They brought us two little boats, in which we embarked, with the saddles and trappings of the horses; then they sent back two American dragoons, who drew by the bridle two horses, good swimmers, these were followed by all the rest, urged on by the the boats. lashes of some dragoons remaining on the other shore, and for whom we sentwasbackunnoticed by This maneuver consumed less than an hour, but happily our embarrassment the enemy.

The "island" was evidently Throgg's Neck, that land of mystery and confusion for impetuous generals-in-chief, where the onrushing Sir William Howe had experienced infinitely more vexations embarras ments at the beginning of his Westchester campaign of 1776. One result of the reconnoissance was the breaking up of the post of de Lancey's Refugees at Morrisania. Washington had hoped to capture this redoubtable partisan and his troopers, but, as on the 3d. de Lancev eluded the force sent against him. On the night of the 23d the whole American and French forces returned to Dobbs Ferry. There is an abundance of proof that the reconnoissance of New n's part, and York was a perfectly sincere proceeding on Washingto that at the time he fully intended to follow it up with a regular siege in the case that the fleet of de Orasse should make its appearance in New York Bay. Moreover, he earnestly desired that de Orasse should come there. Previously to the junction of the armies at Dobbs Ferry he had written to de Orasse, urging him to steer a straight course for Sandv Hook; and on July 10, at a conference with Rochambeau. "Upon the whole, I do not see he expressed himself as follows: 1 Los Franrnis