This reconnoisance established in favor of Kilmaine and of the elder Berthier,--the latter of whom was afterwards a Marshal of France under Napoleon, and Prince of Wagram and Neufchatel,--reputations for partisan skill and intrepidity that led to their subsequent preferment. A few days later occurred the grand reconnoisance, which was made on the 22d and 23d of July by the American and French commanders and engineers supported by 5000 troops of the two nations, for the purpose of examining with precision the British posts on New York Island between Hudson River and the Sound,--and of cutting off, if possible, such of the enemy's corps as might be found upon the main. Young Andrew Corsa's intelligence and exact knowledge of the country about the British lines were such that his services were again earnestly sought for upon this occasion; and during both these days he was constantly on horseback, riding and conversing with Washington, Rochambeau, Lauzun, and the other Generals of the combined army, while they passed through the fields of Morrisania, Fordham and Yonkers, halting from time to time as they moved along for the purpose of enabling the commanders and engineers to examine the grounds along Harlem river and Spuytenduyvil creek. He used to relate that when the allies, marching from the east near the Bronx and passing over the high grounds around Morrisania House came in sight of the enemy, the fire which the British artillery opened upon them from the fortifications at Randall's Island and Snake-hill--from the batteries at Harlem and from the ships of war at anchor in the river, was terrible and incessant; and obeying the instinct of self- preservation, which became suddenly predominant--he urged his horse forward at full speed and rode for safety behind the old Morrisania mill. Here he pulled up, and looking back, saw Washington, Rochambeau, and other officers riding along calmly under the fire as though nothing unusual had