It was his dearly cherish appointed the was now that felt he and York, New capture to object a At this juncture Alexander Hamilton arrived at Peekskill on time chief orIns of name the in and dates, to gton Washin from mission dered Putnam to send on two continental brigades. lie then went to however, Albany and interviewed Gates. Getting little satisfaction, to forPutnam to express an sent he , from that egotist and schemer But upon his return to ward another thousand men to Washington. Peekskill he found with astonishment and indignation that Putnam had not obeyed either of his orders, but instead was beginning active operations against New York, ami to that end had marched a force the enemy almost to Tarrytown and had formally reconnoitered Hamilton, under the advice of Governor as far down as Kingsbridge. WashClinton, now peremptorily commanded Putnam to dispatch to forces. ington all his continental regiments, retaining only his militia Hamilton was greatly enraged against PutThis order was obeyed. nam, and advised Washington to make an example of him, saying: But Washington was un- His blunders and caprices are endless." willing to too deeplv wound the sensibilities of the old general, and " I can not but say," he reprimand. contented himself with a mild delay in the march of the troops than wrote, -there has been more I think necessary, and I could wish that in future my orders may be immediately complied with, without arguing upon the propriety If any accident ensues from obeying them, the fault will of them. be upon me, not upon you." ClinDuring the winter of 1TTT-TS General Putnam and the two tons, with Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt, John Jay, and aothers, reconnoitered the Highlands with a view to their refortific printhe for place eligible most the as Point West selected and tion cipal works.