Battle of Pell's Point

On Friday, October 18, 1776, Howe landed troops with some resistance at Pell's Point, beginning an encircling maneuver meant to trap Washington's army. The day-long action involved American, British, and Hessian troops and is variously known as the Battle of Pelham, Pelham Manor, Pell's Neck, or Rodman's Neck. The fighting delayed British movements long enough for Washington to continue moving the main army to White Plains and avoid being surrounded on Manhattan. Otto Hufeland recounted twenty-five Americans behind loose cordwood detaining four thousand British provided with ample artillery for several hours, citing both the riflemen's bravery and the weakness of the British command. Colonel Loammi Baldwin estimated 200 British and Hessian dead, though David McCullough called this undoubtedly an exaggeration, while George Athan Billias supported the estimate.