The largest of the ships was set on fire by a bursting shelf, and in consternation a number of the men jumped overboard. Some of them were drowned, and three or four who reached the shore were made prisoners. After these creditable transactions with the enemy's ships, Washington entered vigorously upon his arrangements for threatening New York. About this time he crossed with Rochambeau to the other side of the river, and, accompanied by 150 New Jersey troops, very carefully reconnoitered Manhattan Island and its defenses along the Hudson. On the 18th two detachments, an American and a French (the latter commanded by young Dumas), were sent to explore the Both proceeded country in the lower part of Westchester County.

OPERATIONS

17S1

to within musket range of the Kingsbridge works. This was preparatory to the famous " grand reconnoissance " of New York on the 22d and 23d. July the 21st, at eight o'clock in the evening, about one-half the forces of the two armies at the Dobbs Ferry camp were put in motion and marched to opposite Kingsbridge, following the Hudson River, Sawmill River, and Eastchester roads. tw The right, commanded by General Heath, was formed by a part of the division of General Lincoln. The legion of Lauzun protected the army upon the left. There were in all about 5,000 men, with two held batteries. The head of the column reached the ridge which commands Kingsbridge at five o'clock on the morning of the 22d. The roads were very bad, and the artillery had difficulty in following. Nevertheless, the two armies marched in perfect order, observing the strictest silence." The troops were disposed so as to cover the proceedings of the two generals, who, with the greatest deliberation, attended by a corps of engineers, traversed the country in front of the British position from river to Sound, noting every place and object that might be of importance in connection with future operations.