They were probably more advantageous than would have been granted by General Gates, had he entertained no apprehension from Sir Henry Clinton, who was, at length, making the promised diversion on the North River, up which he had penetrated as far as AEsopus.
[Footnote 91: The American army consisted of nine thousand and ninety-three continental troops.

The number of the militia fluctuated; but amounted, at the signature of the convention, to four thousand one hundred and twenty-nine.
The sick exceeded two thousand five hundred men.] The drafts made from Peekskill for both armies had left that post in a situation to require the aid of militia for its security.

The requisitions of General Putnam were complied with; but the attack upon them being delayed, the militia, who were anxious to seed their farms, became impatient; many deserted; and General Putnam was induced to discharge the residue.
Governor Clinton immediately ordered out half the militia of New York, with assurances that they should be relieved in one month by the other half.

This order was executed so slowly that the forts were carried before the militia were in the field.
Great pains had been taken, and much labour employed, to render this position, which is naturally strong, still more secure.

The principal defences were forts Montgomery and Clinton.