command of the main army; and the conduct of that officer himself, left no doubt of his giving encouragement to the disaffected. A new board of war was established, of which Gates was made president; General Mifflin, another officer belonging to the party, was nominated a member, and Brigadier-General Conway, who had written contemptuous letters about the commander-in-chief, was elevated a grade above all his seniors, and appointed inspector general. The legislature of Pennsylvania, irritated by the continuance of the enemy in Philadelphia, expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of the army, in a strenuous remonstrance to Congress. The conduct of Washington under these trying circumstances, was such as might have been expected from his patriotism and dignity of character. General Gates was given to know that his machinations were understood: but it was without querulousness or deprecation. Whenever defiuite charges were produced, investigation was earnestly courted. There is no officer," said Washington, "in the service of the United States, that would return to the sweets of domestic life with more heartfelt joy than I should. But I would have this declaration accompanied by these sentiments, that while the public are satisfied with my endeavours, I mean not to shrink from the cause: but the moment her voice, not that of faction, calls upon me to resign, I shall do it with as much pleasure as ever the wearied traveller retired to rest." The conspirators found it impossible to shake the confidence of the people and the army in their tried commander, and all efforts only recoiled upon themselves. Even the northern army which had won its laurels under Gates, expressed a preference for Washington. General Conway resigned his commission in order to escape the voice of universal condemnation; shortly afterwards, while suffering under a wound believed to be mortal, received in duel with General Cadwalader, he addressed a letter of repentance to Washington, acknowledging his character as a "great and good man," and hoping that he might, "long enjoy the love, veneration and esteem of these states, whose liberties he had asserted by his virtues."

The war of the American revolution was truly "a history of false hopes and temporary devices," and it presents us with a constant narration of suffering and danger; but it may well be questioned whether any period was more pregnant with both, than the winter of the encampment at Valley Forge. At one time" there was not a single hoof of any kind to slaughter, and not more than twenty-five barrels of flour;" while the commissary was unable to tell when to expect any." In the beginning of February, the commissaries gave notice that the country was exhausted to a great distance around the camp, and that no supplies could be procured beyond the month. In the way of covering, "few men had more than one shirt, many only the moiety of one, and some none at all." By the field return, it appeared that "besides a number of men confined to hospitals for want of shoes, and others in farm-houses on the same account, no

"less than two thousand eight hundred and ninetyeight men were then in camp unfit for duty, because they were barefoot and otherwise naked." Putrid fevers added the malignity of pestilence to the other distresses of the soldiers, and while these calamities were rapidly impairing the strength of the army, a spirit scarcely less dangerous was beginning to prevail among the officers. The depreciation of the continental money had now become so great, that the pay of an officer had ceased to be valuable, and was inadequate to the maintenance of a decent appearance; there arose on this account a general carelessness about the holding of commissions, which led officers into a habitual contempt of the obligations of duty, and afterwards produced resignations in order to avoid censure. There can be but little doubt, that a bold effort, made with the well-equipped army of Sir William Howe, would have forced the American lines, and perhaps concluded the whole warfare. The usual prudence of the British general's tactics again prevailed, and the circle of the war was confined to a few skirmishes of partisans and foraging detachments.

The impression produced in England by the convention at Saratoga, changed the tone of the ministry, and induced the passage of such laws as were supposed likely to satisfy the people of America. Governor Tryon immediately enclosed the bills to Washington, with the extraordinary request that they should be communicated to the army.. This communication was immediately transmitted to Congress, where resolutions were passed reviewing the fallacies of the British enactments with great skill and severity. General Washington acknowledged the receipt of Tryon's letter, and transmitted in return the answer of Congress; at the same time, he begged him to be instrumental in spreading the resolutions among those who were likely to be influenced by their reasoning.

