The British Army left West Chester for the City & afterwards came up from it agt. Fort Washington. Perhaps a Party crossed at Kings Bridge in Boats sent up Harlem River for the Purpose from the Ships in the East River. In either Case why did not the Provincials march to their old Ground at Harlem Heights & prevent or raise the Seige? The River is now open to the Highland Forts, and probably Mr. Washington's Army divided on both Sides of the River, and unequal on each Side to Mr. Howe's who may attack either with his whole Force, or waste the Country agt. a Descent at such Places where there is not any Force to oppose them. . . . The chief Dependance of the Provincials must now be in their Projects by Fire Ships Forts &c to prevent the Ascent of the British Ships up the River and their collecting a numerous Militia to the Banks of it.