There were good reasons for fearing, not only the excesses of the British soldiers; but ill-treatment from the Tories, who would most likely wreak revenge for the abuse received while the Americans were in undisturbed possession of the city.
During the second night after the battle the women and children did not indulge in sleep, for the patriot soldiers were being ferried across the river, the first to arrive on the New York side receiving orders to bivouac in Hanover square.
It was possible, during many hours, for the frightened ones to hear the tramp of men and rumble of wheels, and while listening to the sinister sounds they watched eagerly and fearfully for the coming of their loved ones.
Not until the sun had risen, disclosing tents, clothing, baggage and all manner of camp equipage, soaked with rain, encumbering the square, did Masters Dean and Lamb present themselves to those who had waited so long and anxiously.
They had passed through the battle uninjured; but presented the appearance of men on the verge of exhaustion, and only after their wants had been ministered to by all in the house, was it possible for them to relate the sad story of honest defeat and some mistakes.
"Our army can no longer hold the city," Master Dean said as he concluded his story in detail of
