LIFE
OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
[Illustration: C.W. Peale. J.B. Forrest. Original in Possession of
G.W.P. Custis Esq. G. Washington _1772 Æt. 40._]
[Illustration: [Mount Vernon]]
LIFE
OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
BY
WASHINGTON IRVING.
VOL. II.
NEW YORK: G. P. PUTNAM.
1860.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855.
BY G. P. PUTNAM & CO.,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of New York.
JOHN F. TROW,
Printer, Stereotyper, and Electrotyper,
46, 48 & 50 Greene Street,
Between Grand & Broome, New York.
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Washington takes command of the Armies—Sketch of General
Lee—Characters of the British Commanders, Howe, Clinton, and
Burgoyne—Survey of the Camps from Prospect Hill—The Camps
contrasted—Description of the Revolutionary Army—Rhode Island
Troops—Character of General Greene—Washington represents the
Deficiencies of the Army—His Apology for the Massachusetts
Troops—Governor Trumbull—Cragie House, Washington’s
Head-Quarters 1
CHAPTER II.
Questions of Military Rank—Popularity of Putnam—Arrangements at
Head-Quarters—Colonel Mifflin and John Trumbull, Aides-de
Camp—Joseph Reed, Washington’s Secretary and confidential
friend—Gates as Adjutant-General—Hazardous Situation of the
Army—Strengthening of the Defences—Efficiency of Putnam—Rapid
Changes—New Distribution of the Forces—Rigid Discipline—Lee and
his cane—His Idea as to Strong Battalions—Arrival of Rifle
Companies—Daniel Morgan and his Sharp Shooters—Washington
declines to detach Troops to distant points for their
Protection—His Reasons for so doing 12
CHAPTER III.
Washington’s Object in distressing Boston—Scarcity and Sickness in
the Town—A Startling Discovery—Scarcity of Powder in the
Camp—Its Perilous Situation—Economy of Ammunition—Correspondence
between Lee and Burgoyne—Correspondence between Washington and
Gage—The Dignity of the Patriot Army asserted 22
CHAPTER IV.
Dangers in the Interior—Machinations of the Johnson Family—Rivalry
of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold—Government Perplexities about
the Ticonderoga Capture—Measures to secure the Prize—Allen and
Arnold ambitious of further Laurels—Projects for the Invasion of
Canada—Ethan Allen and Seth Warner honored by Congress—Arnold
displaced by a Committee of Inquiry—His Indignation—News from
Canada—The Revolution to be extended into that
Province—Enlistment of Green Mountain Boys—Schuyler at
Ticonderoga—State of Affairs there—Election for Officers of the
Green Mountain Boys—Ethan Allen dismounted—Joins the Army as a
Volunteer—Preparations for the Invasion of Canada—General
Montgomery—Indian Chiefs at Cambridge—Council Fire—Plan for an
Expedition against Quebec—Departure of Troops from
Ticonderoga—Arrival at Isle aux Noix 32
CHAPTER V.
A Challenge declined—A Blow meditated—A cautious Council of
War—Preparations for the Quebec Expedition—Benedict Arnold the
Leader—Advice and Instructions—Departure—General Schuyler on the
Sorel—Reconnoitres St. Johns—Camp at Isle aux Noix—Illness of
Schuyler—Returns to Ticonderoga—Expedition of Montgomery against
St. Johns—Letter of Ethan Allen—His Dash against Montreal—Its
Catastrophe—A Hero in Irons—Correspondence of Washington with
Schuyler and Arnold—His Anxiety about them 49
CHAPTER VI.
British in Boston send out Cruisers—Depredations of Captain
Wallace along the Coast—Treason in the Camp—Arrest of Dr.
Church—His Trial and Fate—Conflagration of Falmouth—Irritation
throughout the Country—Fitting out of Vessels of War—Embarkation
of General Gage for England—Committee from Congress—Conferences
with Washington—Resolutions of Congress to carry on the
War—Return of Secretary Reed to Philadelphia 67
CHAPTER VII.
