He soon found himself between the adverse fires of his friends and enemies, and in consequence dismounted and filed off to the right. When the Hessians were repulsed, he again mounted and rode along the valley of the Bronx in search of General Washington, to whom he reported the situation of the troops of Chatterton Hill; the southern and southwest-ern slopes of which were now occupied by Spencer, who placed his levies under cover wherever it was practicable. After his discomfiture, Colonel Rahl did not attempt to ascend Chatterton Hill a second time, but contented himself with taking possession of some elevated ground lying further south on the right bank of the Bronx. A moment's glance had revealed to this practiced soldier the fact that from this spot the right flank of the American forces on the hill might be assailed advantageously. Without orders, but without hesitation, Rahl took possession of the height. This bold and able movement, reported immediately to General de Heister, received from that officer his ready approbation. During these movements on the west, the enemy's right column appears to have met with no opposition; the small

BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS, ETC. 45 bodies of light troops which watched the hostile march on the east falling back before the royal advance. While the King's army, with great pomp, was thus march-ing against the American camp, Washington, anxious for a position of greater security, had set forward to examine the grounds in his rear, attended by most of his general officers. He had been engaged in the reconnaissance for some time, when General Lee Spoke out with characteristic self-confidence and boldness. Pointing to some heights which afterward were occupied by the continental army: - "Yonder," said he, "is the ground we ought to occupy." - "Let us go and view it," answered the commander-in-chief.