They were, in fact, four battallions, twelve hundred strong of grenadiers, picked men, besides light infantry and cliasseurs, all commanded by Count Donop, who had figured in the last year's campaign. Col Greene, in nowise dismayed by the superiority of the enemy, forming in glistening array before the wood, prepared for a stout resistance. In a little while an officer was descried, riding slowly up with a flag, accompanied by a drummer. Greene ordered his men to keep out of sight, that the fort might appear but slightly garrisoned.

When within proper distance, the drummer sounded a parley, and, the officer summoned the garrison to surrender; with a threat of no quarter, in case of resistance.

Greene's reply was, that the post would be defended to the last extremity.

The flag rode back and made report. Forthwith the Hessians were seen at work throwing up a battery within half a mile of the outworks. It was finished by four o'clock, and opened a heavy cannonade, under cover of which the enemy were preparing to approach.

As the American outworks were but half finished, and were too extensive to be manned by the garrison, it was determined by Greene and Duplessis, that the troops should make but a short stand there ; to gall the enemy by their approach, and then retire within the redoubt, which was defended by a deep intrenchment, boarded and fraised.

Donop led on his troops in gallant style, under cover of a heavy fire from his batter}-. They advanced in two columns, to attack the outworks in two places. iVs they advanced, tliey \vere excessively galled