During these transactions, the whole country was suddenly filled with joy and exultation, by the receipt of official intelligence that a treaty of alliance, commerce and friendship, had been signed between the king of France and the United States. The British government treated this act as a declaration of war, and in a manifesto announced its reasons for an immediate commencement of hostilities.

The position at Valley Forge had been selected. by Washington, as offering the best advantages for covering the country, and depriving the enemy of his necessary supplies. The wisdom of the choice was exhibited by the sufferings of the British army, which in spite of abundant wealth, was obliged to detach numerous parties in order to procure forage and provisions. In the course of these expeditions, the soldiery committed much useless devastation, thus distressing and exciting the people without the least prospect of any military results. The last and most important enterprise undertaken by Sir William Howe, was an attempt to surprise General Lafayette at Barren Hill, under cover of the night; but the continental force, by some skilful manœuvres, effected, in the

language of the commander-in-chief, " a timely and handsome retreat;" which added to the high esteem already entertained for the merit of the marquis and his devotion to the American cause. Sir William Howe then resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton; and as the probable approach of a French fleet rendered Philadelphia a dangerous position, it was resolved to evacuate the city, and to withdraw the whole British force from the Delaware.

The arrangements for this important movement soon attracted the attention of the commander-inchief. Every preparation was made to impede the march of the enemy through the state of New Jersey; the militia were collected, and a force of regulars marched to their assistance. On the 17th of June, Sir Henry Clinton commenced the passage of the Delaware; on the 18th, the whole army of ten thousand effective men were on the Jersey shore, from which they marched slowly, with a heavy incumbrance of baggage. Washington crossed the river at Coryell's Ferry, with a force about equal to that of the British, and by occupying the higher grounds, preserved the power of delivering or avoiding battle. The former course had been declared unadvisable by a council of war, according to the opinion expressed by General Lee; it was contended by this officer, with all the weight due to his reputation and experience, that as nothing in the present prosperous condition of American affairs could prevent the certainty of independence, except the loss in battle of the main army, such a risk could not be voluntarily hazarded without crime. Of seventeen general officers, Wayne and Cadwalader alone were decidedly in favour of attacking the enemy; Lafayette appeared to incline that way; and Greene considered that an engagement should be hazarded, if rendered necessary, by the bounden duty of the army to protect the country. Washington reluctantly assented to the decision of the council; powerful reinforcements, however, were sent to strengthen the corps on the left flank of the enemy, with orders to give him every annoyance, and even to attack, should a proper opportunity present itself. The command of this important division was given to Lafayette, who filed off towards Englishtown, while the main body moved on Cranberry, in order to give support if required. General Lee, at his earnest request, was detached to reinforce and command the van, which now amounted to five thousand men.

On the morning of the 28th of June, Sir Henry broke up from a strong encampment on the high grounds about Monmouth Court House, and continued his retreat. The baggage was in front, under the charge of General Knyphausen, while the strength of the army formed the rear division, under the special command of Lord Cornwallis. As the British were then within twelve miles of the heights of Middletown, which would place them in perfect security, Washington sent orders to Lee to attack their rear the moment it was in motion.

The first plan formed by General Lee for the

execution of these orders, was to check the retreat of the British rear by a vigorous attack from Wayne's corps, while he gained their front by a shorter road, and intercepted their communication with the line. Before this scheme could be carried into operation, suspicion arose that some mistake existed as to the actual force of the division about to be assailed. Lee advanced to reconnoitre, and at the same time Sir Henry Clinton counter-marched with his whole force to the rear, in order by a menacing movement to deter the Americans from any attempt upon his baggage. These manoeuvres brought the two armies into collision on a ground disadvantageous to the continentals. After great hesitation in his movements, Lee finally ordered a general retreat of his detachment, for the purpose of regaining the heights. Some slight skirmishing took place, without any other effect than to give notice that a conflict had commenced.

