302 HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. [1777. 



navigation for such an immense naval armament more difficult 

 than he had expected, retraced his steps to the ocean, having 

 determined to make his approach by the way of the Chesapeake. 

 This movement was not at first understood by our people, for no 

 tidings were received from the fleet until the 8th of August, 

 when it was seen some leagues south of Delaware Bay, but soon 

 again disappeared, having been prevented from entering the 

 Chesapeake by contrary winds, until the 16th of that month. 

 It was not, however, until the 22d that the Council was advised 

 of the presence of the enemy in the Chesapeake. 



In this period of uncertainty, Washington abated not the least 

 in providing for the defence of the city. On the 15th of August 

 we find him giving directions for the improvement of the defences 

 of the Delaware. More chevaux-de-frize were to be sunk, or 

 " the left bank of Fort Island fortification supported by a good 

 battery capable of resisting the cannon of the ship." The effect 

 of the disappearance of the enemy upon the Executive Council 

 was different. They dreaded expense, and especially unneces- 

 sary expense. An order that had been issued for wagons was 

 countermanded on the 8th of August, and less diligence appears 

 to have been used in forwarding the Militia. Up to the 16th of 

 August, agreeably to the report of Col. John Evans, only about 

 1000 Militia had arrived at Chester, and there was no shelter 

 for more, " all the empty houses being occupied." These troops 

 were from the counties of Berks, Cumberland, Lancaster and 

 Chester. The following letter from the Council to some of the 

 Pennsylvania delegation in Congress, still further exhibits the 

 great anxiety of that body to avoid expense, and may serve to 

 explain the policy that lessened the efficiency of the Militia when 

 called into actual service : 



"Philadelphia, 20th Augt. 1777. 

 " Gent : 



" Council desire, that you will represent to Congress that 

 the Militia last called out in this State, have been rendezvousing 

 at Chester, and are still arriving there. As this is the season 

 for sowing winter corn, on which this county greatly depends, 

 & labourers are become very scarce, they are sensible that great 

 distress must ensue upon continuing these people embodied. In 

 this circumstance, it will afford very sensible satisfaction to the 

 Council, as well as relief to the industrious Inhabitants, if public 

 affairs may admit of the dismissing of part of the Militia, espe- 

 cially as they are very deficient in Arms, & blankets, & totally 

 unprovided with tents." 



Two days later, when news of the approach of the enemy by 

 way of the Chesapeake was received, a very sudden change took 



