E 
 312 
 
 .L73 
 
 Washington 
 
 i|^H 
 
Encampment at Valley Forge. 
 
 Washinsfton takiuff leave of his Officers. 
 
THE LIFE 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY 
 
 TALES, SKETCHES AND ANECDOTES. 
 
 ADAPTED TO THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 
 
 WITH ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 DESILVER, THOMAS & CO., 
 
 NO. 253 MARKET STREET. 
 
 1837. 
 

 Entered, according to Act ofCongress/inthe year one thousand 
 eight hundred and thirty-two, by Samuel G. Goodrich, in the 
 Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I.— Birth of Washington. Early Education. French 
 Claims. Expedition to the Ohio. Appointed Lieutenant Colonel. 
 March to the Great Meadows. Surrender of Fort Necessity. 
 March of General Braddock. Defeat. Depredations of the Indians. 
 Desertion of Fort Du Quesne, Retirement of Washington 7 
 
 CHAPTER II.— Taxation of the Colonies. Congress at Philadel- 
 phia. Washington chosen Commander in Chief: An-ival at Cam- 
 bridge. Position of the American Troops. British Army. Want 
 of Ammunition. Difficulty of enlisting Soldiers, Possession of 
 Dorchester Heights 20 
 
 CHAPTER III.— Evacuation of Boston. Anecdote. Entrance of 
 the American Army. March to New York. Atrocious Plot. In- 
 dependence. Attempts of Lord Howe at Ne^tiation. Mission of 
 Colonel Patterson. Orders of Washington. Battle at Long Island. 
 Retreat of the American Army 30 
 
 CHAPTER IV. — Communication to Congress. Evacuation of Ne\f 
 York. A successful Skirmish, Loss of Forts Washington and 
 Lee. Proclamation of Pardon. Retreat. Capture of General 
 Lee. Passage of the Delaware. Letter to Congress. Situation 
 of the British Army 33 
 
 CHAPTER V. — Army recrosses the Delaware. Battle of Trenton. 
 Retreat. Victory at Princeton. Winter Quarters. Treatment of 
 American Prisoners. Encampment west of Philadelphia. Battle 
 of the Brandywine. General Howe enters Philadelphia 48 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Works on the Delaware. Battle of Germantown. 
 Forts taken. Encampment at White Marsh. Winter Quarters at 
 Valley Forge. Suflerings of the Americans. Plan to supplant 
 General Washington. His Letters on the Subject. Situation of the 
 Army at Valley Forge 56 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— Preparations for the Campaign. Alliance with 
 France. Sir Henry Clinton. Battle of Monmouth. Trial of Gen- 
 eral Lee. French Fleet. Violent* Storm. Difficulty with Count 
 D'Estaing. Plan for the Reduction of Canada. Views of the Brit- 
 ish Government v> 64 
 
 CHAPTER VIIL— Trouble in the Jersey ^rigade. Letters from 
 Washington. Reply. Wretched Condition of the Army. Expe- 
 dition against the Indians. Capture of Stony Point. Paules Hook. 
 Assault upon Savannah. Winter Quarters. Sufferings of the 
 Soldiers 72 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Expedition to Staten Island. Review of four Bat- 
 talions. Parade of the whole Army. Death of Miralles. Situa- 
 
 1* 
 
vi CONTENTS. 
 
 tion of the Officers. Loss of Charleston. Lafayette. French 
 Armament. Designs on New York. Indian Chiefs review the 
 Army 79 
 
 CHAPTER X.— The Story of the Treachery of Arnold 87 
 
 CHAPTER XI.— The Story of Sergeant Champe 95 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— Revolt on the Night of New Year. A second 
 Revolt. Troops sent against the Insurgents. Ringleaders shot. 
 Anecdote. Army marches through Philadelphia. An Eimusing 
 Letter. Arrival of Count de Grasse. Siege of Yorktown 105 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— Siege continued. Assault of British Redoubts. 
 Anecdote. Surrender of Yorktown. Anecdotes. Proclcmiation 
 of Congress. Army returns to the Vicinity of New York. Mutiny. 
 Celebration of the Birth of the Dauphin 113 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— Murder of Captain Huddy. Council of War de- 
 termine upon Retaliation. Story of Captain Asgill. Parade of 
 the Troops. Compliment from Count Kochambeau. Claims of 
 the Army. Anonymous Addresses. Washington's Interview witu 
 the Officers. Letter to Congress. Cessation of Hostilities. Wash- 
 ington's Address to the Army, Mutiny among some Pennsylvania 
 Troops 123 
 
 CHAPTER XV.— Conduct of Washington towards the Mutineers. 
 His Address to Congress. Farewell Orders to the Anny. Dis- 
 banding of the Troops. British evacuate New York. Splendid 
 Entertainment. Society of Cincinnati. Parting Scene 132 
 
 CHAPTER XVI.— Anecdote of Baron de Steuben. A Whale or 
 an Eel ? The Dwarf of Tatawa Falls. General Gates. Amusing 
 Spleen of General Lee. General Knox. Washington's Opinion 
 of General Greene. General Lincoln. Marquis de Lafayette. 
 Congress express their Respect for him. His Reply 139 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— Washington's Resignation. Address to Con- 
 gress. Mount Vernon. Calling of a Convention. Washington 
 elected President. Passage to New York. Decoration of Gray's 
 Bridge. Triumphal Arch at Trenton. Landing at New Yoric. 
 Ceremonies of Inauguration 147 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIL— State of Foreign Affairs. Peace made with 
 the Creek Indians. War between France and Great Britain. 
 W^ashington retires from Office. Denies the Authorship of certain 
 Letters. Mr. Adams inaugurated. Difficulties with France. Com- 
 mander in Chief. His Letter to Congress. Peaceful Arrange- 
 ments. Death of Washington 165 
 
 CHAPTER XIX:— Proceedings of Congress. Extract of a Letter 
 from Mrs. Washington. Tributes of Respect from the People. 
 Anecdotes of Washington. Travelling on Sunday. His Punctu- 
 ality. Captain Pease and the Horses. His Liberality. Old 
 Lydick , ..••....165 
 
 CHAPTER XX.— Personal Appearance of Washington. Descrip- 
 tion by Dr. Thacher. Remarks upon his Character 173 
 
THE 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Birth of Washington — Early Education — French Claims — Expe- 
 dition to the Ohio — appointed Lieutenant Colonel — March to 
 the Great Meadmi'S— -Surrender of Fort JYecessity—March oj 
 General Braddock — Defeat — Depredations of the Indians-— 
 Desertion of Fort Du Quesne — Retirement of Washington. 
 
 1. George Washington was born at Bridges Creek, 
 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on the twenty-sec- 
 ond of February, 1732. He was the son of Augustine 
 Washington, a descendant of one of the earliest settlers 
 of the first English Colony in America. His father 
 died, and left him at the age of ten years to be educa 
 ted by an intelligent and affectionate mother. She 
 devoted herself to the care of her children, and lived 
 to reap the full reward of her anxious labors. 
 
 2. In the youth of George Washington, the means 
 of instruction in America were very limited. He 
 
 I. When was Washington born? What of his father .? His 
 mother ' 
 
8 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 received merely an English education, of which math- 
 ematics formed the most important study. This was 
 of advantage to him in early life, in the practice of 
 his profession as a surveyor ; and in later years, in its 
 connexion with military science. At the age of fifteen, 
 he was desirous to enter the British navy, and obtained 
 the place of a midshipman ; but the interference of 
 his mother prevented him from adopting this course 
 oflife. 
 
 3. Of the childhood and early youth of Washington, 
 no authentic anecdotes have been preserved. He is 
 described, however, as silent, diligent, and methodical ; 
 dignified in his appearance, and strictly honorable in 
 all his conduct. A strong proof that he was regarded 
 with respect and confidence, is found in the fact ot 
 his appointment to be one of the Adjutant Generals of 
 Virginia, when only nineteen years of age. From 
 this he was soon called to higher honors and services. 
 He was hardly twenty-one, when the government ot 
 his native colony entrusted him with the performance 
 of a very important and difficult commission. 
 
 4. The French were the first European discoverers 
 of the Mississippi, and claimed all those regions whose 
 waters emptied into that river. They had just formed 
 
 2. What of his education ? How was the study of mathe- 
 matics an advantage to Washington ? What course oflife was 
 he anxious to adopt at the age of fifteen ? 3. How is he de- 
 scribed when young ? To what office was he appointed at 
 nineteen ? What happened after this ? 4. What of the 
 French ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 9 
 
 a plan of connecting their extensive possessions ui 
 America, by the union of Louisiana with Canada. In 
 pursuance of this design, a line of military posts from 
 the Lakes to the Ohio had been recently commenced. 
 This territory was situated within the boundaries ot 
 Virginia, and the Governor of that province deemed it 
 his duty to remonstrate against encroachments, which 
 he considered the violation of previous treaties. He 
 determined to send an agent to the French command- 
 ant on the Ohio, to convey his views upon this 
 important and delicate subject. He selected for this 
 purpose Mr. Washington. 
 
 5. He left Williamsburg on the day he received his 
 commission, and on the fourteenth of November 
 reached the extreme frontier settlement of Virginia. 
 Having procured guides to conduct him over the 
 Alleghany mountains, he immediately pursued his 
 journey. The weather was very stormy, and the snow 
 deep ; and a great part of his course lay through an 
 unexplored wilderness. He very wisely secured the 
 friendship of some Indian chiefs, who guided him to 
 the fort at French Creek, where he found the com- 
 manding officer on the Ohio. Delivering his letters, 
 in three or four days he received an official reply. 
 
 6. He immediately departed on his return. Finding 
 the snow deep, and his horses weakened with fatigue, 
 he determined to pursue his way on foot. He took 
 
 What work had been recently commenced by the French ? 
 What of the governor of Virginia? Whom did he appoint his 
 agent.? 5. Relate his journey through the wilderness? 
 
10 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 his necessary papers, a gun, and a pack, and wrapping 
 himself in his watch-coat, set out with a single com- 
 panion. On the day tbllowing, they fell in with a 
 party of French Indians, one of whom fired upon 
 them. They took this Indian prisoner, and kept him 
 until nine o'clock in the evening, when they released 
 him, and walked without stopping, all the rest of the 
 night, in order to be out of the reach of pursuit. 
 
 7. They found the river, which they reached about 
 dark on the next day, frozen but about fifty yards 
 from each shore. It was therefore necessary to build 
 a raft. They had but one poor hatchet, and after a 
 day's work were able to get their raft under way 
 Before getting half over, they were enclosed with the 
 ice, and expected to be dashed to pieces. In putting 
 out his pole to stop the raft, that the ice might pass by, 
 Washington was violently jerked into ten feet water, 
 and saved himself by catching hold of one of the raft 
 logs. They were obliged to quit their rafts, and with 
 difficulty reached an Island in safety. The cold was 
 excessively severe, and Mr. Gist, the guide, had his 
 hands and feet badly frozen. The next day they 
 passed the river on the ice, and reached Williamsburg 
 on the sixteenth of January, 1754. The conduct of 
 Washington in this enterprise added to his reputation 
 for judgment and firmness. 
 
 8. As the answer of the French Commandant shew 
 
 How did he return ? What of the French Indians ? 7. Re- 
 late the adventures of Washington and his companion upon 
 the river Ohio, When did they reach Williimsburg ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 11 
 
 no intention of withdrawing from the disputed territory 
 the assembly of Virginia determined to maintain by 
 force the rights of the British crown. A regiment was 
 immediately raised of three hundred men. The com- 
 mand of this body was given to Mr. Fry, and Wash- 
 ington was appointed lieutenant colonel. Desirous ta 
 engage in active service, and take as early measures 
 as possible in defence of the colony, Washington ob- 
 tained permission to march in advance of the other 
 troops, to Great Meadows. On reaching this place, 
 he learned from the friendly Indians that a party of 
 the French were encamped in a valley a few miles to 
 the west. The night was dark and rainy, and en- 
 tirely concealed the movements of the troops. They 
 surrounded the French camp, and took it completely 
 by surprise. The commanding officer was the only 
 one killed. 
 
 9. From the death of Colonel Fry, which took place 
 shortly after this affair, the command of the regiment 
 devolved upon Washington. All the forces now as- 
 sembled at Great Meadows, to the amount of about 
 four hundred men. A small stockade was erected, 
 afterwards called Fort Necessity. Leaving here the 
 horses and provisions, with a few soldiers to guard 
 them, the main body moved forward, with the intention 
 of dislodging the French from Fort Du Quesne. 
 ■ — — —% 
 
 8. What did the Assembly of Virginia do ? Describe the 
 service that Washington performed. 9. By what circumstance 
 did he obtain the command of the regiment ? What of Fort 
 Necessity ? 
 
12 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 They had proceeded but a few miles, when informa- 
 tion was brought by a friendly chief, that the French 
 were advancing, as numerous as pigeons in the woods, 
 and that the fort had been strongly reinforced. 
 
 10. A council of war was called, and it was deter- 
 mined to retire immediately to the Great Meadows. 
 This was put into execution without delay, and every 
 exertion made to place Fort Necessity in a state of 
 defence. A ditch was commenced, but before its com- 
 pletion the enemy appeared, to the number of about 
 fifteen hundred men. They attacked the fort with 
 great fury, from the cover of trees and high grass with 
 which that country abounds. The Americans re- 
 ceived them with valour ; some fighting in the ditch, 
 some within the stockade. Washington remained 
 during the whole day on the outside of the fort, en- 
 couraging the men by his cool and intrepid example. 
 
 11. The engagement continued from ten in the 
 morning till dark, when the French general demanded 
 a parley, and offered terms of capitulation. These 
 were refused, but in the course of the night other pro- 
 posals were at length accepted. The fort was sur- 
 rendered on condition that the garrison should march 
 out with the honors of war, should be permitted to 
 retain their arms and baggage, and to march without 
 molestation into the inhabited parts of Virginia. A 
 
 What was the intention of the main body of troops ? 10. 
 Why was a council of war called, and what was determined up- 
 on .? What happened while the Americans were repairing their 
 fort ? 11 . On what conditions was the fort at length surrendered ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 13 
 
 public vote of thanks was given to Washington, and 
 the officers under his command, for their conduct 
 in this affair; and three hundred pistoles were dis- 
 tributed among the soldiers. 
 
 12. Early in 1755, two British regiments were sent 
 to support his majesty's claims to the Ohio lands. 
 They were under the command of General Braddock, 
 who invited Washington to serve the campaign as a 
 volunteer aid-de-camp. This invitation he immedi- 
 ately accepted, and joined General Braddock on his 
 march to Fort Cumberland. Here the army was de- 
 tained till about the 12th of June, waiting for wagons, 
 horses, and provisions. Soon after they resumed their 
 march, Washington was attacked by a violent fever, 
 and refusing to remain behind the troops, was con- 
 veyed with them in a covered wagon. 
 
 13. The object of the campaign was the capture of 
 Fort Du Quesne. Washington advised the general to 
 leave his heavy artillery and baggage behind, and to 
 press forward with a chosen body of troops as expe- 
 ditiously as possible. This advice was adopted, and 
 twelve hundred men were selected, to be commanded 
 by General Braddock in person, and to advance with 
 the utmost despatch. This corps immediately com- 
 menced its march, but did not move with the celerity 
 that had been expected. " I found," said Washington, 
 
 12. What happened early in 1755 r'^What office did Wash- 
 ington accept under General Braddock ? What of his sick- 
 ness ? 13. What was the object of the campaign ? How many 
 men were selected to march forward ? 
 2 
 
14 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 in a letter to his brother, " that instead of pushing on 
 with vigor, without regarding a little rough road, they 
 were halting to level every mole hill, and to erect 
 bridges over every brook." They were four days in 
 passing over the first nineteen miles from the Little 
 Meadows. 
 
 14. Here, the sickness of Washington made it im- 
 possible for him to proceed on the march. General 
 Braddock ordered him to stay behind with a small 
 guard, till the arrival of Colonel Dunbar, with the rear 
 division of the army. As soon as his strength would 
 permit, he rejoined the general in a covered wagon, 
 and immediately entered on the duty of his office. 
 
 15. On the next day, the troops had just crossed the 
 Monongahela for the second time, and were in a few 
 miles of Fort Du Cluesne. They were advancing 
 without any apprehension of danger, in small columns, 
 through a thick wood, surrounded by high grass. On 
 a sudden they were assailed by an invisible enemy. 
 Shots were rapidly pouring in from all quarters, and 
 the soldiers were thrown into general confusion. Brad- 
 dock remained perfectly cool and self possessed in the 
 midst of all this danger and death. He was unac- 
 quainted with the Indian mode of warfare, and very 
 unwisely endeavored to rally his broken troops in the 
 
 What does Washington say in a letter, of the progress of the 
 troops ? How long were they passing over 19 miles ? 14. 
 What of Washington? 15. Relate the attack upon the 
 troops. 
 
UFE OF WASHINGTON, 
 
 15 
 
 I 
 
 Braddock's Defeat. 
 
16 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 open space, where they were exposed to the terrible 
 fire of the secret enemy. 
 
 16. From their sheltered positions, the enemy could 
 take deliberate aim in safety. The officers of the 
 British troops were slain in great numbers, and in a 
 short time, Washington was the only aid-de-camp left 
 alive and unwounded. He was obliged consequently 
 to carry all of the general's orders, to every part of the 
 battle-field in person. In performing this duty, he 
 had two horses killed under him, and four balls passed 
 through his coat. " I expected every moment," says 
 an eye witness, " to see him fall. Nothing but the 
 superintending care of Providence could have saved 
 him from the fate of all around him." 
 
 17. The action continued nearly three hours. The 
 General himself, after having three horses killed under 
 him, received a mortal wound. His troops immedi- 
 ately fled. It was impossible to rally them, until they 
 had crossed the Monongahela, and placed a river be- 
 tween themselves and their enemy. The Indians 
 were too much occupied with the plunder, to think of 
 continuing the pursuit. Braddock was carried to the 
 camp of Dunbar, where in a few days he died. 
 
 18. In his official account of the battle, Washington 
 bears witness to the incomparable bravery of the Brit- 
 ish officers. He says that the Virginia companies be- 
 
 What did General B. attempt to do .? What effect had this 
 attack upon the British forces ? Did Washington escape un- 
 hurt? How did the troops behave upon the fall of tlioir 
 General ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 17 
 
 haved like men, and died like soldiers ; for of three 
 companies that day on the ground, scarcely thirty men 
 were left alive. The loss of the battle, he attributes 
 to the cowardly behaviour of the regular troops, who 
 broke into confusion in spite of every effort to the con- 
 trary, and ran like sheep before hounds. The repu- 
 tation of Washington suffered no injury from this 
 defeat. His conduct was highly praised, and it was 
 thought if his advice had been pursued throughout, 
 that the disasters of that day would have been avoided. 
 
 19. Intelligence of Braddock's defeat arrived, while 
 the assembly of Virginia were yet in session. It was 
 immediately resolved to raise a regiment of sixteen 
 companies, the command of which was given to 
 Washington. In execution of the duties of this office, 
 he visited the frontiers of the state. He was arrested 
 on his way to Williamsburg, by the information that 
 parties of the French and Indians were committing 
 the most fearful outrages in the back settlements. 
 Crops were destroyed ; villages burned ; men, women, 
 and children murdered. The few troops stationed on 
 the frontiers were unable to afford them any protection, 
 but retired for their own safety to the stockade forts. 
 
 20. Before any force could be collected sufficient to 
 meet the assailants, they had retreated beyond the 
 Alleghany mountains ; again after a convenient inter- 
 
 18. What account does Washington give of the conduct of 
 the officers and regular troops ? What was thought of Wash- 
 ington ? 19. What command was given to him ? What out- 
 rages were the French and Indians committing at this tirae.^ 
 2* 
 
18 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 val to repeat their cruelties. They continued these 
 attacks for three years. Their manner of conducting 
 them was with the utmost secrecy. Small parties of 
 French and Indians, detached from Fort Du duesne, 
 would lurk about in the woods in the neighborhood of 
 a village, and suddenly attack some solitary and 
 unprotected family. Captivity, torture or death was 
 the lot of all who fell into their power. 
 
 21. The people looked to Washington for the pro- 
 tection he was unable to give. The difficulty of 
 raising a large number of men, and the inability of a 
 small number to protect the extensive frontiers of 
 Virginia, were continual sources of anxiety and 
 distress. The savages made no distinctions in their 
 warfare. They slew the women and children, the 
 aged and the helpless, as well as the men whom they 
 found in arms. Washington, in a letter written during 
 this period to the governor, observed — " The supplica- 
 ting tears of the women and moving petitions of the 
 men, melt me with such deadly sorrow, that I solemnly 
 declare, if I know my own mind, I could offer myself 
 a willing sacrifice to the butchering enemy, provided 
 that would contribute to the people's ease." 
 
 22. Washington made continual representations to 
 the Governor, of the defects of existing measures for 
 defence, and recommended the erection of a line of 
 twenty-two forts along, the frontiers, to be garrisoned 
 
 20. Where did the assailants retreat ? How did they conduct 
 their attacks ? 21. Why was Washington unable to protect the 
 people ? Repeat tlie extract f.om his letter 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 19 
 
 by two thoasand men. He always advised that Fort 
 Du Quesne should be reduced, as the best means of 
 security. It was only after great delay and disappoint- 
 ment, that he could prevail upon the government to 
 undertake this expedition. 
 
 23. In 1756, the project was entirely approved by 
 General Forbes, who was charged with the defence of 
 the middle and southern colonies. The movements 
 of the army were immediately directed to that purpose. 
 After a variety of delays in bringing the troops togeth- 
 er, the main body commenced their march on the 
 second of October. The progress of the army, how- 
 ever, was so slow, that the lateness of the season made 
 It necessary that the attack upon Fort Du duesne 
 should be delayed till another campaign. 
 
 24. It had been decided in a council of war, that it 
 was unadvisable to proceed any farther that season. 
 Circumstances occurred, however, to put the fort 
 directly in their power, without a battle. Some pris- 
 oners were taken, who gave them such information in 
 
 ' respect to the garrison as encouraged them to proceed. 
 They advanced slowly, and with caution, till they 
 reached Fort Du Quesne. To their great surprise 
 they found that the troops had deserted it, and retreat- 
 ed down the Ohio. 
 
 25. The possession of this fortress secured the peace 
 
 22. What did Washington recommend ? When was the re- 
 duction of Fort Du Quesne at length undertaken ? 23. Why was 
 it deferred till another compaign? 24. What circumstance indu- 
 ced the army to proceed to the fort ? What did they find there ? 
 
20 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 and safety of the frontier settlements. Washington 
 immediately resigned his commission, and retired to 
 private life. He married an amiable and beautiful 
 woman, and withdrew to his estate on the Potomac, 
 to the management of which he devoted himself for 
 the next fifteen years. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Taxation of the Colonies — Congress at Philadelphia — Washing- 
 ton chosen Commander-in-Chief— Arrival at Cambridge — 
 Position of the American Troops— British Army — Want of 
 Ammunition— Difficulty of enlisting Soldiers— Possession of 
 Dorchester Heights. 
 
 1. The British Parliament had been pursuing, for a 
 number of years, a course of measures which violated 
 the rights ff their American colonies. They had 
 attempted to collect taxes in the different provinces, 
 and claimed the right of exercising this power when 
 and in what manner they pleased. These claims had 
 given rise to a great deal of discontent and confusion, 
 and had drawn forth a decided and general opposition 
 from every part of the country. 
 
 25. What was the consequence of the possession of Fort Du 
 Quesne? What did Washington then do ? 1. What effect 
 had the measures of the British ParUament upon the American 
 Colonies ' 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 21 
 
 2. In the year 1774, an assembly met in Philadel- 
 phia to take into consideration the rights and the 
 grievances of the Colonies. It was composed of men 
 of the first character, sent from each colony to take 
 care of the common interest. Among the delegates 
 from Virginia we find the name of George Washing- 
 ton ; and on the subsequent preparations for defence, 
 he was unanimously chosen by the Congress, Com- 
 mander-in-chief of the American forces. 
 
 3. This Congress had taken every means to preserve 
 an honorable peace. They petitioned to their sover- 
 eign for the redress of their wrongs, with firmness and 
 propriety, but without efiect. Hostilities had commen- 
 ced at Lexington, and a battle had been fought on 
 Bunker's Hill. It had been found necessary to raise 
 an army, and the appointment of Washington to its 
 command was every where received with approbation. 
 
 4. When this election was made known to Wash- 
 ington, he expressed his sense of the high honor that 
 had been conferred on him, and modestly signified a 
 distrust of his own ability and military experience. 
 " Lest some unlucky event," he observed, " should 
 happen, unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be 
 remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I 
 this day declare, with the utmost sincerity, I do not 
 
 2. What happened in the year 1774 ? What of the assembly 
 convened at Philadelphia ? To what office was Washington 
 elected ? 3. What had taken place when the petitions of 
 Congress were refused? 4. What did Washington do when 
 his election was made known to him ? 
 
22 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 think myself equal with the command 1 am honored 
 with." He declined all compensation for his services, 
 and only desired that his necessary expenses should be 
 discharged by Congress. 
 
 5. He prepared immediately to enter upon the du- 
 ties of his station. Having passed a few days in New- 
 York, to make some arrangements with General Schuy 
 ler, who commanded there, he proceeded to Cambridge, 
 at that time the head quarters of the American army. 
 On his way thither, he received every token of respect 
 and affection, and every promise of support and assist- 
 ance. A committee of the Congress of Massachusetts 
 met him at Springfield, about one hundred miles from 
 Boston, and escorted him to the army. 
 
 0. Immediately after his arrival, the Congress pre- 
 sented him an address, in which they expressed their 
 approbation of his appointment, and the great respect 
 and affection they entertained for him. His reply was 
 well calculated to increase these sentiments. He 
 returned the warmest acknowledgements of their 
 kindness, and promised ever to retain it in grateful 
 remembrance. 
 
 7. In the course of his answer, he observed, " In 
 exchanging the enjoyments of domestic life for the 
 duties of my present honorable, but arduous situation, 
 I only emulate the virtue and public spirit of the 
 whole province of Massachusetts, which, with a firm^ 
 
 5. What General commanded in New York? What was 
 the head quarters of the army ? What of Washington ? 6. 
 What took place between Congress and Washington ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 2U 
 
 ness ana patriotism without example, has sacrificed all 
 the comforts of social and political life, in support of 
 thp r^crhts of mankind, and the welfare of our common 
 country. My highest ambition is to be the happy in- 
 strument of vindicating these rights, and to see this 
 devoted province again restored to peace, liberty and 
 safety." 
 
 8. On reaching the camp, the first movements of 
 the Commander-in-chief were directed to an examina- 
 tion of the strength and situation of his forces. They 
 amounted to about fourteen thousand and five hundred 
 men ; occupying several posts in an extent of about 
 twelve miles. Some were stationed at Roxbury, some 
 at Cambridge, and some on Winter and Prospect Hills 
 in front of Bunker's Hill. A few companies were 
 posted in the towns about Boston Bay, which were 
 most exposed to attacks from British armed vessels. 
 The troops were not sufficiently numerous to defend 
 so large an extent of country, but it was difficult to 
 make a more compact arrangement. 
 
 9. The British army were posted in three divisions. 
 The main body, under General Howe was intrenching 
 itself on Bunker's Hill, in Charlestown. Another 
 division was stationed on Copp's Hill, and the third 
 was strongly intrenched and fortified on Roxbury 
 neck. There were three floating batteries in Mystic 
 
 7. Repeat Washington's reply to Congress. 8. Where did 
 Washington station his forces ? What was their number ? 9. 
 How was the British army disposed ? 
 
