General Lee whose experience and late success gave him great weight, strongly urged the abslute necessity of the measure. "After much consideration and debate," say the Proceedings of the Council of war, "the following question was put: 'Whether it having appeared, that the obstructions in the North River have proved insufficient, and that the enemy's whole force is in our rear at Frog's Point, it is now deemed possible in our present situation to prevent the enemy from cutting off

Chapter I

BEFORE THE BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS 13

the communication with the country, and compelling us to fight them at all disadvantages, or surrender prisoners at discretion?' agreed, with but one dissenting voice, namely, General Clinton, that it is not possible to prevent the com-munication from being cut off, and that one of the conse-quences mentioned in question, must certainly follow." It was at the same time agreed to retain Fort Washington as long as possible, in order to preserve a communication with the Jerseys. Although British vessels of war had al-ready ascended the Hudson, above New York Island, at two different times, passing the chevaux-de-frise, upon each oc-casion without material injury; yet, "the hope was still cherished, that by increasing the obstructions in the river, ships might be prevented from passing them." The un-fortunate decision of the council, to retain Fort Washington, was, no doubt much influenced by the urgent wishes ex-pressed by the Continental Congress. Five days previously, this body passed a resolution desiring General Washington, "by every art and at whatever expense, to obstruct effectually the navigation of the river, between Fort Washington and Mount Constitution, as well to prevent the regress of the enemy's frigates lately gone up, as to hinder them from receiving succor." The main body of the American army, now prepared to quit New York Island, the opinion of the Council of War, being almost unanimous in favor of the measure.