Before the commencement of active operations in 1778, the King of France had concluded a treaty with, and agreed to aid, the Americans, which so completely changed the nature of the contest, that the evacuation of Philadelphia was resolved upon, and the FIFTH had to take part in the difficult service of retreating through a wild and woody country intersected by rivers, and abounding in narrow and ragged passes. The army accordingly crossed the Delawar on the 18th of June, and directing its march along the eastern bank of that river, afterwards proceeded through the Jerseys, while the enemy hovered near the rear and menaced an attack in force. No action of importance, however, occurred until the 28th of June, when, as the last division descended from the heights above _Freehold_ in New Jersey, the enemy appeared in the rear, and on both flanks, and some sharp fighting took place. At this time the FIFTH was in advance, but it was recalled to take part in the action, and the enemy was eventually repulsed. The regiment had Captain Gore of the grenadier company and several men killed on this occasion. After the action the army continued its march, and having crossed the channel to Sandy Hook, in the beginning of July, embarked from thence for New York; from whence the FIFTH advanced to a post beyond the town. In September, part of the regiment was detached on an expedition to _Little Egg Harbour_ in New Jersey--a noted rendezvous for privateers. This detachment, consisting of 300 men of the FIFTH and New Jersey Volunteers, commanded by Captain Ferguson, embarked in transports towards the end of September, and, on arriving at the harbour, went on board small vessels which, with several row-galleys, proceeded twenty miles up the river, to Chesnut Neck, where the troops landed under cover of the fire from the galleys, and by a spirited attack, routed the enemy's force assembled to oppose the descent, and chased them into the woods. After returning from the pursuit, the troops destroyed the village, with several storehouses, and armed vessels:--having only sustained the trifling loss of one man of the FIFTH, wounded. A night excursion was afterwards made ten miles farther up the river, when the troops, surprising some companies of the enemy in their quarters, made a dreadful slaughter with the bayonet, and reduced the houses to ashes, with the loss of only two men of the FIFTH killed, and two wounded. "It is but justice to inform you," observes the commanding officer in his despatch, "that the officers and men, both British and Provincials, behaved on this occasion in a manner to do themselves honour. To the conduct and spirit of Captain Cox, Lieutenant Littleton, and Ensign Cotter, of the FIFTH regiment, and of Captain Peter Campbell of the Third Jersey Volunteers, this little enterprise owes much of its success[36]."