USA > New Jersey > The history of New Jersey, from its discovery by Europeans, to the adoption of the federal Constitution > Part 35
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t Marshall's Washington, vol. ii. 434.
T
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ordination, and obedience. Orders of this period show, that several officers of inferior grade were not themselves exempt from the general spirit of pil- lage, which then disgraced the American troops .*
Having possessed himself of the city, (15th September, 1776,) the British general stationed a few troops in the town, and with the main body of the army encamped near the American lines. His right was at Horen's Hook, on the East river, and his left reached the North river, near Bloomingdale, so that his encampment extended quite across the island, here, about two miles wide, and his flanks were both covered by his ships. The strongest point of the American lines was at King's Bridge, preserving their commu- nication with the continent. They also occupied in considerable force, M.Gowan's Pass, and Morris' Heights, which were fortified and rendered capable of defence against superior numbers. On the heights of Haerlem, still nearer the British lines, within a mile and a half of them, a strong de- tachment was posted in an intrenched camp.
The present position of the armies favoured the wishes of the American commander, to habituate his soldiers by a series of successful skirmishes, to meet the enemy in the field. Opportunities for this purpose were not long wanting. The day after the retreat from New York, the British appeared in considerable force in the plains between the camps. Washington ordered Colonel Knowlton of the volunteer corps of New England rangers, and Major Leitch with three companies of the third Virginia regiment, which had joined the army only the preceding day, to endeavour to get into their rear, whilst he amused them with demonstrations of an attack in front. The plan was successful; the British advanced eagerly to an advantageous posi- tion in front, and a firing commenced, but at too great a distance for execu- tion. In the mean time, Colonel Knowlton, unacquainted with their new position, made his attack rather on their flank, than their rear. Very soon, Major Leitch, who had gallantly led the detachment, was brought off the ground mortally wounded, and not long afterwards, Colonel Knowlton also fell, bravely fighting at the head of his troops. Not discouraged by the loss of their field officers, the captains maintained their ground, and continued the action with great animation. The British were reinforced, and General Washington ordered on detachments from the adjacent regiments of New England and Maryland. The Americans thus strengthened, charged the enemy, drove them from the woods into the plains, and were pressing them still further, when the general apprehending the approach of a large body of the foc, recalled his troops to their entrenchments. In this sharp conflict, many who had so disgracefully fled on the preceding day, now, with mnuch inferior force, had engaged a battalion of light infantry, another of Highland- ers, and three companies of Hessian riflemen, sustaining a loss in killed and wounded of not more than fifty men, whilst the British lost more than double that number. The effect of this first success of the campaign, was visible upon the spirits of the men, restoring them in some measure to their own esteem.
The armies did not long retain their position. General Howe, sensible of the strength of the American camp, had no inclination to force it. His plan was, to compel General Washington either to abandon it, or to fight in a position, where defeat would result in a total destruction of his army. With this view, after throwing up intrenchments on M.Gowan's Hill, for the pro- tection of New York, he proposed to gain the rear of the American camp, and to possess himself of the North river, above King's Bridge. To ascer- tain the practicability of the latter, three frigates passed up, under the fire of
* Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. ii. 431.
-
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Forts Washington and Lee, without injury from the batteries, or impediment from the chevaux-de-frise, which had been sunk in the channel, between those forts. . This point being attained, the greater part of his army passed through Hellgate, into the Sound, and landed on Frog's Neck, in West Ches- ter county, about nine miles from the camp, on the heights of Haerlem .* He continued here some days, quietly waiting for his artillery, military stores, and reinforcements, from Staten Island, which were detained by un- favourable winds.
XII. In the mean time, General Lee arrived,t from his late successful command, to the southward; and finding a disposition prevalent among the officers of the American army, to continue on York Island, he induced the call of a council of war, to consult on its propriety. He urged its entire re- linquishment-dwelling upon the impracticability of stopping the ascent of the enemy's ships, upon the river, the possession of Frog's Neck, on the Sound, by the British, the absolute impossibility of preserving the communi- cation with the country, and the imminent danger that the army must fight under disadvantages, or become prisoners of war. His views, so far as they regarded the army, were adopted; but unfortunately, the representations of General Greene prevailed, in relation to Fort Washington, the occupation of which, he contended, would divert a large portion of the enemy's force from the main body, and in conjunction with Fort Lee, would cover the trans- portation of supplies, up the river, for the service of the American troops. He further represented, that the garrison could be brought off, at any time, by boats from the Jersey shore.