24 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 river, and a small body of infantry and light horse 
 stationed in Boston. 
 
 10. General Washington made no immediate change 
 in the position or arrangement of his troops, except to 
 form them into three grand divisions. That part of 
 the army about Roxbury formed the right wing, under 
 the command of Major General Ward ; that division 
 on Prospect and Winter Hills formed the left wing, 
 under the command of Major General Lee. The 
 centre division was under the immediate command of 
 General Washington, whose head quarters were at 
 Cambridge. 
 
 11. On inquiry into the state of the ammunition, it 
 was discovered that there was in the camp, sufficient 
 powder to furnish every soldier with only nine cart- 
 ridges. This alarming deficiency continued about a 
 fortnight. During this time, efforts were made in all 
 directions, with the utmost despatch and secrecy, to 
 procure supplies. All the colonial committees and 
 governments were petitioned to send every pound of 
 lead and powder that could possibly be spared. If an 
 attack had been made by the British army at this pe- 
 riod, after firing a few rounds, the Americans would 
 have been left without any means of defence. Their 
 
 10. Under what commanders were the three divisions of the 
 American army placed ? 11. What was discovered concern- 
 ing the powder ? What efforts were made at this time ? If 
 an attack had been made, what would have been the conse- 
 quences ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 25 
 
 powder would have been exhausted ; and besides that, 
 their muskets were without bayonets. 
 
 12. Other difficulties also, were to be contended 
 with. There was no discipline among the troops, 
 owing to their being enlisted only for short periods. 
 Besides the want of arms and powder, they were An 
 need of clothes and tools. The appointment of gene- 
 ral officers by Congress gave great dissatisfaction, and 
 induced several of those who thought themselves in- 
 jured, to quit the service. To remedy all these evils, 
 to substitute discipline for disorder, and regularity for 
 confusion in a large body of men, and under the eyes 
 of an enemy, was a task that required great wisdom 
 and perseverance. 
 
 13. General Gage had received a small reinforce- 
 ment, from New York, so that the whole number of 
 the British army now amounted to about, eight thou- 
 sand men. The two armies continued to work upon 
 their fortifications without interruption. Slight skir- 
 mishes occasionally took place, but with very little loss 
 to either party This mere defence, however, did not 
 satisfy the active disposition of Washington. He was 
 desirous of some decided measure to destroy the army 
 in Boston, before it should be strengthened by any 
 additional reinforcements. 
 
 12. What difficulties were to be encountered ? What waa 
 necessary to remedy these evils ? 13. What was the amount 
 of the British officers ? How did the two armies employ thorn- 
 selves? Of what was Washington desirous.'' 
 
36 LIVE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 14. The situation of the enemy was frequently re- 
 connoitred, and every effort made to ascertain their 
 strength. To carry their works by storm was a dan- 
 gerous project, but it appeared to Washington practi- 
 cable, and he determined to suggest it to his general 
 officers. A council of war was called, and the meas- 
 ure proposed. It was decided that the attempt ought 
 not to be at that time made. The original plan of 
 continuing the blockade appeared the most advisable. 
 
 15. In the mean time, the want of fresh meat and 
 vegetables occasioned considerable distress in the Brit- 
 ish army. Small parties sailed from Boston to make 
 excursions along the coast, and to take away whatever 
 stock they could find. It required a great deal of ac- 
 tivity to protect the sea-board towns from these attacks. 
 Several applications were made to General Washing- 
 ton, to detach forces from the main army for their 
 defence. It was of course impossible to comply with 
 these requests, and denial created dissatisfaction. 
 Congress accordingly passed a resolution, that the 
 army before Boston ought not to be weakened, by 
 detachments for the security of other parts of the 
 country. 
 
 16. After a recess of a single month, the American 
 Congress had again assembled at Philadelphia on the 
 
 14. What measure was proposed at the council of war ? 15 
 What occasioned distress in the British army ? What applica- 
 tion was made to General Washington ? What followed ? 16. 
 What subject of interest now occupied Congress? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 27 
 
 fifth of September. The subject of greatest interest 
 at that time was the re-enlistment of the army before 
 Boston. A committee was accordingly appointed to 
 repair to the camp at Cambridge, and confer with the 
 chief magistrates of the northern Colonies, and the 
 council of Massachusetts, on continuing and regulat- 
 ing the continental army. As soon as this committee 
 had completed their arrangements, Washington pro* 
 ceeded to take the necessary steps for carrying them 
 into execution. 
 
 17. Great difficulties occurred in effecting the re- 
 enlistment. Many were unwilling to continue in 
 the army at any rate, and others except on particular 
 conditions. Some insisted on leave to visit their fam- 
 iiies, and others were undetermined whether to retire 
 or remain. At length, with much labor, the officers 
 were arranged, and recruiting orders were issued. 
 The officers were directed to be careful not to enlist 
 any person suspected of being unfriendly to the liberty 
 of America, or any abandoned person to whom all 
 causes were indifferent. "Let those who wish to put 
 shackles upon freemen, fill their ranks with, and place 
 their confidence in, such miscreants." 
 
 18- The new regiments did not fiii so rapidly as 
 had been expected. The old troops, whose term of 
 service had expired, were eager to return home; the 
 
 17. What difficulties occurred ? What direction was given 
 to the officers ? 18. What did Washington say to Congress ia 
 regard to tlie difficulties that hsset the array ? 
 
28 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 new troops were slow in coming in. From this cir- 
 cumstance, the lines were often in a defenceless state. 
 "It is not," says General Washington, in a communi- 
 cation to Congress, "in the pages of history 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 twen- 
 ty odd British regiments, is more, probably, than ever 
 was attempted." 
 
 19. About the middle of February 1776, the ice had 
 become sufficiently firm to bear the troops. Washing- 
 ton was now desirous to execute his plan of attacking 
 the enemy in Boston. A council of war was again 
 called, and was again almost unanimous against the 
 measure. It was therefore reluctantly abandoned. 
 The regular force engaged for the year now amounted 
 to more than fourteen thousand men, and the militia 
 to about six thousand. With these troops, Washing- 
 ton determined to take possession of the heights of 
 Dorchester; a step which he thought must certainly 
 bring on a general action. 
 
 20. To favor the execution of this plan, a heavy 
 bombardment on the town, and lines of the enemy, 
 was commenced, on the evening of the second of 
 March, and continued on the two succeeding nights. 
 
 19. What of February 1776 ? What was the number of the 
 forces? What did Washington determine to do? 20. What 
 happ*^ned on the second of March '' 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 29 
 
 On the night of the fourth, a detachment under the 
 command of General Thomas crossed the neck from 
 Roxbury, and took possession of the heights. The 
 ground was deeply frozen, and it was with great labor 
 that the party were able, during the night, to raise 
 works that would protect them against the shot of the 
 enemy. 
 
 21. The British were very much surprised on the 
 following morning, at sight of the American fortifica- 
 tion. It is reported, that when they first appeared, 
 looming to great advantage through the fog, General 
 Howe observed in astonishment — "I know not what I 
 shall do, the rebels have done more in one night than 
 my whole army would have done in weeks." It was 
 necessary to drive the Americans from their new post, 
 or to abandon the town. Lord Percy, with about three 
 thousand men, was accordingly ordered to dislodge the 
 Americans from these heights. The next day he em- 
 barked with his troops, and fell down to Castle Island ; 
 a position very favorable for the attack. A violent 
 storm during the night deranged their plans, and be- 
 fore any other measures could be taken, the works 
 were too strongly fortified to be assaulted. 
 
 What did the detachment do under General Thomas ? 21. 
 What of the British ? General Howe .? What of Lord Percj- ? 
 What was the result of his attempts ? 
 
 3* 
 
30 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Evacuation of Boston — Jinccdotc — Entrance of the American 
 army — March to JVcio York — Atrocious plot — Independence — 
 Attempts of Lord Howe at negociation — Mission of Colonel 
 Patterson — Orders of Washingtan — Battle at Long Island-^ 
 Retreat of the American army. 
 
 1. Washington was disappointed in the interrup- 
 tion of the attack upon Dorchester heights. He ex- 
 pected that the best troops of the enemy would be 
 engaged there, and had made preparations to avail 
 himself of their absence, to take possession of Boston. 
 Four thousand men were in readiness at the mouth of 
 Cambridge river to embark on this service ; and had 
 their plan succeeded, the British army would probably 
 have been destroyed. 
 
 2. It was now necessary for the enemy to evacuate 
 the town. On Sunday, the seventeenth of March, 
 they commenced their embarkation on board of the 
 transports. The American soldiers might have trou- 
 bled them very seriously as they passed Dorchester 
 heights, but no orders were given to this effect, and 
 no molestation was attempted. 
 
 3. An anecdote is related of this siege, which re- 
 flects but little honor on the parties concerned in it. 
 
 1. What plan had been frustrated by the interruption of the 
 attack upon Dorchester ? 2. What took place on the seven- 
 teenth of March ? 3. Relate the anecdote of the theatre. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 81 
 
 The British officers amused themselves with a farce, 
 in which a figure was introduced to burlesque General 
 Washington. It was uncouthly dressed, with a large 
 wig and a long rusty sword, attended by an orderly 
 Serjeant, with an old gun seven or eight feet long. 
 
 4 Just as this figure appeared, one of the regular 
 Serjeants rushed forward, and throwing down his bay- 
 onet, exclaimed — "The Yankees are attacking our 
 works on Bunker hill." This was supposed at first to 
 be a part of the play ; but when General Howe called 
 out, " Officers to your posts,^' a scene of the greatest 
 confusion took place among the ladies and gentlemen, 
 who had met to be amused instead of frightened. 
 
 5. In entering the town, it was found that much 
 less injury had been done than was anticipated. 
 Washington received joyful congratulations from aD 
 sides. The thanks of Congress in the name of the 
 thirteen colonies, were presented to him, and the offi- 
 cers and soldiers under his command, for their brave 
 and spirited conduct. A medal was struck with suit- 
 able devices, and presented to the commander in chief, 
 in commemoration of this great event. 
 
 6. During the siege, the Old South Church, a brick 
 building near the centre of the town, had been con- 
 verted into a riding school for Burgoyne's dragoons. 
 The pulpit and pews were removed, and the floor cov- 
 ered with earth, to make it suitable for exercising their 
 
 5. What was found on entering Boston ? What then took 
 place ? 6. What of the South and North Church ? 
 
32 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 horses upon. A beautiful pew, ornamented with silk 
 and carved work was broken up, and its pieces taken 
 for a fence to a hogstye. The North Church was torn 
 down, and consumed for fuel. 
 
 7. Washington was of opinion that the efforts of the 
 British army would now be directed towards the Hud- 
 son. Having left a small detachment to complete the 
 fortification of Boston, he immediately marched with 
 the main army for New York. Arriving there on the 
 fourteenth of April, he commenced immediate prepar- 
 ations for the reception of the enemy. The Americans 
 were occupied with these labors till the arrival of the 
 British fleet and army at Sandy Hook. They were 
 deficient in clothing, tents, arms, and military stores 
 of every description. Two thousand men in the camp 
 were unprovided with muskets. In this weak condi- 
 tion. General Washington was to contend with a pow- 
 erful army, and to guard against the intrigues of those 
 Americans who still remained attached to the British 
 cause. 
 
 8. A plot of the most atrocious nature was about 
 this time detected. A party of tories had conspired to 
 join the British army, to assassinate General Wash- 
 mgton, and blow up the magazines. The mayor of 
 the city, and an armorer in the service of the tories, 
 were arrested and confined in prison. On examina- 
 tion, it was confessed that money had been received 
 
 7. To what place did Washington repair ? What was the 
 situation of the army at this time ? 8. What plot was disco- 
 vered ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 33 
 
 from Governor Tryon to pay the armorer, and that two 
 of his Excellency's guards were concerned in the plot. 
 Several of these miscreants were convicted and exe- 
 cuted. 
 
 9. Efforts were now made to reinforce the regular 
 troops, with large numbers of militia. It was deter- 
 mined to form a flying camp of ten thousand men for 
 the defence of the middle colonies. The commander 
 in chief was also authorised to call on the provincial 
 governments for such temporary aids of militia as he 
 might require. 
 
 10. While these measures for defence were going 
 forward in the camp. Congress had been gradually 
 preparing to declare the colonies independent of Great 
 Britain. Early in June a resolution to this effect had 
 been moved by Richard Henry Lee, and seconded by 
 John Adams. It was solemnly debated for a number 
 of days and at length unanimously adopted. The De- 
 claration of Independence, which had been prepared 
 by a select committee, was then taken into considera- 
 tion, and after a few alterations received the sanction 
 of Congress, on the fourth of July. 
 
 11. His duties in the field prevented Washing- 
 ton from taking any direct agency in that measure. 
 Throughout the colonies, it was hailed by the citizens 
 with acclamations of joy. On the reception of the 
 instrument, in a letter to the president of Congress, 
 
 9. What efforts were now made, and what was determined 
 upon? 10. When was the Independence of the colonies de- 
 clared ? 11 How was this declaration received ? 
 
34 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington wrote as follows : " Agreeable to the 
 request of Congress, I caused the Declaration to be 
 proclahned before all the army under my immediate 
 command ; and have the pleasure to inform them 
 that the measure seemed to have their most hearty 
 consent ; the expressions and behavior of both offi- 
 cers and men, testifying their warmest approbation 
 of it." 
 
 12. Notwithstanding the declaration of independ- 
 ence. Lord Howe was desirous of a peaceful negocia- 
 tion. He accordingly sent a letter, by a flag, directed 
 to " George Washington, Esq." This the general re- 
 fused to receive, as it did not recognize the public 
 character with which he had been invested by Con- 
 gress. His conduct on this occasion met with the 
 approbation of this body, and they resolved, " that 
 he had acted with the dignity becoming his char- 
 acter." 
 
 13. The British commander was very anxious to 
 obtain an interview with Washington, but was unwill- 
 ing to adopt his military address. He accordingly 
 sent Colonel Patterson to the American head quarters, 
 with a letter to "George Washington, &lc. &lc. &c." 
 The general still declined receiving it. He said it 
 was true the etceteras implied every thing, they also 
 implied any thing : and a letter, directed to a public 
 character, should have an address descriptive of that 
 character. 
 
 Repeat part of Washington's letter ? 12. What took place 
 Detween Lord Howe and General Washington ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 35 
 
 14. Colonel Patterson then said that General Howe 
 would not urge his delicacy any further ; repeating his 
 assertion that not the slightest disrespect was intended 
 in the form of the address. Some conversation ensued 
 in respect to the treatment of prisoners ; when the 
 colonel observed that Lord and General Howe had 
 been appointed commissioners by the king, and were 
 very desirous of arranging the difficulties that had so 
 unfortunately arisen. 
 
 15. General Washington observed that he was vest- 
 ed with no power of treating upon the subject. He 
 had read the act of parliament, and found Lord and 
 General Howe only authorized to grant pardons. The 
 Americans, having committed no fault, desired no 
 pardon ; they were only defending their rights. Colo- 
 nel Patterson seemed confused, and said this would 
 open a wide field for argument. After some few 
 remarks, he was invited to a small collation and in- 
 troduced to the general officers. With many polite 
 expressions at taking leave, he observed — "Has 
 your Excellency no commands to my Lord or General 
 Howe?" "None, Sir," replied Washington, "but 
 my particular compliments to both of them." 
 
 16. The force of General Howe amounted to twen- 
 ty-four thousand men, well disciplined and provided 
 with all the necessaries of war. He was supported 
 by a powerful fleet and was expecting reinforcements 
 
 14. What of Colonel Patterson ? 15. Washington ? What was 
 the result of Colonel Patterson's embassy ? 16. What was tlie 
 force of General Howe ? 
 
36 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 daily. When he landed on Staten Island, the Ameri- 
 can forces did not exceed ten thousand men. Before 
 the end of August however they amounted to about 
 twenty-seven thousand. Many were sick however, 
 and a large number were militia. They were distri- 
 buted about at diiferent posts in the vicinity of New 
 York. 
 
 17. An attack from the enemy being daily expect- 
 ed, General Washington exerted himself to establish 
 discipline, and circulate military spirit among his 
 troops. The orders which he issued soon after the 
 arrival of General Howe, were well adapted to cherish 
 a love of liberty, and excite a general indignation 
 against the invaders. "The time," he observed, "is 
 now at hand, which must possibly determine whether 
 Americans are to be freemen or slaves ; whether they 
 are to have any property they can call their own ; 
 whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and 
 destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of 
 wretchedness from which no human efforts can deliver 
 them." 
 
 18. On the twenty-second of August, the greatest 
 part of the British troops landed on Long Island, and 
 on the fifth day after, commenced the attack. The 
 possession of this post was necessary to the defence of 
 New York, and a strong detachment had been placed 
 there under the command of General Green. This 
 
 What of the American army ? 17, What did Washington 
 exert himself to do ? What did he say to the people ? 19. When 
 did the British commence the attack ? What of Gen. Green ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 37 
 
 officer was well acquainted with all the passes of the 
 island, but he had unfortunately fallen sick a few 
 days before the attack. The American troops were 
 at that time therefore under the command of General 
 Sullivan. 
 
 19. The attack was made at several points by dif- 
 ferent detachments of the British army. A series of 
 small battles ensued. There were defeats and vic- 
 tories between inconsiderable parties on every side* 
 This continued for a number of hours, when the Ame- 
 ricans were completely routed in all directions. 
 
 20. While the action was at its height, General 
 Washington passed over to Long Island, to witness a 
 carnage which he could not prevent. It was out of 
 his power to bring the rest of the army into the field ; 
 for this would have been to risk every thing on a sin- 
 gle engagement. A general defeat at that time might 
 have crushed forever the hopes of liberty. 
 
 21. The American troops retired within their lines, 
 discouraged and fatigued, with a victorious army in 
 front, and a powerful fleet about to enter East River, 
 for the purpose of cutting oif their retreat. Washing- 
 ton immediately determined to evacuate the island 
 with all his forces. With this view, he crossed over 
 to the island on the night of the twenty-ninth, to con- 
 duct the retreat in person. 
 
 General Sullivan ? 19. What was the result of the attack? 
 20. What of Washington ? 21 . The American troops .? What 
 did Washington determine to do ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 1 
 
 22. It so happened, that about two o'clock in the 
 morning, a heavy fog enveloped the whole of Long 
 Island. Under this cover, an army of nine thousand 
 men, with their baggage, provision, horses, and mili- 
 tary stores, crossed a river more than a mile wide, and 
 landed at New York with no material loss. It was done 
 in such silence, that the enemy, who were so near that 
 they were heard at work with their pick-axes, knew 
 nothing about the matter, till the clearing up of the fog. 
 
 23. In conducting this difficult movement, Wash- 
 ington was incessantly active. For forty-eight hours 
 he did not close his eyes, and much of that time he 
 was on horse-back. Notwithstanding the entreaties 
 of his officers, he remained among the last upon the 
 shore, refusing to embark till he saw his troops safely 
 on board the transports. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Communication to Congress-- Evacuation ofJVew York— A success^ 
 fill sJcirmish — Loss of forts Washington and Lee — Proclamation 
 of pardon — Retreat — Capture of General Lee — Passage of the 
 Delaware — Letter to Congress — Situation of the British army. 
 
 1. The defeat at Long Island created a good deal 
 of alarm in the American camp. The soldiers knew 
 
 22. What circumstance enabled the Americans to leave the 
 island unobserved? 23. How did Washington conduct the 
 retreat ? 1. What was the consequence of the defeat at Loiig 
 Island ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 39 
 
 their own inexperience and want of discipline, and 
 attributed their ill success entirely to the military skill 
 of the enemy. They began to fear that nothing would 
 compensate for a want of military knowledge. They 
 were apprehensive, whenever the enemy approached, 
 of some new surprize, or some skilful manoeuvre, from 
 which nothing could save them but flight. The mili- 
 tia, in particular, became more and more disorderly 
 every day, 
 
 2. Washington had recourse to entreaty, to persua- 
 sion, and to promises, to arrest the progress of this 
 evil. He addressed to Congress a faithful account of 
 their situation. In this communication he urged upon 
 them the necessity of making enlistments for a longer 
 period. The defence of the public liberties was to be 
 entrusted only to a permanent army, regularly disci- 
 plined. It required time, to reduce to necessary order, 
 men who had been subject to no control but that of 
 their own will, and who refused to submit to restraint 
 and government. 
 
 3. In a few days after this remonstrance, Congress 
 resolved to raise eighty-eight battalions to serve during 
 the war. It was important therefore, to wear away 
 the present campaign with as little loss as possible, in 
 order to take the field the next year with a permanent 
 body of troops. The evacuation of New York was 
 accordingly determined on, as soon as it might be 
 necessary to prevent risking the army. 
 
 2. What of General Washington.? 3. What of Congress? 
 What was determined upon ? 
 
40 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 4. While Washington was taking measures to pre- 
 serve his troops and stores by evacuating the city, the 
 British commander was pursuing his plan of bringing 
 about a general action. On the fourteenth of Septem- 
 ber, General Clinton landed with four thousand men, 
 three miles above New York. This was effected un- 
 der cover of five men of war. Works had been thrown 
 up at this place by the Americans, and they were 
 capable of defence; but the troops posted there, on 
 the firing of the ships, immediately abandoned them. 
 
 5. Two brigades were detached from the main body 
 to support them. Washington rode promptly to the 
 scene of action, and to his great mortification found 
 the whole retreating. While attempting to rally them, 
 and with some success, on the appearance of a very 
 small body of the enemy, they again broke and retreat- 
 ed in great confusion. 
 
 6. At this shameful conduct, Washington entirely 
 lost his self-command. He thought of the ruin, which 
 this miserable cowardice might bring upon the cause 
 in which his whole soul was engaged. In despair he 
 turned his horse's head towards the enemy, with the 
 intention of seeking an honorable death. It was only 
 by the friendly violence of his aids, that he was com- 
 pelled to retire, and his life saved for his country. 
 
 7 The issue of this day hastened the evacuation of 
 New York. It was accomplished with the loss of very 
 
 4 British Commander ? General Clinton ? American troops ? 
 5. Washington ? 6. How was he afFected by the cowardice of 
 the Americans ? 7. What of New York ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 41 
 
 few men, though all the heavy artillery, the tents, and 
 most of the military stores were left behind. The 
 British general immediately stationed a detachment in 
 the city, and posted his main army in front of the 
 American lines, in encampments across York Island. 
 The flanks, or sides of the army from front to rear, 
 were protected by the shipping. 
 
 8. Washington had made his strongest post at 
 Kingsbridge, as that secured communication with the 
 country. In front of this he had placed a strong de- 
 tachment in a fortified camp, within a mile and a half 
 of the enemy. He was pleased with this position of 
 the two armies, because it would naturally lead to 
 frequent skirmishes, and accustom his troops to mili- 
 tary service. 
 
 9. On the very day after the retreat from New 
 York, a body of the enemy appeared in the open plain 
 between the two camps. The general detached some 
 troops under the command of Colonel Knowlton and 
 Major Leitch to attack them. After leading their 
 men into action, in the most soldier-like manner, both 
 these officers were brought mortally wounded from the 
 field. Their troops bravely continued the attack, and 
 drove the enemy, though superior in numbers, from 
 their position. The success of this skirmish had a 
 great influence upon the army. 
 
 10. In his general orders, Washington applauded 
 
 British general ? 8. Position of the American forces ? 9. 
 Describe an attack upon the British. 10. What did Washing- 
 ton do to encourage his army ? 
 4* 
 
42 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 the courage of the officers and men on this occasion, 
 and contrasted it with the cowardly conduct of the 
 troops the day before. He called upon the whole 
 army to remember and imitate this brave example. 
 He gave out on the next day "Leitch," for the parole. 
 The parole is a word selected by the commanding 
 officer, for the purpose of knowing friends from ene- 
 mies. In ffiling the vacancy occasioned by the death 
 of the colonel, he observed that "the officer succeeded 
 the gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, who would 
 have been an honor to any country, and who had 
 fallen gloriously fighting at his post." This was the 
 method which he adopted to animate the spirits of 
 his army. 
 
 11. The camp of the Americans was now too strong 
 to be attacked by a prudent commander. General 
 Howe endeavored to force them to abandon their posi- 
 tion, or hazard a general engagement. With this 
 view, he determined to form an encampment from the 
 North river along the rear of the American lines. 
 The troops were landed, and several skirmishes took 
 place ; but the project of getting in the rear of the 
 army, was prevented by frequent changes of its posi- 
 tion. The encampment was not to be forced, and 
 General Howe determined to change the scene of his 
 operations. 
 
 12. His immediate object was to invest forts Wash- 
 ington and Lee. The possession of these posts would 
 
 11. General Howe ? 12. What of Fort Washington and 
 Lee ? What followed ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 43 
 
 give him the commands of North river, and assist the 
 invasion of New Jersey. Having prepared for an as- 
 sault upon Mount Washington, the British general 
 called upon the garrison to surrender. Colonel Ma- 
 gaw, the officer of that station, replied that he should 
 defend his works to the last extremity. On the next 
 day the attack was commenced from four different 
 quarters, and after a brave defence the garrison was 
 obliged to surrender. 
 
 13. Two thousand men marched out as prisoners 
 of war. The loss at this time was very heavy. Tents 
 and military stores were taken by the enemy, which 
 it was impossible to replace. The conquest of Mount 
 Washington made the immediate evacuation of fort 
 Lee necessary. This was effected with little loss of 
 men, but with a great loss of baggage and artillery. 
 
 14. When General Howe crossed into New Jersey, 
 Washington posted his army along the Hackensack. 
 As the British forces advanced, he retreated towards 
 the Delaware. It often happened, that the front 
 guard of one army entered a village, as the rear guard 
 of the other was quitting it at the opposite end. 
 Whenever it could be done with prudence, Washing- 
 ton took a stand and made a show of resistance; 
 sometimes advancing a small detachment as if to en- 
 gage the enemy. 
 
 15. At Brunswick, Lord and General Howe, issued 
 a proclamation as commissioners, commanding all per- 
 
 13. Loss of the Americans ? Fort Lee ? 14. Conduct of 
 Washington ? 15. What was issued at Brunswick ? 
 
44 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 sons in arms against the king to return peaceably to 
 their homes, and offering a full pardon to all who 
 would subscribe a submission to the royal authority. 
 This was the darkest period of the whole war. The 
 American army were reduced in numbers, worn out 
 with fatigue, disheartened by defeat, barefoot, without 
 tents or clothing, and flying before a numerous and 
 disciplined body of well armed and well provided 
 troops. 
 
 16. In this situation, in the coldness of winter, they 
 performed a retreat through a desponding country, 
 more disposed to submission than resistance. Scarce- 
 ly one of the inhabitants joined them during this 
 period, while large numbers daily flocked to the Bri- 
 tish standard, to perform the required conditions, and 
 accept the promised pardon. The small force which 
 commenced the retreat was continually lessened, by 
 the expiration of the term of service for which the 
 soldiers were engaged. No persuasion would induce 
 them to remain. They would leave their general, 
 when the advancing enemy was almost in sight. 
 
 16. General Lee, who commanded the eastern 
 troops, had been repeatedly ordered to join the main 
 army. He obeyed with reluctance and delay. Soon 
 after he entered New Jersey, taking up his quarters 
 for the night in a house three miles from his troops, 
 he was surprized and made prisoner by a party of 
 British dragoons. 
 
