A large quantity of provisions which he was unwilling to lose was left behind at Milesquare; and he probably wished at the same time to interpose as long as possible between Sir William Howe and the North River. In the course of this same morning, Lieutenant-general de Heister effected a junction with Howe, and the whole army in two columns then moved forward about three miles, and took a position along the easterly side of the old New York and Whiteplains post road, with the river Bronx in their front; the right of their line being now at the distance of four miles only from Washington's camp. This movement caused great alarm at Whiteplains. About two o'clock in the after-noon, it was reported at headquarters, that three or four de-tachments of the enemy were on their march, and had ad-vanced as far as Barker's House in Scarsdale.
This intelli-gence was soon confirmed by persons sent out to reconnoitre. The main body of the British army was supposed to be on its march, and a general attack was momentarily expected. The American drums beat to arms, the troops were ordered to their several posts, and the whole army placed in battle order; but toward evening it was ascertained that the enemy had halted and formed a new encampment. The dangerous vicinity of the British army now placed Washington more than ever upon the alert. During the night, he sent General Putnam, with eight regiments and dis-cretionary powers of action, against the enemy at Scarsdale. The veteran general hoped, by a silent and rapid march, to surprise the right of the Royal forces; but unfortunately, while yet at a distance from them, he fell in with one of their patrols, which gave the alarm and rendered an attack in-expedient.