THE SERVICES OF LIECJT.-COLONEL FRANCIS DOWNMAN, R.A. 243 
ingly to the advanced part of the army on the march. The rebel 
battalions showing a disposition to stand, the Commander-in-chief 
ordered the rear of the army to join the front, and the light horse 
to advance and charge those in front of the wood leading to Freehold 
Coart House, at the same time commanding the 1st battalion of 
guards to support the cavalry and follow the charge with bayonets. 
During the movement, while the guards were loading, the advancing 
cavalry received a fire from 300 of the enemy in a wood on the right 1 2 . 
One of the most fortunate events that attended the British army since 
their being in this country, was leaving Philadelphia and marching 
through the Jerseys, for there would have been so many delays at¬ 
tending the embarkation of an army, horses, etc., and in getting the 
fleet out of the Delaware, that before it could have been accomplished 
and the fleet could have arrived at Hew York, the French fleet would 
have taken possession of the river Delaware, and totally blocked us up. 
There we must have remained perhaps until we starved. What could 
we have done ? If we had destroyed our transports, etc. and then 
marched through the Jerseys where could we have gone to ? The 
French would undoubtedly have taken Hew York, there being no 
ships of force enough to have prevented their getting up. 
July 12th ..—A French fleet consisting of 11 ships of the line and 
some frigates came to anchor off the Have Sink, Lord Howe remains 
in the Hook, his force too small to attack them. Admiral Byron with 
a fleet is expected every day, but until his ships or some others do 
arrive nothing can be done against therm They have taken the 
Carcass bomb tender that was driven out of the Hook by a hard wind. 
Lieutenant Garstin, 3 who succeeded Lieutenant Stephens 3 in that com¬ 
mand, has lost everything he had in the world, and himself escaped 
with three men in a small boat. He had just taken the command, 
and while he went to Lord Howe to report the situation of the tender, 
then lying nearer the French than our fleet, they manned boats and 
took him. When were the British arms in such a situation as just 
now ! An English army surrounded by that of rebels. An English 
fleet blocked by a French ! 
July 13th .—Colonel James and myself went down to the Harrows, 
and to Gravesend, and had a view of the French fleet. General 
Clinton has fixed his head-quarters for a few days at Mr. Denyse’s. 
The 42nd and some other troops are encamped here. 
July 20th .—Went to Hew York and paid Commissary Grant £30 
sterling. Saw the Mingo Tyrant, he has allowed me to continue at 
Jamaica a little time longer for my health. The French fleet are still 
before our post, and have taken several prizes. The Leviathan ) a 74, 
has been fitted up and manned in a few days by volunteers only. The 
masters, mates, and seamen in general have shewn much. forwardness 
1 This account ends abruptly, and was evidently intended to be carried to another pa«-e of the 
diary, but cannot be traced. ° 
2 Kane’s List, No. 409. 
3 Kane’s List, No. 403, 
