Meanwhile, on the west shore of the island, there was an animated scene.

The roads were crowded with refugees fleeing northward from New York.

These civilians Howe had no reason to stop, but there marched, too, out of New York four thousand men, under Israel Putnam, who got safely away northward.

Only leisurely did Howe extend his line across the island so as to cut off the city.

The story, not more trustworthy than many other legends of war, is that Mrs.Murray, living in a country house near what now is Murray Hill, invited the General to luncheon, and that to enjoy this pleasure he ordered a halt for his whole force.