On the first intelligence that Connecticut was invaded, General Parsons, a native of that state, had been directed by General Washington to hasten to the scene of action.  Placing himself at the head of about one hundred and fifty continental troops, who were supported by considerable bodies of militia, he attacked the British in the morning of the twelfth, as soon as they were in motion, and kept up an irregular distant fire throughout the day.  But being too weak to prevent the destruction of any particular town on the coast, Norwalk was reduced to ashes; after which the British re-embarked, and returned to Huntingdon bay, there to wait for reinforcements.  At this place, however, Tryon received orders to return to the White Stone; where, in a conference between Sir Henry Clinton and Sir George Collier, it was determined to proceed against New London with an increased force.

On the invasion of Connecticut, the Commander-in-chief was prompt in his exertions to send continental troops from the nearest encampments to its aid; but, before they could afford any real service, Sir Henry Clinton found it necessary to recall Tryon to the Hudson.

General Washington had planned an enterprise against the posts at King’s Ferry, comprehending a double attack, to be made at the same time, on both.  But the difficulty of a perfect co-operation of detachments, incapable of communicating with each other, determined him to postpone the attack on Verplank’s, and to make that part of the plan dependent on the success of the first.  His whole attention therefore was turned to Stony Point; and the troops destined for this critical service, proceeded on it as against a single object.

[Sidenote:  July.]

The execution of the plan was entrusted to General Wayne, who commanded the light infantry of the army.  Secrecy was deemed so much more essential to success than numbers, that no addition was made to the force already on the lines.  One brigade was ordered to commence its march, so as to reach the scene of action in time to cover the troops engaged in the attack, should any unlooked-for disaster befall them; and Major Lee of the light dragoons, who had been eminently useful in obtaining the intelligence which led to the enterprise, was associated with General Wayne, as far as cavalry could be employed in such a service.  The night of the fifteenth, and the hour of twelve, were chosen for the assault.

Stony Point is a commanding hill, projecting far into the Hudson, which washes three-fourths of its base.  The remaining fourth is, in a great measure, covered by a deep marsh, commencing near the river on the upper side, and continuing into it below.  Over this marsh there is only one crossing place; but at its junction with the river, is a sandy beach, passable at low tide.  On the summit of this hill stood the fort, which was furnished with heavy ordnance.  Several breast-works and strong batteries were advanced