o sloops-of-war,
the Augusta and Merlin, which were sent to aid in the assault, ran
aground while they endeavoured to avoid the _chevaux-de-frise_ and were
burnt. Preparations, however, being made for attacking the fort on the
marshy island, which was the chief defense of the river, an attack was
made, and a breach was soon effected in the works, which ensured its
capture. Two days after this Lord Cornwallis proceeded against the
redoubt on Red Bank, and this was also captured. Franklin's ingenious
mechanism was then destroyed, and a full and free communication was
established along the whole course of the Delaware.

CLOSE OF HOWE'S CAMPAIGN.

It was towards the end of November that the river Delaware was opened.
By this time General Howe seems to have considered that his work was
done for the year. His supineness, and the slow movements of his army,
seem at all times to have been favourable to the cause of the enemy;
for though he was generally partially successful when he did act, yet he
always gave Washington sufficient time to rectify his many blunders and
to repair his losses. But though Howe thought of repose, Washington
had no intention of letting him enjoy himself. Having received a
reinforcement of 4000 men from the army of the North--which, as will be
seen, had rendered important service to the American cause--he quitted
Skippack Creek, and took post at White Marsh, only fourteen miles from
Philadelphia. Howe felt called upon to make fresh exertions, for the
proximity of the American forces shut him out from a fertile source of
supplies. Accordingly he quitted Philadelphia, and took post on Chesnut
Hill, in front of Washington's right wing. Here he remained for two
days, with his troops drawn out in line of battle, hoping to tempt
Washington to come to a general engagement. Nothing occurred, however,
but a slight skirmish, in which the American militia ran like a rabble
before some light-infantry; and Howe then removed to Edge Hill, about a
mile from Washington's left wing. Here a decided advantage was gained by
Lord Cornwallis, who drove a strong body of the American troops from the
crest of that hill, and a favourable opportunity was afforded, from the
dismay which their retreat occasioned, for attacking the main body with
success. But Howe was still cautious, and seeing that Washington was not
disposed to quit his camp, he returned to Philadelphia, there to spend
the winter. But Washington was determ