The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

420 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [-ET. 46.
left wing, secured by a marsh and thick wood, and
their rear by a difficult defile, from whence they moved
very early this morning. Our advance, from the rainy
weather, and the intense heat when it was fair, (though
these may have been equally disadvantageous to them,)
has been greatly delayed. Several of our men have
fallen sick from these causes; and a few unfortunately
have fainted, and died in a little time after;
We have a select and strong detachment more forward, under the command of Major-General Lee, with
orders to attack their rear if possible. Whether the
detachment will be able to come up with it, is a matter of question, especially before they get into strong
grounds. Besides this, Morgan, with his corps, and
some bodies of militia, are on their flanks. I cannot
determine yet at what place they intend to embark.
Some think they will push for Sandy Hook, whilst
others suppose they mean to go to Shoal Harbour.
The latter opinion seems to be founded in the greater
probability, as, from intelligence, several vessels and
craft are lying off that place.* We have made a few
prisoners; and they have lost a good many men by
desertion. I cannot ascertain their number, as they
came in to our advanced parties, and pushed immediately into the country. I think five or six hundred
is the least number in the whole, that have come in.
They are chiefly foreigners.
I have the honor to be, &c.
WThen Sir Henry Clinton left Philadelphia, it was his purpose, if
circumstances would admit, to march directly to Brunswic and embark
his troops on the Rariton River. Till he arrived at Crosswicks and
Allentown, his march was in that direction, although equally in a line
to Sandy Hook. At this point it was necessary for him to determine
which route to pursue, and he chose the latter, as he was informed that
General Washington had crossed the Delaware with his whole army,
and was stationed on the line to Brunswic.