.\V ^oo^ ^\.^' ,>^#<^ %/'; ^'^^ vN-^" : A'' .A -r^ A HISTORY AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 'UBLISIIED IN LONDON UNDER THE SUPEHINTENDENCE ()F THE SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFVSION OF IIPEIUL KNOWLKDGE. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. IT n (J u E s T I o N y : d y a. n k x I' k u i e n c e d t e a. c n b r : ADDITIONAL NOTES, VVA5H\^ COLUMBUS, OHIO : PUBLISHED BV ISAAC N. WHITING 1834. 7/ Entered according to act of Congress, iu the year 1834, By Isaac N. Whiting, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Ohio. - 't A-'^ C. Scott, Printer, Columbus, O. ADVERTISEMENT. The following work was originally prepared for the London Library of Useful Knowledge, and published in several of its numbers. It bears all the marks of extensive investigation of the subject and impartiality in treating it, which distinguish the works of that Society, and is alike nervous, elegant, and perspicuous in its style. Perhaps there is no work extant which embodies in so small a compass so full and interesting account of those eventful times which marked the rise and progress of the American Revolution. But whUe it wiU be found exceedingly interesting to readers generally, it is undoubtedly especially well calculated to form a most useful School Book. And with the view of rendering it still more valuable in this respect, to the youth of this country, and of impressing its important facts still moire deeply on their minds, a series of Questions has been prepared expressly for this edition, with consid- erable care and attention, by an old, experienced teacher. A number of valua- ble notes, designed to illustrate more clearly some of the more important leading events, has also been added, taken chiefly from Holmes's Annals of America and Hale's History of the United States. Tlie Constitution of the United States, with the amendments, has been inserted as an Appendix. With these additions it is believed there is no work of the kind to be found which can be more profitably studied by the rising generation, or which is better adapted to form a valuable text book for our Schools. It is readily confessed that few occurrences have ever transpired in connexion with the various revolutions of governments and empires, whose influences have been more extensive and salutary through- out the civilized world than the American Revolution. It formed indeed a new era in the history of mankind, and the principles which were then con- tended for and successfully established, the untiring ardor and stern patriotism which distinguished the actors of those times, should be early and familiarly made known, in order that we may duly prize our inestimable institutions— The publisher of this edition would therefore especially recommend the work to the attention of parents and teachers. The narrative of the enterprise of Sergeant Champc,from page 170 to the end of Section 32, is copied from Lee's Memoirs, and was intended to be in- serted as a note. CONTENTS Page Section 1. Settlement of British America 5 2. War of 1756 10 3. Resolutions of the House of Commons, 10th of March, 1764.... 14 4. Stamp Act, March 22, 1765 .16 5. Repeal of the Stamp Act, 10th of March, 1766 — New attempt at Taxation, and resistance to tlie same 21 6. Petition and Remonstrance, 1773 32 7. Boston Port-Act, and Repeal of the Charter of Massachusetts 39 8. Removal of the Seat of Government from Boston 48 9. First acts of the Assembly at Concord 50 10. Opening of the Congress at Philadelphia 54 11. Address of the House of Commons, 9th of February, 1775 57 12. Affair at Lexington, 19th of April, 1775 66 13. Battle of Bunker's Hill 69 14. Union of the thirteen Provinces — Hancock appointed President, and Washington Commaiijrier-in-Chief 73 15. Invasion of Canada — Death of Montgomery 77 16. Evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776 80 17. Declaration of Independence ' 8(j 18. Capture of Long Island 96 19. Evacuation of New York 99 20. Battle of Trenton 102 21. Capture of Philadelphia 106 22.,.Burgoyne"s Expedition 109 23. Failure of Burgoyne's Expedition 114 24. Convention of Saratoga 121 25. Treaty with France 123 26. Rejection of Lord North's Overtures 128 27. Arrival of the French Fleet 137 28. Campaign of 1779 140 29. Siege and Capitulation of Charleston 147 30. Defeat of Gates's Army by Lord Cornwallis 152 31. Arrival of the French Auxiliaries under Rochambeau 160 32. Treason of Arnold, and death of Andre 163 S3. Campaign of 1781— Defeat of Greene, by Lord Cornwallis 190 34. Campaign of 1781 continued— Defeat of Lord Rawdon by Gen- eral Greene 196 35. Further Events of the Campaign — Preparations for tlie Siege of New York 235 36. Sie^^e of Yorktown— Surreiuler of Cornwallis 240 37. Provisional Treaty of Peace 246 38. Conclusion " 252 Appendix— The Constitution of tiie United States 259 AMERICAN REVOLUTION SECTION I. SETTLEMENT OF BRITISH AMERICA. The discovery of the western hemisphere, effected by the bold and persevering genius of Christopher Columbus, in the year 1492, gave a new impulse to European activi- ty; and the splendid conquests of the Spaniards in the West Indies, and in South America, excited the emulation of the other maritime powers of Christendom. Our ancestors were not dilatory in their endeavors to enter upon this new path to glory and wealth ; for we find that in the year 1498, John Cabot, by virtue of a commission from Henry VII., took formal possession, in the name of that monarch, of a considerable portion of the continent of North America. No attempt however, was made to establish a colony in that country till the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when Sir Hum- phrey Gilbert and Sir Walter Raleigh, in the years 1578 and 1584, formed settlements there, which were soon wasted by famine, by disease, and by the arrows of the natives, who, as heathens, were counted as nothing in the royal grants under which the adventurers acted. The first per- manent British settlement was established in the reign of King James I., under whose auspices a company of adven- V7ho discovered America? In what year? Who took possession of a part of North America? When? B 6 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. turers built Jamestown, on the northern side of James river. This colony, however, continued for a long time in a feeble state. It was founded A. D. 1607,- and, though it received continual accessions of new settlers, its population, in the year 1670, amounted to no more than 40,000 souls. The Virginian colonists were prompted to quit their na- tive country by the hope of bettering their temporal condi- tion. A higher motive gave rise to the colonization of the northern portion of the new continent. After the pass- ing of the Act of Uniformity, in the reign of Elizabeth, the Puritans had suffered a grievous persecution ; to escape from which a small body of them had fled, in the year 1606, into Holland. Unwilling, however, entirely to sever them- selves from the land which gave them birth, they applied to their sovereign. King James, beseeching him to permit them to establish themselves in his North American domin- ions, ^in the full exercise of liberty in religious matters. With this their request, in its full extent, James refused to comply. All that they could obtain from him was a promise that he would connive at their infringements of the statutes, the operation of which had driven them into voluntary exile. On the faith of the royal word to this effect, they embarked, to the number of 101, in the month of September, 1620^ and arriving at Cape Cod in the following November, soon afterwards fixed themselves in a place of settlement, which they called New Plymouth, and which, it must be observed to their honor, they purchased from the natives. Dread- ful were the difficulties with which this handful of reli- Where was tlie first permanent settlement made? At what time? What inducements prompted the Virginian colonists to quit their native country? When and where was the second settlement made? Who were the settlers of Plymouth? Their number! What motive induced tbeir emigration? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 7 gionists had to struggle,- landing as they did in the depth of winter, and exposed as they were, notwithstanding their conciliatory disposition to the hostility of the natives. But, supported by the principles of piety, and determined at any price to purchase riligious freedom, they maintained their ground; and being from time to time recruited by new mi- grations of their persecuted brethren, they, by degrees, spread themselves over the province of Massachusetts. It too often happens that religion produces dissension, and that those who have suffered persecution, when they have obtained power, become persecutors themselves. — This was the case with the principal inhabitants of the colony of Massachusetts. Falling into the common error of the times, in thinking that uniformity of sentiment on the subject of religious doctrines was required by the truth of the gospel, and by a regard to the peace and welfare of society, they established it as a rule of government, 'that no man should be admitted to the freedom of their body politic, -but such tis were members of some of their chur- ches;' and they afterwards passed a resolution, 'that none but such should share in the administration of civil govern- ment, or have a voice in any election.' In this instance, however, as in many others, evil was productive of good. The discontented sectarians sought other settlements, and founded the colonies of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Whilst the once persecuted Protestants thus gave a sad proof that their sufferings had not taught them mercy, it was reserved for a Roman Catholic nobleman to give to the new world a striking example of this happy docility. With wliat difficulties had they to struggle? What was a common error of the times? What rule of government did they establish? What became of the discontented sectarians? 8 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. In the year 1632, Lorld Baltimore obtained a charter for a new colony, the first settlers of which consisted chiefly of Ro- man Catholic gentlemen; and, having established his band of emigrants in Maryland, he so exerted his influence with the members of the assembly of the new province, that they laid it down as a fundamental principle of their con- stitution, Hhat no persons professing to believe in Christ Jesus should be molested in respect of their religion, or in the free exercise thereof.' His lordship's enlightened policy was eminently successful. Under the nurture of religious liberty, his infant settlement soon advanced rapidly towards maturity. In the reign of Charles II., royal charters of the most liberal tenor were granted to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations ; and patents were also granted to Lord Clarendon and the Duke of York, bestowing on the former a right to form plantations in the district now comprehending North and South Carolina and Georgia, and delegating to the latter the same right as respecting New York and New Jersey; and finally, a patent was issued, authorizing the celebrated William Penn to colonize Penn- sylvania and Delaware. The English emigrants who settled in North America were a class of people very different from the Spaniards, who subdued the southern continent. They did not leave their native shores for the purpose of invading and plunder- ing rich provinces and wealthy cities; but they sought prosperity by the painful arts of industry and economy. Purchasing land from the aborigines, they at first devoted By whom, and when, was Baltimore settled? What was his policy? Was it successful? What charters were granted? What patents were issued during the reign of Charles II.? By whom waa South America subdued? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 9 themselves to the culture of the soil; and in process of time, those who continued to reside on the sea-shore, or on the banks of navigable rivers, addicted themselves to commerce. Their success in this pursuit is evinced by the fact, that though in the year 1704, the imports of the province of Pennsylvania amounted only to £11,499 sterling, in 1772 they were increased to the value of j£607,909, and in the same year the whole of the exports from Great Britain to her North American colonies amounted to upwards of £6,000,000 sterling. Though each colony had its separate constitution, the principles of freedom pervaded them all. In some provin- ces the governors and the magistrates were elected by the people; and in those, the governors and chief officers of which were appointed by the crown, the power of these functionaries was controlled by assemblies, the members of which were chosen by the freeholders, who were too nu- merous to be bribed, and too independent in their circum- stances to be swayed by influence. Throughout the whole of the Union there was not found a single proprietor of a borough, nor an interest to nurture the principles of bigot- ry and passive obedience. When the first settlers took possession of the country, they brought with them all the rights of Englishmen, and those rights they were jealous in maintaining. Their interior concerns were regulated by their representatives in assembly ; but in consideration of their origin, and of the protection against foreign enemies, which they received from the mother country, they cheer- fully submitted to the obligation of exclusively trading How did the English differ from them? What principles pervaded the constitution of each colony? How were the governors and magistrates elected in some of the provinces? How in others? How did they regulate their interior concerns? b2 10 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. with her, and of being bound by all the laws touching com- merce, which might be passed by the British parliament. The limits of the authority of parliament they were not critical in canvassing, with one exception, namely, claiming to be independent of that body in the matter of internal taxation. They maintained, comformably to one of the most established principles of the British constitution, that an assembly in which they were not represented had no right to burden them with imposts. SECTION II. WAR OF SEVENTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX. The growing power of the British colonies in America was strikingly evinced in the year 1745, when a force of 5000 men, raised and equipped by the single State of Mas- sachusetts, and acting in concert with a British armament from the Indies, took Louisburg from the French. The success of this expedition so much excited the jealousy of the government of France, that, after the termination of the war in which Louisburg was taken, they dispossessed the Ohio Company of the settlements which it had formed on the river of that name, alleging that the territory in question was part of the dominions of his Most Christian Majesty. It was on this occasion that George Washington, then a major in the Virginian militia, first drew his sword in hostility. At the head of 300 men he defeated a party of What is a principle of tlie British constitution? Did the colonists maintain this? What expedition is here mentioned? Wliat was the result? What was a consequence of the capture of Louieburg? What is related of Geo. Washington? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 1 1 French ; but being afterwards attacked by a superior force he was obliged to surrender, receiving, however, honorable terms of capitulation. A war with France now seeming inevitable, a general meeting of the governors and leading members of the pro- vincial assemblies was held at Albany, in the State of New York. This meeting proposed, as the result of its delibera- tions, 'that a grand council should be formed of members, to be chosen by the provincial assemblies; which council, together with a governor to be appointed by the crown, should be authorized to make general laws, and also to raise money from all the colonies, for their common defence.' The British government seem to have viewed this proposal with jealousy, as a step towards independence. They dis- approved of the projected mode of the election of the mem- bers of the council ; nor were they satisfied with the plan of raising the requisite supplies by acts of the colonial legislatures; and they proposed that 'the governors of all the colonies, attended by one or two members of their re- spective councils, should, from time to time, concert mea- sures for the whole colonies; erect forts and raise troops with a power to draw upon the British treasury in the first instance ; but to be ultimately reimbursed by a tax to be laid on the colonies by act of parliament.' This counter proposal was strenuously opposed by the colonists, who re- fused to trust their interests to governors and members of councils, since almost the whole of the former, and the great majority of the latter, were nominated by the crown. As to the plan of raising taxes in the colonies by the au- Wliat meeting was lield at Albany ? What was its object? How was tbe proposition viewed by the English governmenl? What did the British government propose? How did the colonics receive it? 12 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. thority of the British parliament, they rejected it in the most peremptory manner. In the discussions which took place on this occasion, Dr. Franklin took an active part, and in a letter to Mr. Shirley, governor of Massachusetts, as Dr. Ramsay observes, 'he anticipated the substance of a controversy, which for twenty years employed the pens, tongues, and swords of both countries.' In his correspon- dence with the governor, the American patriot intimated his apprehension, 'that excluding the people from all share in the choice of the grand council, would give extreme dis- satisfaction, as well as the taxing them by act of parliament, where they have no representation. 'It is,' observes he, with equal candor and good sense, — -'it is'^very possible that this general government might be as well and faithfully ad- ministered without the people as with them; but where heavy burdens are to be laid upon them, it has been found useful to make it, as much as possible, their own act; for they bear better, when they have, or think they have, some share in the direction ; and when any public measures are generally grievous, or even distasteful to the people, the wheels of government move more heavily.' On the sub- ject of the general characters of the governors of the colo- nies, to whom it was thus intended to delegate extraordina- ry powers. Dr. Franklin thus expressed himself, in terms well worthy the attention of all ministers who are invested with the appointment of such functionaries ; — 'Governors often come to the colonies merely to make fortunes, with which they intend to return to Britain ; are not always men of the best abilities or integrity; have many of them no estates here, nor any natural connexion with us, that should make them heartily concerned for our welfare; and might possibly be fond of raising and keeping up more forces than What American patriot? What were his apprehensions? With what views did governors often come to the colonies? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 13 lecessary, from the profits accruing to themselves, and to nake provisions for their friends and dependents.' The opposition which their project experienced, induced the British government to withdraw it, and the colonies and he mother country for some time longer acted together in inion and harmony. The consequence of this was, that nder the vigorous administration of Mr. Pitt, the war, be- un in 1756, was terminated by a treaty signed in 1763; ccording to the articles of which, Canada was ceded to Jreat Britain by France, and the two Floridas by Spain. The North American colonies, in general, entered into he war of 1756 with such zeal, that some of them advanced mds for its prosecution to a greater amount than the quota ^hich had been demanded of them' by the British govern- lent. Others of them, however, the State of Maryland 3r instance, had, from local and accidental causes neglected D contribute their share to the requisite supplies. This ircumstance, in all probability, led British statesmen to dsh to establish a system, by means of which the resour- Bs of the colonies might be made available without the ecessity of the concurrence of their local legislatures. — iccordingly, Mr. Pitt is said to have told Dr. Franklin, that, when the war closed, if he should be in the ministry, he /•ould take measures to prevent the colonies from having a )Ower to refuse or delay the supplies which might be want- ig for national purposes.' This declaration is certainly at ariance with the doctrines which Mr. Pitt maintained when tie question of colonial taxation was afterwards discussed 1 parliament. But at the latter period that great statesman ;^as no longer minister; and he is not the only politician i^ho has held different language when in and out of power. What distinguished British minister is named? What were the conditions of the treaty? What is it said Mr. Pitt told Dr. Franklin? 14 AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. SECTION III. RESOLUTIONS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 10th OF MARCH, 1764. Whatever might be the motives of their conduct, the Brit- ish ministry, in the year 1764, began to manifest a narrow and jealous policy towards the North American colonies. For a long series of years the commerce of the eastern States had been most beneficially extended to the Spanish and French colonies ; to which they transported great quantities of British manufactures, the profits on the sale of which were divided between themselves and their corres- pondents in the mother country. This course of trade, though not repugnant to the spirit of the navigation laws, was contrary to their letter. Of this the British ministry took advantage j and by the activity of their revenue cut- ters, they put a stop to the traffic in question, to the detri- ment and ruin of many merchants, not only in America, but also in Great Britain. In September, 1764, indeed, they caused an act to be passed, authorizing the trade be- tween the North Americans and the French and Spanish colonies, but loading it with such duties as amounted to a prohibition, and prescribing that all offenders against the act should be prosecuted in the Court of Admiralty, where they were deprived of a trial by jury. As an accumulation of the grievances which the colonists felt from this act, its preamble contained the following words of fearful omen : ' Whereas it is just and necessary that a revenue be raised in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, pro- Wliat was the preamble? What policy was manifested towards the colonies in 1764? Of what did the British ministry take advantage? What act was passed in 1764? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 15 tecting, and securing the same. We, the Commons, &c., towards raising the same, give and grant unto your Ma- jesty,' &c. It is believed by competent judges that the colonists, however disposed to resent this encroachment on their con- stitutional rights, would have submitted without resistance to the provisions of the act as regulations of trade and commerce. But the ministry soon took a bolder step, by proceeding to impose a direct internal tax upon the colonies by authority of parliament. This measure was vindicated on the following grounds, that the pressure of the payment of the interest of the national debt weighed so heavily on the British community, that it was expedient that by every proper means this burden should be lightened ; that a con- siderable portion of this debt had been contracted in the furnishing of supplies for the defence of the North Ameri- can colonies ; that it was just and reasonable that those colo- nies should contribute their proportion towards its liquida- tion ; and that the authority of parliament was competent to bind them so to do. The idea of relieving the public burdens by the taxation of distant colonies, was of course, very popular throughout the British nation; and so little was the right of parliament to impose such taxation at first questioned in Britain, that on the 10th of March, 1764, a resolution to the following effect passed the House of Com- mons, without any remark, ' That towards farther defray- ing the said expenses, it may be proper to charge certain stamp duties in the said colonies and plantations.' Nothing, however, was immediately done in pursuance of this reso- lution ; as ministers were in hopes that the apprehension of the passing of an act founded on it would induce the colonists What step did the ministry next take? On what grounds was this measure vindicated? What resolution was passed on the 10th of March, 1764? What were the ministers in hopes of? 16 AMERICAN REVOLITTION. to raise a sum equivalent to the expected produce of such act, by bills passed in their respective legislative assemblies; but in these hopes they were disappointed. When intelli- gence of the resolution for laying a tax on stamps arrived in America, the colonists were filled with alarm and indig- nation. They declared internal taxation of the colonies by the authority of parliament to be an innovation and an infringement on their rights and liberties. If parliament was authorized to levy one tax upon them, it was author- ized to levy a thousand. Where, then, was the security of their property, or what protection could they expect for their dearest interests, from a body of men who were igno- rant of their circumstances : between whom and themselves there was no bond of sympathy, and who, indeed, had a direct interest in removing the weight of taxation from their own shoulders to those of the colonists? .They were entitled, they affirmed, to all the rights of British subjects, of which the most valuable w^as exemption from all taxes, save those which should be imposed upon them by their own freely chosen and responsible representatives. Influ- enced by the feelings and motives implied in these declara- tions, instead of passing tax bills, they voted petitions and remonstrances to parliament and to the throne. SECTION IV. STAMP ACT, MARCH 22, 1765- The supplications and complaints of the colonists were disregarded. In the month of ]\Iarch, 1765, a bill for lay- ing a duty on stamps in America was brought into the How were the colonics aflected with Uie news of the •' stamp act'' ? What rights did they declare themselves entitled to? What did they do to obtain redress? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 17 House of Commons by Mr. Grcnville. This bill was sup- ported by Mr. Charles Townscnd, who is reported to have concluded his speech in its favor in the following words : *And now will these Americans — children planted by our care, nourished up by our indulgence, till they are grown to a degree of strength and opulence, and protected by our arms — will they grudge to contribute their mite to relieve us from the heavy weight of that burden which we lie un- der?' To this invidious appeal to the pride and the preju- dices of the members of the House of Commons, Colonel Barre thus energetically replied: — 'They planted by your care! No! your oppressions planted them in America.— ^ They fled from your tyranny to a then uncultivated and inhospitable country, where they exposed themselves to almost all the hardships to which human nature is liable, and, among others, to the cruelty of a savage foe, the most subtle, and, I will take upon me to say, the most formida- ble of any people upon the face of God's earth ; and yet, actuated by principles of true English liberty, they met all hardships with pleasure, compared with those they sulTered in their own country, from the hands of those who should have been their friends. They nourished up by your in- dulgence! they grew by your neglect of them. As soon as you began to care for them, that care was exercised in sending persons to rule them in one department and another, who were, perhaps, the deputies of deputies to some mem- bers of this House, sent to spy out their liberties, to mis- represent their actions, and to prey upon them — men whose behaviour, on many occasions, has caused the blood of those sons of liberty to recoil within them — men promoted What was done by Mr. Grenville in 1765? Who supported this bill? What did he say in support of it? What was said in reply? By whom? c 1 8 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. to the highest seats of justice; some who, to my knowledge, were glad, by going to a foreign country, to escape being brought to the bar of a court of justice in their own. They protected by your arms ! they have nobly taken up arms in your defence, have exerted their valor, amidst their con- stant and laborious industry, for the defence of a country whose frontier was drenched in blood, while its interior parts yielded all its little savings to your emolument. And, believe me, remember I this day told you so, that same spirit of freedom which actuated that people at first, will accompany them still ; but prudence forbids me to explain /nyself further. God knows I do not at this time speak from any motives of party heat; what I deliver are the genuine sentiments of my heart. However superior to me in gen- eral knowledge and experience, the respectable body of this House may be, yet I claim to know more of America than most of you, having seen and been conversant with that country. The people, I believe, are as truly loyal as any subjects the king has, but a people jealous of their lib- erties, and who will vindicate them, if ever they should be violated. But the subject is too delicate — I will say no more.' In the House of Lords the bill met with no opposition ; and on the 2 2d of March it received the royal assent. In adopting the stamp-act as a method of taxing the colonies, ministers flattered themselves that the nullity of all trans- actions- in which the stamps prescribed by the new law were not used would insure its execution. In this confi- dence they postponed the commencement of its operation to the month of November, 1765. This was a fatal error on their part. Had they prescribed its enforcement imme- diately on its arrival in America, the colonists might, in What was a fatal error? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 19 their consternation, have been awed into compliance with its provisions; but the long interval between its arrival and its execution, gave them ample time to organize their opposition against it. Of this they fully availed them- selves. On the 28th of May, the assembly of Virginia passed strong resolutions against the stamp-act, the sub- stance of which was readily adopted by the other provin- cial legislatures. Popular pamphlets were published in abundance, in reprobation of the power thus assumed by the British parliament; and the proprietors of newspapers, whose journals were destined to be burdened with a stamp duty, raised against the obnoxious statute a cry, which re- sounded from Massachusetts to Georgia. The oppressive measures of ministers were canvassed in town-meetings and in every place of public resort; and the limits of the obedience due to the parent country were freely and boldly discussed in every company. In these proceedings the colony of Virginia led the way, by passing in the House of Burgesses, at the motion of Mr. Patrick Henry, the follow- ing resolutions : 1st, 'That the first adventurers — settlers of this his Majesty's colony and dominion of Virginia — brought with them, and transmitted to their posterity, and all other his Majesty's subjects, since inhabiting in this his Majesty's said colony, all the liberties, privileges, and im- munities that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of Great Britain;' — 2dly, 'That by two royal charters, granted by King James I., the colonies aforesaid are declared to be entitled to all liberties, privi- leges, and immunities of denizens, and natural subjects, to all intents and purposes, as if they had been abiding and What did the Legislature of Virginia do? What took place from Massachusetts to Georgia? What of Patrick Henry? Repeat the first resolution, the secondl 20 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, born within the realm of England ;' — 3dly, ' That his Ma- jesty's liege people of this his ancient colony have enjoyed the right of being thus governed by their own assembly, in the article of taxes and internal police, and that the same has never been forfeited or yielded up, but been constantly recognized by the king and people of Britain;' — 4thly, ^Eesolved, therefore, that the general assembly of this colony, together with his Majesty or his substitutes, have, in their representative capacity, the only exclusive right and power to lay taxes and imposts upon the inhabitants of this colony, and that every attempt to vest such power in any other person or persons whatsoever than the gen- eral assembly aforesaid, is illegal, unconstitutional and un- just, and hath a manifest tendency to destroy British as well as American liberty;' — 5thly, 'Resolved, that his Ma- jesty's liege people, the inhabitants of this colony, are not bound to yield obedience to any law or ordinance what- ever, designed to impose any taxation whatever upon them, other than the laws or ordinances of the general assembly aforesaid;' — 6thly, 'Resolved, that any person who shall, by speaking or writing, assert or maintain that any person or persons, other than the general assembly of this colo- ny, have any right or power to impose, or lay any taxa- tion on the people here, shall be deemed an enemy to this his Majesty's colony.' The heat engendered by the debates, which in various colonies issued in resolutions to the tenor of the foregoing, at length broke out in acts of violence. The populace of Boston attacked the houses of the officers of government, and destroyed their furniture. Similar excesses took place in some of the other colonies; and the general antipathy of Repeat the third resolution, the/owrf A, the fifth and sixth. What did the populace of Boston do? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 21 the public against the act sheltered the perpetrators of these outrages from punishment. These ebullitions were followed by more regular and more eftective proceedings on the part of the American patriots. On the 6th of June the assembly of Massachu- setts, sensible of the necessity of union to the maintenance of their rights and liberties, invited the other colonial legis- lative bodies to send deputies to a general congress to be holden at* New York on the second Tuesday of October, for the purpose of deliberating on the steps necessary to be taken in the existing circumstances. This summons was readily answered by all the colonies, except those of Vir- ginia, North Carolina, and Georgia, which, however, hear- tily approved of the purposed measures, but were prevent- ed by their respective governors from meeting for the purpose of electing deputies to attend the congress. The representatives of nine colonies met at the time and place appointed, and after mature deliberation agreed upon a declaration of their rights and a statement of their grievan- ces, and also drew up and signed petitions to the king and to both houses of parliament. Similar steps were taken individually by the colonies which had been prevented from sending deputies to the congress. SECTION V. REPEAL OF THE STAMP-ACT, 10th OF MARCH, 1766.— NEW AT- TEMPT AT TAXATION, AND RESISTANCE TO THE SAME. The first of November, the day on which the stamp-act was to commence its operation, was ushered in throughout ViThat took place on the 6th of June? How many colonics omitted to attend this Congress? Why? What did this congress agree upon? What occurred on the 1st of November? C2 22 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. the colonies by the funereal tolling of bells. In the course of the day, various processions and public exhibitions were made, all indicative of the abhorrence in which the detested statute was universally held. By common consent, the act was utterly disregarded, and not a stamp was bought to legalize any transaction. Nor did the Americans content themselves with this sullen opposition to the measures of ministers. They entered into solemn resolutions not to import any British manufactured goods, till the ^stamp-act was repealed ; and an association was formed to oppose the act by force of arms. The latter step had no immediate effect; but the non-importation agreement brought such distress upon the British manufacturers, that they besieged parliament with petitions against the measures which had been adopted for the taxing of the colonies. Thus assailed by the clamors of the colonists and by the complaints of the suffering British merchants, his Majesty's government, at the head of which was now placed the Marquess of Rock- ingham, for a time wavered at the view of the unpleasant alternative which was set before them, of either repealing or enforcing the obnoxious statute. The former measure was grating to the pride of the nation at large, and the lat- ter evidently involved in its prosecution the danger of a civil war. During this period of hesitation, the state of the colonies was frequently discussed in parliament. It was, in particular, the prominent subject of debate at the open- ing of the session on the 17th of December, 1765. On this occasion Mr. Pitt seems to have exerted all the energies of his powerful mind to avert the mischiefs which he beheld impending over his country. 'It is a long time, Mr. Speak- er,' said he, ' since I have attended in parliament. When the resolution was taken in the House to tax America, I What resolutions were entered into? Who pleaded the cause of the colonies in Parliament, 1765? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 23 was ill in bed. If I could have endured to have been car- ried in my bed, so great was the agitation of my mind for the consequences, I would have solicited some kind hand to have laid me down on this floor, to have borne my testi- mony against it. It is now an act that has passed ; I would speak with decency of every act of this House, but I must beg the indulgence of the House to speak of it with free- dom. I hope a day may be soon appointed to consider the state of the nation with respect to America. I hope gentle- men will come to this debate with all the temper and im- partiality that his Majesty recommends, and the importance of the subject requires — a subject of greater importance than ever engaged the attention of this House, that subject only excepted, when, nearly a century ago, it was the ques- tion whether you yourselves were to be bound or free. In the mean time, as I cannot depend upon health for any fu- ture day, such is the nature of my infirmities, I will beg to say a few words at present, leaving the justice, the equity, the policy, the expediency of the act to another time. I will only speak to one point — a point which seems not to have been generally understood — I mean to the right. — Some gentlemen seem to have considered it as a point of honor. If gentlemen consider it in that light, they leave all measures of right and wrong, to follow a delusion that may lead to destruction. It is my opinion that this king- dom has no right to lay a tax upon the colonies. At the same time I assert the authority of this kingdom over the colonies to be sovereign and supreme in every circumstance of government and legislation whatsoever. They are the subjects of this kingdom, equally entitled with yourselves to all the natural rights of mankind, and the peculiar privile- ges of Englishmen. Equally bound by its laws, and equal- ly participating of the constitution of this free country, the Americans are the sons — not the bastards of England. — Taxation is no part of the governing or legislative power. 24 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The taxes are a voluntary gift and grant of the Commons alone. In legislation the three estates of the realm are alike concerned ; but the concurrence of the peers and the crown to a tax is only necessary to close with the form of a law. The gift and grant is of the Commons alone. In ancient days the crown, the barons, and the clergy pos- sessed the lands. In those days the barons and clergy gave and granted to the crown. They gave and granted what was their own. At present, since the discovery of Amer- ica, and other circumstances admitting, the Commons are become the proprietors of the land. The crown has di- vested itself of its great estates. The church (God bless it) has but a pittance. The property of the Lords, compared with that of the Commons, is as a drop of water in the ocean ; and this House represents those Commons, the pro- prietors of the lands ; and those proprietors virtually rep- resent the rest of the inhabitants. When, therefore, in this House we give and grant, we give and grant what is our own. But in an American tax what do we do? ' We, your Majesty's Commons' of Great Britain, give and grant to your Majesty' — what? — our own property? — No! We give and grant to your Majesty the property of your Ma- jesty's Commons of America! It is an absurdity in terms.' 'There is,' said Mr. Pitt, towards the close of his speech, * there is an idea in some, that the colonies are virtually represented in this House. I would fain know by whom an American is represented here? Is he represented by any knight of the shire in any county in this kingdom? Would to God that respectable representation was augmented to a greater number ! Or will you tell him that he is repre- sented by any representative of a borough — a borough which, perhaps, no man ever saw. This is what is called the rotten part of the constitution. It cannot continue a What said Mr. Pitt towards the close of his speech? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 25 century — if it does not drop it must be amputated. The idea of a virtual representation of America in this House is the most contemptible idea that ever entered into the head of a man.' Mr. Pitt concluded by declaring ii as his opinion, that whilst the Americans were possessed of the constitu- tional right to tax themselves, Great Britain, as the supreme governing and legislative power, had always bound the co- lonies by her laws, by her regulations and restrictions in trade, in navigation^ in manufactures, in every thing ex- cept that of taking their money out of their pockets with- out their consent. Of this broad assertion, of the extent of British power over the colonies, Mr. Grenville, the pa- tron of the stamp-act, took advantage, and maintained that there was no difference in principle between the right to impose external and internal taxation. He asserted that the protection from time to time afforded to America by Britain was a just ground of claim to obedience on the part of the latter from the former, and asked when America was emancipated from the allegiance which she owed to the parent State ? Provoked by Mr. Grenville's sophistry, and irritated by his insolence of tone and manner, Mr. Pitt gave utterance to the following declaration — a declaration, no doubt, well calculated to animate the spirit of freedom on the other side of the Atlantic. ^ The gentleman tells us that America is obstinate; America is almost in open re- bellion, I REJOICE THAT AMERICA HAS RESISTED. Three millions of people, so dead to all the feelings of liberty, as voluntarily to submit to be slaves, would have been fit in- struments to make slaves of the rest of their fellow sub- jects.' Thus did Mr. Pitt plead the cause of the colonies with all the fervor of commanding eloquence. In the course of a Who followed Mr. Pitt in debate? What was Mr. Pitt 'a reply? 26 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. few days the same cause was maintained by Dr. Franklin, on the plain and unadorned, but convincing principles of common sense. In the month of February, that celebrated philosopher was examined at the bar of the House of Com- mons touching the state of America, and the probable ef- fect upon the inhabitants of that country of the imposition of stamp duties. In this examination he evinced an accu- rate and extensive knowledge of facts — of facts which were calculated to convince any reasonable mind that it was morally impossible to enforce the stamp-act in the colonies ; and that an attempt to effect that object would be productive of the worst consequences to the prosperity of Britain. — The train of interrogatories furnished, of course, by him- self, afforded him an opportunity of stating his opinions in his accustomed clear and simple manner ; and the cross-ex- amination which he underwent on the part of members hos. tile to the claims of the colonies, gave an occasion for the display of that coolness of temper and promptitude of per- ception by which he was distinguished. His examination concluded with the following pithy questions and replies: — Q. What used to be the pride of the Americans? A. To indulge in the fashions and manufactures of Great Britain Q. What is now their pride? A. To wear their old clothes over again till they can make new ones.* * On the 10th of November, 1776, on motion of the Duke of Richmond, tha^ Mr. Penn, whom he saw below tlie bar, should be examined, in order to establish the authenticity of the petition presented by him, several curious particulars, re- lative to much contoverted subjects, came out upon the examination of this gen. tleman. He was personally acquainted with almost all the members of Congress, had been governor of the colony, and resided in the city in which they assembled and What celebrated philosopher is here spoken of ? Before whom was he examined ? What questions were put to him? What were his answers? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 27 The distress of the commercial and manufacturing in- terests now co-operating with parliamentary arguments and eloquence, the new ministers, who were not so deeply com- held their deliberations, and had every opportunity, from office, family connex- ion, locality of property, and an extensive acquaintance, to obtain the fullest information of the state of affairs in America, as well as of the temper and dis- position of the people.. It was also evident, that his discernment was equal to the forming a just estimate of things, and there could scarcely be a suspicion of partiality in favor of any measure which could tend to American independence, as the great fortune of his family, if not wholly lost, must be much impaired by such an event. Among the remarkable parts of his testimony was an absolute negative to the supposition or charge, that any design of independence had been formed by the Congress. He declared, that the members composing that body had been fairly elected; that they were men of character, capable of conveying the sense of America; and that they had actually conveyed the sense of their constituents; that the different provinces would be governed by their decisions in all events; that the war was levied and carried on by the colonists, merely in defence of what they thought their liberties; that the spirit of resistance was general, and they believed themselves able to defend their liberties against the arms of Great Britain; that the colony of Pennsylvania contained about sixty thousand men able to carry arms — that of these, twenty thousand had volun- tarily enrolled themselves to serve without pay, and were armed and embodied before the governor's departure. Being questioned as to the nature of that vol- unteer force, he said that it included tiie men of best fortune and cliaracter in the province, and that it was generally composed of men who were possessed of property either landed or otherwise; that an additional body of four thou- sand five hundred minute men had since been raised in the province, who were to be paid when called out upon service; that they had the means and mate- rial of casting iron cannon in great plenty; that they cast brass cannon in Phil- adelphia, and they made small arms in great abundance and perfection; that the colonies had been dissatisfied with the reception of their former petitions; but that they had founded great hopes upon the success of that which he brought over, that it was styled the Olive Branch, and that he had been congratulated by his friends upon his being the bearer of it; that it was greatly to be feared, that if conciliatory measures were not speedily pursued, they would form connexions with foreign powers, and that if such connexions were once formed, it would be found a matter of great difficulty to dissolve them. Being asked, 'whether the people of the different provinces were now in a state of freedom?' he said that they thought themselves so; whether 'the most opulent inhabitants would not prefer freedom under this country to what they now enjoy? he answered, that they would prefer it to any other state of freedom; and that, notwithetand- >28 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. mitted as their predecessors on the subject of the stamp- act, at length made up their mind to give way. Before the examination of Dr. Franklin, indeed, namely, on the 21st of January, 1766, a motion had, under their auspices, been made in the Commons in a committee of the whole House to the following effect; — 'That it is the opinion of the com- mittee, that the House be moved, that leave be given to bring in a bill to repeal an act passed in the last session of parliament, entitled, "An act for granting and applying cer- tain stamp, duties, and other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America towards farther defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same, and for amending such parts of the several acts of parlia- ment relating to the trade and revenues of the said colonies and plantations, as direct the manner of determining and recovering the penalties and forfeitures therein mention- ed."' To this resolution the advocates of the obnoxious statute moved an amendment, by which it was proposed to leave out the word 'repeal,' and insert 'explain and amend,' But this amendment was rejected by a majority of one hun- dred and eighteen. ing their determination to support the measures of the Congress, they wished for a reconciliation with this country He denied i s being an object of the Congress to throw off the regulations of their trade, and acknowledged that the most thinking men in Pennsylvania were of opinion, that a refusal of the present petition would be a bar to all reconcilement. It was observed, with some severity of animadversion, as a singular circum- stance in the present situation of affairs, what appeared upon this examination, that neither the Secretary of State, who received the petition, nor any other minister or person in authority, had, since the arrival of the witness in England, proposed a single question to him, or desired the smallest information relative to the state of affairs in America or the disposition or temper of the people. This circumstance was used to give countenance to the charge so often repeated by the opposition, that a system had been chalked out for the administration, which they were obliged blindly to pursue, and to act in it merely as machines, without being at liberty to form an opinion as to justice, eligibility, or consequence. — Annual Register, Vol. XIX., 1776. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 29 On the 24th of February, the above mentioned proceed- ings were confirmed by the passing a resolution similar to the foregoing one, but with a view, no doubt, of saving the dignity of the nation and of his Majesty's government; this second resolution was accompanied by others, approv- ing of the conduct of such of the colonists as had used their best exertions for the enforcement of the stamp-act in America; indemnifying those Svho, by reason of the tu- mults and outrages in North America, had not been able to procure stamped paper since the passing of the act for lay_ ing certain duties on stamps in the colonies, and had incur- red penalties and forfeitures, by writing, ingrossing, or printing on paper, vellum, or parchment, not duly stamped, as required by the said act.' A bill, founded on these reso- lutions, was accordingly brought into the House. This bill, after warm debates, passed both Houses of Parliament, and received the royal assent on the 16th of March, 1766. The ostensible grounds for the adoption of this measure, as expressed by preamble to the act, was the inexpediency of the tax on stamps, and by way of guardedly reserving the main point in question, namely, the right of the British parliament to impose internal taxes on the colonies, the re- peal act was accompanied by a declaratory act in which it was asserted, 'that the parliament had, and of right ought to have, power to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever.' This broad and unqualified claim on the part of the British legislature, was little calculated to satisfy such of the Amer- ican colonists as had maintained the struggle against the British misistry upon deep and well considered principle. These, no doubt, regarded it with suspicion and dislike, as containing the germ of future encroachments upon their rights and privileges. But it seems to have made little im- On the 24, Feb. what proceedings were confirmed? What right was reserved? n 30 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. pression upon the minds of the American public. In their joy for the repeal of the stamp-act, and in their eagerness to resume their ordinary occupations, the colonists regarded it as a harmless sally of wounded pride, and cheerfully re- newed their commercial intercourse with the mother country. But the evil genius of Britain still fostered in the cabinet the idea of raising a revenue in America. Lord Rocking- ham having been superseded by the Duke of Grafton, Charles Townsend, the then chancellor of the exchequer, brought into the House of Commons, in the year 1767, a bill, which was quickly passed into a law, for granting du- ties in the British colonies on glass, paper, painters' colors? and tea. This proceeding again kindled a blaze through- out the provinces. In their estimation, it proved that the declaratory act was not intended to be a dead letter, and it gave rise to bold and acute discussions as to the distinction between tax-bills and bills for the regulation of trade. To add to the alarm of the colonists, a board of commissioners of customs was established at Boston; which step convin- ced them that the British government intended to harass them with a multiplicity of fiscal oppressions. They there- fore again had recourse to petitions, remonstrances, and non-importation agreements. The seizure of the sloop Libertyj belonging to Mr. Hancock, a popular leader, for an infringement of the revenue laws, incited the populace of Boston to renewed acts of violence, which drove the commissioners of the customs to take shelter in Castle Wil- liam. To suppress this spirit of insubordination, his Ma- jesty's ministers stationed some armed vessels in the har- bor, and quartered two regiments of foot in the town How were the Americans affected, by the repeal of the stamp act? In 1767, what kindled a blaze in America? What added to the alarm? What excited the populace of Boston? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 31 of Boston. The intention of the British government to send this force to Boston having been announced, the select- men of ninety-six towns of the State of Massachusetts, met at Faneuil Hall, in that town; but this assembly, which had excited great alarm among the friends of government, mere- ly recommended moderate measures, and then dissolved itself. The day after the breaking up of this convention, the troops arrived, and landed without opposition under the protection of the guns of the armed vessels in the har- bor. The intelligence of the refractory spirit thus manifested by the inhabitants of Boston, produced such irritation in the British parliament, that in February, 1769, both Houses concurred in an address to his Majesty, prompting him to vigorous measures against all persons guilty of what they were pleased to denominate treasonable acts ; and beseech- ing him, in pursuance of the powers contained in an obso- lete statute of the 35th of Henry VHI., to seize the offen- ders, and cause them to be tried by a special commission within the realm of Great Britain. This imprudent sug- gestion was encountered by strong resolutions on the part of the provincial assemblies ; and the colonists again had recourse to non-importation agreements, and, in some in- stances, sent back to Great Britain cargoes of goods which had actually arrived. Thusthe distresses of the British man- ufacturers were renewed; and ministers were induced, by their earnest remonstrances, to repeal all the newly im- posed duties, except that on tea. This reservation being a practical assertion of the right of parliament to impose in- VV^hat meeting was held at Faneuil Hall? W^hat were their proceedings? In 1769, what was done in the British Parliament? What was done in the colonies? What effect had these proceedings in England? 32 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ' ternal taxes on the American States, was very odious to the colonists, who, however, relaxed their associations so far as to allow the importation of all articles except tea, the use of which commodity they forbore, or supplied themselves with it by smuggling. SECTION VI. PETITION AND REMONSTRANCE, 1773. Thus was tranquillity restored to most of the colonies. But the presence of the troops in the town of Boston was a perpetual source of irritation in the province of Massa- chusetts. The Bostonians regarded the soldiers with an evil eye, as the instruments of tyranny designed to be used for the destruction of their liberties, and availed themselves of every opportunity which occurred to annoy and insult them- In resisting a violent act of aggression, a party of the mili- tary were obliged to fire on the populace, of whom three were killed and five dangerously wounded. In times of public excitement, nothing is more irritating to the popu- lace, and nothing more painful to men of cultivated minds^ than the interference of the military. When that interfer- ence is attended with fatal consequences, the frenzy of the people rises to the utmost height. Such was the case with the inhabitants of Boston. On hearing of the melancholy event, some obscure individuals caused the drums to beat to arms, and the townsmen assembled to the amount of some thousands. They were, however, happily appeased by the intervention of several patriotic leaders, whose zeal was allayed by prudence, and in consequence of whose in- terference with the Lieutenant-Governor the obnoxious What was a source of irritation to the Bostonians? What caused a public excitement? What was tlie consequence of this excitement? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 33 troops were sent out of the town. Artful means were, how- ever, resorted to for the purpose of keeping alive their re- sentment. On the morning of the day appointed for the burial of the slain, most of the shops in Boston were shut. The bells of that town, of Charlestown, and Koxbury, rang out muffled peals. Mournful processions moving from the houses of the murdered dead, as they who had fallen by the fire of the military were denominated, united with the corpses at the spot where they had met their fate. Here forming into a body, they marched six a-breast, followed by the carriages of the gentry, through the main streets to the place of interment. Immediately after the affray, which was productive of such sad consequences. Captain Preston, the officer who commanded the party who had fired upon the people, had been committed to prison, together with a number of private soldiers who were implicated in that act. The firing had taken place on the 5th of March, and though the trial of the accused did not take place till the following November, there might have been reason to apprehend that, in appearing, for 1 decision on a case of life and death before aBoston jury, they would run the greatest hazard of falling victims to infuriated prejudice. But, in this instance, the Bostonians gave evi- dence of their English descent. In capital cases Englishmen, in modern times at least, have almost uniformly exercised an impartial administration of the law. Such was the temper which was manifested by the court and jury on the trial of Captain Preston and his comrades. After a patient investiga- tionof the case, all the prisoners were acquitted of murder, and two being found guilty of manslaughter, were immedi- ately burnt in the hand and discharged. It is a fact not to be omitted, that they were defended, and zealously defended, Describe the interment. In wliat did the Bostonians give evidence of tlieir English descent? 34 AJ\IERICAN REVOLUTION. by the celebrated John Adams and Josiah Quincy, than whom there did not exist more ardent advocates of the cause of American freedom.* The former of these gentlemen, in warning the jury against giving way to popular impres- sions, expressed himself in the following energetic terms: — 'The law, in all vicissitudes of government, fluctuations of the passions, or flights of enthusiasm, will preserve a steady, undeviating course; it will not bend to the uncertain wishes, imaginations, and wanton tempers of men. To use the words of a great and worthy man, a patriot and a hero, an enlightened friend to mankind, and a martyr to liberty — I mean Algernon Sidney — who, from his earliest infancy, sought a tranquil retirement under the shadow of the tree of liberty, with his tongue, his pen, and his sword, — "The law," says he, "no passion can disturb. It is void of desire and fear, lust and anger. It is meiis sine affectu; written reason; retaining some measure of the divine perfection. It does not enjoin that which pleases a weak, frail man, but, without any regard to persons, commands that which is good, and punishes evil in all, whether rich or poor, high or low. It is deaf, inexorable, inflexible." Yes,' said Mr. Adams, 'on the one hand, it is inexorable to the cries and lamentations of the prisoners ; on the other, it is deaf, deaf as an adder, to the clamors of the populace.' Notwithstanding this firmness on the part of the counsel for the prisoners, and notwithstanding the impartiality of the jury and of the judge, which latter, in his summing up * It is also a fact worthy of notice, that the counsel for the crown, Samuel duincy, Esq. Solicitor-General, was the brother of Josiah Cluincy, and on the termination of the siege of Boston, in 1776, he left the country with other loy- alists, and held the office of attorney for the crown in the island of Antigua, untH his death in 1789. Who defended Captain Preston Sfcl What did Mr. Adams say to the jury? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 36 on the trial of Captain Preston, did not hesitate to say, — 'I feel myself deeply affected that this affair turns out so much to the shame of the town in general,' ministers took advan- tage of the disturbed state of the public mind, by making it a pretext for rendering the governor and judges of Massa- chusetts independent of the province, by transferring the payment of their salaries from the assembly to the crown. In consequence of this proceeding. Governor Hutchinson, who had never been popular, became still more than ever an object of dislike. Such being the disposition of the peo- ple of Massachusetts towards their chief magistrate, their indignation against him was raised to the highest pitch in the year 1773 by an incident, the consequences of which had a most unhappy aspect on the fortunes of Great Brit- ain. The servants of government naturally look with a jealous eye, upon the bold asserters of popular rights; and as naturally imagine that they shall most gratify their masters by the recommendation of a steady and active re- sistance against what they are apt to deem the encroach- ments of popular claims. In this spirit Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Oliver, the former the Governor and the latter Lieu- tenant-Governor of the colony of Massachusetts, had ad- dressed some letters to individuals who had put them into the hands of his Majesty's ministers, in which letters they vituperated the Am.erican patriots, called upon government to adopt more vigorous measures than they had hitherto done in support of their authority, recommended restraints upon liberty and an infringement of charters, and even the Hakingoff'of the principal opponents to British domina- tion. These letters having come into the possession of Dr. Franklin, he thought it his duty, as agent of the House of Wliat did the judge say? ' Wliat advantage did ministers take of llie disturbed state of t lie public mind T 36 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Representatives of Massachusetts, to send them to his con- stituents. Their perusal excited, as might have been ex- pected, the indignation of the assembly, the members of which unanimously resolved, ' That the tendency and de- sign of the said letters was to overthrow the constitution of this government, and to introduce arbitrary power into the province ;' and, moreover, passed a vote, ' that a petition should be immediately sent to the King, to remove the Gov- ernor, Hutchinson, and the Lieutenant-Governor, Oliver, forever from the government of the province.' Dr. Frank- lin, after having transmitted the petition in question to Lord Dartmouth, the then Colonial Secretary, appeared to support it in person at the Council Chamber on the 11th of January, 1774; but, finding that he was to be encountered by counsel employed on behalf of the accused functionaries, he prayed that the hearing of the case might be adjourned for the space of three weeks, which was granted him. In the mean time speculation was all alive as to the means by which Dr. Franklin had obtained possession of the letters; and a Mr. Whateley and a Mr. Temple, both connected with the colonial office, mutually suspecting each other of the unfaithful communication of them, a correspondence took place between those gentlemen, which ended in a duel, in which Mr. Whateley was dangerously wounded. For the prevention of further mischief of this sort. Dr. Franklin published, in the ' Public Advertiser,' a letter exonerating both the combatants from blame in this case, and taking the whole responsibility of the procuring the documents on What raised the people's indignation to the highest pitch in 1773? What was resolved in the House of Representatives of Massachusetts? To wliom was the petition sent in London? Between wliom was a duel fought? What was the occasion of this duel? What did Dr. Franklin do to prevent further miacliief ? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 37 himself. When the Doctor appeared again before the council in support of the Massachusetts petition, he was as- sailed by Mr. Wedderburne, who acted for the Governor and the Lieutenant-Governor, in terms of most elaborate abuse. 'The letters,' said the caustic advocate, 'could not have come to Dr. Franklin by fair means. The writers did not give them to him, nor yet did the deceased corres- pondent. Nothing, then, will acquit Dr. Franklin of the charge of obtaining them by fraudulent or corrupt means, for the most malignant of purposes; unless he stole them from the person that stole them. This argument is irrefra- gable. I hope, my Lords, you will mark and brand the man, for the honor of this country, of Europe, and of man- kind. Private correspondence has hitherto been held sa- cred in times of the greatest party rage, not only in poli- tics, but religion. He has forfeited all the respect of socie- ties and of men. Into what companies will he hereafter go with an unembarrassed face, or the honest intrepidity of virtue? Men will watch him with a jealous eye — they will hide their papers from him, and lock up their escru- toirs. He will henceforth esteem it a libel to be called a man of letters — liomo trium liter arum.* But he not only took away the letters from one brother, but kept himself concealed till he nearly occasioned the murder of the other. It is impossible to read his account, expressive of the cool- est and most deliberate malice, without horror. Amidst these tragical events, of one person nearly murdered, of another answerable for the issue, of a worthy governor hurt in his dearest interests, the flite of America in suspense, — here is a man, who, with the utmost insensibility of remorse, * Fur, tliicf. What did Mr. Wedderburne say of tlie doctor? 38 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. stands up and avows himself the author of all. I can com- pare it only to Zanga in Dr. Young's 'Revenge' — « Know, then, 'twas — I; I forged the letter; I disposed the picture. I hated, I despised, and I destroy.' I ask, my Lords, whether the revengeful temper attributed, by poetic fiction only, to the bloody African, is not surpas- sed by the coolness and apathy of the wily American?' Less fervid eloquence than this of Mr. Wedderburne's would have been sufficient to sway the decision of the council, who declared the petition of the Massachusetts as- sembly to be scandalous and vexatious. Franklin was dis- missed from the office which he held of postmaster-general of the colonies. Wedderburne was afterwards advanced in his profession, till he attained the chancellorship and a peerage; and George III. lost thirteen provinces. Till this moment Franklin had labored for conciliation; but though, during the time of the hearing of the arguments before the council, he preserved his countenance unmoved, the insults of Wedderburne so exasperated his feelings, that when he left the council-room he declared to his friend Dr. Priestley, who accompanied him on this memorable occasion, that he would never again put on the clothes which he then wore till he had received satisfaction. He dressed himself in this ' well-saved ' suit when he signed at Paris the treaty which forever deprived the crown of Great Britain of its dominion over the United States. It is only within these seven years that it has been ascertained, that Governor Hutchinson's letters were put into Franklin's hands by a Dr. Williamson, who, without any suggestion on his part, How was the doctor affected? What did he say to Dr. Priestly? Who gave him the letters? AMKKICAN REVOLUTION. 39 hud procurcil ihcm by stratugcm iVoiii tlio oiTjco where they had been deposited.'* SECTION VII. BOSTON rOUT-ACT, AND llKl'KAL 01' THE CHARTER OF MA8 SACMlUSETTtr^. The dotcrininatioii of the colonists to use no tea which had paid duty Avas so generally persevered in, that seven teen millions ol' pounds of that commodity were accumu- lated in the warehouses of the East India Company. With a view of getting rid of this stock, and at the same time of aiding ministers in their project of taxing the North Amer- ican colonies, the company proposed that a law should ])e passed authorizing them to receive a drawback of the full import duties on all teas which they should export. To this proposal the British government agreed, in hopes that, as by this arrangement the colonists, on paying the duty of three-pence per [n)uiul ou the huuling of the tea in their harbors, would be able to buy it at a cheaper rate than they could do from the contr<^iband dealers, their patriotic scru- ples wouUl bo silenced by their love of gain. In this no- tion, however, minister were mistaken. Strong resolutions were entered into throughout the provinces, declaring, that whosoever should aid or abet in landing or vending the tea which was expecteil, ought to be regarded as an enemy to * This curious fact is stated, witli many partiiuIarH, in a memoir of Di . Williamson, by Dr. Uosack, of New- York. What determination was persevered in? What wastlic consequence of this determination? What proposal did the East India Company make to the ministers? Wliat resolutions were entered into throughout the provinces? 40 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. his country ; and that committees should be appointed to wait on the agents of the East India Company, and to demand of them a resignation of their appointments. Ter- rified by these proceedings, a great majority of the con- signees complied with this requisition ; but in Massachu- setts these agents, being the relatives and friends of the governor, and expecting to be supported by the military force stationed in Boston, were determined to land and offer for sale the obnoxious commodity. *As the tea ships were * Notifications were immediately posted up, inviting every friend to his country to meet forthwith and concert united resistance to the arbitrary meas- ures of Britain. A crowded meeting was held, and a resolution adopted, "that the tea should not be landed, that no duty should be paid, and that it should be sent back in the same vessel.' A watch was also organized to prevent it from being secretly brought on shore. A short time was then allowed for the cap- tain to prepare to return home with liis cargo. Governor Hutchinson refused to grant him the requisite permission to pass the castle. Other vessels, laden with tea, arrived. The agitation increased, and on the 18th of December, the inhab- itants of Boston and the adjoining towns assembled to determine what course should be pursued. At this important meeting, Josiah Ciuincy, desirous that the consequences of the measures to be adopted should be first seriously con- templated, thus addressed his fellow citizens: — ' It is not, Mr. Moderator, the spirit that vapors within these walls that will sustain us in the hour of need. The proceedings of this day will call forth events which will make a very dif- ferent spirit necessary for our salvation. Wlioever supposes that shouts and hosannas will terminate our trials, entertains a childish fancy. We must be grossly ignoran of the value of the prize for which we contend; we must be equally ignorant of the power of those who have combined against us; we must be blind to that inveterate malice and insatiable revenge which actuate our enemies, abroad and in our bosom, to hope that we shall end this controversy without the sharpest conflicts — or to flatter ourselves that popular resolves, pop- ular harangues, and popular acclamations, will vanquish our foes. Let us con- sider the issue; let us look to the end; let us weigh and deliberate, before we advance to those measures which must bring on the most trying and terrible struggle this country ever saw.' In the evening the question was put, ' Do you abide by your former resolution to prevent the landing of the tea?' The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Application was again made to the governor for a pass. After a short delay, his refusal was communicated to the assembly. Instantly a person, disguised like an Indian, gave the war whoop from the gal- lery. At this signal, the people rushed out of the house and hastened to the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 41 lying in the harbor, ready to land their cargoes, the lead- ing patriots, apprehensive that if the tea were once ware- housed, the opposition of the people to its sale might grad- ually give way, and deeming decisive measures absolutely necessary in the present circumstances, boarded the ves- sels, and emptied the tea-chests into the water. The British ministry rejoiced that this outrage had oc- curred, and that it had occurred in the town of Boston, which they had long regarded as the focus of sedition, from whence a spirit of resistance to British authority was dif- fused throughout the colonies. It now lay at their mercy, as having been guilty of a flagrant delinquency, and as meriting exemplary punishment. Determined to chastise its mutinous inhabitants for their numerous delinquencies, and to bend them to submission. Lord North, then prime minister, on the 14th of March, made a motion in the House of Commons, ' That leave be given to bring in a bill for the immediate removal of the officers concerned in the collec- tion and management of his majesty's duties and customs from the town of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts Bay in North America; and to discontinue the landing and discharging, lading and shipping of goods, wares, and mer- chandise, at the said town of Boston, or within the harbor thereof.' The deep silence which followed the annuncia- tion of this motion marked the sense of the House as to the wharves. About twenty persons, in the dress of Moliawks, boarded the vessels, and, protected by the crowd on shore, broke open three hundred and forty-two chests of tea and emptied their contents into the ocean. Their purpose accom- plislied, the multitude returned without tumult to their habitations. Hale's United States. Vy^hat became of the tea? Who was prime minister? What motion did he make to the House of Commons? How was this motion received in the House? E 42 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. serious consequences which it involved ; but it met with no opposition, except on the part of Alderman Sawbridge and Mr. Dowdswell. Even Colonel Barre, the great advocate of the rights of the colonies, spoke in favor of it, and it pas- sed without a division. No debate occurred on the first reading of the bill on the 1 8th of March ; and the second reading, which took place on the 21st of the same month, was only interrupted by a few adverse remarks made by Mr. R. Fuller. On the 25th, a petition was presented against the bill, signed by several natives of North Amer- ica, at that time resident in London; after the reading of which the House discussed its provision in committee. Mr. Fuller availed himself of this occasion to move, that, in- stead of the closing of the port of Boston, which measure, he argued, would be detrimental, not only to American, but also, to British interests, a fine should be imposed on the offending community. This amendment was opposed by the prime minister, who said that he was no enemy to lenient measures, but that it was evident that, with respect to the inhabitants of Boston, resolutions of censure and warning would avail nothing, — that it was then the time to stand out, to defy them, to proceed with firmness and without fear, and that they would never reform till severe measures were adopted. With a lamentable want of fore- sight his lordship thus proceeded: *^I hope that we every one feel that this is the common cause of us all; and una- nimity will go halfway to the obedience of the people of Boston to this bill. The honorable gentleman tells us, that the act will be a piece of waste paper, and that an army will be required to put it into execution. The good of this act is, that four or five frigates will do the business without On the 25th what petition was presented? What was Mr. Fuller's motion? What did the prime minister say? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 43 any military force.' With a similar blindness to futurity, Mr. Charles Jenkinson exclaimed, ' We have gone into a very expensive war for the attainment of America; the struggle which we shall now have to keep it will be of lit- tle expense.' Thus rash and short-sighted are statesmen when their passions obtain the mastery over their judg- ment! After a lengthened debate, in the course of which the bill was powerfully opposed by Mr. Burke and Mr. Dowdswell, it passed the Commons with but very few neg- atives; and having been hurried through the House of Lords, it finally received the royal assent, and was passed into a law. The Boston port-act was speedily followed by still more alarming measures. The free constitutions of the Ameri- can provinces had presented strong impediments against the views of his majesty and his ministers. Among these, the charter of Massachusetts was pre-eminent for the liber- ality of its principles. Being well aware, that whilst this charter subsisted he could never effectuate his designs. Lord North determined to set it aside. When Charles IL deemed it necessary for his purposes to abrogate the fran- chises of the city of London, and of other corporate towns in England, he attacked their charters by quo warrantos; but the process of law is tedious, and in this case the issue of legal proceedings might be uncertain. The minister, therefore, decided upon bringing the omnipotence of parlia- ment to bear upon the contumacious inhabitants of the oifending colony. Accordingly, on the 28th of March, 1774, on the allegation that an executive power was want- ing in the province of Massachusetts, and that it was highly necessary to strengthen the hands of its magistracy, he VVliat was said by Charlea Jenkinson? Who opposed the bill? What were those measures by which the Boston port-act was followed? 44 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. proposed to bring in a bill, authorizing the governor for the time being to act as a justice of the peace, and empow- ering him to appoint at his will and pleasure the officers throughout the whole civil authority, such as the provost marshal and the sheriffs ,• to which latter officers was to be delegated the nomination of juries, who had formerly been elected by the freeholders and inhabitants of the several towns of the province. It was also his lordship's inten- tion to vest in the crown the appointment of the council, which, under the provisions of the ancient constitution, had heretofore been elected by the general court. The latter provision was introduced into the bill at the suggestion of Lord Gorge Germaine, who was pleased to say, that ' he would not have men of a mercantile cast every day collect- ing themselves together, and debating about political mat- ters; he would have them follow their occupations as mer- chants, and not consider themselves as ministers of that country.' In pursuance of this suggestion, which was thankfully received by the premier, there were added to the bill severe restrictions on the holding of public town meetings. Leave was given to bring in the bill without a single objection, except on the part of Mr. Byng, the mem- ber for Middlesex ; and though, in its progress through the House of Commons, many weighty arguments were urged against it, especially by Governor Pownall and Mr. Dowd- swell, it was carried on the 2d of May, by a majority of 239 against 64 voices. In the House of Lords it was severely animadverted upon; but a division of 92 to 20 evinced that the majority of the peers of the realm entered heartily into the views of the ministry as to coercing the American colonies. The Duke of Richmond, however, and eleven other peers, protested against it for the follow- What did this bill provide? Who opposed it? Who in tlie House of Lords protested against it? AMERICAJ^ REVOLUTION. 45 ing reasons : ' Because, before the rights of the colony of Massachusetts Bay, which they derive from their charter, are taken away, the definite legal offence by which a for- feiture of their charter is incurred ought to have been clearly stated, and the parties heard in their own defence ; and the mere celerity of a decision against it will not recon- cile the minds of the people to that mode of government which is to be established upon its ruins. On the general allegations of a declaratory preamble, the rights of any public body may be taken away, and any visionary scheme of government substituted in their place. By this bill, the governor and council are invested with dangerous powers, unknown to the British constitution, and with which the king himself is not intrusted. By the appointment and removal of the sheriff at pleasure, they have the means of returning such juries as may best suit with the gratification of their passions and their interests; the life, liberty, and property of the subject are put into their hands without control. The weak, inconsistent, and injudicious measures of the minis- try have given new force to the distractions of America, which, on the repeal of the stamp-act, were subsiding; have revived dangerous questions, and gradually estranged the aflfections of the colonies from the mother country. To render the colonies permanently advantageous, they must be satisfied with their condition, that satisfaction there is no chance of restoring, but by recurring to the principles on which the repeal of the samp-act was founded.' The Boston port-act, and the act for remodeling the Constitution of Massachusetts, were strong and severe measures, — measures which, it might have been conceived, would have set at rest any common jealousy of popular rights, and satisfied any ordinary thirst for vengeance. — But, whilst these acts were in progress, the British prime Why did the duke and others protest against this bill? e2 46 ADIERICAN REVOLUTION. minister held in reserve another phial of wrath to pour on the heads of the refractory colonists. On the 15th of April, he rose in his place and proposed a third bill, which, he hoped, would effectually secure the province of Massa- chusetts Bay from future disturbances. The tenor of this bill, which bore the plausible title of a bill 'for the impar- tial administration of justice,' was, that 'in case of any per- son being indicted for murder or any other capital offence committed in the province of Massachusetts in aiding the magistracy, the governor might send the person so indicted to another colony or to Great Britain for trial," — the act to continue in force for four years. It was observed, that whilst Lord North was moving the House for leave to bring in this bill, and was attempting, in a short speech, to enforce its necessity, his voice faltered. This is not mat- ter of surprise. His lordship was a good tempered and hu- mane man; and it must have been repugnant to his better feelings to become the organ for the proposing of such atrocious measures. The introduction of this bill roused in opposition to it the energies of Colonel Barre, who had, however, unwillingly, acquiesced in the preceding laws of coercion. He saw clearly the drift of the proposed statute, and was well aware that the colonists would not submit to it. ' You may,' said he, 'think that a law founded on this motion will be a protection to the soldier who imbrues his hand in the blood of his fellow-subjects. I am mistaken if it will. Who is to execute it? He must be a bold man, indeed, who will make the attempt. If the people are so exasperated, that it is unsafe to bring the man who has in- jured them to trial, let the governor who withdraws him What did the prime minister propose on the loth of April? What was the tenor of this bill? Who opposed the bill? What did he say? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 47 from justice look to himself. The people will not endure it ; they would no longer deserve the reputation of being descended from the loins of Englishmen if they did endure it.' Such was the bold language of an experienced soldier, who knew America well. But this warning voice was raised in vain. The views of the Court were adopted by both houses of parliament, and this last and most unconsti- tutional measure of coercion was passed into a law. It might seem just and equitable that compensation should be made by a delinquent community for property destroyed within its precincts, and not unreasonable that a town which had perpetrated an open violation of fiscal law should be deprived, till it was reduced to a better spirit, of the pri- vileges of a port. Nor is it improbable that, had the British ministry proceeded no farther in their measures of vengeance, the other commercial cities of the colonies woukl have regarded the humiliation of the people of Boston with indifference. But the attack upon the charter of Massa chusetts filled the bosom of every North American with in- dignation and alarm. Charters they had been accustomed to consider as inviolable compacts between the king and his people; but if these could be annulled and abrogated by parliament, what province could deem its constitution safe from violation? And in the provision for the trial in Great Britain of individuals accused of murders committed in America, they saw an indemnity for every one who might avail himself of a plausible pretext to put to death any person who might be obnoxious to government. Sucli were the feelings of the colonists. But, on this side of the Atlantic, these invasions of the liberties of fellow subjects were regarded with unconcern, and even with satifaction. The people of Great Britain generally care little about the internal state of the distant possessions of the crown.— - What filled the Americans with indignation and alarm? How did the people in England view the transactions? 48 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. They at that time looked up to parliament with awe, as a threefold body vested with the attribute of omnipotence; and they made themselves a party in the quarrel, reprobat- ing the refractory spirit of the colonies as a rebellion against the sovereign authority, of which they imagined that every individual Briton had a share. SECTION VIII. REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FROM BOSTON. When intelligence arrived at Boston of the strong pro- ceedings of the British parliament and government, the patriots of Massachusetts cast an anxious eye on the sister colonies. They were well aware that, if left to themselves at this awful crisis, they must succumb to the power of the mother country ; but they entertained hopes that a union of the provinces against what they regarded as ministerial op- pression, would rescue their common liberties from destruc- tion. To effect this union they used the utmost exertions of activity, skill, and prudence. The opposition to the stamp-act and to the duty on tea, had been carried on by means of committees of correspondence, which had estab- lished links of connexion throughout the whole of the British dependencies in North America. Of this organi- zation they now availed themselves with the utmost prompt- itude ; and, by the mission of agents of consummate abili- ty, they roused the inhabitants of every district of conti- nental America to a sense of their wrongs. Public meet- ings were held in every township of every province, in On the receipt of this intelligence what did the patriots of Massachusetts do? What were they well aware of? What did they entertain hopes of? Of what organization did the patriots of Massachusetts now avail them- What did these committees do? [selves? Where were public meetings held? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 49 which it was resolved to make common cause with the peo- ple of Massachusetts, and to resist the claim of the British parliament to tax them without their consent. The steps to be taken in pursuance of these resolutions, they unani- mously agreed to refer to a general congress, the speedy summoning of which they declared to be absolutely neces- sary to the public safety. In the mean time. General Gage had arrived at Boston, invested with the united authority of governor and com- mander-in-chief of the forces. He was speedily followed by two regiments of foot, and by various other detach- ments, which gradually swelled his garrison to a number which was deemed amply sufficient to overawe the malcon- tents, and to enforce the execution of the obnoxious acts. — Soon after his arrival, he announced his intention of hold- ing the general court of the colony at Salem after the 1st of June, the day appointed by the statute of the commence- ment of the operation of the Boston port-act. The blow thus struck seemed to common observers to be fatal to the inhabitants of that devoted town. Property was instantly depreciated to the lowest scale of value. Houses were de- serted by their tenants; warehouses were emptied and aban- doned; the quays were deserted; silence reigned in the ship-yards, and thousands of artificers wandered through the streets destitute of employ. But the sufferers bore their distresses with a sullen resolution. Not a murmur was heard against the democratic leaders, who might in a certain sense be regarded as the authors of their miseries ; What were the resolutions of these meetings? Who arrived in Boston? With what authority was he invested? By what was he followed? Where did he propose to hold the general court? How did the Bostonians bear their distresses? 50 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. but their execrations of the British parliament were loud and violent. Contributions poured in from all quarters for their relief; and they were comforted by letters of condo- lence in their distresses, and of thanks for their steadiness. The inhabitants of Marblehead offered to accommodate the merchants of Boston with their warehouses, and the peo- ple of Salem, in an address to the governor, declared that they could not 'indulge one thought to seize on wealth, and raise their fortunes on the ruin of their suffering neighbors.' SECTION IX. FIRST ACTS OF THE ASSEMBLY AT CONCORD. On the 7th of June, the governor held the general court of Massachusetts, at Salem; but finding that the popu- lar leaders were prepared, on the first day of its meeting, to carry some most obnoxious motions, he promptly dissol- ved the assembly. This, however, he did not effect before it had nominated five deputies to meet the committees of other provinces at Philadelphia on the ensuing 1st of Sep- tember. The more indeed, he exerted himself to embarrass the proceedings of the patriots, the more decidedly did he find himself baffled by their vigilance and their ingenuity. — When, according to the provisions of the coercive statutes, he issued a proclamation prohibiting the calling of any town meetings after the 1st of August, 1774, an assembly By what were they relieved and condoled? What did the inhabitants of Marblehead do? What did the people of Salem declare? What occurred on the 7th June? Why did the governor dissolve the assembly? What was done previously? How was the governor baffled? