A History of the County of Westchester, Vol. II
On the 13lh of October, '76, a portion of the British army, consisting of the Guard, Light Infantry reserve, and Count Dunop's Corps landed at Throg'a Neck, and on the night of that day, Col. William Smith (then a Lieutenanf) with a Corporal's guard, broke down the bridge connecting the neck with Westchester town, and left Sir William Howe upon an Island. On the IGth and 17th of October, the English forces at Throg's Neck were augmented by the 1st, 2nd and 6th Brigades crossing from Long Island, and by the 3d Hessian battalion from New York. On the 18th, the whole British army crossed to Pelham Point, and marching northerly, encamped the same night on the high ground between Hutchinson's river and New Rochelle village, where it remained till the 21st. On the 21st, the British removed and encamped on New Rochelle heights, north of the Village, and on both sides of the road leading to Scarsdale. This camp was broken up on the 25lh, and the A rmy moved forward to a position upon the high grounds in Scarsdale, in the vicinity of the late John Bennett's farm, and there remained till the morning of the 28tli of October.
General Washington during that time had not remained inactive -- as early as the 11th of Ocu.'ber, a part of his army crossed from Harlem heights, reached White Plains on the 12lh, and commenced erecting fortifications, and on the 22d General Washington, leaving his head-quarters at Fort Washington, established them at A^alentine's hill, whence they were removed to White Plains on the 23d.