THROGG'S NECK 127 



Detaching part of the troops from the main army, Howe sent 

 them over to the east side of Harlem, where they were put aboard 

 boats and transported to Throgg's Neck. Simultaneously with 

 this movement a squadron of ships filled with another army were 

 sent up the Hudson River, under cover of darkness, with instruc- 

 tions to cooperate with the Throgg's Neck division, and by a com- 

 bined rear attack drive the rebels back to Manhattan. 



To prevent Washington from discovering the ruse, Howe kept 

 a large force in front of the American trenches. Theoretically, 

 the coup Howe had planned was worthy of his genius, but, before 

 it could be put into operation Washington had moved his force to 

 White Plains. 



Early in the morning of October 12, 1776, four thousand 

 British troops under General Howe landed with artillery at 

 Throgg's Neck, but, unfortunately for them, their approach had 

 been observed by General Heath, who, quick to perceive the signifi- 

 cance of this move lost no time in dispatching a courier with the 

 intelligence to General Washington. An alarm was immediately 

 sounded and all available troops were rushed to the scene in order 

 to check the enemy's advance. 



Throgg's Neck was separated from the mainland by a narrow 

 creek and a marsh, and, at high tide, was surrounded by water. A 

 bridge connecting with an old causeway had to be crossed to reach 

 the mainland. 



Before the enemy reached this spot the American patriots 

 had ripped up the planking of the bridge and a company of Colonel 

 Hand's picked Riflemen had posted themselves on the opposite side 

 of the causeway and began to pour a hot fire into the advancing 

 ranks. They were soon reinforced by Colonel Prescott, of Bunker 

 Hill fame, with his regiment, and Lieutenant Bryant of the Artil- 

 lery with a three-pounder. 



Checked at this pass, the British moved toward the head of 

 the creek ; here, too, they found the Americans in possession of the 

 ford. Again and again they attempted to cross, but the unerring 

 aim of the American riflemen was so deadly and persistent that 

 they finally abandoned the idea of crossing. This repulse was 

 known as the "Lexington of Westchester." It took place at the 

 bridge where today the trolley crosses Westchester Creek just east 

 of Westchester Square. 



When Washington arrived some hours later the British had 



