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.

250 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1777.
For several days nothing was heard of the fleet, till
it was seen again near the coast about sixteen leagues
south of the Capes of Delaware. This was a proof,
that it was really bound to the southward; and, as ten
days passed without any other intelligence, the opinion
began to prevail, that it was gone to Charleston. So
thoroughly was this belief impressed upon Washington
and his officers, that a council decided it to be expedient to march towards the Hudson, and either act
against Burgoyne, or attack New York. This decision
was approved by Congress; but, the very day on which
the army was to march, an express arrived with intelligence, that the fleet was coming up the Chesapeake Bay, and had already ascended two hundred
miles from its mouth. All uncertainty was now at an
end. No one doubted the designs of Sir William
Howe against Philadelphia, though, as Washington said,
the route he had chosen was "a very strange' one."
The detachments were recalled from New Jersey,
where Sullivan had employed them in an unsuccessful
enterprise against Staten Island, and the whole army
marched to Wilmington.
The reconnoitring parties soon reported the enemy
to have landed below the Head of Elk. The American
troops were posted at Red Clay Creek, a few miles
beyond Wilmington, the pickets being advanced to
Christiana Bridge. There was constant skirmishing
between the light parties of the opposing armies, in
which the Americans behaved with spirit, gained some
advantages, and took about sixty prisoners. When
General Howe had landed all his men, artillery, and
baggage, his movements indicated an intention to outflank the American right; and Washington retired from
his position at Red Clay Creek, crossed the Brandywine, and took possession of the high ground near