In reaction to Sir Henry Clinton’s move against Stony Point, the Continental Army marched north from New Jersey to protect West Point, and a plan was devised to counter the British advance. After Captain Allan McLane, an American officer who had gained entrance to the enemy fort, reported the formidable British defenses at Stony Point, General Washington determined that a frontal attack in daylight would most likely fail. Consequently, a night assault was planned under Brigadier General Anthony Wayne of Pennsylvania. Wayne commanded the Corps of Light Infantry, a select force that probed enemy lines, fought skirmishes, and carried out difficult missions. Two columns totaling 1150 men would make up the Continental force. The main assault group of 700 men, commanded personally by Wayne, would wade through the waters on the southern flank, while at the same time a smaller secondary column would approach from the north. To prevent accidental gunfire and preserve surprise, both columns were armed with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. In the center of the peninsula, two companies of North Carolina troops under Major Hardy Murfree would fire volleys to distract the British and divert the fort’s defenders. An additional force of 300 men under General Peter Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania would be held in reserve. At midnight, July 15, 1779, the attack would begin.
