The only part to be taken was immediately to withdraw the few remaining troops from New York, and to secure the posts on the heights.

For this latter purpose, the lines were instantly manned; but no attempt was made to force them.

The retreat from New York was effected with an inconsiderable loss of men, sustained in a skirmish at Bloomingdale; but all the heavy artillery, and a large portion of the baggage, provisions, and military stores, much of which might have been saved had the post at Kipp's bay been properly defended, were unavoidably abandoned.

In this shameful day, one colonel, one captain, three subalterns, and ten privates were killed: one lieutenant colonel, one captain, and one hundred and fifty-seven privates were missing.
The unsoldierly conduct displayed on this occasion was not attributable to a want of personal courage, but to other causes.

The apprehensions excited by the defeat on Long Island had not yet subsided; nor had the American troops recovered their confidence either in themselves or in their commanders.