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."

July 17, 1779, at about 10 o'clock, a.m., General Heath while out reconnoitreing, received by express from Gen. Washington, orders to move as expeditiously as possible to Peekskill, where he would find Gen. Howe with two brigades. Gen. Heath was to take command of the whole, and carry into effect the orders which had been given to Gen. Howe. Gen. Heath returned immediately to the troops, and at 12 o'clock began to march towards Peekskill -- marched until dusk, 15 miles, when the troops halted and laid down to rest on the side of the road, the dragoons not unsaddling their horses.

At 3 o'clock the next morning, the troops resumed their march, and in the afternoon Gen. Heath received information from Gen. Howe, by express, that Gen. Clinton was in full march with his whole army towards Verplank's Point. An answer was returned, at what point the troops then were, and that they were marching as fast as the men could endure, and would continue so until they reached him. When the troops had advanced a little to. the westward of Drake's farm, Col. Mayland came up from Gen. Howe with information that a part of Clinton's army were then above the new bridge on Croton river, pushing for the Point ; and that he was retreating from the Point as fast as possible.