over into the island before day undiscovered, and completely
surprised two of the provincial parties, commanded by
Colonels Lawrence and Barton, both of whom, with several
officers and men were taken. The alarm being given, Sullivan
attempted to withdraw from the island. The number of boats
not being sufficient for the embarkation of all his troops
at the same time, some confusion obtained among them.
General Campbell advanced in force on the rear guard while
waiting for the return of the boats, which was captured
after making a gallant resistance.

This enterprise was well planned, and in its commencement,
happily executed; but ought not to have been undertaken
without a number of boats sufficient to secure the retreat.

The loss of the British in prisoners amounted to eleven
officers, and one hundred and thirty privates. That of the
Americans, is stated by Sullivan, at one major, one captain,
one lieutenant, and ten privates killed, and fifteen
wounded, and nine officers, and one hundred and twenty-seven
privates prisoners. General Campbell, in his account of the
action says, that he made two hundred and fifty-nine
prisoners, among whom were one lieutenant colonel, three
majors, two captains, and fifteen inferior officers.]

[Sidenote: British fleet comes up the Chesapeake and lands an army
under Sir William Howe at Elk River.]

The British fleet, after entering the Chesapeake, sailed up it with
favourable winds, and entered Elk River, up which the admiral
proceeded as high as it was safely navigable; and on the 25th of
August the troops were landed at the ferry.

The British army, at its disembarkation, has been generally computed
at eighteen thousand men. They were in good health and spirits,
admirably supplied with all the implements of war, and led by an
experienced general, of unquestionable military talents.

[Sidenote: General Washington advances to Brandywine.]

The day before Sir William Howe landed, the American army marched
through Philadelphia, and proceeded to the Brandywine. The divisions
of Greene and Stephen were advanced nearer to the Head of Elk, and
encamped behind White Clay creek.

Congress had directed General Smallwood and Colonel Girt to take
command of the militia of Maryland, who had been ordered by General
Washington to assemble near the head of the bay. The militia of the