On Manhattan Island Washington was still undisputed master, and the British, without any precipitancy but with great thoroughness, proceeded to bring him to another reckoning there. Although the ileet made no attempt to dispose itself around the island for days with Howe's land forces until several purposes of co-operation Island, two of the warships, with a brig, had after the battle of Long on the very day of that battle taken a station above Throgg's Neck. This was an ominous move, suggesting an intention to come up through the Last River and seize the numerous strategic points offered by the islands and necks of the river and Sound. Between the 3d and 14th of September a number of the most powerful frigates of the fleet were stationed in the East River, and what are now Randall's and Ward's Islands were occupied. On the 15th the frigates took a position at the head of Kip's Bay and opened a terrific fire cover eighty-four boatupon a selected spot on the shore, under thewhose least resistance. It is true loads of soldiers were landed without that Washington had placed a considerable force of Connecticut and Massachusetts troops in that vicinity-- eight regiments in all,-- but they beat a hasty and decidedly discreditable retreat as soon as the With the English army present in force on enemy showed himself.

EVENTS

FROM

JULY

OCTOBER

12,

1'

Manhattan Island, it was now imperatively necessary for Washington to withdraw his whole command to the northern portion of the island, which lie was fortunately able to do, following the Bloomingdale Koad on the west side, and camping on the evening of the 15th on Harlem Heights. Here he established his headquarters in the Roger Morris mansion, which afterward became the Jumel mansion, and is still preserved (One Hundred and Sixty-iirst Street near Saint Nicholas Avenue).