THE SERVICES OF LIETJT.-COLONEL FRANCIS DOWNMAN, R .A. 219 
April 5th, 1778. —Information being received that a body of rebels, 
consisting of about 800 with two field pieces, were collected at Haddon- 
field on the Jerseys, a party of light bobs went down the river in 
boats and landed at Gloucester Point, from whence they marched to 
the above town, Jput the rebels being apprised of their danger very 
prudently withdrew, except six who fired out of a house, were stormed 
in their castle and bayoneted, and a rebel light horseman met with the 
same fate. On the return of our party they heard that about 40 of 
the rebels were lodged near Cooper's ferry, on which they directed 
their march to that spot in such a manner as to surround them, and 
after a short skirmish in which several were wounded, made 26 of 
them prisoners, amongst whom were a major and two subs. Our 
troops received not the least injury in their excursion. Our light 
troops are almost every night making excursions into the country, 
sometimes 20 miles and upwards, and as often return with 30, 40, or 
50 prisoners, besides killing and wounding many without the least loss 
to themselves. 
April 10th. —The February packet arrived from England, some 
vessels from Rhode Island and from New York. 
April 14th. —The Aldborough, a new frigate, Captain Keppel, ar¬ 
rived here in 28 days from England. She brought dispatches for 
General Howe. Poor old England ! and must you knock under to 
rebels at last ? 
April 22nd .—'The light bobs made a dash near Chesnut Hill in the 
night, surprised a captain's guard of 80 rebels, killed some and brought 
in the lieutenant and 58 men without any loss. Lord Howe arrived 
from Rhode Island on April 16th. Two large redoubts are begun in 
front of the others and are being carried on with great expedition ; 
they are situated upon the rising ground at the distance of 300 yards. 
This appears, I think, as if we intended to act upon the defensive. 
April 30th.- —This night a small party of the light bobs, dragoons, 
Queen's rangers, and a few Pennsylvania dragoons left this at about 11 
o'clock and proceeded up the Old York road. About a mile beyond 
the Billet they fell in with Lacy's brigade of rebel militia consisting of 
about 500 men, and immediately attacked them. Lacy at first made 
some appearance of opposition, but in a few seconds his men were 
thrown into confusion, obliged to retreat with precipitation, and were 
pursued about four miles. They left between 80 and 100 dead on the 
spot, and yesterday between 50 and 60 prisoners, besides waggoners 
and 10 of their waggons laden with baggage, flour, salt, whiskey, etc., 
were brought in by our troops on their return. A good many of the 
rebels wore wounded, but we cannot ascertain the number. The wag¬ 
gons were burnt with all their huts and what baggage could not be 
brought off. The loss on our side was seven men wounded and two 
horses killed. 
May 2nd , 1778. —Two regiments are gone across the river to the 
Jerseys with some light cannon opposite the town. Redoubts are 
likewise going to be erected there. 
May 4th. —Sir Henry Clinton arrived from New York. He is to 
