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.

56 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [JET. 45.
cattle, and forage, of which there are considerable quantities in that country. This, in my opinion, considering
how far the campaign is already advanced, would take
up more time than he could spare. For, supposing him
able to form such an extension, he would be as far
from Philadelphia as he is at present, and he would be
subject to an attack upon some part of his line, which,
from its length, could not be properly supported. A
few days past he advanced two or three miles forward,
during which there was pretty sharp skirmishing between our light troops and his van. We had about
forty killed and wounded, and I imagine the enemy
had considerably more, as ours were thinly posted behind cover, and they were in column. I am, &c.
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Eight Miles from Wilmington, 9 September, 1777.
SIR,
The enemy advanced yesterday with a seeming intention of attacking us upon our post near Newport.
We waited for them the whole day; but they halted in
the evening at a place called Milltown, about two miles
from us. Upon reconnoitring their situation, it appeared
probable that they only meant to amuse us in front,
while their real intent was to march by our right, and,
by suddenly passing the Brandywine and gaining the
heights upon the north side of that river, get between
us and Philadelphia, and cut us off from that city. To
prevent this, it was judged expedient to change our
position immediately. The army accordingly marched
at two o'clock this morning, and will take post this
evening upon the high grounds near Chad's Ford. We
have heard nothing circumstantial from the enemy this