BATTLE OF WHITEPLAINS, ETC. 47 As the British forces now came within sight of the village of Whiteplains, they were cannonaded from the American lines. The Royal artillery-men thereupon, from time to time halted, unlimbered, and returned the hostile fire. This was continued a short time, but without much effect on either side. Soon after ten o'clock, the whole body of the enemy appeared in full view from the American camps and from Chatterton Hill, dividing, as they made their approach, from two, into eight columns. At first Sir William Howe's move-ments seemed to be directed against the American centre, but suddenly his troops were halted in the wheat fields, while the general officers assembled on horse-back and deliberated in council. Two of the enemy's columns in the meanwhile approached the American left. The foremost of these was preceded by a vanguard of horsemen, who not aware of their vicinity to a hostile post, leaped the inclosure of a field at the foot of Merritt's Hill. Here they received a shot from the field piece of Lieutenant Fenno, pointed with such accuracy, that it covered them with a shower of earth and stones and unhorsed one of their number. They then galloped out of the field. These columns advanced no farther toward the American left, but halted for a short time, and then inclined toward their centre; the officers in command having appar-ently satisfied themselves with respect to the strength of General Heath's position. While this reconnaissance was being made upon the Amer-ican left, the enemy's council of war broke up. It soon became apparent that the British commander-in-chief, fear-ful for the safety of his left flank, would not venture to attack the American lines in front until he should have obtained pos-session of Chatterton Hill. Upon the highest grounds which extend along the eastern margin of the Bronx toward the southern extremity of Whiteplains, twelve or fifteen pieces of cannon, were at once placed in battery, and an incessant fire upon General McDougall's force on the hill shortly after-ward commenced, preparatory to the attack which ensued.