He also strengthened the chain previously extended across the ri\'er from Fort Montgomery. General McDougall. still in command at Peekskill, received instructions from Washington to co-operate with Clinton in ]cutting the fortifications in as perfect condition as possible for defence. Clinton was directed to put as large a force as he could spare on the mountains west of the ri\'er. General Greene was ordered to the Highlands to inspect the forts and re]3ort u])on the ])ossi1)ility of attacks b\- water or land. He was accom])anied by General Knox, and, with McDougall, Clinton, and Wa}'ne, made the rec[uired examination. These five generals recommended that the heavy chain and cables stretched across the river be com|.deted and made effective. Arnold was now offered the general command of the Hudson, but declined. Putnam, who was named in his place, hastened to the Highlands, and entered with alacrit}' into the completion of Clinton's defences. It was while at Verplanck's Point that Putnam had that famous brief correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton regarding a spy taken within the American
2)^6 The Hudson River
lines. A vessel of war, proceeding with haste from
New York, landed a flag of truce at Verplanck's Point with a message from the British general, claiming the
spv, Edmund Palmer, as a lieutenant in the King's service. Putnam did not waste words in writing his reply :
Headquarters, 7^^ Aug. 1777. Edmund Palmer, an officer in the enemy's service, was taken as a spy lurking within our lines. He has been tried as a spy, condemned as a spy and shall be executed as a spy; and the flag is ordered to depart immediately. Israel Putnam. p s. -- He has, accordingly, been executed.