Montresor Journals
3rd. Weather fine but cool early. At daybreak the whole under march except 2 Brigades with Major-Genl. Grant took the lower road to Christeen by the way of Rikin's Tavern, in order to avoid Iron Hill. At this Tavern we were to be joined by the Troops under General Kniphuysen but did not perceive them. About a mile beyond the Country is close—the woods within shot of the road, frequently in front and flank and in projecting points towards the Road, here the Rebels began to attack us, about 9 o'clock with a Continued smart irregular fire for near two miles. The body of the Rebels consisted of 120 men from 6 brigades making 720 men of what they call their regulars, together with 1000 militia and Philadelphia Light Horse, but the 720 men when what were principally engaged they were opposed by the Chasseurs and I Battalion of Light Infantry only the other Battalion of Light Infantry which was sent to surround the rebels through some mistake was led so far on our Right as to find an impassable swamp between them and the Army, which prevented this little spirited affair becoming so decisive. The rebels left about 20 dead among which was a Captain of Lord Sterling's Reg't. We had 3 men killed and 20 wounded, amongst which was Lieut. Haldane Engineer and three more officers. The Rebel Deserters since Come in, say they lost 5 Captains. This body of the enemy was commanded by General Maxwell. From the Iron Hill the waters of the Chesapeak and Delaware are seen. At 2 the whole encamped. Head Quarters Aikin's Tavern. Lord Cornwallis's to Cooche's Mill on the little Christeen where the rebels had a post this morning which we drove them from. The Guards on Iron Hill, Dunop, the Hessian Grenadiers, together with the British and all the Light Troops on the opposite side of the creek about I mile. The middle of this day excessive hot. Accounts just after this skirmishing was over that Lieut.-Genl. Kniphuysen's body was arrived at Aikin's Tavern. This spot is the Welsh tract we called Penn-Cadder. Lieut.-Genl. Kniphuysen's encampment forms a kind of 2nd line to us. Two or 3 shots exchanged in the night. Total of Cattle taken and now brought in by Lt.-Genl. Kniphuysen amounts to 500 Head of Horned Cattle—1000 Sheep and 100 horses but not above forty of these Horses fit for Draught.