North River: and by regular approaches invested us on all sides.

"On the 15th November, 1776, the British General Pattison appeared
with a flag near our Guards, demanding a surrender of Fort Washington
and the Garrison. Col'o Magaw replied he should defend it to the last
extremity. Pattison declared all was ready to storm the lines and
fort, we of course prepared for the Pending contest.

"At break of day the next morning, the enemy commenced a tremendous
Cannonade on every side, while their troops advanced. Our Regt. tho
weak, was most advantageously posted by Rawlings and Williams, on a
Small Ridge, about half a mile above Fort Washington. The Ridge ran
from the North River, in which lay three frigates, towards the East
River. A deep Valley divided us from the enemy, their frigates
enfiladed, & their Cannon on the heights behind the advancing troops
played incessantly on our party (consisting of Rawling's Regiment, say
250 men, and one other company from Maryland, and four companies of
Pennsylvania Flying Camp, also for the present commanded by Rawlings
and Williams).

"The Artillery were endeavoring to clear the hill while their troops
crossing the Valley were ascending it, but without much effect. A few
of our men were killed with Cannon and Grape Shott. Not a Shott was
fired on our side untill the Enemy had nearly gained the Sumit. Though
at least five times our numbers our rifles brought down so many that
they gave way several times, but by their overwhelming numbers they at
last succeeded in possessing the summit. Here, however, was great
carnage, each making every effort to possess and hold so advantageous
a position. This obstinacy continued for more than an hour, when the
enemy brought up some field pieces, as well as reinforcements. Finding