Ha\'ing cnlled attention to the means by which the Americans endeavoured to protect the city and ri\'er from the British encroachment during the spring and summer of 1776, we may now proceed to describe briefly the disposition of the opposing forces after the disastrous battle of Long Island, in September of that year, and especially to indicate the ground upon which was fought the important engagement of Harlem Heights. After Washington's remarkable retreat w^th his beaten anny across the East River, the city of New York was in a turmoil. On the part of some of the troops there were threats of reducing it to ashes, while others protested vehemently against such drastic measures. Acting upon the theory that the enem}^ wouh? follow his recent successes by further aggression, the Commander-in-chief ordered that all of the sick and
172 The Hudson River
wounded should be removed to Orange, in New Jersey, while surplus stores and baggage were to be transported to Dobbs Ferry. Desertions were the scandal of the day. Two thirds of the Connecticut troops were smitten with an irresistible attack of nostalgia, that nothing but a sight of their own firesides could remedyStill the indefatigable Putnam continued to construct forts and plan chevaiix-dc-frise. Fort Constitution, opposite Fort Washington, was commenced, and a strong detachment of troops stationed there. It was evident to Washington and his officers that the plan of the British was to enclose us on the island of New York, by taking posts in our rear, while the shipping secures the front, and thus, by cutting off our communication with the country, oblige us to tight them on their own terms or surrender at discretion; or by a briUiant stroke endeavour to cut this army to pieces and secure the collection of arms and stores, which, they well know, we shall not soon be able to replace.