ed by Major Rogers,
to the City of Philadelphia. We have an admirable clue of
their abominable conspiracies, and (however late this
undertaking has been) I hope by spirit and perseverance we
may baffle their wretched Plots of occasioning a revolt in
this State."[209]

[Footnote 209: As evidence of the estimation in which Lee was held at
this time, Duer writes on the 15th to Colonel Harrison: "I beg my
affectionate compliments to Genl Lee, whom I sincerely congratulate
on his arrival in camp--partly on account of himself as he will have
it in his [power] to reap a fresh Harvest of Laurels, and more on
account of his Country which looks to him as one of the brave
asserters of her dearest rights."--_MS. Letter._

Lee had just returned from South Carolina, and was associated by the
army with the brave defence of Charleston harbor. The honor of that
affair, however, belonged entirely to Moultrie.]

On the 13th, Tilghman wrote to Duer:

"When your favor of the 10th came to hand, I was attending
his Excellency, who was obliged to ride up to West Chester
upon the Alarm of the Enemy's Landing at Frog's Point....
From their not moving immediately forward, I imagine they
are waiting for their artillery and stores, which must be
very considerable if they seriously intend to set down in
the country upon our rear. The grounds leading from Frog's
Point towards our Post at King's bridge are as defensible as
they can be wished. The roads are all lined with stone
fences and the adjacent Fields divided off with stone
[fences] likewise, which will make it impossible for them to
advance their artillery and ammunition waggons by any other
Rout than the great roads, and I think if they are well
lined with troops, we may make a Considerable Slaughter if
not discomfit them totally. Our riflemen have directions to
attend particularly to taking down their Horses, which if
done, will impede their march effectually. Our troops are in
good spirits and seem inclined and determined to dispute
every inch of Ground."

On the 15th he wrote to Duer again as follows, after informing him
that the enemy had not moved from the Neck:

"From the number of vessels that have been continually
passing up the Sound we conclude that they are transporting
cannon and stores necessary to enable them to penetrate the
countr