John Cadwalader

“ Joseph Reed wrote Cadwalader at 11:00 A.M. on 25 Dec. from Philadelphia: “General Putnam has determined to cross the river with as many men as he can collect, which he says will be about 500; he is now mustering them and endeavouring to get [Thomas] Proctor’s company of artillery to go with them. I wait to know what success he meets with, and the progress he makes; but at all events I shall be with you this afternoon” (Reed, Joseph Reed, 1:275n) . Philadelphia merchant Christopher Marshall says in his diary entry for 25 Dec. ”

“ The forces under Cadwalader’s command at Bristol were Col. Daniel Hitchcock’s brigade of Continental soldiers, three regiments of Philadelphia associators, a detachment of the Philadelphia riflemen, four companies of Philadelphia city militia, a company of Kent County, Del., militia, and two companies of artillery (see Stryker, Battles of Trenton and Princeton, 344–46) . ”

“ Griffin left there would make a formidable Body [3] —This would cause a Diversion that would favour any Attempt you may design in future, & would expose their Baggage & Stores, if they attempt to cross—It is impossible, in our present Situation, to co-operate with Genl Putnam—The Militia will be easier kept together by being in motion & we shall have some Service from Col. Hitchcock’s Brigade, whose time of Enlistment will be up in a few Days. We have procured a considerable number of Shoes Stockgs & Breeches for them [4] —They are in good Spirits & enlist very fast. ”