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 61 of this kind was, nevertheless, held ; and, on his summon- ing the selectmen to aid him to disperse it, he was encoun- tered by the following notable specimen of special pleading, that the holding of the meeting to which he objected was no violation of the Act of Parliament, for that only pro- hibited the calling of town meetings, and that no such call had been made; a former legal meeting, before the 1st of August, ihaving only adjourned themselves from time to time.' One consequence of these adjourned meetings was a ^solemn league and covenant,' whereby the parties who signed it bound themselves 'to suspend all commercial in- tercourse with Great Britain until the late obnoxious laws were repealed, and the colony of Massachusetts was re- stored to its'^chartered rights.' A proclamation by which the governor denounced this association as 'unlawful, hostile, and traitorous,' was treated with contempt. In another pro- clamation, published about this time, 'for the encourage- ment of piety and virtue, and for the prevention and punish- ing of vice, profaneness, and immorality,' the governor made especial mention of the vice of hypocrisy, as a failing which the people were admonished to eschew. No doubt, the stair of General Gage thought this an excellent satire upon the puritanism of the Bostonians. But the joke was ill-timed, and severed only to add fuel to the popular mind' which was already in a high state of inflammation. When^ in the month of August, Gage attempted to organize the new constitution of the colony, most of the counsellors whom he appointed refused to act, and the juries declined to serve under judges nominated by the crown. Dreading the most serious consequences from the obstinacy thus manifested by the people of Massachusetts, the governor What was one consequence of these meetings? What did General Gage do in the month of August? Why did he not^succeed? 52 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. thought it prudent to fortify Boston Neck, and to seize the powder deposited in the arsenal at Charlestown, which is a kind of suburb to Boston.* These measures produced a general rising throughout the province, which was with difficulty repressed by the prudence of the leading patriots. This demonstration drove the governor and his revenue officers from the new seat of government to the proscribed town of Boston. Whilst these transactions were going on, the Congress, or union of several committees, had assem- bled at Philadelphia, and, as the first fruits of its delibera- tions, issued a declaration, that it ^most thoroughly approved the wisdom and fortitude with which opposition to wicked ministerial measures had been hitherto established in Mas- sachusetts; and recommended perseverance in the same firm and temperate conduct, as expressed in the resolutions of the delegates from the county of Suffolk.' The tenor of these resolutions was, that no obedience was due to the re- straining statutes. Emboldened by the approbation of Congress to act up to the spirit of these resolutions, a pro- vincial assembly, held at Concord, of which jMr Hancock was president, after having in vain solicited the governor to desist from constructing a fortress at the entrance into Boston, in defiance of his Excellency's authority, appointed acommittee to draw up apian for the arming of the province. The members of this committee did not shrink from the discharge of their perilous duty. They gave instructions for the organizing of a species of partisans, under the name * To which it is now united by a bridge. What then did he do? What did these measures produce? What declaration was issued by the Congress at Philadelphia. What effect had it on the people of Massachusetts? Who was president of the assembly at Concord? What committee was appointed by it? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 53 of minute men, the command of whom was conferred on Jedediah Prebble, Artemas Ward, and Seth Pomeroy, war- riors whose puritanical names gave ominous foreboding of a determination of purpose and of an obstinacy of valor, which their future conduct did not belie. The assembling of the militia was delegated to a committee of safety,- and a ' committee of supply was authorized to expend the sum of I 15,000/. sterling, in provisions, military accouterments, and ' stores, which were accordingly provided, and deposited at , Worcester and Concord. At a later meeting of the provincial ; congress, still bolder measures were adopted. Resolutions ( were then passed to raise an army of 12,000 men, and del- I egates were sent to the adjacent conlonies to urge them to ' increase these forces to the number of 20,000. It was, ( . . . ; moreover, determined that the British troops should be at- I tacked if they marched in field equipment beyond Bos- I ton Neck. A circular letter was also issued requesting the clergy to aid the common cause by their prayers and I exhortations. At this crisis the situation of the governor was : far from bemg an enviable one. The reins of authority I had fallen from his hands, and had been seized by the pro- I vincial congress, whose resolutions had throughout the I province the force of laws. At the approach of winter he experienced the utmost difficulty in procuring materials or workmen to construct barracks for the sheltering of his I troops. The straw which he purchased in the vicinity of the town was set on fire, and the timber which he had bought for the king's stores was seized or destroyed. — Nor was the spirit of open resistance confined to Boston. Who were the commanders of these minute men? Where were the provisions 4*c. deposited? What measures were adopted at a later meeting? Wliat was the governor's situation? F 54 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. In Rhode Is'and the people seized the public battery of forty pieces of cannon, and took the castle of Ports- mouth, where they obtained a seasonable supply of powder. SECTION X. OPENING OF THE CONGRESS AT PHILADELPHIA. These active measures, which amounted to a direct levy- ing of war against the King, were provoked by the rigor exercised against the colony of Massachusetts. In the meantime, the deputies of eleven provinces had assembled in congress at Philadelphia, and were soon joined by dele- gates from North Carolina. Peyton Randolph was chosen president of this assembly, and Charles Thomson was ap- pointed its secretary. After a slight controversy as to the mode of voting, which was at length determined to be taken by provinces, each province having one vote, the members proceeded with the utmost zeal and harmony to the arduous business before them. In the first place, they issued a declaration of rights, in which, whilst they claimed a total exemption from any species of internal taxation imposed by the British parliament, they professed their willingness to obey all the laws which might bo enacted in the mother country for the regulation of trade. They pro- tested against the introduction of a standing army into the colonies without their consent, as also against the violation of their chartered ris^hts in the infringement of their an- What was done in Rhode Island? VV^hat did these measures amount to? What took place in the mean time? Who waschosesen president, of this congress? Who Secretary? In voting, what mode was adopted? What was done in the first place? In this declaration, what was claimed? What was protested against? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 65 cient constitutions. Enumerating the several acts by which they were aggrieved, they declared that till these acts were repealed, they and their constituents would hold no commercial intercourse with Britain ; and with a view of over-awing the weak and the wavering, and the partisans of royal authority among their countrymen, they resolved that committees should be chosen in every county, city, and town, to observe the conduct of all people touching the suspension of trade with the mother country, and to publish, in gazettes, the names of those who violated this ordinance, as foes to the rights of British America. They also agreed upon an address to the British people, vindicating their re- sistance to oppression; and two memorials to the West India colonies and to the people of Canada, exhorting them to unite with their persecuted brethren in a steady opposi- tion to the encroachments of arbitary power. In laying their grievances before the throne, in a petition to the King, they professed sentiments of loyalty to his Majesty's per- son and authority; but complained of the miseries which had been brought upon them by the mal-administration of wicked ministers. 'We ask,' sdid they, 'but for peace, liber- ty, and safety. We wish not a diminution of the preroga- tive, nor do we solicit the grant of any new right in our favor. Your royal authority over us, and our connexion with Great Britain, we shall always carefully and zealous- ly endeavor to support and maintain.' This address to the sovereign concluded in the following pathetic terms. *We implore your Majesty, for the honor of AJ.ughty God, for your own glory, for the interest of your family, for the What was enumerated? What was declared? What did they resolve upon? Upon what did they agree? In laying their grievances before the throne, what did they profess? Of what did tliey complain? What did they ask for? How did their address conclude? 56 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. safety of your kingdoms and dominions, that, as the loving father of your whole people, connected by the same bonds of law, loyalty, faith, and blood, though dwelling in various countries, you will not suffer the transcendent relation formed by these ties to be farther violated by uncertain ex- pectation of effects, which if attained, never could compen- sate for the calamities through which they must be gain- ed.' These various documents were drawn up with great judgement and ability; and their dissemination throughout the union produced a powerful effect upon the feelings of the people, — preparing them for the most strenuous ex- ertions in what they deemed to be the cause of justice and freedom. Their framers, however, did not rely upon their eloquence alone, to produce an effect favorable to their cause upon the people of Britain. Their non-importation agreements had produced the repeal of the stamp-act, and they trusted that the annunciation of similar resolutions would produce similar effects as to the removal of their late parliamentary grievances. The event proved that they were mistaken. The merchants trading to America com- posed a small fraction of the British community. A hostile ministry was all powerful in parliament — the pride of the King was touched — every individual Briton, in whose mouth the phrase our colonies was familiar, deemed himself, in some sort, sovereign over the North American plantations, and a cry almost unanimous was raised throughout the na- tion, that the mutinous contemners of the omnipotence of the legislature of the parent state must be reduced to obe- dience by the strong hand of coercion. The Congress, after a session of about eight weeks, and after passing a resolution for the calling of another assem- What effect had these documents on the people? At this time what was the state of feeling in England? How long did congress continue in session? What resolution was passed before adjournment? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ^7 bly of the same nature, if necessary, in the ensuing May, dissolved themselves; and the members proceeded to fur- ther, in their respective provinces, the cause in which they were thus decidedly embarked. By their influence, operat- ing upon minds ready prepared by perpetual discussions, both public and private, of the wrongs of the colonies, the recommendations of an assembly, invested with no legal authority, obtained the force of laws. The non-intercourse agreements were zealously adopted by the great mass of the people; and the few who ventured to dissent from the general voice, were proscribed as enemies to their country. SECTION XL ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 9th OF FEBRUARY, 1775. When the petition from Congress to the king arrived in I England, his Majesty had just met a new parliament, to which he had communicated information, in a speech from I the throne, 'that a most daring spirit of resistance and dis- ( obedience to the laws unhappily prevailed in the colony of j Massachusetts ;' and at the same time intimated that he j had taken the requisite steps to repress it. Notwithstand- ing this angry demonstration, hopes were, for a short time, entertained by the friends of America, that ministers would adopt measures of conciliation. The secretary of state, after submitting the petition of the general Congress to the cabinet council, presented it to the king, by whom, as he reported, it was graciously received, and was intended to be laid by him before his two houses of parliament; nu- merous petitions from the merchants and manufacturers of What obtained the force of laws? What did the king say in his speech to parliament? How was the petition from CongreM receiTed by tbe king? F 2 oS AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. the principal towns in the kingdom, and from the West India planters, prayed for the adoption of a more lenient policy towards the North American colonies ; all the elo- quence of Lord Chatham was exerted in the house of peers to effect the same object : yet Lord North was determined to proceed in the course of coercion. The Rubicon was passed on the 9th of February, 1775, by the presentation by both houses of a joint address to the king, in which they stated it as their opinion, that 'a rebellion actually existed in the province of Massachusetts r and, in the usual style, otFered to hazard their lives and fortunes, 'in the mainten- ance oi^ the just rights of his Majesty and the two houses of parliament/ In support of this address, an addition was voted to the military force, of 4,383 rank and file, and 'ijCMDO seamen. An act was also passed to restrain the commerce of the eastern colonies to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British West Indies; and to prevent them from tishing on the banks of Newfoundland, under certain con- ditions, and tor a limited time. The provisions of this act were soon afterwards extended to the provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Car- olina. It is to be remarked, that New York, Delaware, and North Carolina, did not on this occasion fall under the ban of ministerial interdiction. New York, where the government had more influence than in other colonies, had been tardy in joining the union ; and Lord North flattered himself that, by forbearing to include that and the other Who was Lord Cbathani. and what ofhimt What can you say ot" Lord North? By what was the Kiibicon passed? To what is allusion here made? In support of this address, what was done? What act was also ivisscd? To what extent were its proTisions afterwards extended? What provinces were unafected by ihisacti AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 69 two colonies abovementioned in the restraining act, he should sow amongst the associated provinces jealousies which would dissolve their connexion ; but in this he was disappointed. So powerful was the spirit of patriotism in America, that the inhabitants of the exempted colonies dis- dained to avail themselves of the privileges which were ' reserved to them, and determined to share in the restric- ' tions imposed on their brethren; and it was with severe mortification that the premier soon afterwards witnessed the presentation to the House of Commons of a petition and I remonstrance from the assembly of New York, claiming I exemption from internal taxation, and protesting against the ' dependence of governors and judges on the crown for their i salaries and emoluments. A hearing had been refused to I the petition of Congress, though it was individually signed, I under the pretext that it emanated from an illegal meeting. The remonstrance of the New York assembly was not liable { to this objection ; but when a motion was made in the House ! .of Commons that it should be brought up, it was lost by a I stratan-em of Lord North. j On the 20th of February, 1775, some time previously to j the transaction which has just been related, his lordship had manifested some cunning, but little wisdom, in propo- ! sing a resolution to the effect, that when any of the colo- ] nics or provinces in America should make provision for ; contributing their proportion to the common defence, and for the support of their civil government (such proportion to be raised under the authority of the general court or general assembly of such province and colony,) ' it will be proper to forbear, in respect of such colony or province, to ( levy any duty or tax, except such duties as may arise for the regulation of commerce, which duties are to be carried In what was Lord North disappointed? By a stratagem of the premier, what was lost? 60 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 1 to the account of such colony or province.' The bill found- ed on this resolution was violently opposed by certain of the prime minister's habitual partisans, who insisted on it that the colonies should be taxed directly by the British parliament. It was also attacked by the opposition, who argued that as it reserved to the British government the right of apportioning the respective proportions which the provinces should raise for the general service, and left the disposal of the sums raised to parliament, it mattered little that the immediate application of the scourge of taxation should be left to the colonial assemblies, who would regard the bill as an insult and a wrong. The opposition made a right estimate of the feelings of the Americans. The bill passed into a law ; but it was received throughout the Un- ion with abhorrence and contempt. It was in this session, viz: on the 22d of March, 1775, that Mr. Burke made his celebrated speech for conciliation with America, — a speech fraught with statesman-like views, expressed in language at once temperate and eloquent. — At the commencement of this deeply-studied oration, Mr. Burke, after observing that all former measures recom- mended by the ministry and adopted by parliament had served to no other purpose but to keep America in a state of agitation, intimated that it had been observed to him by an intelligent friend, that instead of limiting himself to criticisms or the plans of government, it was highly expe- dient that he should produce a plan of his own. Though he was aware, said he, that it argues little knowledge to hazard plans of government, except from a seat of author- ity, yet, as public calamity was a mighty leveler, he would now act upon his friend's suggestion. ' My proposition,' What bill passed into a law? How was it received? What celebrated speech was made in the session of 1775? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. G 1 proceeded he, 'is peace,- not peace through the medium of war J nor peace to be hunted through the labyrinth of intri- cate and endless negotiations; nor peace to arise out of universal discord, fomented from principle in all parts of the empire; not peace to depend upon the judicial deter- mination of perplexing questions, or the precise marking of the shadowy boundaries of a complex government. It is simple peace, sought in its natural course and in its ordi- nary haunts, — it is peace sought in the spirit of peace, and laid in principles purely pacific. I propose by removing , the ground of the dilference, and by restoring the former unsuspecting confidence of the colonics in the mother coun- I try, to give permanent satisfaction to your peo})lc, and, far I from a scheme of ruling by discord, to reconcile them to I each other in the same act, and by the bond of the very ( same interest which reconciles them to British govern- I ment.' After laying down and enforcing the position that ( the proposal for reconciliation ought, in consideration of her strength, to come from Great Britain, Mr. Burke as- ( serted, that the plan for conciliation ought to be guided, not by abstract theory, but by a regard to circumstances. — What, then, were the circumstances of the present case? In the first place, the discontented Americans amounted in number to two millions, a number which considered in mass, could not be regarded ' as a paltry excrescence of the State, or a mean dependant, who may be neglected with little damage, and provoked with little danger.' But, witli the consideration of the population of America, it was requisite to combine mature reflection upon other circum- stances; as, for instance, the commerce, the agriculture, What is the substance of Mr. Burke's rjpeech? What was liis first proposition? IJow was itsouiiht? By removing and restoring what? Wiiat was the number of tlie Americans? 62 ABIERICAN REVOLUTION. and the fisheries of the colonies. As to commerce, Mr. Burke proved by documentary evidence, that, at the begin- ning of the century, of six millions which constituted the whole mass of the export commerce of Britain, the colony trade was but one twelfth part; but that, by the last returns submitted to parliament, it appeared that, as a part of six- teen millions, it constituted considerably more than a third of the whole. In agriculture, he asserted that Amer- ica was so prosperous that she was enabled to export vast quantities of gain for the supply of the mother country. As to the third head of consideration, ' no sea,' exclaimed the orator, ^ but is vexed by the fisheries of the colonists, no climate that is not witness to their toils. Neither the per- severance of Ilolland, nor the activity of France, nor the dexterous and firm sagacity of English enterprise, ever carried this most perilous mode of hard industry to the ex- tent to which it has been pushed by this recent people, — a people who are still, as it were, but in the gristle, and not yet hardened into the bone of manhood.' 'But,' continued Mr. Burke, 'some persons will say, such a country is worth fighting for, — true, — but fighting will not retain it. Force is uncertain, and, if successful, it will depreciate the ob- ject gained.' He warned the House to consider the temper and character of the people with whom many ill-advised individuals seemed so eager to contend. The North Amer- ican colonists were jealous of their liberties. Their jeal- ousy as to their rights they derived from their English origin; it was nursed by their popular legislatures, — it was also nursed by their religion. The great body of the colonists were dissenters ; and the dissenting interests have What did he prove of America, as to commerce? What as to agriculture? What as to the fislieries? What did he say of force and of their liberties? What was the great body of the colonists? What interests had sprung up? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 63 sprung up in direct opposition to all the ordinary powers of the world, and can justify t'-^t opposition only on a strong claim to natural liberty. 'AH protestantism,' Mr. Burke acutely remarked, — 'All protestantism, even the most cold and passive, is a sort of dissent. But the reli- gion most prevalent in our northern colonies, is a refine- ment on the principle of resistance; it is the dissidcnce of dissent, and the protestantism of the protestant religion.' The spirit of freedom was, moreover, nurtured in the colo- nies, in general, by education; and in Virginia and the Carolinas by that pride which uniformly actuates the hold- ers of slaves, 'to whom freedom is not only an enjoyment, I but a kind of rank and privilege.' Their distance from the ' mother country likewise rendered the colonists less disposed I to submit to the dictation of the parent State. ' This hap- ! pens in all forms into which empire can be thrown. In I large bodies the circulation of power must be less vigorous at the extremities.' A proud spirit of liberty having from i these various causes been infused throughout the colonies, 'in consequence of which they have not only disobeyed our j authority, but established an efficient authority of their jown, by means of which a vast province has subsisted for I near a twelvemonth, without governor, without public council, without judges, without executive magistrates, the J question arises, how is this spirit to be encountered? Some ] politicians have in this emergency proposed to check the ; population of the colonies by stopping the grant of more hands by the crown. Others have advised that their mar- litime enterprises should be checked by the severity of re- strictive laws; whilst a third class of counselors are san- jguine in their expectations, that the Virginians and the Wliat did he say of their protestantism? What had some politicians proposed? What had others? What -i third class, ifc.t 64 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. planters of the Carolinas will speedily be reduced to sub- mission by the emancipation of their slaves. Some, again, went so far as to talk of prosecuting the refractory as crim- inal. After demonstrating at length the futility of these proposals, Mr. Burke affirmed, that the only method left of putting an end to existing troubles, was that of concilia- tion. The Americans, said he, complain of taxation, — I will not on this matter dispute the point of right, but that of policy. ^The question is not whether you have a right to render your people miserable, but whether it is not your interest to make them happy. It is not what a law- yer may tell you, you may do, but what humanity, reason, and justice declare you ought to do.' Having thus laid down the principle of his plan, IMr. Burke began to open it by declaring, that his main object was to admit the people of the colonies to an interest in the Constitution. The fact vras, that the Americans did not object to the laws of trade; nor did they aim at any thing more than a release from taxation, imposed upon them by a legislative body in which their interests arc not guarded by their representatives. Similar uneasiness was for a long time prevalent in Ire- land, in Wales, and in the counties palatine of Chester and Durham. Now the agitations of Ireland were quelled bv the establishment of a separate legislature for that country, whilst the feuds which prevailed in Cheshire and Durham were annihilated by the admission of repre- sentatives of those counties into the English parliament. Let a similar policy then be exercised towards America. In her case, let taxation and representation go hand in hand. What did Mr, Burke affirm? What did be say was the question? What did he then declare? What did he say was his object? What did he say should go " hand in hand? " AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 65 But the distance between the colonies and the mother coun- try precludes the Americans from sending representatives to the British legislature. What remains, then, but to re- cognize for the theory the ancient constitution and policy of this kingdom with regard to representation, and as to the practice, to return to that mode which a uniform expe- rience has marked out to you as best, and in which you walked with security, advantage, and honor until the year 1763. 'My resolutions, therefore,' continued Mr. Burke, * mean to establish the equity and justice of a taxation of America by grant, and not by imposition; to mark the legal competency of the colony assemblies for the support of their I government in peace, and for the public aids in the time of j war; to acknowledge that this legal competency has had a ( dutiful and beneficial exercise, and that experience has j shown the benefit of their grants, and the futility of parlia- I mentary taxation as a measure of supply.' After opening I these points at considerable length, and with transcendent ability, Mr. Burke concluded by moving a series of resolu- ( tions in which their substance was embodied. This mas- terly speech, in the meditation and composition of which Mr. Burke, in the earnestness of his wish to point out to the members of the House of Commons the true line of colonial policy, seems to have chastised and checked the exuberance of his genius, was spoken to the members alone, as during the debate the standing orders for the exclusion of strangers were strictly enforced. It was answered by Mr. Jenkinson, who professed serious alarm at the proposition, that any public body, save parliament, was entitled to make grants of money to the crown. These constitutional scru- By whom was this masterly speech, answered? G 66 AJIERICAN REVOLUTION. pies had their due weight, and Mr. Burke's resokitions were negatived by a majority of 270 to 78. About this time, Dr. Franklin, in a kind of demi-official communication with ministers, endeavored to etfect a re- conciliation between the colonies and the parent State. In the discussions which took place with this view between the doctor and the agents of the ministry, mo^t of the points in dispute were settled ; but the obstinate refusal of the cabi- net to restore the ancient constitution of iMassachusetts broke off the conferences ; and Dr. Franklin, despairing of the preservation of peace, returned to his native land, de- termined to share the fortunes of his countrymen, and, at all hazards, to devote his talents to the maintenance of their rights. SECTION XII. AFFAIR AT LEXINGTOX. 19th OF APRIL, 1775. It has already been stated, that the IMassachusetts patri- ots had resolved to attack the king's forces whenever they should march out of Boston. On the 19th of April, 1775, their adherence to this resolution was put to the test. With a view of seizing the military stores and provisions which the insurgents had collected at Concord, General Gage, on the night preceding that eventful day, detached from his garrison 800 picked men, under the command of Lieuten- What was the fate of Mr. Burke's resolutions? What of Dr. Franklin about this time? What broke otT the conferences? What did the doctor do? Who was the British General in Boston? Whom did he send to Concord? For what object? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 67 ant-Colonel Smith. These troops made a rapid march to the place of their destination, in hopes of taking the malcon- tents by surprise; but notwithstanding their precautions, the alarm was given throughout the country, and the in- habitants flew to arms. Between four and five o'clock on the morning of the 19th, the advanced guard of the royal troops arrived at Lexington, where they found about 70 of the American militia under arms, whom Major Pitcairn (Ordered to disperse; and on their hesitating to obey his commands, that othcer discharged his pistol, and ordered his soldiers to fire. By the volley which ensued three or , ' four of the militia were killed and the rest put to flight. — 1 Lieutenant-Colonel Smith then proceeded to Concord, where I he destroyed the stores of the insurgents, and then com- menced his retreat towards Boston. He was not, however, , permitted to make this retrograde movement without mo- lestation. Before he left Concord he was attacked by the American militia and minute-men, who, accumulating by degrees, harassed his rear and flanks, taking advantage of every inequality of ground, and especially availing them- ') I selves of the stone walls which skirted the road, and which ^^) served them as entrenchments. Had not the detachment '^ been met at Lexington by a body of 900 men, which Gen- ^ I eral Gage had sent out to its support, under the command » I of Lord Percy, it would certainly have been cut ofl*. The ^ 1 united British forces arrived, wearied and exhausted, at «»■ I Bunker's Hill, near Boston, a little after sunset, having In what year did this take place? What happened at Lexington? What success did they meet witli at Concord? Describe their return? Where did they arrive? What was their situation? 68 Ai^IEEICAN REVOLUTION. sust£iiiied a loss o^ 65 killed, 180 wounded, and 28 prison- ers* When Lord Percy, on his advance, was marching through Roxbury, his military band, in derision of the Americans, played the tune of ' Yankee Doodle.' , His lord- * The following is a copy of a handbill issued immediately after the engage- ment at Concord and Lexington. A List of the 7iames of the Provincials who tcere killed and tcounded in the late engagement with his majestifs troops at Concord, ^-c. KILLED. Of Lexington. * Mr. Robert Munroe, * Mr. Jonas Parker, * Mr. Samuel Hadley, * Mr. Jonathan Harrington, * Mr. Caleb Harrington, * Mr. Isaac Muzzy, * Mr. John Brown, Mr. John Raymond, Mr. Nathaniel Wyman, Mr. Jedediah Munroe. Of JMenotomy. Mr. Jason Russell, Mr. Jabez Wynian, Mr. Jason Wiuship. Of Sudbury. Deacon Haynes, Mr. Reed. Of Concord. Capt. James Miles. Of Bedford. Capt. Jonathan Wilson. Of Woburn. * Mr. Azael Porter, Mr. Daniel Thompson. Of Medford. Mr. Henry Putnam. Of Danvers. Mr. Henry Jacobs, Mr. Samuel Cook, Mr. Ebenezcr Goldthwait, Mr. George Soutlnvick, Mr. Benjamin Daland, jun. Mr. Jotham Webb, Mr. Perley Putnam. Of Salem. Mr. Benjamin Peirce. Of Charlestown. Mr. James Miller, Capt. William Barber's son. Of Brookline. Isaac Gardner, Esq. Of Cambridge. Mr. John Hicks, Mr. Moses Richardson, Mr. William Massey. Of Acton. Capt. Davis, Mr Hosmer, Mr. James Howard. Of Lynn. Mr. Abeduego Ramsdell, Mr. Daniel Townsend, Mr. William Flint, Mr. Thomas Hadley. What number did the British lose? How many did the Americans lose? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 69 ship observed a youth who appeared to be amused at this circumstance, and asking him why he laughed, received this answer : ^ To think how you will dance by-and-by to the tune of ^ Chevy Chase.'' ' It had been too much the habit of the British to despise and insult the Americans as cowards; but the event of the march to Concord convinced them that the ^lassachusetts men were not deficient either in personal courage or in individual skill in the use of arms. SECTION XIII. BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL, IGxn OF JUNE, 1775. Blood having been thus drawn, the whole of the discon- tented colonies took prompt measures to resist the royal WOUNDED. of Lexington. Mr. John Robbins, Mr. John Tidd, Mr. Solomon Peirce, Mr. Thomas Winship, Mr, Nathaniel Farmer, Mr. Joseph Comee, Mr. Ebenezer Munroe, Mr. Francis Brown, Prince Easterbrooks, (a negro man.) Of Framingham. Mr. Hemenway. Of Beverly. Mr. Nathaniel Cleaves. Of Bedford. Mr. John Lane. Of Medford. Mr. William Polly. Of Lynn. Mr, Joshua' Felt, Mr, Timothy Munroe. Of Danvers. Mr, Nathan Putnam, Mri Dennis Wallis, Of Wobum. Mr. George Reed, Mr. Jacob Bacon, MISSING. Of Menotomy. Mr, Samuel Frost, Mr. Seth Russell, Those distinguished with this mark [*] were killed by the first fire of the regulars. What happened as Lord Percy marched through Roxbury? What had been a habit with the British? What effect had their march to Concord on tbem? g2 70 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. authority by force of arms. Volunteers enrolled them- selves in every province; and throughout the whole Union the king's stores were seized for the use of the insurgents. The surprisal of Ticonderoga and Crown Point by a party from Connecticut, under the command of Colonel Allen, fur- nished them with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon, and a proportionable quantity of ammunition. Troops were gradually assembled in the towns and villages in the vicin- ity of Boston, so as to hold that town in a state of blockade. About the latter end of ]May, General Gage was reinforced by the troops which had been sent from Great Britain, and which were accompanied by Generals Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton. Finding himself thus strengthened, he pre- pared for active operations ; but wishing to temper justice with mercy, on the 12th of June he issued a proclamation, offering pardon to all who would lay down their arms, with the exception of Samuel Adams and John Hancock, • whose offences,'* he declared, • were of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condign pun- ishment.' This proclamation produced no etlect on the Americans, save that of rousing them to more vigorous exertions. On Charlestown Neck, a peninsula situated to the north of Boston, with which it now communicates by a bridge, is a considerable eminence, called Bunker's Hill. As this was deemed a post of great importance, the Americans resolved to occupy it, and orders were given by the pro- What measures liid the Colonies take alter the hatUe at Lexington? How did tliey obtain military stores? State some particulars. In what state was Boston held ? At what time did these transactions take place? What generals, ^-c. arrived in Boston? On the 12th June what proclamation did Gen. Gage issue? What were its conditions? How was it received.' What did the Americans resolve to do? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 71 vincial authorities that a detachment of 1000 men should entrench themselves on the height in question. The par- ty was accordingly moved forwards from Cambridge on the night of the 16th of June, but, by mistake, commenced their operations on Breed's Hill, an eminence nearer to the town of Boston than the place of their destination. Here they labored with such activity, and at the same time with such silence, that the appearance of their works, at day- break the next morning, was the first indication of their presence. The firing of guns from the Lively, man-of- war, whence they were first seen, gave the alarm to the , British, whose commanders, on reconnoitering the position j of the enemy from the steeples and heights of the city, per- I ceived that they had thrown up a redoubt about eight rods square, from which lines extended to the eastward nearly I to the bottom of the hill. To the westward the works were I less perfect; but the provincials were busily employed in \ carrying them on, notwithstanding they were exposed to I showers of shot and shells, discharged from the vessels in ' the harbor. The necessity of driving the enemy from ' their position was evident; and for this purpose Gage put I 3000 men under the command of General Howe. On this i occasion the British were not very alert in their prepara- ' tions, as it was noon before their troops were embarked in i the boats which were to convey them to Moreton's Point, 1 at the southern extremity of Charlestown Neck. At this ; awful crisis every elevated spot in the town of Boston was j covered with spectators, who anxiously awaited the event of the expected contest. Their attention was first arrested How many did this party consist of ? Where did they goby mistake? By morning, what was done? What annoyed them? Who attempted to dislodge the Americans? With what force? How were the inhabitants in Boston occupied? 72 AMERICAN REVOLITTION. by a dense smoke, which announced that the British, fear- ing lest the houses of Charlestown might afford shelter to the provincials, had sot that place on tire. Proceeding to Moreton*s Point, the king's troops formed in two lines, and marched slowly up the hill, whilst their artillery played on the American works. The provincials stood lirm and steady ; they reserved their fire till the British had advan- ced to within sixty or seventy yards of their lines; they then made a simultaneous discharge with so cool an aim, and supported their fire Avith so much steadmess, that the British gave way, and fled to the water's edge. Here they were rallied by their othcers, and a second time led to the charge. A second time they retreated, and all seemed to be lost, when General Howe, aided by General Clinton, who, seeing his distress, had crossed over from Boston to join him, with ditficulty persuaded them to make another onset, which was successful. The Americans had ex- pended their ammunition, and were unable to procure a fresh supply. Their redoubt being forced, they were com- pelled to retreat: but though the road over Charlestown Neck, by which they retired, was enfiladed by the Glas- gow, man-of-war, they withdrew witli much less loss than might have been expected: they lett dead on the field 139 of their comrades, and their wounded and missing amounted to 314. Amongst the valuable lives which were sacrificed in this battle, the Americans were sensibly afiected by the loss of Dr. Warren, who was slain whilst standing on the i*e- doubt, animating his fellow-soldiers to the most valorous exertions. Warren was a man of eminent talents, and of most amiable manners in private and domestic life. He What was doing at Charlestown' Describe the •• Battle of Bunker's (properly Breed's) Hill"? What was the American loss? What the British? "What distinguished American was among the slain? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. - 73 excelled as an orator, and he was wise and prudent in council, and the circumstances of his death evinced that he could act as well as speak, and that the mildness of his character was united with lirm determination and undaunt- ed courage. The British purchased their victory dearly, their loss amounting to 226 killed and 828 wounded, in- cluding 79 otHcers; at this cost General Gage obtained lit- tle more than the field of battle. At the conclusion of the engagement he advanced to Bunker's Hill, which he forti- fied; whilst the Americans entrenched themselves on Pros- pect Hill, distant about a mile and a half from his lines. SECTION XIV. UNION OF THE THIRTEEN PROVINCES.— HANCOCK APPOINTED PRESIDENT, AND WASHINGTON COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. When Colonel Allen appeared at the gates of Ticondero- ga, on the 10th of May, he summoned that fortress 'in the I name of the Great Jehovah and the continental Congress.' I On the very day on which this summons was given, that I body assembled, and had the satisfaction to find itself joined ( by delegates from Georgia, so that the union of the thirteen I provinces was now completed. Peyton Randolph, Esq., j was appointed president; but urgent business soon after ' requiring his presence at home, he was succeeded by Mr. j Hancock. After mature deliberation, the Congress agreed When did this battle take place? After the battle what did the British do? Where did the Americans entrench themselves? What can you relate of Colonel Allen? On the 10th of May, what body assembled, and where? Who was chosen president Who succeeded him? 74 . AMERICAN REVOLUTION. on addresses to the British nation, to the Canadians, to Ire- land and the island of Jamaica, in which they insisted upon the topics upon which they had antecedently dwelt in similar compositions. Fearful also lest, in case of the continuance of hostilities with the mother country, their frontier should be devastated by the Indians, a talk was prepared in which the controversy between Great Britain and her colonies was explained in a familar Indian style. They were told that 'they had no concern in the family quarrel, and were urged by the ties of ancient friendship and a common birth-place, to remain at home, to keep their hatchet buried deep, and to join neither side.' Such is the statement of Mr. Ram- say ; and so far as Congress is concerned, no doubt that re- spectable historian is correct. But had he carefully ex- amined the official correspondence of General Washington, he would have found, from a letter of his dated August 4, 1775, that the American commander-in-chief did not limit his views to neutrality on the part of the Indians, but that he took measures to secure the co-operation of the Cagh- newaga tribe, in the event of any expedition being medita- ted against Canada. Still aiming, with however faint hopes, at conciliation, the Congress drew up another hum- ble and pathetic petition to the King, which was delivered on the ensuing September by their agents to Lord Dart- mouth, the colonial secretary of state, who informed them, that no answer would be returned to it. They did not however, confine themselves to literary controversy, but took measures for depriving the British troops of supplies. They also resolved to raise an army sufficient to enable them to cope with the enemy, and issued, for its equipment and pay, bills of credit to the value of two millions of To what did the » Continental Congress" agree? What was prepared for the Indians? What was the object of this talkl How was the American Army to be paid? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 75 dollars. With a happy unanimity they appointed George Washington commander-in-chief of their forces.* Soon after he received his commission, the general repaired to the head-quarters at Cambridge, in the vicinity of Boston, where he arrived on the 3d of July, and was received with joyful acclamations by the troops. The army consisted of 1 14,500 men, and occupied cantonments so disposed as close- dyto beleagur the enemy within Boston. The soldiers were hardy, active, and zealous. But still, when the gen- * " Artemas Ward, Cliarles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Tutnam, were then chosen major-generals, and Horatio Gates adjutant-general. Lee had lately .held the office of colonel, and Gates that of major, in the British army. A jsolemnand dignified declaration, setting forth the causes and necessity of taking up arms, was prepared to be published to the army in orders, and to the people from the pulpit. After particularizing the aggressions of Great Britain, with the energy of men feeling unmerited injury, they exclaim: I "But why should we enumerate our injuries in detail? By one statute jit is declared that parliament can of right make laws to bind us in all cases whatsoever. What is to defend us against so enormous, so unlimited a pow- er? Not a single man of those who assume it, was chosen by us, or is subject Uo our control or influence; but, on the contrary, they are all of them exempt |from the operation of such laws, and an American revenue, if not diverted •from the ostensible purpose for which it is raised, would actually lighten their |own burdens, in proportion as it increases ours. We saw tlie misery to which Isuch despotism would reduce us. We, for ten years, incessantly and incffectu ally besieged the throne as supplicant:^; we reasoned, we remostrated with par- liament in the most mild and decent language. "We arc now reduced to the alternative of choosing an unconditional submission to the will of irritated min- |i3ters,or resistance by force. The latter is our choice. We have counted the (cost of tliis contest, and find nothing so dreadful, as voluntary slavery. Honor, [justice, and humanity forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we re- Iceived from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have ariglit (to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning suc- ceeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them. "Our cause is just; our union is perfect. Our internal resources arc great; and, if necessary, foreign assistance Who was chosen commander-in-chief? Of what number did the army consist when he arrived at Cambridge? Describe the army and relate the difflculties. 