In this uncertain posture of affairs, and amid the general regret excited by the news of the French disasters at sea, Washington received intimations that Carleton was preparing to dispatch a large portion of his New York command to the West Indies for the purpose of conquering several of the French islands. He thereupon advised Rochambeau (still in Virginia) to march to the Hudson and again effect a junction with the American army in Westchester

JOHN

SNUFFBOX.

County, so as to menace New York and prevent Carleton from executing that design. Rochambeau willingly agreed to the proposal, set his army in motion, and after a leisurely inarch crossed King's Ferry to Verplanck's Point on the 14th of September. Meantime Washington had begun serious preparations for threatening New York. On the 22d of August, says Heath, the " light infantry of the American army moved down and encamped near Peekskill." On the 29th " an order of encampment and battle for the American army was published/' On the 31st as many of the army still remaining in the Highlands as could be carried in boats "embarked at their respective brigade landings, and the whole of the boats being in order fell down to Verplanck's Point, where the troops disembarked and encamped. They made a most beautiful appearance when in

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

the boats and in motion. The remainder of the army marched down land." by The ceremonies and amenities attending the second junction of the French and American armies in our county are thus described by Thacher in his valuable Journal: The whole army was paraded under arms this morning in order to honor September 14. his Excellency Count Rochambeau on his arrival from the southward. The troops were all formed in two lines, extending from the ferry, where the Count crossed, to headquarters.