 State of the army ? Retreat ? Conduct of the soldiers ? 16. 
 General Lee ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 45 
 
 17. Washington remained calm and confident in 
 the midst of all these evils. He omitted no opportu- 
 nity to animate his soldiers and embarrass the enemy. 
 The public danger only roused him to more active 
 exertions. He was always cheerful and composed. 
 As the British army advanced, it was found necessary 
 to retreat beyond the Delaware. This river was ac- 
 cordingly crossed on the eighth of December. The 
 boats were all secured, the bridges broken down, and 
 parties stationed in such a manner as to guard the 
 different fording places over which it was possible for 
 the enemy to pass. General Howe, after an unsuc- 
 cessful attempt to obtain boats to pass the river, posted 
 his army in New Jersey ; intending to wait till the ice 
 should furnish him with a passage to Philadelphia, 
 
 18. During this retreat, when affairs were taking 
 their most gloomy aspect, Washington observed to 
 Colonel Reed, passing his hand over his throat : "my 
 neck does not feel as if it were made for a halter, we 
 must retire to Augusta county, in Virginia, and if over- 
 powered, we must pass the Alleghany mountains." 
 
 19. Washington kept a narrow watch upon the 
 movements of the enemy. He took advantage of his 
 present situation, to renew his remontrances to Con- 
 gress on the subject of short enlistments. With the 
 utmost deference and delicacy, he suggested the ne- 
 cessity of enlarging his own powers, to enable him to 
 
 17. Washington ?. Crossing the Delaware ? General Howe ? 
 18. Anecdote of Washington .? 19, Remonstrances of Wash- 
 ington ? 
 
46 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 jLmerican Army crossing the Delaware. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 47 
 
 execute important measures in the most effectual man- 
 ner. "I have no lust," he observed, ** after power, 
 but wish with as much fervency as any man upon the 
 wide extended continent, for an opportunity of turning 
 the sword into a ploughshare. But my feelings as an 
 officer, and a man, have been such, as to force me to 
 say, that no person ever had a greater choice of diffi- 
 culties to contend with than I have." 
 
 20. Every exertion was made to procure reinforce- 
 ments, to supply the place of those who were daily 
 leaving them. It was all however unavailing, except 
 in the city and neighborhood of Philadelphia. Fifteen 
 hundred citizens were here enlisted to march to the 
 aid of Washington. At the same time, an addition 
 was made to his forces by the arrival of the troops 
 under General Sullivan ; upon whom the command 
 had fallen on the capture of General Lee. The whole 
 army now amounted to about seven thousand men. 
 
 21. The British army, in the security of conquest, 
 were dispersed through the different towns of New 
 Jersey, separated from their enemies only by the 
 river Delaware. On learning their scattered situation, 
 Washington observed — "Now is the time to clip their 
 wings, when tney are so spread." He determined to 
 re-cross the Delaware and attack the British posts. 
 
 20. How were the forces increased ? What was now their 
 number? 21. British army ? Determination of Washington ? 
 
48 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Army re-crosses the Delaware — Battle of Trenton — Retreat — ViC" 
 tory at Princeton — Winter quarters — Treatment of American 
 prisoners — Encampment west of Philadelphia — Battle of the 
 Brandywine — General Howe enters Philadelphia. 
 
 1. The evening of Christmas was assigned for this 
 daring enterprize. Arrangements were made for pass- 
 ing over in three divisions. The weather proved to 
 be intensely cold, and so much ice was formed in the 
 river, that two parties found it entirely impossible to 
 force their way. The main body of the army, under 
 the immediate command of Washington, alone suc- 
 ceeded ; but their course was so much delayed, that 
 it was nearly four o'clock in the morning before they 
 were ready to take up their march on the Jersey side. 
 
 2. This army was now formed into two divisions, 
 one to enter Trenton at the west, and the other at the 
 north end. The general commanded the body on the 
 north road, and reached the out-posts of the enemy 
 exactly at eight o'clock. In three minutes after, he 
 heard the guns of the other division. The command- 
 ing officer at this post. Colonel Rawle, immediately 
 paraded his soldiers for defence. He was mortally 
 wounded by the first fire, and his troops attempted to 
 file off towards Princeton. General Washington per- 
 ceived their design, and moved a part of his troops 
 
 1. Relate the manner of passing over the Delaware. 2. At 
 tack on the enemy at Trenton ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 49 
 
 into the road in their front. He pressed upon them ; 
 their artillery was seized, and their troops surren 
 dered. 
 
 3. One thousand men were made prisoners. Of 
 the American troops, two privates were killed, an 
 officer and five or six privates wounded, and two fro- 
 zen to death. On the same day. General Washington 
 re-crossed the Delaware with his prisoners, six pieces 
 of artillery, a thousand stand of arms, and some mili- 
 tary stores. These being secured, and his men having 
 enjoyed two or three days of rest, he returned, and 
 took possession of Trenton. 
 
 4. On the next day Lord Cornwallis moved forward 
 with a numerous force, and reached Trenton about 
 four o'clock in the afternoon. General Washington 
 drew up his army behind a creek which runs through 
 the town, and in this position waited for the move- 
 ments of the enemy. After having attempted to cross 
 this creek, and finding the passes guarded, the British 
 general halted his troops, and determined to defer the 
 attack till the following morning. 
 
 5. The situation of the American troops was criti- 
 cal. Washington called a council of his officers, and 
 laid before them the different plans that they might 
 adopt. A retreat across the Delaware was impracti- 
 cable on account of the ice. A defeat, if they risked 
 an engagement, would be entire destruction. It was 
 
 3. Result ? Washington ? 4. Lord Cornwallis ? Why was 
 the attack deferred ? 5. Plans of the Americans ? Which was 
 determined upon ? ' 
 
 5 
 
50 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 determined to quit their present position, and get in 
 the rear of the British army at Princetoni 
 
 6. On the next morning, Lord Cornwallis discover* 
 ed that his enemy had disappeared. Soon after dark, 
 Washington had given orders for the removal of the 
 baggage to Burhngton. Guards were stationed to per- 
 form the usual rounds, and to keep the watch-fires 
 burning throughout the night. At one o'clock, the 
 army silently left the camp, and gained the rear of the 
 enemy. They reached Princeton early in the morn- 
 ing, and would have completely surprized the British, 
 if they had not been met by an advance of three regi- 
 ments, which were on their way to join the main army. 
 
 7. The centre of the American troops was severely 
 charged by this party, and gave way in disorder. In 
 his effort to rally them, General Mercer was mortally 
 wounded. At this moment, Washington advanced at 
 the head of his troops, and plunged into the hottest fire 
 of the enemy. He was bravely supported by his men, 
 and the British were obliged to retreat. One party of 
 them fled to the colleges, but after a few discharges 
 from the American field-pieces, they came out and 
 surrendered themselves. More than an hundred of the 
 British were left dead upon the battle ground, and 
 three hundred were made prisoners. 
 
 i 8. These victories at Trenton and Princeton pro- 
 duced very important consequences. Philadelphia was 
 saved for the winter. The enemy at Christmas were 
 
 i 6. Retreat to Princeton ? 7. Battle of Princeton ? 8. Con 
 secquencee of these victories ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 61 
 
 in possession of the whole of New Jersey ; before the 
 end of January they held but two posts in the state. 
 The courage of the American troops was revived by 
 this success. The character of the commander in 
 chief acquired new esteem, and rose still higher in 
 public confidence. Every thing brightened with hope. 
 
 9. Washington retired with his troops to quarters 
 in Morristown. In the course of the winter several 
 slight skirmishes took place, which were usually in 
 favor of the Americans. The arrangement of the 
 army in spring, occasioned a good deal of difficulty. 
 The troops were raised by the states, and not by 
 the general government. Each state, therefore, that 
 supposed itself in danger of an invasion, was desirous 
 of retaining a part of its force for its own security. 
 This embarrassment was finally removed by the au- 
 thority and personal influence of the commander in 
 chief 
 
 10. The treatment of American prisoners by the 
 British officers, was a source of great vexation and 
 difficulty. They were viewed as rebels, and confined 
 in prisons with common felons. General Washington 
 had written to General Gage on this subject early in 
 the war. In this letter he declared the intention, to 
 regulate his conduct towards prisoners in his own 
 hands, by the treatment which those should receive 
 in the power of the British general. To this commu- 
 nication an insolent reply was received, which drew 
 
 9 Skirmishes ? Difficulties ? 10. American prisoners. 
 Washington's letter ? Reply 
 
53 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 from Washington an answer "to close their corres- 
 pondence, perhaps forever." 
 
 11. In the approach of active operations, Congress 
 determined to form an encampment on the western 
 side of Philadelphia. Washington had made his ar- 
 rangements for the campaign, with the expectation 
 that the British would attempt to obtain possession 
 of Philadelphia, or the Highlands on the Hudson. 
 To prevent this, the northern troops were divided be- 
 tween Ticonderoga and Peekskill ; while those from 
 the south were posted at Middlebrook, near the Rari- 
 tan. This position was fortified by entrenchments. 
 The American forces were in a weak condition, and 
 much inferior in numbers to the enemy. 
 
 12. Early in June, Sir William Howe collected his 
 forces at Brunswick. He attempted every means to 
 mduce Washington to leave his camp, and hazard 
 a general engagement. Finding this impossible, he 
 withdrew his troops to Staten Island, with the design 
 of embarking them for the Delaware or the Chesapeak. 
 Washington was doubtful in respect to the destination 
 of the enemy. After leaving Sandy Hook, their fleet 
 put out to sea, and were not heard of for nearly three 
 weeks. 
 
 13. This uncertainty continued till about the mid- 
 dle of August, Accounts were at that time received 
 that the British had taken possession of the Chesa- 
 peak, and landed as near as possible to Philadelphia. 
 
 11. Position of the Americans ? 12. Sir William Howe ? 
 13, Position of the British ? Washingtoo ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 53 
 
 Washington immediately put his forces in motion to 
 meet them. His whole army did not exceed eleven 
 thousand men. He passed with every appearance 
 of confidence through Philadelphia, to give an imores- 
 sion of his strength, to those citizens who remained 
 hostile to the American cause. The two armies ap- 
 proached each other on the third of September. 
 
 14. As the British troops advanced, Sir William 
 Howe endeavored to gain the right wing of the Amer- 
 ican army. General Washington continued to fall 
 back until he crossed the Brandywine river. He here 
 posted his troops on the high ground near Chadd's 
 ford. The light corps under General Maxwell was 
 advanced in front, and placed on the hills south of the 
 river, in order to assail the enemy if they should 
 approach in that direction. Troops were also posted 
 at a ford two miles below, and at several passes some 
 miles above. The opinion of Congress, and the gen- 
 eral wish of the country, made it necessary for Wash- 
 ington to risk a general action at this place. 
 
 15. On the morning of the eleventh, the British 
 army advanced in two columns to the attack. One 
 column took the direct road to Chadd's ford, and soon 
 forced Maxwell's corps to cross the river, with very 
 little loss on either side. General Knyphausen, the 
 commander of this body, continued to parade on the 
 heights, to reconnoitre the American army, and was ap- 
 parently preparing to attempt the passage of the river. 
 
 14. Where were the two armies stationed ? 15. British 
 anny ? 
 
 6* 
 
54 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 16. The other column, led by Lord Cornwallis, mov- 
 ed up on the west side of the Brandywine, making a 
 circuit of about seventeen miles. On coming within 
 view of the American troops, it instantly formed the 
 line of battle, and at about half after four the action 
 began. It was continued with great spirit for some 
 time. The American right first fell into disorder and 
 gave way. They attempted to rally, but on being 
 vigorously charged by the enemy, again broke. The 
 flight now became common. General Washington, 
 who had hastened towards the scene of action as soon 
 as the firing commenced, only arrived in season to 
 cover the retreat. 
 
 17. When the right wing was engaged with Lord 
 Cornwallis, the works at Chadd's ford had been assault- 
 ed and carried by General Knyphausen. The whole 
 army retreated that night to Chester, and on the next 
 day to Philadelphia. The Americans lost in this bat- 
 tle, about nine hundred men, three hundred of whom 
 were slain and the rest wounded and taken prisoners. 
 
 18. This defeat occasioned no dejection either 
 among the citizens, or in the army. Measures were 
 immediately taken to procure reinforcements. Fifteen 
 hundred men were marched from Peekskill, and large 
 detachments of militia ordered into the field. It was 
 determined to risk a second engagement, for the se- 
 curity of Philadelphia. The enemy sought it, and 
 Washington was willing to meet it. 
 
 16. Battle of the Brandywine ? 17. Loss of the Americans ?> 
 18. Consequences ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 55 
 
 19. Perceiving that the enemy were moving into 
 the Lancaster road towards the city, General Wash- 
 ington took possession of ground upon their left, about 
 twenty-three miles from Philadelphia. The advance 
 of the two armies met, and commenced a skirmish, 
 when a' violent storm of rain arose and continued for 
 a day and a night. When the rain ceased, the Ame- 
 ricans discovered that their ammunition was entirely 
 spoiled. Many of the soldiers were without bayonets, 
 and the army was consequently in a very dangerous 
 position. 
 
 20. On ascertaining the extent of damage to the 
 arms and ammunition. General Washington ascended 
 the Schuylkill, and crossed it, to repair their deficien- 
 cies. He still resolved to risk a general action for the 
 preservation of the city. He re-crossed the Schuylkill 
 at Parker's ferry, and encamped on the east side. As 
 the British army approach the river. General Wash 
 ington posted his army in their front. Instead of 
 urging an action. Sir William Howe continued his 
 march towards Reading. To save the stores which 
 had been deposited in that place, the American gen- 
 eral took a new position, which left the road to the 
 Capital exposed to the enemy. On the twenty-sixtk 
 of September, General Howe entered Philadelphia. 
 
 19. What happened during the skirmish ? 20. What took 
 place between the two armies ? 
 
56 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Works on the Delaware — Battle of Germantovm — Forts takert^— 
 Encampment at JVhite Marsh — Winter quarters at Valley 
 Forge — Sufferings of the Americans — Plan to supplant Gene- 
 ral Washington — His letters on the subject — Situation of the 
 Army at Valley Forge. 
 
 1. General Washington had seasonably removed 
 all public stores from the city, and secured those arti- 
 cles of merchandize which might be required for the 
 use of the army. Though failing in his plan to save 
 Philadelphia, he retained the undiminished confidence 
 of the States and of Congress. Instead of now going 
 into winter quarters, he approached and encamped 
 near the enemy. 
 
 2. Four regiments of the British army were posted 
 in Philadelphia, and the remainder at Germantown. 
 The first object of Sir William Howe was to effect an 
 open communication through the Delaware with the 
 British fleet. General Washington was desirous to 
 cut off this source of supplies, and erected forts on 
 both banks of this river, near its junction with the 
 Schuylkill, and about seven miles below Philadelphia. 
 In the channel between the forts, large pieces of tim- 
 ber strongly framed together and pointed with iron, 
 were sunk in two ranges, to obstruct the passage of 
 the ships. These works were covered by floating bat- 
 teries and armed ships. 
 
 ■ . . -L I . ■ 
 
 1. General Washington .? 2. Sir William Howe .? What 
 of forts ? What was done In the channel .' 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 57 
 
 3. A considerable body of British troops having 
 been despatched to destroy these works, it was thought 
 a favorable time to attack their main body. The 
 American forces now amounted to about eight thous- 
 and regular troops and three thousand militia. The 
 plan formed, was to attack the enemy in front and 
 rear at the same time ; and, on the fourth of October 
 the army was moved near the scene of action. The 
 line of the British encampment crossed Germantowu 
 at right angles. 
 
 4. At sun-rise on the next morning the attack was 
 commenced. The American troops were at first 
 successful. They routed the enemy at two different 
 quarters, and took a number of prisoners. But the 
 morning was extremely foggy, and the Americans 
 were unable to take advantage of their success. They 
 could not perceive the situation of the enemy, nor 
 understand their own situation. The field was hastily 
 abandoned, and Washington v/as obliged to resign a 
 victory of which he had thought himself secure. The 
 loss of the Americans, including the wounded and 
 four hundred prisoners, was about eleven hundred. 
 A retreat was made twenty miles to Perkioming, with 
 the loss of a single piece of artillery. 
 
 5. Sir William Howe moved his whole army to 
 Philadelphia. The attention of the generals was now 
 turned to the works on the Delaware. Detachments 
 
 3. Number of the American forces ? Position of the British 
 army ? 4. Battle of Germantown .'' 5. What was now don© 
 bj the Americans ? 
 
58 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 were stationed on both sides of the river, to intercept 
 supplies from the British ships, and to cut off parties 
 that were sent from the city to procure provisions 
 The government of New Jersey were called upon to 
 turn out their militia, and form an encampment in 
 the rear of fort Mercer. Guards were posted on the 
 roads leading to Philadelphia, to prevent the inhabi- 
 tants of the n-eighborhood from carrying their articles 
 to market. 
 
 6. At this time, the reverend Jacob Duche, a man 
 of piety and influence, who had been chaplain of Con- 
 gress, addressed a long letter to General Washington. 
 The object of it was to persuade him to abandon the 
 war. It represented the calamities into which the 
 country was plunged, and the improbability of a suc- 
 cessful resistance to Great Britain. Such a letter, from 
 a man of the character of the writer, and agreeing with 
 the sentiments of so large a number of the community, 
 might have seemed to demand some consideration. 
 Washington returned it, with a message, that if the 
 contents had been known, it would have been sent 
 back unopened. 
 
 7. The royal army succeeded in removing the ob- 
 structions from the Delaware. The forts were taken 
 and the gallies abandoned and burned. After receiv- 
 ing a reinforcement from the northern army, General 
 Washington removed nearer to the British lines. He 
 encamped at White Marsh, a very strong position, 
 
 -6. Jacob Duche's letter ? Wasliington's reply .' 7. Royal 
 !^Tmy ? Where did Washington encamp ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 59 
 
 about fourteen miles from Philadelphia. On the next 
 morning, Sir William Howe marched out with almost 
 his whole force, and took a position upon Chesnut 
 Hill, about three miles in front of the Americans. 
 
 8. The British commander spent several days in 
 reconnoitring the Ajnerican camp. He changed his 
 ground, and made every appearance of an intention 
 to commence an attack. Several severe skirmishes 
 took place, and a general action was hourly expected. 
 But Sir William Hovre was too well aware of the 
 advantage of the enemy's position; and returned to 
 Philadelphia without coming to an engagement. 
 
 9. Three days after the retreat of the British army, 
 Washington made preparations to retire into winter 
 quarters. He expressed in his general orders, strong 
 approbation of the conduct of his troops. Presenting 
 them with a favorable view of their country's situation, 
 he exhorted them to bear with firmness the sufferings 
 to which they must be exposed in the position they 
 were about to occupy. 
 
 10. Valley Forge, about twenty-five miles back of 
 Philadelphia, was fixed upon for winter quarters. The 
 American army might have been tracked by the blood 
 of their bare feet, from White Marsh to their new 
 position. They were badly clothed and badly provid- 
 ed with food. Many were obliged to go almost naked, 
 
 What position did Sir William Howe take ? 8. What of 
 skirmishes ? Retreat of the British ? 9. What did Washing- 
 ton say to his soldiers ? 10. What of Valley Forge ? Suffer- 
 ings of the Americans ? 
 
60 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 ^^^fi^yyfy^^fV^VWg^^^ 
 
 Encampment at Valley Forge 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 61 
 
 suffering at the same time from famine. In this situa- 
 tion the men behaved with great fortitude. They 
 felled trees, and built log-huts, which were covered 
 with straw and earth, and afforded but very poor shel- 
 ter from the severity of the season. 
 
 11. Washington was now obliged to pursue a course, 
 which he adopted with the greatest reluctance. The 
 army suffered exceedingly from hunger. It was nec- 
 essary that they should be allowed to satisfy their 
 wants by force. In obedience to the commands of 
 Congress, the general issued a proclamation, calling 
 on " the farmers within seventy miles of head-quarters 
 to thresh out one half of their grain by the first of 
 February, and the residue by the first of March, under 
 the penalty of having the whole seized as straw." 
 
 12. While these transactions had been going on in 
 the middle states, the northern campaign had termin- 
 ated in the capture of the army of General Burgoyne. 
 This event had very highly raised the reputation of 
 General Gates, the commander in that department. 
 The different issue of affairs under General Washing- 
 ton, afforded the ignorant and discontented with an 
 occasion to murmur and complain. Several members 
 of Congress, and a few general officers of the army, 
 were engaged in a plan to supplant him in his office, 
 and raise General Gates to the chief command. 
 
 11. What was Washington obliged to do ? 12. What had 
 happened in the mean while in the north .' What plan were 
 some of the Americans engaged in ? 
 
 6 
 
m LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 13. In the prosecution of this scheme, every effort 
 was made to injure the cliaracter of General Wash- 
 ington. The conspiracy did not escape his notice ; 
 but love of country was superior to every considera- 
 tion. He repressed his indignation, to prevent an 
 appearance of disunion and dissension, that might 
 ruin the the cause in which he was engaged. His 
 private letters at this period exhibit the state of his 
 feelings, and the honorable motives which directed his 
 conduct. 
 
 14. In a communication to the president of Con- 
 gress, Mr. Laurens, he observes upon this subject: — 
 ** My enemies take an ungenerous advantage of me. 
 They know the delicacy of my situation, and that 
 motives of policy deprive me of the defence I might 
 otherwise make against their insidious attacks. They 
 know I cannot combat their insinuations, however 
 injurious, without disclosing secrets, it is of the utmost 
 moment to conceal. But why should I expect to be 
 exempt from censure, the unfiling lot of an elevated 
 station. Merit and talents which I cannot pretend to 
 rival, have ever been subject to it. My heart tells me 
 it has been my unremitted aim to do the best, which 
 circumstances would permit; yet I may have been 
 very often mistaken in my judgment of the means, 
 and may, in many instances, deserve the hnputation 
 of error. 
 
 13. What of General Washington ? 14. Repeat part of his 
 loiter to Mr. Laiixens. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 63 
 
 15. To a friend in New England, who wrote to him 
 in respect to a report that he was about to resign his 
 office, Washington, in the course of his reply, observ- 
 ed : "I have said, and I still do say, that there is not 
 an officer in the service of the United States, that 
 would return to the sweets of domestic life with more 
 heart-felt joy than I should. But I would have this 
 declaration accompanied by these sentiments, that 
 while the public are satisfied with my endeavors, I 
 mean not to shrink from the cause. But the moment 
 her voice, not that of faction, calls upon me to resign, 
 I shall do it with as much pleasure as ever the wear- 
 ied traveller retired to rest." 
 
 16. These efforts to displace the commander in 
 chief, exposed their authors to the resentment of the 
 community. The people reposed entire confidence 
 in his integrity, courage, and military skill. The army 
 were affectionately attached to him : their indignation 
 was so strong against his most active enemies, that 
 none of them dared to appear in camp. 
 
 17. The sufferings of the troops at Valley Forge 
 continued to be extremely severe. Early in February, 
 the country in the vicinity of the camp was completely 
 exhausted. General Washington addressed letters to 
 the governments of the New England states, repre- 
 senting the miserable condition of the army, and 
 urging the necessity of immediate assistance. Before 
 
 15. To a friend in New England ? 16. Feelings of the pecH 
 pie towards Washin^on i 17, Sufferings of the camp. 
 
64 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 relief could be obtained from this quarter, the total 
 destruction of the army was threatened by famine. 
 
 18. Of more than seventeen thousand men at that 
 time in camp, not more than five thousand were able 
 to do military duty. Nearly four thousand were unfit 
 from nakedness. The hospitals were filled with the 
 sick. Many foreigners went over to the British camp ; 
 but very few native Americans could be induced even 
 by intense suffering to desert their cause. If Sir Wil- 
 liam Howe had attacked the camp, the want of all the 
 necessaries of life would have forced the Americans 
 to disperse. Fortunately, however, he was unwilling 
 to exchange comfortable quarters in Philadelphia, for 
 the dangers and distresses of a winter campaign. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Preparations for the campaign — Mliance with France — Sir Hen- 
 ry Clinton— Battle of Monmovth — Trial of General Lee — 
 French fleet — Violent storm — Difficulty icith Count D'Estaing 
 —Plan for the reduction of Canada — Views of the British 
 government. 
 
 1. During the encampment at Valley Forge, Wash- 
 ington was preparing for an early campaign in 1778. 
 Congress determined to send a committee of their 
 body to consult with the general in the camp, and 
 
 18. State of the men in the camp ? Where was Sir William 
 Howe at this time ? 1. What did Congress do in 1778 ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 55 
 
 examine into the state of the army. This committee 
 repaired to head quarters in January. With the ad- 
 vice of his officers, Washington laid before them a 
 statement of the defects and abuses of the existing 
 system, and recommended several measures which 
 were approved by Congress. 
 
 2. News having arrived that Congress had formed 
 a treaty of alliance with the court of France, orders 
 were issued by General Washington under date of 
 May 5th, in respect to the celebration of this impor- 
 tant event. The army on the next day attended 
 divine service at nine o'clock. The intelligence was 
 read to them from the Pennsylvania Gazette, after 
 which a prayer was offered and a suitable discourse 
 delivered. 
 
 3. On a given signal the army repaired to their 
 posts, and were reviewed by the commander in chief. 
 After the discharge of cannon and musquetry, the 
 whole army joined in the huzza — Long live the King 
 of France ! After a second discharge, there was a 
 general huzza — Long live the friendly European poio- 
 ers ! A third discharge was followed with — Huzza 
 
 for the American states ! 
 
 4. The officers were then invited to a collation, at 
 which several patriotic toasts were drank with loud 
 cheers. His Excellency took leave of the officers 
 at five o'clock amid universal huzzaing of Long 
 live General Washington ! and clapping of hands till 
 
 2. Recount the celsbration of the treaty of alliance with 
 France ? 
 
 6* 
 
66 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 he had ridden to some distance. Great joy reigned 
 throughout the camp. 
 
 5. Sir William Howe had resigned the command of 
 the British army, and was succeeded by Sir Henry 
 Clinton. This officer received immediate orders to 
 evacuate Philadelphia. Washington was uncertain 
 what course he would probably pursue. Deciding on 
 a march to New York, the British general crossed the 
 Delaware about the middle of June. When this was 
 known, a council of war was immediately called in 
 the American camp. 
 
 6. There was a great difference of opinions. Since 
 the recent alliance with France, independence was 
 considered secure, unless the army should be defeated. 
 Under such circumstances a general engagement was 
 not to be hazarded, without a fair prospect of success. 
 This was the opinion of a majority of the general 
 officers. Washington, however, was very desirous to 
 risk an action. 
 
 7. When Sir Henry Clinton had advanced to Allen- 
 town, instead of pursuing the direct course to Staten 
 Island, he drew towards the sea coast. On learning 
 that he was marching in this direction, towards Mon- 
 mouth court-house, Washington sent Brigadier Wayne 
 with a thousand men to reinforce his advanced troops. 
 The command of this body was offered to General 
 Lee, who in the exchange of prisoners had been re 
 
 5. Sir William Howe ? What was called in the American 
 camp ? 6. What were the different opinions of the council ? 
 7. Sir Henry Clinton ? Washington ? General Lee ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 67 
 
 Stored to the American army. This officer was oppos- 
 ed to any engagement with the enemy at that time, 
 and declined the service. It was accordingly given 
 to the Marquis de Lafayette. 
 
 8. The whole army followed the advanced corps, at 
 a convenient distance to support them when attacked. 
 This advance was afterwards increased by two bri- 
 gades, and the command of the whole given to Gene- 
 ral Lee. On the next morning orders were sent to 
 this officer to commence the attack, unless there should 
 be strong reasons for delaying it. Washington moved 
 forward to support the advanced troops, and found 
 them retreating. He immediately rode up to General 
 Lee to request an explanation. Some warm words en- 
 sued on both sides. The troops were then formed in 
 an advantageous position, and General Lee was order- 
 ed to take measures to check the enemy. 
 