The rear of the Americans now moved rapidly forward to support the front. General Washington rode out full of hope and confidence, when to his utter astonishment he perceived the latter division in full retreat, without fighting or even understanding the reasons of this unexpected movement. Some warm expressions to General Lee exhibited the strong displeasure of the American commander, and instant measures were adopted for arresting the advance of the English, and for re-forming the troops involved in the disorder. The left wing and second line were drawn up on an eminence covered in front by a morass; Lord Stirling, who commanded the former, with the aid of Carrington's artillery, repulsed the attack of a British column, and effectually checked their forward movement.

The next effort of the enemy was to turn the left flank of the Americans, but in this they were roughly repulsed. Another attempt on the left was defeated with loss, by the judicious advance of the artillery and infantry under Greene. At this moment of confusion, the coming up of Wayne compelled the British to retire to the same ground occupied before the arrival of Washington, where their flanks were covered by morasses and thick woods, and their front was accessible only by a narrow passage. Undeterred by these difficulties, which were increased by the heat of the day and fatigue of the troops, Washington resolved immediately to renew the battle. The artillery was advanced and opened its fire on the British flank. General Poor, with his own brigade and that of North Carolina, was ordered to turn the right flank of the enemy, while Woodford's brigade was directed on their left. Unfortunately the impediments of the ground were of such a nature as to protract the completion of these dispositions until the approach of night, for which reason the action was discontinued with the intention of recommencing the struggle on the ensuing morning. The flanking brigades remained in their respective position; and Washington passed the night in his cloak, in the midst of his soldiers, who bivouacked on the field of battle.

The British commander was, however, by no means disposed to try again the fate of arms. About midnight, after removing the wounded, he continued his retreat with so much caution and silence as to give no notice or alarm. At day break he was already so near the heights of Middletown, as to render pursuit useless. The American commander moved towards the North river, after detaching a small force to hover around the British rear, while the enemy embarked at Sandy Hook and proceeded to New York.

Thus terminated the battle of Monmouth, which was claimed as a victory by both parties, because neither had gained any decisive advantage. Clinton effected his retreat and saved his baggage; but the Americans, after the check of Lee's van, repulsed the enemy, became in turn the assailants, and were only prevented from continuing the engagement by the midnight retreat of the British. "Never," said Lafayette," was General Washington greater in war than in this action. His presence stopped the retreat—his dispositions fixed the victory. His fine appearance on horseback his calm courage, roused by the vexation of the morning, gave him the interest calculated to excite enthusiasm." The American loss was eight officers and sixty-one privates killed, and about one hundred and sixty wounded. The English army is known to have suffered more than double the amount. In the course of their retreat, they lost about one hundred men in prisoners, and nearly one thousand deserters. The fiery insubordination of General Lee afterwards overcame the reluctance of the commander-in-chief, and compelled the ordering of a court of inquiry, which condemned that officer to one year's suspension. This sentence was almost unanimously approved by Congress, while it gave great and general satisfaction to the American army. A resolution of Congress was unanimously passed, thanking Washington for his activity, his distinguished exertions, and his great good conduct in the pursuit of the enemy, and the battle of Monmouth; he was requested also to signify the gratitude of Congress to the officers and men who had deserved it by their

valour and behaviour.

Intelligence was now received that the French admiral, Count D'Estaing, had appeared off the coast of Virginia with a fleet of twelve ships of the line and six frigates, having on board a respectable body of land troops. The original plan of these allies had been to attack the British naval force in the Delaware, and to unite with Washington in a general assault upon the lines at Philadelphia. A passage unusually tempestuous and protracted defeated this well conceived operation, and probably saved the whole power of the British commander.

