fTho Regiment of Massachusetts Artificers, commanded by Colonel Brewer, and the Regiment of Connecticut troops, commanded by Colonel Charles Webb, were especially notorious, as thieves.

See, General Order for securing Sergeant Tripp and others, "PekkSkim,, " 11 December, 1776 ; " Minutes of Court Mtrtiidfor bid of Majnr Austin, " Phimpsbcko, November 12, 1776;" Commitment of Captain Phineas Furd to the Duchess-county Jail, •• liy the Committee of Safety of the "State of New.YoKK, Fisuiuii., .January the 1st, 1770;" etc.

HISTOKY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY

ble prudence, a removal of Head-quarters from the strong position which they, then, occupied, was not attempted until every possible preparation for a successful removal of them had been duly made. Every portion of the Army was so disposed, however, that all could be concentrated around Head-quarters, in a short time, should such a movement become necessary, although the enemy was, also, properly and effectively guarded ; and, although there was no appearance of liaste, in anything which was done, there was, also, abundant evidence that the Commander-inchief, no longer given away to despondency, was entirely mindful of the great responsibility which, then, rested on him.

While all these anxieties had prevailed throughout the American Army, and while all these precautions were being taken by General Washington, General Howe and the main body of the Royal Army had been quietly encamped on Throgg's-neck. With the exception of a scattering fire across the marsh which separated the Neck from the mainland, which seems to have done no material damage,' there does not appear to have been any offensive movement whatever;^ and there is very little rea.son for supposing that the entire period of the stay of the Army, at that place, was not duly occupied in the transportation of Stores and Provisions and means for Transportation and what must have been regarded as necessary reinforcements.'