 9. Washington returned to the main army, which 
 was soon formed for action. After several unsuccess- 
 ful movements of the British troops, they retired and 
 took the ground that had been before occupied by 
 General Lee. Washington determined to attack them, 
 and ordered two detachments to move round, upon 
 their right and left sides. They did not arrive at 
 their ground in season to commence the attack that 
 night. They remained in that position till morning : 
 
 Lafayette ? 8. Who commanded the advanced corps of the 
 American army ? Conduct of General Lee ? 9. Washington ? 
 British troops ? American forces ? 
 
68 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 General Washington reposing on his cloak under a 
 tree, in the midst of his troops. 
 
 10. Before dawn, the British moved away in great 
 silence. Nothing was known of their march till the 
 next day. They left behind four officers, and forty 
 privates ; so severely wounded that it was not safe to 
 remove them. Including prisoners, the whole loss 
 of the British army was about three hundred and fifty. 
 They pursued their march to Sandy Hook without 
 farther interruption, and without any loss of baggage. 
 The Americans lost about two hundred and fifty men. 
 Declining pursuit of the royal troops, they retired to 
 the borders of the North river. 
 
 11. Shortly after the action, Congress resolved on a 
 vote of thanks to General Washington, for his activity 
 and great good conduct in gaining this important 
 victory. The subsequent behaviour of General Lee 
 rendered it proper, that his conduct, on this occasion, 
 should be submitted to a court-martial. Several charges 
 were exhibited against him, and he was suspended 
 from command in the armies of the United States for 
 the term of one year 
 
 12. Soon after the battle of Monmouth, the Ameri- 
 can army took post at White plains, and remained 
 there till late in the Autumn. They then retired to 
 Middlebrook in New Jersey. During this period, 
 several unimportant skirmishes took place, in which 
 
 10. Retreat of the British ? Prisoners ? Loss of the Ameri- 
 cans ? 11. What was done by Congress soon after the action ? 
 What of General Lee ? 12. White Plains ? Middlebrook ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 69 
 
 General Washington was not personally engaged. He 
 was fully occupied, however, with affairs which requir- 
 ed the exercise of all his judgment and firmness. 
 
 13. The French fleet arrived too late to attack the 
 British in the Delaware. It was determined therefore 
 that a joint expedition, with the sea and land forces, 
 should be made against the British posts in Rhode 
 Island. General Sullivan was appointed to the 
 conduct of the American troops: Count D' Estaing 
 commanded the French fleet. The preparations for 
 commencing the attack had been nearly completed, 
 when a British fleet appeared in sight. The French 
 commander immediately put out to sea, to come to an 
 engagement. A violent storm arose, and injured both 
 fleets to such an extent, that it was necessary for the 
 one to sail for Boston, and the other to New York, 
 to refit, 
 
 14. General Sullivan had commenced the siege, in 
 the expectation of being shortly seconded by the French 
 fleet. The determination of D' Estaing to return to 
 Boston excited general alarm. It left the harbors 
 of Rhode Island open for reinforcements to the British, 
 from their head-quarters in New York. The very 
 safety of the American army was endangered by it. 
 Every effort was made to induce the French command- 
 er to change his intentions, but without effect. This 
 affair produced a great deal of discontent and irritation, 
 
 General Washington ? 13. What was now determined 
 upon ? WJio commanded the Americans ? Who the French ' 
 Storm .? 14. Conduct of D' Estaing ? 
 
70 TJFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 among the American officers, and was likely to lead 
 to very serious difficulties. 
 
 15. With his usual prudence and good judgement, 
 General Washington exerted his influence to quiet the 
 wounded feelings of both parties. He was powerfully 
 assisted in this attempt, by the Marquis de Lafayette ; 
 who was very much beloved by the Americans as well 
 as the French, and gladly rendered his services to bring 
 about a reconciliation. Washington wrote on the 
 subject to the several general officers of his army, and 
 took the first opportunity of recommencing his corres- 
 pondence with Count D' Estaing. His letter took no 
 ;.otice of the angry dispute that had occurred, and good 
 humor and cordial good will were speedily restored. 
 
 16. In the latter months of the year 1778, Congress 
 were occupied with a splendid plan for the reduction 
 of Canada. This was to be attempted in the ensuing 
 year by an union of the French and American forces. 
 The measure was almost entirely arranged, before it 
 was communicated to Washington. He was then 
 requested to write to Dr. Franklin, the American 
 minister at Paris, to secure the active assistance of 
 the government of France. 
 
 17. In reply to the communications of Congress, 
 General Washington expressed himself in direct oppo- 
 sition to the measure. He was unwilling that any 
 engagements should be made with foreign powers, of 
 
 15. What course did Washington and Lafayette adopt ? Ef^ 
 feet of Washington's letter .' 16. Plans of Congress in the 
 year 1778 ? 17. Washington's opinion of the measure ? 
 
LIFE QF WASHINGTON. 71 
 
 which circumstances might prevent the performance. 
 
 The plan appeared to him loaded with embarrassments. 
 A Committee was afterwards appointed by Congress 
 to confer with him upon the subject, and by his advice 
 the proposed expedition was prudently abandoned. 
 
 IS. The alliance with France had seemed to many 
 to secure our independence. It was supposed that 
 Great Britain would despair of final success, and relin- 
 quish farther prosecution of the war. Washington 
 was very busy in opposing the progress of this danger- 
 ous delusion. In his correspondence with members 
 of Congress, and influential men throughout the state, 
 he represented the fallacy of this opinion, and the 
 impolicy of indulging it. He was anxious that early 
 and vigorous measures should be taken for the next 
 campaign. Yet it was not till the twenty-third of Janu- 
 ary, 1779, that Congress passed resolutions for re- 
 enlisting the army ; and not till the ninth of March, 
 that the States were called upon to furnish their pro- 
 portion of the general forces. 
 
 19. The British government had, from the first, 
 entertained the most certain expectation of conquest. 
 The loss of the army under General Burgoyne, the 
 alliance with France, and the firmness with which the 
 Americans maintained the contest, had now diminished 
 their early confidence. They determined to change 
 the scene of their operations. Keeping possession 
 
 Consequences ? 18. What of the alliance with France .' 
 Representations of Washington ? What took place in 1779 ? 
 19. British government f Their proceedings r 
 
72 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 of the islands about the Hudson, their arms were to be 
 directed particularly against the Southern states. The 
 most active measures of the ensuing compaigns took 
 place accordingly in that part of the country. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Tratible in the Jersey Brigade — Letters from Washington — Reply 
 — Wretched condition of the army — Expedition against the 
 Indians — Capture of Stony Point — Paules Hook — Assault upon 
 Savannah — Winter Quarters — Sufferings of the soldiers. 
 
 1. The paper money, which had been issued by 
 government to support the expenses of the war, had 
 been rapidly decreasing in value. It depreciated so 
 much, that the nominal pay of an officer was insuffi- 
 cient to discharge his expenses. This occasioned in 
 the army a great deal of difficulty and discontent. In 
 the month of May, the Jersey brigade, that had been 
 stationed ai Elizabeth town, was ordered to march by 
 regiments to join the western army. In answer to this 
 order, a letter was received from General Maxwell, 
 stating that the officers of the first regiment had de- 
 termined to resign their commission, unless the legis- 
 lature of the state should give immediate attention to 
 their complaints on the subject of pay and support. 
 
 1. What of paper money ? Jersey Brigade } 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. TS 
 
 2. General Washington knew the sufferings to which 
 the army were exposed, and the virtue and firmness 
 with which they had borne up under them. He knew 
 the truth and justice of the complaints now made by 
 the Jersey regiment; but immediately saw the evils 
 that would result from the measures they had adopted. 
 Relying on their patriotism and personal attachment 
 to himself, he immediately wrote to General Maxwell 
 a letter to be communicated to the officers. 
 
 3. In this address, he adopted the language of a 
 friend as well as of an officer. He acknowledged the 
 inconvenience and distress to which the army were 
 exposed ; and expressed the hope that they had done 
 him the justice to believe, that he had been incessant 
 in endeavors to procure them relief The limited 
 resources of the government were mentioned, and their 
 embarrassment in procuring money. He then alluded 
 to the progress of the cause, the probability of soon 
 attaining the object of their struggles, and the mean- 
 ness of a shameful desertion, and forgetfulness of what 
 was due to their country. 
 
 4. "Did I suppose it possible," he observed, "this 
 could be the case, even in a single regiment of the 
 army, I should be mortified and chagrined beyond 
 expression. I should feel it as a wound given to my' 
 own honor, which I consider as embarked with that 
 of the army at large. But this I believe to be impossi- 
 ble. Any corps that was about to set an example 
 
 2. "Washington ? 3. What language did he use to the offi 
 cers in his letter ? 4. Repeat part of the letter. 
 
 7 
 
74 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 of the kind, would weigh well the consequences ; and 
 no officer of common discernment and sensibility 
 would hazard them. If they should stand alone in it, 
 independent of other consequences, what would be 
 their feelings, on reflecting that they had held them- 
 selves out to the world in a point of light inferior to 
 the rest of the army. Or if their example should be 
 followed, and become general, how could they console 
 themselves for having been the foremost in bringing 
 ruin and disgrace upon their country. They would 
 remember, that the army would share a double portion 
 of the general infamy and distress, and that the char- 
 acter of an American officer would become as despic- 
 able, as it is now glorious." 
 
 5. The officers did not expressly recede from their 
 claims, but they were prevailed upon by the representa- 
 tions of the letter to continue in service. In an address 
 to General Washington, they expressed regret that any 
 act of theirs should have given him pain, and proceed- 
 ed to justify the measures they had taken. They 
 stated that their repeated memorials to the legislature 
 had been neglected, and that they had lost all confi- 
 dence in that body. 
 
 6. "Few of us," they said "have private fortunes ; 
 many have families who already are suffering every 
 thing that can be received from an ungrateful country. 
 Are we then to suffer all the inconveniences, fatigues 
 and dangers of a military life, while our wives and our 
 children are perishing for want of common necessaries 
 
 5. What of the officers? 6. Their reply ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 75 
 
 at home ; and that without the most distant prospect 
 of reward, for our pay is now only nominal 1 We are 
 sensible that your excellency cannot wish nor desire 
 this from us." 
 
 7. Washington took no farther notice of this reply, 
 than to declare to the officers through General Max- 
 well, that while they continued to do their duty, he 
 should only regret the part they had taken, and should 
 hope they would perceive its impropriety. The legis- 
 lature of New Jersey were alarmed, and at length 
 induced to take some notice of their situation. The 
 remonstrance was withdrawn, and the officers continu- 
 ed to perform their duty as usual. 
 
 8. This occasion was a favorable one, for the com- 
 mander in chief, to urge upon congress the necessity 
 of making suitable provision for the officers of the 
 army. The members of this body differed in opinions 
 in respect to the proper military arrangments. Many 
 opposed enlistments for a long period, in order to avoid 
 all danger of establishing a permament military body. 
 Others agreed with Washington, in his views of the 
 absolute necessity of raising a well equipped and 
 amply supported national army. 
 
 9. The army during this time was miserably provid- 
 ed with food and clothing. It did not exceed thirteen 
 thousand in number, while the British, strongly fortified 
 in New York and Rhode Island, amounted to sixteen 
 
 7. What notice did Washington take of the reply ? 8. What 
 did he urge upon Congress ? Different opinions ? 9. Suf- 
 fering of the army ? Numbers ? What of the British .'' 
 
76 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 or seventeen thousand. It was of course entirely 
 impracticable for the Americans to dislodge them from 
 these strong positions. They were secured by their 
 fortifications and their shipping from a successful 
 attack. The American army was obliged consequently 
 to act upon the defensive; and limit its operations 
 to securing the passes of the North river, and protect- 
 ing the country, as far as was consistent with that 
 important object. 
 
 10, One of the principal expeditions, undertaken 
 during this campaign was directed against the nearest 
 hostile tribes of the Six Nations of Indians. These 
 tribes had committed great outrages upon the white 
 people in their neighborhood; burning villages, and 
 murdering their inhabitants. It was necessary to take 
 very severe measures against them. The commander 
 in chief marked out the best method of conducting 
 the invasion. According to his instructions General 
 Sullivan penetrated into the Indian country, in three 
 directions, destroying their crops and laying waste 
 their towns. This severity secured the future peace 
 of the frontier settlements. 
 
 11. Early in the year. Sir Henry Clinton had made 
 some movements up the North river, which indicated 
 an intention to attack the posts in the Highlands. 
 Washington united all his forces for their defence. 
 To allure him from these fortresses, the British com- 
 mander sent detachments to ravage the towns on the 
 
 American army ? 10. What of the Six Nations ? Expedition 
 ftgajnst them ? Consequences ? 11. Movements of Clinton ^ 
 
LIFE or WASHINGTON. 77 
 
 coast of Connecticut. While these devastations were 
 going on, Washington planned an expedition against 
 Stony Point. This was a strong position upon the 
 Hudson, which had been garrisoned by the enemy 
 with about six hundred men. The enterprize was 
 committed to General Wayne, and proved completely 
 successful. 
 
 12. This fortunate event was soon followed by the 
 surprise of the British garrison at Paules Hook. An 
 expedition against this post was first projected by Major 
 Henry Lee. It was concluded on the eighteenth 
 of August. The fort was taken at about three o'clock 
 in the morning, by three hundred Americans. With 
 the loss of two killed and three wounded, they entered 
 the works, and carried away one hundred and fifty-nine 
 prisoners. 
 
 13. It was thought best to avoid all dangerous 
 movements, from the expected arrival of a French 
 fleet in the course of the year. This fleet under 
 Count D' Estaing reached the vicinity of Georgia, 
 with a body of troops, and besieged the city of Savan- 
 nah. The commander of the American army in the 
 southern colonies. General Lincoln, combined his forces 
 with those of the French leader, and formed the resch 
 lution of taking this post by assault. The united forces 
 were led to the lines of the enemy with great valor 
 and firmness, but after standing a very severe fire for 
 about an hour, they were repulsed with loss. 
 
 Stony Point ? General Wayne ? 12. Paules Hook ? De- 
 •cribe the capture of the garrison. 13. Attempt on Savannah .> 
 
 7* 
 
78 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 14. The campaign terminated in the northern states 
 without any decisive efforts on either side. The Brit- 
 ish attempts upon the posts in the Highlands had been 
 defeated. The Indians had been reduced to peace. 
 Winter quarters for the American army were chosen 
 at Morristown. On their march to this place, and 
 after their arrival, they suffered exceedingly. The 
 snow was two feet deep, and the soldiers were destitute 
 both of tents and blankets, some of them barefooted 
 and almost naked. At night their only defence against 
 the weather was in piles of brushwood. 
 
 15. After reaching the place that had been chosen 
 for winter quarters, they found it very difficult to pitch 
 their tents in the frozen ground. They built up large 
 fires, but could hardly keep from freezing. Besides 
 the sufferings from cold, they were without necessary 
 food. For seven or eight days together they had no 
 other provision than miserable fresh beef, without bread, 
 salt or vegetables. 
 
 16. The weather in January 1780, was remarkably 
 cold and severe. On the third of the month, there 
 was a most violent snow storm. Several of the mar- 
 quees were blown down over the officers' heads, and 
 some of the soldiers were actually buried under the 
 snow in their tents. The officers of the army had a 
 sufficient supply of straw, over which they could spread 
 their blankets, and with their clothes and Ijarge fires, 
 keep themselves from extreme suffering. But the poor 
 
 14. What of tlie northern campaign ? Sufferings at Morris- 
 town > 16. What of January 1780 .? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 79 
 
 common soldiers, on duty, during all the violence 
 of the storm, and at night with but a single blanket, 
 were exposed to great distress. They were so enfee- 
 bled from cold and hunger as to be almost unable to 
 labor in the erection of their log huts. 
 
 17. Complaints were sometimes made by the farmers 
 in the neighborhood that their pigs and poultry were 
 stolen by the soldiers. Severe measures were resorted 
 to, in order to put a stop to these practises. Death 
 was sometimes inflicted in cases of atrocious robbery, 
 but the usual punishment was public whipping. This 
 course was adopted by Washington to preserve a ne- 
 cessary discipline, though he deeply sympathized with 
 the sufferings of the soldiers, and was sensible of the 
 heroic firmness and patience with which they submit- 
 ted to them. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Expedition to Staten Island — Review of four battalions — Parade 
 of the whole army — Death of Miralles — Sititation of the officers. 
 — Loss of Cliarleston — Lafayette — French armament — Designs 
 on New York — Indian Chiefs review the army. 
 
 1 . Notwithstanding the situation of his army, Gen- 
 eral Washington was active in seeking opportunities 
 for a favorable attack. An expedition was accordingly 
 
 Condition of the army ? 17. Complaints of the farmers ? 
 Punishment of theft ? Washington .? 1. Expedition against 
 Staten Island .? 
 
80 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 planned against the British works on Staten Island. 
 A detachment of twenty-five hundred men was des- 
 patched on this service under Lord Stirling. They 
 went in about five hundred sleighs, and expected to 
 take the enemy by surprise. 
 
 2. Tiie party passed over from Elizabethtown, at 
 night, on the ice. The British troops, however, had 
 received intelligence of their design, and withdrawn 
 into their fortifications. All the benefit of the expedi- 
 tion was in obtaining a quantity of blankets and mili- 
 tary stores, with a few casks of wine and spirits. 
 The snow was three or four feet deep, and the troops 
 remained on the island twenty-four hours without 
 covering. About five hundred of them were slightly 
 frozen, and six were killed; the retreat was effected 
 with no other loss. 
 
 3. The soldiers in winter quarters were obliged to 
 continue in their tents till about the middle of Febru- 
 ary. They had then completed their huts. A large 
 body of snow remained upon the ground all winter ; 
 while the same deficiency of food and clothing distress- 
 ed the army. 
 
 4. Towards the latter part of April, General Wash^ 
 ington arrived at Morristown from Philadelphia, with 
 the French minister, and Juan de Miralles, a gentle- 
 man of distinction from Spain. They were met at a 
 distance from the camp, and escorted with the usual 
 
 2. Benefits derived ? SuiFerings from cold and hunger? 4. 
 Describe the arrival of Washington at Morristown, with thq 
 French minister, and Juan de Miralles ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 81 
 
 military honors to head quarters. These gentlemen 
 with their aids and attendants, with the commander 
 in chief and general officers of the American army, 
 were all mounted on elegant horses and presented a 
 very beautiful appearance. Preparations were made 
 for a grand parade of the army, while General Wash- 
 ington with his visitors went to take a distant view 
 of the British posts on York and Staten Island. 
 
 5. On the twenty-fourth of the month, four battal- 
 ions of the army were reviewed by the French minister 
 and the general officers. A large stage was erected 
 in the field, which was crowded with officers, and 
 gentlemen and ladies fi-om the adjacent towns. The 
 troops exhibited a very military appearance, and per- 
 formed the various manoeuvres and evolutions with 
 great skill. The French minister was highly satisfied 
 and pleased. In the evening. General W^ashington 
 with his visitors attended a ball given by the principal 
 officers. An exhibition of fire-works concluded the 
 entertainment. 
 
 6. On the next day the whole army was paraded 
 under arms, and again reviewed by the French minis- 
 ter. This gentleman was then escorted part of the 
 way to Philadelphia. On the twenty-ninth of the 
 month, Don Juan de Miralles died at head-quarters. 
 He was of high rank, and had been resident in America 
 with the congress about a year. General Washington 
 with several officers, and members of Congress attend- 
 
 5. Review of the army ? 6. A second review ? Death of 
 Don Juan de Miralles ? Funeral ceremonies ? 
 
82 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 ed the funeral as chief mourners. The corpse was 
 richly dressed, and the coffin covered with black velvet, 
 and superbly ornamented. The funeral procession 
 extended about a mile, and the coffin was borne upon 
 the shoulders of four artillery officers in full uniform. 
 Minute guns were fired, and the Roman Catholic 
 service was performed at the grave. The coffin was 
 deposited in the burying ground at Morristown. 
 
 7. The officers of the American army had been for 
 some time dissatisfied with their situation. They had 
 been exposed to great distress, and had made great 
 sacrifices, for small wages, paid with no punctuality. 
 The paper money had diminished so much in value, 
 that it was difficult to procure supplies with it, even at 
 its reduced value. Forty dollars in these bills were 
 worth less than one dollar in silver. A number of 
 officers were compelled by necessity to give up their 
 commissions. General Washington was unwearied 
 in his efforts to procure from Congress a more gener- 
 ous provision for them, and at length succeeded. 
 
 8. In the latter part of May, four battalions were 
 reviewed by the committee of Congress, in the pre- 
 sence of the commander in chief The soldiers were 
 again suffering from want of provisions, their pa- 
 tience was exhausted, and their spirits Avere broken. 
 They became dissatisfied, and began to lose their 
 first ardent attachment to the cause. Their confidence 
 in Washington, however, and their devoted love for 
 him, were never diminished. Two regiments of the 
 
 7. American affairs ? Efforts and success of Washington ? 
 8. Sufferings of the soldiers ? Affection of Washington ? 
 
UFE OF WASHINGTON. 83 
 
 Connecticut line revolted, but their leaders were 
 secured, and they returned to their duty, 
 
 9. General Washington now received intelligence 
 of the loss of Charleston, and the surrender of that 
 detachment of the southern army, under Gen. Lincoln. 
 This force amounted to between two and three thou- 
 sand men, which had been posted for the defence 
 of this important town. General Clinton besieged 
 the place with a powerful fleet, and an army of thir- 
 teen thousand men. The defence was very judiciously 
 managed, but in the end, it was necessary to surrender 
 the town and garrison by capitulation. 
 
 10. Soon after this surrender of the southern army, 
 the commanding officer of the enemy in New York, 
 thought to take advantage of the discontent and dis- 
 tress prevailing among the northern troops. General 
 Knyphausen crossed over from Staten Island with 
 about five thousand men. Orders were immediately 
 given in the American camps, to be in readiness to 
 march at a moments notice. The enemy advanced 
 to Springfield, and set fire to the village ; burning the 
 church, and twenty or thirty dwelling houses. They 
 then made a rapid retreat to Staten Island. The 
 object of this expedition was supposed to have been 
 the destruction of the stores at Morristown. 
 
 11. Late in April, the Marquis de Lafayette had 
 arrived at Boston in a royal frigate, and immediately 
 hastened to head-quarters. He brought intelligence 
 
 9. Lof3s of Charleston ? 10. Burning of Springfield ? 11. 
 Lafayette ? 
 
84 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 that the French king had determined to send a large 
 fleet and army to the assistance of the Americans. 
 This news was received with great joy, and gave a 
 fresh impulse to the state legislatures and to Congress. 
 On the fourteenth of July, information was received 
 at head-quarters of the arrival of the French arma- 
 ment at Newport in Rhode Island. The commander 
 in chief soon comunicated this pleasing intelligence 
 to the army, and recommended to the officers to blend 
 with their black cockades, a relief of white, as a 
 symbol of friendship for their allies, who wore cock- 
 ades of that color. 
 
 12. The season was so far advanced, that Wash- 
 ington, without knowing the number of American 
 troops that would finally be levied, despatched definite 
 proposals to the French commanders for the siege 
 of New York. Orders were given for the army to be 
 in readiness to march at a moment's notice. Two 
 brigades were selected from the different regiments, 
 to be put under the command of Lafayette. 
 
 13. The army was ordered to send all its baggage, 
 with the women and children to West Point. Pro- 
 visions, for two days in advance, were to be cooked 
 for the soldiers, who were to be always prepared to 
 start. The horses in the baggage wagons were kept 
 in harness. The order and regularity of the troops 
 were such, that the whole army, extended over several 
 
 French fleet ? Joy in the army ? 12. Orders of Washington ? 
 13. Preparation for the seige of New York ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 85 
 
 miles, could be put in motion, and take up the line 
 of march in less than an hour. The fifth of August 
 was fixed upon as the day, when the united armies 
 were to commence operations. 
 
 14. Sir Henry Clinton who had returned the pre- 
 ceding month with his victorious troops from Charles- 
 ton, had embarked about eight thousand men with the 
 apparent intention of attacking the French force at 
 Rhode Island. Washington had put his army in 
 motion, and crossed the Hudson, to besiege New 
 York during his absence. The enemy were alarmed 
 at the danger of this city, and returned to defend it. 
 The American army re-crossed the Hudson to the 
 Jersey shore. This passage was made in boats and 
 floats, and occupied three days and nights. 
 
 15. The designs on New York were only suspended, 
 not entirely abandoned. General Washington had a 
 personal interview on this subject, with the French 
 commander at Hartford. But. the arrival of Admiral 
 Rodney, with eleven ships of the line, upon the 
 American coast, disarranged the plans of the allies. 
 No expedition of the kind could be undertaken during 
 the present campaign. 
 
 16. On the thirteenth of September, the army was 
 paraded for review. General Washington, mounted 
 on his noble bay horse, rode in front of the army and 
 received the usual salute. He was accompanied by 
 
 14. Sir Henry Clinton ? Movements of the British and 
 Americans ? 15. Admiral Rodney ? 16. Review of the army ? 
 8 
 
86 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington and the Indian Chiefs. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 87 
 
 six Indian chiefs, on whom he thought it prudent to 
 impress an idea of the strength of the troops. These 
 chiefs are described by Dr. Thacher, who was a sur- 
 geon in the revolutionary army, as the most disgusting 
 and contemptible of the human race. 
 
 17. Their faces were painted with various colors, 
 and their hair twisted and knotted on the top of their 
 heads. They were dressed in wretched Indian gar- 
 ments, some with a dirty blanket, and others most 
 naked. Their horses were miserable animals, with 
 undressed sheep-skins for saddles, and old ropes for 
 bridles. Rum was eagerly sought after by these chiefs, 
 and some of them became so intoxicated that they 
 could not sit upon their horses. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The Story of the Treachery of Arnold. 
 
 1. West Point is a very strong post situated among 
 the Highlands, on the west side of the Hudson, sixty 
 miles above New York. It was considered, at this 
 period, as the most important station in the United 
 States. The position of it is admirably adapted for 
 defence, being on a bend of the river, with high rocks 
 rising one above another, whose summits are crowned 
 with cannon. 
 
 Indian chiefs ? 17. Describe them. 1. Where is West Point .' 
 What of it? 
 
88 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 2. The most formidable fortress was built on a 
 natural platform of rock, surrounded on all sides by 
 steep ridges. It is called "Fort Putnam," from the 
 brave general who was the principal agent in planning 
 and constructing it. 
 
 3. The natural strength of West Point was so great, 
 that when properly guarded, the fortress was secure 
 against an enemy of almost any force. No position 
 in America could afford the British . greater advan- 
 tages, if they could only once obtain possession of it. 
 It commanded the whole extent of country on the 
 Hudson, and secured a communication between the 
 eastern and southern states. 
 
 4. This important fortress has been connected with 
 the blackest act of treachery that disgraces the history 
 of any period. This was the conspiracy of Arnold. 
 
 5. Benedict Arnold had been regarded from the 
 commencement of the American war, as a brave and 
 patriotic officer. He had fought in several battles, 
 with great valor and gallantry, and acquired the en- 
 tire confidence of his countrymen. His services had 
 been rewarded by promotion to the rank of major- 
 general. 
 
 6. At his own request and solicitation, he was en- 
 trusted with the command of West Point. Partly 
 from motives of avarice, and partly from feelings of 
 
 2. What of Fort Putnam ? 3. What were the advantages 
 of the fortress ? 4. What circumstance is connected with it ? 
 5. Benedict Arnold ? 6. With what command was he en- 
 trusted ? By what motives was he actuated ' 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 89 
 
 revenge, for some public censures he had received 
 from the government, he determined to deliver this 
 post into the hands of the enemy. He entered into a 
 secret correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, and ac- 
 tually agreed to put him in possession of the garrison. 
 
