Note 126 — Chapter IV

The site of this breastwork is now within the limits of Prospect Park, and it stood across what is known as "Battle Pass." Dr. Stiles in his History of Brooklyn, and Mr. Field in vol. ii. of the L.I. Hist. Society's Memoirs, put a well-constructed redoubt at this point on a hill-top to the left of the road. The account in the South Carolina Gazette says that the Flatbush Pass guards were posted "near a mile from the parting of the road [i.e., a mile from where the Flatbush Road branched from the Jamaica Road] where an abattis was formed across the road, and a breastwork thrown up and defended by two pieces of cannon." In the original sketch of the "engagement," made by John Ewing, who was Hand's brother-in-law, and with him on the spot, there is this reference: "F. Where a considerable Number of our people were stationed with several Field-pieces & Breast-works made with Trees felled across the Road to defend themselves when attacked." (Document 15.) Colonel Miles speaks of "a small redoubt in front of the village [Flatbush]" (Document 20.) The breastwork across the road was doubtless the principal defence here, and this was merely temporary.