find Washington still north of him at White Plains. A sharp
skirmish followed in which Howe lost over two hundred men and
Washington only one hundred and forty. Washington, masterly in
retreat, then withdrew still farther north among hills difficult
of attack.

Howe had a plan which made a direct attack on Washington
unnecessary. He turned southward and occupied the east shore of
the Hudson River. On the 16th of November took place the worst
disaster which had yet befallen American arms. Fort Washington,
lying just south of the Harlem, was the only point still held on
Manhattan Island by the Americans. In modern war it has become
clear that fortresses supposedly strong may be only traps for
their defenders. Fort Washington stood on the east bank of the
Hudson opposite Fort Lee, on the west bank. These forts could not
fulfil the purpose for which they were intended, of stopping
British ships. Washington saw that the two forts should be
abandoned. But the civilians in Congress, who, it must be
remembered, named the generals and had final authority in
directing the war, were reluctant to accept the loss involved in
abandoning the forts and gave orders that every effort should be
made to hold them. 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,