Breastworks were thrown up for the defense of Kingsbridge and another work commanded Spuyten Duyvil Creek. A strong work to crown a rocky height some few miles below the bridge was also planned; this was to be called Fort Washington, and it would command the channels of the Hudson; also, redoubts were to be built on the banks at Jeffreys Point.
While these efforts were being made along the Hudson, Brooklyn was not neglected. Here the talent of General Greene was manifested; and in many other places works were thrown up, batteries planted and redoubts built.
And it would seem they were none too soon; for the rumors as to the coming of a heavy British armament were growing thicker and thicker; some had it that the bay would be full of war-ships before a fortnight had passed.
Governor Tryon had long before given up the attempt to rule the province from the point of Manhattan Island; so he undertook the much more difficult task of transacting its affairs from the after cabin of the “Asia,” which was anchored in the bay. He was in constant communication with the king’s men of Long Island; plot upon plot was hatched upon the ship of the line; some of them carried, some were thwarted, but only one made a great noise and scurrying.
One afternoon George was riding from Washington’s headquarters at Richmond Hill; along a winding path which led through Lispenard’s meadows raced his friends Brewster and Cooper upon horses white with foam.
He hurriedly drew his mount aside, for they never slowed their pace, and as they flashed by he saw Nat Brewster wave his hand for him to follow. At once he wheeled and plunged along after them. At Richmond Hill the two dismounted, and had already been admitted when George rode up; their panting mounts were being led to and fro by an attendant; little groups of officers stood about, conversing in low tones.
George slipped out of his saddle and waited; it was perhaps a quarter of an hour later that young Cooper, his round face running beads of perspiration and his eyes lit with excitement, threw open the door and came hastily out. He carried a paper sealed with a great splash of red wax; and his glance went quickly about until it rested upon George. Instantly he approached him.
“Nat said he saw you,” stated the chubby-faced youth, excitedly, “and that you followed us. And it’s lucky you did, for there’s plenty for you to do, old fellow.” He held up the dispatch. “This is for General Sterling.” He passed the sealed paper to George. “Make all speed. Nat and I and some others are going to carry the alarm to Harlem and the posts on the way.”
“Alarm!” repeated young Prentiss in surprise. Ben took a step nearer.
“A conspiracy! Brewster was put upon it as soon as he reached New York, and he just got to the bottom of it this afternoon.” Here a voice called his name from one of the windows of the mansion. “I must go,” said he, hurriedly. “Ride hard, for moments are precious.”