76 AMERICAN REVOLITTION. eral had minutely inspected the state of affairs, he found ample matter for serious reflection. He was destitute of a responsible commissariat to procure and dispense the necessary supplies. I\Iany of the soldiers were ill-provi- ded with arms. On the 4th of August, he was apprised of the alarming fact that his whole stock of powder would af- ford little more than nine rounds a man. On the settling of the rank of otheers, also, he had to encounter the ill-hu- mor of the ambitious; who conceived that they were not promoted according to their merits. AVith his characteris- tic patience and assiduity, however, he overcame these difli- culties. By the influence of the respect which his charac- ter inspired, he reduced these jarring elements to some de- gree of order. His encampments were regularly supplied with provisions. By extraordinary exertions he procured a sufficient stock of ammunition and military stores; and though the well-dressed scouting parties of the British who approached his lines could not repress a smile on seeing his soldiers equipped in hunting-shirts, the atlair at Breed's Hill had taught them that a handsome unitorm is by no means essential to bravery in battle. On the 10th of October. General Gage resigned the corn- is undoubtedly attainable. Wc Jiroatfully acknowledge, as a signal instance of the divine favor towards us, that liis providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy, until we were trrown up to our present strengtJi, had been previously exercised in war-like operations, and possessed the means of defending ourselves. "With hearts fortified by these aniniatrns reflections, w e most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, Uiat exerting the utmost en- ergy of those powers, which our beneficent Creator hath graciously l)ej5towed. the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the pre- servation of our lilierties, being, with one mind, resolved to die freeman ratlier than to live slaves." What was General Washington apprised of on the 4th August? What new aspect did the army assume? How did the British soldiers view the American Army? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 77 mand of the British army to General Howe, and sailed for England in a vessel of war. Had he made the voyage in a transport, he would have run some risk of being taken prisoner; for towards the close of this year, (1775,) Con- gress fitted out several privateers, which were eminently successful in capturing the store-ships which had been sent from Great Britain with supplies for the royal army. — These captures at once crippled the enemy and furnished the Americans with important requisites for carrying on the war. SECTION XV. INVASION OF CANADA.— DEATH OF MONTGOMERY. Nor were the offensive operations of the provincials con- fined to the sea. Having, as has been before related, ob- tained possession of Ticonderoga, which is the key of Can- ada, the Congress determined to invade that province, in the hope that its inhabitants would welcome the forces which they might send against it, as their deliverers from the yoke of oppression. They accordingly gave the command of 1000 men to Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, with directions to march into Canada. When the expedition had advanced to the town of St. John's, Schuyler, in conse- quence of the bad state of his health, resigned the command to his associate, and returned home. In attacking St. John's, the commander of which made a brave defence, Montgome- ry experienced considerable difiiculties in consequence of his want of the chief requisites for conducting a siege; but On the 10th of October what occurred? What had congress donoT Where, and what is Ticonderoga? What did Congress determine to do? To whom did Congress give the command of this army? What was its number? H 78 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. he vanquished them all, and compelled the garrison, con- sisting of 500 regulars and 100 Canadians, to surrender. During the progress of the seige. Sir Guy Carleton, the governor of Canada, had collected 800 men at IMontreal, for the purpose of attacking the hesieging army ; hut he was driven hack by a body of the Vermont militia, com- manded by General Warner. Montgomery, theretbre, proceeded to Montreal, the garrison of which attempted to escape down the river, but were intercepted and captured by the American Colonel Easton: and Governor Carleton him- self was so hard pressed, that he was glad to escape to Trois Rivieres, whence he proceeded to Quebec. " To this place he was pursued by Montgomery, who in the course of his march, adopted the wisest measures to gain over the in- habitants of the province. With the peasants he succeed- ed; but upon priests and the seigneurs, or feudal lords, who foresaw that a revolution would be detrimental to their in- terests, he made little impression. Whilst ]\Iontgomery was penetrating into Canada by the St. Lawrence, General Arnold, who afterwards rendered himself infamous by his treachery, was advancing to co- operate with him by the way of the Kennebeck river and the Chaudiere. This route appears upon, the map to be a very direct one; but it was beset with formidable difficul- ties. In their voyage up the Kennebeck, Arnold and his comrades had to pull against a powerful stream interrupted by rapids, over which they were obliged to haul their boata with excessive labor. The space which intervenes between the mouth of the Kennebeck and that of the Chaudiere was a wild and pathless forest, through a great part of which they were compelled to cut their way with hatchets; Describe the expedition, ij-c.^ and the attack on St. John's, and Montreal ^«. What did Sir Guy Carleton do? By whom was he defeated? How did Montgomery succeed at Montreal? Describe this expedition. During this, what otlier expedition was going on? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 79 and so scantily were they furnished with provisions, that when they had eaten their last morsel they had thirty miles to travel before they could expect any farther sup- plies. In spite of these obstructions, Arnold persevered in his bold enterprise; and on the 8th of November he ar- rived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec; and had he posses- sed the means of immediately passing the St. Lawrence, such was the panic occasioned by his unexpected appear- ance, that it is probable that the city, in the absence of the Governor, would have surrendered to him. But whilst he was collecting craft to effect his passage, the inhabitants recovered from their consternation, the Governor arrived, and the place was put in a posture of defence. On the 1st of December, Montgomery, having effected a junction with Arnold, broke ground before Quebec. But he labored un- , der insuperable disadvantages. His forces were inferior I in number to those of the garrison. He was destitute of a I proper battering train. His soldiers were daily sinking * under the hardships of a Canadian winter ; and their term . of enlistment was soon to expire. Seeing that no hopes I were left, but that of the success of a desperate effort, he I attempted to carry the city by assault, and had penetrated I to the second barrier, when he fell by a musket shot, leav- jing behind him the character of a brave soldier, an ac- Icomplished gentleman, and an ardent friend of liberty. — (Arnold was carried wounded from the field; but on the • death of his friend he took the command of the remnant jof his forces, which he encamped at the short distance of three miles from the city. Wliat affect had Uie arrival of Arnold, on tlie 8tli of Nov., on the inhabi- tants of Quebec? On the 1st of December what took place? What was the situation of Montgomery's army? How did he attempt to carry the city? With what success did lie meet? '80 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SECTION XVI. EVACUATION OF BOSTON, MARCH 17, 1776. Whilst these transactions were carrying on to the north- ward of the American continent, the inhabitants of the middle and southern provinces were employed in prepar- ing for resistance against the demands of the British gov- ernment, and in general compelled such of their governors as took any active measures for the support of royal au- thority, to consult for their safety by taking refuge on board of ships of war. In Virginia, the imprudence of Lord Dunmore provoked open hostilities, in the course of which he burned the town of Norfolk. By this act, how- ever, and by a proclamation, in which he promised free- dom to such of the negroes as should join his standard, he only irritated the provincials, without doing them any es- sential injury; and being finally driven from the colony, he returned to England. Towards the close of this year, the commander-in-chief of the American forces found himself in circumstances of extreme embarrassment. ' It gives me great distress,' thus he wrote in a letter to Congress of the date of Sept. 21, 1775, 'to be obliged to solicit the attention of the honora- ble Congress to the state of this army, in terms which im- ply the slightest apprehension of being neglected. But my situation is inexpressibly distressing, to see the winter fast approaching upon a naked army; the time of their service within a few weeks of expiring; and no provision yet made What of the middle and southern provinces? What imprudence was Lord Dunmore guilty of? What did he promise to the negroes? What was the situation of the commander-in-chief towards the close of 1775? To whom did he write on the 21st September, 1775? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 81 for such important events. Added to these, the military chest is totally exhausted: the paymaster has not a single dollar in hand; the commissary-general assures me he has strained his credit, for the subsistence of the army, to the utmost. The quarter-master-general is precisely in the same situation; and the greater part of the troops are in a state not far from mutiny upon the deduction from their stated allowance.'' The fact is, that the troops had en- gaged in the service of their country with feelings of ar- dent zeal; but, with a mistaken idea that the contest would be decided by a single effort, they had limited the time of their service to a short period, which was ready to expire. Congress had appointed a committee, consisting of Dr. Franklin and two other individuals, to organize an army for the year 1776. But when these gentlemen repaired to head quarters, and sounded the dispositions of the troops as to a second enlistment, they did not find in them the alacrity which they expected. The soldiers were, as they had evinced in all services of danger, personally brave; but they were unaccustomed to the alternate monotony and violent exertion of a military life, and their independent spirit could ill brook the necessary restraints of discipline. From these causes so many quitted the camp when the term of their service was expired, that on the last day of the year Washington's muster-roll contained the names of only 9650 men. By the exertions of the committee, how- ever, these were speedily reinforced by a body of militia, who increased their numbers to 17,000. Upon these cir- cumstances, the commander-in-chief, in one of his des- patches to Congress, made the following striking remarks. What did Gen. Washington say was the situation of the army ' What committee was appointed in 1776? For what object was tliis committee appointed? Describe the army, Sfc. To what number was it increased? h2 JBi AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 'It is not in the pages of history, perhaps, to furnish a case like ours — to maintain a post within musket-shot of the enemy for six months together without ammunition, and, at the same time, to disband one army and recruit another, within that distance of twenty odd British regiments, is more, probably, than ever was attempted. But if we suc- ceed as well in the last, as we have heretofore in the first, I shall think it the most fortunate event of my whole life.' It may be permitted us to conjecture that in these circum- stances the uneasiness of Washington was enhanced by his consciousness of the risk which he ran in thus com- municating the secret of his difficulties to so numerous a body as the Congress. Had there been found one coward, one traitor, or even one indiscreet individual in that assem- bly, the British general would have been apprised of the vast advantages which he had over his antagonist; he would have adopted the offensive, and the cause of Ameri- can independence would have been lost. But every colo- nial senator was faithful to his trust. Every one was si- lent as to the real situation of the army; and the com- mander-in-chief still confidently presented a bold front to the enemy. It was well known that the British troops in Boston were much straitened for provisions; and the mili- tia having joined the army in expectation of immediate battle, were eager for the onset, and murmured at the de- lay of the general in giving the signal for an assault on the town. They were little aware of the distress by which he was embarrassed. Notwithstanding the Congress had even sent to the coast of Africa to purchase gunpowder, his magazines still contained but a scanty stock of that es- sential article, and many of his troops were destitute of What then did Washington write to congress? By what might the American independence have been loat? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 83 muskets. But he kept to himself the important secret of the deficiency of his stores, and patiently submitted to the criticisms which were passed on his procrastination, till he had made the requisite preparations. He then proposed to storm the British lines; but was advised by his council of war, in preference to this measure, to take possession of Dorchester heights,*" an eminence which from the south- ward commands the harbor and city of Boston. To this advice he acceded, and having diverted the attention of the British garrison by a bombardment, which was merely a feint, on the night of the 4th of March he pushed forward a working party of 1200 men, under the protection of a detachment of 800 troops. The Americans were very ex- pert in the use of the spade and pickaxe, and by day-break they had completed respectable lines of defence. The British admiral no sooner beheld these preparations, than he sent word to General Howe, that if the Americans were not dislodged from their works he could not with safety continue in the harbor. On the 6th Howe had completed his arrangements for the attack of the enemy's lines, and a bloody battle was expected; but the transports in which his troops were embarked for the purpose of approaching the heights by water were dispersed by a storm; and the enemy so industriously took advantage of the consequent suspension of his operations to strengthen their position, that when the storm subsided he despaired of success in attacking it. Finding the town no longer tenable, he evac- * Now added to Boston and called South Boston. What did the commander-in-chief still do? How did the he behave himself? What did he propose? What did he finally do? On the 6th of March what was expected? What prevented it? When was Boston evacuated? 84 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. uated it on the 17th of March, and sailed with his garrison, which amounted to 7000 men, to Halifax in Nova Scotia. In consequence of an implied threat on the part of Gen- eral Howe, that if he was interrupted by any hostile at- tack during the embarkation of his troops, he would set fire to the town, the British were allowed to retire without mo- lestation, though their commander, immediately before his departure, levied considerable requisitions for the use of his army upon the merchants, who were possessed of wool- en and linen goods; and though the soldiery, availing themselves of the relaxation of military discipline which usually accompanies the precipitate movements of troops, indulged themselves in defiance of orders issued to the contrary, in all the license of plunder. Previously to the evacuation of the place, Howe spiked all the cannon and mortars which he was obliged to leave behind him, and de- molished the fortifications of Castle William. Immediately on the withdraw^ing of the royal forces, Washington, enter- ing Boston in triumph, was hailed as a deliverer by the acclamations of the inhabitants. He also received the thanks of the congress and of the legislature of Massachu- setts; and a medal was struck in honor of his services in expelling the invaders from his native land. The exultation which the Americans felt at the expul- sion of the British from Boston was tempered by the arri- val of sinister intelligence from Canada. In sending an expedition into that country. Congress had been influenced Where did Gen. Howe sail for? How many men liad he? In what manner was he allowed to leave Boston? Why? What did he do previously lo leaving Boston? What did Gen. Washington do after the British witlidrew? How was he received? What did he receive from congress and the legislature of Massachuselti? What intelligence was received from Canada? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 85 by two motives: they wished at once to secure the junction of the inhabitants of that province to their union, and to protect their own northern frontier from invasion. But the Canadians were little prepared for the assertion of the prin- ciple of freedom; and the rapacity of the unprincipled Ar- nold, and the misconduct of his troops, had alienated their affections from the common cause. Congress, however, by extraordinary exertions, sent to the camp before Que- bec reinforcements, which, by the 1st of May, increased Arnold's army to the number of 3000 men. But his forces were unfortunately weakened by the ravages of the small- pox ; and reinforcements from England having begun to arrive at Quebec, he determined upon a retreat. In this retrograde movement the American array had to encounter difficulties which to ordinary minds would have seemed insurmountable. On their march through almost imprac- ticable roads, they were closely followed, and frequently brought to action, by an enemy superior in number. In an ill-advised attack on Trois Rivieres they sustained consid- erable loss, and their forces were for a time separated, and almost dispersed. But, notwithstanding these disasters, General Sullivan, who conducted the retreat, contrived to save his baggage, stores, and sick, and led back a respecta- ble remnant of his army to Crown Point, where he re- solved to make a stand. Being well aware of the necessity of guarding this quarter of their frontier against the in- cursions of the British, the Congress sent thither an army of 12,000 men, under the command of General Gates, who cast up strong works at Ticonderoga, and endeavored to retain the command of Lake Champlain by means of a flo- What object had congress in scndini^ an army into Canada? Wliat was Arnold's conduct? Describe the conclusion of the expedition to aucl)ec,and its returi What did Gen. Sullivan do? What can you say of Gen. Gales and Gen. Carlcton? 86 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. tilla, which was built and equipped with a rapidity hitherto unheard of. General Carleton, however, was not behind- hand with him in activity. He speedily fitted out a supe- rior armament, by means of which he took or destroyed almost the whole of the American vessels. Having thus made himself master of the lake, he advanced to the vicinity of Ticonderoga; but finding that port too strongly fortified, and too well garrisoned to be taken by assault, he returned to Quebec. Valor and military skill were not the highest characteristics of Sir Guy Carleton. The kindness which he manifested to his prisoners, and especially to the sick and wounded of the Americans who fell into his hands, en- title him to the superior praise of humanity. SECTION xvn. DECLARATION OF Ii\DEPEx\DENCE, 4th OF JULY, 1776. When the British ministry took the resolution to coerce the discontented colonies by force of arms, they were little aware of the difficulty of their undertaking; and, conse- quently, the means which they adopted for the execution of their designs were by no means commensurate with the object which they had in view. But when they met the parliament in October, 1775, they were obliged to confess that the spirit of resistance to royal authority was widely diffused throughout the North America provinces, that re- bellion had assumed a bold front, and had been alarmingly successful. To supply them with the means of suppressing it, parliament readily voted the raising and equipment of 28,000 seamen, and 55,000 land forces. The bill which What did Gen. Carleton do? In 1775, what were the British ministry obliged to confess? What did parliament vote? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 87 provided for this powerful armament also authorized his majesty to appoint commissioners, who were to be empow- ered to grant pardons to individuals, to inquire into and redress grievances, and to receive any colonies, upon their return to obedience, into the king's peace. When the colonists were apprised of the bill having been ] passed into a law, they treated the offer of pardon with , contempt, and contemplated Math anger, but not with dis- ■ may, the formidable preparations announced by its provi- ,sions. Their irritation was excited to the highest pitch when they were informed that Lord North had engaged 16,000 German mercenaries to assist in their subjugation. Nor did this measure escape severe animadversion in the 'British Parliament. It was warmly censured by many members of the opposition, especially by Mr. Adair and Mr. Dunning, who maintained that, in engaging the services of foreign mercenaries without the previous consent of par- liament, ministers had violated the provision of the Bill of [Rights, and that by this infringement of the Constitution they had set a precedent which might be made available )y some future arbitrary monarch to the destruction of the ibertics of the country. The command of the British forces was given to General JHowe, who, in arranging the plan of the campaign, deter- Inined, first, after driving the enemy from Canada, to in- ^^ade their country by the north-western frontier. 2dly, o subdue the southern colonies; and, 3dly, to strike at the center of the Union by conquering the province of New ^ork, from which, by means of the Hudson river, ho hould be able to co-operate with the royal army in Can- How did the colonists treat the offer? What excited their irritation to the highest pitch? To wliom was the command of the British forces given? What was the plan of the campaign? 88 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ada. The latter province having been already rescued from the invaders by Sir Guy Carleton, General Howe committed the execution of the second part of his plan to - General Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, who having effected a junction at Cape Fear, resolved to make an attack upon ( Charleston. They accordingly sailed up Ashley river, on which that place is situated ; but they encountered so de- termined an opposition from a fort hastily erected on Sulli- van's Island, and commanded by Colonel Moultrie, that, after sustaining considerable loss of men, and much dam- age to their shipping, they gave up their enterprise and sailed to New York. The result of this attempt was highly favorable to the Americans, as it consoled them for their losses in the north, inspired them with new confidence, and, for the ensuing two years and a half, preserved the southern colonies from the presence of a hostile force. The command of the principal British fleet, destined to co-operate with General Howe, had been bestowed upon his brother Sir William, who, when his equipment was finished, sailed directly for Halifiix. On his arrival at that place, he found that the general, impatient of his delay, had proceeded on his voyage towards New York, whither he immediately followed him, and joined him at Staten Isl- and. On this junction of the two brothers, their forces , were found to amount to 30,000 men ; and never, perhaps, was an army better equipped, or more amply provided ' with artillery, stores, and every requisite for the carrying , on of vigorous and active hostilities. Far different was the ' Who had charn;e of tlie second part of the arrangement? What place did they resolve to attack? What reception did they meet with at Sullivan's Island? What was the result of this attempt? Who was the commander of the British fleet? What junction was effected at Staten Island? To what did their forces amount? What was their condition? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 89 condition of the American commander-in-chief. His troops, enlisted for short periods, had acquired little discipline. They were scantily clothed and imperfectly armed. They were frequently in want of ammunition; and they were ill-supplied with provisions. Disaffection to the cause of ; their country .was also manifested by some of the inhabit- ' ants of New York, 4\'ho, at the instigation of Governor Tryon, had entered into a conspiracy to aid the king's troops on their expected arrival. In this plot, even some of the army had been engaged; and a soldier of the com- ' mander-in-chief 's own guard had, by the unanimous sen- I tence of a court martial, been sentenced to die for enrolling ' himself among the conspirators, and enlisting others in the same traitorous cause. In these circumstances AA'ashins- , ton could not but regard the approaching contest with seri- ' ous uneasiness; but he, as usual, concealed his uneasiness I within his own bosom, and determined to fight to the last in the cause of his country. His firmness was participated by the congress, who, whilst the storm seemed to be gath- ering thick over their heads, beheld it with eyes undis- mayed, and now proceeded with a daring liand to strike the decisive stroke which forever separated thirteen nourishing colonics from their dependence on the British crown. It is possible, nay, it is probable, that from the beginning of the disputes with the mother country, there may have been some few speculators among the American politicians, who entertained some vague notions and some uncertain hopes of independence. In every age, and in every country, there are individuals whose mental view extends to a wider circle than that of the community at large, and unhappy is Describe the American army. W^hat was Washington's conduct? How did congress view these appearances? What did they now proceed to do? I 90 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. their destiny if they attempt to bring their notions into ac- tion, or even to promulgate them before the season is ripe unto the harvest. But no such precipitancy was found amongst the partisans of American liberty. Like Frank- lin, for year after year, they limited their wishes to an ex- emption from parliamentary taxation, and to a preserva- tion of their chartered rights and privileges. But the vio- lent measures of the British ministers altered their senti- ments, and the spectacle of their countrymen mustering in arms to resist ministerial oppression, prompted them to bolder daring. Finding that the British cabinet had hired foreign troops to assist in their subjugation, they foresaw that they might be reduced to apply to foreign aid to help them in their resistance against oppression. But what power would lend them aid whilst they retained the char- acter of subjects of his Britannic majesty. Sentiments such as these, having been industriously and successfully dissem- inated throughout the union, the congress on the 4th of July, 1776, whilst the formidable array of the British fleet was hovering on their coasts, on the motion of j\Ir. Richard Henry Lee, representative of Virginia, passed their cele- brated declaration of independence, by which act they for- ever withdrew their allegiance from the king of Great Britain. This important document is couched in the fol- lowing terms : — ' When, in the course of human events, it becomes ne- cessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them. What were the wishes of Franklin and others limited to, year after year? ViThy were they induced to change their views? What was made on the 4th of July, 1776? In what terms is this document expressed? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 91 a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. * We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ; that they arc endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liber- ty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abol- I ish it, and to institute new government, laying its founda- I tion on such principles, and organizing its power in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety land happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that govern- .ments long established, should not be changed for light and Itransicnt causes; and, accordingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are suffcrable, than to right themselves by abolishing |the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long 'train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under abso- lute despotism, it is their right, — it is their duty, to throw toft' such government, and to provide new guards for their ♦future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies, and such is now the necessity which con- I strains them to alter their former system of government. The history of the present king of Great Britain, is a his- tory of repeated injuries and usurpation, all having in di- rect object, the establishment of an absolute tyranny over Ihese States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. What truths are self-evident? What will prudence dictate? To prove this what is submitted? i i 92 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ' He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. 'He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immedi- ate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their ope- ration till his assent should be obtained j and when so sus- pended, he has utterly neglected to attended to them. 'He has refused to pass other laws for the accommoda- tion of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, — a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only. 'He has called together legislative bodies at places unu- sual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. 'He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of his people. ' He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the legislative pow- ers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the danger of invasion from with- out, and convulsions within. ' He has endeavored to prevent the population of these States, for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturaliza- tion of foreigners, refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands. 'He has obstructed the administration of justice, by re- fusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers. What had the king refused his assent to? What had he forbidden? What had he refused to pass? He had called together what? He had dissolved what? What had he refused? What had he endeavored? What had he obstructed? AIVIERICAN REVOLUTION. 93 * He has made judges dependent on his will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. ^ He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. ' He has kept among us, in time of peace, standing ar- mies, without the consent of our len;islatures. 'He has affi^cted to render the military independent of, I and superior to, the civil power. I 'He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdic- (tion foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our 'laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legisla- |tion; \ 'For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us; \ ' For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment |for any murders which they should commit on the inhab- itants of these States; 'For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; 'For imposing taxes upon us without our consent; 'For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury; I ' For transporting us beyond the seas to be tried for pre- Itended offences ; 'For abolishing the free system of English laws in a Neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary orovernment, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing ;he same absolute rule into these colonies; What had he made? What had he erected? What had he kept among us? What had he affected? What had he combined with others 10 do? For quartering what? For protecting what? For cutting off what? For imposing what? For depriving of what? For transporting what? For abolishing what? I2 94 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ' For taking away our charters, abolishing our most val- uable laws, and altering fundamentally the form of our governments ; 'For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. 'He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us. 'He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. ' He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny already begun, with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation. ' He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands. 'He has excited domestic insurrections among us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our fron- tiers, the merciless Indian savages; whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions. 'In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms; our repeated peti- tions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. For taking away what? For suspending what? He had abdicated what? He had plundered what? He was transporting what? He had constrained what? [sionsr? He had excited what? What had been done in every stage of these oppres- AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 96 ^ Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of at- tempts made by their legislature to extend an unwarrant- able jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them, by the tics of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably in- terrupt our connexions and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which de- nounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, — enemies in war, in peace, friends. 'We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and de- clare, that these united' colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all po- litical connexion between them and the State of Great Brit- ain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent States may of right do. And, for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we Of what had the British been warned? Of what liad they been reminded? How had they been appealed to? In wliat was it necessary to acquiesce? Eepeat the declaration, " We, therefore," ^-c. 96 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.'* SECTION XVIII. CAPTURE OF LONG ISLAND, 26Tn OP AUGUST, 1776. General Washington was well aware that New York would be the first object of attack on the part of the British ; and despairing of being able to encounter them in the open field, he resolved to protract the approaching campaign by carrying on a war of posts. With this view, after fortify- ing Long Island, he threw up various entrenchments on New York Island, which is bounded on the west by the Hudson, and on the south and east by East river, whilst to the north it is separated from the main land by a narrow channel which unites these two streams. He also con- structed two forts, the one on the Hudson named Fort Washington, by which he proposed to maintain his com- munication with Jersey, whilst the other, called Fort Lee, connected his defence with the province of New York. — Whilst he was making these preparations he received from * "This declaration was received by the people with transports of joy. Pub- lic rejoicings took place in various parts of the Union. In New York, the statue of George III. was taken down, and the lead, of which it was composed, was converted into musket balls. In Boston, the garrison was drawn up in King's street, wliich, from that moment, took the name of State-street, and thirteen salutes, by thirteen detachments, into which the troops were formed, were fired; the bells of the town were rung, in token of felicitation, and the evening concluded with the tearing in peices, and burning the ensigns of royalty — lions, scepters, and crowns." What was Gen. Washington well aware of? What did he do, and with what view? Where was Fort Washington, and where Fort Lee? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 97 Pennsylvania a seasonable reinforcement of 10,000 men, raised for the express purpose of forming a flying camp; but he was disappointed in his expectation of the aid of a large body of militia. Independently of the flying camp, his forces, at this moment of peril, amounted only to 17,225 men. Before commencing hostilities, the Howes, with a view of conciliation, or of detaching the wavering amongst the colonists from the cause of the congress, issued a procla- mation, offering pardon to such of his majesty's rebellious subjects as would lay down their arms, and announcing their powers, on the fulfdment of certain conditions, to re- ceive any colony, district, or place, into the king's peace. This proclamation produced no effect beyond the districts from time to time occupied by the royal army. General Howe also endeavored to open a correspondence with Washington, for the purpose of laying a ground for the amicable adjustment of all differences between the colonies and the mother country; but as the British commander did not recognize the official character of Washington in the address of his letter, it was returned unopened, and thus this attempt at negotiation failed. Those who are accustomed to the rapid proceedings of more modern warfare, cannot give to General Howe the praise due to activity. Though he arrived at Staten Island on the 10th of June, it was not till the 26th of August that What reinforcement did Washington receive, and from whence? To wha t number did his forces amount? What was the British force did you just say? Ans. 30,000. What did the Howes do before commencing hostilities^ What were its contents? What effect did it produce? What did Gen. Howe attempt to do with Washington? How was it received? Why? 98 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. he commenced active operations against the enemy by an attack on Long Island, on the north-western part of which a respectable force of Americans, commanded by General Sullivan, occupied an entrenched camp. Their position was protected in front by a range of hills stretching across the island, from the Narrows, a strait which separates it from Staten Island, to the town of Jamaica, situated on the southern coast. Over the hills in question pass three de- fensible roads, each of which was guarded by 800 men. — The pass by the Narrows was attacked and carried by Gen- eral Grant, — the second, by Flatbush, was cleared by Gen- eral de Heister, in retreating before whom the Americans were encountered by General Clinton, who with the right wing of the British army, had made a detour by Jamaica. Thus the provincials were driven into their lines with the loss of upwards of 1000 men, whilst the British loss did not amount to more than 450. During the engagement Washington had sent strong reinforcements into Long Island, and, at its close, he repaired thither in person with the greater part of his army. This movement had nearly occasioned his ruin. He soon found himself cooped up in a corner, with a superior force in front prepared to attack his works, which were untenable. In these circumstances his only safety lay in retreat. It was a difficult operation . to convey a whole army across a ferry in the presence of an enemy, whose working parties could be heard by his sentries. But favored by the darkness of the night, and by a fog which arose in the morning, he transported the What attack was made, and when? Who conuuanded the Americans on Long Island? Describe the position of his camp. Describe the engagement. How did Washington extricate himself? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 99 whole of his force to New York, leaving nothing behind him but some heavy cannon. SECTION XIX. EVACUATION OF NEW YORK, FIRST OF SEPTEMBER 1776- Among the prisoners taken by the British on Long Island was General Sullivan, whom General Howe sent on his pa- role with a message to Congress, renewing his otfers to ne- gotiate for an amicable accommodation. The Congress sent a committee of three of their body, — Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge, to confer with him on the subject of his communication. These deputies were received with great politeness by General Howe; but, af- ter a full discussion with the British commander, they re- ported to Congress that his proposals were unsatisfactory. and his powers insufficient. Their report concluded in the following terms: — 'It did not appear to your committee, I that his lordship's commission contained any other authori- ' ty than that expressed by the act of parliament, — namely, that of granting pardons, with such exceptions as the com- I missioners shall think proper to make, and of declaring I America or any part of it to be in the king's peace on sub- I mission; for, as to the power of inquiring into the state of j America, which his lordship mentioned to us, and of con- ( ferring and consulting with any persons the commissioners might think proper, and representing the result of such Who among the American prisoners was taken on Longlslandl Where did Gen. Howe send him? Who composed the committee sent by congress to Gen. Howe? How were they received? What did they report? How did their report conclude? 100 AMERICAN REVOLTJTION. conversation to the ministry, who, provided the colonies would subject themselves, might, after all, or might not, at their pleasure, make any alterations in the former instruc- tions to governors, or propose in parliament any amend- ment of the acts complained of; we apprehend any expec- tation from the etlect of such a power would have been too uncertain and precarious to be relied on by America, had she still continued in her state of dependence.'' This at- tempt at negotiation having thus fruitlessly terminated, nothing was left but to decide the dispute by arms. The Congress embraced this alternative in circumstan- ces which would have reduced men of less resolute spirits to despair. Their army was so dispirited by the events which had taken place in Long Island, that the militia be- gan to desert, and the constancy of some of the regulars was shaken. They were apprised, too, that Washington foresaw the necessity of making a series of retrograde movements, which were calculated to cloud the public mind with despondency. The prognostics of the General were soon verified. On the 15th of September, General Howe effected a landing on New York Island, and compelled him to evacuate the city of New York, and to retire to the north end of the island. Here Howe unaccountably suf- fered him to remain unmolested for nearly four weeks, at the end of which time he maneuvered to compel him to give him battle on the island. Dreading the being reduced to this perilous necessity, the American conmiander with- drew to the White Plains, taking, however, every oppor- tunity to front the enemy, and engaging in partial actions, which in some degree kept the British in check. At length What alternative did congress embrace? What was the situation of the American army at this time? What was effected on the 15th September? Where did Washington withdraw after four weeks? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 101 he crossed the Hudson, and occupied some strong ground on the Jersey shore of that river, in the neighborhood of Fort Lee. He had no sooner evacuated New York Island than General Howe attacked and took Fort Washington, in which he made 2700 men prisoners, at the cost, how- ever, of 1200 men on his side killed and wounded. Fort Lee was shortly after evacuated by its garrison, and taken possession of by Lord Cornwallis. Following up these successes. General Howe pursued the flying Americans to Newark, and from Newark to Brunswick, and from Bruns- wick successively to Princeton and Trenton, till at length he drove them to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware. Nothing could exceed the distress which the American ar- my suffered during this retreat through the Jerseys. — They were destitute of blankets and shoes, and their cloth- ing was reduced to rags. They were coldly looked upon by the inhabitants, who gave up the cause of America for lost, and hastened to make their peace with the victors. — Had General Howe been able to maintain discipline in his arm)-, Jersey would have been severed from the Union. — But, fortunately for the interests of the congress, his troops indulged in all the excesses of military violence, and irri- tated the inhabitants of the country to such a degree, that their new-born loyalty was speedily extinct, and all their thoughts were bent upon revenge. Where did he next go? What fort was taken? How many of the Americans were killed and taken prisoners? What fort was evacuated? Where did the British pursue the Americans? Describe the condition of the American army? How did the British treat the people of New Jersey? What was the consequence? K 1Q2 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SECTION XX. BATTLE OF TRENTON, 28TH OF DECEMBER, 1776. On the approach of the British to the Delaware, con- gress adjourned its sittings from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and it was expected that General Howe would speedily make his triumphal entry into the Pennsylvanian capital. But a bold maneuver of Washington suddenly turned the tide of success. On his arrival at the Delaware, his troops were dwindled down to the number of 3000; but having re- ceived some reinforcements of Pennsylvanian militia, he de- termined to endeavor to retrieve his fortunes by a decisive stroke. The British troops were cantoned in Burlington, Bordentown, and Trenton, waiting for the formation of the ice to cross into Pennsylvania. Understanding that in the confidence produced by a series of successes, they were by no means vigilant, he conceived the possibility of taking them by surprise. He accordingly, on the evening of Christmas day, conveyed the main body of his army over the Delaware, and falling upon the troops quartered in Trenton, killed and captured about 900 of them, and re- crossed into Pennsylvania with his prisoners. On the 28th of December, he again took possession of Trenton, where he was soon encountered by a superior force of British, who drove in his advanced parties, and entered the town in the evening, with the intention of giving him battle the next morning. The two armies were separated only by a nar- row creek, which runs through the town. In such a posi- tion it should seem to be impossible that any movement on To what place di«l congress adjourn? What was Washington's maneuver? How many of his 17,000 troops had he left? Where were the British troops encamped? What was done at Trenton? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 103 tho one side or on the other could pass unobserved. But in the darkness of the night, Washington, leaving his fires lighted, and a few guards to attract the attention of the en- emy, quitted his encampment, and, crossing a bridge over the creek, which had been left ungarded, directed his march to Princeton, where, after a short but brisk engage- ment, he killed 60 of the British, and took 300 prisoners. The rest of the royal forces were dispersed and fled in dif- ferent directions. Great was the surprise of Lord Corn- wallis, who commanded the British army at Trenton, when the report of the artillery at Princeton, which he at first mistook for thunder, and the arrival of breathless messen- gers, apprised him that the enemy was in his rear. Alarm- ed by the danger of his position, he commenced a retreat; and, being harassed by the militia and the countrymen who had suffered from the outrages perpetrated by his troops on their advance, he did not deem himself in safety till he arrived at Brunswick, from whence by means of the Rari- ton, he had a communication with New York. This splendid success inspired the Americans with re- newed spirits. Recruits were readily raised for their ar- my, which took up its winter quarters at Morristown, about 30 miles to the northward of Brunswick; here both the officers and soldiers were inoculated for the small-pox. During this interval of comparative leisure, Washington urgently renewed the representations which he had before frequently made to the congress, of the necessity of aban- doning the system of enlistinf; men for limited terms of ser- Describc the transaction at Princeton. What is said of Lord Cornvvallis? In his retreat what ditficuUies did he meet with? What was tlie eiTect of this splendid success? Where did the American army take up its winter quarters? Wliat did Washington urge on congress? 104 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. vice. The dread justly entertained by that body of a stand- ing army had hitherto induced them to listen coldly to his remonstrances on this point. But the experience of the last campaign corrected their views, and they resolved to use their utmost exertion to raise an army pledged to serve till the conclusion of the war. The free spirit of the Ameri- cans, however, could not brook enlistment for a time so undefined, and the congress therefore issued proposals for a levy of soldiers to be engaged for three years, at the same time offering a bounty of 100 acres of land to those who would accept their first proposals. Though these meas- ures in the end proved effectual, their accomplishment was slow, and in the spring of 1777, Washington's whole force did not amount to more than 1500 men; but with these in- considerable numbers he so disposed his posts, that with the occasional assistance of the New Jersey militia and vol- unteers, he for some weeks kept the British in check at Brunswick. At this period, the difficulties under which he had so long labored from the want of arms and military stores, were alleviated by the arrival of upwards of 20,000 muskets, and 1000 barrels of powder, which had been pro- cured in France and Holland by the agency of the celebra- ted dramatist, Carron de Beaumarchais. Late in the spring of 1777, however, the utmost exer- tions of congress in forwarding the recruiting service could put no more than 7272 effective men at the disposal of General Washington. With this small force it was man- ifestly his policy to gain time, and by occupying advantage- ous ground, to avoid being forced to a general engagement. With a view, however, of inspiring his countrymen, he What did they resolve to do? And what proposals were issued? With what success did these measures meet? How were Wasliington's difficulties alleviated? What was the whole American force in 1777? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 105 took the field before the enemy had quitted their winter quarters, and towards the end of May he made a move- ment from Morristown to Middlebrook, where he encamped in a strong position. General Howe no sooner heard that the Americans were in motion, than he advanced from Brunswick to Somerset Court House, apparently with an intention of pushing for the Delaware; but the country rising in arms on every side of him, he was deterred from prosecuting this design, and hastily measured back his steps to his former position. On their retreat, his troops committed groat ravages, and particularly incensed the in- habitants by burning some of their places of worship. Af- ter frequently trying in vain to entice Washington from his strong position, General Howe at length retired to Am- boy. There learning that his adversary had descended to Quibbletown, he hastened back to attack him; but had the mortification on his arrival at the spot lately occupied by the Americans, to learn that his vigilant foe had withdrawn into his fastnesses. Despairing of being able to penetrate into Pennsylvania by the way of the Jerseys, he passed over into Staten Island, from which point he resolved to prosecute the future views of his campaign by the assist- ance of his fleet. What those views might be, it was difli- cult for Washington to ascertain. The whole coast of the United States was open to the British commander-in-chief He might at his pleasure sail to the north or to the south. General Washington was inclined to believe that his inten- tion was to move up Hudson river to co-operate with Gen- eral Burgoyne, who was advancing with a large army on the Canadian frontier, and, impressed with this idea, he What movement did Washington make? Where did Gen. Howe advance What maneuvers followed? [to? Whither did Gen. Howe then go? What was the condition of the whole coae t of the United States? K 2 106 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. moved a part of his army to Peekskill, whilst he posted another portion at Trenton, to be ready, if required, to march to the relief of Philadelphia. Whilst he was in this state of uncertainty, he received intelligence that Howe had embarked with 16,000 men, and had steered to the south- ward. Still apprehending that this might be a feint, he cast an anxious eye to the northward, till he was further informed that the British General, after looking into the Delaware, had proceeded to the Chesapeake. The plans of the invaders were then clearly developed. It was evident that they intended to march through the northern part of the State of Delaware, and talvc possession of Philadelphia. Much time was lost to the British by their voyage, in con- sequence of unfavorable winds. Though they set sail on the 23d of July, they did not arrive at Elk-ferry, the place fixed upon for their landing, till the 25th of August. Gen- eral Howe had no sooner disembarked his troops than he advanced through the country by forced marches, to within two miles of the American army, which having proceeded rapidly from Jersey to the present scene of action, was sta- tioned at Newport. SECTION XXI. CAPTURE OF PHILADELPHIA, 26th OF SEPTEMBER, 1776. On the approach of the enemy General Washington resolved to dispute their passage over the Brandywine Creek. In taking this step he appears to have acted con- Wliy did Washington send part of his army to Peekskill? In tlie mean time what did Gen. Howe do? What was tlie plan of the invaders? How near did Gen. Howe advance? To what station did tlie American army march? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 107 trary to his better judgment. By throwing himself upon the high ground to his right, he might have brought on a war of posts, much better adapted to the capacities of his undisciplined forces, than a battle fought on equal terms. But he dreaded the impression which would be made upon the public feeling, should he leave the road to Philadel- phia open, and yielded to the general voice which called upon him to fight for the preservation of the seat of the American government. The action was fought at Chadd's ford, on the Brandy wine, on the 11th of September. On this occasion Howe showed his generalship by the skilful- ness of his combinations. While a part of his army, under the command of General Knyphausen, made a false attack at the lord, a strong column, headed by Lord Cornwallis, crossing the Brandy wine at its fork, turned the left of the Americans, and Knyphausen forcing a passage at that mo- ment of alarm and confusion, the Americans gave way, and retired to Chester, their retreat being covered by Wooster's brigade, which preserved its ranks unbroken. Their loss in killed and wounded amounted to 1200. — Among the latter was the Marquis de Lafayette, who, in- spired with zeal for the cause of freedom, had, at the age of nineteen, quitted his country at considerable hazard, and entered into the American army, in which he at once obtained the rank of major-general. By the event of the battle of the Brandy wine the country was in a great degree open to the British. Washington in vain made one or two attempts to impede their progress, and on the 26th What was the number of the American army ? The British? What induced Washington to tight at Chadd's ford? Describe the battle. What was the loss? What can you say of the Marquis dc Lafayette? At this time what was the situation of the country? 108 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. of September, General Howe made his triumphant entry into Philadelphia. On his approach the congress, who had returned thither from Baltimore, once more took flight, and withdrew first to Lancaster and afterwards to York- town. General Howe, on marching to the Pennsylvanian capi- tal, had left a considerable number of troops at German- town, a few miles from that place. As these were unsup- ported by the main body of his army. General Washing- ton determined upon an attempt to cut them off. His plan was well laid, and the forces which he despatched on this expedition took the enemy by surprise, and at first drove all before them. But a check having been given them by a small party of the British who had thrown themselves into a stone house, they were soon opposed by the fugitives who had rallied in force, and obliged to retreat with loss. When General Howe quitted New York for the purpose of gaining possession of Philadelphia, he was deterred from making his approaches by the Delaware, by the pre- parations made by the Americans to obstruct the naviga- tion of that river. The principal of these consisted of a fort erected on Mud Island, which is situated in the middle of the river, about seven miles below the city. On a height on the Jersey side of the river, called Eed Bank, they had erected a strong battery. The channels on both sides of Mud Island were closed by strong and heavy chevaux de frise, through which was left a single passage closed by a boom. As it was absolutely necessary to make himself master of these works, in order to open a communication with his fleet, General Howe, gave orders that they should What took place on the 26th September? To what places did congress withdraw? Describe the occurrence at Germantown. How was the navigation of the Delaware obstructed? AJIERICAN REVOLUTION. 109 be forced. In his first attack he was unsuccessful. In storming the battery of Red Bank, Count Donop was mor- tally wounded, and his troops were repulsed with consid- erable loss. But the bulk of the chevaux de frise having, by diverting the current of the river, deepened the chan- nel on the Pennsylvania side of Mud Island, a ship of war mounted with twenty-four pounders was warped through it into a position where she could enfilade the fort, which, being no longer tenable, the garrison retired from it to Red Bank. By these operations General Howe obtained full command of the Delaware, and by its means every facility for the conveyance of supplies to his army. Mr. Hancock having on the 29th of October of this year resigned the presidency of congress, on the 1st of Novem- ber ensuing, Mr. Henry Laurens was appointed to succeed him. SECTION XXH. BURGOYNE'S EXPEDITIOxN'. When the news of General Howe's success arrived in England, the great majority of the nation were transported with joy. In the defeat of Washington, the capture of Philadelphia, and the expulsion of the congress, the mem- bers of which were represented as miserable fugitives, seeking in trembling anxiety for a temporary shelter from the vengeance of the law, they fondly saw an earnest of the termination of the war by the submission of the rebels. But their exultation was speedily damped by the annuncia- Describc the removal of those obstructions. Who succeeded Mr. Hancock as president of congress? How were the Englisli affected by the news of Gen. Howe's success? How were the members of congress represented to them? no AMERICAN REVOLUTION. tion of the capture by these very rebels of a whole Brit- ish army. A cursory inspection of the map of the United States will suffice to shew, that for the purpose of their subjuga- tion it was at this period of high importance to the British to form a communication with Canada by means of Hud- son river. This would have intersected the insurgent prov- inces, and by cutting off their intercourse with each other, and by hemming in the eastern States, which the British ministry regarded as the soul of the rebellious confederacy, would have exposed them to be overrun and conquered in detail. General Howe, therefore, was directed by the min- istry to operate with a part of his army northwards from New York, whilst General Burgoyne was instructed to en- ter the state of New York by its north-western frontier, and to make his way good to Albany, where it was intend- ed that he should form a junction with the forces which Howe should send to co-operate with him. The expedi- ency of this plan was so obvious that it did not escape the foresight of the Americans, who, in order to obviate it, had strongly fortified Ticonderoga, and the adjacent height of Mount Independence. They had also taken measures to obstruct the passage from Lake Champlain, and had more- over strengthened the defences of the Mohawk river. For garrisoning these posts, and for conducting the requisite operations in the field, they gave orders to raise an army of 13,600 men. How was their exultation damped? What communication was it of importance to form? What directions from the ministry were given to Gen. Howe? What to Gen. Burgoyne? To intercept these movements what had the Americans done? For effecting these objects, what had they done? , AMERICAN REVOLUTION. HI The British army destined to act under Burgoyne con- sisted of 7000 regulars, furnished with every requisite for war, especially with a fine train of artillery. These were supported by a number of Canadians, and a considerable body of Indians. It was arranged in the plan of the cam- paign, that whilst Burgoyne, at the head of these forces should pour into the State of New York, from Lake Cham- plain, a detachment under the command of Col. St. Leger should march towards Lake Ontario, and penetrate in the direction of Albany, by the JMohawk river, wiiich falls into the Hudson a little above that town. I General Burgoyne arrived at Quebec on the 6th of May, and immediately putting himself at the head of his army, he proceeded up Lake Champlain to Crown Point. Here I he was joined by the Indians, to whom he made a speech, ' in which he inculcated upon them the virtue of mildness, 1 and strictly forbade them to destroy any persons except in * battle. An ancient Iroquois chieftain, in the name of his comrades, promised strict compliance with the general's I injunctions. From Crown Point the royal army directed I its march to Ticonderoga. Here General Burgoyne ex- pected to encounter a powerful opposition, as he well knew i that the Americans had flattered themselves that by the I fortifications which they had erected on it, they had ren- j dered it almost impregnable. But the forces which had ; been destined to its defence had not arrived. General St. I Clair had not men enough to man his lines. He saw his I position nearly surrounded by the enemy, who were erect- Describe Gen. Burgoyne's army. How was the campaign arranged? From duebec, where did Gen. Burgoyne proceed? What did he here say to tlic Indians? What did he expect to encounter? What American General was at Ticonderoga? What was his Bituauon? 112 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ing a battery on a hill which commanded his entrench- ments. In these circumstances, a council of war unani- mously recommended to their commander the evacuation of Ticonderoga, which he effected with suchsgood order and secrecy, that he was enabled to bring off a great part of the public stores. He left behind him, however, ninety- three pieces of ordnance, which fell into the hands of the British. The retreating Americans took the road to Skeens- borough, which is situated at the southern extremity of Lake George. In their flight they were briskly pursued by General Fraser by land, whilst Burgoyne attacked and destroyed their flotilla on Lake George; and so closely were they pressed by this combined movement, that they were compelled to set fire to their stores and boats at Skeensborough, and take refuge in Fort Anne, a few miles to the southward of that place. Here, however, they did not long find shelter. Their rear guard was attacked and routed by Colonel Fraser, at Hubbardton ; and Lieutenant- Colonel Hill having been sent forward from Skeensborough, by General Burgoyne, with the 9th regiment of foot, to make an assault on Fort Anne, the provincials, after a short, but brisk engagement, withdrew to Fort Edward, which is situated on the Hudson river. Here their scattered forces being collected, were found to amount to no more than 4400 men, who being unable to cope with their victorious pur- suers, soon found themselves under the necessity of mak- ing another retrograde movement in the direction of Al- bany. This long series of successes filled the minds of the British with exultation. They had beaten the enemy What did the council of war advise him to do? Describe his retreat, and the pursuit. What events transpired at Fort Anne? To what did the forces of Gen. St. Clair amount? What were the feelings of the British? AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 113 in every encounter; had forced them from their fastnesses, and entertained sanguine hopes of driving them before' them till the co-operating force which they presumed Gren- eral Howe was sending up the Hudson should intercept their retreat, and put them between two fires. Burgoyne issued proclamations in the style of a conqueror, summon- ing the inhabitants of the district in which he was operat- ing to aid his pursuit of the fugitive rebels. The assist- ance which he called for was very necessary, not for pur- suit, but defence — his difficulties were now commencing. Instead of falling back from SkeensboroujTh to Ticonder- oga, and advancing from the latter place by Lake George, (a movement which he declined, as having the appearance of a retreat,) he determined to march across the country from Skeensborough to Fort Edward; but the road was so broken up — it w^as so intersected with creeks and rivulets, the bridges over which had been broken down, and so much embarrassed with trees cut down on each side, and thrown across it with entangled branches, that it was with immense labor he could advance a mile a day. When he had at length penetrated to Fort Edward, which he reach- ed on the 30th of July, he found it abandoned by the ene- my, who by their retreat left free his communication with Lake George, from which he obtained supplies of stores and provisions conveyed by land from Fort George to Hud- son river, and thence floated down to his camp. W^hat was the character of Burgoyne's proclamation? But what were now commencing? Where did Gen. Burgoyne determine to march? With what difficulties did he meet? From whence was his army supplied? L ( • 114 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SECTION XXIII. FAILURE OF BURGOYNES EXPEDITION. The delay gave the Americans time to recover from the consternation into which they had been thrown by the loss of Ticonderoga, and the subsequent mislbrtimes of their army. Determined to make amends for their previous dilatoriness by instant activity, they flew to arms. The plundering of Jersey had taught them that peaceable con- duct and submission afforded no protection against British rapine ; and they were persuaded, that whatever might be the wishes of General Burgoyne, he had not power to re- strain his Indian auxiliaries from practising their accus- tomed savage mode of warfare. Looking for safety, then, only to their swords, and judging from their knowledge of the country, that the farther hhe British commander ad- vanced, the greater would be his difficulties, they hastened their reinforcements from every town and hamlet in the vicinity of the seat of war, and soon increased the army of St. Clair to the number of 13,000 men. Whilst General Burgoyne was making his way to the Hudson, Lieutenant-Colonel St. Leger had arrived at the Mohawk river, and was laying siege to Fort Schuyler. Receiving intelligence that General Herkimer was has- tening at the head of a body of troops to the relief of the place, he sent a detachment with instructions to lie in ambush on his line of march, and to cut him off". These instructions were so well obeyed, that Herkimer fell into the snare, his troops were dispersed, and he himself was killed. St. Leger now entertained sanguine hopes of What motires produced such an increase of Gen. St. Clair's army? What was now doing at Fort Schuyler? What happened to Gen. Herkimer? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 115 speedily taking the fort- but the Indians who composed a considerable part of his little army, taking alarm at the news of the approach of General Arnold, at the head of a detachment, whose numbers were purposely exaggerated by an American emissary in their camp, insisted on an im- mediate retreat. This mutiny compelled St. Leger to raise the seige, and to retire to Canada leaving behind him a great part of his artillery and stores. When General Burgoyne was informed of the arrival of St. Leger before Fort Schuyler, he thought it very expe- dient to make a forward movement towards Albany, for the purpose of co-operating with that officer, and also with the British troops who were, as he expected, advancing up the Hudson. The principal objection to this step was, that it would necessarily remove him to a perilous distance from his supplies, which were collected at Fort Edward. With I a view, therefore, of procuring a plentiful stock of pro- I visions from a nearer point, he dispatched Lieutenant-Col- inel Baum with 600 men, of whom 100 were Indians, with I instructions to seize and convey to his camp a considerable I magazine of flour and other supplies which the Americans j had established at Bennington, in the district of Vermont. 'Baum, being erroneously informed that the inhabitants of I that part of the country were favorably disposed towards I the British, marched forwards without due precaution, till, ion approaching Bennington, he found the enemy assembled (in force in his front. In this exigency he took possession Iof an advantageous post, where he entrenched himself, and sent to Burgoyne for succour. Colonel Breyman was de- tached to reinforce him; but before the arrival of that offi- I How was a mutiny raised, and what was the effect? ( What step did Gen. Burgoyne think of? What objection was there to it? I How did he endeavor to procure provisions? By what error was Baum deceived? ( Describe wlmt followed at Bennington* f 116 AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. cer, the fate of his countryman was decided. Baiim had been attacked by the American General Stark, had lost his field-pieces, and had witnessed the death or capture of most of his detachment. On his arrival at the scene of slaugh- ter, Breyman was also vigorously assailed, and compelled to retreat with the loss of his artillery.* The failure of this expedition was most disastrous to the British commander-in-chief, who, being disappointed of re- ceiving the expected supplies from Vermont, was obliged to await the arrival of provisions from Fort George, by which he was delayed from the 15th of August to the 13th of September. This interval of time was well improved by the Americans, who, flushed with their success against Baum and Breyman, pressed on the British with increased numbers and increased confidence. They were also cheer- * 'General Stark pursued their flying forces until dark, and was obliged to draw off his men, to prevent them from firing at each other under cover of night. "With one hour more of daylight," as he writes in his oflicial report, "he would have captured the whole body." The fruits of the victory were four pieces of brass cannon, several hundred stand of arms, eight brass drums, a quantity of German broadswords, and about seven hundred prisoners. Two hundred and seven were killed upon the spot; the number of the wounded was not ascertained. Colonel Baum was wounded and made a prisoner, and shortly after died of his wounds. The loss of the Americans was thirty killed and forty wounded.' 'Several anecdotes of this affair have been recorded, and the following de- serves a repetition. Among the reinforcements from Berkshire county came a clergyman, with a portion of his flock, resolved to make bare the arm of flesh against the enemies of the country. Before daylight on the morning of the 16th, he addressed the commander as follows. "We the people of Berkshire, have been frequently called upon to fight, but have never been led against the enemy. We have now resolved, if you will not let us fightj never to turn out again." General Stark asked him "if he wished to march then, when it was dark and rainy." "No," was the answer. "Then," continued Stark, "if the Lord should once more give us sunshine, and I do not give you fighting enough, I will never ask you to come again." The weather cleared up in the course of the day, and the men of Berkshire followed their spiritual guide into action.' What were the effects of this defeat on the British? What on the Americans? Who arrived at this moment? For what object? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 117 ed to vigorous exertion by the arrival at this critical mo- ment of General Gates, who was commissioned by congress to take the command of the Northern army. After most anxious deliberation, General Burgoyne, having by extraordinary exertions collected provisions for thirty days, crossed the Hudson river on the 13th of Sep- tember, and advanced to within two miles of General Gates's camp, which was situated about three miles to the northward of Stillwater. Gates boldly advanced to meet him, and a hard fought battle ensued, which, though not decisive, was very detrimental to the British, as it shook the fidelity of their Indian allies and of the Canadians, who now began to desert in great numbers. The desertion of the Indians was accelerated by the following tragical inci- dent. J\Iiss M'Rea, an American lady, who resided in the vicinity of the British encampment, being engaged to mar- ry Captain Jones, an officer of Burgoyne's army, her lover, being anxious for her safety, as he understood that her at- tachment to himself and the loyalty of her father had ren- dered her an object of persecution to her countrymen, engaged some Indians to escort her within the British lines, promising to reward the person who should bring her safe to him, with a barrel of rum. Two of these emissaries having found the destined bride, and communicated to her their commission, she without hesitation, consented to ac- company them to the place of meeting appointed by Captain Jones. But her guides unhappily quarrelling on the way, as to which of them should present her to Mr. Jones and receive the promised recompense, one of them, to termin- ate the dispute, cleft her skull with his tomahawk, and laid her dead at his feet. This transaction struck the whole Describe the battle near Stillwater. By what incident was the desertion of the Indians hastened? l2 118 AilERICAN REVOLUTION. British army with horror. General Burgoyne, on hearing of it, indignantly demanded that the murderer should be given up to condign punishment. Prudential considerations, however, prevented his being put to death, as he well de- served. Burgoyne was ot' opinion, that his pardon upon terms would be more efficacious in preventing further bar barities than his execution : he, theretore, spared his life' upon condition that his countrymen would form that time forth, abstain from perpetrating any cruelties on the un- armed inhabitants, or on those whom they had vanquished in battle. As the Earl of Harrington at a subsequent pe- riod stated in his examination before the House of Com- mons, he told their interpreter 'that he would lose every In- dian rather than connive at their enormities.' The sava- ges at first seemed willing to comply with his renewed in- junctions; but resentment rankled in their breasts at his interference with their habits of warfare, the respect with which they had once looked up to him was impaired by their knowledge of the dithculties of his situation, and they soon began to quit the camp, loaded with their accumulated plunder. Thus checked in his progress, and deserted bv his allies, Burgoyne sent urgent letters to Sir Henry Clin- ton, who commanded at New York, entreating him to has- ten forwards the co-operative forces on which he relied for safety and success, and apprising him that want of pro- visions would preclude him from remaining in his present position beyond the 12th of October. This renewed delay dispirited his own troops, and swelled the numbers of the hostile army, which received recruits from every quarter. On the 7th of October, Burgoyne in person, accompanied by Generals Phillips, Reidesel, and Fraser, issued from Why dill Burgoyne spare the Indian's life? What letters were written? What were their contents? On the 7th Oct. what took place? AMERICAN REVOLXTTION. 119 his camp at the head of 1500 men, for the purpose of making a reconnoissance and of foraging. This move- ment brought on a general engagement, at the close of which the British were driven within their lines, and a part of them was forced. This circumstance compelled Burgoyne to change his position, which maneuver he per- formed in a masterly manner, and without sustaining any loss. It was, indeed, from this time, the policy of the American general to avoid a pitched battle, and to reduce his enemy by harrassing him and cutting off his retreat, and depriving him of supplies. The situation of General Burgoyne was most distres- sing. By extraordinary efforts he had forced his way to within a few miles of Albany, the point of his destination, I and had he been seconded by correspondent exertions on the part of the British southern army, he would have effect- ed the object of his campaign. Sir Henry Clinton seems to have had no precise or early instructions as to co-opera- ting with him. Certain it is, that it was not till the third of October that he moved up the Hudson to his assistance.* Sir Henry easily surmounted every obstacle which present- ed itself on his route. He took Fort Montgomery by assault, and by removing a boom and chain which was * "The expedition of Sir H. Clinton up Hudson river "could not before havo been attempted, without leaving the defences of New York too feebly guarded." A body of recruits arrived from Europe at New York about the last of Septem- ber, and it was then undertaken; but, if Stcdman be correct, the relief of Bur- goyne was not primarily intended. " The object of Sir Henry Clinton was to take possession of the forts which forbade the passage of our [British] vessels up to Albany; and the ulterior view in the measure was not so much to creato a diversion in favor of General Burgoyne (the necessity of which was not sub. pected), as to open a communication which might have been important when that commander should have fixed himself at Albany." Stcdman, i. 353. What was the policy of the'Amcricans from this time? Why did Gen. Burgoyne not reach Albany? 120 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. stretched from that fortress across the Hudson, he opened the navigation of that river to his flotilla, which, with a fair wind might have speedily made its passage to Half Moon, within sixteen miles of Gates's encampment. But instead of hastening to the relief of their countrymen, the several divisions of Clinton's army employed themselves in plundering and burning the towns and villages situated on the banks of the river, and in the adjacent country. — Amongst those who distinguished themselves in this preda- tory warfare. General Vaughan rendered himself pre- eminently conspicuous. Having been ordered to advance up the river, by Sir Henry Clinton, he landed at the town of ^Esopus, and finding it evacuated by the American for- ces, to whom its defence had been intrusted, though he did not encounter the slightest opposition on the part of the inhabitants, he permitted his troops to plunder it, and after- wards so completely reduced it to ashes, that he did not leave a single house standing. This outrage excited a cry of indignation throughout the United States, and drew from General Gates a letter of severe remonstrance. But the British had much more reason to inculpate Vaughan than the Americans. His delay at ^Esopus sealed the ruin of the royal cause. Vaughan was at jEsopus on the 13th of October. The tide of the flood would have borne him, in four hours, to Albany, where he might have destroyed Gates's stores, and thus have reduced the American gen- eral to the necessity of liberating General Burgoyne, who did not surrender till the 16th, and of retreating into New What were Sir Henry Clinton's movements? How did Gen. Vaughan distinguish himself? What was excited by this outrage? What effect had his delay on the royal cause? Why so? At what time did Burgoyne surrender? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 121 England. Upon such narrow turns of contingencies does the issue of the combinations of warfare frequently de- pend? SECTION XXIV. CONVENTION OF SARATOGA, 13th OF OCTOBER, 1777. In the mean time, the difficulties in which Burgoyne was involved were hourly accumulating. With a view of cut- ting off his retreat, Gates posted 1400 men opposite the fords of Saratoga, and 2000 more on the road from that place to Fort Edward. On receiving intelligence of this, Burgoyne retreated to Saratoga, leaving his sick and wound- ed to the humanity of the enemy. Finding it impossible to force his way over the fords of Saratoga, he attempted to open to his army a passage to Lake George; but the artificers, whom he sent under a strong escort to repair the bridges on the road thither, were driven away by the Amer- ican forces. The road to Fort Edward, also, was found by the scouts who had been sent to reconnoiter in that direction, to be strongly guarded. When the 13th day of October arrived, Burgoyne had received no satisfac- tory tidings t^rom Clinton's army. He saw himself in a manner surrounded by the enemy, whose cannon-shot flew in every direction through his camp. Though he had for some time past put his troops on short allowance, he found on inspection that he had only three days' rations left in his stores. In these trying circumstances, with heavy heart he summoned a council of war, which came to a Why (lid Burgoyne retreat to Saratoga? Describe bis situation? 122 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. unanimous resolution, that in their present position they would be justified in accepting a capitulation on honorable terms. A negotiation was according opened. The first proposal of Gates, namely, that the royal forces should ground their arms in their lines, and surrender prisoners at discretion, was indignantly rejected. After further dis- cussion, a convention was at length agreed upon, the prin- cipal conditions of which were, 'that the British troops were to march out of their camp with the honors of war and the artillery of the entrenchments to the verge of the river, where the arms and the artillery were to^ be left; the arms to be piled by word of command from their own officers; and that a free passage was to be granted to the army to Great Britain, upon condition of not serving again ill North America during the present contest.' Thouo-h the first proposals of General Gates were harsh, his subs^'e- quent conduct was marked with the characteristics of con- ciliation and delicacy. When the convention was signed, he withdrew his troops into their lines, to spare the British the pain of piling their arms in the presence of a triumph- ant enemy. He received the vanquished general with the respect due to his valor and to his military skill; and in an entertainment which he gave at his quarters to the princi- pal British officers, his urbanity and kindness soothed the mortification which could not but embitter their spirits. By the convention of Saratoga, 5790 men surrendered as prisoners; and besides the muskets piled by these cap- What did his counsel resolve? What was the first proposal of Gates? How was it received? What was the second proposal? How did Gates receive the vanquished? What was the number of prisoners that surrendered? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 123 lives, thirty-five brass field-pieces, and a variety of stores were given up to the victors.* SECTION XXV. TREATY WITH FRANCE, 6tu OF FEBRUARY, 1778. Immediately after the surrender of Biirgoyne, Gates moved down the Hudson to put a stop to the devastation of the country by Clinton's army, which, on his approach, retired to New York. He then sent forward a considera- ble reinforcement to General Washington, who, soon after *•' riie wliole number, wliicli surrendered, was 5752- Britisli troops, - 2442 Brunswick and other German troops, ... - 2198 Canadians, Volunteers, c^c. ----.■ 1100 "Staff, - 12 5752 Sick and wounded left in tlic British camp when Burgoync bcj^an his retreat, 528 Besides the above, there were killed, wounded, taken, and desert- ed, between 6th July and IGth October, .... 2933 Total, 9213" Remembrancer fur 1777, p. 477. "The whole army of Gen. Gates consisted of 9093 continental troops. TJie number of the militia fluctuated; nut, when the convention was sij,'ncd, ii amounted to 4129. The sick exceeded 2500. At the same time there were 39 brass cannon complete, royals and mortars included; 5000 stand of arms; 400 sets of harness, a number of ammunition wagons, SfC. The troops under Gen. Burgoyne were to march out of their camp with the honors of war; and a free passage was to be granted them to Great Britain, on condition of not serving again in North America during the present contest." What the number of brass field pieces taken? Where did Gates move to after the surrender of Burgoyne? For what object? What did he send forward to Gen. Washington? Where did Clinton retire to? 124 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. its arrival, advanced to White Marsh, within fourteen miles of Philadelphia, where he encamped in a strong position. When General Howe received intelligence of this move- ment, he marched out of his quarters on the night of the 4th of December; but after various maneuvers, finding that he could gain no advantage over his vigilant adversary, he returned to Philadelphia. Washington then took up his winter quarters about sixteen miles from the city, at a place called Valley Forge, where his men, ill-supplied as they were with clothing, blankets, and other comforts, cheer- fully constructed huts to shelter themselves from the in- clemency of the season. By taking up this position he protected the province of Pennsylvania from the incursions of the enemy, and reduced the fruits of Howe's various successes to the occupation of a single additional city— an advantage by no means calculated to console the British for the loss of an able general, and a gallant army. General Burgoyne had drunk deep of the bitter cup of affliction at Saratoga; but he was doomed to suffer still far- ther mortification. As the British regarded the Americans as rebels, they did not always in the course of hostilities observe towards them those rules which guide the conduct of nations engaged in war against a foreign enemy. The truth of history, indeed, cannot suppress the melancholy fact, that at the beginning of the contest, and, occasionally, durmg its progress, the treatment of the American prison- ers, on the part of the British authorities, was extremely harsh and severe; and that capitulations made with such portions of the patriotic army, as had by the fortune of war been reduced to a surrender, had not always been observed What movements were made by Washington and Howe? Where were their winter quarters? Describe Gen. Washington's army. What cannot be suppressed? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 126 with courtesy, or even with a due and strict regard to their essential provisions. The congress, reflecting on these incidents, felt no small apprehension that if the army which had surrendered at Saratoga should be allowed to embark, instead of sailing for England, according to the terms of the capitulation, it would join the forces of Gen- eral Howe. They therefore studied to find a pretext for breaking the convention. For this purpose they addres- sed a number of queries to General Gates, as to the man- ner in which the British had fulfilled the conditions of their surrender, but he assured them that on the part of the Brit- ish the convention had been exactly observed. The pre- text, however, which they could not obtain from their gal- lant countryman, was supplied by the imprudence of Bur- goyne. Among other articles of the convention, it had been stipulated that the captive British officers should du- ring their stay in America, be accommodated with quarters correspondent to their rank. This stipulation having been but ill observed in the crowded barracks at Cambridge, near Boston, where the surrendered army was quartered, Burgoyne addressed to Gates a letter of remonstrance on this subject, in which he declared that by the treatment which his officers had experienced, ' the public fliith plight- ed at Saratoga, had been broken on the part of the United States.' Gates, in the discharge of his duty, transmitted this letter to congress, who read it with joy; and affecting to find in the phrase above quoted, a pretext set up by the British general to vindicate a meditated violation of the convention, they resolved that ' the embarkation of General Burgoyne and the troops under his command should be susp'^ended till a distinct and explicit ratification of the con- What pretext did Congress wish to find? Why? How did congress obtain the same? What resolution was passed thrercupon? M ^^^ AMERICAN REVOLUTION. vention of Saratoga should be properly notified by the court of Great Britain.' In vain did Burgoyne remonstrate against this resolution-in vain did he explain his phrase- ology, and offer to give any conceivable pledge of the sin- cerity of his intentions to fulfil his engagements. The congress was enexorable-his troops- remained as prison- ers; and after wasting some time in vain endeavors to pro- cure them redress, he sailed on his parole for England, where he was refused admittance into the presence of his sovereign,deniedthejustice of a court-martial on his con- duct, and subjected to a series of ministerial persecutions- grievous, indeed, to a sensitive mind, but, in effect, more disgraceful to their inflictors than to their victim. At the time when the American leaders contemplated the declaration of independence, they entertained sanguine hopes that the rivalry which had so long subsisted between France and England would induce the former power to assist them in throwing off the yoke of the mother country • and early in the year 1776, the congress sent Silas Dean J as their accredited agent to Paris, where he was afterwards joined by Dr. Franklin and Arthur Lee, and instructed to solicit the French court to enter into a treaty of allianct) and commerce with the United States. The celebrity of Franklin gained him the respect, and his personal quali- ties obtained him the esteem of individuals of the highest rank in the French capital. But the Comte de Vergennes, then prime minister, acted with caution. He gave the' Americans secret aid, and connived at various measures How wag Burgoyne received in England? What hopes had been entertained by the American leaders? By whom were tlie United States represented at Paris? What were their instructions? What is said of Franklin ? Who was the French prime minister? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 127 which their agents took to further their cause, by the pro- curing of arms and military stores, and by annoying the British commerce. The encouragement which Franklin and his associates received, varied according to the success or disasters of the American forces.* But the capture of Burgoyne's army decided the hesitating councils of France; and on the 6th of February, 1778, his most christian ma- jesty acknowledged and guaranteed the independence of the United States, and entered into a treaty of alliance and commerce with the infant republic of North America. Of this circumstance the French ambassador, on the 13th of March, gave official notice to his majesty's ministers in a rescript couched in respectful terms, but concluding with an intimation, 'that the French king, being determined effectu- ally to protect the lawful commerce of his subjects, and to * 'Tlie American coinnassioncrs at Paris wrote to congress on the 18th of Deceinber, 1777, acknovvlctlging tlie receipt of Despatches of the 6tli of Goto, her, dated at York Town. " Tlicy came to us by a packet from Boston, which brou'^'lit the great news of Burgoyne's defeat and surrender, news that appa- rently occasioned as much general joy in France, as if it liad been a victory of their own troops over their own enemies; such is the universally warm and sin- cere good will and attachment to us and our cause in this nation. Wc took the opportunity of pressing the ministry, by a short memorial, to a conclusion of our proposed Treaty, which had so long been under their consideration, and been from time to time postponed. On signifying to the ministry the import- ance it might be at this juncture, when probably Britain would be making some proposition of accommodation, that the congress sliould be informed explicitly what might he expected from France and Spain, M. Gerard, one of the secreta- ries came yesterday to inform us by order of the king, that after long and full consideration of our affairs and propositions in council, it was decided, and his majesty was determined to acknowledge our Independence, and make Treaty with us of Amity and Couunerce." ' MS. Papers of the late Chief Justice Dana. What was his conduct towards the American agents? On the 6th of February, 1778, what did the French king do? What decided the councils of France? In what terms was the rescript couched? 