Greene, on the whole Washington's best general, was in command of the two positions and was left to use his own judgment.

On the 15th of November, by a sudden and rapid march across the island, Howe appeared before Fort Washington and summoned it to surrender on pain of the rigors of war, which meant putting the garrison to the sword should he have to take the place by storm.

The answer was a defiance; and on the next day Howe attacked in overwhelming force.

There was severe fighting.

The casualties of the British were nearly five hundred, but they took the huge fort with its three thousand defenders and a great quantity of munitions of war.