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The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Wilmington, Sept. 2, 1777, reports British army positioned from Elk River to Grey's Hill, covered by water; American forces on Brandywine heights with incoming militia from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Jersey; generals Smallwood, Gist, Cadwallader to command Maryland militia; Sullivan's division arriving; Maxwell harassing enemy, capturing 50 prisoners, 20+ deserters; enemy lost 200+ men.
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Dear Colonel,
Wilmington, Sept. 2, 1777.
I was down at the lines where your letter arrived.
The enemy have stretched in a line from four miles below the head of the Elk, to a hill, called Grey's hill, two miles and a half towards Christeen Bridge, having their rear covered by water, the whole way.
Here they must stay till they have stole boats enough to replace those they have lost on the voyage. Their pillage consists of two 18 & 12 pounders. Sixty 6 4 and 3. all brass. Our army is posted in two divisions. about three miles from them, on the heights of Brandywine-- About 8000 militia are come in from Pennsylvania, and others arriving daily: Three fourths of the Delaware State lie in such a manner, as to be easily cut off by the enemy's stretching a line from the head of the River to the head Appoquinimink--this part is an infernal nest of Tories. which makes the Whigs afraid to muster--however the militia, from the other part of the State, are ordered down there--which will give them spirits, and serve as a check
Geo. Smallwood, and Col. Gist, have gone, by order of Congress, to the eastern and western shores of Maryland-&. with Gen. Cadwallader, are to take the command of the militia there, and to act on their rear, and left flank, if they advance.
Gen. Dickinson is coming with three thousand militia from Jersey-Gen. Sullivan's division comes in this day-Gen. Maxwell has the command of 800 men drafted from the troops-1000 militia rifle men, and all the horse. With these light troops he is continually harassing them. We have taken about 50 prisoners, and above 20 deserters have come into head quarters (which is the most difficult way) & great numbers have gone into the country--they have lost above 200 men. since they landed.
This is the best state I can give of the two armies. no body doubts their design being against Philadelphia if they can get there,
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Wilmington
Event Date
Sept. 2, 1777
Key Persons
Outcome
we have taken about 50 prisoners, and above 20 deserters have come into head quarters... they have lost above 200 men since they landed.
Event Details
The enemy have stretched in a line from four miles below the head of the Elk, to a hill, called Grey's hill, two miles and a half towards Christeen Bridge, having their rear covered by water, the whole way. Here they must stay till they have stole boats enough to replace those they have lost on the voyage. Their pillage consists of two 18 & 12 pounders. Sixty 6 4 and 3. all brass. Our army is posted in two divisions. about three miles from them, on the heights of Brandywine-- About 8000 militia are come in from Pennsylvania, and others arriving daily: Three fourths of the Delaware State lie in such a manner, as to be easily cut off by the enemy's stretching a line from the head of the River to the head Appoquinimink--this part is an infernal nest of Tories. which makes the Whigs afraid to muster--however the militia, from the other part of the State, are ordered down there--which will give them spirits, and serve as a check. Geo. Smallwood, and Col. Gist, have gone, by order of Congress, to the eastern and western shores of Maryland-&. with Gen. Cadwallader, are to take the command of the militia there, and to act on their rear, and left flank, if they advance. Gen. Dickinson is coming with three thousand militia from Jersey-Gen. Sullivan's division comes in this day-Gen. Maxwell has the command of 800 men drafted from the troops-1000 militia rifle men, and all the horse. With these light troops he is continually harassing them.