Measures of General Howe—Desecration of Churches—Three
Proclamations—Seizure of Tories—Want of Artillery—Henry Knox,
the Artillerist—His Mission to Ticonderoga—Re-enlistment of
Troops—Lack of Public Spirit—Comments of General Greene 77
CHAPTER VIII.
Affairs in Canada—Capture of Fort Chamblee—Siege of St.
Johns—Maclean and his Highlanders—Montgomery on the Treatment of
Ethan Allen—Repulse of Carleton—Capitulation of the Garrison of
St. Johns—Generous Conduct of Montgomery—Maclean re-embarks for
Quebec—Weary Struggle of Arnold through the Wilderness—Defection
of Colonel Enos—Arnold in the Valley of the Chandiere—His
Arrival opposite Quebec—Surrender of Montreal—Escape of
Carleton—Home sickness of the American Troops 88
CHAPTER IX.
Washington’s anticipations of Success at Quebec—His Eulogium of
Arnold—Schuyler and Montgomery talk of resigning—Expostulations
of Washington—Their Effect—Schuyler’s Conduct to a Captive Foe 95
CHAPTER X.
Difficulties in filling up the Army—The Connecticut Troops persist
in going Home—Their reception there—Timely Arrival of Spoils in
the Camp—Putnam and the Prize Mortar—A Maraud by
Americans—Rebuked by Washington—Correspondence of Washington
with General Howe about the treatment of Ethan Allen—Fraternal
zeal of Levi Allen—Treatment of General Prescott—Preparations to
Bombard Boston—Battery at Lechmere’s Point—Prayer of Putnam for
Powder 100
CHAPTER XI.
Mount Vernon in Danger—Mrs. Washington invited to the Camp—Lund
Washington, the General’s Agent—Terms on which he
serves—Instructed to keep up the Hospitality of the
House—Journey of Mrs. Washington to Camp—Her Equipage and
Liveries—Arrival at Camp—Domestic Affairs at
Head-Quarters—Gayeties in Camp—A Brawl between Round Jackets and
Rifle Shirts 110
CHAPTER XII.
Affairs in Canada—Arnold at Point Levi—Quebec reinforced—Crossing
of the St. Lawrence—Landing in Wolfe’s Cove—Arnold on the
Heights of Abraham—Cautious Counsel—Quebec aroused—The Invaders
baffled—Withdraw to Point aux Trembles—Booming of
Cannon—Carleton at Quebec—Letter of Washington to Arnold 118
CHAPTER XIII.
Lord Dunmore—His Plans of harassing Virginia—Lee’s Policy
respecting Tory Governors and Placemen—Rhode Island harassed by
Wallace and his Cruisers, and infested by Tories—Lee sent to its
Relief—His Vigorous Measures—The Army disbanding—Washington’s
Perplexities—Sympathy of General Greene—His Loyalty in time of
Trouble—The Crisis—Cheering News from Canada—Gloomy Opening of
the New Year—News from Colonel Knox 124
CHAPTER XIV.
Military Preparations in Boston—A Secret Expedition—Its
Object—Lee’s Plan for the Security of New York—Opinion of Adams
on the Subject—Instructions to Lee—Transactions of Lee in
Connecticut—Lee’s Policy in regard to the Tories—Uneasiness in
New York—Letter of the Committee of Safety to Lee—His Reply—His
Opinion of the People of Connecticut—Of the Hysterical Letter
from the New York Congress 138
CHAPTER XV.
Montgomery before Quebec—His Plan of Operations—A Summons to
Surrender—A Flag Insulted—The Town Besieged—Plan of an
Escalade—Attack of the Lower Town—Montgomery in the Advance—His
Death—Retreat of Colonel Campbell—Attack by Arnold—Defence of
the Lower Town—Arnold wounded—Retreat of the Americans—Gallant
Resolve of Arnold 141
CHAPTER XVI.
Correspondence of Washington and Schuyler on the disasters in
Canada—Reinforcements required from New England—Dangers in the
Interior of New York—Johnson Hall Beleaguered—Sir John
Capitulates—Generous Conduct of Schuyler—Governor Tryon and the
Tories—Tory Machinations—Lee at New York—Sir Henry Clinton in
the Harbor—Menaces of Lee—The City and River fortified—Lee’s
Treatment of the Tories—His Plans of Fortification—Ordered to
the Command in Canada—His Speculations on Titles of Dignity 153
CHAPTER XVII.
