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.

98 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [ET. 49.
alarm given, he desisted from a further prosecution of
his plan (which could only have been executed to any
effect by surprise), and marched to the General's support, who continued skirmishing with the enemy and
endeavouring to draw them so far into the country, that
the Duke might turn their right and cut them off from
their work on the east side of Haerlem River, and also
prevent their repassing that river in boats. General
Parsons had possessed the heights immediately commanding Kingsbridge, and could have prevented their
escape by that passage. Every endeavour of this kind
proved fruitless; for I found, upon going down myself
to reconnoitre their situation, that all their force, except
very small parties of observation, had retired to York
Island. This afforded General Duportail and myself
the most favorable opportunity of perfectly reconnoitring the works upon the north end of the Island, and
making observations, which may be of very great advantage in future. Finding nothing further could be
done, I returned the day before yesterday to this
ground, where I expect to be joined this day by his
Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, who reached
North Castle on the 2d instant.
I cannot too warmly express the obligations I am under to the Count, for the readiness with which he detached the Duke de Lauzun, and for the rapidity with
which he pushed the march of his main body, that he
might have been within supporting distance, had any favorable stroke upon the enemy below given us an opportunity of pursuing any advantage, which might have
been gained. General Lincoln had five or six men
killed and about thirty wounded in his skirmish.
I have the honor to be, &c.*
The following extract from General Washington's Diarqy will more
ffilly explain the recent operations.
" July 2d. - General Lincoln's detachment embarked last night after