<P> The column had yet to run into any American troops when they reached Howard's Tavern (also known as Howard's Half - Way House), just a few hundred yards from the Jamaica Pass . Tavern keeper William Howard and his son William Jr. were forced to act as guides to show the British the way to the Rockaway Foot Path, an old Indian trail that skirted the Jamaica Pass to the west (located today in the Cemetery of the Evergreens). Five minutes after leaving the tavern, the five American militia officers stationed at the pass were captured without a shot fired, as they thought that the British were Americans . Clinton interrogated the men and they informed him that they were the only troops guarding the pass . By dawn, the British were through the pass and stopped so that the troops could rest . At 09: 00, they fired two heavy cannons to signal the Hessian troops below Battle Pass to begin their frontal assault against Sullivan's men deployed on the two hills flanking the pass, while Clinton's troops simultaneously flanked the American positions from the east . </P> <P> William Howard Jr. describes meeting Howe: </P> <P> It was about two in the morning of August 27 that I was awakened by seeing a soldier at the side of my bed . I got up and dressed and went down to the barroom, where I saw my father standing in one corner with three British soldiers before him with muskets and bayonets fixed . The army was then lying in the field in front of the house...General Howe and another officer were in the barroom . General Howe wore a camlet cloak over his regimentals . After asking for a glass of liquor from the bar, which was given him, he entered into familiar conversation with my father, and among other things said, "I must have some one of you to show me over the Rockaway Path around the pass ." My father replied, "We belong to the other side, General, and can't serve you against our duty ." General Howe replied, "That is alright; stick to your country, or stick to your principles, but Howard, you are my prisoner and must guide my men over the hill ." My father made some further objection, but was silenced by the general, who said, "You have no alternative . If you refuse I shall shoot you through the head . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (November 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Where did the fighting between the colonists and the british army happen