This neck is still farther narrowed by a deep creek which divides it, and empties into the Hackensack below fort Lee.

West of that river runs the Passaick, which unites with it near Newark, and forms another long and narrow neck of land.

From Powles Hook to the new bridge, the first place where the Hackensack could be crossed without boats, the distance is fourteen miles; and from the North River to the road leading from the one place to the other, there are three points of interception, the nearest of which is less than two miles, and the farthest not more than three.
The British were encamped in full force along the North River, opposite to these points of interception.

To diminish the danger of the retreat, it was intended to occupy the roads leading through the mountains of the Hudson to the Hackensack with a select body of troops.
Every preparatory arrangement being made, the night of the eighteenth of August was fixed on for the enterprise.

A detachment from the division of Lord Stirling, including three hundred men designed for the expedition, was ordered down as a foraging party.