George Clinton," - "Camp, at the old place near White Plains, November 2d 1776 } "My dear Sir \ ….Since my last to you, dated the day before yesterday, the centre & right wing of our army, having possessed themselves of the heights in their rear, North East of the road leading to Youngs's; yesterday morning evacuated that part of our lines which passed thro' the Town, & South East of it, & fell back on those heights firing all the barns, hay, & corn: stacked in front. - This induced the enemy to believe twe had again retreated, - & determined to take the advantage of our supposed flight, Their army instantly moved forward into the part of our lines which were evacuated.
This brought on a pretty brisk cannonade, tho' at too great a distance to do much *excutions*. I lost one man, & had 2 wounded. I have heard of no other injury done us. We are by the late movements now far advanced in front, - of course, most expo: sed. The enemy retired to their former encampment in the evening, leaving strong advanced pickets, & working parties, who are busily employed in erecting works on the heights in & near the town. Deserter's (especially from the Queen's light dragoons.) come daily over to us & now & then our rangers send in a straggling prisoner. - Capt. Van Wick, of my brigade, who at his earnest desire, appointed to a company of rangers, was day before yesterday (Oct 31) unfortunately killed. - He went out in the morning with about 30 men: - fell in with about 100 of the enemy in a house not far distant from their *lines*: - charged them with spirit; - gave them a brisk fire; but unfortunately when loading his piece the second time, was shot in the head & fell dead; - his Lieu: tenant shot down the man who killed his Captain.