No opposition was made to the landing of the British.
The New England militia, who should have
delayed that operation, behaved very badly, drawing on
themselves the violent indignation of Washington. It
is said that a part of the American army would
undoubtedly have been cut off in consequence of this
panic, had not Mrs. Murray detained Sir William Howe
by her hospitable reception, and the attractions of her
old Madeira. The worthy lady kept the British
general in good humor for two hours, while her ragged and
hungry countrymen escaped from his grasp. Never
have the hospitalities of Murray Hill answered a better
purpose.
On the 16th of September a smart skirmish took place in the neighborhood of Manhattanville. Some British light infantry and two battalions of Highlanders were driven back, and were in a somewhat precarious position, when the omnipresent chasseurs and grenadiers advanced to their assistance, and some other German regiments were also put in motion. Washington, fearing that the enemy were sending a large body to support their party, as was indeed the case, ordered a retreat. Of the English, two hundred and eighty were killed and wounded; of the Americans, about sixty. This action, in which the latter behaved very well, and inflicted a comparatively heavy loss on the British, did much to bring back their confidence after the reverses and retreats of the preceeding days.
The British general had given strict orders to respect personal property, and presently the rich owners of country-houses, who had fled at the approach of the royal forces, leaving their possessions in charge of their
