On July 12, Fort Lee’s fortifications were laid out, and together with Fort Washington on the opposite bank and aided by a river barrier, the twin fortresses were intended to thwart British control of the Hudson. On July 12, General Howe’s forces landed on Staten Island and through late August amassed 31,000 men. On August 22, the British crossed the bay and engaged Washington’s army five days later in the Battle of Long Island. On September 15, Howe’s troops, in pursuit of the Americans, landed at Kip’s Bay. On September 16, the Battle of Harlem Heights began; after a month, Washington moved north while the British headed for the East River. On October 9, three British warships attempting to penetrate the river blockade and silence the protective batteries were repulsed. On October 18, after being repulsed at Throgs Neck, Howe’s forces landed at Pell’s Point. On October 28, after regrouping, American and British armies fought the Battle of White Plains.