 7. The British general readily consented to the 
 treachery, and selected Major John Andre, his adju- 
 tant general and aid-de-camp, to have a personal in- 
 terview with Arnold, and arrange the plan for the 
 surrender of the post. 
 
 8. A British sloop of war, called the Vulture, sailed 
 up the North river, and anchored about twelve miles 
 below West Point. On board of this vessel was Major 
 Andre, under the assumed name of John Anderson. 
 The parties could now communicate with each other, 
 without exciting suspicions of any treasonable designs. 
 But a personal interview became at length necessary. 
 The place chosen for this purpose was the beach, near 
 the house of Mr. Joshua Smith, who had long been 
 suspected of favoring the British cause. 
 
 9. Arnold now sent a boat to bring Andre on shore. 
 This was unexpected to the British officer, but he was 
 unwilling that the enterprize should fail, through any 
 fault upon his part. Putting on a grey surtout, to 
 hide his uniform, he accompanied the messenger of 
 Arnold to the shore. 
 
 7. Who was selected to arrange the plan with Arnold ? 8. 
 How did they communicate with each other.'' What place 
 was chosen for a personal interview ? 9. How did Andre get 
 on shore ? 
 
 8* 
 
90 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 10. After conversing some time at the water's edge, 
 they went to the house of Smith for greater security. 
 Andre remained concealed here till the following 
 night, when he became anxious to return on board 
 the Vulture. He went alone to the beach, where he 
 expected to find a boat to convey him to this vessel. 
 
 11. During his visit to the shore, however, the Vul- 
 ture had been driven from her station, and had remov- 
 ed some miles farther down the river. When Andre 
 proposed to the boatmen to carry him back to the 
 vessel, they told him that it was too far, and refus- 
 ed to go. 
 
 12. It was impossible to procure a boat and men 
 for the purpose, and it was resolved that Andre should 
 return to New York by land. For this dangerous 
 attempt, he laid aside his uniform altogether, and put 
 on another dress. Arnold furnished him with a horse, 
 and accompanied by Smith he set out upon his journey. 
 Each of them had a passport from Arnold — " to go 
 to the lines on White Plains, or lower if the bearer 
 thought proper ; he being on public business." 
 
 13. By means of these passports they got beyond 
 all the American out-posts and guards, without being 
 suspected. They lodged together on the night of their 
 departure at Crompond. They arrived without inter- 
 ruption a little beyond Pine's Bridge, a village situated 
 
 10. What then took place ? 11. What had happened to the 
 Vulture ? What of the boat-men ? 12. What was resolved 
 upon ? What of the passport ? 13. How were they of ad- 
 vantage ? Relate their progress as far as the lines. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 91 
 
 on the Croton. They had not yet crossed the lines, 
 though they were in sight of the ground occupied by 
 the British troops. 
 
 14. Smith here looked round, and seeing no one, 
 and no sign of danger, he said to Andre — "You are 
 safe — good by," and retook the road by which they 
 had come. Andre put spurs to his horse, and suppos- 
 ing himself out of danger, rode forward at full speed 
 to deliver the favorable result of his mission. 
 
 15. He had proceeded about a dozen miles with 
 the same good fortune. He was about entering Tarry- 
 town, the border village that separated him from the 
 royal army, when a man sprung suddenly from a 
 thicket and exclaimed "where are you bound?" This 
 man was armed with a gun, and was immediately 
 joined by two armed companions. 
 
 16. They were not in uniform, and Andre sup- 
 posed at once they must be of his own party. Instead 
 of producing his passport, he asked them in his turn 
 where they belonged. They replied, "to below," 
 alluding to New York. "And so do I," said Andre, 
 " I am a British officer, on urgent business, and must 
 not be detained." "You belong to our enemies," 
 was the reply, " and we arrest you." 
 
 17. Andre was surprised at this unexpected lan- 
 guage and produced his passport. This paper however, 
 notwithstanding the signature of Arnold, was of no 
 avail, and he was obliged to surrender himself prison- 
 
 14. What of Andre after Smith's departure ? 15. Relate 
 the adventure with the men 
 
92 lAlE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 er. He offered his captors gold, liis horse, his watch, 
 and any amount of goods that they might name, if 
 they would allow him to pass to New York. All his 
 offers were rejected with disdain. 
 
 18. The names of the faithful soldiers who arrested 
 Andre, were John Paulding, David Williams, and 
 Isaac Van Vert. On examining their prisoner, they 
 found in his boots the important papers that gave 
 minute accounts of the condition of West Point, with its 
 forces and defences, all in the hand- writing of General 
 Arnold. 
 
 19. The captors immediately deliver their prisoner 
 with the papers found on him, into the hands of 
 Colonel Jameson, who commanded the American out- 
 posts. When questioned by that officer, he still called 
 himself Anderson, the man named in the passport, 
 and behaved with great coolness and composure. 
 
 20. In order to inform Arnold of his arrest that he 
 might have time to escape, he prevailed upon Colonel 
 Jameson to write a letter to the commanding officer 
 of West Point, telling him that Anderson, the bearer of 
 his passport, had been detained. After sufficient time 
 had elapsed for the traitor to make his escape. Major 
 Andre declared himself to be the adjutant general of 
 the British army. 
 
 18. What were the names of the soldiers who arrested An- 
 dre ? What was found on Andre's person ? 19. Into whose 
 hands was the prisoner deUvered ? His behaviour. 20. How 
 was Arnold informed of the arrest of Major Andre ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 93 
 
 21. Arnold was busy with his arrangements for the 
 reception of the enemy, when he received the letter 
 from Jameson. Those who were present at the time, 
 afterwards recollected that he was very much dismay- 
 ed and agitated. Recovering himself quickly, he said 
 in a loud voice that he would write an answer, and 
 withdrew to reflect upon the course which it was best 
 for him to pursue. 
 
 22. The entrance of two American officers inter- 
 rupted his reflections. They were sent by the com- 
 mander in chief, and informed Arnold that he had 
 arrived within a few leagues of West Point, and was to 
 have set out a few hours after them, to complete his 
 journey. He had been on important business to 
 Hartford, and, by a mistake of the messenger des- 
 patched by Jameson, had not heard of the capture of 
 Andre. 
 
 23. The traitor had now no safety but in immediate 
 flight. Concealing his emotions, he told the two 
 officers that he wished to go and meet the general 
 alone, and begged them not to follow him. He then 
 entered the apartment of his wife, exclaiming — "All 
 is discovered ; Andre is a prisoner ; the commander in 
 chief will know every thing. Burn all my papers — I 
 fly to New York." 
 
 24. Leaving his wife, without waiting for a reply, 
 he mounted the horse of one of the two officers, and 
 
 21. What of Arnold? 22. What of the commandor in chief.? 
 
 23. What did Arnold now do ? What did he say to his wife ? 
 
 24. How did he escape ? 
 
94 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 rushed towards the Hudson. Here he had taken care 
 to have always ready a barge well-manned. He threw 
 himself into it, and ordered the boatmen to make for 
 the English sloop with all possible despatch. The 
 barge, bearing a flag of truce, was in sight when 
 Washington arrived. 
 
 25. The officers related to him what had happened. 
 Arnold had absconded. No one knew how to account 
 for it. The commander in chief instantly repaired to 
 the fort of West Point, but he could learn nothing 
 there. He returned to the house of General Arnold, 
 where the messenger of Jameson presented himself, 
 and delivered the packet with which he was charged. 
 
 26. Washington seemed for a few moments over- 
 whelmed by the enormity of the crime. Those who 
 were near him waited silently, but impatiently, for the 
 result. He at length said — " I thought that an officer 
 of courage and ability, who had often shed his blood 
 for his country, was entitled to confidence, and I gave 
 him mine. I am convinced now, and for the rest of 
 my life, that we should never trust those who are want- 
 ing in probity, whatever abilities they may possess.-— 
 Arnold has betrayed us." 
 
 27. Major Andre was conducted to West Point, and 
 afterwards to head quarters at Tappan. A court mar- 
 tial was here instituted, and this unfortunate officer 
 was condemned to death. General Washington was 
 
 24. How did he escape ? 25. What did the commander in chief 
 do ? Messenger of Jameson ? 26. What did Washington say pn 
 reading the letter ? 27. What of Andre 7 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 95"^ 
 
 now called upon to discharge a duty from which he 
 revolted, and it is said that his hand could hardly com- 
 mand his pen, when signing the warrant for the exe- 
 cution. But the laws and usages of war required that 
 Andre should die, and he accordingly perished on the 
 scaffold. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Story of Sergeant Champe, 
 
 1. A TRANSACTION connccted with this sad affair, 
 known only to Washington and a single confidential 
 officer, has been given to the world in the interesting 
 Memoirs of Major Lee. Most of the story that follows, 
 is in the very words of the original narrator. 
 
 2. The treason of Arnold, the capture of Andre, to- 
 gether with private intelligence received from New 
 York, induced General Washington to believe that 
 other officers in his army were connected with the late 
 conspiracy. This belief gave him great uneasiness. 
 The moment he reached the army, then encamped at 
 Tappan, under the command of Major General Greene, 
 he sent to request an interview with Major Lee. 
 
 3. This officer immediately repaired to head quar- 
 ters, and found the general in his marquee alone, busi- 
 
 Washington's feelings and conduct in this affair ? What became 
 of Andre ? 
 
 1j What of Major Lee ? 2. What gave Washington great un- 
 easiness ? 
 
9G LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 ly engaged in writing. As soon as Lee entered, he 
 was requested to take a seat, and a bundle of papers, 
 lying on the table, was given to him for perusal. In 
 these much information was detailed, tending to prove 
 that Arnold was not alone in treachery, but that the 
 poison had spread, and that a Major General, whose 
 name was not concealed, was certainly as guilty as Ar- 
 nold himself. 
 
 4. This officer had enjoyed, without interruption, the 
 complete confidence of the commander in chief The 
 only reason for suspicion rested on the intelligence de- 
 rived from papers before him. Major Lee immediate- 
 ly suggested that the whole was a contrivance of Sir 
 Henry Clinton, to destroy the necessary confidence be- 
 tween the commander and his officers. This sugges- 
 tion had occurred to the mind of Washington ; but he 
 was still anxious and distrustful. 
 
 5. Deeply agitated, as was plainly shown by his 
 tone and countenance, the general proceeded : " I 
 have sent for you in the expectation that you have in 
 your corps individuals capable and willing to under- 
 take an indispensable, delicate and hazardous project. 
 Whoever comes forward will oblige me forever, and, in 
 behalf of the United States, I will reward him amply. 
 No time is to be lost. My object is to probe to the bot- 
 tom the afflicting intelligence contained in the papers 
 you have just read ; to seize Arnold, and, by getting 
 
 3» What took place between Washington and Major Lee ?— 
 4i What did Major Lee suggest ? 5. Repeat Washington's remarks 
 to Major Leej 
 
 J 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 97 
 
 him, to save Andre. They are all connected. My 
 instructions are ready ; here are two letters to be de- 
 livered as ordered, and some guineas for expenses." 
 
 6. Major Lee replied that he had no doubt his legion 
 contained many individuals capable of the most daring 
 enterprises. There were some feelings of delicacy 
 that prevented him from suggesting the step to a com- 
 missioned officer, but he thought the sergeant-major of 
 the cavalry in all respects qualified for the undertak- 
 ing, and to him he would venture to propose it. 
 
 7. He then described the sergeant, as a native of 
 Loudon county, in Virginia, about twenty-four years of 
 age, rather above the common size, full of bone and 
 muscle, grave and inflexible. He had enlisted in 1776, 
 and was as likely to reject a service coupled with ig- 
 nominy as any officer in the corps. 
 
 8. The general exclaimed that he was the very 
 man for the business ; that he must undertake it ; that 
 going to the enemy at the request of his officer was not 
 desertion, though it appeared to be so. He enjoined 
 that this explanation should be impressed upon Champe, 
 as coming from him, and that the vast good in prospect 
 should be contrasted with the mere semblance of doing 
 wrong. This he hoped would remove every scruple 
 
 9. Major Lee assured the general, that every exer- 
 tion should be used on his part to execute his wishes, 
 and, taking leave, returned to the camp of the light 
 
 6. What reply did Lee make ? 7. Describe the sergeant that the 
 Major recommended. 8. What instructions did Washington give in 
 respect to the undertaking '! 9. What did Lee then do ? 
 9 
 
98 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 corps, which he reached about eight o'clock at night. 
 He sent instantly for the sergeant-major, and intro- 
 duced the subject in as judicious a manner as possible. 
 Dressing out the enterprise in brilliant colors, he fi- 
 nally removed all scruples from the honorable mind 
 of Champe, and prevailed on him to yield entirely to 
 his wishes. 
 
 10. The instructions were then read to him. He 
 was particularly cautioned to be careful in delivering 
 his letters, and urged to bear constantly in mind that 
 Arnold was not to be killed under any circumstances, 
 but only to be taken prisoner. Giving the sergeant 
 three guineas, he recommended him to start without 
 delay, and enjoined him to communicate his arrival in 
 New York as soon thereafter as might be practicable. 
 Pulling out his watch, Champe reminded the major 
 of the necessity of holding back pursuit, as he should 
 be obliged to go in a zigzag direction in order to avoid 
 the patroles. 
 
 11. It was now nearly eleven ; the sergeant returned 
 to camp, and, taking his cloak, valise and orderly book, 
 drew his horse from the picquet, and mounting, com- 
 mitted himself to fortune. Within half an hour, Capt. 
 Carnes, the officer of the day, waited on the major, and 
 told him that one of the patrol had fallen in with a 
 dragoon, who, on being challenged, had put spurs to his 
 horse, and escaped. Major Lee contrived various ex- 
 
 What happened between him and the sergeant ? 10. What in 
 structions were given to Champe ? 11. When did Champe set out t 
 What of Captain Carnes ? What did Major Lee then do ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 99 
 
 pedients to delay sending a party in pursuit ; but it 
 was finally despatched, under the command of Cornet 
 Middleton. 
 
 12. When Middleton departed, it was only a few 
 minutes past twelve, so that Champe had only the start 
 of about an hour. Lee was very anxious, not only 
 from fear that Champe might be injured, but that the 
 enterprise might be delayed. The pursuing party 
 were delayed by necessary halts to examine the road. 
 A shower had fallen soon after Champe's departure, 
 which enabled them to take the trail of his horse, as no 
 other animal had passed along the road since the rain. 
 When the day broke, Middleton was no longer obliged 
 to halt, but passed on with great rapidity. 
 
 13. As the pursuing party reached the top of a hill 
 on the north of the village of Bergen, they descried 
 Champe not more than half a mile in front. The ser- 
 geant at the same moment discovered them, and gave 
 the spurs to his horse. He eluded them, just as they 
 felt secure of taking him, and again disappeared. Pur- 
 suit was renewed, and Champe was again descried. He 
 had changed his original intention of going directly to 
 Paulus Hook, and determined to seek refuge from two 
 British galleys, which lay a few miles to the west of 
 Bergen. 
 
 14. As soon as Champe got abreast of the galleys, 
 he dismounted, and ran through the marsh to the riv- 
 er. He had previously prepared himself for swim- 
 
 12. When did Middleton setoff? 13, Relate the account of the 
 pursuit. 
 
100 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Escape of Sergeant Cliampe, 
 
 « 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 101 
 
 ming, by lashing his valise on his shoulders, and 
 throwing away the scabbard of his sword. The pur- 
 suit was so close and rapid, that the stop occasioned 
 by these preparations for swimming, had brought Mid- 
 dleton within two or three hundred yards. The ser- 
 geant plunged into the water, and called upon the gal- 
 leys for help. They sent a boat to meet him ; he was 
 taken on board, and conveyed to New York, with a 
 letter from the captain of the galley, who had witness- 
 ed the whole of the scene. 
 
 15. The horse, with his equipments, the sergeant's 
 cloak and sword scabbard, were taken by the pursuing 
 party. About three o'clock in the evening they re- 
 turned, and the soldiers, seeing the horse, made the air 
 resound with cries that the scoundrel was killed. — 
 Called by this heart rending annunciation from his 
 tent, Major Lee began to reproach himself with the 
 blood of the faithful and intrepid Champe. He was 
 relieved by Middleton's information, that the sergeant 
 had made his escape. The commander in chief was 
 sensibly affected by the perilous adventures of Champe, 
 and anticipated the confidence that would follow the 
 enemy's knowledge of its manner. 
 
 16. Champe was conducted to Sir Henry Clinton, 
 who, after a long conversation, presented him with a 
 couple of guineas, and recommended him to call on 
 General Arnold, who was engaged in raising an Amer- 
 
 15. What did the soldiers exclaim on seeing the horse of Champe ? 
 What of Major Lee? Washington ? 16. Sir Henry Clinton ? Ar- 
 nold? 
 
 9* 
 
102 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 ican legion in the service of his majesty. Arnold ex- 
 oressed much satisfaction on hearing from Champe the 
 manner of his escape, and the influence which he at- 
 tributed to his own example, and concluded his numer- 
 ous inquiries by assigning him quarters. 
 
 17. Champe now turned his attention to the deliv- 
 ery of his letters, which he was unable to effect till the 
 next night, and then only to one of the parties. This 
 man received the sergeant with extreme attention, and 
 assured him that he might rely on his prompt assist- 
 ance in any thing that could be prudently undertaken. 
 The sole object in which the aid of this individual was 
 required, was in regard to the general and others of 
 the army, implicated in the information sent by him to 
 Washington. This object he promised to enter upon 
 with zeal. 
 
 18. Five days had elapsed after reaching New York, 
 before Champe saw the confidant to whom only the at- 
 tempt against Arnold was to be entrusted. This per- 
 son entered at once into his design, and promised to 
 procure a suitable associate. The complete innocence 
 of the suspected general was soon established. An- 
 dre had confessed the character in which he stood, dis- 
 daining to defend himself by the shadow of a false- 
 hood. He had been condemned as a spy, and suffered 
 accordingly. 
 
 19. Nothing now remained to be done by Champe, 
 but the seizure and safe delivery of Arnold. To this 
 
 17. What of the letters ? 18. Champe and his confidant 7 19 
 What now remained to be done ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 103 
 
 object he gave his undivided attention, and Major Lee 
 received from him the complete outlines of his plan, on 
 the nineteenth of October. Ten days elapsed before 
 Champe brought his measures to a conclusion, when 
 Lee was presented with his final communication, ap- 
 pointing the third subsequent night for a party of 
 dragoons to meet him at Hoboken, when he hoped to 
 deliver Arnold to the officer. 
 
 20. Champe had been improving every opportunity 
 to become acquainted with the habits of the generaL 
 He discovered that it was his custom to return home 
 at 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 pre- 
 pared with a gag, were to apply it instantly. 
 
 21. Adjoining the house in which Arnold resided, 
 and in which it was intended to seize and gag him, 
 Champe had taken off several of the palings, and so re- 
 placed them that he could easily open his way to the 
 adjoining alley. Into this alley he meant to have con- 
 veyed his prisoner, with the assistance of a single com- 
 panion. Another associate was to be prepared with a 
 boat to receive them at one of the wharves on the 
 Hudson. 
 
 22. Champe and his friend intended to have placed 
 themselves each under Arnold's shoulder, and to have 
 thus borne him through the most unfrequented alleys 
 and streets to the boat. If questioned, they were to 
 
 19. Communications to Major Lee ? 20. What plan had Champe 
 formed ? 
 
104 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 represent him as a drunken soldier whom they were 
 conveying to the guard house. 
 
 23. The day arrived, and Lee, with a party of 
 dragoons, left camp late in the evening, with three led, 
 accoutred horses, one for Arnold, one for the sergeant, 
 and the third for his associate, never doubting the 
 success of the enterprise. The party reached Hobo- 
 ken about midnight ; hour after hour passed ; no boat 
 approached. At length the day broke, and the major, 
 with his party, returned to camp. Washington was 
 much chagrined at the issue, and apprehensive that the 
 sergeant had been detected in his dangerous enter- 
 prise. 
 
 24. It so happened that on the very day preceding 
 the night fixed for the plot, Arnold had removed his 
 quarters to another part of the town, to superintend 
 the embarkation of some troops. The American le-- 
 gion had been transferred from their barracks to one 
 of the transports, so that Champe, instead of crossing 
 the Hudson that night, was safely deposited on board 
 one of the vessels of the fleet, whence he never depart- 
 ed till the troops under Arnold landed in Virginia. 
 
 25. It was some time before he was able to escape 
 from the British ; when he deserted, and, proceeding 
 high up into Virginia, passed into North Carolina, and 
 safely joined the army. His appearance excited great 
 surprise among his former comrades, which was not a 
 
 23. What did Lee do on the appointed day ? Result of the enter- 
 prise ? 24. What caused the failure of the plan ? What of Champe ? 
 f6. His reception by Lee ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 105 
 
 tittle increased when they saw the cordial reception he 
 met with from the then Lieutenant Colonel Lee. His 
 whole story soon became known to the corps, and ex- 
 cited universal admiration. 
 
 26. Champe was introduced to General Greene, who 
 cheerfully complied with certain promises that had 
 been made to him by the commander in chief. He 
 was provided with a good horse and money for his 
 journey to head quarters. Washington treated him 
 munificently, and presented him with his discharge 
 from further service, lest, in the vicissitudes of war, he 
 should fall into the hands of the enemy, and die upon a 
 gibbet- 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 
 Revolt on the JVight of JVew Year. A second Revolt. Troops 
 sent against the Insurgents. Ringleaders shot. Anec- 
 dote. Army marches through Philadelphia. An amusing 
 Letter. Arrival of Count dc Grouse. Siege of Yorktown. 
 
 1. The campaign of 1780 ended with no very de- 
 cided efforts, and the army went into winter quarters. 
 On the first night of the new year, a very serious muti- 
 ny broke out among the troops at Morristown. About 
 
 26. General Greene ? How was Champe rewcirded by Washing- 
 ton ? 
 
 1. Campaign of 1780 ? What happened on new year's night 7 
 
106 LIFE OF WASPIINGTON. 
 
 thirteen hundred men paraded without their officers, 
 and, marching to the magazines, supplied themselves 
 with provisions and military stores. 
 
 2. General Wayne, who commanded them, went 
 out and endeavored to use his influence and authority 
 to check the revolt. On cocking his pistol, they pre- 
 sented their bayonets to his breast. " We respect and 
 love you," they said, " but we warn you to be upon 
 your guard ; if you fire your pistols, or attempt to en- 
 force your commands, we shall put you instantly to 
 death." The mutineers determined to march imme- 
 diately to Philadelphia, and demand of Congress a re- 
 dress of their grievances. A committee was appointed 
 by this body, and eventually an accommodation was 
 made with the insurgents. 
 
 3. Washington was far from being pleased at the is- 
 sue of this transaction, and determined to adopt more 
 severe and decisive measures in future. A revolt 
 shortly after broke out in another regiment, and he at 
 once ordered a detachment of five hundred men to 
 march and reduce them to duty. This party was 
 placed under the command of Major General Robert 
 Howe. 
 
 4. On the twenty-seventh of January, about day- 
 light, this detachment arrived within sight of the huts 
 of the insurgents. Here they were halted, and re- 
 ceived orders to load their arms. General Howe then 
 
 2. What of General Wayne ? What did the mutineers say to him? 
 What was done for them ? 3. What of Washington ? 4. What was 
 done by Major General Howe ? 
 
LIFE Oir WASHINGTON. 107 
 
 addressed them, representing the enormity of the crime 
 of the mutineers, and adding that no terms could be 
 nade with them till they were brought to entire sub- 
 .nission. The troops were then directed to surround 
 the huts on all sides. He then ordered his aid-de-camp 
 (o command the mutineers to appear in front of their 
 huts, unarmed, within five minutes. A second mes- 
 senger was sent, and they immediately formed as they 
 were directed. 
 
 5. Being thus overpowered, the mutineers quietly 
 submitted to their fate. General Howe ordered that 
 three of the ringleaders should be selected for imme- 
 diate punishment. These wretched men were tried 
 on the spot, by a court-martial standing in the snow, 
 and were sentenced to be shot. Twelve of the most 
 guilty mutineers were now chosen to be their execu- 
 tioners. Two of these offenders were shot, and the 
 third pardoned. The terror of this scene produced a 
 very powerful effect upon the guilty soldiers. They 
 asked pardon of their officers, and promised a faithful 
 discharge of duty for the future. 
 
 6. The war, during this campaign, was carried, by 
 the British, through every section of the country. Their 
 head quarters continued in New York, but the army 
 were scattered at different times through the Carolinas, 
 Georgia and Virginia. Washington could have no 
 immediate agency in the southern department, but his 
 advice was frequently requested, and as large detach- 
 
 5. How were the mutineers punished ? 6. What of th« British 7 
 
 Washington 7 
 
109 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 ments of troops were sent as could be spared from the 
 neighborhood of West Point. 
 
 7. While the British were in the Potomac, they sent 
 a flag on shore to Mount Vernon, requiring a supply 
 of fresh provisions. To prevent the destruction of 
 property, the person whom Washington left with the 
 care of his estate, went on board with the flag, and 
 carried a quantity of provisions, requesting that the 
 buildings might be spared. For this, the general se- 
 verely reprimanded him in a letter, observing, — " It 
 would have been a less painful circumstance to me to 
 have heard, that, in consequence of your non-compli- 
 ance with the request of the British, they had burnt 
 my house, and laid my plantation in ashes." 
 
 8. In the beginning of the campaign, Washington 
 had intended to attack the British posts at New York, 
 and had written a letter which detailed the plan of his 
 operations. This letter was intercepted, and fell into 
 the hands of Sir Henry Clinton. Circumstances af- 
 terwards occurred to induce Washington to change 
 his original intention, and transfer the scene of war to 
 Virginia. 
 
 9. General Washington having proceeded in ad- 
 vance to Virginia, the American troops were left under 
 the command of General Lincoln, and the French un- 
 der the Baron de Viomenil. When the army marched 
 through Philadelphia, on the way to the south, a num- 
 
 7. How was the request of the British for provisions received ? 
 Feeling of Washington ? 8. What of his letter ? 9. Where did 
 Genera! Washington go ? What of the march through Philadelphia ? 
 
LIFE or WASHINGTON. 100 
 
 ber of interesting and amusing occurrences took place. 
 The windows were crowded with spectators. On ac- 
 count of the warm and dry weather, the streets were 
 filled with dust, and the American soldiers were envel- 
 oped in clouds of it. The line of march extended 
 nearly two miles. The French troops did not pass 
 through the city till the next day, and the following 
 lively account of their march is taken from letters pub- 
 lished by a French clergyman in Count Rochambeau's 
 army. 
 
 10. " The arrival of the French army at Philadel- 
 phia was more like a triumph than simply a passing 
 through the place. The troops made a halt about a 
 quarter of a league from the city, and in an instant 
 were dressed as elegantly as ever the soldiers of a gar- 
 rison were on a day of review ; they then marched 
 through the town, with the military music playing be- 
 fore them, which is always particularly pleasing to the 
 Americans ; the streets were crowded with people, and 
 the ladies appeared at the windows in their most bril- 
 liant attire. All Philadelphia was astonished to sec 
 people who had endured the fatigues of a long journey, 
 so ruddy and handsome^ and even wondered that there 
 could possibly be Frenchmen of so genteel an ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 11. "We were a good deal amused with a mistake 
 of some of the common people, who took for a general, 
 one of those alert fellows, whom our commanding offi- 
 
 The t'rench troops ? 10. Relate the account given by a French 
 clergyman. 
 
