 In January 1780 the regiment was involved in a failed attack on Staten Island ; word of the operation leaked to the British . Hazen 's regiment was then transferred to the brigade of Enoch Poor . By the time the transfer was effected , Hazen was given command of the entire brigade , although repeated requests he had made for promotion to brigadier general were rejected . During the summer the brigade was relocated to the West Point area . While en route , Hazen allowed his men to stop for water , breaking the army column . Von Steuben ordered Hazen 's arrest for this transgression of military discipline . Hazen was acquitted , and promptly countercharged von Steuben with behavior unbecoming an officer and gentleman ; von Steuben apologized . 
