This was, to form the army into three divisions; one of which should remain in New York; the second be stationed at Kingsbridge, and the third occupy the intermediate space, so as to support either extreme.

The sick were to be immediately removed to Orange Town.

A belief that congress was inclined to maintain New York at every hazard, and a dread of the unfavourable impression which its evacuation might make on the people, seem to have had great influence in producing the determination to defend the place yet a short time longer.
{September 10.} This opinion was soon changed.

The movements of the British general indicated clearly an intention either to break their line of communication, or to enclose the whole army in York Island.

His dispositions were alike calculated to favour the one or the other of those objects.