The history of the rise, progress, and establishment of the independence of the United States of America, Vol. 2 (of 3) : $b Including an account of the late war, and of the thirteen colonies, from their origin to that periodGordon, William
History
The history of the rise, progress, and establishment of the independence of the United States of America, Vol. 2 (of 3) : $b Including an account of the late war, and of the thirteen colonies, from their origin to that period
Gordon, William
United States -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
General Howe, having fully prepared for a descent on New-York Island,
embarked a strong division of the army under the command of gen. Clinton
and others, in boats at the head of Newtown inlet and at another place
higher up, where they could not be observed by the Americans, who
expected that the attack would be made on the side next to the
East-River, and had therefore thrown up works and lines to defend
themselves. [Sept. 15.] About eleven o’clock, gen. _Howe’s_ troops
landed, under cover of the five ships of war, in two divisions, between
Kep’s-bay and Turtle-bay, the Hessians in one place and the British in
another. As soon as gen. _Washington_ heard the firing of the men of
war, he rode with all dispatch toward the lines; but to his great
mortification, found the troops posted in them retreating with the
utmost precipitation; and those ordered to support them, Parsons and
Fellow’s brigades, flying in every direction, and in the greatest
confusion. His attempts to stop them were fruitless though he drew his
sword and threatened to run them through, cocked and snapped his
pistols. On the appearance of a small part of the enemy, not more than
sixty or seventy, their disorder was increased, and they ran off without
firing a single shot, and left the general in a hazardous situation, so
that his attendants, to extricate him out of it, caught the bridle of
his horse, and gave him a different direction. Three large ships were
stationed in the North-River, opposite to those in the East-River; both
of them kept up a constant cannonading with grape shot and langrage
quite arcoss the island. The Hessians upon their landing, seized and
secured in a neighbouring building as enemies, some persons, who had
been placed there to serve as guides, which for a while subjected them
to difficulty.—When the British were completely landed, they marched on
toward the Kingsbridge road. The American brigades, that had fled upon
the enemy’s approaching the lines, stopped not till met by col. Glover’s
and the five other bridges, who were hastening down to them. Upon the
junction, the whole marched forward and took post on some heights, when
all at once, about 8000 of he enemy as was thought, hove in sight on the
next height and halted. Gen. Washington at first consented to his troops
marching forward to give them battle; but on a second consideration,
counter-ordered as he could not have any dependence on the militia and
the flying camp, which composed half the number then present. When the
Americans were withdrawn and no prospect of action remained, the British
generals repaired to the house of Mr. Robert Murray, a gentleman of the
quaker persuasion. The lady of the house being at home, entertained them
most civilly, with what served for, or was _cakes_ and _wine_. They were
well pleased with the entertainment and tarried there near two hours or
more; gov. Tryon seasoning the repast, at times, by joking Mrs. Murray
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