He was detained in Jersey for the defence of the state, and the militia designed to serve in Pennsylvania were placed under General Forman.

About six hundred of them reached the army a few days before the battle of Germantown, immediately after which they were permitted to return.] The attention of both armies was most principally directed to the forts below Philadelphia.
The loss of the Delaware frigate, and of Billingsport, greatly discouraged the seamen by whom the galleys and floating batteries were manned.

Believing the fate of America to be decided, an opinion strengthened by the intelligence received from their connexions in Philadelphia, they manifested the most alarming defection, and several officers as well as sailors deserted to the enemy.

This desponding temper was checked by the battle of Germantown, and by throwing a garrison of continental troops into the fort at Red Bank, called fort Mercer, the defence of which had been entrusted to militia.

This fort commanded the channel between the Jersey shore and Mud Island; and the American vessels were secure under its guns.