Monotonous State of Affairs before Boston—Washington anxious for
Action—Exploit of Putnam—Its Dramatic Consequences—The Farce of
the Blockade of Boston—An Alarming Interruption—Distresses of
the Besieged—Washington’s Irksome Predicament—His Bold
Proposition—Demur of the Council of War—Arrival of Knox with
Artillery—Dorchester Heights to be seized and
fortified—Preparations for the Attempt 164
CHAPTER XVIII.
The affair of Dorchester Heights—American and English Letters
respecting it—A Laborious Night—Revelations at Daybreak—Howe in
a Perplexity—A Night Attack meditated—Stormy Weather—The Town to
be evacuated—Negotiations and Arrangements—Preparations to
Embark—Excesses of the Troops—Boston Evacuated—Speech of the
Duke of Manchester on the subject—A Medal voted by Congress 171
CHAPTER XIX.
Destination of the Fleet—Commission of the two Howes—Character of
Lord Howe—The Colonies divided into Departments—Lee assigned to
the Southern Department—General Thomas to Canada—Character of
Lee, by Washington—Letters of Lee from the South—A Dog in a
Dancing School—Committee of Safety in Virginia—Lee’s
Grenadiers—Putnam in Command at New York—State of Affairs
there—Arrival of Washington—New Arrangements—Perplexities with
respect to Canada—England subsidizes Hessian Troops 186
CHAPTER XX.
Arnold blockades Quebec—His Difficulties—Arrival of General
Wooster—Of General Thomas—Abortive Attempt on
Quebec—Preparations for Retreat—Sortie of Carleton—Retreat of
the Americans—Halt at Point Deschambeault—Alarm in the Colonies
at the Retreat of the Army—Popular Clamor against
Schuyler—Slanders refuted 198
CHAPTER XXI.
Gates sent to Philadelphia with the Canada Despatches—Promoted to
the rank of Major-General—Washington Summoned to
Philadelphia—Putnam left in Command—Conference with
Congress—Army Arrangements—A Board of War instituted—The
Clintons of New York—Mrs. Washington Inoculated—Reed made
Adjutant-General 206
CHAPTER XXII.
Affairs in Canada—Disaster at the Cedars—Hostile Designs of the
Johnsons—A Bloody Summer expected—Forts in the Highlands—Colonel
James Clinton in Command—Fortifications at King’s Bridge and on
Long Island 212
CHAPTER XXIII.
Retreat of General Thomas—His Death—General Sullivan in
Command—Scene on the Sorel—Sanguine Expectations of
Sullivan—Washington’s Opinion of Sullivan’s Character—Gates
appointed to the Command in Canada—Reinforcements of the
Enemy—Reverses—Thompson Captured—Retreat of Sullivan—Close of
the Invasion of Canada 220
CHAPTER XXIV.
Designs of the Enemy against New York and the Hudson—Plot of Tryon
and the Tories—Arrival of a Fleet—Alarm Posts—Treachery up the
Hudson—Fresh Arrivals—General Howe at Staten Island—Washington’s
Preparations 228
CHAPTER XXV.
First Appearance of Alexander Hamilton—His Early Days—General Hugh
Mercer in command of the Flying Camp—Declaration of
Independence—Announced to the Army—Downfall of the King’s Statue 237
CHAPTER XXVI.
Arrival of more Ships—Movements of the Phœnix and the Rose—Panic
in the City—Hostile Ships up the Hudson—Stir of War along the
River—General George Clinton, and the Militia of Ulster
County—Fresh Agitation of New York—Arrival of Lord Howe 244
CHAPTER XXVII.
Precautions against Tories—Secret Committees—Declaration of Lord
Howe—His Letter to the Colonial Governors—His Letter to
Washington rejected—Interview between the British
Adjutant-General and Colonel Reed—Reception of the
Adjutant-General by Washington—The Phœnix and Rose in the Tappan
Sea, and Haverstraw Bay—Arming of the River Yeomanry—George
Clinton at the Gates of the Highlands 250
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Question of Command between Gates and Schuyler—Condition of the
Army at Crown Point—Discontent and Departure of
Sullivan—Fortifications at Ticonderoga—The Question of Command
adjusted—Secret Discontents—Sectional Jealousies in the
Army—Southern Troops—Smallwood’s Macaroni Battalion—Connecticut
Light-Horse 260
CHAPTER XXIX.
Southern Cruise of Sir Henry Clinton—Fortifications at
Charleston—Arrival there of General Lee—Battle at Sullivan’s
Island—Washington Announces the result to the Army 272
CHAPTER XXX.
Putnam’s Military Projects—Chevaux-de-frise at Fort
Washington—Meditated Attack on Staten Island—Arrival of
Ships—Hessian Reinforcements—Scotch Highlanders—Sir Henry
Clinton and Lord Cornwallis—Putnam’s Obstructions of the
Hudson—The Phœnix and Rose Attacked by Row Galleys at
Tarrytown—General Order of Washington on the subject of
Sectional Jealousies—Profane Swearing prohibited in the
Camp—Preparations against Attack—Levies of Yeomanry—George
Clinton in Command of the Levies along the Hudson—Alarms of the
People of New York—Benevolent Sympathy of Washington—The Phœnix
Grappled by a Fire-Ship—The Ships Evacuate the Hudson 279
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Battle of Long Island 291
CHAPTER XXXII.
The Retreat from Long Island 310
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Long Island in Possession of the Enemy—Distressed Situation of the
American Army at New York—Question of Abandoning the
City—Letters from either Camp—Enemy’s Ships in the Sound—Removal
of Women and Children from the City—Yearning for Home among the
Militia—Tolerant Ideas of Washington and Greene—Fort
Constitution—Conference of Lord Howe with a Committee from
Congress 318
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Movements of the Enemy—Councils of War—Question of the Abandonment
of the City—Distribution of the Army—Ships in the East River—The
Enemy at Hell Gate—Skirmish at Turtle Bay—Panic of the
Connecticut Militia—Rage and Personal Peril of
Washington—Putnam’s Perilous Retreat from the City—British
Regale at Murray Hill 328
CHAPTER XXXV.
Fortified Camp at King’s Bridge—American and British Lines—The
Morris House—Alexander Hamilton—The Enemy Advance—Successful
Skirmish—Death of Knowlton—Great Fire in New York—Reorganization
of the Army—Exchange of Prisoners—Daniel Morgan Regained—De
Lancey’s Tory Brigade—Robert Rogers, the Partisan—His
Rangers—The Roebuck, Phœnix, and Tartar in the Hudson—Military
Movements by Land and Water—Letter of John Jay 337
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Lee expected in Camp—His Letter of Advice to the President of
Congress—The Enemy at Throg’s Neck—Washington’s
Arrangements—Rides to Throg’s Neck—The Enemy brought to a
Stand—Military Movements—Arrival of Lee—A Command assigned to
Him—Criticises the Conduct of Congress and the Army—Council of
War—The Army to move to the Mainland—Fort Washington to be kept
up 354
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Army Arrangements—Washington at White Plains—The Enemy at Throg’s
Point—Skirmish of Colonel Glover—Attempt to Surprise Rogers, the
Renegade—Troopers in a rough country—Alarms at White
Plains—Cannonading of Ships at Fort Washington—March of
Lee—Fortified Camp at White Plains—Reconnoitring—The Affair at
Chatterton Hill—Relative Situation of the Armies—Change of
Position—Contrast of the Appearance of the Troops—George
Clinton’s Idea of Strategy—Movement of the British
Army—Incendiaries at White Plains 362
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Conjectures as to the Intentions of the Enemy—Consequent
Precautions—Correspondence with Greene respecting Fort
Washington—Distribution of the Army—Lee left in Command at
Northcastle—Instructions to Him—Washington at Peekskill—Visits
to the Posts in the Highlands 376
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Affairs on Lake Champlain—Gates at Ticonderoga—Arnold’s
Flotilla—Military Preparations of Sir Guy Carleton at St.