The chief anxiety of Congress was to secure the immediate co-operation of the European re-inforcement. The American General despatched Colonel Laurens to the French fleet, for the purpose of communicating all necessary information, and concerting the plan of movements with the conventional signals. Colonel Hamilton proceeded after

wards on the same mission, and it was determined that an attack should be made on the British force at Newport, in Rhode Island, by the French in concert with an American army under Greene, Sullivan and Lafayette. Lord Howe sailed with his fleet to relieve General Pigot in his dangerous position, and thus every appearance seemed to indicate the approach of a decisive conflict. Some unfortunate differences upon points of military etiquette, arising between D'Estaing and Sullivan, prevented the immediate disembarkation of the French troops: the two fleets, after a series of manoeuvres, were dispersed by a tempest, at the very moment of engagement, and the next communication announced the intention of the allies to sail to Boston. The Americans were, in consequence, obliged to break up their positions and raise the siege; an operation which was not performed without some sharp though indecisive combats.

The effects of these operations upon the feelings of the army and the people, created more disquietude in the mind of Washington, than even the failure of an expedition, in which success had been confidently and proudly expected. Animosities had arisen between the military officers of the allied powers, tending to jeopard every enterprise undertaken in concert; while the discontent of the people had risen to such a head as to leave it doubtful whether the damages of the fleet could be repaired in Boston. The French also had their complaints of alleged injuries: "They are people," as was observed in a letter of the commander-in-chief to Sullivan, "old in war, very strict in military etiquette, and apt to take fire when others seem scarcely warm." Washington devoted his whole mind to the conciliation of these difficulties, and with the aid of Congress, his labours were finally crowned by the complete restoration of that harmony which was so essentially necessary to success.

a

On the third of November, Count D'Estaing sailed with all the French forces for the West Indies: whither he was followed by five thousand men under General Gray, with a strong convoy. In the month of December the continental troops retired into hut cantonments in Connecticut-on both sides of the North river about West Point-and at Middlebrook. Their condition with respect to clothing was much improved by supplies from France, and they were thus enabled to disregard other inconveniences. Some few skirmishes had occurred between parties of both armies. The British succeeded in surprising Colonel Baylor's cavalry at Taupaun, where the bayonet was used with inhuman severity: Count Pulaski was also unexpectedly attacked in Jersey, and sustained some loss. On the part of the Americans, a body of chasseurs and yagers under Donop was defeated by Colonel Richard Butler. A British force commanded by Colonel Campbell, sailed under the escort of Commodore Hyde Parker, to act against the southern states, where the climate admitted of military operations: but the garrison left in New York was still too strong to encourage any enter

prise against that important position. Washington proceeded to Philadelphia, to hold a personal conference with Congress on the general state of the army and the country. An expedition projected against Canada was abandoned in deference to his opinion, and all recommendations emanating from him commanded the most respectful consideration.

The preparations for the campaign of 1779 were commenced under unfavourable auspices, in consequence of the languor which began to spread itself over the whole nation. A general belief prevailed that the alliance with France had secured our independence, and that all painful exertions were therefore rendered unnecessary. This delusion never extended itself to the mind of the commanderin-chief, who saw plainly how remote was the prospect of any peace that exacted so much from the powerful empire of Great Britain. In a private letter to one of his friends, he thus expressed himself, "I have seen without despondency, even for a moment, the hours which America has styled her gloomy ones; but I have beheld no day since the commencement of hostilities, when I have thought her liberties in such imminent danger as at present." "Do not, from a mistaken opinion that we are to sit down under our vine and our own fig tree, let our hitherto noble struggle end in ignominy." The usual difficulties presented themselves, in relation to bounties, enlistments and state quotas; and yet such was the inertness of Congress, that all measures were yet to be adopted for raising men, when the army should have been in full and active operation.

