Fort Mifflin

Camp near Pennibackers Mill, October 7, 1777.

Sir: Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 5th, I have obtained a Return of our loss in the Action on Saturday, by which it appears to be much more considerable, than I first apprehended, tho' I always imagined myself, that it was greater than it was generally supposed to be. The Copy of the Return inclosed1 will shew the amount as it now stands, but I hope many of those who are missing will yet come in.2 I fear however, there are several under that denomination, to be added to the number of the slain, as the Action was warm in every Quarter, from the information of the Officers who commanded the different Attacks. What loss the Enemy sustained, I am not able precisely to ascertain, but from a variety of corresponding Accounts, of persons who left the City since and those of a Deserter, it was very considerable. The Deserter, who is intelligent, says Genl. Agnew3 was killed Sir William Erskine wounded in the head and leg, and that their general loss, in killed and wounded, amounted to near Eight Hundred. Several Reputable persons from the City, corroborate this, particularly with respect to General Agnew's death. Some say, upwards of Two Hundred Waggons with wounded were carried in after the Action and before they came out, and that it was the common belief there, that the Enemy had been severely handled. It is with much chagrin and mortification, I add, that every account confirms the opinion I first entertained, that our Troops retreated at an instant when Victory was declaring herself in our favor. The tumult, disorder and even despair, which it seems had taken place in the British Army, were scarcely to be parallelled; and it is said, so strongly did the Ideas of a retreat prevail, that Chester was fixed on as their Rendezvous. I can discover no other cause, for not improving this happy Opportunity, than the extreme haziness of the weather.

My intention is to encamp the Army at some suitable place, to rest and refresh the Men, and recover them from the still remaining effects of that disorder naturally attendant upon a Retreat. We shall there wait for the Reinforcements coming on and shall then act according to circumstances. General Varnum, with the Detachment from Peekskill, amounting to about Twelve Hundred including Officers, would be last night at Coryel's Ferry. About Five Hundred Militia from Virginia and Two hundred from Maryland, together with Colo Gibson's State Regiment, consisting of 226 Effectives, have already joined the Army. Since the Action, General Forman's Brigade of Jersey Militia has quitted us. The men began to be uneasy at their situation and desirous to return Home; and as by some intelligence received from General Dickenson, there was reason to imagine there might be a call for their services in the Jersies, it was thought expedient to gratify their desire.
[Thanks of Congress to Washington and the Army for Their Attack on the British at Germantown, October 8, 1777]

The state of our Water defence on the Delaware, is far from being as flattering as could be wished. After some slight opposition from the Jersey Militia under Genl Newcomb, a detachment of the Enemy took possession of Billingsport. This perhaps is an event of no material consequence. But it is to be lamented that many of the Officers and Seamen on board the Gallies, have manifested a disposition that does them little honor. Looking upon their Situation to be desperate, or probably from worse motives, they have been guilty of the most alarming desertions. Two whole Crews, including the Officers, have deserted to the Enemy. I learn however by Capt. Bruer, who is this moment arrived here from the Fleet, that the Accounts they have received from the City of our late Attack, were such, as to have produced a favourable change, and to have inspired them with more confidence. I would here observe, that the charge of bad conduct was by no means applicable to the whole, far from it. He further adds, that four of the Enemys Ships made an Attempt Yesterday morning to weigh the Chevaux de frizes opposite Billingsport; but were repulsed by our Gallies, which has also contributed to raise the spirits of the seamen. Our Garrison on Fort Island, consisting of little more than Two hundred Continental Troops under Lt. Colo. Smith,4 appear determined to maintain their post to the last extremity.

