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. Accordingly the two former of these frigates, on the 4th of October, sailed up the North River, and joined the other ships which lay at anchor off Bloomingdale. This accession to the enemy's naval forces, rendered their contiguity still more alarming, and the fleetest of the galleys, named the Independence and commanded by Captain Baker, was ordered to drop down about a mile below Fort Washington, where she closely watched the proceedings of the hostile fleet. Northerly winds prevented the British ships from proceed-ing up the river until the 9th of October. On the morning of this day, the Independence was on the lookout as usual, but the captain was absent and the galley under the command of the lieutenants Putnam and Cleaves. It was about seven o'clock when these officers observed the hostile ships below, to be moving. They immediately piped all hands to quarters and signalized the news to their companions above; but did