From the best in- " tclligence he is able to obtain, there is not more fn Camp and at the " several places where it has been deposited, than will servo the Army " longer than four or five days, proviiled the utmost care and economy " were used in i.ssuing it out ; but, from the waste and embez./.lement, " for want of proper attention to it, as it is reported to him, it is not " probable that it will last so long."-- (Cu/oiie( Robert II. Harriton to Colonel Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-general of Provisions, " WuiTK- " Plains, November 1, 1776.")

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

"handled" by the Americans/ joined the main body of the Army, on the Plain, for the reinforcement of it.^

During the same day, {^Wednesday, October 30,] the Americans were not idle -- they probably kept up an appearance of continuing their labor in strengthening their works, while they were, also, preparing for an abandonment of them but no official record has come doAvn to us, concerning their doings, on that day.

Having been strengthened by the addition of six fresh and effective Eegimeuts to his already powerful command. General Howe determined to attack the American lines, on the following day, [^Thursday, October 31 ; ] and, for that purpose, all necessary preparations were duly made ; but the preceding night and the morning of that day were very rainy ; and the proposed movement was necessarily postponed.*

During the same day, ^Thursday, October 31,] the Americans remained within their works, quietly preparing for the abandonment of them and carefully watching every movement of their enemy.