The troops were massed above the city, and an effort was made to surprise the upper posts and destroy Delancey's partisan corps.

The attempt, although well planned, failed of its immediate purpose, giving Washington opportunity only for an effective reconnoissance of the enemy's positions.

But the move was perfectly successful in its real and indirect object.

Clinton was alarmed.

He began to write to Cornwallis that troops should be returned to New York, and he gave up absolutely the idea of sending more men to Virginia.