Washington Irving thus describes the attack made by the enemy on Fort Mifflin and Mercer on the 2 2d of October, 1777 : --

"On the forts and obstructions in the river, Washington m:iiniy counted to complete tlie harassment of Philadelphia. The defences had been materially impaired. The works at Billingsport had been attacked and destroyed, and sonicof the enemy's ships had f(jrced their way througli the c7iecriux-(h-frh/', placed tliere. The American frigate Delaware, stationed in the river between the upper forts and Philadelphia, had run aground before a British battery and been captured.

It was now the great object of the Howes to reduce and destroy, and of Wash ington to defend and maintain, the remaining forts and obstructions. Fort Mifflin, which we have already mentioned, was erected on a low, green, reedy island in the Delaware, a few miles below Philadelphia, and below the mouth of the Shuylkill. It consisted of a strong redoubt, with extensive outworks and batteries. There was but a narrow channel between the island and the Pennsylvania shore. The main channel, practicable for ships, was on the other side. lu this were sunk strong clu-rnvx-df-frm', difficult either to be weighed or cut through, and dangerous to any shins thut miglit run against them; subjected as they would i>e to tile batteries of Fort Millliu on one side, and on the other to those of Ft-rl ilercer. a strong work at lied Dauk ou the Jersey shore.

THE TOWN OF VORKTO\\"N'. 693

Fort Mifflin was garrisonod by troops of the Maryland line, under Lieutcnant- Coloii'-'l tramiicl Smith of Baltiinorc ; and the attack on Fort fiercer was given up.