Notwithstanding the precautions which had been taken, the alarm had been given at each post, and the troops had saved themselves in their works; so that only a few prisoners were made.

Contrary to the intelligence previously received, the communication with New York was still open; and the works appeared too strong to justify the hazard of attempting to carry them by assault.
[Sidenote: January 17.] The object of the expedition being unattainable, Lord Stirling commenced his retreat, which was effected with inconsiderable loss.

A body of cavalry, which charged his rear, was repulsed; but, from the intenseness of the cold, and the defectiveness of his means to protect his men from it, some of them were frost bitten, and a few stragglers were made prisoners.
The excessive cold continuing, the rivers were soon afterwards completely blocked up.

Even arms of the sea were passable on the ice; and the islands about the mouth of the Hudson, presented the appearance of one whole and unbroken continent.

This state of things produced a great degree of suffering among all classes in New York.
The supplies usually received by water failed totally, and a great scarcity of provisions and of fuel was the consequence.