Information soon reached the General that the Rebel army under Washington, were so confident of their strong Position on the Heights of the Brandy wine, that notwithstanding the British Army having got into their Rear there was no appearance of their moving. Sr Wm Howe therefore determined to force their Entrenchmts but before he could venture to give them Battle, he stated to the admiral that he must be certain (before that took place) of having a Naval force, with sufft Provisions at Newcastle in the River Delaware, as a place of retreat in case of accidents. This service the admiral alotted to me, but required my statement upon the best Judgmt I could form, how long it would take me to get round with the Victualers — my answer was that it could not be expected in less than ten days, from the heavy Sailing of the Victualers, especially as there was little chance of any fair wind until we got into the Sea. (Note — This was a great omission in the Commander in Chief, not having considerd the possible want of this Resource before the Fleet left the Mouth of the Delaware, when a sufficient magazine might have been established there.)

This answer was sent to Head Quartrs by a Party of Dragoons waiting for it; and a reply was returned the next day, stating that on the tenth day, the Enemy should be attacked, which was accordingly done. By great Perseverance I reached Newcastle on the 10 Augst [September 10] the very day I was expected, and soon after Day light heard the Cannon of the Engagemt which lasted the greatest part of the day. . . The next day an immense number of waggons with the wounded arrived, among whom was Sr Wm Meadows who commandd the Grenadiers & B. General Harris &c &c. My whole attention therefore for some time was taken up to see them properly taken care of — News then soon reached me that Lord Cornwallis had got Possession of Philadelpa, I then moved up the River, and drove the armed craft (among which was the Virginia² Frigate of 32 Guns) before me, when the Galleys took shelter under the Batterys of Mud Island (a strong Fortification in the middle of the River), and the Frigate, in attempting in the night to slip past the Town, was stoped & taken by the Army. This gave me the opportunity of appointing my First Lieutt to the command of her, and with the foundation of 50 Seamen & marines from the Roebuck, she was soon equipped as an effective Ship of war.