of its duty, to the country and to the world : " Aa the " enemy seem, now, to be endeavouring to strike some "stroke, before the close of the Campaign, " were his words, " the General most earnestly conjures both Offi- " cers and men, if they have any love for their country " and concern for its liberties and regard to the safety "of their parents, wives, children, and countrymen, " that they will act with bravery and spirit, becoming " the cause in which they are engaged ; and to encour- "age and animate chem so to do, there is every ad- " vantage of ground and situation, so that, if we do "not conquer, it must be our own faults. How much " better will it be to die honourably, fighting in the " field, than to return home, covered with shame and "disgrace, even if the cruelty of the enemy should " allow you to return ! A brave and gallant beha- " viour, for a few days, and patience, under some lit- " tie hardships, may save our country and enable us " to go into Winter^qUarters with safety and honour."
On the morning of the fourteenth of October, General Heath, with all the Generals under his command, reconnoitred the enemy, on Throgg's-neck ; ^ and, soon afterwards. General Washington, accompanied by the Generals of the Army who were at Head-quarters, also visited all the posts, beyond Kingsbridge, and the several passes and roadways which led from Throgg's-neck and from the adjacent Necks, into the country,' acquainting himself, as far as he could do so, by personal reconnaissance, with the strength and position and purposes of the enemy ; with the character and condition of the outlets, from Throgg's-neck and from the other similar, but leaser.