But there was no such endeavor; and, although the hostile ships remained opposite Tarrytown for four days, no clash of arms occurred there. Meantime the State convention at White Plains sent supplies of powder and ball to Tarrytown, and also ordered re-enforcements thither. It is very conjecturable that the purpose of the British warships in staying so long at that spot was to carry on communication with the Tories Washington was conof Philipseburgh Manor and the opposite shore. cerned about this movement up the Hudson. Referring to it in a letter to the convention dated the 11th, he expressed the opinion that the ships "may have carried up arms and ammunition to be dealt out to those who may favor their cause, and co-operate with them at a fixed time," and urged vigilant action for nipping so dangerous ascheme in the bad. He also apprehended that troops might intended for the seizure of the important Highland deboard, be on files "in which case the intercourse between the two [American] armies, both by land and water, will be wholly cut off, than which could hardly befall the province and army." a greater misfortune Steps were accordingly taken to guard against such a catastrophe, particular attention being directed toward protecting the road which passed around Anthony's Nose. Solicitude was likewise felt for KingsIn June Washbridge, a point of even greater immediate importance.Kingsbridge and ington had made a personal visit of inspection to fortificaadvantageous of admit to locality the found had vicinity, tion in seven distinct places, and, " esteeming it a pass of the utmost importance in order to keep open communication with the country," had assigned troops to push forward the defensive works determined upon. On the 2d of July General Mifflin was sent to Kingsbridge to assume charge, and from that time forward there was the utmost activity in and around this spot.