"The city has lately been entertained with a most astonishing instance of the activity, bravery and military skill of the royal navy of Great Britain. The affair is somewhat particular, and deserves your notice. Some time last week two boys observed a keg of a singular construction, floating in the river opposite to the city, they got into a small boat, and attempting to take up the keg, it burst with a great explosion, and blew up the unfortunate boys.¹ On Monday last several kegs of a like construction made their appearance²—An alarm was immediately spread through the city—Various reports prevailed; filling the city and the royal troops with consternation. Some reported that these kegs were filled with armed rebels; who were to issue forth in the dead of night, as the Grecians did of old from their wooden horse at the siege of Troy, and take the city by surprise; asserting that they had seen the points of their bayonets through the bung-holes of the kegs. Others said they were charged with the most inveterate combustibles, to be kindled by secret machinery, and setting the whole Delaware in flames, were to consume all the shipping in the harbour; whilst others asserted that they were constructed by art magic, would of themselves ascend the wharfs in the night time, and roll all flaming thro' the streets of the city, destroying every thing in their way.—Be this as it may—Certain it is that the shipping in the harbour, and all the wharfs in the city were fully manned.—The battle began, and it was surprizing to behold the incessant blaze that was kept up against the enemy, the kegs. Both officers and men exhibited the most unparalleled skill and bravery on the occasion; whilst the citizens stood gazing as solemn witnesses of their prowess. From the Roebuck and other ships of war, whole broadsides were poured into the Delaware. In short, not a wandering chip, stick, or drift log, but felt the vigour of the British arms. The action began about sun-rise, and would have been compleated with great success by noon, had not an old market woman coming down the river with provisions, unfortunately let a small keg of butter fall over-board, which (as it was then ebb) floated down to the scene of action. At sight of this unexpected reinforcement of the enemy, the battle was renewed with fresh fury—the firing was incessant till the evening closed the affair. The kegs were either totally demolished or obliged to fly, as none of them have shewn their heads since. It is said his Excellency Lord Howe has dispatched a swift sailing packet with an account of this victory to the court of London. In a word, Monday, the 5th of January, 1778, must ever be distinguished in history, for the memorable BATTLE OF THE KEGS."³