The latter half of the year 1776 was one of the most eventful periods in the history of America, if not in that of the entire civilized world ; and in the great drama of political and military events, teeming with immediate interest and with ultimate importance, and occupying only that snort half-year, Westchester-county, in New York, and those who were, then, within the limits of that ancient County -- the peaceful and industrious farmers whose homes were there, as well those strangers, armed or unarmed, who had gone into the County, no matter for what purpose -- occupy places which were, then, as conspicuous as, since the close of that period, they have been well-known, from one extreme of Christendom to the other.

On the second of July, 6 General Howe and the army which he commanded, whose entrance into the harbor of New York, a few days before, has been already noticed, 7 occupied Staten-Island -- Richmondcounty -- with the military and naval forces which he had brought from Halifax, say seven thousand, five hundred, and fifty-six, rank and file, including those

^Journal of the Provincial Congress, "Die Sabbati, A.M., June 15 " 1776."

& Vide page 162, ante.

• General Howe's Observations on a pamphUt entitled LetteiB to a Nobleman, 47.

See, also, General Howe to Lord George Germain, " Statkn Island, 7th "July, 1776 ; " General Washington to the President of the Continental Congress, "New- York, July 3, 1776."

' Vide pages 163, 164, ante.