During the summer, numerous large hulks and heavy chevaux-de-frise had been placed and sunk in a line across the river at Fort Washington, for the purpose of effectually blocking up the passage; and additional obstructions were in the course of preparation, consisting principally of ships filled with stone and which were nearly ready to be submerged in the channel. The river at this point was commanded by batteries on the York and Jersey shores. On board the sloop at anchor, near the obstructions, with his celebrated machine for submarine explosion, called the American turtle or torpedo, as the ingenious Mr. David Bushnell of Saybrook in Connecticut, anxiously waiting for an opportunity for blowing up his Majesty's men-of-war.

Chapter I

6 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

Four galleys mounted for the most part with either one or two heavy guns and with swivels, and having enterprising officers and select crews, were stationed above the obstruct-tions, ready to attack the enemy's vessels the moment they should be brought to, by the chevaux-de-frise. The river at this point, on either shore, was so completely commanded by the American batteries, and the obstructions and other de-fenses in aid, were in such a state of forwardness, that it was thought no hostile vessel would be able to pass Fort Washington. This opinion, however, was soon proved to be the result of illusion. For some weeks, a British squadron had been lying opposite Bloomingdale, where they supported the left flank of the King's army, and their dangerous proximity to the flotilla at Fort Washington, called for the utmost vigilance on the part of the Americans. In the beginning of October, Lord Howe and his brother the general, determined to send a detachment of frigates above Fort Washington, in order to secure the command of the Hudson. Captain Parker was chosen for the execution of this service, having under his command, the Phoenix and Roebuck, each of forty-four guns, and the Tartar of twenty guns.