 10 
 
110 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 cers commonly have in their retinue to run up and 
 down to carry their written orders. His short, tight- 
 Dodied coat, his rich waistcoat with a silver fringe, his 
 rose-colored shoes, his cap, adorned with a coat of 
 arms, and his cane, with an enormous head — all ap- 
 peared to them so many tokens of extraordinary digni- 
 ty. Though he approached his master, the colonel 
 commandant, merely to receive and publish his orders, 
 they imagined that he gave them of his own accord, 
 and directed the movements of the troops, independent- 
 ly of any superior," 
 
 12. The French minister on this occasion invited 
 all the officers to a splendid dinner. They had just 
 seated themselves at table, when an express arrived. 
 Every one was anxious to learn what intelligence it 
 could have brought ; all eyes were fixed upon the min- 
 ister. "Thirty-six ships of the line," said he, "com- 
 manded by Monsieur le Comte de Grasse, have arrived 
 in Chesapeake Bay, and three thousand men have 
 landed and opened a communication with the Marquis 
 de la Fayette." 
 
 13. This glad news was soon spread through every 
 quarter of the city ; and echoes of joy resounded on all 
 sides. Some merry fellows, says our French clergy- 
 man, mounted on scaffolds and stages, pronounced fu- 
 neral orations for Cornwallis, and uttered lamentations 
 on the grief and distress of the tories. The people ran 
 in crowds to the residence of the minister of France, 
 
 12. Dinner given by the minister? What of the express ? 13. Ef- 
 fects of the news ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. Ill 
 
 and Long live Louis the Sixteenth was the general 
 cry. 
 
 14. Washington had advanced as far as Chester, 
 when he received the news of the arrival of the fleet 
 commanded by M. de Grasse. He immediately visited 
 the count, attended by several of the general officers of 
 the French and American armies. A plan of opera- 
 tions was then agreed upon, and the combined forces, 
 partly by land and partly by water, proceeded on their 
 way to Yorktown. 
 
 15. In this place. Lord Cornwallis, with the royal 
 army, had taken post, and constructed strong fortifica- 
 tions. It is a little village, on the south bank of the 
 river York, about fifteen miles from its entrance into 
 Chesapeake Bay. The British forces amounted to sev- 
 en thousand men ; the allied army to about twelve thou- 
 sand. The works erected for the security of the town 
 were redoubts and batteries, and every effort was made 
 to strengthen them. 
 
 16. On the first of October, the allied armies had 
 made some progress in the siege. They had compell- 
 ed the British to abandon several of their redoubts, and 
 retire within the town. During a severe cannonade 
 from the enemy, while the Reverend Mr. Evans was 
 standing near the commander in chief, a shot struck 
 the ground so near as to cover his hat with sand. Be- 
 ing much agitated, he took off his hat, and said, " See 
 here, general." " Mr. Evans," replied Washington, 
 
 14. What of Washington ? 15. Lord CorawalHs ? British forces ? 
 Allied army t 16. Anecdote of Mr. Evans ? 
 
112 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 with his usual composure, " you had better carry that 
 home, and show it to your wife and children." 
 
 17. The American troops labored for a number of 
 days with incessant activity, in digging trenches, and 
 erecting batteries. Two or three batteries having been 
 prepared to open upon the town, General Washington 
 put the match to the first gun, and a furious discharge 
 of cannon and mortars immediately followed. From 
 the tenth to the fifteenth of the month, a severe and 
 continual firing was kept up by the allied armies. The 
 enemy returned the fire with little effect. 
 
 18. During this period, a shell from the French bat- 
 tery set fire to a forty-four gun ship, and two or three 
 smaller vessels in the river. It was in the night time, 
 and presented a splendid spectacle. The fire spread 
 all over the ships, running about the rigging to the tops 
 of the masts, and casting a broad and bright flame over 
 the waters. This dreadful scene, in the darkness of 
 night, amid the roar of cannon and bursting of shells, 
 must have been brilliant and sublime. 
 
 19. A description of this siege is given by Dr. 
 Thatcher, a surgeon in the revolutionary army. *' Be- 
 ing in the trenches," he observes, " every other night 
 and day, I have a fine opportunity of witnessing the 
 sublime and stupendous scene which is continually ex- 
 hibiting. The bomb shells from the besiegers and the 
 besieged are incessantly crossing each others' path in 
 the air. They are clearly visible in the form of a black 
 
 17. American troops ? 18. Ships set on fire ? 19. Dr. Thatcher's 
 jlescription of the bon)b shells ? 
 
 m 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 113 
 
 ball in the day, but in the night they appear like a fiery 
 meteor with a blazing tail, most beautifully brilliant, 
 ascending majestically from the mortar to a certain al- 
 titude, and gradually descending to the spot where they 
 are destined to execute their work of destruction." 
 
 20. These shells in falling whirl round, and exca- 
 vate the earth to a considerable extent, making terri- 
 ble havoc when they burst. They can be thrown to a 
 given spot by an expert gunner with the greatest accu- 
 racy. After carrying on this kind of warfare for a 
 number of days, the American general determined to 
 take, by assault, two redoubts, about three hundred 
 yards in front of the principal works of the enemy. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Siege continued. Assault of British Redoubts. Anecdote. 
 Surrender of Yorktown. Anecdotes. Proclamation of 
 Congress. Army returns to the Vicinity of JStew York. 
 Mutiny. Celebration of the Birth of the Dauphin. 
 
 1. The two British redoubts were assaulted at the 
 same time ; one by a brigade of American troops, un 
 der the command of the Marquis de la Fayette ; and 
 the other by a French detachment under the Baron de 
 Viomenil. The assault commenced at eight o'clock, 
 
 • 20. What did Washington determine to do 7 
 1. Assault upon the British ? 
 10* 
 
114 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 in the evening, and was soon successfully concluded ; 
 the Americans losing but a very few men, and the 
 French a considerable number. 
 
 2. The reason of this difference in the loss of men 
 was, that the Americans, in coming to the abattis, tore 
 away a part of it, and leapt over the remainder. The 
 French, however, waited till their pioneers had cut away 
 the abattis, according to rule, being exposed, meanwhile, 
 to a severe fire from the enemy. When the marquis 
 entered the works, he sent his aid. Major Barbour, 
 through a terrible fire of the enemy, to inform Baron 
 Viomenil " that he was in his redoubt, and to ask the 
 baron where he was." The messenger found the 
 French troops clearing away the abattis, but the baron 
 sent back this answer — " Tell the marquis I am not in 
 mine, but will be in five minutes." He advanced, and 
 entered the works within his time. 
 
 3. During the assault, the British kept up a very se- 
 vere and incessant fire of musketry and cannon. Wash- 
 ington and the Generals Lincoln and Knox, with their 
 aids, were standing in an exposed situation, waiting 
 the result. One of Washington's aids, solicitous for his 
 safety, said to him, " Sir, you are too much exposed 
 here ; had you not better step a little back." " Colonel 
 Cobb," replied the general, '' if you are afraid, you 
 have liberty to step back." 
 
 4. On the seventeenth of the month. Lord Cornwal- 
 
 2. Conduct of the French jmd American troops 1 Relate the an- 
 ecdote of the baron and marquis. 3. Anecdote of W^shinglou. 
 4i Lord Cornwallis. 
 
 d 
 
LIFE OF WASniN(;TON. 
 
 115 
 
 Generals Washington, Lincoln and Knox, at tne Battle of Yorktowll 
 
116 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 lis was reduced to the necessity of sending out a flag, 
 to request a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four 
 hours. Two or three flags passed in the course of the 
 day, and Washington at length consented to a suspen- 
 sion of hostilities for two hours, that his lordship might 
 suggest his proposals for a treaty. 
 
 5. At an early hour in the forenoon of the 18th, 
 General Washington communicated to the British com- 
 mander the basis of the terms of capitulation to which 
 he would consent. A sufficient time was allowed for 
 reply. Two officers were then selected from each 
 army to meet, and prepare the particular articles of 
 agreement. These were arranged, and confirmed by 
 the commanders in chief 
 
 6. On the nineteenth of October, preparations 
 were made to receive the British general and his 
 soldiers prisoners of war. The terms of capitulation 
 were similar to those granted to General Lincoln, at 
 Charleston. 
 
 7. At about twelve o'clock, the allied armies were 
 arranged, and drawn up in two lines, extending more 
 than a mile in length. The Americans, with General 
 Washington at their head, occupied the right side of 
 the road ; the French, with Count Rochambeau, occu- 
 pied the left. The French troops were in complete 
 and beautiful uniform, and presented a very military 
 and noble appearance. The Americans were not 
 
 5. What of the terms of capitulation ? 6. What preparations were 
 made on the nineteenth of October ? 7. Arrangement of the allied 
 armies ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 117 
 
 dressed so neatly, but their air was martial, their step 
 lightened, and their countenance animated with joy. 
 Great crowds were collected from the neighboring vil- 
 lages to witness the ceremony. 
 
 8. At about two o'clock, the captive army advanced 
 through the lines formed to receive them. It was ex- 
 pected that Lord Cornwallis would be at their head, 
 but he pretended indisposition, and made General 
 O'Hara his substitute. This officer was followed by 
 the conquered troops, with shouldered arms, colors 
 cased, and drums beating a slow and solemn march. 
 Having arrived at the head of the line. General O'Hara 
 advanced to Washington, and apologized for the ab- 
 sence of Earl Cornwallis. The commander in chief 
 courteously pointed to General Lincoln for directions. 
 
 9. This officer conducted the British army into a 
 large field, where they were to ground their arms. 
 This was a severe trial for the disciplined and haughty 
 soldiers of England. It was a great mortification to 
 yield to raw continentals, and to the Yankee general 
 whom they had ridiculed in their farces. Some of the 
 platoon officers were weak enough to make no secret 
 of their chagrin and ill temper. After having grounded 
 their arms, and taken off their accoutrements, the cap- 
 tives were reconducted to Yorktown, and put under 
 guard. 
 
 10. In his general orders on the next day, Wasli- 
 
 8. What of the British army ? 9. Where were they conducted ? 
 What then took place ? 10. What orders did Washington give the 
 next day ? 
 
118 
 
 LIFE OF WASHIN(j!TON. 
 
 Surrender of the British Arm^'. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 119 
 
 ington expressed his warmest thanks to the soldiers 
 and officers of the combined army for their brave con- 
 duct during the siege. Wishing that every heart 
 should share in the general joy, he gave orders that all 
 in confinement or under arrest should be immediately 
 pardoned and set at liberty. On tlie Sunday follow- 
 ing, the army was drawn up in the tieid, for the per- 
 formance of divme service. 
 
 11. The American troops were immediately em- 
 ployed in embarking the artillery and military stores 
 on board of transports for the North river. Lord Corn- 
 wallis and his officers received every civility and atten- 
 tion from the American generals, that it was in their 
 power to bestow. General Washington and Count 
 Rochambeau frequently invited them to entertain- 
 ments, and they expressed grateful acknowledgments 
 of their hospitality. 
 
 12. On one occasion, when Cornwallis, in the pres- 
 ence of the commander in chief, was standing with his 
 head uncovered, Washington politely said to him, 
 " My lord, you had better be covered from the cold." 
 " It matters little, sir," replied Cornwallis, " what be- 
 comes of this head now." 
 
 13. An anecdote has been told of Washington, 
 which reflects as much credit upon his delicacy of feel- 
 ing, as the event to which it relates does upon his mil- 
 itary skill. After the surrender of the town, when the 
 British soldiers were marching forth from the garrison 
 
 11. Employment of the American troops ? Cornwallis and his offi- 
 cers ? 12. Conversation between Cornwallis and Washington ? 
 
120 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 I 
 
 to deliver up their arms, the commander in chief thus 
 addressed the division of the army to which he was at- 
 tached : " My brave fellows, let no sensation of satis- 
 faction for the triumphs you have gained, induce you 
 to insult your fallen enemy — let no shouting, no clam- 
 orous huzzaing increase their mortification. It is suf- 
 ficient that we witness their humiliation. Posterity 
 will huzza for us !" 
 
 14. When Congress received the letter from Wash- 
 ington, that announced the surrender of the British 
 army, they determined to go in procession, at two 
 o'clock, to the Dutch Lutheran church, and return 
 thanks to Heaven for the success of the allied forces. 
 They also issued a proclamation for observing, through- 
 out the United States, the thirteenth of December as 
 a day of thanksgiving and prayer. 
 
 15. They resolved to erect in Yorktown a marble 
 column, adorned with emblems of the alliance between 
 the United States and his most Christian Majesty of 
 France, and inscribed with a brief narrative of the sur- 
 render of the British army. Two stands of colors, 
 taken from the enemy at the capitulation, were pre- 
 sented to General Washington by Congress, in the 
 name of the United States. Two pieces of field ord- 
 nance, taken at the same time, by a resolve of Con- 
 gress were presented to Count Rochambeau. On 
 these a few words were engraved, expressing that the 
 
 13. Address of Washington to the army ? 14. What of Congress ? 
 15. Marble column ? What was presented to Washington ? To 
 Count Rochambeau ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 121 
 
 gift was made in consideration of the part which this 
 officer had borne in effecting the surrender. 
 
 16. After the capture of Cornwallis, Washington, 
 with the greater part of his army, returned to the vicin- 
 ity of New York. Though complete success had been 
 attained in Virginia, and great advantages in the Car- 
 olinas, the commander in chief urged immediate prep- 
 arations for another campaign. He was afraid that 
 Congress would think the work so nearly done, as to 
 relax their efforts in raising the requisite number of 
 troops. " To prevent this error," he observes, in a let- 
 ter to General Greene, " I shall employ every means 
 in my power ; and if, unhappily, we sink into this fatal 
 mistake, no part of the blame shall be mine." 
 
 17. Early in May in 1782, there was, for the first 
 time during the war, a mutiny among the soldiers from 
 Connecticut. It had been conducted with the utmost 
 address and secrecy, till the night before its intended 
 execution. The soldiers had unanimously determined, 
 on the next morning, to leave their encampment and 
 march for Fishkill. Here they were to supply them- 
 selves with field-pieces, provision and ammunition, and 
 proceed to Hartford to demand justice of the state as- 
 sembly. 
 
 18. When the officers were retiring to bed, a faith- 
 ful soldier informed one of them that he could not rest 
 without making known an event which was to take 
 place on the next morning. He immediately divulged 
 
 16. Where did Washington go ? What does he say in a letter ? 
 17. Mutiny in the army T 18. How was the conspiracy discovered? 
 11 F 
 
122 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 the whole i)lot. The most guilty soldiers were l nee 
 seized and confined, and the ringleader sentenced to 
 suffer deatli. Thus the whole design was frustrated. 
 
 19. On the first of June, the birth of the dauphin 
 of France was celebrated in the camp by a magnificent 
 festival. The edifice in which the company partook 
 of the entertainment was erected on the plain a;t West 
 Point. It was six hundred feet in length, and thirty 
 feet wide, supported by one hundred and eighteen col- 
 umns made of the trunks of trees. The roof and walls 
 were composed of leafy branches skilfully interwoven. 
 On the inside, every pillar was surrounded with weap- 
 ons of war, and the whole hall ornamented with hang- 
 ing banners and evergreens, with a variety of emblems 
 and devices. 
 
 20. The whole army was paraded on the hi\ls on 
 both sides of the river, forming a circle of several 
 miles, in open view of the edifice. At a given signal 
 the regimental oflicers left their commands, and repair- 
 ed to the building, to partake of an entertainment 
 which had been prepared by order of the commander 
 in chief At five o'clock. General Washington, with 
 his lady and suite, and the principal officers of the 
 army, with their ladies, moved through a line formed 
 by a regiment of artillery from General McDougall's 
 quarters to the arbor. 
 
 21. More than five hundred partook of the festival. 
 When the cloth was removed, thirteen toasts were 
 drank, announced by the discharge of thirteen cannon, 
 
 19. Celebration of the birth of the dauphin ? 
 
IJFE OF WASHINGTON. 123 
 
 and accompanied by music. In the evening, the ar 
 bor was illuminated with a vast number of lights, ar- 
 ranged with regularity and taste. When the officers 
 rejoined their regiments, thirteen cannon were again 
 fired. 
 
 22. This was succeeded by a discharge from the 
 whole army through the surrounding hills, three times 
 repeated. The flashes of the musketry from a thou- 
 sand quarters gleamed like the lightning, while the old 
 cliffs and rocks of the mountains pealed with a myriad 
 echoes. This fire was followed by three shouts of 
 benediction for the dauphin by the united voices of 
 the whole army. At half past eleven o'clock, an exhi- 
 bition of fireworks concluded the celebration. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Murder of Captain Huddy. Council of War determine upon 
 Retaliation. Story of Captain Asgill. Parade of the 
 Troops. Compliment from Count Rochambeau. Claims 
 of the Army. Anonymous Addresses. Washington's In- 
 terview ivith the Officers. Letter to Congress. Cessation 
 of Hostilities. Washington's Address to the Army. Mu- 
 tiny among some Pennsylvania Troops. 
 
 1. In the month of April, a horrid transaction oc- 
 curred among the refugees. It was the murder of 
 
 1. What took place in April 1 
 
134 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Captain Josliua Huddy of New Jersey. He had been 
 taken prisoner by a party of refugees, and carried to 
 New York, where he was hung without the semblance 
 of a trial. They fixed a label on his breast, expressive 
 of their determination to hang man for man while there 
 was a refugee existing, and ending with — Up goes Hud- 
 dy for Philip White. 
 
 2. The pretended reason for this cruelty was, that 
 Captain Huddy had made prisoner of a man of their 
 party, and having broken both his legs, had tauntingly 
 bid him to run. This was untrue, as Captain Huddy, 
 at the time White was taken, was a prisoner in New 
 York. This murder so excited the people of New 
 Jersey, that they addressed a letter to General Wash- 
 ington, claiming justice, or retaliation. Washington 
 wrote to Sir Henry Clinton, assuring him that unless 
 the murderers were immediately given up, he should 
 be obliged to take measures to retaliate. 
 
 3. A council of war was assembled, to determine 
 what course it was most proper to pursue. Without 
 conversing on the subject, the officers wrote their opin- 
 ions, and addressed them, sealed, to the commander in 
 chief. It was determined, unanimously, that they 
 ought to have recourse to retaliation, that the officer to 
 suffer should be of the same rank with Captain Huddy, 
 and selected by lot. 
 
 4. The names of the British captains among their 
 
 2. What was the reason given for this cruelt}'^ ? Effect upon the 
 people ? Washington ? 3. What was determined upon by the coun- 
 cil of war? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 125 
 
 prisoners were accordingly collected, and the lot was 
 drawn. It fell upon Captain Asgill, a young man of 
 nineteen, an only son, and of a noble family. General 
 Washington suffered as much from the painful neces- 
 sity of executing the laws of war in the present in- 
 stance, as he did in the case of Andre. He addressed 
 Congress on the subject, presenting them with the me- 
 morial from New Jersey ; they entirely approved the 
 measures that had been adopted. 
 
 5. Information having been received that a court- 
 martial was sitting in the British camp, to investigate 
 the conduct of those conceniea in me death of Captain 
 Huddy, General Washington waited to learn the re- 
 jsult. They were found not guilty, and Sir Guy Carle- 
 ton requested a passport for Chief Justice Smith to re- 
 pair to American head quarters, and exhibit the pro- 
 ceedings of the court-martial. General Washington 
 declined this interview, as the question was purely of 
 a military nature, " whether the perpetrator of the 
 wanton and cruel murder of Huddy was to be given 
 up, or a British officer to suffer in his place." 
 
 6. The execution of Captain Asgill was delayed a 
 sufficient time for the intelligence to reach his frien ^ 
 in Europe. His mother immediately wrote to Count 
 de Vergennes, to implore his interference, in the most 
 eloquent language of grief A letter was at once do 
 spatched by the count to Washington, enclosing tho 
 
 4. Upon whom did the lot fall ? What did Washington do'j 
 6. Court-martial in the British camp ? 6, What took place in respeci 
 to Captain Asgill ? 
 
 11* 
 
126 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 letter of Lady Asgill. Copies of these papers were in 
 stantly transmitted to Congress, who resolved that 
 Captain Asgill should be set at liberty. 
 
 7. This measure relieved Washington from a load 
 of suffering that had long weighed upon him. He im- 
 mediately sent the resolve of Congress to Captain As- 
 gill, accompanied with a passport to New York, and a 
 letter, which concluded in the following words : — 
 
 " I cannot take leave of you, sir, without assuring you, 
 that, in whatever light my agency in this unpleasant 
 affair may be viewed, I was never influenced, through 
 the whole of it, by sanguinary motives, but by what I 
 conceived to be a sense of my duty, which loudly call- 
 ed on me to take measures, however disagreeable, to 
 prevent a repetition of those enormities, which have 
 been the subject of discussion. And that this impor- 
 tant end is likely to be answered without the effusion 
 of the blood of an innocent person, is not a greater re- 
 lief to you than it is, sir, to 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 George Washington." 
 
 8. In the month of September, the whole army was 
 paraded in honor of Count Rochambeau, who had just 
 arrived from the south. The troops were formed in 
 two lines, through which the count was escorted, by a 
 body of dragoons, to head quarters. He was here re- 
 ceived by General Washington. The army then 
 marched before him, sitting on his horse by the 
 
 7. What did Washington do ? Repeat part of his letter to Captain 
 Ai^gill. 8. Parade in honor of Count Rochambeau ? 
 
 II 
 
 * ^ 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 127 
 
 side of the commander in chief, and paid the usual 
 salute. 
 
 9. The appearance of the troops had been greatly 
 improved. They were in complete uniform, and ex- 
 hibited every sign of military discipline. The count 
 was very much pleased with their rapid progress in 
 soldierly accomplishments, and said to General Wash- 
 ington — " You must have formed an alliance with the 
 king of Prussia — These troops are Prussians." After 
 deducting somewhat for French over-courtesy, the 
 compliment was undoubtedly well deserved. 
 
 10. During the campaign of this year, not a gun 
 was fired between the two armies. The prospect of 
 peace was so favorable, that Congress had determined 
 to discharge a considerable part of the troops on the 
 first of the ensuing January. The commander in 
 chief, though there was no prospect of further military 
 movements, continued with the army after they had 
 retired to winter quarters. 
 
 11. Nothing had been decided by Congress in re- 
 spect to the claims of the soldiers, when news arrived, 
 in March, 1783, that Great Britain had acknowledged 
 the independence of the United States in the preced- 
 ing November. This intelligence spread around an 
 universal joy. The army exulted with the rest of their 
 fellow citizens, but their gladness was clouded with 
 fears of injustice in their country. 
 
 12. They thought their prospect of compensa- 
 
 9. Appearance of the troops ? Count Rochambeau's remark to the 
 general? 10. Campaign of 1782? 11. Newg of 1783? 
 
128 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 tion diminished with the necessity of their services. 
 Petitions had been presented to Congress in respect to 
 the pay of officers, but the objects which they solicited 
 were not obtained. Under these circumstances, anony- 
 mous addresses were circulated in the army, which 
 produced the most violent excitement. Every indica- 
 tion was given of a storm that would destroy the peace 
 of the country, and its new liberties. 
 
 13. A paper had been privately handed about, call- 
 ing a meeting of the officers on the next day. It was 
 an occasion that demanded all the wisdom and influ- 
 ence of Washington, He accordingly noticed the 
 anonymous summons in general orders, and requested 
 a meeting, nominally for the same purpose, four days 
 later. In the mean time, sending for the officers one 
 after another, he enlarged upon the fatal consequences 
 that would result from the adoption of any violent 
 measures. His unwearied efforts were used to quiet 
 the agitation. 
 
 14. When the officers assembled, Washington arose 
 to address them. Finding his eyesight fail him, he ob- 
 served — " My eyes have grown dim in my country's 
 service, but I never doubted of its justice." He then 
 delivered a very interesting and feeling address. After 
 commenting fully upon the anonymous papers that had 
 been circulated in the camp, he entreated the officers 
 to rely on the justice and good faith of Congress. 
 
 *' And let me conjure you," he continued, ** in the 
 
 12. Feeling's of the army ? Anonymous letters ? 13. What did 
 Washington do ? 14.. How did he address the officers 7 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 129 
 
 name of our common country, as you value your own 
 sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, 
 and as you regard the miUtary and national character 
 of America, to express your utmost horror and detesta- 
 tion of the man who wishes, under any specious pre- 
 tences, to overturn the liberties of our country, and 
 who wickedly attempts to open the floods of civil dis- 
 cord, and deluge our rising empire in blood." 
 
 15. Having finished his eloquent and powerful ad- 
 dress, his excellency withdrew, and the convention 
 unanimously resolved to present him their thanks, and 
 assure him '' that the officers reciprocate his affection- 
 ate expressions with the greatest sincerity of which the 
 human heart is capable." General Knox, Colonel 
 Brooks, and Captain Howard, were then appointed a 
 committee, to prepare resolutions expressive of the 
 business of the convention, and to report in half an 
 hour. These resolutions professed an undiminished 
 attachment to the liberties of their country, and an un- 
 shaken confidence in the justice of Congress. 
 
 16. The result of these proceedings was communi- 
 cated, by the commander in chief, to Congress, accom- 
 panied by an impressive letter. " If the whole army," 
 he observes in the course of it, " have not merited 
 whatever a grateful people can bestow, then have I 
 been beguiled by prejudice, and built opinion on the 
 basis of error. If this country should not in the event 
 perform every thing which has been requested in the 
 
 15. Result of this address ? 16. Repeat Washington's letter to 
 Coneress. 
 
 F2 
 
130 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 late memorials to Congress, then will my belief be- 
 come vain, and the hope that has been excited, void of 
 foundation. * * * But I am under no such apprehen- 
 sion ; a country rescued by their arms from impending 
 ruin, will never leave unpaid the debt of gratitude." 
 
 17. Congress at length came to resolutions, in which 
 they expressed a desire to gratify the reasonable ex- 
 pectations of the officers of the army, and remove all 
 objections which might exist in any part of the United 
 States to the principles of the half pay, which had been 
 pledged to them. They commuted the half pay for 
 life to full pay for the space of five years, at the option 
 of the parties interested. 
 
 18. The commander in chief thus addressed the 
 army, on the cessation of hostilities, in April : 
 
 *' The commander in chief orders the cessation of 
 hostilities, between the United States of America and 
 the king of Great Britain, to be publicly proclaimed 
 to-morrow at twelve o'clock, at the New Building ; and 
 that the proclamation which will be communicated 
 herewith, be read to-morrow evening, at the head of 
 every regiment and corps of the army ; after which, the 
 chaplains, with the several brigades, will render thanks 
 to Almighty God for all his mercies, particularly for 
 his overruling the wrath of man to his own glory, and 
 causing the rage of war to cease among the nations." 
 
 19. The reduction of the army had been resolved 
 by Congress, but it was a difficult measure, and re- 
 
 J7. Resolutions of Congress ? 18. Address to Uie army? 
 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 131 
 
 quired deliberation. To avoid the inconvenience of 
 dismissing a great number of soldiers in a body, fur- 
 loughs were freely granted on the application of indi- 
 viduals, and, after their dispersion, they were not en- 
 joined to return. In this manner, a great part of an 
 unpaid army was dispersed over the states, without tu- 
 mult or disorder. 
 
 20. While the troops under the immediate com- 
 mand of Washington manifested the utmost good con- 
 duct, a mutiny broke out among some new levies sta- 
 tioned at Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. About eighty 
 soldiers, in defiance of their officers, marched to Phil- 
 adelphia, to seek a redress of their alleged grievances 
 from the executive council of the state. They pro- 
 ceeded to the barracks in the city, where some other 
 soldiers were quartered, who joined them. The whole 
 body amounted to about three hundred. 
 
