154 THE SERVICES OF LIEUT.-COLONEL FRANCIS DOWNMAN, R.A. 
August 25th. —This morning early the grenadiers and light infantry 
got into the flat boats, proceeded up the Elk river, and landed at the 
ferry without opposition. I was ordered on board the Unity , which 
weighed anchor and sailed up the river. About noon we came to 
anchor, and the different brigades of artillery landed as fast as they 
could. Part of the army were advanced about five miles into the coun¬ 
try; the rest were posted along the hills near the water-side. The 
whole lay under arms all night, which proved a very bad one. I am 
posted with four 3 pounders with the 71st regiment. 
August 25th, —The army keep their ground. The artillery are land¬ 
ing their stores, etc. This night was exceedingly bad. The army 
still untented. 
August 27th. —The army still on their first ground. We are in¬ 
formed that Washington’s army is strongly intrenched on Brandywine 
heights. I received orders about noon to-day to quit my 3 pounders, 
and take command of the 2nd brigade of heavy artillery, consisting of 
two medium 12 pounders, two light 12 pounders, and two 5J inch how¬ 
itzers, with their waggons, and to march directly. I set off about 3 
o’clock following the 1st brigade. We went about five miles and lay 
under arms all night. The country is beautiful, not many houses, but 
the ground that is cultivated seems to be in good order and yielding 
corn plentifully. We have met with no enemy as yet, nor any friends. 
The country is quite deserted. Cattle and other things have been met 
with and found very acceptable. General Howe has given strict orders 
against any kind of marauding, but it is not in anyone’s power to pre¬ 
vent this where there is so large an army and such a mixture of troops. 
The Hessians are famous and infamous for their plundering. 
August 28th ,—This morning about 4 o’clock the Hessian grenadiers 
began to move from their ground, and I followed them. We con¬ 
tinued our march till about 1 o’clock, when we came to Head of Elk, 
about 12 miles, a most fatiguing march, the roads exceedingly bad, 
horses very bad, and the sun intensely hot, with nothing to eat or 
drink but apples and water. This is the county town, and there are 
several very good brick houses, but the inhabitants are all fled except 
a Mr. Alexander at whose house our General resides. The grenadiers 
and light infantry are advanced a few miles. I was informed by a 
sick man who ventured to stay in his house, that General Washington 
dined here the day before yesterday, and had with him 500 light horse, 
and that this morning a party of the rebels left the town just before 
we entered it. The rebel army are a few miles from us at Iron Hill or 
thereabout. The light infantry, in taking possession of a hill about a 
mile off, exchanged a few shot with some rebel light horse. The ar¬ 
tillery are formed into a park at the back of the town, and ourselves 
and men are encamped. It seems we are to remain here a few days to 
recruit our horses and pub everything in proper order and then proceed 
to Philadelphia. 
August 29th. —We remain on our ground without molestation. The 
weather intensely hot. 
August 30th. —This morning a small party of dragoons, mounted 
