Following in their general outline the plans made by his predecessor, Putnam continued the construction of defences on the East River and imdertook also to close the Hudson by erecting several batteries along shore and placing obstructions in the channel. Washington arrived on the 14th of the month, his appearance being the signal for rejoicing on the part of the majority of those who remained in the city. At that time the total armed force numbered about 10,000 men, several regiments having been withdrawn bv .Congress, for Canadian service. In May Colonel Rufus Putnam was dispatched to the Highkuids, "to put the defences there in a fit and proper posture." Towards the end of June the long-expected fleet of the British began to make its ai;)pearance. Forty vessels from Halifax, bringing the troops that had recently occupied Boston, and accompanied by transports with newly arrived Highlanders, led the armada, which was soon augmented by other men-of-war and troop-ships, till the number reached one hundred and thirty. The frigate Greyhound brought the commander, of the British forces. General Howe, somewhat in advance of the rest of the fleet. Colonel James Clinton, who had command of the posts in the Highlands, was immediately notified of

1 68 The Hudson River

the arrival of this menacing force of the enemy and directed to make all possible preparation for its reception if a passage of the river should be attempted. About this time Clinton was also in receipt of several letters from committees in Cornwall and Newburgh, informing him of the presence of certain active Royalists who were forming a conspiracy to cooperate with the British troops upon their arrival. But not even the ])resence of a powerful enemy on the one side and dangerous neighbours on the other could dampen the ardour with which the Colonial party in New York greeted the news that the instrument which proclaimed the independence of the American Colonies had been signed at Philadelphia.