Report

On the Night of the 7^th: Inst^t: at 8 ^o:Clock, I embarked with the 2^d: Battalion of Light Infantry, and proceeded up the delaware in the Flat Boats commanded by Capt: Henry of the Navy¹ and landed about ten next morning at White Hill, where the Rebels appeared in Force, both Horse and Foot, (but chiefly Horse). As soon as our three pounders were landed I advanced towards Bordentown (two miles distant) the Rebels Still kept in Front, and at a Creek where I was obliged to pass by a Dam, part of which was Wood, they made a Stand, having a Field piece with them, and attempted to break down the dam to prevent my passage; but the Battalion pushing on with their usual Alacrity, they were not able to effect this, and a warm Fire ensuing they abandoned their Field piece, having only fired it once—We pushed and drove them from five Guns they had in the Town, which were disposed in such a manner as to prevent shipping coming up the River—The Rebels left fourteen dead on the Spot—² In this Town we destroyed four Store Houses containing provisions of all Species, a very large quantity of Tobacco some Military Stores and Camp Equipage;³ The Fire accidentally communicating from the Stores to M^r. Bordens House (A Col^l: in the Rebel Service) it was consumed together with all the Furniture. 

The Rebels alarmed the Country, and collected a Strong Body at Trenton, where it appears they apprehended I would direct my March; I was willing to confirm them in their Opinion, and therefore moved a little that way, then reembarked and crossed to the Pennsylvania shore, when I took post as to cover the Naval Force. early next Morning we proceeded to Biles Island Creek, and burnt some valuable Vessels belonging to the Rebels, particularly two Ships loaded with Tobacco, Rum and Military Stores. About two o'clock the Battalion marched for Bristol (thirteen miles distant) where they arrived at five in the Evening, burnt what Vessels were there belonging to the Enemy, and embarked by SunSet.⁴

Upon the whole this Expedition has been very fatiguing to the Troops, but must in its Consequences be extremely distressing to the Rebels, as their Magazines and Ships upon the River are totally destroyed. The annexed List will inform you of their Number & Quality: the Gallies being sunk in deep Water could not be injured. 

In Justice to Capt: Henry and the Seamen employed on this Expedition and to the Battalion under my Command I must say they behaved with such Spirit and Alacrity as cannot fail to do them Honor, and I flatter myself has merited the Generals Approbation—

Philadelphia 11^th May 1778.

(Signed) John Maitland 
major C: 2^d. L: I: