After months of inactivity at the heads of inlets when he should have been at sea, Cregier was discharged for inefficiency and the vessel was sold.

Early in June Washington visited and inspected the grounds above King's Bridge. He found them to admit of seven places well calculated for defense. " Esteeming it a pass of the utmost importance in order to keep open communication with the coun. try," he set two Pennsylvania regiments at work on their fortification, and put bodies of militia to the same labor as fast as they arrived. In General Orders of July 2d, Mifflin was directed to repair to King's Bridge and to use his utmost endeavors to forward the works. " The time is now at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be f'reeme7i or slaves" is a memorable sentence in this order. The enemy was ready to disembark in the lower bay. It was unknown from what quarter their attack would come. Mifliin thought they would divert attention to the heights above King's Bridge, and it was reported they meant to erect strong works there to cutoff communication between city and country. On the 12th of July the ships of war "Rose" and "Ph(enix" sailed up the Hudson, and unaware of the new batteries which had been j)lanted on Tippett's and Cock Hills, anchored near the mouth of Spuyten Duyvil Creek. A dozen guns opened fire on them and " did great execution." On the 15th additional troDps were hurried out to King's Bridge, the destruction of which was apprehended. I'hree hundred men were sent up the Harlem River in boats on the 19th and were put to work on the forts. Engineers were assigned, tools supplied and the work carried on night and day during the ensuing fortnight.