The McDonald Papers, Part I, Chapter 1: Before the Battle of White Plains
It overlooked the Hudson, being about two miles and a half south of Kingsbridge and Dyckmansbridge, both of which crossed the Spyt den duivel Creek, and formed, at that time, the only passes from Manhattan Island to the mainland. Fort Independence, at the same time in rapid process of construction, stood upon elevated ground on the main, about a mile northeast of Kingsbridge, between the highway leading to Boston and the Milesquare road. About a mile and a half south of Forth Washington, two in-trenched lines, nearly parallel with each other, and extend-ing across the island from Harlem River to the Hudson,
Chapter I
2 THE MCDONALD PAPERS
were formed by the American commander-in-chief. These lines were about a quarter of a mile apart. They faced the enemy's camp, to the south, and were defended by batteries and advanced works. The outer line toward New York, occupied a succession of eminences, until it reached the Hudson. It intersected the post-road leading to Kings-bridge, at the spot where this highway, after ascending from Harlem plain, passes over the brow of the height called Breackneck Hill. The inner line was stronger than the other, both from the nature of the ground it traversed, and from the greater progress made toward its completion. In a few days these intrenchments attained sufficient strength to resist a vigorous attack. They defended the American position in front, toward the south. Toward the north, the camp was covered by Fort Washington, with its outworks and batteries, and by Fort Independence; while on their flanks, the Americans were protected by Harlem River and the Hudson. Washington's headquarters were about a quarter of a mile north of the inner line, at a country-seat then belonging to Colonel Roger Morris, and now known as the "Jumel House." The British army at this time lay in an encampment which stretched across the island, with its right resting upon the East River near Horen's Hook, and its left extending to the Hudson, a little south of Macgowan's Pass, being protected by vessels of war upon either flank.