Washington made preparations to withdraw, but uncertainty of information came near rendering his precautions futile.
September 15 the men-of-war opened fire, and troops were landed near Kip's Bay.

The militia in the breastworks at that point had been at Brooklyn and gave way at once, communicating their panic to two Connecticut regiments.

Washington, galloping down to the scene of battle, came upon the disordered and flying troops.

He dashed in among them, conjuring them to stop, but even while he was trying to rally them they broke again on the appearance of some sixty or seventy of the enemy, and ran in all directions.

In a tempest of anger Washington drew his pistols, struck the fugitives with his sword, and was only forced from the field by one of his officers seizing the bridle of his horse and dragging him away from the British, now within a hundred yards of the spot.
Through all his trials and anxieties Washington always showed the broadest and most generous sympathy.