The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

212 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1776.
occasional, till the stores belonging to the army, which
had been deposited here, could be removed. The
enemy coming on so suddenly has distressed us much.
They are now close at hand, and most probably will in
a little time commence their second attack; we expect
it every hour; perhaps it is beginning; I have just
heard the report of some cannon." Nothing more
occurred, however, than slight skirmishes between the
advanced parties. On reconnoitring the camp, General
Howe thought it too strong for an assault, and resolved
to wait for a reinforcement from Earl Percy, then at
Haerlem. This arrived in two days, and the 31st of
October was fixed on for the attack; but a heavy
rain caused it again to be deferred.
The same night General Washington drew all his
troops to another position on the hills in his rear, which
the delays of his opponent had allowed him time to
fortify, and which could be more easily defended than
his first camp. So judiciously was this movement planned and conducted, that it was carried into effect
without loss or molestation, and even without being
discovered by the British army. The idea of a battle
was now abandoned by General Howe; he despaired
of being able to dislodge the Americans from this
strong position; and it was soon ascertained, that he
was withdrawing his army towards the Hudson and
Kingsbridge.
As this might be a feint to entice the American forces
from the hilly country, Washington remained in his new
camp for a few days, till it was found that the enemy
were actually retracing their steps. It was then foreseen, that their first grand manceuvre would be to invest
Fort Washington; and their next, to pass the Hudson;
and carry the war into New Jersey, and perhaps make
a push for Philadelphia. To meet these changes in