This fire from both shores was more than the frigates could stand. They hoisted all sail and used every effort to with-draw. The foremost slipped her cable and left her anchor, but could make no way, although towed by two of her own boats. At length her companion, perceiving her distress, sent two barges to her assistance, and the united exertions of the four boats at length dragged her beyond the reach of the American artillery. "The confusion and distress," says General Greene, in his letter to the President of Congress, "that appeared on board the ship, exceed all description. Without doubt she lost a great number of men. Had the tide run flood one half hour longer we should have sunk her." By this time Lord Percy had placed his field pieces and mortars in position, and commenced an attack upon the lines at Harlem Heights. His fire was resolutely answered by the Americans. Colonel Magaw was not sufficiently strong to quit the high ground in force. He permitted, however, small de-tachments of his men to skirmish with the light parties, British and Hessians, which approached him. The firing was pretty warm during most of the day, and a few men were killed and wounded on either side. "An Irish lad of about eighteen," says Graydon, "who belonged to my com-

Chapter I

34 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

pany, killed a British soldier and brought off his arms; which on the evening parade, were formally presented to him by Colonel Cadwallader, in reward of his bravery." During the latter part of the day, the firing was only occasional, and on the approach of evening, it ceased entirely. The ships then fell down the river, and the adverse troops which had ad-vanced on Harlem Plains retired again within their respective lines.