The British had a sloop at anchor off Peekskill Landing and a ship off the Dunderberg. Lest the enemy meant a deception, the Americans were ordered to lie on their arms, and a regiment extra was ordered to advance on the heights.

" On the 2Sth, three deserters, one a Hessian musician with his horn, came in from the enemy. They confirmed the testimony of the former deserter, that the body of the British army had left the Points.''^

"On the 2d of July, Col. Rufus Putnam reconnoitered the enemy's positions at Yerplanck's and Stoney Points.*'^

Subsequent to the brilliant attack and capture of Stoney Point

=- Heath's Mem. 205. b Heath's Mem. 206. = Heath's Mem.

96 HISTORY OF THE

under General Wayne, 13th of July, 1779, it was resolved to attack this post.

"Sioney Point, (says Gen. Heath.) having been taken with so nmcli eclat to the American arms, Gen. Washington determined an attempt on Yerplanck's Point, on the east side of the Hudson, and opposite to Stoney Point. For this purpose Major General Howe with two brigades and some 12-pounders on travelling was ordered to proceed by the way of Peekskill, throw a bridge over the creek, move on the Point, and open batteries against the enemy's works, while a cannonading and bombardment was kept up across the river from Stoney Point."

July J 7, 1779, at about 10 o'clock, A. M., General Heath while out reconnoitering, received by an express from Gen. Washington, orders to move as expeditiously as possible to Peekskill, where he would find Gen. Howe with two brigades. Gen. Heath w^as to take command of the whole, and carry into effect the orders which had been given to Gen. Howe. Gen. Heath returned immediately to the troops, and at 12 o'clock began his march towards Peekskill -- marched until dusk 15 miles, when the troops halted and laid down to rest on the side of the road, the dragoons not unsaddling their horses.