The first enterprise proposed to Congress by the commander-in-chief, was a decisive movement against the Indians, to punish the atrocities committed in the course of the preceding year upon the inhabitants of the west, and to prevent future incursions. The settlement of Wyoming in Pennsylvania, had been completely destroyed by a body of tories and savages commanded by Colonel John Butler and the celebrated Indian chief, Brandt: while in other parts of the frontier, the tomahawk and scalping knife had been employed with such fearful barbarity, as to render this expedition of primary importance. The experience of Washington had abundantly taught him that an Indian war should never be defensive, and that to obtain peace, the dangers of the conflict and the ravages of a hostile force must be carried into the heart of their own settlements. A plan for surprising the towns of the Onondagos was executed with equal ability and success by Colonel Van Schaick. At the same time a large body of troops prepared to march into the other territories of the Six-Nations. This expedition which was commanded by General Sullivan, proved completely successful, and a severe chastisement was inflicted on all the tribes composing that great Indian confederacy.

At the opening of the campaign, the British force under Sir Henry Clinton, was between sixteen and seventeen thousand strong: opposed to them were about thirteen thousand Americans, cantoned on both sides of the North River, and of course re

duced to a defensive warfare. Troops of both nations had been detached to the southern states, and General Gates covered New England with about three thousand men.

Towards the end of May 1779, Sir Henry Clinton commenced active operations by a partially successful expedition up the Hudson. The great road offering, the easiest communication between the eastern and middle states, crosses that river at a place called King's Ferry, some miles below West Point. The ferry is commanded on the west by Stony Point, an elevated peninsula on which some works were begun: on the east it is exposed to a long flat neck of land called Verplank's Point, where a small fort had been erected, called Fort Fayette, garrisoned by a company under Captain Armstrong. The British army, commanded by Clinton in person, and convoyed by Sir George Collier, proceeded up the river, captured the po sition after some resistance, and completed the works at both forts; Stony Point in particular was placed in a strong state of defence. The main army was then withdrawn to Philipsburg without further effort: but there can be no doubt, from the disproportionate means employed, that much more had been contemplated by the British commander.

West Point had now become a most important post to the American cause, on account of its command of the navigation of the river: it was menaced by this armament and most probably owed its safety to the prompt operations of Washington, who had closely followed the enemy's movements, and so posted his army as to deter them from a further prosecution of the enterprise.

Clinton now resolved upon the invasion of Connecticut; the refugee Governor Tryon, with a strong corps of twenty six hundred men, was detached upon this service, which was conducted in a manner more resembling the maraud of banditti, than an operation of soldiers. Washington, on his part, approached King's Ferry, with an anxious resolution to recover the captured posts. When his plans were matured, the execution was entrusted to Anthony Wayne, who stormed Stony Point at night with fixed bayonets, and captured the whole British garrison without discharging a single musket. Fort Fayette was next attempted; but owing to those accidents which are. inseparable in war from the best devised projects, the breach advanced slowly. Time was thus afforded to Sir Henry Clinton, who, abandoning his designs on Connecticut, marched directly to the Highlands and relieved his garrison. As the occupation of Stony Point required fifteen hundred men, and the possession of Fort Fayette by the English rendered the post of little value, Washington abandoned his brilliant conquest. The two armies then cautiously observed each other; until at length, the British commander, wearied with inaction, retired to York Island, finding that he could neither attack the Americans with a chance of success, nor draw them from their positions into more favourable ground. He now occupied himself chiefly in strengthening his fortifications, in anticipation of the projected departure of large forces to the south.

The remainder of the summer of 1779 passed away in the northern states without further movements. In Europe, after long diplomatic negotiations and many fruitless attempts at mediation, the king of Spain declared his intention of taking part in the war against Great Britain. This event was of extreme importance, because an union of the French and Spanish fleets promised a maritime superiority in all parts of the ocean. At the proper season, the Americans formed their hutted camps in the various posts selected for winter quarters. The northern division, commanded by General Heath, was so cantoned as to protect West Point and all the neighbouring country. The southern or main division lay in the vicinity of Morristown. The commander-in-chief was then obliged to resume his regular winter's employment of explaining to Congress the defects and insufficiencies of the existing military arrangements, and of earnestly pressing for the supplies of men and provisions that must be necessary to the early commencement of hostilities in the spring.