 21. On the following day, the insurgents, with 
 drums beating and fixed bayonets, marched to the 
 State-house, the seat of Congress and of the supreme 
 executive council of Pennsylvania. They placed sen- 
 tinels at every door, sent in a written message to the 
 president and council, and threatened to break in up- 
 on them, if their demands were not granted within 
 twenty minutes. No further insult was offered to Con- 
 gress, but they were confined in this manner for about 
 three hours. 
 
 19. How was the army reduced ? 20. Mutiny at Lancaster t 
 2L What steps did the insurgents take ? 
 
132 LIFE OF WASHINGTON 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Conduct of Washington towards the Mutineers. His Address 
 to Congress. Farewell Orders to the Army. Disbanding 
 of the Troops. British evacuate JVew York. Splendid En- 
 tertainment. Society of Cincinnati. Parting Scene. 
 
 1. Congress resolved that the authority of the Unit- 
 ed States had been grossly insulted by the armed 
 soldiers. It was determined that a committee of their 
 body should confer with the executive council, and if it 
 should appear to the committee, that the state of Penn- 
 sylvania ought not to take measures to support the dig- 
 nity of the federal government, the president should 
 summon the Congress to meet on Thursday the 26th, 
 at Princeton or Trenton. The secretary of war was 
 also directed to communicate to the commander in 
 chief the state and disposition of the mutineers. 
 
 2. On receiving information of this disgraceful out- 
 rage, Washington immediately despatched Major Gen- 
 eral Howe, with fifteen hundred men, to quell the muti- 
 neers, and punish the most guilty of them. Before his 
 arrival, however, they had dispersed without bloodshed. 
 Several were brought to trial, two were condemned to 
 death, and four others to receive corporal punishment. 
 
 3. On this occasion. General Washington addressed 
 the president of Congress in very feeling and eloquent 
 language : 
 
 1. What of Congress ? Secretary of war ? 2. Who did Washing- 
 Ion send to quell the mutineers ? Punishment of the mutineers ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 133 
 
 ** While I suffer the most poignant distress in ob- 
 serving that a handful of men, contemptible in num- 
 bers, and equally so in point of service, if the veteran 
 troops from the southward have not been seduced by 
 their example, and who are not worthy to be called 
 soldiers, should disgrace themselves and their country, 
 as the Pennsylvania mutineers have done, by insulting 
 the sovereign authority of the United States and that 
 of their own ; I feel an inexpressible satisfaction, that 
 even this behavior cannot stain the name of the Amer- 
 ican soldiery. 
 
 4. "It cannot be imputable to, or reflect dishonor 
 on, the army at large, but, on the contrary, it will, by 
 the striking contrast it exhibits, hold up to public view 
 the other troops in the most advantageous point of 
 light. On taking all the circumstances into consider- 
 ation, I cannot sufficiently express my surprise and in- 
 dignation at the arrogance, the folly, and the wicked- 
 ness of the mutineers ; nor can I sufficiently admire 
 the fidelity, the bravery and patriotism which must 
 forever signalize the unsullied character of the other 
 corps of our army. 
 
 5. " For when we consider that these Pennsylvania 
 levies, who have now mutinied, are recruits, and 
 soldiers of a day, who have not borne the heat and 
 burden of war, and who can have in reality very few 
 hardships to complain of; and when we at the same 
 time recollect that those soldiers, who have lately been 
 furloughed from this army, are the veterans who have 
 
 3. Letter of Washington to the president of Congress 7 
 \2 
 
134 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 patiently endured hunger, nakedness and cold ; who 
 have suffered and bled without a murmur, and who, 
 with perfect good order, have retired to their homes, 
 without a settlement of their accounts, or a farthing of 
 money in their pockets, — we shall be as much astonish- 
 ed at the virtues of the latter, as we are struck with 
 horror and detestation at the proceedings of the 
 former." 
 
 6. On the second of November, 1783, General 
 Washington issued his farewell orders to the armies of 
 the United States. After noticing a recent proclama- 
 tion of Congress, he observed that it only remained to 
 address himself for the last time to the armies of the 
 United States, and to bid them an affectionate fare- 
 well. He remarked upon the circumstances under 
 which the war was begun ; the signal interpositions of 
 Providence in their behalf ; and their unparalleled per- 
 severance through eight years of every possible suffer- 
 ing and discouragement. 
 
 7. His closing words were — ^' Your general being 
 now to conclude these his last public orders, to take 
 his ultimate leave, in a short time, of the military char- 
 acter, and to bid adieu to the armies he has so long 
 had the honor to command, he can only again offer in 
 their behalf his recommendations to their grateful coun- 
 try, and his prayers to the God of armies. May ample 
 justice be done to them here, and may the choicest of 
 Heaven's favors, both here and hereafter, attend those, 
 
 6. What did Washington do in the latter part of the year 1783 ? 
 7 Repeat the closing words of Washington's address to the army. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 135 
 
 who, under the divine auspices, have secured innu- 
 merable blessings for others ! With these wishes, and 
 this benediction, the commander in chief is about to 
 retire from service. The curtain of separation will 
 soon be drawn, and the military scene, to him, will be 
 closed forever." 
 
 8. The treaty of peace was signed on the twenty- 
 third of September, and a proclamation was issued by 
 Congress to disband the army. Painful, indeed, was 
 the parting. The old soldiers, who had been sharers 
 for seven years in privation and suffering, were to sep- 
 arate under circumstances of the most distressing char- 
 acter. They were poor, without money or employ- 
 ment, and many with no other prospect than that of 
 painful dependence or miserable penury. 
 
 9. Though their whole military life had been a 
 scene of want and wretchedness, it had sometimes 
 been chequered with splendid triumphs, or at any rate 
 had been throughout supported by an anxious excite- 
 ment. That excitement was now past, for the object 
 of their labors and sacrifices, the liberty of their com- 
 mon country, had been obtained. The glorious hope, 
 that gleamed continually before their eyes in the bat- 
 tles of the revolution, had been changed into a glo- 
 rious certainty, by the declaration of peace : and now 
 that the wrongs and sufferings of their country had 
 been vindicated, their thoughts were naturally concen- 
 trated upon their own personal situation. 
 
 8. Peace ? Proclamatior » Feelings < f the soldiers ? 9. What oC 
 their military life ? 
 
136 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 10. There were sorrow and suffering, want and 
 wretchedness, but no tumult, no mutiny, no disorder 
 1 hey would not end a succession of generous sacri- 
 fices by a violation of their faith and their duty ; but 
 determmed to abandon their rights, rather than resort 
 to force to recover them. 
 
 11. The British army evacuated New York in No- 
 vember, and the American troops, under General Knox 
 took possession of the city. Soon after. General Wash- 
 ington and Governor Clinton, with their suite, made 
 their public entry into the city on horseback, followed 
 by a procession of civil and military officers, and a 
 large number of citizens. The governor made a public 
 dmner, and general festivity reigned throughout the 
 city. 
 
 12. This was followed, a day or two afterwards by 
 an elegant entertainment, given by the governor to^he 
 l^rench ambassador, the Chevalier de U Luzerne 
 General Washington, the principal officers of New 
 York state and of the army, and upwards of a hun- 
 dred other gentlemen, were present. Splendid fire- 
 works were exhibited at the Bowling Green in Broad- 
 way, much superior to any thing of the kind ever be- 
 fore seen in the United States. They commenced by 
 a dove descending with the olive branch and setting 
 fire to a battery. 
 
 ^^3^_WhiIe contemplating a final separation of the 
 
 10. Feelings and conduct of the soldiers ? 11. What of (he British 
 army? American troops ? Describe the entry into the city of New 
 York. 12 Describe the entertainment given by the governor. 
 
1 FE OF WASHINGTON. 137 
 
 officers of the army, there was room for the exercise of 
 the tenderest feelings of the heart. It was at the sug- 
 gestion of General Knox that an expedient was de- 
 vised to perpetuate their friendly intercourse. This 
 was by means of a society, composed of the officers of 
 the army, and called, after the illustrious Roman, the 
 Society of the Cincinnati. Of this society General 
 Washington officiated as president until his death. 
 
 14. On Tuesday noon, the fourth of December, the 
 principal officers of the army assembled at Francis's 
 tavern to take a final leave of their beloved commander 
 in chief. When Washington entered the room, his 
 emotions were too strong to be repressed or Concealed, 
 Filling a glass, he turned to the surrounding officers 
 and said — *' With a heart full of love and gratitude, 1 
 now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that 
 your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as 
 your former ones have been glorious and honorable." 
 
 15. Having drank, he added, " I cannot come to 
 each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged to 
 you, if each of you will come and take me by the 
 hand." General Knox, being nearest, turned to him. 
 Washington, in tears, grasped his hand, embraced and 
 kissed him. In the same manner he took leave of 
 each succeeding officer, Lincoln, and Greene, and La- 
 fayette, and the other virtuous and valiant men with 
 »vhom he had been connected in hours of peril and 
 
 13. What society was formed ? 14. What was done on the 4th of 
 December ? What did Washington say to the oflScera ? 15. L\ what 
 manner did he take leave of them ? 
 
 13* 
 
138 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington taking leave of bis Officers. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 139 
 
 darkness, to be rewarded with endless gratitude and 
 glory. 
 
 16. Every eye was moistened with tears. Not a 
 word was spoken to interrupt the silent solemnity of 
 the parting. Leaving the room, Washington passed 
 through the corps of light infantry, and walked to 
 Whitehall, where a coach was in waiting to receive 
 him. The whole company followed in mute proces- 
 sion, with sad and dejected countenances. On enter- 
 ing the barge, he turned to his companions, and, wav- 
 ing his hat, bade them a silent farewell. They paid 
 him a similar mark of respect and affection, and, when 
 they could no longer distinguish in the barge the per- 
 son of their beloved commander, returned, in the same 
 solemn manner, to the place where they had first as- 
 sembled. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Anecdote of Baron de Steuben. A Whale or an Eel ? T^e 
 Dwarf of Tatawa Falls. General Gates, Amusing 
 Spleen of Oenerat Lee. General Knox. Washington's 
 Opinion of General Greene. General Lincoln. Marquis 
 de la Fayette. Congress express their Respect for him. 
 His Reply. 
 
 1. The estimation in which General Washington 
 held the chief associates of his labors, is well known. 
 
 16. Describe the departure of the commander in chief. 
 
140 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 He entertained for most of them the highest esteem and 
 affection. With the exception of his difficuhies with 
 Gates and Lee, and the officers connected with the at- 
 tempt to supplant him in command, there were but 
 few circumstances to mar the most perfect harmony in 
 his intercourse with the general officers. 
 
 2. We have taken a chapter in this place to collect 
 a few miscellaneous anecdotes that occurred during 
 this intercourse. No order has been chosen for their 
 arrangement, as they are trifling incidents, which it is 
 difficult to refer to any particular period. 
 
 3. Baron de Steuben was a very useful and valiant 
 officer, and possessed the entire confidence of Wash- 
 ington. Though never perfect master of our language, 
 he understood and spoke it with considerable accura- 
 cy. He would sometimes, however, for his amuse- 
 ment, purposely mistake and misuse words. 
 
 4. He was dining one day at head quarters, when 
 Mrs. Washington asked him what entertainments he 
 had recourse to, now that the peace had relaxed his 
 active employments. " I read, my lady, and write, and 
 play chess, and yesterday, for the first time, I went 
 a fishing. My gentleman told me it was a very fine 
 business to catch fish, and I did not know but this new 
 trade might, by and by, be useful to me — but I fear I 
 never can succeed. I sat in the boat three hours ; it 
 was exceedingly warm, and I caught only two fish ; 
 they told me it was fine sport." 
 
 1. What of the intercourse between Washington and his officer* ? 
 ^.. llulate the anecdote uf Baron dc Steuben. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 141 
 
 5. " What kind of fish did you take, baron ?" asked 
 Mrs. Washington. " 1 am not sure, my lady, but I 
 believe one of them was a whale." " A whale, baron, 
 in the North river?" " Yes, I assure you, a very fine 
 whale, my lady ; — it was a whale, was it not V appeal- 
 ing to one of his aids. '* An eel, baron." '' I beg 
 your pardon, my lady, but that gentleman certainly 
 told me it was a whale." Now that his mind was at ease^ 
 General Washington enjoyed this pleasantry highly. 
 
 6. At Tatawa falls, the commander in chief had 
 visited a miserable and deformed dwarf, who had lain 
 in his cradle for twenty-seven years. His head was 
 eighteen inches in length, and the rest of his body 
 twenty-seven inches. Among other questions, his ex- 
 cellency asked him whether he was a whig or a tory. 
 He answered, as he had been taught, " that he had 
 never taken an active part on either side." 
 
 7. A gentleman and lady, who had been rather too 
 friendly to the British, after the declaration of peace 
 came out from New York, and resided in the neigh* 
 borhood of Baron de Steuben. They were invited to 
 dine with General Washington and his lady, at this 
 officer's table. '' It is proper," said the baron to his 
 excellency, " that you should be apprized that Mr. 
 
 and his lady, from New York, are to dine with 
 
 me ; and perhaps, sir, you may not choose to meet Mr. 
 
 ." *'Oh, baron," said the general, laughing, 
 
 •* there is no difficulty on that point. Mr. is very 
 
 6. Anecdote of the dwarf? 7. What application did Washington 
 make of the dwarf's answer 7 
 
142 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 like the big-headed boy at Tatawa ; he has never taken 
 an active jpart." 
 
 8. There is no question but that a plot was at one 
 period formed, to wrest the chief authority from Wash- 
 ington, and bestow it upon General Gates. After the 
 ill success of this officer in the southern department, 
 he was displaced from his command by the order of 
 Congress, and his conduct submitted to the inquiry of 
 a court-martial. It resulted, however, in his acquittal. 
 
 9. Shortly after the receipt of despatches, stating 
 that the command of the southern army had been trans- 
 ferred to General Greene, a gentleman had occasion 
 to call upon General Gates. He found him traversing 
 the apartment, in extreme agitation, with the late de- 
 spatches open upon the table. His countenance be- 
 trayed no anger or resentment, but was glowing with 
 sensibility. 
 
 10. A letter in his hand was frequently raised to his 
 lips and kissed with devotion, while he exclaimed with 
 fervor — " Great man ! Noble, generous procedure !" 
 When his excitement had been somewhat subdued, he 
 related, with great feeling, the cause of his emotion. 
 
 11. "I have received this day a communication from 
 the commander in chief, which has conveyed more 
 consolation to my bosom, more ineffable delight to my 
 heart, than I had believed it possible for it ever to have 
 felt again. With affectionate tenderness he sympa- 
 thizes with me on the loss I have sustained by the re- 
 
 8. What of a plot T 9. Anecdote of General Gates ? 
 
LtrE OF WASHINGTON. 143 
 
 Cent death of an only son ; and then, with peculiar del- 
 icacy, lamenting my misfortune in battle, assures me 
 that his confidence in my zeal and capacity is so little 
 impaired, that the command of the right wing of the 
 army will be bestowed on me so soon as I can make it 
 convenient to join him." 
 
 12. General Charles Lee was a man of brilliant tal- 
 ents and extensive military knowledge. He was, how- 
 ever, very coarse and satirical, and incessant in a base 
 detraction of the commander in chief. In reference 
 to these calumnies, General Washington said, in a let- 
 ter to a friend — " What cause is there for such a pro- 
 fusion of venom as he is eYnitting on all occasions ? — 
 A simple narration of facts would defeat all his asser- 
 tions, notwithstanding they are made with an effront- 
 ery which few men do, and, for the honor of human na- 
 ture, ought to possess." 
 
 13, An amusing specimen of his coarse spleen is re- 
 lated by Dr. Thacher. In the year 1776, when the 
 army lay at White Plains, General Lee resided near 
 the road frequently passed by the commander in chief, 
 who, one day, with his aids, called and took dinner. 
 After they had departed, Lee said to his aids, " You 
 must look me out other quarters, or I shall have Wash- 
 ington and his puppies calling till they eat me up.'* 
 The next day, he ordered his servant to write with 
 chalk on the door, " No victuals cooked here to-day." 
 
 12. What did Washington say of General Lee T Relate the anec" 
 dote of General Lee. 
 
144 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 The company, seeing the hint on the door, passed on 
 without molesting him by a visit. 
 
 14. One of the most intimate and confidential fi-iends 
 of Washington was General Knox. He was in early 
 life a bookseller in Boston, and was one of the first to 
 take up arms against the British. From a very bold 
 and important enterprise which he performed in the 
 early stages of the war, he received a most flattering 
 testimony of approbation from the commander in chief 
 and from Congress, and was appointed to the command 
 of the artillery. In this command he continued through 
 the revolution. 
 
 15. In every field of battle where Washington 
 fought, Knox was by his side. During the whole war 
 he retained his entire confidence and esteem ; and 
 parted, at the close of it, with his matured friendship 
 and affection. To the last moment of his life, his let- 
 ters contain frequent evidence of his undiminished 
 fondness. 
 
 16. Of General Greene, the following testimony is 
 borne in a letter from Washington : " There is no of- 
 ficer in the army more sincerely attached to the inter- 
 ests of his country than General Greene. Could he 
 but promote these interests in the character of a corpo- 
 ral, he would exchange, without a murmur, his epau- 
 lette for the knot. For, although he is not without 
 ambition, that ambition has not for its object the high- 
 est rank so much as the greatest good." 
 
 17. General Lincoln was an early advocate for the 
 14. WliatofKnox? 16. Washington's opinion of General Greene? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 145 
 
 rights of his country, and was appointed to his highest 
 military command at the recommendation of Washing- 
 ton. He was a man of quick and active mind, with a 
 large fund of knowledge, obtained both from books and 
 observation. As a military commander, he was brave, 
 judicious and indefatigable. He was of middle height, 
 erect, broad-chested, and muscular. His manners 
 were courteous but unaffected. 
 
 18. The name of Lafayette occupies a most dis- 
 tinguished place in our revolutionary history. At the 
 early age of nineteen, he appeared in the cause of lib- 
 erty, and soon acquired the confidence of the Ameri- 
 can people and the well deserved friendship of Wash- 
 ington. He was so distinguished by the regard of the 
 commander in chief, that it became usual to call him 
 his adopted son. The language in which Washington 
 spoke of him was, — " This nobleman unites to all the 
 military fire of youth an uncommon maturity of judg- 
 ment." 
 
 19. When the marquis, in 1784, was about to take 
 his departure from America, Congress appointed a 
 committee of their body to take leave of him in a man- 
 ner that would express their respect for his character, 
 and gratitude for his services. They resolved, also, that 
 a letter should be written to the king of France, indi- 
 cating their high opinion of his zeal, talents and meri- 
 torious services, and recommending him to the favor 
 and patronage of his majesty. 
 
 17. General Lincoln ? 18. Lafayette ? Washington's opinion of 
 hire 7 19. What did Congpess do ? 
 
 13 G 
 
146 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 20. The marquis made a very respectful and aftec 
 tionate reply. He expressed the feelings of a heart 
 devoted to the interests of our rising country, and ac- 
 knowledged with gratitude that, when an inexperienced 
 youth, he had been favored with the paternal adop- 
 tion of his respected friend. In conclusion he ob- 
 served : 
 
 21. "May this immense temple of freedom ever 
 stand as a lesson to oppressors, an example to the op- 
 pressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind ; and 
 may these happy United States attain that complete 
 splendor and prosperity, which will illustrate the bless^ 
 ings of their government, and for ages to come rejoice 
 the departed souls of its founders. Never can Con- 
 gress oblige me so much as when they put it in my 
 power, in every part of the world, to the latest day of 
 my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever rank 
 me among the most zealous and respectful servants of 
 the United States." 
 
 20. Reply of Lafayette 1 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 14T 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Washington's Resignation. Address to Congress. Mount 
 Vernon. Calling of a Convention. Washington elected 
 President. Passage to JVew York. Decoration of Gray's 
 Bridge. Triumphal Arch at Trenton. Landing at 
 JVew York. Ceremonies of Inauguration. 
 
 1. On the disbanding of the army, Washington pro- 
 ceeded to Annapolis, then the seat of Congress, to re- 
 sign his commission. On his way thither, he deliver- 
 ed to the comptroller of accounts at Philadelphia, an 
 account of his receipts and expenditures of public 
 money. The whole amount that had passed through his 
 hands was only <j^l4,479 18s. 9d. sterling. Nothing 
 was charged or retained for his own services. 
 
 2. The resignation of his command was done in a 
 public audience. Congress received him as the guar- 
 dian of his country and her liberties. He appeared 
 there under the most affecting circumstances. The 
 battles of a glorious war had been fought, since he first 
 appeared before them to accept, with a becoming mod- 
 esty, the command of their armies. Now the eyes of 
 a whole nation were upon him, and the voices of a lib- 
 erated people proclaimed him their preserver. 
 
 3. His resignation was then communicated, in the 
 following address, to the president of Congress : 
 
 ** Mr. President, 
 
 *'The great events on which my resignation de- 
 
 1. What account did Washington give to the comptroller at Phila- 
 delphia ? 2. What of Congress ? Washington ? 
 
148 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 pended having at length taken place, I have now the 
 honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Con- 
 gress, and of presenting myself before them to surren- 
 der into their hands the trust committed to me, and to 
 claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my 
 country. 
 
 4. " Happy in the confirmation of our independence 
 and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity af- 
 forded the United States of becoming a respectable na- 
 tion, I resign vi^ith satisfaction the appointment I ac- 
 cepted w^ith diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to 
 accomplish so arduous a task, which, however, was su- 
 perseded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, 
 the suppo?t of the supreme power of the Union, and 
 the patronage of Heaven. 
 
 5. "While I repeat my obligations to the army in 
 general, I should do injustice to my own feelings, not 
 to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services and 
 distinguished merits of the persons who have been at- 
 tached to my person during the war. It was impossi- 
 ble the choice of confidential officers to compose my 
 family should have been more fortunate. Permit me, 
 sir, to recommend, in particular, those who have con- 
 tinued in the service to the present moment, as worthy 
 of the favorable notice and patronage of Congress. 
 
 6. " I consider it as an indispensable duty to close 
 this last solemn act of my official life, by commending 
 the interests of our dearest country to the protection 
 
 3. Repeat Washing-ton's address to the president of Congress. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. U9 
 
 of Almighty God, and those who have the superintend- 
 ence of them to his holy keeping. 
 
 7. " Having now finished the work assigned me, I 
 retire from the great theatre of action ; and, bidding an 
 affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose 
 orders I have long acted, I here offer my commission, 
 and take leave of all the employments of public life." 
 
 8. This address being ended. General Washington 
 advanced, and delivered his commission into the hands 
 of the president of Congress, who received it and made 
 an appropriate reply. Having thus, of his own accord, 
 become one of the people, the American chief hasten- 
 ed to his delightful residence at Mount Vernon, He 
 here devoted himself to those quiet enjoyments, which 
 the soldier and statesman must in vain look for among 
 the cares of crowded life. His time was diligently 
 given to the pursuits of agriculture, and the improve- 
 ment of inland navigation. 
 
 9. His time, however, was not long to be his own 
 The situation of his country, even in a victorious peace, 
 was such as to demand the continued services of every 
 patriot. The state of public credit, the depreciation 
 of property, the want of gold and silver, the weakness 
 of the general government, for the first five or six years 
 after the termination of war, continually darkened the 
 prospects of our nation. 
 
 10. A proposition was finally made by Virginia, for 
 
 8. What followed the address ? Where did Washington then r€^ 
 tire ? His occupation ? 9. Situation of the country ? 10. What of 
 Virsrinia ? 
 
 13* 
 
150 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 electing deputies from each state to a general conven- 
 tion, solely for the purpose of revising the federal sys- 
 tem of government. In this body Washington repre- 
 sented his native state, and when the convention met 
 at Philadelphia, he was unanimously elected their pres- 
 ident. On the seventeenth of September, 1787, they 
 closed their labors, and submitted the result to Con- 
 gress 
 
 11. The constitution which they framed having 
 been accepted by eleven states, and preparatory meas- 
 ures having been taken to carry it into operation, all 
 eyes were turned to Washington, as the man to fill the 
 first presidency of the United States. It was not his 
 desire to leave the retirement which he loved, for the 
 tumult and cares of public office ; his acceptance of 
 the power offered to him was from a sense of duty, and 
 a real sacrifice of his inclination. 
 
 12. The election of General Washington to the 
 presidency was announced to him at Mount Vernon, 
 on the fourteenth of April, 1789. On the second day 
 after receiving this notice, he set out for New York. 
 On his way there, the road was thronged with crowds 
 to look upon and bless him. Escorts of militia and 
 private gentlemen of the first character, attended him 
 from state to state. Addresses of congratulation were 
 presented to him from every side, and his whole jour- 
 ney was like an ancient triumph. 
 
 To what office was Washington chosen ? 11. What of the consti- 
 tution ? Feelings of Washington ? 12. Where was his election made 
 known to him ? 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 151 
 
 Washington entering Trenton. 
 
152 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 13. Gray's bridge over the Schuylkill was beautiful- 
 ly decorated for his passage with laurels and ever- 
 greens. At each end of it splendid arches were erect- 
 ed, composed of laurels, and on each side was a laurel 
 shrubbery. As Washington passed the bridge, a boy 
 from above dropped a crown of laurel upon his brows. 
 An immense throng of citizens lined the road from the 
 Schuylkill to Philadelphia. Through these he was 
 conducted to the city. An elegant entertainment was 
 there provided, and was succeeded in the evening by 
 a display of fireworks. 
 
 14. When Washington crossed the Delaware, and 
 landed on the Jersey shore, he was saluted with three 
 cheers by the assembled inhabitants. When he came 
 to the brow of the hill on his way to Trenton, he again 
 passed through a triumphal arch ornamented with lau- 
 rels and flowers. On the crown of it was displayed, in 
 large characters, ** December 26th, 1776." On the 
 sweep of the arch beneath Avas inscribed, " The De- 
 fender of the Mothers will also protect the Daughters." 
 
 15. On the north side, he was met by a number of 
 female children, dressed in white, with baskets of 
 flowers on their arms, and garlands on their heads. 
 In the second row stood the young women, and behind 
 them the married ladies, of the vicinity. As he passed 
 the arch, the children began to sing the following ode. 
 
 16. " Welcome, mighty Chief! once more 
 
 Welcome to this grateful shore. 
 
 What account is g-iven of VVashinglon's journey into New York ? 
 IB. Repeat the ode to Washing-ton sung by the children. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 153 
 
 Now no mercenary foe 
 Aims again the fatal blow, 
 Aims at thee the fatal blow. 
 Virgins fair, and matrons grave — 
 These thy conquering arm did save, — 
 Build for thee triumphal bowers : 
 Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers ; 
 Strew your hero's way with flowers." 
 
 17. While singing the last lines, they strewed the 
 flowers in the path of their great deliverer. How dif- 
 ferent his feelings from those experienced a few years 
 before upon the same spot ! Then all was depression 
 and sadness, now all joy and triumph. 
 
 18. He was rowed across the bay to New York by 
 thirteen pilots in an elegant barge. All the vessels in 
 the harbor hoisted their flags. On his landing, he was 
 received and congratulated by the governor of the 
 state and officers of the corporation. He was conduct- 
 ed to the house which had been prepared for his re- 
 ception, followed by a procession of militia in their uni- 
 forms, and a large number of citizens. In the evening 
 the houses of the inhabitants were brilliantly illumi- 
 nated. 
 
