doc_id n="S5-V3-P03-sp03-D0119">

Colonel Ford to General Heath

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Chatham, 18th December, 1776, 5 o' clock.

SIR: Since writing my last I have certain intelligence that the troops we engaged last night were General Leslie' s brigade, who marched some few days since from Elizabeth-Town to the southard. They received an order to counter-march to the same place. That brigade is from twelve to thirteen hundred strong, and the Waldeckers upwards of four hundred. At Spank-Town, six miles to the southard of Elizabeth-Town, there is five hundred British troops. This is all the enemy you have to combat in this country at present. We are not certain whether the enemy who attacked us have or have not yet returned to Elizabeth-Town. Lord Stirling is on this side the river Delaware, with a small detachment joined to General Sullivan, with orders not to recross the river, if my intelligence be good, and I believe it is.

I am, your most obedient,

JACOB FORD, Jun.

To Major-General Heath.