“Each man is his own law,” agreed young Cooper. “They don’t wait for instructions if they feel inclined to take action against the enemy; and if they are not so inclined, they refuse to move, no matter what the orders are.”
But when Putnam took command, this condition was to a large extent altered, for that doughty warrior called the officers together and in plain terms told them what was expected of them; stern measures after this effected something of a change.
British preparations continued. At length, two more brigades of Hessians under De Heister crossed the Narrows; and when Washington noted this he was convinced that now indeed the blow was to be struck; accordingly what troops he could spare were sent to join Putnam’s force on the east side of the river.
On the evening of August 26th, Clinton began a movement with a body of picked troops toward Flatbush Flatlands; after him, trailing through the darkness, came Percy with the artillery, grenadiers and dragoons; and close to Percy’s heels marched Cornwallis with the heavy ordnance. Like ghosts the silent columns changed their course at Flatlands and flitted across the New Lots. A Tory who knew every inch of the ground was at their head, and he brought them safely through the marsh to the Jamaica Road. To Clinton’s astonishment, the Bedford pass was undefended, and through it he went, followed by Percy and Cornwallis; at daylight they breakfasted within three miles of Bedford; and the Americans never dreamed of their being anywhere at hand.
Three hours after Clinton began his movement, the British general, Grant, according to plan, started with the left wing of the enemy’s force from Gravesend Bay. Some New York and Pennsylvania militia retired before him, keeping up a brisk rifle fire. A party of scouts brought the news of this advance to Putnam; and at once General Sterling was rushed forward to hold Grant in check.
The scouts rode ahead, testing every doubtful point.
“Daylight will soon be upon us,” said George Prentiss, “and that will give us some idea of what force we will have to contend with.”
“These fellows behind us are the pick of Putnam’s force,” said Ezra. “Indeed, they are the only well-trained regiments I’ve seen here, and should be able to give a good account of themselves.”
When Sterling reached the Gowanus pass he found his scouts mingling with the militia in the graying dawn.
“The report is, sir,” said George, saluting the general, “that the enemy is close at hand.”