<P> Initially led by John Haslet, Delaware provided one of the premier regiments in the Continental Army, known as the "Delaware Blues" and nicknamed the "Blue Hen's Chicks ." In August 1777 General Sir William Howe led a British army through Delaware on his way to a victory at the Battle of Brandywine and capture of the city of Philadelphia . The only real engagement on Delaware soil was the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, fought on September 3, 1777, at Cooch's Bridge in New Castle County . </P> <P> Following the Battle of Brandywine, Wilmington was occupied by the British, and State President John McKinly was taken prisoner . The British remained in control of the Delaware River for much of the rest of the war, disrupting commerce and providing encouragement to an active Loyalist portion of the population, particularly in Sussex County . Because the British promised slaves of rebels freedom for fighting with them, escaped slaves flocked north to join their lines . </P> <P> Following the American Revolution, statesmen from Delaware were among the leading proponents of a strong central United States with equal representation for each state . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (April 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who was the leader of the delaware colony