The British halted at _Ridgefield_ during the night, and resumed their march on the following day. The enemy having collected additional forces and some field-pieces, harassed the detachment exceedingly during its march, which brought on several skirmishes. Arriving at the _Hill of Compo_, contiguous to the place of embarkation, the Americans renewed their attack with greater determination and spirit than ever; the British troops, facing about, fired a volley, and then charged with the bayonet with such impetuosity and courage, that the enemy, unable to withstand the shock, retreated. The detachment afterwards embarked without molestation, and returned to New York.
The KING'S OWN lost two men in this enterprise; and had Captain Thorne, one serjeant, and fifteen rank and file wounded.
The regiment afterwards formed part of the army assembled in the Jerseys, and was engaged in the movements designed to bring on a general engagement; but the enemy keeping close in his strong position in the mountains, an expedition against the populous and wealthy city of Philadelphia was resolved upon. The KING'S OWN were employed in this enterprise, and formed, with the twenty-third, twenty-eighth, and forty-ninth regiments, the first brigade of the army.
Having embarked from Sandy Hook, the troops sailed to Chesapeake Bay, and landed on the 25th of August on the northern shore of the Elk River; from whence they advanced on the 28th, in two columns, to Elk Head. The enemy having taken up a position at Brandywine, the royal army advanced on the 11th of September to give their opponents battle, and the KING'S OWN formed part of the force selected to attack the American troops posted at _Chad's Ford_. After a sharp cannonade the troops advanced to the charge; the KING'S OWN commanded by LIEUT.-COLONEL JAMES OGILVIE, and supported by the fifth foot, led the attack in gallant style, and rushing through the stream with fixed bayonets, overpowered all opposition and captured three brass field-pieces, and a five and a half inch howitzer.[27] The regiment pressed upon the retiring enemy, but darkness coming on before the troops could reach the heights, the action ceased. The loss of the regiment on this occasion was two rank and file killed; and Captain Rawdon and twenty rank and file wounded.