It was by your advice that I came to his place. You must find some way of getting me on the mainland, and that, too, speedily. There are some reasons for supposing that you have aced treacherously, and if they prove correct, my provost-marshal shall do his duty." Washington was upon the spot with reinforcements soon after Howe landed, and at once ordered additional works to be thrown up at all places where the creek and marsh might be crossed at low water. He felt confident that the American lines could not easily be forced at this point. In a letter written the next day to the president of Congress, he says:

Chapter I

12 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

"The grounds from Frog's Point are strong and defensible, being full of stone fences, both along the road and across the adjacent fields, which will render it difficult for artillery, or indeed any large body of foot, to advance in any regular order, except through the main road. Our men, who are posted on the passes, seemed to be in great spirits when I left them last night." On the 14th General Charles Lee arrived in camp from the South, and joined the grand army. He had acquired a great military reputation, and was welcomed with enthusiasm by the soldiers, who expected extraordinary results from his abilities. At the moment of his arrival, the American com-mander-in-chief was absent, being engaged with the general officers of the army, in reconnoitring the grounds in the vicin-ity of Throg's Neck. Lee at once rode forth and joined them. Washington immediately gave him command of all the troops posted between Harlem River and the Sound, now more than half of the army; but desired that he would not exercise his office for a day or two, in order that he might make him-self acquainted with the circumstances and duties of the post.