Chapter VI · Chapter 6

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

not being in a specified place

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

in addition

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

large but transportable armament

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

for the reason that

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

a distinguishing emblem

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

a river that rises in the Catskills in southeastern New York and flows southward along the border of Pennsylvania with New York and New Jersey to northern Delaware where it empties into Delaware Bay

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

plural of “drum” — a musical percussion instrument; usually consists of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across each end

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

temporary military shelter

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

any member of the warlike North American Indian peoples formerly living in New York State; the Iroquois League were allies of the British during the American Revolution

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

possessive form of “lamb” — young sheep

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

immediately past

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

a commissioned military officer

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

march in a procession

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

past form of “march” — march in a procession

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the force of workers available

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

a member of the Algonquian people formerly living in the Hudson valley and eastward to the Housatonic

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

no person; not anyone

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

the activity of protecting someone or something

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

subject to rigid discipline, order, and systematization

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

belonging to or concerning a regiment

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

not used up

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

only a very short time before

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the season of growth

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

plural of “tent” — a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

in the direction of

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

soldiers collectively

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

a serviceman who has seen considerable active service

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading However, I had been told that this veteran regiment was not to go with the army into the Iroquois country, but was to remain as a protection to Tryon County.

look attentively

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

plural of “weapon” — any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading But now Colonel Lamb's remaining section of artillery was to march to the lake; and whether this indicated that our army at last was fairly in motion, nobody knew.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A foot regiment--Colonel Gansevoort's--had struck tents and marched with its drums and colours early that morning, carrying also the regimental wagons and batteaux.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading THE SPRING WAIONTHA It happened the following afternoon that, having written in my journal, and dressed me in my best, I left the Mohican in the hut a-painting and shining up his weapons, and walked abroad to watch the remaining troops and the artillery start for Otsego Lake.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet, it seemed scarcely likely, because Lieutenant Boyd had been ordered out with a scout of twenty men toward the West branch of the Delaware, and he told me that he expected to be absent for several days.