he might be at hand to gain information, watch the movements of the
enemy, check their predatory excursions, and fall on their rear when
in the act of withdrawing.

The marquis crossed the Schuylkill on the 18th of May, and proceeded
to Barren Hill, about half way between Washington's camp and
Philadelphia, and about eleven miles from both. Here he planted his
cannon facing the south, with rocky ridges bordering the Schuylkill on
his right; woods and stone houses on his left. Behind him the roads
forked, one branch leading to Matson's Ford of the Schuylkill, the
other by Swedes' Ford to Valley Forge. In advance of his left wing was
McLane's company and about fifty Indians. Pickets and videttes were
placed in the woods to the south, through which the roads led to
Philadelphia, and a body of six hundred Pennsylvania militia were
stationed to keep watch on the roads leading to White Marsh.

In the meantime Sir Henry Clinton having received intelligence through
his spies of this movement of Lafayette, concerted a plan to entrap
the young French nobleman. Five thousand men were sent out at night
under General Grant to make a circuitous march by White Marsh, and get
in the rear of the Americans; another force under General Grey was to
cross to the west side of the Schuylkill, and take post below Barren
Hill, while Sir Henry in person was to lead a third division along the
Philadelphia road.

The plan came near being completely successful, through the remissness
of the Pennsylvania militia, who had left their post of observation.
Early in the morning word was brought that red coats had been descried
in the woods near White Marsh. Lafayette was expecting a troop of
American dragoons in that quarter who wore scarlet uniforms, and
supposed these to be them; to be certain, however, he sent out an
officer to reconnoitre. The latter soon came spurring back at full
speed. A column of the enemy had pushed forward on the road from White
Marsh, were within a mile of the camp, and had possession of the road
leading to Valley Forge. Another column was advancing on the
Philadelphia road. In fact, the young French general was on the point
of being surrounded by a greatly superior force. Lafayette saw his
danger, but maintained his presence of mind. Throwing out small
parties of troops to show themselves at various points of the
intervening wood, as if an attack on Grant was meditated, he brought
that general to a halt to prepare for act