History of Westchester County, New York, Vol. I

On the following morning, [Sundai/, October 13, 1776,] General Washington became almost satisfied that the enemy's movement was not a feint ; that his main body was on Throgg's-neck ; and that he "had " in view the prosecution of his original plan, that of " getting in the rear of the Americans and of cutting "off their communication with the country."^ That change in the General's opinion, as far as there was a change, appears to have been produced by the fact that General Howe had made no attempt to make a landing at Morrisania, as the former had supposed he would have done; and, the first time, he "thought it " would be advisable" to reinforce and protect the troops who had been, for more than twenty-four hours, guarding the two passes through which the enemy could open communications with the mainland ; and he " recommended" the posting of small bodies of observation, at Pell's-point, at the mouth of Hutchinson's-river, at Hunt's-point, and at Willett'spoint, without, however, giving an Order, for the execution of either of these." At the same time, he strengthened the force already in Westchester-county, by moving the Brigade which had formerly been commanded by General Heath, for its support.^

He also ordered Colonel Tash, with his Regiment of New Hampshire Militia, then at the White Plains, to march to Fishkill, " with all possible despatch," for the assistance of the Committee of Safety, in holding the disaffected in check; * he called a meeting of the General Officers, at noon, "at or near King's " Bridge," -- as " we are strangers to a suitable place," it was left for General Heath to determine where he would have them meet;* and, finally, in these ringing sentences, he attempted to arouse the Army to a sense