 19. A day was fixed, soon after his arrival, for his 
 taking the oath of office. It was in the following 
 words : " I do solemnly swear, that T will faithfully ex- 
 ecute the office of president of the United States ; and 
 will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and de- 
 ls. How did Washington cross New York Bay 1 How was he re- 
 ceived at New York ? 19. Repeat the oath of office. 
 
 G2 
 
ir>4 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 fend the constitution of the United States." On this 
 occasion he was wholly clothed in garments of Ameri- 
 can manufacture. 
 
 20. In the morning, the diiferent congregations as- 
 sembled in their respective places of worship, and of- 
 fered up prayers for the president and people of the 
 United States. About noon, a procession moved from 
 the president's house to Federal Hall. When they 
 came within a short distance of the hall, the troops 
 formed a line on both sides of the way, through which, 
 accompanied by the vice-president, Mr. John Adams, 
 Washington passed into the senate chamber. 
 
 21. Immediately after, with the two houses of Con- 
 gress, he went into a gallery fronting on Broad street, 
 and, before an immense throng of citizens, took the 
 oath prescribed by the constitution. It was adminis- 
 tered by Mr. Livingston, the chancellor of the state of 
 New York. A solemn silence prevailed during the 
 ceremony. The chancellor then proclaimed him pres- 
 ident of the United States. This was answered by the 
 discharge of cannon, and the joyful shouts of assem- 
 bled thousands. The president bowed most respectful- 
 ly to the people, and retired to the senate chamber in 
 the midst of their acclamations. 
 
 22. After delivering an address to Congress and re- 
 ceiving their reply, the president attended divine ser- 
 vice in their company. In the evening there was a 
 
 How was Washington clothed on this occasion ? 20. What follow- 
 ed in the morning ? 21. By whom was the oath of office administer- 
 e<l to Washington ? What followed the proclamation 1 22, What 
 took place in the evening 7 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 155 
 
 rery ingenious and brilliant exhibition of fireworks. A 
 transparent painting was displayed, in the centre of 
 which was the portrait of the president, represented 
 under the image of Fortitude. On his right hand was 
 Justice and on his left Wisdom ; emblematic of the 
 senate and house of representatives. Thus concluded 
 the ceremonies of the first presidential inauguration. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 State of Foreign Affairs. Peace made ivith the Creek In- 
 dians. War between France and Great Britain. Wash- 
 ington retires from Office. Denies the Authorship of cer- 
 tain Letters. Mr. Adams inaugurated. Difficulties with 
 France. Commander in Chief. His Letter to Congress. 
 Peaceful Arrangements. Death of Washington. 
 
 1. When Washington commenced his administra- 
 tion, the situation of the United States was highly crit- 
 ical. There were no funds in the treasury, and large 
 debts were due upon every side. The party in oppo- 
 sition to the new constitution was numerous, and sev- 
 eral members of this party had been elected to seats in 
 the new Congress. Two of the states for a while re- 
 fused to accept the constitution, and were, consequent- 
 ly, beyond the reach of its power. 
 
 How did the ceremonies conclude ? 
 
 1. Situation of the United States v/hen Washington was cnosoa 
 president 1 
 
156 UFE OF WASHINGTON. flHI 
 
 2. The relations of the general government with 
 foreign nations were very unsettled. Animosities broke 
 out, with considerable violence, between the United 
 States and Great Britain. Each charged the other 
 with a violation of the late treaty of peace. Difficul- 
 ties occurred with Spain, in respect to the navigation 
 of the Mississippi. Fifteen hundred of the northern 
 Indians were at open war with the United States ; and 
 the Creeks, who could bring six thousand fighting men 
 into the field, were at war with Georgia. 
 
 3. It was one of the first cares of Washington to 
 make peace with the Indians. Commissioners were 
 sent, immediately after his inauguration, to treat w^ith 
 the Creek Indians. They met with several chiefs of 
 the nation, and about two thousand men, at the Rock 
 Landing, on the borders of Georgia. Their efforts at 
 negotiation failed. It was not till the seventh of Au- 
 gust, 1790, that the chiefs of this tribe were induced 
 to come to New York, where they concluded treaties 
 of peace. 
 
 4. The arrangement of our European relations was 
 the chief source of anxiety and trouble during the 
 presidency of Washington. War broke out between 
 France and Great Britain, and it required all pru- 
 dence and vigilance to preserve our neutrality. — 
 Many citizens, through gratitude to France, or an 
 overflowing zeal in the cause of liberty, were in fa- 
 
 2. What difBculties existed ? 3. What did Washington endeavor 
 to do ? When was peace Concluded with the Indians ? 4. What was 
 the cause of great anxiety and trouble 7 
 
LiFfi OF WASHINGTON. 15t 
 
 Vor of our taking part in these hostilities. Washing- 
 ton adhered to the maxim " that the United States 
 would hold all mankind enemies in war, in peace 
 friends ;" and exerted all his influence and authority 
 to preserve the equality of the balance. 
 
 5. After eight years' service in the high office of 
 president, Washington announced his intention to de- 
 cline a re-election. It was the boast of a Roman em- 
 peror that he had found Rome a city of brick, and that 
 he left it a city of marble. How much more glorious 
 might be the boast of Washington — that he had found 
 his country in depression and distress, and left it in 
 prosperity and glory ! 
 
 6. His address upon the occasion of declining a re- 
 election concluded in the following words : 
 
 " The situation in which I now stand, for the last 
 time, in the midst of the representatives of the people 
 of the United Sfeates, naturally recalls the period when 
 the administration of the present form of government 
 commenced ; and I cannot omit the occasion to con- 
 gratulate you and my country on the success of the ex- 
 periment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the 
 Supreme Ruler of the universe, and Sovereign Arbi- 
 ter of nations, that his providential care may still be 
 extended to the United States ; that the virtue and hap- 
 piness of the people may be preserved ; and that the 
 
 Efforts of Washington ? 5, How long was he president ? Of what 
 might he boast ? 6. Repeat part of his address upon declining a re- 
 election. 
 
 14 
 
158 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 government which they have instituted for the protec- 
 tion of their Hberties may be perpetual." 
 
 7. On the day preceding the termination* of his of- 
 fice, in a letter to General Knox, he compared himself 
 to a weary traveller who sees a resting place and is 
 bending his body thereon. " Although the prospect 
 of retirement is most grateful to my soul, and I have 
 not a wish to mix again in the great world, or to par- 
 take in its politics, yet I am not without regret at part- 
 ing with (perhaps never more to meet) the few inti- 
 mates whom I love. Among these, be assured, you are 
 one." 
 
 8. The numerous calumnies which assailed him 
 never but once drew forth his public notice. A vol- 
 ume had been published by the British, in the year 
 1776, consisting of letters which they attributed to 
 General Washington. It was the object of this publi- 
 cation to produce impressions unfavorable to the integ- 
 rity and character of the commander in chief. When 
 the first edition of this forgery had been forgotten, it 
 was republished, during his presidency, by some citi- 
 zens who differed from him in politics. 
 
 9. On the morning of the last day of his office, 
 Washington addressed a letter to the secretary of state, 
 in which he enumerated the facts and dates connected 
 with the forgery, and declared that he had hitherto 
 
 ?. Letter to General Knox ? 8. What book had been published in 
 1776 ? Who republished it ? 9. Washington's letter to the secretary 
 of state 7 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 159 
 
 thought it unnecessary to take a formal notice of the 
 imposition. In this letter he solemnly declared that 
 the correspondence was entirely a base forgery, and 
 that he never saw or heard of it till it appeared in 
 print. He requested that his letter upon the subject 
 should be deposited in the office of the department of 
 state, to be a testimony of the truth to the present gen- 
 eration and to posterity. 
 
 10. The time had now come when his own official 
 power was to cease, and that of his successor, John 
 Adams, was to commence. The old and new presi- 
 dents walked together to the house of representatives, 
 where the oath of office was administered. Mr. Ad- 
 ams concluded his address upon the occasion, by an 
 impressive allusion to his predecessor, in observing, 
 that though about to retire, " his name may still be a 
 rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a bulwark, 
 against all open or secret enemies of his country." 
 
 11. Washington rejoiced that the way was open for 
 his return to the happiness of domestic and private 
 life. After paying his respects to the new president, 
 he immediately set out for Mount Vernon. He was 
 desirous of travelling privately, but it was impossible. 
 Wherever he passed, crowds came out to meet him 
 and testify their respect for him. 
 
 12. In his retirement, Washington resumed his agri- 
 cultural pursuits ; and, in the society of his private 
 
 10. Who was chosen president ? Conclusion of Mr. Adams's ad- 
 dress ? 11. How was Washington treated on his way to Mount Ver- 
 non ? 12. TTis pursuits 1 
 
160 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 friends, looked for a quiet ending to an active and anx- 
 ious life. He still, however, continued interested in 
 public affairs, and heard, with regret, the insults offered 
 to the United States by the French directory. These 
 injuries at length obliged our government to adopt 
 vigorous measures. Congress authorized the forma- 
 tion of a regular army, and all eyes were turned upon 
 Washington as its commander. 
 
 13. President Adams nominated Washington to the 
 chief command of the armies of the United States, 
 with the rank of lieutenant-general. To the letter, 
 sent with the commission to Mount Vernon, Washing- 
 ton replied in a letter which concluded as follows : 
 
 14. " Feeling how incumbent it is upon every per- 
 son of every description to contribute at all times to 
 his country's welfare, and especially in a moment like 
 the present, when every thing we hold dear and sacred 
 is so seriously threatened, I have finally determined to 
 accept the commission of commander in chief of the 
 armies of the United States ; with the reserve only, that 
 I shall not be called into the field until the army is in 
 a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indis- 
 pensable by the urgency of circumstances. 
 
 15. *' In making this reservation, I beg it to be un- 
 derstood, that I do not mean to withhold any assist- 
 ance to arrange and organize the army, which you 
 may think I can afford. I take the liberty, also, to 
 mention, that I must decline having my acceptance 
 
 Feelings ? 13, To what office was Washington nominated ? 
 14. Repeat Washing-ton's letter 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 161 
 
 considered as drawing after it any immediate charge 
 upon the public ; or that I can receive any emoluments 
 annexed to the appointment, before entering into a sit- 
 uation to incur expense." 
 
 16. After the receipt of this appointment, Washing- 
 ton divided his time between agricultural pursuits and 
 the organization of the army. He always thought an 
 actual invasion of the country very improbable, but he 
 made arrangements to repel it at the water's edge. 
 No sooner had these warlike preparations been made, 
 than France signified her desire for a peaceful accom- 
 modation. 
 
 17. Mr. Adams immediately sent three envoys ex- 
 traordinary to negotiate with the French republic. On 
 repairing to France, they found the directory over- 
 thrown, and the government in the hands of Bona- 
 parte. With him negotiations were immediately com- 
 menced, and terminated in a peaceful arrangement of 
 all difficulties. Washington, however, did not live to 
 participate in the general joy which this event occa- 
 sioned. 
 
 18. On the twelfth of December, 1799, Washington 
 rode out in the mornmg to his farms. The weather 
 soon became very cold, and there was an alternate fall 
 of rain, hail and snow. He did not return till past 
 three, when he went to dinner without changing his 
 dress. In the evening he appeared as well as usual. 
 
 19. On the next day, there was a heavy fall of snow, 
 
 16. What did Washington do ? 17. For what were envoys sent to 
 France ' 18, When did Washington's last sickness commence 1 
 
 14* 
 
1G2 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 which prevented him from riding out as usual. He 
 had taken cold from his exposure the day before, and 
 complained of having a sore throat. He had a hoarse- 
 ness, which increased towards evening, but took no 
 remedy for it, observing, as he would never take any 
 thing to carry off a cold, " Let it go as it came." 
 
 20. On Saturday morning he was very seriously un- 
 well, and a physician was sent for to bleed him. Find*- 
 ing that no relief was obtained from bleeding, and that 
 he was entirely unable to swallow any thing, his at- 
 tendants bathed his throat externally with sal volatile. 
 A piece of flannel was then put round his neck, and 
 his feet were soaked in warm water. It was impossi- 
 ble to procure any relief. 
 
 21. Several physicians were immediately sent for, 
 and various remedies resorted to without effect. Be- 
 tween five and six o'clock in the afternoon, his phy^ 
 sicians came to his bedside, and Dr. Craik asked him 
 if he would sit up in the bed. He held out his hands, 
 and was raised up, when he said — *' I feel myself go- 
 ing ; you had better not take any more trouble about 
 me, but let me go off quietly ; I cannot last long." 
 
 22. They found what had been done was without 
 effect ; he laid down again, and all except Dr. Craik 
 retired. He then said to him, " Doctor, I die hard, 
 but I am not afraid to go ; I believed, from my first at- 
 tack, I should not survive it ; my breath cannot last 
 
 long." The doctor pressed his hand, but could not 
 
 J9. Give some account of the progress of his disorder- 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 163 
 
 utter a word ; he retired from the bed-side, and sat by 
 the fire, absorbed in grief. 
 
 23. About ten o'clock he made several attempts to 
 speak before he could effect it. He at length said, 
 " I am just going. Have me decently buried ; and do 
 not let my body be put in the vault in less than two 
 days after I am dead." His attending physician 
 bowed assent. He looked at him again and said, 
 *• Do you understand me V The reply was, " Yes, 
 sir." Washington answered, " 'Tis well." 
 
 24. About ten minutes before he expired, his breath- 
 ing became much easier, he lay quietly, and he with- 
 drew his hand from the physician to feel his own pulse. 
 His hand fell from the wrist. Dr. Craik placed his 
 hands over his eyes, and he expired without a struggle 
 or a sigh. While the physicians and attendants were 
 standing fixed in silent grief, Mrs. Washington asked, 
 in a firm and collected voice, " Is he gone V 
 
 24. His death ? " 
 
164 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Proceedings of Congress. Extract of a Letter from Mrs. 
 Washington. Tributes of Respect from the People. An- 
 ecdotes of Washington. Travelling on Sunday. His 
 Punctuality. Captain Pease and the Horses. His Lib- 
 erality. Old Lydick. 
 
 1. When intelligence of the death of Washington 
 reached Congress, they immediately adjourned until 
 the next day. Mr. John Marshall, since chief justice 
 of the United States, then delivered a short and im- 
 pressive speech to the house of representatives ; and 
 the senate addressed a letter to the president. To this 
 letter Mr. Adams returned an answer, which concluded 
 in the following words : 
 
 2. *' The life of our Washington cannot suffer by a 
 comparison with those of other countries who have 
 been most celebrated and exalted by fame. The at- 
 tributes and decorations of royalty could only have 
 served to eclipse the majesty of those virtues which 
 made him, from being a modest citizen, a more re- 
 splendent luminary. Misfortune, had he lived, could 
 hereafter have sullied his glory only with those super- 
 ficial minds who, believing that character and actions 
 are marked by success alone, rarely deserve to enjoy it. 
 
 3. " Malice could never blast his honor, and envy 
 made him a singular exception to her universal rule. 
 
 1 . How did Congress receive the news of the death of Washington ? 
 2. Repeat Mr. Adams's letter 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 165 
 
 For himself, he had lived long enough to life and to 
 glory ; for his fellow citizens, if their prayers could 
 have been answered, he would have been immortal ; 
 for me, his departure is at a most unfortunate moment. 
 Trusting, however, in the wise and righteous domin- 
 ion of Providence over the passions of men and the re- 
 sults of their actions, as well as over their lives, noth- 
 ing remains for me but humble resignation. 
 
 4. " His example is now complete ; and it will teach 
 wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens and men, 
 not only in the present age, but in future generations, 
 as long as our history shall be read. If a Trajan found 
 a Pliny, a Marcus Aurelius can never want biogra- 
 phers, eulogists, or historians." 
 
 5. Congress voted a series of resolutions, in which 
 it was determined that a marble monument should be 
 erected by the United States, at the capitol of the city 
 of Washington, to commemorate the great events of 
 the military and political life of the late president. It 
 was also determined that there should be a funeral ora- 
 tion and procession, and that it should be recommend- 
 ed to the people of the United States to wear crape on 
 their left arm, as mourning, for thirty days. 
 
 6. When the resolution of Congress, that she should 
 be requested to permit the remains of her husband to 
 be deposited under a marble monument, to be erected 
 at the capitol, was communicated to Mrs. Washington, 
 she replied in the following language : " Taught by 
 
 6. What, resolutions were passed by Congi*ess ? 6. Reply of Mrs. 
 Washington to the rec|uest of Congress ? 
 
166 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 the great example wliich I have so long had before me, 
 never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, 1 
 must consent to the request made by Congress, which 
 you have had the goodness to transmit to me ; and in 
 doing this, I need not, I cannot say, what a sacrifice 
 of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty." 
 
 7. The people in every part of the states, with one 
 will and impulse, immediately assembled to express 
 their gratitude to the deceased, and their sorrow for 
 his loss. Funeral orations and sermons were preached 
 from every pulpit throughout the land. Villages, towns, 
 cities and public institutions were called Washington, 
 and thousands of children in all ranks of life. Mari- 
 ners, who discovered new islands, gave them the name 
 of the American chief, thus carrying it to the remotest 
 corners of the globe. 
 
 8. The history of Washington is so much the histo- 
 ry of his country, during the times in which he lived, 
 that it has been difficult to interrupt the relation of 
 public events by the introduction of trifling anecdotes, 
 which, more than any thing else, exhibit the private 
 character. A few of these, collected from various 
 sources, we have reserved for this, and the following 
 chapter. 
 
 9. Washington w^as at one time travelling through 
 Connecticut, where the roads were somewhat rough, 
 and the manners of the inhabitants very rigid ; and he 
 
 7. What was done by the people to express their feeling's ? 
 8. What of the history of Washington ? 9. Relate the anectiote of 
 Washington in Connecticut. 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 1G7 
 
 was overtaken by night on Saturday, without being 
 able to reach the village where he intended to pass the 
 sabbath. Next morning, about sunrise, his coach was 
 harnessed, and he was proceeding to an inn, near the 
 place of worship which he proposed to attend. A plain 
 man, who was an informing officer, came from a cot- 
 tage, and inquired of the coachman if there was any 
 reason for his travelling on the Lord's day. Instead 
 of resenting this interruption as impertinent, the gen- 
 eral ordered the coachman to stop, and, with great ci- 
 vility, explained the circumstances to the officer, com- 
 mending him for his fidelity ; and assured him that 
 nothing was further from his intention, than to treat 
 with disrespect the laws and usages of Connecticut. 
 
 10. Washington performed all his great works with 
 apparent ease, by a strict observance of punctuality. 
 Whenever he assigned to meet Congress at a certain 
 hour, he never failed to be passing the door of the hall 
 when the clock was striking. His dining hour was 
 four, when he always sat down to his table, allowing 
 only five minutes for the variation of timepieces, wheth- 
 er his guests were present or not. It was frequently 
 the case with new members of Congress, that they did 
 not arrive until dinner was nearly half over, and he 
 would remark — " Gentlemen, we are punctual here ; 
 my cook never asks whether the company has arrived, 
 but whether the hour has." 
 
 11. When visiting Boston in 1789, he appointed 
 eight o'clock in the morning as the hour when he 
 
 10. Give some instances of Washington's punctuality 
 
168 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 should set out for Salem ; and while the Old South 
 clock was striking eight, he was crossing his saddle. 
 The company of cavalry which volunteered to escort 
 him, not anticipating this strict punctuality, were pa- 
 rading in Tremont street after his departure ; and it 
 was not until the president had reached Charles river 
 bridge, where he stopped a few minutes, that the troop 
 of horse overtook him On passing the corps, the pres- 
 ident, with perfect good nature, said — " Major , 
 
 I thought you had been too long in my family not to 
 know when it was eight o'clock." 
 
 12. The following anecdote was related by Captain 
 Pease, the head of the stage establishment in the Unit- 
 ed States. He had purchased a pair of beautiful 
 horses, which he wished to dispose of to the president. 
 Five o'clock was the hour appointed to examine them. 
 The captain thought the hour was too early for so great 
 a man to be stirring, and did not arrive with the horses 
 until a quarter after five ; when he was told by the 
 groom, that the president had been there at five, and 
 was then fulfilling other engagements. Pease was 
 much mortified, and called on Major Jackson, the sec- 
 retary, to apologize for his delay, and to request the 
 president to appoint some new time. He found that 
 the president's time was wholly pre-occupied fof several 
 days, and he was put to the trouble and expense of re- 
 maining a week in Philadelphia before the examina- 
 tion took place. 
 
 13, While the American army lay encamped at 
 Morristown, it occurred that the service of the commu- 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 169 
 
 nion was to be administered in the Presbyterian churcli 
 in that village. In a morning of the previous week, 
 Washington, after his accustomed inspection of the 
 camp, visited the house of the Rev. Doctor Jones, then 
 pastor of the church, and, after a little conversation, 
 observed to him — 
 
 14. " Doctor, I understand that the Lord's supper 
 is to be celebrated with you next Sunday ; I would 
 learn if it accords with the canons of your church to 
 admit communicants of another denomination." The 
 doctor rejoined — " Most certainly ; ours is not the Pres- 
 byterian table, general, but the Lord's table, and we 
 hence give the Lord's invitation to all his followers of 
 whatever name." The general replied — " I am glad 
 of it : that is as it ought to be : but as I was not quite 
 sure of the fact, I thought I would ascertain it from 
 yourself, as I propose to join with you on that occasion. 
 Though a member of the church of England, I have 
 no exclusive partialities." The doctor reassured him 
 of a cordial welcome, and the general was found seat- 
 ed with the communicants the next sabbath. 
 
 15. Shortly after his election to the presidency of 
 the United States, General Washington, his lady, and 
 secretary. Major Jackson, on their way from the seat 
 of government to Mount Vernon, stopped for the night 
 at Chester. The president had scarcely arrived, and 
 expressed a wish not to be disturbed, when a message 
 was brought that an old gentleman, once honored with 
 
 14. What «>f the communion ? 15. Anecdote of Washington at 
 Chester T 
 
 15 
 
1~0 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 his favor and protection, requested permission to pa} 
 his respects, adding, that his name was Lydick. 
 
 16. " Let him enter, by all means," said the presi- 
 dent ; " he is the man, Major Jackson, who, at the 
 hazard of his life, entered New York, while in posses- 
 sion of the enemy, for the purpose of distributing 
 among the German troops, proclamations, inviting then, 
 to our standard ; and who, afterwards, superintended 
 for many years, our baking establishment with zea. 
 and diligence." 
 
 17. As the old man entered, the general, takin^ 
 aim kindly by the hand, said — " My worthy friend, ] 
 am rejoiced to see you, and truly happy to express mv 
 thanks to a man to whom I feel myself under great 
 obligation. You ever served your country with exem- 
 plary fidelity, and her warmest gratitude is richly your 
 due." 
 
 18. " Such praise from my beloved commander," 
 replied Lydick, " is high reward. I shall now go to 
 my grave in peace, since it has been my happiness, 
 once again, to meet and pay my duty to your excel- 
 lency '' 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 171 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Personal Appearance of JVashington. Description hy Dr. 
 Teacher. Remarks upon his Character. 
 
 1. The personal appearance of Washington was re- 
 markable. It was that of the gentleman and soldier. 
 He was six feet in height, erect and well proportioned. 
 His muscular strength was very great. With his coun- 
 tenance it was impossible to connect any other quali- 
 ties than those of wisdom, benevolence and magna- 
 nimity. 
 
 2. His deportment was in strict accordance with his 
 character and situation. He was dignified without be- 
 ing haughty, and serious without being sullen. His 
 gravity was such as became his station, and was 
 never dull or disagreeable. His features were of a 
 beautiful symmetry ; his nose was straight, and his eyes 
 were nearly blue. 
 
 3. " It is natural," says Dr. Thacher, " to view with 
 keen attention the countenance of an illustrious man, 
 with a secret hope of discovering in his features some 
 peculiar traces of excellence which distinguishes him 
 from and elevates him above his fellow mortals. These 
 expectations are realized, in a peculiar manner, in view- 
 ing the person of General Washington. His tall and 
 noble stature and just proportions, his fine, cheerful, 
 open countenance, simple and modest deportment, are 
 
 1. Personal appearance of Washington ? Deportment ? 3. Re- 
 peat Dr. Thacher's description of Washington. 
 
172 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 all calculated to interest every beholder in his favor, 
 and to command veneration and respect. He is feared 
 even when silent, and beloved even while we are un- 
 conscious of the motive." 
 
 4. You have now read a simple account of the life, 
 manners and personal appearance of George Washing- 
 ton. It does little good to read unless we think upon 
 the men and things about which we read. Let us 
 now think together a moment of the character and 
 fame of the preserver of his country, and the father of 
 her liberties. 
 
 5. You have heard, perhaps, about Caesar, Alexan- 
 der, and Buonaparte. They were all great warriors, 
 and introduced into the world a great deal of misery. 
 Their object was personal glory ; their motive was a 
 selfish desire of power, and wealth, and fame. They 
 did not live for mankind or their country, but for them- 
 selves. It was for themselves that they toiled, and 
 fought, and filled the world with wretchedness and 
 slaughter. It was for themselves that they labored, 
 and they all reaped the reward of their selfish ambition. 
 
 6. The military fame of Washington was not of his 
 own seeking. He had no delight in scenes of carnage 
 and bloodshed. When appointed by Congress to the 
 command of the American armies, he modestly shrunk 
 from an appointment to which he did not consider 
 himself adapted. But the call of his countrymen was 
 ever the rule of his life. He accepted the chief com- 
 mand, held it through a perilous and discouraging war, 
 
 5. Comparison between Washington and othar Bsilitjry heroes 1 
 
LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 173 
 
 and only resigned his sword when, like the weapon of 
 an ancient warrior, it was wreathed with the laurels 
 of victory, and the myrtle of peace. 
 
 7. Washington was not ambitious of military dis- 
 tinction. He had no thirst for affluence, power, or 
 fame. His only desire was to render the highest ser- 
 vice to his country. If this could have been best ob- 
 tained by his remaining in silence and obscurity, the 
 .world would never have heard his name. He would 
 have lived and died contented with the consciousness 
 that he had done all that became him as a patriot and 
 as a man. 
 
 8. But we must not think upon him only as a sol- 
 dier. As a wise statesman, he stands among the first 
 that have ever ornamented or elevated the period and 
 country in which they lived. He was prudent, far- 
 sighted, indefatigable ; not to be turned out of his way, 
 nor alarmed, nor at all shaken in his purpose, by diffi- 
 culties that to meaner men would have appeared insur- 
 mountable. Never adopting a measure without pa- 
 tient investigation, he was unremitting in his exertions 
 to effect what he had once adopted. Cautious in form- 
 ing his plans, he was persevering in their execution. 
 
 9. Washington was a fine speaker and an excellent 
 writer. When we look upon his military orders, his 
 numerous letters, nis public speeches and addresses, 
 and his presidential messages to Congress, we cannot 
 but be astonished at the ease, the freedom and the sim- 
 
 7. What was Washington's desire ? 8. His character as a states- 
 man ? 9. What of his writing ? 
 
 15* 
 
174 
 
 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 
 
 plicity with which they are all composed. He always 
 wrote briefly and to the point, expressing what he had 
 to say in words that would convey his meaning with 
 the most directness and clearness. 
 
 10. In considering the character of Washington, we 
 not only find every thing to respect, but every thing to 
 esteem and love. His dignified wisdom commands 
 our admiration, but we cannot regard, without sincere 
 and warm affection, his earnest patriotism, his diffusive 
 benevolence, his unsullied integrity, his child-like sim- 
 plicity and purity of life. Well may we say, as it often 
 has been said, that the world has never seen but a sin- 
 gle Washington ! 
 
 10. What do we find in the character of Washington ? What has 
 often been said of him ? 
 
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