XIII. On the 18th of October, General Howe moved forward his whole army, except four regiments destined for New York, towards New Rochelle. Some skirmishing took place, near East Chester, with part of Glover's bri- gade, in which the conduct of the Americans was courageous. As Howe took post at New Rochelle, Washington occupied the heights between it and the North river. The British general received here, the second division of Germans, under General Knyphansen, and an incomplete regiment of caval- ry, from Ireland. Both armies now moved towards the White Plains, a strong piece of ground, where a large camp had been marked out, and occu- pied by a detachment of militia, sent to guard some magazines there collect- ed. The main body of the Americans formed a long line of entrenched camps, extending from twelve to thirteen miles, on the heights from Valen- tine's Hill, near King's Bridge, to the White Plains; fronting the British line of march, and the Bronx, which lay between them, so as to collect in full force at any point, as circumstances might require. While the British army lay about New Rochelle, Major Rodgers, with his regiment (of tories), was advanced eastward towards Mamoraneck, on the Sound, where he was be- lieved to be covered by the position of the other troops. An attempt was made to surprise him in the night; but it was not wholly successful. About sixty of his corps were killed or taken, with a loss to the Americans of two killed, and right or ten wounded; among the latter, was Major Green, of Virginia, a brave officer, who led the advance, and who received a ball through his body. Not long after, a regiment of Pennsylvania riflemen, under Colonel Hand, fell in with and engaged an equal number of Hessian chasseurs, over whom they obtained some advantage.
The caution of the English general was increased by these evidences of enterprise in his adversary. His object seems to have been to avoid skir- mishing, and to bring on a general action, if that could be effected under favourable circumstances; if not, he knew too well, the approaching dissolu-
* October 12th, 1776.
1 October 14th.
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tion of the American army, and calculated, not without reason, on deriving from that event nearly all the advantages of a victory. He proceeded there- fore slowly. His marches were in close order, his encampments compact, and well guarded with artiiiery; and the utmost circumspection was used not to expose any part which might be vulnerable .*
As the sick and baggage reached a place of safety, General Washington gradually drew in his out-posts, and took possession of the heights on the east side of the Brunx fronting the head of the British columns. He was . there joined by General Lee, who, after securing the sick and the baggage, had, with considerable address, brought up the rear division of the army.
General Washington was encamped on high, broken grounds, with his right flank covered by the Brunx, which also covered the front of his right wing, extending along the road on the cast side of that river, towards New Rochelle, as far as the brow of the hill where his centre was posted. His left, forming almost a right angle with his centre, and nearly parallel to his right, extended along the hills northwardly, so as to keep possession of the commanding ground, and secure a retreat should it be necessary, from the present position, to one still more advantageous in his rear.
On the right of the army, and on the west side of the Bronx, about one mile from the camp, on the road leading from the North river, was a hill, of which General M.Dougal took possession, for the purpose of covering the right flank. Ilis detachment consisted of about sixteen hundred men, prin- cipally militia; and his communication with the main army was perfectly open; that part of the river being every where passable, without difficulty. Hasty intrenchments were thrown up to strengthen every part of the lines, and to make them as defensible as possible.
On the 25th of October, General Howe, who had advanced from New Rochelle and Mamaroneck, prepared to attack General Washington in his camp. Early in the morning, the British approached in two columns, the right commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, and the left by General Knyphau- sen, accompanied by General Howe, in person. Their advanced parties having encountered, and driven in the patroles, their van appeared, about ten o'clock, in full view of the American lines; a cannonade commenced, without much execution, on either side. The British right formed behind a rising ground, about a mile in front of the American camp, and extended from the road leading from Mamaroneck, towards the Bronx; so that it was opposed to the centre of the American army.
