Christopher Greene, was put in command j a brave oniccr who had accompanied Aniold in his rough expedition to Canada, and fought valiantly under the walls of Quebec. ''The post with which you are intrusted," wTites Washington in his letter of instructions, "is of the utmost importance to America. The whole defence of the Delaware depends upon it ; and consequently all the enemy's hopes of keeping Philadelphia, and finally succeeding in the present Campaign."

Col. Greene was accompanied by Captain INIauduit Duplessis, who was to have the direction of the artilleiy. He was a young French engineer of great merit, who had volunteered in the American cause, and received a commission from Congress. The chexaiix-de frise, in the river, had been constructed under his superintendence.

Greene, aided by Duplessis, made all haste to put Fort Mercer in a state of defense ; but before the outworks were completed, he was surprised (Oct. 2 2d,) by the appearance of a large force from a wood within cannon-shot of the fort. Their uniforms showed them to be Hessians. They were, in fact, four battallions, twelve hundred strong of grenadiers, picked men, besides light infantry and cliasseurs, all commanded by Count Donop, who had figured in the last year's campaign. Col Greene, in nowise dismayed by the superiority of the enemy, forming in glistening array before the wood, prepared for a stout resistance. In a little while an officer was descried, riding slowly up with a flag, accompanied by a drummer. Greene ordered his men to keep out of sight, that the fort might appear but slightly garrisoned.