On 23 February 1777, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood was sent with a reinforced brigade to destroy any rebel forces he could catch. He set out with a battalion each of light infantry and grenadiers, plus the 3rd Brigade. The latter formation consisted of the 10th Foot, 37th Foot, 38th Foot and 52nd Foot, recently transferred from the Rhode Island garrison.
On February 23, 1777, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood was sent to eliminate rebel forces with a reinforced brigade that included light infantry, grenadiers, and the 3rd Brigade composed of the 10th, 37th, 38th, and 52nd Foot.