This show of resistance was made in the hope of stopping Sir George Collier until the land forces on board the transports could be conveyed up the river, and disembarked on the western shore.

But the British general was too confident in his strength to permit this stratagem to succeed; and, as he approached, the Americans sought for safety in flight.

A general chase and unresisted destruction ensued.

The ships of war were blown up, and the transports fled in the utmost confusion up the river.

Being pursued by the British squadron, the troops landed in a wild uncultivated country; and were obliged to explore their way, without provisions, through a pathless wilderness, for more than a hundred miles.