Montresor Journals
26th. At half past Eight this morning Lord Cornwallis with the two Battalions of British Grenadiers and Hessian Grenadiers, two Squadrons of sixteenth dragoons and artillery with the Chief-Engineer, Commanding officer of Artillery, Quartermaster and Adjutant-General marched and took possession of the city of PHILADELPHIA at 10 the same morning amidst the acclamation of some thousands of the inhabitants mostly women and children. After the necessary guards were fixed, the Troops were posted as follows, the Hessian Grenadiers to the North of the city, the East Battalion British Grenadiers at the Bettering House, &c., fronting out from the centre of the city, and the ist Battalion British Grenadiers at the Shipyard, to the South of the City, forming a semi-circle, and covering the whole. At the same the Engineers with working parties constructed 2 Batteries and marked out a 3d along the waters edge with 6 medium 12 Pounders and 4 Royal Howitzers to prevent the Enemy's fleet repairing up the River or annoying the city. Took a Lieut, of the rebel Gallies prisoner. Fine weather. Wind at N. and fresh. This day a large party of the Enemy unperceived attacked the Queen's Rangers, shot the sentry and another, but were repulsed with great alertness, one of their Lieutenants we found dead on the field. This day myself and servant near being taken at Gloucester Point by the enemy's galley stationed there whilst I was reconnoitering. A messenger sent yesterday to acquaint our Fleet at Chester that we were in possession of Philadelphia.