Such certainly was the conclusion of the council of war, on the 16th, acting this time in agreement with their chief.

Six days Howe lingered on Frog's Point, bringing up stores or artillery or something; it matters little now why he tarried.

Suffice it that he waited, and gave six days to his opponent.

They were of little value to Howe, but they were of inestimable worth to Washington, who employed them in getting everything in readiness, in holding his council of war, and then on the 17th in moving deliberately off to very strong ground at White Plains.

On his way he fought two or three slight, sharp, and successful skirmishes with the British.