some acquaintance.

In this, however, I was happily disappointed, as there were few civilians
on the streets, the throngs of soldiers, off duty for a holiday, with all
discipline relaxed, being boisterous, and considerably under the
influence of liquor. Quarrels between them were frequent, the British
regulars and Loyalists seldom meeting without exchange of words and
blows. The uniform worn, together with my dragoon guard, saved me from
trouble, and I found the fellow sufficiently intelligent to be of value.
I dare not make notes, and yet recall clearly even now the stations of
the troops, together with a clear mental outline of the main defences of
the city. I made no attempt to pass beyond the limits, but, from
statements of the dragoon, and various officers with whom I conversed,
mapped in my mind the entire scheme of defence. Briefly stated, the line
of intrenchments from the Delaware to the Schuylkill extended from the
mouth of Conoquonaque Creek, just above Willow Street, to the Upper
Ferry, nearly on a line with Callowhill Street. These consisted of ten
redoubts, connected with strong palisades, all redoubts well garrisoned
by seasoned troops, the Queen's Rangers being at the extreme right.
Within the city proper were the reserves, so scattered in various
encampments as to be easily mobilized, and yet kept separated. To the
north were the Hessians, and next to these came three regiments of
British Grenadiers, with a body of Fusileers. Eight regiments of the line
occupied the slight eminence known as Bush's Hill, while close to the
Ferry was another encampment of Hessians. The Yagers, horse and foot,
were upon another hill near the river, and below them a large body of
infantry of the line. The Light Dragoons and three infantry regiments
were near a small pond. At the Middle Ferry was the 71st Regiment, and a
body of Yagers were at the Point House, opposite Gloucester. Many of
these locations were then outside the city, which extended at that time