On the opposite bank, also, there was a formidable redoubt and
intrenchments, with floating batteries, armed galleys under cover,
rafts, with guns upon them, and a great many fire-ships. Moreover,
higher up the river, the Americans had two frigates, and several
gondolas or gun-boats; while, lower down, there were various works to
obstruct the navigation. At this time Lord Howe arrived with his fleet,
and soon after commenced operations. Three batteries were erected on the
Philadelphia side of the river, and Colonel Stirling was thrown across
the river to the Jersey shore to sweep the works at Billing's Port,
which commanded the first line of _chevaux-de-frise_. The Americans fled
at his approach, and Captain Hammond then sailed up the Delaware, broke
the _chevaux-de-frise_, and made a gap wide enough to admit the largest
of our ships of war. Two other rows of _chevaux-de-frise_, however,
remained, with the forts on the bank of the river and the marshy island.
Against these the British now directed their operations; but while they
were making preparations, Washington, who had withdrawn to Skippack
Creek, about sixteen miles from Philadelphia, and who had been
reinforced by 2,500 men, resolved to attempt a surprise. Favoured by a
thick fog, on the 3rd of October, he quitted his encampment, and by dawn
of day arrived at German Town, where a body of the British troops were
posted. Taken by surprise, these troops retreated; but Colonel Musgrave,
by whom they were commanded, threw himself into a large stone house with
five companies, and kept up such an incessant fire upon the assailants
that their progress was impeded, till the troops rallied and got under
arms and into line.
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