On viewing General Washington's situation, Howe determined to possess himself' of the hill occupied by M.Dougu. He directed Colonel Rawle, with his corps of Hessians, to cross the brunx, and by a circuit, to gain a posi- tion from which he might annoy ene right flank of M.Dougal, while Briga- dier-general Leslie, with the second brigade of British troops, the Hessian grenadiers under Colonel Denop, and a Hessian battalion, should attack him in front. . When Rawle had gained ne designated position, the detachment under Leslie also crossed the Brusx, and commenced a vigorous attack on the Americans .? The militia immediately fled; but the regulars behaved with great gallantry. Conel Smallwood's regiment of Maryland, and Colour Reitzimar's of New York, advanced boldly towards the foot of the hill to meet Leslie; but after a sharp encounter, were overpowered by nun- bers, and compelled to retreat. Leslie then attacked the remaining part of M.Dougal's forces, consisting of his own brigade, the Delaware battalion, and a small regiment of Connecticut militia. They were soon driven from
t General Howe's letter.
ยท Annual Register.
2 E
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the hill, but kept up, for some time, an irregular fire from the stone walls, and other enclosures about the scene of action. General Putnam, with Beal's brigade, was ordered to support them; but not arriving while they were in possession of the HIHI, he deemed it improper to attempt to regain it, and the troops retreated to the main army.
In this engagement, which, during its continuance, was very animated on both sides, the loss was supposed to have been about equal. That of the Americans was between three and four hundred in killed, wounded, and taken. Colonel Smallwood was among the wounded.
General Washington continued in his lines, expecting to be attacked. His sick and baggage were removed into his rear. But a considerable part of the day having been spent in gaining the hill, which had been occupied by M'Dougal, all attempts on his intrenchments were postponed until the next morning; and the whole British army lay on their arms the following night, in order of battle, and on the ground they had taken during the day.
This interval was employed by General Washington in strengthening his works, removing his sick and baggage, and preparing, by changing the ar- rangement of his troops, for the expected attack. His left maintained its position, but his right was drawn back to stronger ground. Perceiving this, and unwilling to leave any thing to hazard, Howe resolved to postpone fur- -ther offensive operations, until Lord Percy should arrive with four battalions from New York, and two from the post at Mamaroneck. This reinforce- ment was received on the evening of the 30th, and preparations were then made to attack the American intrenchments the next morning. In the night and during the carly part of the succeeding day, a violent rain fell, which induced a further postponement of the assault .* The provisions and heavy baggage being now removed, and apprehensions being entertained, that the British general, whose left wing extended along the height taken from M.Dougal, to his rear, might turn his camp, and occupy the post to which he designed to retreat, a an attempt on his lines should terminate unfortu- nately, General Washington changed his position in the night, and withdrew to the heights of North Castle, about five miles from White Plains. At the same time he detached Beal's brigade to take possession of the bridge on Croton river, a few miles in his rear, and over which is the road leading up the Hudson.
This position was so strong, that an attempt to force it was deemed im- prudent. General ilowe, thereare, gave a new direction to his efforts. +
XIV. The anxiety o preserve, if possible, the navigation of the Hudson, above King's Bridge, had. induced the American general to maintain the posts. of Forts Washington and hee, on either side of that river. They essentially checked the movements of General Howe, who justly decmed the complete possession of York Ilund an object of too much importance to be longer neglected. He, therefore, directed General Kapphausen to cross the coun- try from New Rochelle, and to take possession of King's Bridge, where a small party of Americans were stationed in Fort Independence. This was effected without opposition ;- the Americans retiring to Fort Washington, and Knyphausen encamping between that place and King's Bridge.
In the mean time, Howe broke up his camp at White Plains, and marched to Dobbs' Ferry, wir ner he retired slowly down the North river, towards King's Bridge. The American general was immediately aware of the de- sign against Fort Washington, and the Jerseys; but, apprehending that his . adversary might return suddenly, and endeavour by a rapid movement, to execute the original plan of getting in his rear, he observed great caution,
* General Howe's letter. t Ibid.
