Philadelphia, Saturday, 23 August, 1777, 4 o'clock.
We have an express to-day from Governor Johnson, Captain Nicholson, and
several other gentlemen, with an account that the fleet, to the number
of two hundred and sixty-three sail, have gone up towards the head of
Chesapeake Bay. They lie over against the shore between the river
Sassafras and the river Elk. We have also a letter from General
Washington, acquainting us that to-morrow morning at seven o'clock he
shall march his army through the city of Philadelphia, along Front
Street, and then turn up Chestnut Street in his way to cross over the
bridge at Schuylkill River; so that General Howe will have a grand
Continental army to oppose him, in very good season, aided by a
formidable collection of militia. I like this movement of the General
through the city. Such a show of artillery, wagons, light horse, and
infantry, which takes up a line of nine or ten miles upon their march,
and will not be less than five or six hours passing through the town,
will make a good impression upon the minds of the timorous Whigs for
their confirmation; upon the cunning Quakers for their restraint; and
upon the rascally Tories for their confusion.
I think there is a reasonable ground for confidence, with the favor of
Heaven, that Howe will not be able to reach this city. Yet I really
doubt whether it would not be more for our interest that he should come
here, and get possession of the town.
1. Because there are impurities here which will never be so soon or so
fully purged away as by that fire of affliction which Howe enkindles
wherever he goes.
2. Because it would employ nearly the whole of his force to keep
possession of this town, and the rest of the continent would be more at
liberty.