constructed a slight work opposite Fort Mifflin, within two musket
shots of the blockhouse, from which they were enabled to throw shot and
shells into the barracks. When daylight discovered this work three
galleys and a floating battery were ordered to attack it and the
garrison surrendered. While the boats were bringing off the prisoners,
a large column of British troops were seen marching into the fortress,
upon which the attack on it was renewed, but without success, and two
attempts made by Lieutenant-Colonel Smith to storm it failed. [1]

In a few nights works were completed on the high ground of Province
Island, which enfiladed the principal battery of Fort Mifflin, and
rendered it necessary to throw up some cover on the platform to protect
the men who worked the guns.

The aid expected from the Jersey militia was not received. "Assure
yourself," said Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, in a letter pressing
earnestly for a reinforcement of Continental troops, "that no
dependence is to be put on the militia; whatever men your Excellency
determines on sending, no time is to be lost." The garrison of Fort
Mifflin was now reduced to 156 effectives, and that of Red Bank did not
much exceed 200.

In consequence of these representations Washington ordered Col.
Christopher Greene, of Rhode Island, with his regiment, to Red Bank,
and Lieut.-Col. John Greene, of Virginia, with about 200 men, to Fort
Mifflin.

Immediately after the battle of Brandywine Admiral Howe had sailed for
the Delaware, where he expected to arrive in time to meet and cooperate
with the army in and about Philadelphia. But the winds were so