On the next day, the fifth, Clinton landed in force at Verplanck's Point, below Peekskill, thus strengthening the impression already created that Fort Independence and the eastern shore of the river were to be the scene of his attack. Almost immediately, however, the greater part of the troops were ferried across in barges from Verplanck's to the opposite shore, and while a body of Tories on shore and the war-ships in the river kept up the pretence of attacking Fort Independence, Clinton hurried the main body of his command, by a circuitous route, over the hill passes back of the Dunderberg, towards Forts Montgomery and Clinton. General Put-

The Spirit of '76 339

nam was completch' outwitted and e\'en sent to the Governor, General George CHnton, for reinforcements. But that active officer was not deceived. He had despatched scouts to the southern extremity of the Highlands, and they soon returned with the intelligence that the enemy were crossing to Stony Point in large numbers. He therefore made ready with all the haste possible to receive the unwelcome visitors, and in his turn sent to Putnam for aid. But, through the treachery of the messenger, his appeal did not reach its destination. Dividing his force, vSir Henry Clinton sent Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, with nine hundred men, to take a circuitous course by the western side of Bear Hill and a])proach Fort Montgomery from the north or north-west -- that is to say, in the rear. Sir Henry proceeded towards the river from the point of division, which was between the Dunderberg and Bear Hill. He then intended to advance along a neck of land lying between the river and vSinipink Pond ar.d fall upon Fort Clinton. A reconnoitring party sent out by the Governor fell in with Sir Henry's ad\'ance-guard, and opened the day's fighting, falling back towards the fort after a sharp skirmish.