Three brigades, three bat-talions of Hessians, and other foreces were drawn from Flush-ing, Staten Island and Harlem, and great quantities of pro-visions and military stores were brought to the Point. On the sixth day after landing, the preparations of the British general for a movement were complete. Before the approach of day on the morning of the 18th, Sir William reembarked several corps in flat boats, which passed around Throg's Neck, and landed at Pelham Point, below the mouth of the Hutchinson's River. The royal guide, for a while suspected of treason, had found means to reassure the British commander of his fidelity. He accompanied the advance guard upon the present occasion. Among the first of the King's officers that trod the shores

Chapter I

BEFORE THE BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS 15

of Pelham, was Captain George Harris of the grenadiers, who in after days became General Lord Harris, and was celebrated as the conqueror of Seringapatam. In a letter to his uncle, written about this time, he says: "On the 18th of October at one o'clock in the morning, the van of the army, consisting of the light infantry and grenadiers embarked at Frog's Neck for the continent, and landed without opposition." Soon after daylight, the Americans who were at the West-chester causeway, found that the main body of the British army at Throg's Neck, was under arms, and seemed to be moving toward the pass at the head of the creek. Heath and Washington were soon upon the spot. The division commanded by the former, got ready for action and took up a position which appeared well suited for opposing the enemy. Presently, however, it was found that the Royal fores were marching to the east side of Throg's Neck, where they em-barked on board their flat boats, crossing Eastchester Bay, and landing at Pelham Point, with their artillery and bag-gage, a few hours subsequently.