Four battalions with six pieces of cannon were detached to Bonhamtown.[60] [Footnote 60: General Howe's letter.] [Sidenote: Lord Cornwallis skirmishes near the Scotch Plains with Lord Stirling.] {June 30.} About Woodbridge, the right column fell in with one of the American parties of observation which gave notice of this movement.

General Washington discerned his danger, put the whole army instantly in motion, and regained the camp at Middlebrook.

Lord Cornwallis fell in with Lord Stirling, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which the Americans were driven from their ground with the loss of three field pieces, and a few men.

They retreated to the hills about the Scotch Plains, and were pursued as far as Westfield.

Perceiving the passes in the mountains on the left of the American camp to be guarded, and the object of this skilful manoeuvre to be, consequently, unattainable, his lordship returned through Rahway to Amboy; and the whole army crossed over to Staten Island.
{July 2.} General Washington was now again left to his conjectures respecting the plan of the campaign.