y and set down in our rear. To hinder them from
effecting this, Genl Lee, who arrived yesterday, has
taken the command in that quarter. He will be posted in such
a situation with a very considerable number of Light Troops
that, let the Enemy advance by what road they will, they
cannot elude him; if they march in one great body he can
easily draw his Divisions together; if they divide and take
different Routs, they will fall in with the different
parties. He will have the Flower of the Army with him, as
our lines in front are so strong that we can trust them to
Troops who would not stand in the field."

Duer, on the 17th, replied:

"I expect daily to hear of some grand attempt made by the
Enemy.... If one half of our army think as much of the
Importance of the approaching Contest as you do, I shall
entertain no Doubt of our success. May Heaven protect you,
and all my Friends who are venturing their Lives in so great
and good a cause."

On the same date Tilghman wrote:

"I have not time to describe the Disposition of our Army
perfectly to you, but you may depend that every step is
taken to prevent the enemy from outflanking us and at the
same time to secure our Retreat in case of need. The Enemy
have made no move from Frog's Point.... I don't know how it
is, but I believe their design to circumvent us this time
will prove as abortive as the former ones. If we can but
foil Genl Howe again, I think we knock him up for the
Campaign. You ask if Genl Lee is in Health and our people
feel bold? I answer both in the affirmative. His appearance
among us has not contributed a little to the latter. We are
sinking the ships as fast as possible; 200 men are daily
employed, but they take an immense quantity of stone for the
purpose."

To meet this move upon their flank and rear, the Americans were
obliged to abandon their strong camp at Harlem Heights. On the 16th,
while the British were still at Throg's Neck, Washington called a
council of war, when it was agreed that they could not keep their
communications open with the back country, if they remained where they
were and the British advanced. At the same it was voted to hold Fort
Washington. To be ready to counteract the next move of the enemy, a
part of the army was stationed at advantageous points in Westchester
County, the m