terson, who were in the vicinity, seized their arms and hastened to the shore, resolved in their own rninds that the enemy should not land without opposition. For this purpose they concealed themselves behind the large rocks which still lie on the beach; and as the barge came sweeping along towards the shore, Patterson fired. His aim had been well directed, for an oar was seen to fall from the hands of one of the men on board, and much confusion was observed among them. A second shot from Sherwood compelled them to return, which they did under a cover of canister and grape-shot from the Vulture, directed to that part of the beach where Petterson and Sherwood were concealed. The cannonade from the Vulture drew the attention of the people of Cortlandt-town to the scene of action. The Vulture lying in a position to be distinctly seen from Verplanck's Point, and the distance of country between it and the point on the Westchester shore, and likewise from Stony Point ; the town of Haverstraw, and the point where Andre and Arnold held their conference in Rockland County ; the grounds upon both sides of the river for many miles in extent sloping gradually towards the river-- gave the inhabitants a full view of the scene of action.

The inhabitants on the Westchester side had been upon the lookout, for they apprehended an attack under cover of the night. There were more, however, who entertained the opinion that it would be brought on before sunset, until Petterson and Sherwood commenced their fire.