I beg leave to mention to Congress, that there is a great deficiency of General Officers in this Army. When the detachment coming from Peeks Kill joins us, we shall have thirteen Brigades. These require as many Brigadiers and six Major Generals. Instead of these, we shall have only four Major Generals and Eleven Brigadiers and the deficiency will be still increased by the death of Genl. Nash which from every appearance is momently to be expected. General Woodford's absence, occasioned by his wound, adds to our embarrassments, tho' it will be but for a time. Under these Circumstances, Congress will be sensible that the government of the Army cannot go on with that energy, which is essential to its well being and success. Neither Officers nor Men will transfer the respect and obedience they pay to a General Officer, to a Colonel, who happens to be appointed to the temporary command of a Brigade; nor will he, knowing his authority to be only temporary, be as Solicitous to inforce it, as one who is conscious he is to continue in the station he fills. Want of leisure prevents my being more particular at this time; but I shall take the liberty, in a day or two, to point out the Troops that are in want of General Officers, with my observations on the Subject. I cannot however omit this opportunity of recommending Genl McDougall to their notice. This Gentleman, from the time of his Appointment as Brigadier, from his abilities, military knowledge and approved bravery, has every claim to promotion. If I mistake not, he was passed over in the last appointments of Major Generals and younger Officers preferred before him; but his disinterested attachment to the Service, prevented his acting in the manner that is customary in like circumstances. This I think gives him a peculiar title to esteem, and concurs with the opinion I have of his value as an Officer, to make me wish it may appear advisable to Congress, to promote him to one of the vacancies.

It would be well, the intended inquiry into the Conduct of Genl Sinclair5 could be brought to a speedy issue, and if he is acquitted to the satisfaction of Congress, as his general Character as an Officer is good, that he may be again restored to the service.

By a Letter this Evening received from Colo. Hawkes Hay of Haverstraw, dated the 5th at 4 O'Clock P.M., Four Ships of War, a considerable number of Armed Vessels, Eight Transports and Forty flat Bottom Boats, arrived that morning in the Bay opposite that place and were landing Troops at Verplank's point. Their number nor design were not known. I have the honor &c.6

P.S. Inclosed you will find a Copy of a Letter from Colo. Mifflin, containing an account of the Action of the 4th, as mention'd by the British Officers in Philadelphia. I would beg leave to observe, that I think Miss Leonard's name should not be mentioned.7

1. 1. This return is not found in either the Papers of the Continental Congress or the Washington Papers in the Library of Congress.
2. 2. See Washington's letter to John Augustine Washington, Oct. 18, 1777, post.
3. 3. James Agnew. He was an aide-de-camp to the King and ranked as a brigadier general in America.
4. 4. Baron d'Arendt commanded at Fort Mifflin until October 27, when he was forced by illness to retire. The command was then assumed by Lieut. Col. Samuel Smith, but not without some dispute.
5. 5. Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair.
6. 6. In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison; the draft is in that of Harrison and Alexander Hamilton.
7. 7. Col. Jonathan Mifflin's letter of October 6 was to Col. Clement Biddle. A copy of it, by Caleb Gibbs, is filed with Washington's letter in the Papers of the Continental Congress. Miss Leonard, who had just come from Philadelphia, gave the following account: "In her presence several British Officers who had returned from the Action of the 4th. Instant Confessed that they had never met with so severe a Drubbing since the Battle of Bunkers Hill, that the Attack was made with great Judgment and Supported with equal Bravery, that Genl. Agnew was killed on the spot. Genl. Grant Mortally wounded (and reported to be dead before she left the City) two Colo. Killd. and a great Number of officers wounded, that all the Hospitals in town would not Contain the wounded. Six Rooms were bespoke for wounded Officers at her Aunt's, immediately on the Alarm all the troops march'd out of the City not a single Centry was left. The tories talk of moving off with Genl. Howe that two more such worsters must ruin them. The General talk of the British officers before the Action was that immediately after the Compleating their Fortifications which they are Carrying on with the greatest Expedition they intended to take the field but now they begin to be apprehensive of Genl. Washington pushing his Succees. they receive no supplies from Jersey but a good deal from over the Schuylkill Continental money has not been cryd down but is taken at Several Shops. Mrs. House and Mrs. Gard are ordered out of their houses which are to be given away. Mrs. Kersly lives in Doctr. Shippens house which she has received for services done, Genl. Howe is to live in Genl. Cadwallader's House, when he comes to the City he has rode in but once Hd. Quarters are at German Town. All the Furniture in the deserted houses is collecting and to be sold at Vendue. The Allans are all in Phila. Bill is raising a Regiment which is call'd General Howes."