That they will invest Fort Washington, is a matter of which there can be no doubt ; and I think there is a strong probability that General Howe will detach a part of his force to make an incursion into the Jerseys, provided he is going to New York. He must attempt something on account of his reputation, for what has he done as yet, with his great army? While still in doubt as to the meaning of the manoeuvre, Washington received news of the peril of the

1 86 The Hudson River

garrison on Manhattan. Threatened by Lord Perc}^ with a large body of troops at the south, and by Knyphausen between the Fort and Kingsbridge, Colonel Magaw and his command were in a serious position. As though to add a feature of discouragement to the situation by proving the futility of attempting to control the river, a frigate and two transports broke

through the chcvaux-dc-jrise with supplies for Howe's army at Dobbs Ferry. Washington wrote to Greene, upon the receipt of these tidings:

If we cannot prevent vessels from passing up the river, and the enemv are possessed of all the surrounding country, what valuable purpose can it answer to hold a post from which the expected benefit cannot be had? I am, therefore, inchned to think, that it will not be prudent to hazard the men and stores at Mount Washington; but, as you are on the spot, I leave it to vou to give such orders as to evacuating Mount Washington as you may judge best, and so far revoking the orders given to Colonel Magaw, to defend it to the last.