The grenadiers of the Hessian regi-ments, having some time previously been formed into a dis-tinct corps under Colonel Count Donop, claimed and obtained upon this occasion, the post of honor on the right. Strong vanguards of light infantry and chasseurs with some guides, led the way. Numerous parties of these last and of pioneers, composed for the most part of the neighboring loyalists, followed immediately after, who levelled fences, removed obstructions, and prepared ways for the safe passage of men and artillery, across the impediments of the country. About three miles southeast of the American camp, the British army reached Secor's Fork. Here the left column took the western branch, for the purpose of advancing by the old York post-road; while the right continued its march through the fields, near the highway, leading from Mamaroneck to Whiteplains.

BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS, ETC. 43 De Heister's column gained the post-road without opposi-tion. Soon after this, his vanguard was attacked by Major-general Spencer, who, with about two thousand men, had been sent during the night, to watch the motions of the enemy, and had taken up a position, with the river Bronx on his right. These forces consisted principally of Wadsworth's brigade of Connecticut levies, that is to say, of troops raised for short periods, being in fact militia of a somewhat superior descript-tion. The Hessians were surprised and fell back upon their leading brigade, commanded by Colonel Rahl. They ral-lied, however, although under heavy fire, and advanced to the charge in a few minutes afterward. Rahl with his brig-ade at the same time moved briskly forward, attempting to turn the left flank of the Americans. It now became neces-sary for the levies to retire. But while falling back toward the main army, they formed from time to time behind the stone walls with which the country abounded and fired upon their antagonists, whose efforts were constantly directed against Spencer's flanks, with the view of cutting off his re-treat to the main army.