the fleet remained at nassau for about two weeks loading the booty of war. so large was the take that several local ships had to be pressed into service to carry the materiel back to north america. hopkins' squadron finally hoisted sail on 17 march and set course for new england. "wasp", however, parted with the main fleet and made her way independently back to the delaware capes and thence into port at philadelphia, where she arrived on 4 april.