New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-09-16
BATTLE OF HARLEM PLAINS.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONFLICT.

A DESCRIPTION Ot lHE NONibNNA'
TIE LANDING OF GEN. HOWE AT NPP's BAY-RE-
TREAT OF wAsaISGTON-THE AMERICAN ATTACK
ON TIE BRITISH ADVANCE GUARD.
To-day the New-York Historical Society viii cello
brate tho Centennial anniversary OF the only battle
Of the Revelation fought upon this island. The
observation will be upon the field Of battle, the
high grounds from 0nc-hundred and-tenth TO
One-hundred- and-twenty-ffth-st. Mr.. Jay, the
grandson of John Jay Of Revolutionary fame,
viii deliver the address. Many dignitaries viii
DO present, with the 7th Regiment, New-York
State Militia,
The battle, or "skirmish,' of Harlem Plains was
not without important results. The defeat OF the
Americans ut Brooklyn on the 9th of August had
been followed by the evacuation OF New-fork. The
British fleet was upon both sides Of York Island;
on an island near Hell Gate battery had been
erected, and Howe, under cover OF nre
from his ships, which swept across the
whole island, lad landed near Kipps Bay,
three miles from the city. Troops were posted
TO guard the landing but discouraged by the recent
reverses, they lied without firing a gun. Washing
ton. who had como up to view tbs ground, was left
within so PAGES Of the enemy and exposed 10 cap
ture. He WIS greatly indignant at what he con-
sdered TO be tho cowardy conduct Of the troops and
in a passion he threw his hat upon the-ground, ex-
claiming, Are these the men with whom am to
defend America |" Those about his person turned
his horses head and hurried him from the held.
Putnam, who was in command OF the city, received
orders 10 eyacuate at once.
The troops experienced some difficulty in making
their retreat which effected with the loss of 10
Killed and of 300 taken prisoners. II was only by
rapid movement along the Greenwich road that Put
nam escaped at all. Howe advanced 70 the center
Of the island and encamped at Murray Hill. The
American troops remaining Ia the city were brought
off with great skill and Judgment by Aaron Burr,
who was upon Putnams staff PutUams men &C
copied the flights Of Harlem. The British were on
campod between HoonePs Hook and Bloo'ninsdale.
Washington was strongly posted at Kingsbridge.
Il was one of WashinGton's favorite purposes to
train bis officers and troops for Important
lions by sending them 10 engage in skirmishes with
the enemy. On tue 10th of September the advanced
guard of the American line had been driven in by
superior English force. There were two parties,
under Col KnOwlton and Major Leitch, who had
been directed to gain the rear Of body of British
trOops but the movement had failed, and the
Americans successfully rejoned the main body.
Howe then directed detachment to attack
the American lines. The brave Knowlton-the
hero of the rail fence nc Bunkors Hillasked TO be
unmarried being confident that his would be
able TO drive back the enemy. Washington at once
planned an engagement. he determined to attack
m front as a feint 10 draw the enemy down, while
Major Leitch, gaining the high rocks on the Hudson
River side, would attack in the rear. Rnowlton,
with his Connecticut regiment, advancing up Dayifs
Fly, and doing the same on the right. The work
was calamity accomplished. The English were
driven from their successive positions, nor could
they make decided stand until the reserves came
up Their first meeting with Col. Knowton was
near the line Of what is now One hundred-and-
twenty-fourth-st., between Eighth and Ninth-aves.
Theanemy, driven from this position. took shelter
behind fence about 900 yards distant, whore they
were reinforced by body of Hessans Here they de-
Tended themselves with great obstinaey until COM
PEELED again TO retreat the British lines. The
main body OF the American army were eager to adj
vance to the support of their cOuntrymen. but
Washington, with his usual prudence, declined q
general engagement and the American party was
directed 10 retreat.
This slirmish cost the Americans 90 men--thc
British, according TO their own report, 81. The
affair occupied about four hours, beginning at 10
o'clock a. m. The British commander was of the
opinion that Washngton's lines were too strong to
be forced and the armies lay facing each other and
inactive for several weeks afterward.