The British after this victory encamped in front of the American lines, and on the 28th, and 29th, frequent skirmishes occurred between the two armies. At length, on the 29th, Washington, at the suggestion of General Mifflin, who had been on Long-Island, and knew the situation of the troops, called a council of war, and a retreat was agreed upon, General Mifflin offering to command the rear. This was a wise council, inasmuch, as in front of the army was a numerous and victorious enemy, with a formidable train of artillery. The British fleet indicated an intention to pass tip the East River, and cut off all hope of a retreat. The troops at Brooklyn were lying without shelter from heavy rains, and were moreover, fatigued and dispirited. This difficult movement was effected with great skill and judgment, and with complete success. We should be glad had we time, to narrate all the circumstances connected with it. But we can only give a very general account of it. After dark, on the evening of the 29th, orders were received and communicated to the several regiments, to hold themselves in readiness for an attack upon the enemy, to take place in the course of the night. This excited much speculation among the officers, who knew not the immediate design, and no little concern among the soldiers, whose arms were much injured from exposure to the rain. The embarkation of the troops was committed to General Mc Dougal. It was to commence at 8 o'clock, in the evening, but a strong north east wind and a rapid tide, caused a delay of several hours. At 11 o'clock, the wind sprang up from the south west, which greatly favoured the enterprize, as it enabled them to use the sail boats, which they had, as well as the barges. Providence further interposed in favor of the retreating army, by sending a thick fog about 2 o'clock in the morning, (August 30th,) which hung over Long-Island, while on New-York side, it was clear. The fog and wind continued to favor the retreat till the whole army, nine thousand in number, with all the field artillery, such heavy ordnance as was of most value, ammunition, provisions, horses, cattle, &c, were safely over. The water was so remarkably smooth as to admit of the row boats being loaded within a few inches of the gunnel. General Washington, though often entreated, would not leave the Island till General Mifflin with his covering party, left the lines it about 6 o'clock on the morning of the 30th. The secrecy and skill, with which the whole movement was effected, may be conceived, from the fact that the enemy were so nigh, that the sound of their pickaxes and shovels were distinctly heard by the Americans. Only about half an hour after the lines were finally abandoned, the fog cleared off, and the British were seen taking possession of the American works. Four boats were on the river, three half way over, full of troops: the fourth, within reach of the enemies fire from the shore, was compelled to return. But she had only three men in her, who had tar-