Washington, leaving his campfires burning to lull the suspicions of the confident victors, had transported his men across the East River.

On September 15th the British began sending over boat-loads, landing them at Kip's Bay, where the Murray estate ended, now the easterly point of Thirty-fourth Street.

In overwhelming numbers, fully equipped, and with elated morale, they began the pursuit of the shattered Americans.

The detachment of Continentals left at Kip's Bay to oppose the landing had fled without firing a shot.
Washington, watching the debacle, had spurred his horse furiously forward, striking the men with the flat of his sword, lashing them with his tongue, in vain attempt to stop the panic.

He was on the point of advancing alone when his bridle-rein was seized by a young officer.