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and maintained his position, until assured that the movement towards King's Bridge, was not a feint.
On the movement of the British army towards New York, General Wash- ington perceived the neccessity of throwing a part of his troops into New Jersey, should Howe design to change the scene of action. A council of war, therefore, was immediately called, (November 6th,) which determined, unanimously, should Howe continue his march, that all the troops raised on the west side of the Hudson, should cross that river, to be afterwards follow- ed, if necessary, by those raised on the eastern part of the continent: and that, for the preservation of the highlands, about the North river, three thousand men should be stationed at Peck's-kill, and in the passes of the mountains.
General Washington addressed a letter to Governor Livingston, advising . him of the movement then making, and expressing a decided opinion that General Howe would not content himself with investing Fort Washington, but would invade the Jerseys. He urged the governor to put the militia in condition to reinforce the continental army, and to take the place of the new levies, a term designating a body of men between militia and regulars, raised to serve until the first of December, who could not be depended on to continue with the army one day longer than the time for which they were engaged. He also pressed, very earnestly, the removal of all the stock, and other provisions, of which the enemy might avail himself, from the sea-coast, and the neighbourhood of New York.
Immediate intelligence of this movement was likewise given to General Greene, who commanded in the Jerseys; and his attention was particularly pointed to Fort Washington. He was advised to increase his magazines about Princeton, and to diminish those near New York ; as experience had demonstrated the difficulty of removing them on the advance of the enemy. Some apprehension was also entertained, that Howe would attempt to cross at Dobbs' Ferry, and envelop the troops about Fort Lee, as well as those in Fort Washington. Of this, tro, GeneralGreene was advised, and thereupon drew in his parties from about Amboy, and posted a body of troops on the heights to defend the passige at Dobbs' Ferry.
On the 13th o' November, General Washington crossed the North river, with the seleced portion of the army, leaving the eastern regiments under the commandof General Lee, with orders, also, to cross the river, should General Howe effect it; but in the mean time, to assume the strong grounds, Ichind the Croton, at Pine Bridge.
Discotionary orders had been given to General Greene, to abandon Fort Washington, but which, for the reasons already stated, he delayed to exe- cuto This fort was on a high piece of ground, near the North river, very difficult of ascent, especially, on the northern side. It was capable of con- taining about a thousand men; but the lines and out-works, chiefly on the southern side, were drawn quite across the island. The position was natu- rally strong, the approaches difficult, and the fortifications, though not suffi- cient to resist heavy artillery, were believed capable of sustaining any at- tempt at storm. The garrison containing some of the best troops of the American ariny, was commanded by Colonel Magaw, a brave and intelli- gent officer.
General Howe, who had retired slowly from the White Plains, encamped at a small distance from King's Bridge, on the heights of Fordham, with his right towards the North river, and his left on the Brunx. Detachments from his army having previously taken possession of the ground about West Chester, works were erected at Haerlem creek, to play on the opposite works of the Americans, and every preparation being made for an assault,
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the garrison was summoned (on the 15th of November,) to surrender on pain of being put to the sword. Colonel Magaw replied, that he should de- fend the place to the last extremity. The summons was immediately com- municated to Generai Greene, at Fort Lee, and by him to the commander- in-chief, then at Hackensack. He immediately rode to Fort Lee, and though late in the night, was proceeding to Fort Washington, where he expected to find Generals Putnam and Greene, when, in crossing the river, he met those officers, returning from visiting that post. They reported that the garrison was in high spirits, and would make a good defence; on which, he returned with them to Fort Lee.
- Early next morning, Colonel Magaw posted his troops partly in the outer- most lines, partly between those lines, on the woody and rocky heights, fronting Haerlem river, where the ground being extremely difficult of ascent, the works were not closed; and partly on a commanding hill, lying north of the fort. Colonel Cadwalader, of Pennsylvania, commanded in the lines, Colonel Rawlings, of Maryland, on the hill towards King's Bridge, where his regiment of riflemen was posted among trees, and Colonel Magaw, him- self, in the fort.
