the fort were two batteries opposing those constructed by the British
on Province and Carpenter's Islands, which were separated from Mud
Island only by a narrow passage between 400 and 500 yards wide.

The garrison of Fort Mifflin consisted of only 300 Continental troops,
who were worn down with fatigue and incessant watching, under the
constant apprehension of being attacked from Province Island, from
Philadelphia, and from the ships below.

Having failed in every attempt to draw the militia of New Jersey to the
Delaware, Washington determined to strengthen the garrison by further
drafts from his army. Three hundred Pennsylvania militia were detached
to be divided between the two forts, and a few days afterward General
Varnum was ordered, with his brigade, to take a position above
Woodbury, near Red Bank, and to relieve and reinforce the garrisons of
both forts as far as his strength would permit. Washington hoped that
the appearance of so respectable a Continental force might encourage
the militia to assemble in greater numbers.

Aware of the advantage to result from a victory over the British army
while separated from the fleet, Washington had been uniformly
determined to risk much to gain one. He had, therefore, after the
battle of Germantown, continued to watch assiduously for an opportunity
to attack his enemy once more to advantage. The circumspect caution of
General Howe afforded none. After the repulse at Red Bank his measures
were slow but certain, and were calculated to insure the possession of
the forts without exposing his troops to the hazard of an assault.

In this state of things intelligence was received of the successful
termination of the northern campaign, in consequence of which great