Montresor Journals
28th. The Army moved between 3 and 4 this morning. The weather extremely fine which dried the roads, which would have been otherwise impassible, the medium 12 Pounders proved to be most difficult to pass through the Sloughs. Two houses got on Fire after quitting the Quarters but appeared to me to have been done on purpose. About 9 o'clock this morning our Army arrived at the Town of Elk consisting of about 40 well built brick and stone houses, our march hither about 7^ miles. Very few shots exchanged this day with the Enemy. One thousand men under a Colonel Paterson and the Philadelphia Light Horse fled from this Town on our approach, part to Gray's hill 2\ miles beyond the Town, which the rebels likewise quitted, as we reached the summit we could observe them but not within Cannon shot. Several of our men very irregular in pursuit of fresh provisions, so as to fall in the Enemy's hands. The rebels broke up the bridge at the End of the Town which we soon repaired, in the mean time great part of the Army forded the Creek in about 3 feet water on a gravelly bottom. We took three or four prisoners. Part of the small craft with provisions, camp equipage, baggage and Stores reached the head of Elk this evening from the Fleet at Elk Ferry. Very heavy dews fell after sunset The Roads upon the whole this day may be said to be good. 23 of our Troops, 3 of which Hessians missing, supposed to be taken by the Enemy plundering. The rebels were so precipitate this day as to leave some of their Store houses full, consisting of molasses, Indian Corn, Tobacco, Pitch, Tar and some Cordage and Flour. The Cattle was drove off excepting a few. Found fifteen of the rebel sloops and Schooners at Elk.