The McDonald Papers, Part I, Chapter 2: Battle of Whiteplains, Etc.
The right and centre of the British army got under arms in haste and took possession of the grounds from which Washington's troops had retired. A strong force of cavalry and artillery, supported by several columns of infantry, then marched upon the American left, against which a furious can-nonade was commenced. This was answered with a spirit and effect by the field-pieces of Captain Bryant and Lieutenant Jackson. The British artillery-men were several times thrown into confusion. Their loss is not known, but that of their adversaries was trifling; consisting only of one man killed and two or three wounded; all of them belonging to the New York troops under General George Clinton. Howe finding that no impression could be made upon this part of the Amer-ican lines, ordered his artillery to be drawn back, and mak-ing a detour, came down upon the right, toward Miller's Hill where Colonel Glover commanded. This active and vigilant officer had with him some field-pieces, which he carefully concealed from sight. They consisted of a twenty-four, a six, and a three pounder, of brass; and three iron twelve pounders. The enemy's forces, with cavalry and artillery in front, approached in four columns. When about three quar-ter's of a mile from Miller's Hill, they wheeled to the left, crossed the Bronx, and advanced northwesterly, for the purpose of taking possession of Travis' Hill. This was emin-ence opposite Colonel Glover's position which it commanded. When they were preparing to ascend the hill, Colonel Glover unmasked his battery and surprised his adversaries by an animated fire, which at first threw them into confusion. They ascended the hill, however, with a party of dragoons and a field-piece; which latter they hastily discharged four times