Little or no knowledge could be obtaiDed " by reconnoitering; " and " America is, of all countries, the best calculated for the defensive: everyone hundred yards might be disputed, " at least that part of it that I have seen."

During a visit which he made to us, at our home, near the White Plains, previously to the late Civil War, General John E. Wool, a veteran in the service of the United States, was peculiarly emphatic concerning the natural capabilities of Westchester-county, for a defensive warfare.

4 "Upon the present appearance of things, I look upon the further "progress of this Army, for the Campaign, to be rather precarious, an (1 attack upon Rhode Island excepted, which I would willingly defer, "for a short time, in case it should be thought advisible to employ our " whole force together. * * * But, in my situation, I presume, I " must not risk, as a check, at this time, would be of infinite detriment "to us.

"The enemy is too Btrongly posted to be attacked, in front ; and innumerable difficulties are in my way of turning him, on either side, "though his Army is much dispirited from the late success of his "Majesty's arms; yet have I not the smallest prospect of finishing the " contest, this Campaign, nor until the Rebels see preparations, in the " Spring, that may preclude all thoughts of further resistance. To this "end, I would propose eight or ten line-of-battle Ships, to be with us in " February, with a number of supernumerary Seamen, for manning boats, " having fully experienced the want of them, in every movement we have "made. "We must, also, have recruits from Europe, not finding the "Americans disposed to serve with arms, notwithstanding the hopes " held out to me, upon my arrival at this port." -- (General Howe to Lord George Germaine, "New- York Island, 25 September, 1776," received by his lordship, November 2, 1776.)