explains his policy of avoiding a pitched battle, 167;
anger at flight of militia at Kip's Bay, 168;
again secures safe retreat, 169;
secures slight advantage in a skirmish, 170;
continues to urge Congress to action, 170, 171;
success of his letters in securing a permanent army, 171;
surprised by advance of British fleet, 172;
moves to White Plains, 173;
blocks British advance, 174;
advises abandonment of American forts, 174;