Robert Livingston, on August 10, 177(), wrote Washington about it in behalf of Congress. He cautioned him as to the importance of the Westchester shore and urged sending regular troops there with artillery. Congress felt the danger of the destruction of King's Bridge before any force could be sent to prevent it. The New York Congress had a lack of good faith in its militia because of its raw condition, bad pay and e(iuipment ; and in some cases their loyalty to the

* Force's "Annals," vol. i. pages 1328-1330.

' 1 Force, 230, 347. Also the story of the author's grandfather, who picked up one of the solid shots sent on the Westchester shore and witnessed the engagement.

« 1 Force, 790. » l Force, 886.

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

new cause was doubted. They therefore suggested that the country north of Spuyten Duyvil Creek should be well guarded. "They knew of no country capable of being so well defended." They also suggested that all the cattle in the country be removed and jjurchased by the army authorities.' But Washington had already appreciated this necessity and was throwing up strong breastworks at that point. The NevA' York Congress, at the same time, ordered out the whole of the Westchester militia, under its brigadiergeneral, Lewis Morris, to take possession of such points on Long Island Sound and Hudson River as he thought most exposed to the enemy.^ .

Meantime reconnoisances developed the necessity of securing from the enemy the upper end of Manhattan Island and Fordham Heights. Fort Washington was built on Manhattan Island and Fort Independence' on what is now known as the Giles property, just north of the West Farms or Fordham ]\Iauor line, on the Westchester shore so as to command Spuyten Duyvil Creek. * General Heath was placed in command of the troops in that neighborhood.^