, upon an autumnal morning, upward of thirty females assembled, from the precincts of Sing-Sing, Tarrytown, Sleepy-Hollow, and Weekersqueeke, all mounted on horseback, and eager for the enterprise. As captain of their company, they unanimously made choice of Jonas Orser's better half, a woman of undaunted resolution who ruled her own household and influenced her neighbor-hood. Placing herself at the head of her forces, she at once put them in motion, toward Arthur's Hamlet. For the first few miles, the march was uneventful, but at length they entered a district where they had never been before, and where from the number of the roads, and the distance of the farm houses from each other, they became be-wildered, and unable to proceed with any certainty. In this state of perplexity, they pulled up at a place where the high-way forked, and awaited the approach of some one, who might point out their proper route. Presently, a mounted traveler was seen approaching. As bad luck would have it, this was Arthur himself, who, a short time previously, had taken his departure from home, on a journey. When he came up, his surprise at the appearance of the cavalcade grew into astonishment, when the captain of the band in-quired of him the way that most directly led to John Arthur's habitation. Arthur was a wary man, seldom off his guard,

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and before he gave the tea hunters a direct answer, had the address to draw from them to object of their visit. He then accompanied them a short distance, and after having care-fully indicated to them, the most circuitous of all the routes that led to his domicile, he himself took the shortest direction back, in order to put his castle in a posture of defense.

Arthur was a wary man, seldom off his guard,

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38 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

and before he gave the tea hunters a direct answer, had the address to draw from them to object of their visit. He then accompanied them a short distance, and after having care-fully indicated to them, the most circuitous of all the routes that led to his domicile, he himself took the shortest direction back, in order to put his castle in a posture of defense. This he was better enabled to do than most men would have been, for the females of his household were numerous and warlike; four of them being remarkable for prowess and personal strength, that is to say, his wife, her two maiden sisters, and an African girl, who was, or had been, a slave with a scarred face and ferocious aspect. Having warned his help-mate of the approaching danger, and having had a long experience of her energy in emergencies, Arthur quietly withdrew, being himself a man of peace and averse to female broils. When at length the enemy appeared and surrounded the house, its Amazonian mistress was ready for them, and "laughed a siege to scorn," having previously barricaded the doors and windows of the lower story, and armed herself, her sisters and retainers, with tongs, pokers, spits and broom-sticks. The assailants having been refused admittance, and set at defiance, proposed a parley; whereupon an upper window was opened. A demand for a box of tea, with promise of future compensation, was rejected. A similar requisition, upon payment of a just and proper sum, was also refused, but the commander of the post held out to the besiegers the promise, that when the master returned home, he should positively sell them what tea they wanted, provided they would now peaceably withdraw from the premises.

The assailants having been refused admittance, and set at defiance, proposed a parley; whereupon an upper window was opened. A demand for a box of tea, with promise of future compensation, was rejected. A similar requisition, upon payment of a just and proper sum, was also refused, but the commander of the post held out to the besiegers the promise, that when the master returned home, he should positively sell them what tea they wanted, provided they would now peaceably withdraw from the premises. After reconnoitering the fortress, Madam Orser, and her followers resolved themselves into a council of war, and the result of their deliberation was, that the garrison would probably make a desperate defense, that although the courage of the be-siegers remained unshaken, and their ability to capture the place by a storm, was undoubted; yet that they were unwill-ing at present, to resort to bloody extremities, and concluded therefore, to accept the proposition made by Dame Arthur. The bold dragoons thereupon raised the siege and retired.

Chapter I

BEFORE THE BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS 39

They were, soon after, according to the treaty stipulation, furnished with a large quantity of the much loved Bohea, and during the whole ensuing winter, their hearts were glad-ended by its sprightly decoctions.

After reconnoitering the fortress, Madam Orser, and her followers resolved themselves into a council of war, and the result of their deliberation was, that the garrison would probably make a desperate defense, that although the courage of the be-siegers remained unshaken, and their ability to capture the place by a storm, was undoubted; yet that they were unwill-ing at present, to resort to bloody extremities, and concluded therefore, to accept the proposition made by Dame Arthur. The bold dragoons thereupon raised the siege and retired.

Chapter I

BEFORE THE BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS 39

They were, soon after, according to the treaty stipulation, furnished with a large quantity of the much loved Bohea, and during the whole ensuing winter, their hearts were glad-ended by its sprightly decoctions.

The bold dragoons thereupon raised the siege and retired. Chapter I BEFORE THE BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS 39 They were, soon after, according to the treaty stipulation, furnished with a large quantity of the much loved Bohea, and during the whole ensuing winter, their hearts were glad-ended by its sprightly decoctions.