But his reasons for so abruptly retiring from in front of Washington at North Castle, where he seemed to have established himself with the serious intent of attacking him sooner or later, remained none the less shrouded in mystery; and indeed for more than a hundred years historical writers, in commenting on this phase, were quite at a loss to reasonably account for his conduct -- although the subject was made a peculiarly inviting one for curious inquirers by a remarkable statement of General Howe's during the investigation of his American career by the committee of the House of Commons. " Sir," said he on that occasion, " an assault upon the i Freeman's

Journal,

or New

Hampshire

Gazette, February 18, 1777.

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

, was inopposed to the Hessian troops enemy's right, which wasmust give me credit when 1 assure them tended. The committee ing to explain thai 1 have political reasons, and no other, for declin y these reainquir minute a Upon made. not was whv that assault bar. The the at ce eviden in out t brough sons might, if necessary, be successwas secret the and s"ted proceedings were not taken, e of AmeriMagtmn the in article an in when, 1877, until fully guarded supported by docucan History bv Mr. Edward Floyd de Lancey, al reasons alluded politic « The d. mentary proof, it was fully expose the attack on from ed divert was b General Howe were that he intelligence by ngton Washi Fort on attack the to camp the American