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. On tins' Gen. Heath ordered Gen. Huntington with his brigade and two held pieces to push forward as fast as the troops could march and keep in breath, and take a position on the high ground to the south of Peekskill, which commands the road to the Point, and also that to the new bridge on Croton river; and ordered a regiment to file off to the right and secure

a Heath's Memories, 206. 6 Heath's Memoirs, 307.

THE TOWN OF CORTLANDT.

the pass over the hills between Drake's and Peekskill, and also ordered the flank guard on the left to be reinforced, and to send out small flank guards still further from its flank. The troops moved on with the utmost expedition to the ground which Gen. Huntington had been ordered forward to secure. Every moment that passed, was expected to announce the commencement of an action between the advanced or flanking parties of the two armies ; but it did not take place. At this moment Gen. Washington, having learnt how matters stood, and that possibly Gen. Clinton might attempt to push into the Highlands, sent an express to Gen. Heath, to mcwe into the Highlands immediately, which was do/ie, just after dark, the troops passing the night on Bald Hill. It was generally of the opinion that if Gen.