The advanced posts of the Americans at this time, on this side, did not extend lower than Peekskill," &c a "On the 27th," continues the same authority, "a deserter came in from Verplanck's Point, who reported that the British Army, except five or six regiments, were to leave the points, and were then embTrking. Soon after upwards of thirty sail of transports were seen standing down the river. The British had a sloop at anchor off Peekskill Landing and a ship off the Dunderberg. Lest the enemy meant a deception, the Americans were ordered to lie on their arms, and a regiment extra was ordered to advanced on the heights, a Heath's Mem. 205.

i66

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

"On the 28th, three deserters, one a Hessian musician with his horn, came in from the enemy. They confirmed the testimony of the former deserter, that the body of the British army had left the points."0 On the 2d or July, Col. Rufus Putnam reconnoitered the enemy's positions at Verplanck's and Stoney Points."6

Subsequent to the brilliant attack and capture of Stony Point under General Wayne, 13th of July, 1779, it was resolved to attack this post, "Stony Point, (says Gen. Heath,) having been taken with so much eclat to the American arms, Gen. Washington determined an attempt on Verplank's Point, on the east side of the Hudson, and opposite to Stony Point. For this purpose Major Gen. Howe with two brigades and some 1 2-pounders on travelling, was ordered to proceed by the way of Peekskill, throw a bridge over the creek, move on the point, and open batteries on the enemy's works, while a cannonading and bombardment was kept up across the river from Stony Point."