The inactivity of the northern armies gave an undivided interest to the military operations conducted in the southern states. It has already been stated that a detachment under Colonel Campbell sailed from New York about the end of November 1778; owing to the total want of preparation, Savannah and the whole state of Georgia fell an easy conquest to these troops, assisted by General Prevost, who had moved northward from East Florida for that purpose. South Carolina was defended by General Lincoln with great obstinacy and various success, until the middle of September 1779, when the arrival of Count D'Estaing changed the character of the operations and encouraged the allies to undertake the siege of Savannah. This enterprise failed, owing to a hurried and premature attempt to carry the place by storm; but it was conducted with extreme gallantry and only abandoned after heavy losses. The French armament then sailed from the coast, in order to escape the tempestuous season, the approach of which had precipitated their operations.

About the middle of February 1780, an expedition from New York, under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, entered the harbour of Charleston, and it was now evident that overwhelming forces of the enemy were about to undertake the subjugation of the south. After a vigorous and obstinate siege, Charleston fell, notwithstanding the reinforcements forwarded to Lincoln by the American commander; a few trifling skirmishes completed the conquest, and left South Carolina and Georgia in the almost undisturbed possession of the British. Clinton returned to New York in the beginning of June, having entrusted the southern command to Lord Cornwallis with an army of four thousand men.

On the twenty-fifth of July, General Gates as sumed the command of the American forces in the South, by selection of Congress. Within one month afterwards, the bloody and decisive battle of Camden destroyed his army, and reduced the war in the Carolinas to a contest of partisans.

The sufferings of the principal army in their

winter quarters (1779-80), were again of the most distressing character. In order to preserve the credit of the continental money, congress had resolved that the emission should never exceed two hundred millions: that amount was already expended, and it was now proposed to substitute a system of requisitions of specific articles upon the several states. The commander-in-chief strongly resisted this experiment; for he was fully persuaded that no war could be carried on upon any other than a national basis, and that the quotas of thirteen governments could never be collected when they were really wanted. In the mean time, the troops were reduced first to half allowance, then to less; and finally when the commissary general declared himself without supplies or credit, requisitions were reluctantly issued to the surrounding country. In consequence of these difficulties, the army remained for several successive days without meat, and their pay was five months in arrear, with no early prospect of liquidation. It can be no matter of surprise, therefore, that a mutiny broke out in two Connecticut regiments, which was suppressed with difficulty. The strength of the Americans was thus paralyzed, and the exaggerated reports carried into New York, induced a general belief that they were about to disband. By actual returns made on the 3d of June, the army under Washington's immediate controul included only three thousand seven hundred and sixty men, present and fit for dutywhile on the 18th of the same month, by the return of Sir Henry Clinton, the British force in New York counted twelve thousand regulars ready to be employed in the field.

On the 6th of June, General Knyphausen had made a descent upon Elizabethtown, by way of confirming and encouraging the supposed disaffection of the American troops. In this design he was soon satisfied that no success was attainable, and he retired to his place of landing, after exercising much unnecessary severity upon the country and its inhabitants. Clinton resumed the design of offensive operations in New Jersey; but after some severe fighting at Springfield with the corps of General Greene, he also was induced to abandon the project, and to withdraw the British army into Staten Island. The caution exhibited in these operations by the British commander, is perhaps to be ascribed to the intelligence received that a French fleet and army might be immediately expected.

A new impulse was now given to the activity of Congress and of the several states. All felt the necessity of turning the expected succours to the best account, and the most munificent gifts were therefore contributed by patriotic citizens. An engagement had been hastily entered into with the French ambassador, that the troops of his sovereign should be received by an army of twenty five thousand continentals, and that ample supplies for the combined forces should be laid up in magazines. Notwithstanding all the exertions that were made, the arri val of Count Rochambeau and his army at Newport, in the month of July, found the Americans not only unprepared for active operations, but without any