midnight
Sir Henry Clinton arrived and the accomplished André was made his adjutant general . Then came the news that a French fleet would sail up the Delaware . Sir Henry prepared to leave at once , and the city was shaken with both joy and alarm . At midnight , on the 18th of June , the British stole away silently , to the great surprise of the inhabitants , who knew Washington was preparing to descend upon them and feared a bloody battle , for now the Continentals were well equipped , well drilled , and strong in numbers . Primrose sat poring over a book of verse . For a wonder there was no one in to play cards . Madam Wetherill had been a little indisposed for several days .