Immediately conjecturing the object, M'Clane detached Captain Parr, with a company of riflemen across the country to Wanderers hill, with orders to harass and retard the column advancing up the Schuylkill, and hastened in person[3] to the camp of Lafayette.

He arrived soon after daybreak, and communicated the intelligence he had received.

It was, not long afterwards, confirmed by the fire of Parr on the Ridge road, and by an inhabitant who had escaped from White Marsh as the British column passed that place.[4] [Footnote 3: Extracts of letters from the adjutant general and the officer of the day to Captain M'Clane.
_Camp Valley Forge, May 21st, 1778._ Dear Captain,--I am happy you have with your brave little party conducted with so much honour to yourself.

The Marquis effected, owing to your vigilance, a glorious retreat as well as a difficult one.
Signed ALEX.

SCAMMELL, _Adj.