One thousand were detached for this purpose ; but the weather having grown warm Jn the night, the ice was judged, by the unanimous opinion of all the general officers on the ground, to be too hazardous, on the morning of the 20th, to venture the attempt. On this day there was a cannonade on both sides, and the enemy on the island side were thrown into much confusion. Our General observing that when the enemy within the island were cannonaded acro'^s Haarlem Creek, they

» The son of Samuel was Richard Berrian, father of the Rev. William Berrian, D. D.. rector of Trinitv Clmrch, N. Y. . • - : .

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 439

sheltered themselves behind the little hill near the bridge, next to Spitten Devil Creek. On this afternoon lie rode round on to Tippett's Hill, which was in its rear, and found that a field-piece, drawn up on that side, would leave the enemy no hiding place. On the 21st, a cannonade commenced again on both sides. In the afternoon a field-piece was hauled up to Tippett's Hill, and the enemy being cannonaded both in front and rear, they were thrown into the utmost confusion : some secured themselves in their redoubt, others under the banks ; some lay flat on the ground, and some betook themselves to the cellars; so that in a short time there was no object for the gunners.''^

The principal fort now standing on the neck is situated a little south of the residence of Mr. Whiting-, on the property of Mr. John Ewings. It is in the form of a hollow square, with banks fifteen or twenty feet high. Nothing can exceed the boldness of the scenery as viewed from this elevated spot ; below, the steep sides of the neck are bordered with beautiful woodland that skirts the shores of the majestic Hudson ; while beyond, the palisades are seen abruptly rising in all their grandeur from the opposite margin of the river.