The refugee corps all this while, surprised and alarmed at the sudden appearance of the combined forces, were flying before them, and seeking safety at Harlem and Montressor's Island. When the allies came in sight of the enemy, on the high grounds about old Morrisania House, the residence of Col. Lewis Morris, the British Artillery opened upon them a tremendous fire from the fortifications at Mont-ressor's Island and Snake Hill (now Mount Morris), from the batteries at Harlem, and from the ships of war at anchor in the river. Near Morrisania Mill the army halted for a few minutes, to give the commanding officers an opportunity of examining the opposite shores; while the vanguard consisting of Sheldon's light dragoons and some of the hussars and lancers of Lauzun, accompanied by the guides, and by most of the young French and American aides, galloped to the Ferry at Harlem River, and charged a troop of DeLancey's cavalry that lingered upon Westchester side. The refugee horsemen fired their carbines and pistols, as their antagonists came near, and then wheeled about to escape by swimming. The allied cavalry followed them closely and several com-bats took place in the water, in which one of the fugitives was killed, but the riderless steed escaped with his comrades, and gave evidence of good training, by taking his proper place in the troop, when the latter, after crossing the river, drew up and formed on the opposite bank. The horse of one of the French officers was about the same time either killed or disabled, upon which the rider dismounted, and with great coolness took off and secured upon his shoulders the saddle, bridle and holsters, and waded back to the shore. Having driven the refugees to the Island, the vanguard stopped for a short time behind the mansion of Colonel Lewis Morris, near the Ferry, where most of the guides and officers dismounted.