There was some pretty hard skirmishing between
them and our parties as they marched, with but
little loss on our side — nor can I ascertain who the
Enemy was. They returned to Amboy again,
without attempting to gain the passes, plundering
and despoiling the inhabitants contiguous to their
line of march, of their clothing and every thing they
could carry off, burning also, some houses. We
had a Brigade of light troops detached to annoy
their rear flank, but the distance to Amboy being
but short, and the enemy retreating by a Route
they were unable to come up with them, so as to
make an attack with a prospect of success or with-



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out putting themselves in imminent danger, they
are now lying in the neighborhood of the enemy
to avail themselves of any favorable circumstances
that may turn up.
I am, Dr. Sir, with great esteem,

Yr. most obed. servt.,

G. Washington.
Philadelphia, Aug. 4th, 1777.
Sir : —

Your two favors of the 12th and 17th ult. have
been duly received. I am happy in the arrival of
the Packet from Nantes after so good a passage.