128 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. maintain the dignity of his flag, had, in consequence taken effectual measures for these purposes, in concert with the United States of America. With whatever urbanity thiscom- munication might be made by the ambassador, the British ministers regarded it, as it was intended to be, as a declara- tion of war; and on the 17th of March they notified its re- ception to the House of Commons. Their notification was accompanied by a message from the king, expressing the necessity he was under to resent this unprovoked aggres- sion, and his firm reliance on the zealous and affectionate support of his faithful people. To this message the Com- mons returned a dutiful answer, assuring his majesty that they would stand by him in asserting the dignity of the crown, and the honor of the nation. SECTION XXVI. REJECTION OF LORD NORTH'S OVERTURES, JUNE, 1778. The intelligence of the surrender of General Burgoyne and his army overwhelmed Lord North with dismay ; and the annunciation of the treaty between the United States and France at once dissipated the feeble hope which he might yet have entertained of subduing the revolted colo- nies by force of arms. His only remaining resource, then, to prevent that jewel from being forever torn from the British crown, was to form, by an act of parliament, a kind of federal union with the North American provinces, which, whilst it reserved their allegiance to the British sovereign, should virtually concede to them the entire man- How wag thi8 regarded by the British ministers? What answer was returned by the House of Commons? How was the news of Burgoyne's surrender received by Lord North? Whose hope was dissipated? By what? To what did he resort? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. !29 agement of their internal concerns. With this view, on the 17th of February, 1778, he introduced into the House of Commons two conciliatory bills, by which he proposed to concede to the colonies every thing which they demanded before their declaration of independence, viz : exemption from internal parliamentary taxation, the appointment of their own governors and superior magistrates; and, moreover, an exemption from the keeping up of any mili- tary force in any of the colonies without the consent of their respective assembles. It was provided, that commis- sioners should be appointed by the crown, to negotiate with the congress on the basis of these propositions. The speech in which his lordship introduced these bills into the House of Commons was marked by a curious mixture of humiliation of tone, and affected confidence and courage. The coercive acts, which under his influence had been passed into laws, were, said he, such as appeared to be ne- cessary at the time, though in the event they had produced effects which he had never intended. As soon as he found that they had failed in their object, before a sword was drawn he brought forward a conciliatory proposition (mean- ing the act for admitting to the king's peace any individual colonies which might make the requisite concessions); but that in consequence of the proposition having been made the subject of debate in parliament, it went damned to America, so that the congress conceived, or took occasion to represent it, as a scheme for sowing divisions, and intro- ducini^ taxation amons: them in a worse mode than the What was the character of the two bills which he introduced into the House of Commons? What did they provide? By what was his speech marked? What did he first say? m2 130 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. former. Then, making a fatal admission of the trifling nature of the object which had produced so much ill blood between the colonies and the mother country, he confessed that his idea never had been to draw any considerable rev- enue from America ; that his wish was, that the colonists should contribute in a very low proportion to the expenses of Great Britain. He was very well aware that American taxation could never produce a beneficial revenue, and that many taxes could not be laid or collected in the colonies. The stamp-act, however, seemed to be judiciously chosen as a fiscal experiment, as it interested every man who had any dealing or property to defend or recover, in the collection of the tax and the execution of the statute; but this exper- iment had failed in consequence of the obstinacy of the Americans, in transacting all business without using the stamps prescribed by law. The act enabling the East India Company to send tea to America on their own ac- count, and with the draw-back of the whole duty in England, was a relief instead of an oppression; but this measure had been defeated by contraband traders, who had too suc- cessfully misrepresented it as an invasion of colonial rights. Having thus detailed the difficulties with which minis- ters had been called to struggle in legislating for so per- verse a generation as the Americans had proved them- selves to be, his lordship then proceeded to open his plan, the outline of which has been given above; and, in descant- ing on the ample powers with which he proposed to invest the commissioners, and foreseeing that the Americans might refuse to treat with these agents of the Sovereign without a previous acknowledgement of their indepen- Then what did he admit? What did he say of the stamp-act? What about the teal What did he then proceed to? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 131 dence, he humbled himself so fai* as to say, that he would not insist on their renouncing their independence till the treaty should receive its final ratification from the King and parliament of Great Britain ; and then, in a manner confessing that, instead of a sovereign assembly the par- liament was reduced to the condition of a supplicant to the mutinous colonies, he proposed that the commissioners should be instructed to negotiate with them for some rea- sonable and moderate contribution towards the common defence of the empire when re-united ; but, to take away all pretence for not terminating this unhappy difference, the contribution was not to be insisted on as a sine qua non of the treaty; but that if the Americans should refuse so reasonable and equitable a proposition, they were not to look for support from that part of the empire to whose ex- pense they had refused to contribute. Weakly attempting to obviate the imputation that these pacific measures were the fruit of fear, occasioned by the recent successes of the insurgents, he called the House to witness that he had de- clared for conciliation at the beginning of the session, when he thought that the victories of General Howe had been more decisive, and when he knew nothing of the misfor- tunes of Burgoyne. He acknowledged that the events of the war had turned out very differently from his expecta- tion, but maintained that for the disappointment of the hopes of the' public no blame was imputable to himself; that he had promised that a great army should be sent out, and a great army, an army of upwards of 60,000 men, had been sent out; that he had promised .that a great fleet should be employed, and a great fleet had been employed ; How far did he humble himself? What did he in a manner confess? What did he propose? What did lie weakly attempt? What did he acknowledge? What maintain? Why? 132 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. that he had engaged that this army and this fleet should be provided with every kind of supply, and that they had been supplied most amply and liberally, and might be so for years to come ; and that if the House was deceived, they had deceived themselves. The prime minister, having thus by implication attributed the failure of his plans to the commanders of the British forces employed to conduct the war, concluded his speech by a boastful assertion, that the strength of the nation was still entire ; that its resour- ces were ample, and that it was able, if it were necessary, to carry on the war much longer. The disavowal on the part of Lord North of any intention to raise a revenue in America, seems to have given no little umbrage to the country gentlemen, whose organ, Mr. Baldwin, exclaimed, that he had been deceived by the minister; that three years ago he had asked him whether a revenue was meant by the measures which he then proposed to enforce ; that he was answered it was, and that upon that ground alone he had hitherto voted with the ministry. The regular op- position were, upon the whole, more moderate than the landed aristocracy. Mr. Fox approved of Lord North's propositions, which, he reminded him, were in substance the same as those which were in vain brought forward by Mr. Burke about three years before. He did not, how- ever, restrain himself from making some severe animad- versions on the policy of the Premier, all whose argu- ments, he asserted, might be collected into'one point, his excuses all reduced to one apology — his total ignorance. 'He hoped,' exclaimed the indignant orator, 'he hoped, To whom did the Prime Minister attribute the failure? How was this speech received? What did Mr. Baldwin say? What did Mr. Fox say of the Premier's policy? To what miglit Lord North's excuses be reduced? How did Mr. Fox proceed in liis observations? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 133 and was disappointed; he Texpected a great deal, and found little to answer his expectations. He thought the Americans would have submitted to his laws, and they resisted them. He thought they would have sub- mitted to his armies, and they were beaten by inferior numbers. He made conciliatory propositions, and he thought they would succeed, but they were rejected. He appointed commissioners to make peace, and he thought they had powers ; but he found they could not make peace, and nobody believed they had any powers. He had said many such things as he had thought fit in his conciliatory propositions; he thought it a proper method of quieting the Americans upon the affair of taxation. If any person should give himself the trouble of reading that proposition, he would find not one word of it correspondent to the re- presentation made of it by its framer. The short account of it was, that the noble lord in the proposition assured the colonies, that when Parliament had taxed them as much as they thought proper, they would tax them no more.' In conclusion, however, Mr. Fox said 'that he would vote for the present proposition, because it was much more clear and satisfactory, for necessity had caused him to speak plain.' The conciliatory bills, in their passage through the two Houses, excited many animated debates, in the course of which Lord North was exposed to much animad- version, which he seems to have borne with great equani- mity. At length, all points relative to them being settled by Parliament, they were sanctioned by the royal assent. But the urgency of danger would not allow ministers to wait till they were passed into a law ; and the same states- men who had a little time before treated the petitions of the colonies with scorn and contempt, hastened to commu- How close? At length what was done? What did ministers hasten to do? 134 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. nicate their propositions whilst yet in the shape of bills, to the Congress, in hopes that the adoption on their part of a milder policy might be met with a similar spirit of con- ciliation on the other side of the Atlantic. These documents were dispatched in such haste, that they arrived at New York in time to be presented by Sir William Howe to the Congress, before that assembly had received intelligence of the signature of their treaty of alliance with France. The American legislators did not, however, hesitate as to the line of conduct which in these circumstances it became them to pursue. They peremptorily rejected the proposals of Lord North as insidious and unsatisfactory. During the progress of the conciliatory bills, and after their pass- ing, frequent and animated debates took place in both Houses of Parliament, relative to the foreign and domestic policy of the country. In the House of Lords, the Duke of Richmond took the lead in discussing these subjects, and on the 7th of April, he made an impressive speech on the state of the nation, in which he maintained, that the salvation of the country required the withdrawing of the British troops from North America, and even not obscure- ly hinted that, for the acquisition of peace, it would be po- litic to agree to the independence of the colonies. As his grace's sentiments on the latter point were no secret, and as it was to be expected that he would propound them on this occasion, Lord Chatham, now laboring under the weight of seventy years, rendered more heavy by acute bodily suffering, regardless of his infirmities, attended in his place for the purpose of raising his voice against the duke's proposition. ^ My Lords,' exclaimed the venera- How did congress receive the proposals of Lord North? Who took the lead in the House of Lords? What did he maintain in his speech on the 7th of April? Wlio was Lord Chatham and what did he say? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 135 ble orator, 'I rejoice that the grave has not closed upon me, and that I am still alive to lift up my voice against the dis- memberment of this ancient and most noble monarchy."' He then proceeded, in the most energetic terms, to urge his auditors to the most vigorous efforts against their new ene- my, the House of Bourbon ; and concluded by calling upon them, if they must fall, to fall like men. The Duke of Richmond having replied to this speech. Lord Chatham attempted to rise for the purpose of rebutting his grace's arguments, and of proposing his own plan for putting an end to the contest with America, which is understood to have been the establishment with the colonies, upon the most liberal terms, of a kind of federal union under one common monarch. But the powers of nature within him were exhausted; he fainted under the effort which he made to give utterance to his sentiments, and being con- veyed to his favorite seat of Haynes, in Kent, he expired on the 11th of May, This firmness on the part of con- gress augured ill for the success of the British commission- ers. Lord Carlisle, Mr. Eden, and Governor Johnstone, who arrived at New York on the 9th of June, and without loss of time attempted to open a negotiation with the congress. Their overtures were officially answered by President Laurens in a letter, by which he apprised them that the American government were determined to maintain their independence; but were willing to treat for peace with his Britannic Majesty on condition of his withdrawing his fleets and armies from their country. Thus foiled in their attempt at public negotiation, the commissioners had re- What did lie then urge? W^ho answered him? What happened to Lord Chatham on his attempt to reply? Who composed the British Commissioners? How were their overtures answered by President Laurens? 136 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. course to private intrigue. Governor Johnstone, from hia long residence in America, was personally acquainted with many of the leading members of congress, to some of whom he addressed letters; vaguely intimating the great rewards and honors which awaited those who would lend their aid in putting an end to the present troubles; and in one instance, he privately offered to an individual, for his services on this behalf, the sum of £10,000 sterling, and any place in the colonies in his Majesty's gift. These clan- destine overtures of the governor were uniformly rejected with contempt, and the congress having been apprised of them, declared them direct attempts at corruption; and re- solved that it was incompatible with their honor to hold any correspondence or intercourse with him. This reso- lution, which was adhered to, notwithstanding the explana- tions and denials of Johnstone, and the disavowal of his proceedings by his brother commissioners, drew forth from these pacificators an angry manifesto, in which they virtually threatened the Union with a war of devastation, declaring that ' if the British colonies were to become an accession to France, the laws of self-preservation would direct Great Britain to render the accession of as little avail as possible to the enemy.' Whilst congress gave notice that the bearers of the copies of this manifesto were not entitled to the protection of a flag, they showed how little they dreaded the impression which it might make, by giv- ing it an extensive circulation in their newspapers. W^hat did Gov. Johnstone attempt? How were his overtures received? WJiat manifesto was issued? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ' 137 SECTION, XXVII. ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH FLEET. General Howe spent the spring of the year 1778 nearly in a state of inaction, confining his operations to the send- ing out of foraging and predatory parties, which did some mischief to the country, but little service to the royal cause. From this lethargy he was roused by the receipt of orders from the British ministry, to evacuate Philadel- phia without delay. These orders were sent under the apprehension, that if a French fleet should block up his squadron in the Delaware, whilst Washington inclosed him on the land side, he would share the fate of Burgoyne. On the 18th of June, therefore, he quitted the Pennsylva- nian capital, and crossed into New Jersey, whither he was speedily followed by Washington, who, keepmg a strict watch on his movements, had taken measures to harass him on his march, which was encumbered with baggage. The American commander, on his arrival at Princeton, hearing that General Clinton, with a large division of the British forces, had quitted the direct road to Staten Island, the place of rendezvous appointed for General Howe's army, and was marching for Sandy Hook, sent a detachment in pursuit of him, and followed with his whole army to sup- port it; and as Clinton made preparations to meet the meditated attack, he sent forward reinforcements to keep the British in check. These reinforcements were com- manded by General Lee, whom Washington, on his ad- vancing in person, met in full retreat. After a short and How did Gen. Howe spend the spring of 1778? Why did Howe leave Philadelphia? Where did lie march? Why were these orders sent to him, By whom was he followed? Describe what followed between Clinton and Washington? N 138 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. angry parley, Lee again advanced, and was driven back; but Clinton's forces next encountering the main body of the American army, were repulsed in their turn, and tak- ing advantage of the night, the approach of which in all probability, saved them from utter discomfiture, they with- drew to Sandy Hook, leaving behind them such of their wounded as could not with safety be removed. For his conduct on this occasion, Lee was brought to a court-mar- tial, and sentenced to be suspended from any command in the armies of the United States for the term of one year. After this engagement Washington marched to White Plains, which are situated a few miles to the north-east- ward of New York Island. Here he continued unmolested by the neighboring enemy, from the beginning of July, till the latter end of autumn, when he retired to take up his winter-quarters in huts which he had caused to be con- structed at Middlebrook, in Jersey. According to the prognostic of the British ministry, the Count d'Estaing, with a fleet of twelve ships of the line and three frigates, arrived off the mouth of the Delaware in the month of July; but found to his mortification, that eleven days before that period Lord Howe had withdrawn from that river to the harbor of New York. D'Estaing im- mediately sailed for Sandy Hook; but after continuing at anchor there eleven days, during which time he captured about twenty English merchantmen, finding that he could not work his line-of-battle ships over the bar, by the advice of General Washington he sailed for Newport, with a view For what was Gen. Lee suspended? Where did Washington march? How long did he remain at the White Plains? Where did Washington take up winter-quarters? What fleet arrived, and wliere? What did the Count do at Sandy Hook? Where did lie then proceed? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 139 of co-operating with the Americans in driving the British from Rhode Island, of which province they had been in possession for upwards of a year and a half. This pro- ject, however, completely failed. Lord Howe appearing with his fleet off Newport, the French admiral came out of the harbor to give him battle; but, before the hostile arma- ments could encounter, a violent storm arose, which dam- aged both fleets so much, that the British were compelled to return to New York, whilst D'Estaing withdrew to refit in Boston harbor. His retirement subjected the American army, which had entered Ehode Island, under General Sul- livan, to great peril; but by the skill of its commander, it was withdrawn from the province with little loss. To- wards the latter end of this year the British arms were signally successful in Georgia, the capital of which pro- vince was taken by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, who con- ducted himself with such prudence, and manifested so con- ciliatory a spirit, that he made no small advances in recon- ciling the Georgians to their ancient government. The arrival of the French fleet had filled the Americans with sanguine expectations that they should now be able to put an end to the war by some decisive stroke; and in pro- portion to the elevation of their hopes was the bitterness of their mortification, that the only result of the co-operation of their ally was the recovery of Philadelphia. On the other hand, the British ministry were grievously disap- pointed on learning that the issue of this campaign, as far as regarded their main army, was the exchange by General Howe of his narrow quarters in the Pennsylvanian capital for the not much more extended ones of New York Island. Hitherto they seem to have carried on the war under the What prevented a naval engagement? Describe the successor the British arms in Georgia. In ivJiat were the British ministry disappointed? 140 AMERICAN REVOLUTION, idea that the majority of the inhabitants of the colonies were favorably disposed towards the royal government, and were only restrained from manifesting their loyalty by a faction whom it would be easy with their assistance to sub- due, but from this period they appear to have conducted their hostilities in a spirit of desperation and revenge. SECTION XXVIII. CAMPAIGN OF 1779. With a view of alarming the insurgent colonies by sub- jecting them to the unmitigated horrors of war, Sir Henry Clinton, on the 10th of May, 1779, sent an expedition into Virginia, under the command of Sir George Collier and General Matthews, who, landing at Portsmouth, proceeded to Suffolk, which town they reduced to ashes, and after burning and capturing upwards of 130 vessels of different sizes, and devastating the country in their line of march, sailed back loaded with booty to New York. About five weeks after their return, Governor Tryon, having receiv- ed orders to attack the coast of Connecticut,* landed at East Haven, which he devoted to the flames, in violation of his •' * Early in the morning of the 5th of July, the fleet, consisting of about 40 sail, anchored off West Haven; and at sunrise, a detachment of 1000 troops, under general Garth, landed at that place. No soldiers were at this time sta- tioned at New Haven ; but the militia and citizens made instant preparations to harass the enemy, whom they could not hope effectually to resist. Captain James Hillhouse with a small band of brave young men, some of whom were students at Yale College, advanced very near the royal troops while on parade near West Haven church ; and, when they commenced their march, fired on the advanced guards, and drove them back to the main body. The enemy. What idea hitherto prevailed. In 1779, what did Sir Henry Clinton do? Describe the occurrences in Virginia, also those in Connecticut. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 141 promise of protection to all the inhabitants who should re- main in their homes. Thence he proceeded to Fairfield and Norwalk, which were given up to plunder, and then de- stroyed. He effected this mischief with little loss in the space often days, at the end of which time he returned to the British head-quarters to make a report of his proceed- ings, to the commander-in-chief. Whilst this mode of warfare was carrying on, Washington could spare very few men for the defence of the invaded districts. His at- thougli checked in tlieir march, proceeded in force, and entered New Haven about one in tlie afternoon, from which time until eight ia the evening the town was subjected to almost indiscriminate ravage and plunder. During these transactions on the west side of the harbor, Governor Tryon landed about 1000 troops at East Haven ; and, though severely harassed, effected a junction with Garth's division in New Haven. The enemy evacuated the town the next morning. The fleet left the harbor the succeeding night, and the morning after anchored off Fairfield. The militia of that town and the vicinity, posting themselves at the court house green, gave the enemy considerable annoyance, as they advanced ; but soon retreated. The royal army plundered and burned the town ; and the greatest part of the neighboring village of Green Farms. A few days afterwards they laid the town of Norwalk in ashes. " At East Haven the British burned several houses; but they burned nothing in New Haven, excepting some stores on the Long Wharf. There were burnt at Fairfield 85 dwelling houses, 2 churclies, a handsome court house, several school houses, 55 barns, 15 stores, and 15 shops; at Green Farms, 15 dwelling houses, 1 church, 11 barns, and several stores; at Norwalk, 80 dwelling houses, 2 churches, 87 barns, 17 shops, 4 mills, and 5 vessels. — The royal comman- ders, in addresses to tiie inhabitants of the places which they invaded, invited them to return to their allegiance, and promised protection to all who should remain peaceably in their usual places of residence. One of tiicse addresses was sent by a flag to Colonel Whiting of the militia near Fairfield, who was allowed an hour for his answer; but he had scarcely time to read the address before the town was in flames. His answer expressed at once the general prin- ciples of the colony, and the certain influence of this outrage : " Connecticut, having nobly dared to take up arms against tlie cruel despotism of Great Bri- tain, and the flames having preceded the answer to your flag, they will persist to oppose to the utmost the power exerted against injured innocence." — The loss of the British troops in this expedition was 20 killed, 96 wounded, and 32 snissing." n2 142 AMERICAN KEVOLUTIOX. tention was engrossed by the main army o( the British, to keep which in check he posted lu's iorces at West Point, .-ind on the opposite bank ot'the Hudson, pushing his patrols to the vicinity of his adversary's hues. As the British oc- cupied with a strong garrison Stoney Point, some miles to the south of his position, he, on the loth of July, despatch- ed General Wayne with a competent force to dislodge them from that important post. This attempt was crowned with success. Wayne took the British works by storm, and brought otr543 prisoners, fifteen pieces of cannon, and a considerable quantity of military stores. Washington did not, however, think it prudent for the present to attempt to establish himself at Stoney Point, and it was speedily re- occupied by the British. Another instance of the enter- prising boldness of the Americans soon after occurred in the surprise of the British garrison at Powles-Hook, oppo- site to New York, which was attacked on the 19th of July, by Major Lee, who stormed the works and took 160 prison- ers, whom he brought safely to the American lines. The joy which the Americans felt at the success of these dar- ing enterprises was, however, damped by the tailure of an expedition undertaken by the State of Massachusetts to dis- possess the British of a fort which they had erected at Pe- nobscot in the district of I\Iainc. They here lost the whole of their tiotilla, which was destroyed or captured by Sir George Collier, whilst their land forces were compelled to seek for safety by retreating through the woods. Spain having now declared war against Great Britain, it was hoped by sanguine politicians, iavorable to the cause What was Washington doing during this time? What was accomplished by Gen. Wayne? What by Major Lee? What expedition failed? What example did Spain follow? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 143 of the new republic, that this additional pressure of foreign foes would compel the British ministry to withdraw their forces from North America. But the energies of the moth- er country were roused in proportion to the increase of her peril. Her fleets maintained their wonted sovereignty over the ocean, and her monarch was determined to strain every nerve to reduce his revolted colonies to obedience; and at this period the ease with which the reduction of Georgia had been etfected, and the advantages which it might afford in making an attack upon the rest of the southern States, induced his ministers to renew their efforts in that quarter- The back settlements, as well as those of the Carolinas, abounded with enterprising men of desperate fortunes, as also with tories who iiad been compelled, by the persecu- tion which they sustainctl from the more ardent republi- cans, to withdraw into these wilds irom the more settled part of the country. These adventurers and loyalists having joined the royal forces under the command of Ma- jor-general Prescot, which had also received reinforce- ments from Florida, that officer found himself in a condi- tion to commence active operations. His preparations filled the neiixhborinn; States with alarm. The American reo-ular troops had, with few exceptions, been sent from the Caro- linas to reinforce the army of General Washington; and the only reliance of the republicans in this portion of the union rested on the militia, the command of which was delegated by congress to General Lincoln. On inspecting his forces, Lincoln found them ill equipped and very defi- cient in discipline. In these circumstances, the activity of the enemy did not allow him any time to train them. Soon after his arrival at head-quarters, a division of the royal What was the state of atTairs in the southern states? What British General commanded there? What American? 144 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. army advanced, under the command of Major Gardiner, to take possession of Port Royal, in South Carolina, but was driven back with loss by General Moultrie. This repulse for a while suspended the enterprise of the British, who took post at Augusta and Ebenezer, situated on the Savan- nah river, which forms the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina. Here they waited in expectation of being joined by a body of tories, who had been collected in the upper parts of the latter province. But these obnoxious allies, giving way to long-smothered resentment, were guilty of such atrocities on their march, that the country rose upon them, and they fell an easy prej^ to a detachment commanded by Colonel Pickens, sent to intercept them at Kettle Creek. Five of the prisoners taken on this occa- sion, were tried and executed for bearing arms against the United States. This proceeding led to acts of retaliation on the part of the tories and the king's troops, which for a long time gave in the southern States additional horror to the miseries of war. Emboldened by his success, Lincoln sent an expedition into Grcorgia, with a view of repressing the incursions of the enemy, but his forces were surprised by General Prevost, from whom they sustained so signal a defeat, that, of 1500 men, of which the expedition consisted, only 450 returned to his camp. In this emergenc}^, the legislative body of South Carolina invested their governor, Mr. John Rutledge, and his council, with an almost absolute authority, by virtue of which, a considerable force of mili- tia was embodied and stationed in the center of the State, to act as necessity might require. Putting himself at the head of these new levies, Lincoln again determined to carry Describe what passed at Port Royal? What gave additional horrors to the war? Describe the occurrences in Georgia. What was done by the legislature of S. C? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 145 the war into the enemy's quarters; and, crossing the Sa- vannah, near Augusta, marched into Georgia, and proceed" ed towards the capital of that province. Prevost instantly took advantage of this movement to invade South Carolina, at the head of 2400 men ; and, driving Moultrie before him, pushed forward towards Charleston. At this time, his superiority appeared to be so decisive, that Moultrie's troops began to desert in great numbers, and many of the inhabitants, with real or affected zeal, embraced the royal cause. On his appearance before Charleston, the garrison of that place, which consisted of 3300 men, sent commis- sioners to propose a neutrality on their part during the remainder of the war. This proposal he rejected, and made preparations to attack the town, which was respecta- bly fortified. But, whilst he was wasting tune in negotia- tions, Lincoln was hastening from Georgia to the relief of the place; and on the near approach of the American army, fearing to be exposed to two fires, he withdrew his forces across Ashley river, and encamped on some small islands bordering on the sea-coast. Here he was attacked by Lin- coln, who was, however, repulsed with loss, in consequence of the failure of a part of his combinations. Notwithstand- ing this success, the British general did not think it advisa- ble to maintain his present position, but retreated to Port Royal, and thence to Savannah. The Americans retired to Sheldon, in the vicinity of Beaufort, which is situated at about an equal distance from Charleston and Savannah. Here they remained in a state of tranquillity till the beginning of September, when they Where did Lincoln determine to carry tlic war? What did Prevost then do^ Describe the movcmcnta at Charleston? What movement did Lincoln make? What farther took place? 146 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. were aroused from their inaction by the appearance off the coast of the fleet ofD'Estaing, who had proceeded towards the close of the preceding year from Boston to the West In- dies, whence, after capturing St. Vincent's and Granada, he had returned to the assistance of the allies of his sovereign. At the sight of this armament, which consisted of 20 sail of the line, and 13 frigates, the republicans exulted in the san- guine hope of capturing their enemies, or of expelling them from their country. The militia mustered with alac- rity in considerable force, and marched under the command of General Lincoln to the vicinity of Savannah. Before their arrival, D''Estaing had summoned the town, and had granted to General Prevost a suspension of hostilities for twenty-four hours, for the purpose of settling the terms of a capitulation. But during that interval, the British com- mander received a reinforcement of several hundred men, who had forced their way from Beaufort; encouraged by which seasonable aid, he determined to hold out to the last extremity. The allied forces, therefore, commenced the siege of the place in form; but D'Estaing, finding that much time would be consumed in regular approaches, and dread- ing the hurricanes which i)revail on the southern coast of America at that season, resolved on an assault. In con - junction with Lincoln, he led his troops to the assault with great galantry; but the steadiness of the British won the day; and after having received two slight wounds, he was driven back with the loss of 637 of his countrymen, and 200 of the Americans, killed and wounded. At the close of What fleet appeared ofl' Charleston in September? Where had it been? What number of ships did it consist of? Describe the attack on Savannah. What was the number of the French killed in this battle? What of the Americans? AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. 147 the engagement, D'Estaing retired to liis ships, and depart- ed from the coast, whilst Lincoln crossed the Savannah river, and returned with his forces, daily diminishing by desertion, to South Carolina. In proportion to the joy of the inhabitants of the southern States at the arrival of the French fleet, was their mortification at the failure of their joint endeavors Jo rid the provinces of an active enemy. — The brave were dispirited by defeat, and the sanguine be- gan to despair of the fortunes of their country. Those, however, who thought more deeply, took comfort from the consideration that the enemy had effected little in the course of the campaign, excepting the overrunning and plundering of an extensive tract of territory, and that they had been compelled to terminate their excursions by again concen- tratinc themselves in Savannah. SECTION XXIX. SIEGE AND CAPITULATION OF CHARLESTON, 12tii OF MAY, 1780. The events which had occurred in South Carolina, hav- ing pursuaded Sir Henry Clinton that the cause of inde- pendence was less firmly supported there than in the north- ern States, he determined to make that province the prin- cipal theater of the war during the ensuing campaign. — Leaving, the re to re, the command of the royal army in New York to General Knyphauscn, on the 26th of Decem- 1779, he sailed from that city with a considerable force. How were tlie inlial)it;iiUsof tlie southern States affected by tlieir bad suc- From what source did others take comfort? [ccsp. Why did Sir Henry Clinton dctcriainc to make Soutli Carolina the princi- pal tlieater of the war? At what time did he sail from New York? 148 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. and, after a stormy passage, on the 11th of the ensuing month, he arrived at Tybee, in Georgia, at the mouth of Savannah river. Hence he proceeded to Ashley river, and encamped opposite to Charleston. On his arrival, the as- sembly of the State of South Carolina broke up its sitting, after having once more delegated a dictatorial authority to Governor.Rutledge, who immediately issued his orders for the assemblage of the militia. These commands were ill obeyed. The disasters of the last campaign had almost extinguished the flame of patriotism ; and each man seem- ed to look to his neighbors for those exertions which might have justly been expected from himself. On reconnoiter- ing the works of Charleston, however, Sir Henry Clinton did not think it expedient to attack them till he had received reinforcements from New York and Savannah, on the arri- val of which he opened the siege in form. Charleston is situated on a tongue of land, bounded on the west by Ash- ley, and on the east by Cooper's rivers. The approach to Ashley river was defended by Fort Moultrie, erected on Sullivan's Island; and the passage up Cooper's river was impeded by a number of vessels, connected by cables and chains, and sunk in the channel opposite the town. On the land side, the place was defended by a citadel and strong lines, extending from one of the above mentioned rivers to the other. Before these lines, Clinton broke ground on the 29th of March, and on the 10th of April, he had com- pleted his first parallel. On the preceding day. Admiral Arbuthnot, who commanded the British fleet, had passed Fort Moultrie with little loss, and had anchored near the town. About the 20th of April, the British commander On his arrival what did the assembly of South Carolina do? W^here did he encamp? How is Charleston situated? How was it defended? Describe the proceedings of Clinton. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 149 received a second reinforcement of 3000 men; and the place was soon completely invested by land and sea — his third parallel being advanced to the very edge of the Amer- ican works. General Lincoln, who commanded in Charles- ton,* would not have shut himself up in the town, had he * " General Lincoln, trusting to these defences, and expecting large re-enforce- ments, remained in Charleston at the earnest request of the inhabitants, and with the force under his command, amounting to 7000 men of all denomina- tions under arms, resolved to defend the place. On the 21st of March, the British marine force, consisting of one ship of 50 guns, two of 40 guns, four of 32, and the Sandwich armed ship, crossed the bar, and anchored in Five Fath- om Hole. Commodore Whipple, finding it impracticable to prevent the enemy from passing over the bar, fell back to Fort Moultrie, and afterward to Charles- ton. The crews and guns of all the vessels, excepting one, were put on shore to re-enforce the batteries. Some of his shijis he stationed in Cooper river; and the rest, v/ith some other vessels, were sunk across the mouth of it, to pre- vent the British fleet from entering. On the 9th of April, Admiral Arbuthnot passed Fort Moultrie without stopping to engage it. Colonel Pinckney, who commanded on Sullivan's Island with 300 men, kept up a brisk and well direct- ed fire on the ships in their passage; 27 seamen were killed or wounded, and the ships in general sustained damage. As the fleet was precluded from an entrance into Cooper river, it anchored near the remains of Fort Johnston, just without the range of shot from the batteries of the town. The same day on which the fleet passed Fort Moultrie, the first parallel of tlie besiegers was fin- ished. The town being now almost invested by sea and land, the British com- manders summoned General Lincoln to surrender; but the General with modest firmness replied: " Sixty days have passed since it has been known that your intentions against this town were hostile, in which time has been afforded to abandon it: but duty and inclination point to the propriety of supporting it to tlic last extremity." The batteries of the first parallel were now opened upon the town, and soon made a visible impression; but the communication between the country and the garrison was still kept open across Cooper river, through which General Lincoln expected to receive hisre-enforccments, and, if it should become necessary, to make good his retreat. To prevent the reception of those re-enforcements, and to cut oflTthat retreat. Sir Henry Clinton detached Lieuten- ant Colonel Webster with 1400 men. By the advanced guard of this detach- ment, composed of Tarleton's legion and Ferguson's corps, the American cav- alry, with the militia attached to them, were surprised in the night of the 14th of April, at Biggin's bridge, near Monk's Corner, 32 miles from Charleston, and completely routed and dispersed. The British now extended themselves to the eastward of Cooper river; and about this time Sir Henry Clinton received a re- o 160 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. not confidently expected relief from the militia, who had been called out by Governor Rutledge, and by whose assistance he imagined that he could, if reduced to extrem- ity, have effected a retreat, by crossing Cooper's river. — enforcement of 3000 men from New York. The garrison having no reasona- ble hope of effecting a retreat, by advice of a council of war, called on the 21st of April, an offer was made for surrendering the town on certain conditions; but tliose conditions were instantly rejected by the British commanders. The besiegers in the mean time were daily advancing their works, and their tliird parallel was completed on the 6th of May. On the same day, the garrison of Fort Moultrie surrended to Captain Hudson of the royal navy; Colonel Pinck- ney with 150 of the men under his command having been withdrawn from that post to Charleston. On the same day also, the broken remains of the Ameri- can cavalry under Colonel White were again surprised by Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton on the banks of the Santee; and the whole either killed, taken or dis- persed. Sir Henry Clinton, while thus successful in every operation, began a correspondence with General Lincoln, and renewed his former offers to the garrison, in case of their surrender; but the terms, so far as they respected the citizens, being not satisfactory, the garrison recommended hostilities. The Brit- ish batteries of the third parallel now opened on the town, and did great execu- tion. Shells and carcasses were thrown into almost all parts of the town; and several houses were burned. The Hessian yagers, posted advantageously, fired their rifles with such effect, that numbers of the besieged were killed at their guns; and scarcely any escaped, who showed themselves over the lines. Du- ring this fire, which continued two days without intermission, the besiegers gained the counterscarp of the work that flanked the canal; passed the canal itself; and, advancing within 25 yards of the American works, prepared to make a general assault by land and water. The siege having been protracted until the 11th, a great number of citizens of Charleston on tliat day addressed General Lincoln in a petition; reciuesting his acceptance of the terms which had been offered. The general wrote to Sir Henry Clinton, offering to accept those terms, and received a favorable answer. A capitulation was signed on the 12th of May; and the next day Major General Leslie took possession of the town. — The loss of the king's troops, during the siege, was 76 killed, and 140 wounded. The loss of the Americans was 89 killed, and 140 wounded. Upwards of 400 pieces of artillery were surrendered. By the articles of capitulation the garrison were to march out of town and to deposit their arms in front of the works: but the drums were not to beat a British march, nor the colors to be uncased. The continental troops and seamen were to keep their baggage, and remain prisoners Why did Lincoln shut himself up in Charleston? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 151 But the few, who, in this hour of difficulty, advanced to his aid, were cut off or kept in check; and the river was possessed by the enemy. In these distressful circumstan- ces, after sustaining a bombardment which set the town on fire in different places, on the 12th of May, he surrendered on a capitulation, tlie principal terms of which were, that ' the militia were to be permitted to return to their respect- ive homes, as prisoners on parole, and while they adhered to their parole, were not to be molested in person or prop- erty.' The same conditions were also imposed on all the inhabitants' of the town, civil as well as military. Sir Henry Clinton now addressed himself to the impor- tant work of re-establishing the royal authority in the province; as a preliminary step to which, on the 1st of June, he issued a proclamation, offering to the inhabitants at large, on condition of their submission, pardon fcr thcir past offences, a re-instatement in their rights, and, what was of the most weighty importance, exemption from tax- ation, except from their own legislature. This proclama- tion was followed up by the posting of garrisons in differ- ent parts of the country, to protect the loyal and to awe the disaffected, and by the march of 2000 men towards of war until exchanged. TJie militia were to be permitted to return home as prisoners on parole; and, while they should adhere to their parole, were not to be molested by the British troops, in person or property. The inhabitants of all conditions were to be considered as prisoners on parole, and to hold their property on the same terms with the militia. The officers of the army and navy were to retain their servants, swords, pistols, and baggage unsearched. The number of persons who surrendered prisoners of war, inclusive of the militia and every adult male inhabitant, was above 5000; but the proper garrison did not exceed 2500. The number of privates in tlie continental army was 1977, of wliom 500 were in the hospitals." On what conditions was the town, 8;c. surrendered? What was done on the 1st of June? With what was this proclamation followed up? 152 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. North Carolina, on whose advance the American forces, who had tardily marched from that province to the relief of Charleston, retreated with loss. Thus crowned with success, Clinton, early in June, embarked, with the princi- pal part of his forces, for New York, having delegated the completion of the subjugation of South Carolina to Lord Cornwallis, to whom he apportioned, for that purpose, an army of 4000 men. SECTION XXX. DEFEAT OF GATES'S ARMY, BY LORD CORNWALLIS, 15th OF AUGUST, 1780. When Lord Cornwallis took the command in South Car- olina, the insurgents had no army in the field within 400 miles of that province, and the great body of the inhabit- ants had submitted either as prisoners or as subjects; and had they been suffered to remain in this state of quiet neu- trality, they would have been happy to abide in peace the issue of the contest in the northern States. But his Lord- ship's instructions did not permit him to be contented with this passive obedience, and he proceeded to take measures to compel the South Carolinians to take up arms against their countrymen. With this view, he issued a proclamation, absolving from their parole all the inhabitants who had bound themselves by that obligation, and restoring them 'to all the rights and duties belonging to citizens.' What Where did Clinton go in June? Under whose command did he leave the remaining forces? At this time what was the situation of the American army in the soutiiern States? What did Lord Cornwallis proceed to compel the South Carolinians to do? With this view what did he do? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 1 53 was meant by the ominous word 'duties' was explained by another part of the proclamation, whereby it was declared, ' that it was proper for all persons to take an active part in settling and securing his majesty's government,' and that 'whoever should neglect so to do should be treated as reb- els.' The Carolinians were indignant at this violation of the terms of their submission. Many of them resumed their arms; and though more, under the impression of fear, en- rolled themselves as subjects, they brought to the royal cause a hollow allegiance, which could not bo trusted in the day of trial. A considerable number quitted the province, and hastened to join the army which congress was raising for the purpose of wresting it out of the hands of the en- emy. In organizing this force, congress had to struggle with the greatest difficulties. Their treasury was exhausted, and they were at this time occupied in making an equitable adjustment as to their paper money, on the strength of which they had undertaken the war, and which was now depreciated to the amount, of forty for one — that is, one sil- ver dollar was worth forty American paper dollars. Whilst their currency was in this state they were perpetually em- barrassed in their purchases of arms, clothing, and stores; and when they had raised the men for the southern army, some time elapsed before they could procure the necessary funds to put them in motion. These difficulties being at length overcome, the Maryland and Delaware troops were sent forward, and began their march in high spirits on learning that the expedition, of which they formed a part, was to be commanded by General Gates. The hero of What was meant by the word " duties^^? What effect had this proceeding on the Carolinians? What were the difficulties with which congress had to struggle? What troops were sent forward? Under whose command? o 2 154 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Saratoga, on joining the army in North Carolina, was ad- vised to proceed to the southward by a circuitous rout, where he would find plenty of provisions; but^ conceiving it to be his duty to hasten with all speed to the scene of action, he preferred the straight forward road to Camden, which led through a desert pine barren. In traversing this dreary tract of country, his forces were worn out with fa- tigue and extenuated with hunoer. The few cattle which his commissariat had provided having been consumed, his only resource for meat was the lean beasts which were accidentally picked up in the woods. Meal and grain were also very scarce ; and as substitutes for bread, the soldiers were obliged to have recourse to the green corn and to the fruits which they met with on their line of march. The consequence of this unwonted diet was, that the army was thinned by dysentery and other diseases usually caused by the heat of the weather and by unwholesome food. The soldiers at first bore these hardships with impatience, and symptoms of dissatisfaction and even of mutiny began to appear amongst them. But by the conciliatory exertions of the oilicers, who shared in all the privations of the com- mon men, the spirit of murmuring was repressed, and the troops pursued their weary way with patience and even with cheerfulness. On their arrival at a place called Deep Creek, their distresses were alleviated by a supply of good beef accompanied by the distribution of half a }KHmd of In- dian corn meal to each man. Invigorated by this welcome refreshment, they proceeded to the cross-roads, where they were joined by a respectable body of militia under the com- mand of General Caswell. Though Gates was aware that What lianlship;! liail they to encounter? How was the spirit of mutiny suppressed! now were they relieved at Deep creek? By whom were they joined at Cross-roads? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 1 55 another body of militia were hastening to his assistance from the State of Virginia, he was prevented from waiting for their arrival by want of provisions, and, after staying for one day only at the cross-roads, fincHng that tlie enemy intended to dispute his passage by Linch's creek, he march- ed to the right towards Clermont, where the British had established a defensible post. On his approach to the latter place, however. Lord Rawdon, who commanded the advance of the British, concentrated all his forces at Cam- den, whilst Gates inustered the whole of his army at Cler- mont, which is distant from Camden about thirteen miles. These events occurred on the .13th of August, and on the next day the American troops were reinforced by a bo- dy of 700 of the Virginia militia. At tlie same time Gates received an express from Colonel Sumpter, who reported to him that he had been joined by a rmmber of the South Carolina militia, at his encampment on the west side of the Wateree, and that an escort of clothing, armnunition, and other stores, was on its way from Charleston to Camden^ and must, of necessity, on its way to its destination, cross the Wateree at a ferry about a mile from that place. On receiving this intelligence. Gates sent forward a detach- ment of the Maryland line, consisti/ig of 100 regular infan- try and a company of artillery, with two brass lleld-[)ieces, and 300 North Carolina militia, all under the command ol Lieutenant-Colonel Woodford, who was instruel(;d to join General Sunipter, and assist him in intercepting the con- voy. At the same time General Gates made preparations for advancing still nearer Camden, in the expectation that Wliy did not Gates wait for the Virginia militia? Wliat cvorita orxurred on l;3lli of August? What information did dates receive by cxprcsa? What tlien did he do? What preparations did he then make? 166 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. it' Lord Rawdon did not abandon tluvt jiost as he had done that of Clermont, his sn})j)lies would ho cut oil' by the bo- dies of militia which were expected to \)ouy forth from the upper counties, and he would thus be compelled to a sur- render. On reaching; the iVontier oi' South Carolina, Gates had issued a proclamation, inviting the inhabitants to join his standard, and olleringan amnesty to such of them as, under the pressure of circumstances, had promised allegi- ance to the liritish (Jovernment. Though this proclama- tion had not been without elfect, it had not called forth tlie numbers upon which the American General liad been led to calculate; and, after the departure of Lieutenant-(\>lo- nel Woodford's detachment, the abstract of the field-returns submitted to him by his deputy Adjiitant-G(Micral indicated no more thtm between 4000 or 5000 men as constituting his disposable force. Gates, disappointed as he was by the scantiness of these returns, determined to j)ersevero in his plan of oflensive operations, and marched about ten at night on the 15th of August to within half a mile of Sander's Creek, about halfway between his encampment and Cam- den. Lord Cornwall is, who the day before had repaired to his, head-quarters at Camden, and had taken the com- mand of the l>ritish army, was also resolved, though his forces amounted only to IJOOO men, of whom 1700 were in- tantry and oOO cavalry, to attack the enemy in their camp, and advancing for that purpose, at half-past two in the morning, encountered their advanced parties near Sander's Creek. Here some tiring took i)lace with various success ; but on the whole the British had the advantage in this night What did Gen. Gates issue? What were its otlocts? What was Gates' whole force at this time? What Uiat of Cornwallis? What produced an encounter? AMEBIOAN RKVOLUTION. ^^"^ rencounter. I'iarly tl.c ensuing n.orning both armies pre- pared for battle. On the side of the Americans, the second Maryland brigade, under the connnand of General Oist, occupied the right, which was Hanked by a morass; the Virginia militia and the North Carolina infantry, also co- vered by some boggy ground, were posted on the left, whilst General Caswell, with the North Carolmadms.on and the artillery, appeared in the ...mter. A corps dere- «.rr., under the.n-ders of (General Smallwood, was posted about three lanul red yards in the rear of the Amer.can '"Tn arranging the Hritish forces Lord Cornwallis dele- gated the command of the right to Lieutenant-Colone Webster, who had at his disposal the 23d and the 33d regiments of foot. The left was guarded by some Irish volunteers, the mfantry of the legion, an.l partol Lieuten- ant-t;olonel llau.ilton's North Carolina regiment, under the command of Lord Rawdon. The cavalry of the leg.on was stationed in the rear, where also the 71st regmient was stationed as a reserve. The respective arm.cs bomg thus disposed, the action began by the advance of 200 ol the Hritish in front of the A.nerican artillery, winch re- eeived them with a steady fire. Gates then conunanded ,he Virginia nfditia to advance under the counnand ol Co- lonel Su.vens, who cheerfully obeye.l the orders of h,s eommauder-iu-ehicf, and, when he had led his n,en w.tinn nring distance, urged them to charge the enen.y w, h hc= r bayonets. This portion of the An,eriean arn,y did no however, emulate the gallantry of their h.>der. Lo d Cornwallis, observing their .novement, gave orders to L,..u- tenant-Colonel Webster to attack^ The lird.sh .n- How wuH the A.iicriran army arranged for huUlc? How the IJritiHli? Describe the buttle? 158 - AMERICAN REVOLrilON. lantry obeyed his lordship's commands with a loud cheer. The American militia, intimidated by this indication of de- termined daring, were panic-struck, and the Virginians and the Carolinians threw down their arms and hastened from the field. The right wing and the corps de reserve, how- ever, maintained their position, and even gained ground upon the' enemy; but Lord Cornwallis, taking advantage of a favorable moment, charged them with his cavalry, and put them completely to the rout. The victors captured the w^iole of the baggage and artillery of the Americans, who were pursued by the British cavalry for the space of twenty miles ; and so complete was their discomfiture, that on the second day after the engagement Gates could only muster 150 of his fugitive soldiers at Charleston, a town in the south of North Carolina, from whence he retreated .still farther north to Salisbury, and thence to Hillsborough. The sickliness of the season prevented Lord Cornwallis from pursuing the broken remains of the enemy's army; but he employed the leisure now afforded him in inflicting vengeance on such of the inhabitants of South Carolina as had been induced, by the presence of Gates's army, to de- clare in his favor. The militiamen who had joined the re- publican standard, and had fallen into his hands as prison- ers, he doomed to the gallows. The property of the fugi- tives, and of the declared friends of independence, he con- fiscated. These acts, though severe, were perhaps justifia- ble by the strictness of the law. But neither in law nor in honor could his lordship justify the seizure of a number of the principal citizens of Charleston, and most of the milita- ry officers residing there under the faith of the late capitu- lation, and sending them to St. Augustin. Reduced to desperation by these injudicious severities, How was Cornwallis afterwards emplo3'ed? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 159 the bold and active among the disafiected formed them- selves into independent bands, under different chieftains, amongst whom Marion and Sumpter were distinguished by their spirit of enterprise. These harassed the scattered parties of tlie British, several of which they cut off; and and by their movements the loyalists to the north of the Carolinas were kept in check. Eight of these chieftains having under their forces, attacked Major Ferguson, who had been sent to the confines of the two provinces to as- semble the friends of the British government, and killed or wounded 250 of his new levies, and took 800 prisoners, Ferguson himself being amongst the slain. This success was followed by important results: Lord Corn wallis had marched into North Carolina, in the direction of Salisbu- ry ; but when he heard of the defeat and death of Fergu- son, he retreated to Winnsborough in the southern pro- vince, being severely harassed in his retrograde move- ment by the militia and the inhabitants; and when he re- tired into winter-quarters Sumpter still kept the field. In the mean time General Gates had collected another army, with which he advanced to Charlotte. Here he re- ceived intelligence that Congress had resolved to supersede him and to submit his conduct to a court of inquiry. Mor- tified as he was by the ingratitude of his country, on the notification of this resolve of the supreme power he duti- fully resigned his command. But on his way home from Carolina, his feelings were soothed by an address from the legislature of Virginia assuring him that ^ the remembrance In consequoncc of these proceedings what did the more boUl and active do? How did these bands employ tlicmsclves? What did ciglit of tlicsc cliicftians? What other results followed? In the mean time what did Gen. Gates do? What intelligence afterwards arrived? How were his feelings soothed? 160 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. of his former glorious services could not be obliterated by any reverse of fortune.' SECTION XXXI. ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH AUXILIARIES UNDER ROCHAM- BEAU, 10th of JULY, 1780. Whilst these events were occurring in the southern States, General Washington was obliged to confine him- self to the irksome and inglorious task of watching, from his encampment at Morristown, the motions of the British on New York Island, and of restraining their incursions into the adjacent country. Though the army opposed to him was lessened by the detachment which Sir Henry Clinton led into South Carolina, his own forces were pro- portionably weakened by the reinforcements which it was necessary for him to send to the American army in the same quarter; and never did distress press more heavily upon him. The depreciation of the currency was at that time so great, that four months' pay of a private would not purchase a single bushel of wheat. His camp was some- times destitute of meat, and sometimes of bread. As each State provided for its own quota of troops, no uniformity could be established in the distribution of provisions. This circumstance aggravated the general discontent, and a spirit of mutiny began to display itself in two of the Con- necticut regiments, which were with difficulty restrained from forcing their way home at the point of the bayonet- Of these discontents the enemy endeavored to take advan- While these events were occurring, what was Gen. W^ashington obliged to do? What were some of Washington's distresses? Why did the spirit of mutiny appear in Washington's armyl AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 161 iage, by circulating in the American camp proclamations offering the most tempting gratifications to suchofthecon- tinental troops as should desert the republican colors and embrace the royal cause. But these offers were unavail- ing ; mutinous as they were, the malcontents abhorred the thought of joining the enemies of their country; and on the seasonable arrival of a fresh supply of provisions, they cheerfully returned to their duty. Soon after this, when General Knyphauscn, who commanded the British forces in the absence of Sir Henry Clinton, made an irruption into Jersey, on the 16th of June, the whole American army marched out to oppose him; and though he was reinforced by Sir Henry Clinton, who during this expedition had ar- rived from Charleston, he was compelled to measure back his steps. Both the advance and retreat of the German were marked by the devastation committed by his troops, who burnt the town of Springfield, and most of the houses on their line of march. Alarmed by the representations made b}'' General Wash- ington, of the destitute condition of his army, congress sent three members of their body with instructions to inquire into the condition of their forces, and with authority'to re- form abuses. These gentlemen fully verified the state- ments of the commander-in-chief. No sooner was this fact known in the city of Philadelphia, than a subscription was set on foot for the relief of the suffering soldiers, which soon amounted to 300,000 dollars. This sum was intrust- ed to the discretion of a well chosen committee, who ap- How (lid tlie enemy endeavor to take advantage of tlicse discontents? How was order restored? W^lrnt town was burnt? By whom? Wliat occurred soon after this? What did Con;'rcs3 do? Whence did the army receive $300,000? ' ' P 162 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. propriated it to the purchase ot' provisions for the troops. The three commissioners also applied themselves diligently to the task of recruiting and re-organizing the army. They prescribed to each State the quota of torces which it was to contribute towards the raising oi' 35,000 men, their deficiency in reguhars being to be supplied by drafts from their respective militia. The States of New England, ^Pennsylvania and Virginia, promptly listened to the call of their country, and made extraordinary elforts to fur- nish their several quotas of recruits. The other members of the Union exerted themselves to the best of their abili- ty; and though the general result of these exertions did not produce the number of troops which was deemed re- quisite for the public service, more could not. in such cir- cumstances, have been well expected. The congress were the more earnest in their wishes to put their army on a respectable looting, as they were in expectation of the arrival of a body of auxiliary ibrces from France. This welcome aid appeared otf Khode Isl- and on the 10th of .luly, 1780, on which day. Monsieur Ternay sailed into the harbor of Newport with a squadron of seven sail of the line, live irigates, and five schooners, convoying a fleet of transports, having on board tU^OOmen, under the command of the Count de Eochambeau. Admi- ral Arbuthnot, who had under his command, at New York, only four sail of the line, on hearing o( the arrival oi' the French at Rhode Island, was apprehensive of being attack- ed by their superior force. But he was soon relieved from What cxortiona werci made? What ilid thoy iiroscribe to each state? What States listened promptly to the call? What was the general result? Of what did the aid from France consist? What Port did the squadron enter? AMEllICAN REVOLUTION. 163 his fears by the vigilaiiee of tlic British ministry, who, on the sailing of the French fleet from Europe, had sent to his assistance Admiral (1 raves, with six ships of the line. On receiving this reinforcement, he sailed for Ivhode Isl- and, for the purpose oi' encountering the French squadron, whilst Sir Henry C'linton proceeded with 8000 men to the north of Long Island, for the purpose of landing on the op- posite part of the continent, and attacking their land forces. But the British Admiral found the enemy's ships so well se- cured by batteries and other land fortilications, thathe was obliged to content himself with blocking them up in their harbor; and Clinton, receiving intelligence that General Washington was i)rei)aring to take advantage of his ab- sence by making an attack upon New York, hastened back to the relief of that place. SECTION XXXII. TREASON 01'^ ARNOLD, AND DEATU OE ANDRE. Washington, on tlu^ retreat of General Clinton, withdrew to West Point, an almost impregnable position, situated about fifty miles to the northward of New York, on the Hudson river, by means of which he kept up a communi- cation between the eastern and southern States; and hav- ing occasion, towards the end of the month of September, to go to Rhode Island to hold a conference with the French Admiral and Count Rochambeau, he left the command of this important post to General Arnold, unconscious that in Wliat Hrilisli forces eoon nl'tor arrived? Wluit service did llie British fleet perforin? Wliy did Oeii. Clinton rctiira to New York? Wliere did Washington witiidraw to? Wliero, and what is West Point? To whom did he intrust its command? 164 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SO doing, he intrusted the fortunes of the infant republic to a traitor. Arnold was brave and hardy, but dissipated and profligate. Extravagant in iiis expenses, he had involved himself in debts, and having had, on frequent occasions, the admhiistration of considerable sums of public money, his accounts were so unsatisfactory, that he was liable to an impeachment on charges of peculation. Much had been forgiven indeed, and more would probably have been for- given to his valor and military skill. But alarmed by the terrors of a guilty conscience, he determined to get rid of pecuniary responsibility, by betraying his country; and accordingly entered into a negotiation with Sir Henry Clinton, in whicli he engaged, when a proper opportunity should present itself, to make such a disposition of his troops a 4 would enable the British to make themselves mas- ters of West Point. The details of this negotiation were conducted by Major Andre, the Adjutanl-CJeneral of the British army, will) whom Arnold carried on a clandestine correspondence, addressing him under the name of Ander- son, whilst he himself assumed that of Gustavus. To fa- cilitate their communications, the Vulture sloop of war was moved near to West Point, and the absence of Wash- ington seemed to present a fit opportunity for the final ar- rangement of their plans, on the night of the 21st of Sep- tember, Arnold sent a boat to the Vulture to bring Andre on shore. That olRcer landed in his uniform between the posts of the two armies, and was met by Arnold, with whom What was his character? WImt liig pecuniary situation? What (lid lie tlotcrniinc on? To whom did Clinton entrust tlic details of the negotiation? Under what name did they carry on tiie corresponilencc? Wliat circumstances facilitated their plans? When were lliosc plans finally arranged? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 166 he held a conference which lasted till day-break, when it was too late for him to return to the vessel. In this ex- tremity, unforfynately for himself, he allowed Arnold to conduct him within one of the American posts, where he lay concealed till the next night. In the meantime, the Vulture, having been incommoded by an American battery, had moved lower down the river, and the boatmen now re- fused to convey the stranger on board her. Being cut off from this way of escape, Andre was advised to make for New York by land; and, for this purpose, he was furnish- ed with a disguise, and a passport signed by Arnold, de- signating him as John Anderson. He had advanced in safety near the British lines, when he was stopped by three New York militia-men. Instead of showing his pass to these scouts, he asked them ' where they belonged to?' and, on their answering' to below,' meaning to New York, with singular want of judgment, he stated that he was a British officer, and begged them to let him proceed without delay. The men, now throwing off the mask, seized him; and, notwithstanding his offers of a considerable bribe if they would release him, they proceeded to search him, and found upon his person, papers which gave fatal evidence of his own culpability and of Arnold's treachery. These papers were in Arnold's hand-writing, and contained exact and detailed returns of the state of the forces, ordnance, and defences of West Point and its dependencies, with the artillery orders, critical remarks on the works, an estimate of the number of men that were ordinarily on duty to man them, and the copy of a state of matters that had, on the sixth of the month, been laid before a council of war by Why (lid not Andre return to the Vulture? On his return to N. Y. by land, how was lie disguised? Descrilic the circumstances of his seizure? What did the papers found on Uiin contiiiu? 166 AM^ICAN REVOLITTIOIf. the conininniier-in-chiof. When Andre was conducted by his captors to tlie quarters ot'the eonuuander ot' the seo\it- ing parties, still assuniing the name ot' Anderson, he re- quested ]>erniission to write to Arnold, to inlornihini of his detention. This request was ineonsiderately granted; and the traitor, being thus apjn'ised ot' his peril, instantly made his escape. At this moment, ^^'ashington arriving at West Point, was maile acquainted with the whole atUiir. Having taken the necessary precautions tor the security o( his ])Ost, lie reterred the case ot* the prisoner to a court-mar- tial, consisting oi^ fourteen general olVicers. IVtore this tribunal, Andre appeared with steady composure ot' mind lie V(^luntarily conlessed all the tacts ot' his case. Being interrogated by the board with respect to his conception ot' his coming on shore imdcr the saui'tion ot' a (lag, he ingenu- ously replied, that * if he hail landcil under that protection, he might have returned under it.* The court, having ta- ken all the circumstances oi" his case into consideration, mianimously concurred in opinion, 'that lie ought to Ik^ consiilered as a spy; ami that, agreeably to the laws and usages of nations, he ought to sulVer ileath." Sir Henry Clinton, tirst by amicable negotiation, and ai'terwanls by threats, cndeavorcil to imluce the American counnandcr to spare the life of his t'riend: but A\'asliiugton did not think this act of mercy compatible with his duty to his country, and Andre was ordered for execution. He liad petitioned to be allowtnl to d\c a soldier's death; but this request couUl not be granted. Oi this circumstance, however, he was kept in ignorance, till he saw the preparations for liis How was ArnoUl apprised of his peril? To whom dill Wasliiniiton rotor tho enso? How tliii Atidro bohnvc duriiij; the trial? What was the derision of the oourt? \Vh:vt attempts did Sir Honry Clinton nniko to have the life of .Andre spartnl ' AMF.RIOAN KF.VOLTTTION. 167 final catastrophe, whou I'liuling that the bitterness of his destiny was ncU to he alleviated as he wished, he exelaim- eJ, ' it is hut a nionuMitary pani:;!*' and eahnly suhnutted to his late. Soon after this sad oeeurriMiee, AVashin^ton, in writing to a tViiMni, e\'|>ress(Hl himself in the iolK^wiuL!; terms: — - Andre has met his iati\ and with that tortituile whii-h was to In^ expeeteil iVom an aeeomplished gentleman aiul a gal- Innt i^theer; hut I am mistaktMi if Arnolil is not undergoing, at this time, the torments of aniental hell/"^ ^Vhatever might he the feelings of the traitor, his inwson luul its re ward, lie was inuneiliately appointoil l>rigadier-CuMieral in the sorviee of tlu^ King oi' (Ireat Britain; and, on his promotitui, he l\ad the toliv and presumption to publish an address, in whicii \\c avowtnl, that, being dissatislleil with the alliance between the Uniteil States and France, 'he had retained his arms and connnand for an opportunity to sur- render tluMu to (u'eat iMMiain."" This aiKlress was exceed- ed in meanness ami insolence by another, in which he in- viteil his late companions in arms to follow his example. The American solditM-s read thesi.^ miiuilestos with scorn; and so odious iliil the character of a traitor, as excmplilled * '• Anioltl vtM-tMvoii, as tlu> lowani of his iroacliory, tlio sum ot" 10,000 poiinijs, niitl tlio rank of Itriijndior i^onoral in tlio l?ritish army. Hul lie \va« dosrrtoil by his now nssociatcs, nml liis name will he forovor synonymous with Infamy and hasonoss. In contrast with his, how hriijht shines tho fame of the tliroc captors of .\nilro." ************ * » " Conirross rosolvoil, that each of the tiirec captors of Andre. John Tauhlint:. Daviil Williams, and Isaac Van Vert, should receive annually $;200 in specie durins? life ; and that the hoard of war ho directed to procure for each of theni a silver medal, emhleniatic of their lidelity and patriotism, to he presented !•? U»o commanderinchief, with the thanks of comiress." What petition did .\ndre himself make? How did he meet his fate? How did Washington express liiuisclf toa friend after the death of Andro' Ilow was Arnold rewarded? 168 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. in the conduct of Arnold, become in their estimation, that * desertion totally ceased amongst them at this remarkable period of the war.'* Circumstances, however, took place soon after the dis- covery of Arnold's treachery, which led that renegade to entertain delusive hopes that the army of Washington would disband itself. The Pennsylvanian troops now serv- ing on the Hudson, had been enlisted on the ambiguous terms of 'serving three years, or during the continuance of the war.' As the three years from the date of their enrollment were expired, they claimed their discharge, which was refused by their officers, who maintained that the option of the two above-mentioned conditions rested with the State. Wearied out with privations, and indig- nant at what they deemed an attempt to impose upon them, the soldiers flew to arms, deposed their officers, and under the guidance of others whom they elected in their place, they quitted Morristown and marched to Princeton. Here they were solicited by the most tempting offers on the part of some emissaries sent to them by Sir Henry Clinton, to put themselves under the protection of the British govern- ment. But they were so far from listening to these over- tures, that they arrested Sir Henry's agents, and, their grievances having been redressed by the interposition of a committee of congress, they returned to their duty, and the British spies, having been tried by a board of officers, were condemned to death and executed.! * Ramsay, t "The soldiers of the Pennsylvania line were stationed at Morristown, in New Jersey. They complained that, in addition to sustaining sufferings corn- Why did desertion totally cease at this period? What circumstances took place soon after? Describe the particulars. How did these soldiers receive the offers of Sir Henry Clinton? Who were condemned to death and executed? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 169 A similar revolt of a small body of the Jersey line was quelled by the capital punishment of two of the ring-lead- ers of the mutineers. The distresses which were the chief cause of this misconduct of the American soldiery, were principal!}^ occasioned by the depreciation of the conti- nental currenc}^: which evil, at this period, effected its own cure, as the depreciated paper was by common con- sent, and without auy act of the legislature, put out of use; and by a seasouctble loan fi-oiu France, and by the revival of trade with the French and Spanish West Indies, its place was speedily supplied with huiu iiio-ie^^ nion to all, t'n\\y (o iJfO tcn.i; of tl'.eir enlist- meats. In llic iii^lif oPiJe fiffjt of Janiui'-y. iLirlcc.; iTuidrct", on a concerted signal, "i^iadod hdiIci" ari)i~. and <'c' lar^^d tlieJr irdeniion o<" marclinij; io Phila- delphia, aid dcujai'.4'''g of congress a redress oftlicir grievames. Tl:e officers strove to compel Dcm to relinqnis!' tljoir puipose. In the attCinpt, one was killed and seveial were wounded. General Waype pvc|ented liis pi.-tols as if intending lo Ire. T'ley (leld U-cir ba3'OHCt5 lo hie- brca;v; " We love and res- pect you," «aid Iney, " but if you fire you are a dead man. We are not going to the enemy. On the contrary, if tbey were now to come out, you should se« us fight under your orders with as nmcli aluciity as ever. But we will be amused no longer; we are determined to obtain wbat is our just due.'' They elected temporary officers, and moved off in a body towards Princclon. General Wayne, to prevent them from plundering the inJiabitants, forwardcnl provisions for their use. The next day he followed, and requested tlieni to appoint a man from each regiment, to state to him their complaints. The men were appointed, a conference held, but he refused to comply with their demands. They pro- ceeded in good order to Princeton. Thred emissaries from Sir Henry Clinton meeting them here, made them liberal oflTers to entice them from tiic service of congress. The offers were instantly rejected, and the emissaries seized and confined in strict custody. Here they were also met by a committee of con- gress, and a deputation from the State of Pennsylvania. The latter, granting a part of their demands, persuaded them to return to their duty. The agenta of Clinton were then given up, and immediately executed as spies." What liappened in the Jersey line? What was the chief cause of these mutinies? How did the evil cure itself? How was hard money obtained? ^'^^ AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Lately John Champe, sergeant-major of the legion of cav- alry, who had been for several months considered by the corps as a deserter, returned. This high-minded soldier had been selected to undertake a very dithcult and perilous project, the narration of which is due to his merit, as well as to the singularity of his progress. The treason of Brigadier Arnold— the capture of Andre —with intelligence received by Washington, through his confidential agents in New York, communicating that ma- ny of his officers, and especially a major gcnorar named to him, were connected with Arnold— couKf not tail to seize the attention of a commander even less diligent and zealous than Washington. It engrossed his mind entirely, exci- ting reflections the most anxious as well as unpleasant. To Major Lee, afterwards Lieutenant Colonel of the legion of cavalry, for whom he had sent, he said, 4 have sent for you, in the expectation that you have in your corps individuals capable and willing to undertake an indispen- sable, delicate, and hazardous project. AVhoever comes forward upon this occasion, will lay me under great obliga- tions personally, and in behalf of the United^States I will reward him amply. No time is to be lost; he must pro- ceed, if possible, this night. My object is to probe to the bottom the afflicting intelligence contained in the papers you have just read; to seize Arnold, and bv getting him, to save Andre. They are all connected. While my emis- sary is engaged in preparing means for the seizure of Ar- nold, the guilt of others can be traced ; and the timely de- livery of Arnold to me, will possibly put it into my power to restore the amiable and unfortunate Andre to his friends. Who returned at this time* What liad he been selected for? What engrossed Washington's mind? What did Washington say to Major Lee? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 171 My instructions are ready, in which you will find my ex- press orders that Arnold is not to be hurt ; but that he be permitted to escape if to be prevented only by killing him, as his public punishment is the sole object in view. This you cannot too forcibly press upon whomsoever may en- gage in the enterprise; and this fail not to do. With my instructions are two letters, to be delivered as ordered, and here are some guineas for expenses.' Major Lee replying, said he had little or no doubt but that his legion contained many individuals daring enough for any operation, however perilous; but that the one in view required a combination of qualities not easily to be found unless in a commissioned officer, to whom he could not venture to propose an enterprise, the first step to which was desertion. That though the sergejmt-major of the cavalry was in all respects qualified for the delicate and adventurous project, and to him it might be proposed with- out indelicacy, as his station did not interpose the obstacle before stated; yet it was very probable that the same diffi- culty would occur in his breast, to remove which would not be easy, if practicable. Washington was highly pleased at finding that a non- commissioned officer was deemed capable of executing his views; as he felt extreme difficulty in authorising an invi- tation to officers, who generally are, and always ought to be, scrupulous and nice in adhering to the course of honor. He asked the name, the country, the age, the size, length of service, and character of the sergeant. Being told his name — that he was a native of Loudon county, in Virginia; about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age — that he had enlisted in 1776 — rather above What was the reply? How did Washington receive this reply? Why? What was he told? 172 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. the common size — full of bone and muscle ; with a saturn- ine countenance, grave, thoughtful, and taciturn — of tried courage, and inflexible perseverance, and as likely to reject an overture coupled witli ignominy as an 5^ oflicer in the corps; a commission being the goal of his long and anxious exertions, and certain on the first vacancy ; — the general exclaimed, that he was the very man for the business; that he must undertake it; and that going to the enemy by the instigation and at the request of his officer, was not deser- tion, although it appeared to be so. And he enjoined that this explanation, as coming from him, should be pressed on Champe; and that the vast good in prospect should be con- trasted with the mere semblance of doing wrong, which he presumed could not fail to conquer every scruple. Major Lee sending instantly for the sergeant-major, introduced the business in the way best calculated, as he thought, to produce his concurrence. Observing that the chance of detection became extremely narrow, and consequently that of success enlarged. That by succeeding in the safe de- livery of Arnold, he not only gratified his general in the most acceptable manner, but he would be hailed as the aven- ger of the reputation of the army, stained by foul and wick- ed perfidy; and what could not but be highly pleasing, he would be the instrument of saving tiie life of Major Andre, soon to be brought before a court of inquiry, the decision of which could not be doubted, from the universally known circumstances of the case, and had been anticipated in the general's instructions. That, by investigating with dili- gence and accuracy the intelligence communicated to him, he would bring to light new guilt, or he would relieve in- nocence, (as was most probable) from distrust ; quieting What did the general exclaim? What did I'e enjoin? What did the major obserre as he introduced the business to Champe? AMERICAN EEVOLUTION. 1 73 ^he torturing suspicions which now harrowed the mind of Washington, and restoring again to his confidence a once honored general, possessing it at present only ostensibly, as well as hush doubts affecting many of his brother sol- diers. This discourse was followed by a detail of the plan, with a wish that he would enter upon its execution instantly. — Champe listened with deep attention, and with a highly excited countenance ; the perturbations of his breast not being hid even by his dark visage. He briefly and mod- estly replied, that no soldier exceeded him in respect and affection for the commander-in-chief, to serve whom he would willingly lay down his life ; and that he was sensible of the honor conferred by the choice of him for the execu- tion of a project all over arduous ; nor could he be at a loss to know to whom was to be ascribed the preference be- stowed, which he took pleasure in acknowledging, although increasing obligations before great and many. He was not, he said, deterred by the danger and difliculty which was evidently to be encountered, but he was deterred by the ignominy of desertion, to be followed by the hypoc- risy of enlisting with the enemy; neither of which com- ported with his feelings, and either placed an insuperable bar in his way to promotion. He concluded by observing, that if any mode could be contrived free from disgrace, he would cordially embark in the enterprise. As it was, he prayed to be excused ; and hoped that services, always the best in his power to per- form, faithfully performed, entitled his prayer to success. Major Lee entreated the sergeant to ask himself what must be the reflections of his comrades, if a soldier from By what was this discourse followed? What reply did Champe make? HovT did he conclude? Q 174 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. some other corps should execute the attempt, when they should be told that the glory transferred to the regiment of which he was one, might have been enjoyed by the legion, had not Sergeant Champe shrunk from the overture made to him by his general, rather than reject scruples too nar- row and confined to be permitted to interfere with grand and virtuous deeds. The esjjrit du corps could not be re- sisted ; united to his inclination, it subdued his prejudices, and he declared his willingness to conform to the wishes of the general; relying, as he confidently did, that his reputation would be protected by those who had induced him to undertake the enterprise, should he be unfortunate. The instructions were read to him, and each distinct ob- ject presented plainly to his view, of which he took notes so disguised as to be understood only by himself. He was particularly cautioned to use the utmost circumspection in delivering his letters, and to take care to withhold from the two individuals, addressed under feigned names, knowl- edge of each other; for although both had long been in the confidence of the general, yet it was not known by either that the other was so engaged. He was further urged, to bear in constant recollection the solemn injunction so pointedly expressed in the instruc- tions to Major Lee, of forbearing to kill Arnold in any con- dition of things. This part of the business being finished, their delibera- tion was turned to the manner of Champe's desertion; for it was well known to them both that to pass the numerous patroles of horse and foot crossing from the stationary What did the major say by way of entreaty? What was the effect of tiiis appeal? What were his instructions? What was further urged? Describe the difficulties which were in the way of Champe. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 175 guards, was itself difficult, which was now rendered more so by parties thrown occasionally beyond the place called Liberty Pole, as well as by swarms of irregulars, induced sometimes to venture down to the very point at Powles- Hook, with the hope of picking up booty. Evidently dis- cernible as were the difficulties in the way, no relief could be administered by Major Lee, lest it might induce a belief that be was privy to the desertion, which opinion getting to the enemy would involve the life of Champe. The ser- geant was left to his own resources and to his own man- agement, with the declared determination, that in case his departure should be discovered before morning, Lee would take care to delay pursuit as long as practicable. Giving to the sergeant three guineas, and presenting his best wishes, he recommended him to start without delay, and enjoined him to communicate his arrival in New York as soon as he could. Champe pulling out his watch, com- pared it with the major's, reminding the latter of the im- portance of holding back pursuit, which he was convinced would take place in the course of the night, and which might be fatal, as he knew that he should be obliged to zigzag in order to avoid the patroles, which would con- sume time. It was now nearly eleven. The sergeant returned to camp, and taking his cloak, valise and orderly book, he drew his horse from the picket, and mounting him put himself upon fortune. Within half an hour Captain Carnes, officer of the day, waited upon the major, and with considerable emotion told him that one of the patrole had fallen in with a dragoon, who, being challenged, put spur to his horse and escaped, though instantly pursued. Lee complaining of the inter- ruption, and pretending to be extremely fatigued by his To what was he left? Describe his departure and course. What jnformatioo did Captain Carnes bring to Major Leo? 176 AMERICAN REVOL^TIO^^. ride to and from head-quarters, answered as if he did not understand what had been said, which compelled the cap- tain to repeat it. "Who can the fellow that was pursued be? inquired the major ; adding, a countryman, probably. No, replied the captain, the patrole sufficiently distinguished him to know that he was a dragoon : probably one from the army, if not, certainly one of our own. This idea was ridi- culed from its improbability, as during the whole war but a single dragoon had deserted from the legion. This did not convince Carnes, so much stress was it now the fashion to lay on the desertion of Arnold, aiid the probable efiect of his example. The captain withdrew to examine the squad- ron of horse, whom he had ordered to assemble in pursu- ance o'L established usage on similar occasions. Very quickly he returned, stating that the scoundrel was known, and was no less a person than the sergeant-major, who had gone off with his horse, baggage, arms and orderly book — as neither the one nor the other could be found. — Sensibly affected at the supposed baseness of a soldier ex- tremely respected, the captain added that he had ordered a party to make ready for pursuit, and bogged the major's written orders. Occasionally this discourse was interrupted, and every idea suggested which the excellent character of the ser- geant warranted, to induce the suspicion that he had not deserted, but had taken the liberty to leave camp with a view to personal pleasure; an example, too oJton set by the officers themselves, destructive as it was of discipline, opposed as it was to orders, and disastrous as it might prove to the corps in the course of service. How did Lee manage with Cv«»pt. Carney? How were these suggestions received by the captain? What did he then do? On return to the major, wliat did the captain say? For what purpose was the discourse interrupted? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 177 Some little delay was thus interposed; but it being now announced that the pursuing party was ready, Major Lee directed a change in the officer, saying tliat he had a par- ticular service in view, which he had determined to intrust to the lieutenant ready lor duty, and which, probably, must be perfornuxl in the morning. He therefore directed him to summon cornet Middleton for the present command. — ]\fajor Lee was induced thus to act, first to add to the delay, and next from his knowledge of the tenderness of Mid- dleton's disposition, which he hoped would lead to the protection of Champe, should he be taken. Within ten minutes Middleton appeared to I'eceive his orders, which were delivered to him made out in the customary form, and signed by the major. ' Pursue so far as you can with safety sergeant Champe, who is suspected of deserting to the enemy, and has taken the road leading to Powles-Hook. Bring him alive, that he may suifor in the presence of the army; but kill him if he resists, or escapes after being taken.' Detaining the cornet a few minutes longer in advising him what course to pursue — urging him to take care of the horse and accoutrements, if recovered — and enjoining him to be on his guard, lest he might, by his eager pusuit, im- providently fall into the hands of the enemy — the major dismissed Middleton, wishing him success. A shower of rain fell soon after Champe's departure, which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of his horse; knowing, as officer and trooper did, the make of their shoes, the im- pression of which, was an unerring guide.* ♦ The horses hoiiii^ all shod by our own farriers, the shoes were made in the same form; which, with a private mark annexed to the fore shoes, and knowQ Who was sent in pursuit of Cliainpc? What instructions were given to him? What enabled them to pursue Champa's rout? Q2 178 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. When Middleton departed, it was a few minutes past twelve; so that Champe had only the start of rather more than an hour — by no means as long as was desired. The pursuing party during the night, was, on their part, delayed by the necessary halts to examine occasionally the road, as the impression of the horse's shoes directed their course ; this was unfortunately too evident, no other horse having passed along the road since the shower. When the day broke, Middleton was no longer forced to halt, and he pres- sed on with rapidity. Ascending an eminence before he reached the Three Pigions, some miles on the north of the village of Bergen, as the pursuing party reached its sum- mit, Champe was descried not more than half a mile in front. Resembling an Indian in his vigilance, the sergeant at the same moment discovered the party, to whose object he was no stranger, and giving spur to his horse, he deter- mined to outstrip his pursuers. Middleton at the same instant put his horses to the top of their speed ; and being, as the legion all were, well acquainted with the country, he recollected a short rout through the woods to the bridge below Bergen, which diverged from the great road just after you gain the Three Pigions. Reaching the point of separation, he halted ; and dividing his party, directed a sergeant with a ^ew dragoons to take the near cut, and possess with all possible despatch the bridge, while he with the residue followed Champe; not doubting but that Champe must deliver himself up, as he would be closed be- tween himself and his sergeant. Champe did not forget to the troopers, pointed out the trail of our dragoons to each other, which was often very useful. How long had be had the start of his pursuers? Where did the parties discover each other? Wbat course did MiddJeton now adopt? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 179 the short cut, and would have taken it himself, but he knew it was the usual rout of our parties when returning in the day from the neighborhood of the enemy, properly prefer- ring the woods to the road. He consequently avoided it; and persuaded that Middleton would avail himself of it, wisely resolved to relinquish his intention of getting to Powles-Hook, and to seek refuge from two British galleys, lying a few miles to the west of Bergen. This was a station always occupied by one or two gal- leys, and which it was known now lay there. Entering the village of Bergen, Champe turned to his right, and dis- guising his change of course as much as he could by tak- ing the beaten streets, turning as they turned, he passed through the village and took the road towards Elizabeth- town Point. Middleton's sergeant gained the bridge, where he concealed himself, ready to pounce upon Champe when he came up; and Middleton pursuing his course through Bergen, soon got also to the bridge, when, to his extreme mortification, he found that the sergeant had slipped through his fingers. Returning up the road, he inquired of the villagers of Bergen, whether a dragoon had been seen that morning ahead of his party. He was answered in the affirmative, but could learn nothing satisfactorily as to the rout he took. While engaged in inquiries himself, he spread his party through the village to strike the trail of Champe's horse, a resort always recurred to. Some of his dragoons hit it just as the sergeant, leaving the village, got in the road to the Point. Pursuit was renewed with vigor, and again Champe was descried. He, apprehending the event, had prepared himself for it, by lashing his valise Where did Champe seek refuge? When Middleton failed at the bridge, what course did he take? What event did Champe apprehend? What did he then do? 180 AMERICAN KEVOLUTION. (containing his clothes and orderly book) on his shoulders, and holding his drawn sword in his hand, having thrown away the scabbard. This he did to save what was indis- pensable to him, and to prevent any interruption to his swimming, should Middleton, as he presumed, when disap- pointed at the bridge, take the measures adopted by him. The pursuit was rapid and close, as the stop occasioned by the sergeant's preparations for swimming had brought Middleton within two or three hundred yards. As soon as Champe got abreast ot' the two galleys, he dismounted, and running through the marsh to the river, plunged into it, calling ujion the galleys tor help. This was readily given; they tired upon our horse, and sent a boat to meet Champe, who was taken in and carried on board, and conveyed to New York with a letter from the captain of the galley, stating the circumstances he had seen. The horse with his equipments, the sergeant's cloak and scabbard, were recovered; the sword itself being held by Champe until he plunged in the river, was lost, as jNIiddle- ton found it necessary to retire without searching for it. About three o'clock in the evening our party returned, and the soldiers seeing the well known horse in our pos- session, uiade the air resound with exclamations that the scoundrel was killed. Major Lee, called by this heart-rending annunciation from his tent, saw the sergeant's horse led by one of ^lid- dleton's dragoons, and began to reproach himself with the blood of the high prized, fi\ithful and intrepid Chann>e. Stiliinw his ajronv he advanced to meet Middleton, and be- How cloiso was Middleton in the pursuit? What was readily given? By whom? Where was Champe taken? At what time did the party return? What did the soUiiers do on seeing Champe 's horse? What Ls said of Major Lee at this time? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 181 came somewhat relieved as soon as he got near enough to discern the countenance of his olllcer and party. There was evidence in their looks of disappointment, and he was quickly relieved hy I\Iiddlcton''s information that the ser- geant had elleetcd his escape with the loss of his horse, and narrated the particulars just recited. Never was a happier conclusion. The sergeant escaped unhurt, carrying with him to the enemy undeniable testi- mony of the sincerity of his desertion, — cancelling every apprehension before entertained, lest the enemy might sus- pect him of being what lie really was. Major Lee imparted to the connnander-in-chief the oc- currence, who was sensibly ailected by the hairbreadth es- cape of Chanipe, and anticipated with pleasure the good effect sure to follow the enemy's knowledge of its manner. On the fourth day after Champe's departure, Major Lee received a letter from him, written the day before in a dis- guised hand, without any signature, and stating what had passed alter he got on board the galley,' where he was kindly received. He was carried to the commandant of New York as soon as he arrived, and presented the letter addressed to this officer from the captain of the galley. Being asked to what corps he belonged, and a few other common questions, he was sent under care of an orderly sergeant to the adjutant- general, who, finding that he was sergeant-major of the le- gion horse, heretofore remarkable for their fidelity, began to interrogate him. He was told by Champe, that such was the spirit of defection which prevailed among the Why was this a happy conclusion? How was WashiiiEtton afl'cctcd? What information did Lee receive from Cliampc? After he arrived at New York, where was he carried? What examination did he undergo? Wliat was his teply to the British comniandant? 182 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. American troops in consequence of Arnold's example, that he had no doubt, if the temper was properly cherished, Washington's ranks would not only be greatly thinned, but that some of his best corps would leave him. To this con- clusion, the sergeant said, he was led by his own observa- tions, and especially by his knowledge of the discontents which agitated the corps to which he had belonged. His size, place of birth, form, countenance, hair, the corps in which he had served, with other remarks, in conformity to the British usage, was noted down. After this was finish- ed, he was sent to the commander-in-chief, in charge of one of the staff, with a letter from the adjutant-general. Sir Henry Clinton treated him very kindly, and detained him more than one hour, asking him many questions, all lead- ing, — first, to know to what extent this spirit of defection might be pushed by proper incitements, — what the most operating incitements, — whether any general officers were suspected by Washington as concerned in Arnold's conspi- racy, or any other officers of note; — who they were, and whether the troops approved or censured Washington''s suspicions; — whether his popularity in the army was sink- ing, or continued stationary. What was Major Andre's situation, — whether any change had taken place in the manner of his confinement, — what was the current opinion of his probable fate, — and whether it was thought Wash- ington would treat him as a spy. To these various inter- rogations, some of which were perplexing, Champe an- swered warily ; exciting, nevertheless, hopes that the adop- tion of proper measures to encourage desertion (of which What was noted down? To whom was he then sent? How did Sir Henry Clinton treat him? What did Sir Henry wish first to know? How did Champe reply to these various enquiries? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 183 he could not pretend to form an opinion) would certainly bring otF hundreds of the American soldiers, including some of the best troops, horse as well as foot. Respecting the fate of Andre, he said he was ignorant, though there appeared to be a general wish in the army that his life should not be taken; and that he believed it would depend more upon the disposition of Congress, than on the will of Washington. After this long conversation ended, Sir Henry presented Champe with a couple of guineas, and recommended him to wait upon General Arnold, who was engaged in raising an American legion in the service of his Majesty. He di- rected one of his aids to write to Arnold by Champe, stating who he was, and what he had said about the disposition in the army to follow his example ; which being soon done, the letter was given to the orderly attending on Champe to be presented with the deserter to General Arnold. Arnold expressed much satisfaction on hearing from Champe the manner of his escape, and the effect of Arnold's example ; and concluded his numerous inquiries by assigning quar- ters to the sergeant, — the same as were occupied by his recruiting sergeants. He also proposed to Champe to join his legion, telling him he would give him the same station he had held in the rebel service, and promising further advancement when merited. Expressing his wish to retire from war, and his conviction of the certainty of his being hung if ever taken by the rebels, he begged to be excused from enlistment ;as- Wliat did lie say respecting; tlic fate of Andre? To whom was lie then sent? What was Gen. Arnold cngai^cd at this time in doing? What did Sir Henry Clinton direct one of his aids to do? How did Arnold receive Cliam[)e? What did he propose to liiin? How was this proposition received? 1 84 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. siiring the General, that should lie change his mind, ho would certainly accept his ofTcr. Retiring to his quarters, Champenow turned his attention to the delivery of his let- ters, which he could not edect until the next night, and then only to one of the two incogniti to whom he was recom- mended. This man received the sergeant with extreme attention, and having read the letter, assured Champe that he might rely on his faithful co-operation in every thing in his power consistent with his safety, to guard which re- quired the utmost ])ru(]ence and circumspection. The sole object in which the aid of this individual was required, re- garded the (Mineral and otluM's of our army, implicated in the' in fori nation sent to Washington by him. To this object Chainpe urged his attention; assuring him of the solicitude it had excited, and telling him that its speedy investigation had induced the General to send him in to New York. Promising to ent(u' upon it with zeal, and engaging to send out Champe''s letters to Major Lee, he fixed the time and place for their next meeting, when they separated. Major Lee made known to the General what had been transmitted to him by Cliampe, and received in answer di- rections to press Champe to the expeditious conclusion of his mission ; as the fate of Andre would be soon decided, when little or no delay could be admitted in executing what- ever sentence the court might decree. The same messen- ger who brought Champe's letter, returned with the order- ed communication. Five days had nearly elapsed after reaching Now York, before Champe saw the confidant to What did he then turn his attention to? Ilovv did this man receive iiim? In wliat respect was the aid of tiiisman required? What passed l)olw(!cn Lee and Washin<;ton? Wliat answer was received from Washington? Whom did Champe bcc after five days? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 185 whom only the attempt against Arnold was to be intrust- ed. This person entered with promptitude into the design, promising his cordial assistance. To procure a proper as- sociate for Champe was the first object, and this he pro- mised to do with all possible despatch. B'urnishing a con- veyance to Major Lee, to whom Champe stated that he had that morning (the last of September) been appointed one of Arnold's recruiting sergeants, having enlisted the day be- fore with 7\rnold ; and that he was induced to take this afflicting step, for the purpose of securing uninterrupted ingress and egress to the house which the General occupi- ed; it being indispensable to a speedy conclusion of the difficult enterprise which the information he had just re- ceived had so forcibly urged. He added, that tlie difficul- ties in his way were numerous and stubborn, and that his prospect of success was by no means cheering. With res- pect to the additional treason, he asserted that he had every reason to believe that it was groundless; that the report took its rise in the enemy's camp, and that he hoped soon to clear up that matter satisfactorily. The pleasure which the last part of this communication affljrded, was damped by the tidings it imparted respecting Arnold, as on his spee- dy delivery depended Andre's relief. The interposition of Sir Henry Clinton, who was extremely anxious to save his aid-de-car ip, still continued; and it was expected the ex- amination of witnesses and the defence of the prisoner, would protract the decision of the court of inquiry, now as- IIow did tliis por«ori enter into the measure? What was it the first object to procure? What appointment had Cliampe received? Why was he induced to take this step? Wliat did he Hay respecting the additional treason? How wastiie pleasure, which the last part of this communication afforded Major Lee, damped? What did Sir Henry Clinton continue to do? R 186 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. sembled, and give sufficient time for the consuniniatioii of the project committed to Champe. A complete disappoint- ment took place from a quarter unforeseen and unexpected. The honorable and accomplished Andre, knowing his guilt, disdained defence, and prevented the examination of witnesses by confessing the character in which he stood. On the next day, (the 2d of October) the court again as- sembled; when every doubt that could possibly arise in the case having been removed by the previous confession, An- dre v»-as declared to be a spy, and condemned to sutler ac- cordingly. The sentence was executed on the subsequent day in the usual form, the commander-in-chief deeming it improper to interpose any delay. The fate of Andre, hastened by himself, deprived the enterprise committed to Champe of a feature which had been highly prized by its projector, and which had very much engaged the heart of the individual chosen to exe- cute it. Champe deplored the sad necessity which had occurred, and candidly confessed that the hope of enabling Washing- ton to save the life of Andre, (who had been the subject of universal commiseration in the American camp) greatly contributed to remove the serious difficulties which oppos- ed his acceding to the proposition when first propounded. Some documents accompanied this communication, tending to prove the innocence of the accused General ; they were completely satisfactory, and did credit to the discrimina- Whnt was expected? How was a complete disappointment produced? On the 2d of October, what took place? What took place? How? What did the late of Andre do? Champe deplored what? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 187 tioii, 7.cal, and diligence of the sergeant. Nothing now re- mained to be done, but tl\e seizure and safe delivery of Ar- nold. To this subjeet Champe gave his undivided atten- tion. Ten days elapsed before Chamjie brought his measures to conclusion, when Major Lee received from him his final communication, appointing the third subsequent night for a party of dragoons to meet him at llobokcn, when he hop- ed to deliver Arnold to the oilicer. Champe had from his enlistment into the American legion, (Arnold^s corps) every opportunity he could wish, to attend to the habits of the General. He discovered that it was his custom to return home about twelve every night, and that previous to going to bed he always visited the garden. During this visit the conspirators were to seize him, and being prepared with a gag, intended to have applied the same instantly. Adjoining the house in which Arnold resided, and that in which it was designed to seize and gag him, Champe had taken off several of the palings and replaced them, so that with care and without noise he could readily open his way to the adjoining alley. Into this alley he meant to have conveyed his prisoner, aided by his companion, one of two associates who had been introduced by the friend to whom Champe had been originally made known by letter from the commander-in-chief, and with whose aid and counsel he had so far conducted the enterprise. His other associate was with the boat prepared at one of the wharves on the Hudson river, to receive the party. Champe and his friend intended to have placed them- selves each under Arnold's shoulder, and to have thus Wlmt rcnmincil now to be done? Where was a party of dragoons to meet Clianipc? What was Arnold's custom? Wlmt was to be done in the garden? 188 AJIERICAN REVOLUTION. borne him through the most unfrequented alleys and streets to the boat; representing Arnold, in case of being questioned, as a drunken soldier, whom they were convey- ing to the guard-house. When arrived at the boat the difficulties would be all surmounted, there being no danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey shore. The day arrived, and Major Lee with a party of dragoons left camp late in the evening, with three led horses; one for Arnold, one for the sergeant, and the third for his associate, never doubting the success of the enterprise, from the tenor of the last received commu- nication. The .party reached Hoboken about midnight, where they were concealed in the adjoining wood, — Lee, with three dragoons, stationing himself near the river shore. Hour after hour passed, — no boat approached. At length the day broke and the IMajor retired to his party, and with his led horses returned to camp, when he pro- ceeded to head-quarters to inform the General of the disap- pointment, as mortitying as inexplicable. In a few days, Major Lee received an anonymous letter from Champe's patron and friend, informing him that on the day previous to the night fixed for the execution of the plot, Arnold had removed his quarters to another part of the town, to superintend the embarkation of troops, pre- paring (as was rumored) for an expedition to be directed by himself; and that the American legion, consisting chief- ly of deserters, had been transferred from their barracks to one of the transports; it being apprehended that if left on shore until the expedition was ready, many of them might desert. Thus it happened that John Champe, in- Describe the preparations and arrangements for taking Arnold off? What party reached Hoboken about midnight? What letter was received a few days aftear* What were its contents? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 189 Stead of crossing the Hudson that night, was safely depos- ited on board one of the fleet of transports, from whence he never departed until the troops under Arnold landed in Virginia! Nor was he able to escape from the British army until after the junction of Lord Cornwallis at Peters- burg, when he deserted ; and proceeding high up into Vir- ginia, he passed into North Carolina near the Saura towns, and keeping in the friendly districts of that State, safely joined the army soon after it had passed the Congaree in pursuit of Lord Rawdon. His appearance excited extreme surprise among his for- mer comrades, which was not a little increased when they saw the cordial reception he met with from Lieutenant- Colonel Lee. His whole story soon became known to the corps, which re-produced the love and respect of officer and soldier, heightened by universal admiration of his daring and arduous attempt. Champe was introduced to General Greene, who cheer- fully complied with the promises made by the commander- in-chief, as far as in his power; and having provided the sergeant with a good horse and money for his journey, sent him to General Washington, who munificently antici- pated every desire of the sergeant, and presented him with a discharge from further service,* lest he might in the vi- * "When General Washington was called by President Adams to the com- mand of tlie army, prepared to defend the country from French hostility, he sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Lee to inquire for Champe; being determined to bring him into the field at the head of a company of infantry. When, and where, did Champe desert? How was he received by Col. Lee, and his former comrades? What did his story produce? How was Champe treated by Greene? How by Washington? What did Wu-sliington present him with? Why? E 2 190 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. cissitudes of war, fall into the enemy's hands ; when, if re- cognized, he was sure to die on a gibbet. SECTION XXXIII. CAMPAIGN OF 1781— DEFEAT OF GREENE, BY LORD CORN- WALLIS. Though the Spaniards and the Dutch had united with France in hostility against Britain, she, with dauntless spirit, every where made head against her foreign ene- mies; and his Majesty's ministers were now, still more than ever, determined, by an extension of combined mea- sures, to reduce the North American provinces to submis- sion. The plan of the campaign of 1781, accordingly, comprehended active operations in the States of New York, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. The invasion of the last mentioned province was intrusted to Arnold, who, taking with him a force of about 1600 men, and a number of armed vessels, sailed up the Chesapeake, spreading ter- ror and devastation wherever he came. An attempt to in- tercept him was made by the French fleet, which sailed from Rhode Island for that purpose; but after an indeci- sive engagement with the squadron of Admiral Arbuthnot, off the capes of Virginia, was obliged to return to Newport, leaving the invaded province open to the incursiqns of the •' Colonel Lee sent to Loudon county, where Champe settled after his dis- charge from the army; but learned that the gallant soldier had removed to Ken- tucky, and had soon after died." Who had united with France? What were his Majesty's ministers determined more than ever to do? What was the plan of the campaign of 1781? To whom was the invasion of Virginia intrusted? What attempt was made to intercept his proceedings? How did he discharge liis trust? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 191 British, who, making occasional advances into the country, destroyed an immense quantity of public stores, and en- riched themselves with an extensive plunder of private property, at the same time burning all the shipping in the Chesapeake and its tributary streams, which they could not conveniently carry away as prizes. The Carolinas also suffered severely by the scourge of war. When Gates was superseded in the command of the American forces in that district, ho was succeeded by General Greene, to whose charge he transferred the poor remains of his army, which were collected at Charlotte, in North Carolina, and which amounted only to 2000 men. These troops were imper- fectly armed and badly clothed; and such was the poverty of their military chest, that they were obliged to supply themselves with provisions by forced requisitions made up- on the inhabitants of the adjacent country. In these cir- cumstances, to encounter the superior numbers of the ene- my in pitched battle would have been madness. Greene, therefore, resolved to carry on the war as a partisan officer, and to avail himself of every opportunity of harassing the British in detail. The first enterprise which he undertook in prosecution of this system was eminently successful. Understanding that the inhabitants of the district of Ninety-six, who had submitted to the royal authority, were severely harassed by the licensed acts of plunder committed by the king's troops and the loyalists, he sent General Morgan into that quarter with a small detachment, which was, on its arrival, speedily increased by the oppressed countrymen, who were burning for revenge. Lord Cornwallis, who was, at this Who succeeded Gates in the Carolinas? What was the number and situation of the remains of the array? In what way did Greene resolve to carry on the war? Describe his first enterprise. 192 A3rEEICAN EEVOLUTIOX. moment, on the point of invading North Carolina, no sooner heard of this movement, than he sent Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton with 1100 men, to drive i\lorgan out of the dis- trict. Tarleton was an excellent partisan othcer, and had gained great reputation by his superior activity, and by his success in various rencounters with detached parties of the republican troops. This success, however, and the superiority of his numbers to those of Morgan's forces, caused him too much to despise the enemy. In pursuance of Lord Cornwall is*s orders, he marched in quest of his antagonist, and, on the evening of the 16th of January, 1781, he arrived at the ground which General ]\Iorgan had quitted but a few hours before. At two o'clock the next morning he recommenced his pursuit of the enemy, march- ing with extraordinary rapidity through a very ditlicult country, and at daylight he discovered the enemy in his front. From the intelligence obtained from prisoners who were taken by his scouting parties, he learned that i\Iorgan awaited his attack at a place called the Cowpens, near Pa- colet river. Here the American commiander had d^a^vnup his little army, two-thirds of which consisted of militia, in two lines, the first of which was advanced about two hun- dred yards be lore the second, with orders to ibrm on the right of the second in case the onset of the enemy should oblige them to retire. The rear was closed by a small body of regular cavalry, and about forty-five mounted mili- tia-men. On the sight of this array, Tarleton ordered his troops to form in line. But before this arrangement was effected, that officer, obeying the dictates of valor rather than those of prudence, commenced the attack, heading his Whom did Cornwallis send against Morgan? How was Tarleton distinguished? Where did Morgan await for liim? How was his army arranged? AMERICAN KEVOLTJTION. 1 9o squadron in person. The British advanced with a shout, and assailed the enemy with a well-directed discharge of musketry. The Americans reserved their fire till the British were within forty or fifty yards of their ranks, and then poured among them a volley which did considerable execution. The British, however, undauntedly pushed on and swept the militia off the field. They then assailed the second line, and compelled it to fall back on the cavalry. Here the Americans rallied, and renewed the fight with desperate valor; charging the enemy with fixed bayonets, they drove back the advance, and following up their suc- cess, overthrew the masses of their opponents as they pre- sented themselves in succession, and finally won a complete and decisive victory. Tarleton ficd from the bloody field, leaving his artillery and baggage in the possession of the enemy. His loss amounted to 300 killed and wounded, and 500 prisoners, whilst that of the Americans was only twelve killed and sixty wounded. Immediately after the action, General Greene sent off his prisoners, under a proper guard, in the direction of Virginia; and as soon as he had made the requisite arrangements, he followed them with his little army. On receiving intelligence of Tarle- ton's disaster, Lord Cornwallis hastened in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and forced his marches with such effect, that he reached the Catawba river on the evening of the day on which Morgan had crossed it ; but here his progress was for a short while impeded, as a heavy fall of rain had rendered the stream impassable. When the waters subsi- ded, he hurried on, hoping to overtake the fugitives before Describe the batUe? What was Tarlcton's loss in killcil, wounded and prisoners? Whither did Greene send his prisoners? Where did Cornwallis follow in pursuit? What impeded his progress? 194 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. they had passed the Yadkin; but when he had arrived at that river, he found to his mortification tliat they had crossed it, and had secured the craft and boats which they had used for that purpose on the eastern bank. He there- fore marched higher up the stream, till he found the river fordable. Whilst he was employed in this circuitous movement. General Green had united his forces with those of Morgan, at Guildford Court House. Still, however, the forces of the American commander were so inferior to those of his pursuers, that, not daring to risk an engage- ment, he hastened straight onwards to the river Dan; whilst Lord Cornwallis, traversing the upper country, where the streams are fordable, proceeded, in the hope that he might gain upon the enemy, so as to overtake them, in consequence of their being obstructed in their progress by the deep water below. But so active was Greene, and so fortunate in finding the means of conveyance, that he crossed the Dan into Virginia, with his whole army, artil- lery and baggage. So narrow, however, was his escape, that the van of Cornwallis's army arrived in time to witness the ferrying over of his rear. Mortified as Lord Cornwallis was by being thus disap- pointed of the fruits of this toilsome march, he consoled himself by the reflection that, the American army being thus driven out of North Carolina, he was master of that province, and was in a condition to recruit his forces by the accession of the loyalists, with whom he had been led to believe that it abounded. He therefore summoned all true subjects of his majesty to repair to the royal standard, which What further? What did Greene do in the meantime? Wliither did he then hasten? By what was Lord Cornwallis mortified? How consoled? Whom did he summons? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 195 he had erected at Hillsborough. This experiment liad lit- tle success. The friends of government were in general timid, and diffident of his lordship's power ultimately to protect them. Their terrors were confirmed, when they learned that the indefatigable Greene had recrossed the Dan, and had cut off a body of tories who were on their march to join the royal forces, and that he had compelled Tarleton to retreat from the frontier of the province to Hillsborough. For seven days, the American commander maneuvered within ten miles of the British camp ; and at the end of that time, having received reinforcements from Virginia, he resolved to give Lord Cornwallis battle. The engagement took place on the 15th of March, at Guildford. The American army consisted of 4400 n^en, and the British of only 2400; but notwithstanding this disparity of num- bers, disciplined valor prevailed. The American militia gave way with precipitation, and though the regulars fought with spirit, they were obliged to retreat, but only to the distance of three miles. Lord Cornwallis kept the field, but he had suffered such loss in the action, that he was una- ble to follow up his victory, and soon afterwards marched towards Wilmington, leaving behind him his sick and wounded. On this march he was pursued by Greene as far as Deep river. With what success? Why? How were their terrors confirmed? What did Greene do for seven daj's? Where did a battle take place? Of what number did the American army consist? What the British i What was the result? 196 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. SECTION XXXIV. CAMPAIGN OF 1781 CONTINUED— DEFEAT OF LORD RAWDON, BY GENERAL GREENE. At Wilmington, Lord Cornwallis made a halt for three days, for the purpose of giving his troops some rest; and at the end of that time, resolving to carry the war into Virginia, he marched to Petersburgh, an inland town of that province, situated on James river. Hither it was ex- pected that he would have been followed by the enemy ; but Greene being aware that his lordship had by this move- ment ^approahed nearer to the main army of the Ameri- cans, and confident that his motions would be closely watched by the Virginia militia, after mature considera- ation adopted the bold measure of again penetrating into South Carolina. That province was in the military occu- pation of the British, who were, indeed, harassed by tlic partisan troops of Marion and Sumpter, but were in such apparent strength, that there was reason to fear that the republicans, if not aided by further support, would abandon the cause of their country in despair.* The British had " * There were yet some citizens, who, in all fortunes, adhered with firmness to the cause of independence. Of these, in one part of the State, General Sump- ter was the leader, in another. General Marion. The cavalry of the latter were so destitute of the weapons of war, that they were obliged to cut their swords from the saws of the sawmills. He was so successful in concealing himself in woods and marshes, that the enemy were never able to attack or discover him. From these dark retreats he often sallied forth, and fell unexpectedly upon parties of the enemy, when marching through the coun- try, or posted in garrisons to overawe the inhabitants. In one of these sal- lies, he released one hundred and fifty continentals captured at Camden. His What did Cornwallis resolve? What measure did Greene adopt? What was the state of affairs in South Carolina at this time? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 197 formed chains of posts, which extending from the sea to the western extremity of the province, maintained a mutual (communication by strong patrols and bodies of horse. The first of these lines of defence was established on the Wa- teree, on the banks of which river the British occupied the well-fortified town of Camden, and fort Watson, situated between that place and Charleston. The attack of the fort, Greene intrusted to Marion, who soon compelled its garri- son to surrender on capitulation. In encountering Lord Rawdon, near Camden, Greene was not so fortunate. In consequence of the unsteadiness of a few of his troops, he was defeated, but moved off the ground in such good order that he saved his artillery, and though wounded, he took up a position, at the distance of about five miles from Cam- den, from which he sent out parties to intercept the sup- plies, of which he was apprised that his antagonist was in the utmost need. In consequence of the vigilance of Greene, in cutting off his resources, and of the loss of Fort Watson, which had been the link of his communication with Charleston, Lord Rawdon, after liaving in vain en- deavored to bring on a second general engagement with the Americans, was reduced to the necessity of destroying a part of his baggage, and retreating to the south side of the river Santee. This retrograde movement encouraged the friends of Congress to resume their arms, and hasten to reinforce the corps of Marion, who speedily made him- repeatcd and successful excursions preserved alive the spirit of resistance, and his high fame as a partizan was never tarnished by any violation of the laws of war or humanity." How were the British posts situated? WTiat service did Marion perform? In what did Greene fail? Why? What was Lord Rawdon obliged to do? What were the effects of this movement? s 198 AMERICAN REVOLUTION. self master of the British posts on the Congaree, the garri- sons of which were in general made prisoners, whilst those which escaped that fate by a timely evacuation of their positions, made good their retreat to the capital of the province. Savannah river now presented the last line of defence held by the British, who there possessed the town of Augusta and the post of Ninety-six. The former of those places was attacked by Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, and after a defence of unprecedented obstinacy on the part of its commander. Colonel Brown, it surrendered on honora- ble terms. The important post of Ninety-six, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Cruger, was strongly fortified, and defended by 500 men. On reconnoitering the place, General Greene, whose army was not much more numerous than the garrison, determined to besiege it in form. He accord- ingly broke ground on the 25th of i\Iay, and pushed his works with such vigor, that he had approached within six yards of the ditch, and had erected a mound thirty feet high, from which his riflemen poured their shot with fatal aim upon the opposite parapet of the enemy, who were hourly expected to beat a parley. But this bright prospect of success was at once overclouded by the arrival of intel- ligence that Lord Rawdon, having received reinforcements from Ireland, was hastening to the relief of his country- men, at he head of 2000 men. In this extremity, Greene made a desperate eflbrt to carry tlie place by assault, but was repulsed, and evacuating the works whiqli he had con- structed with so much labor, he retreated to the northward Of what posts did Marion make himself master? What were the possessions of the British now confined to? j Who took the town of Augusta? What was tlie situation of the post of Nmety-six? By whom was it attacked? Describe the plan of the battle? What was the result? Why? AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 199 across the Saluda, from whence he was chased by Lord Rawdon beyond the Ennorce. The feelings of the American commander on seeing the fruit of his toils thus suddenly and unexpectedly torn from his grasp, must have been of a most agonizing nature. But Greene was gifted with an elasticity of spirit which pre- vented him from yielding to the pressure of misfortune, and his opponents seldom found him more dangerous than immediately after suffering a defeat. On the present occa- sion, when some of his counsellors, in the moment of des- pondency, advised him to retreat into Virginia, he firmly replied, that ' he would save South Carolina, or perish in the attempt.' On maturely deliberating on the object ef the campaign, and on the relative situation of himself and the enemy, he was well aware that though Lord Eawdon was superior to him in the number as well as the discipline of his troops ; yet, if his lordship kept his army concentra- ted, he could afford no encouragement, or even protection, to the royalists, and that if it were divided, it might be beaten in detail. As he expected, the British commander, fnidinfr that he could not brinsj him to an en^a2;ement, took the latter course, and withdrawing a detachment from Ninety-six, re-established himself on the line of the Con- garee. Within two days, however, after his arrival at the banks of that river, he was astonished to find his indefati- gable enemy in his front, with numbers so recruited, that he thought it prudent to decline the battle which was offered him, and retreated to Orangcburgh, where he was joined What were the feelines of Gen. Greene at this time? What was a peculiar characteristic of him? On this occasion what was he advised to do? WJiat was his reply? On mature deliberation what was he well aware of? What course did the British commander adopt? By wliat was he astonished? 200 . AMERIC-IN KEVOLUTIOX. by Licutcnant-Coloncl Cniger, who, in the present circum- stances, had thought it expedient to evacuate his post at Ninety-six. On the junction of the forces of these two commanders, Greene retired to the heights above Santee, from whence he sent his active coadjutors. Clarion and Sumpter, with strong scouting parties, to interrupt the communication between Orangeburgh aud Charleston. As a last effort to maintain their influence in the center of the province, the British took post in force near the confluence of the Waterec and the Congaree; but on the approach of Greene, they retreated for the space of forty miles, and waited his threatened attack at the Eutaw Springs.* Here * '"On the 8th of September, at four in tlie morning. General Greene advance*! wit]i 2000 men, to attack them in their encampment. Eis army moved from the ground in the following order. The South and North Carolina militia, com- manded by Generals Marion and Pickens, and by Colonel Malmedy, ronitiosai the front line; the continental troops, from North Carolina, Virginia, and Ma- ryland, led on by General Sumner, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and Colonel Williams, composed the second line. The legion of Lieutenant-Colonel Loo covered tlie right flank; and the State troops of Soutii Carolina, under Lieuten- ant-Colonel Henderson, covered the left. Lieutenant-Colonel Wasliington with his cavalry, and Captain Kirkwood with the Delaware troops, formed a corji? de resers-e. As the army advanced, tlie van fell in with two parties of tlie Britisli, about four miles from tl.e camp of Eutaw, and was briskly attacke