" The strength of the place did not deter the British general from attempting to carry it by storm. A desire to save time, at this late season of the year, was the principal inducement to this determination. About ten o'clock, the assailants appeared before the works, and moved on to the assault in four quarters. Their first division, consisting of two columns of Hessians and Waldeckers, amounted to about five thousand men, under the command of General Knyphausen, advanced on the north side of the fort against the hill where Colonel Rawlings commanded, who received them with great gal- lantry. The second, on the cast, consisting of the first and second battalions of British light infantry, and two battalions of guards, was led on by Briga- dier-general Mathews, supported by Lord Cornwallis, at the head of the first and second battalions of grenadiers, and the thirty-third regiment. These troops crossed Haerlem river, in boats, under cover of the artillery planted in works which had been erected for the purpose, on the opposite side of the river, and landed within the third line of defence, which crossed the island. The third division was conducted by Lieutenant-colonel Stirling, who passed the river higher up; and the fourth, by Lord Percy, accompa- nied by General Howe, in person. This division was to attack the lines in front, on the south side.'
The attacks on the north. and south, by General Knyphausen. and Lord Percy, were made about the same instant on Colonels Rawlings and Cad- . walader, who maintained their ground for a considerable time; but while Colonel Cadwalader was engaged in the first line against Lord Percs, on the south, the second and third divisions, which had crossed Haerlem river, made good their landing, and soon dispersed the troops fronting that river, as well as a detachment sent by Colonel Cadwalader, to support them. These being overpowered, he deemed it necessary to abandon the lines, and a retreat was commenced towards the fort, which, being conducted with con- fusion, a part of his men were intercepted by the division under Colonel Stirling, and made prisoners. The resistance on the north, was conducted with more courage, and was of longer duration. Rawlings maintained his ground with firmness, and his riflemen did vast execution. A three gun battery, north of the fort, also played on Knyphausen, with much effect. The Germans were repulsed several times with great loss; and, had every - , other part of the action been equally well maintained, the assailants, if ulti-
* General Howe's letter.
Mig io Ymamini
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mately successful, would have had much reason to deplore their victory. At length, by dint of perseverance and numbers, the Hessian columns gained the summit of the hill; after which, Colonel Rawlings, perceiving the danger which threatened his rear, retreated under the guns of the fort.
Having carried the lines, and all the strong ground adjoining them, the British general again summoned. Colonel Magaw to surrender. While the capitulation was progressing, General Washington sent him a billet, request- ing him to hold out until the evening, when he would endeavour to bring off the garrison; but Magaw had already proceeded too far to retract; and it is probable the place could not have resisted an assault from so formidable a force as threatened it on every side. The most essential difficulties had been overcome: the fort was too small to contain all the men; and their ammuni- tion was nearly exhausted. Under these circumstances, the garrison sur- rendered prisoners of war.
The loss on this occasion was the greatest the Americans had sustained. The garrison was stated by General Washington, at about two thousand men; yet, in a report published as from General Howe, the number of pri- soners is stated at two thousand six hundred, exclusive of officers. Either General Howe must have included in his report, persons who were not sol- diers, or General Washington, in his letter, must have comprised only the regulars. The last conjecture is most probably correct. The loss of the assailants is variously stated, at from eight to eleven hundred men. It fell heaviest on the Germans.
XV. The surrender of Fort Washington, induced a determination to evacuate Fort Lee; and a removal of the stores to the interior of' Jersey, immediately, commenced. But on the 19th of November, before this could be completed, a detachment of the enemy, commanded by Lord Cornwallis, amounting to about six thousand men, crossed the North river, below Dobbs' Ferry, and endeavoured by a rapid march, to enclose the garrison between the Hudson and the Hackensack rivers. The safety of the garrison required its instant withdrawal from the narrow neck of land, which was with great difficulty effected, by a bridge over the latter river. With Fort Lee, all the heavy cannon, except two twelve pounders, together with a large quantity of provisions and military stores, fell into the hands of the enemy. The want of wagons rendered this loss inevitable.
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