Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 7, 1777

Calm till 11 o'clock A. M. Master of the horse Sloop came on board to signifie the distress for want of forage. Gave him a note to the Commissary General. Latitude (at noon) 38° 8′ 30′′. Very sultry and close, sea rather smooth. Remark—the losing 7½ miles is safely accounted for, by the observation of the current of yesterday. Every night lately a threatening horizon at the S. W. At 5 P. M. the fleet went about, we laid what we conjectured to be our course. The wind E. by S. our course now S. by East about 4 Knots. Continued this course all night. At 5½ P. M. the fleet discovered the land.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 434

Journal of Captain John Montresor, August 29, 1777

Weather delightful and cool especially the mornings and evenings which are now rather cold. The Chasseurs pushed a body of the rebel Infantry at daylight this morning. Several of the Small craft arrived at the Lower landing with provisions &c. This country abounding in Forage, Pasture and vegetables, but the Inhabitants flown. Large quantities of apples green and Indian Corn which are in moderation great refreshments to the Soldiery. This night Lt.-Gen. Kniphuysen with the Troops left at Elk Ferry, crossed the Elk and encamped at Cecil Court house. 13 of our men deserted from us, or taken by the Enemy when marauding. A man came in from Philadelphia, that passed through the Rebel country who assured us that they are posted at Brandywine with a considerable body at White Clay Creek. About four hundred men advanced to Iron hill about five and a half miles from hence.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 444

Journal of Captain John Montresor, June 14, 1777

The Commander in Chief with the other columns or rather the main body arrived and encamped 3 miles South of the Mill Stone River at Middlebush, he went on crossed the Mill Stone River after repairing the Bridge which the Enemy had broken up. We found Lord Cornwallis's Column on the opposite side after some skirmishing ten rebels killed, our loss in killed two and 2 wounded and an Officer. Found most of the Houses deserted and what were inhabited the men were absent; collected some Forage, cattle and horses A few shots were exchanged between some of our cavalry and that of the rebels but without effect and advanced. Yager taken off by some rebel Light horse.

SOURCE: G. D. Scull, Editor, The Montresor Journals, p. 422