John’s—Nautical Encounters—Gallant Conduct of Arnold and
Waterbury—Carleton in Possession of Crown Point—His return to
Canada and Winter Quarters 384
CHAPTER XL.
Washington Crosses the Hudson—Arrives at Fort Lee—Affairs at Fort
Washington—Question about its Abandonment—Movements of Howe—Tho
Fort summoned to Surrender—Refusal of Colonel McGaw—The Fort
Attacked—Capture of the Fort and Garrison—Comments of Washington
on the State of Affairs 392
CHAPTER XLI.
The Enemy Cross the Hudson—Retreat of the Garrison from Fort
Lee—The Crossing of the Hackensack—Lee Ordered to Move to the
West side of the River—Reed’s Letter to Him—Second Move of the
Army Beyond the Passaic—Assistance sought from various
quarters—Correspondence and Schemes of Lee—Heath stanch to his
Instructions—Anxiety of George Clinton for the Safety of the
Hudson—Critical Situation of the Army—Preparing Correspondence
between Lee and Reed—Washington Retreats across the
Raritan—Arrives at Trenton—Removes his Baggage across the
Delaware—Dismay and Despondency of the Country—Proclamation of
Lord Howe—Exultation of the Enemy—Washington’s Resolve in case
of Extremity 403
CHAPTER XLII.
Lee at Peekskill—Stanch Adherence of Heath to Orders—Lee Crosses
the Hudson—Washington at Trenton—Lee at the heels of the
Enemy—His Speculations on Military Greatness—Forced March of
Cornwallis—Washington Crosses the Delaware—Putnam in Command at
Philadelphia—Baffling Letters of Lee—Hopes to Reconquer the
Jerseys—Gates on the March—Lee Quartered at
Baskingridge—Surprised and Captured—Speculations on his Conduct 422
CHAPTER XLIII.
Washington Clothed with Additional Powers—Recruitment of the
Army—Increased Pay—Colonel John Cadwalader—Arrival of
Sullivan—Gates—Wilkinson—A Coup de Main Meditated—Posture of
Affairs at Trenton—Gates Declines to take a Part—His Comments on
Washington’s Plans—Preparations for the Coup de Main—Crossing of
the Delaware—Attack on the Enemy’s Forces at Trenton—Death of
Rail—His Character 438
CHAPTER XLIV.
Treatment of the Hessian Prisoners—Their Interviews with
Washington—Their Reception by the People 459
CHAPTER XLV.
Episode—Colonel Griffin in the Jerseys—Donop Decoyed—Inroad of
Cadwalader and Reed—Retreat and Confusion of the Enemy’s
Outposts—Washington Recrosses the Delaware with his Troops—The
Game Reversed—The Hessians Hunted back through the
Country—Washington made Military Dictator 463
CHAPTER XLVI.
Howe learns of the Affair at Trenton—Cornwallis sent back to the
Jerseys—Reconnoitering Expedition of Reed—His
Exploits—Washington in Peril at Trenton—Reinforced by Troops
under Cadwalader and Mifflin—Position of his Men—Cornwallis at
Trenton—Repulsed at the Assunpink—The American Camp
Menaced—Night March of Washington—Affair at Princeton—Death of
Mercer—Rout of British Troops—Pursued by Washington—Cornwallis
at Princeton—Baffled and Perplexed—Washington at Morristown—His
System of Annoyance—The Tables Turned upon the Enemy 470
LIFE OF WASHINGTON.
CHAPTER I.
WASHINGTON TAKES COMMAND OF THE ARMIES—SKETCH OF GENERAL LEE—CHARACTERS
OF THE BRITISH COMMANDERS, HOWE, CLINTON, AND BURGOYNE—SURVEY OF THE
CAMPS FROM PROSPECT HILL—THE CAMPS CONTRASTED—DESCRIPTION OF THE
REVOLUTIONARY ARMY—RHODE ISLAND TROOPS—CHARACTER OF GENERAL
GREENE—WASHINGTON REPRESENTS THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE ARMY—HIS APOLOGY
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS TROOPS—GOVERNOR TRUMBULL—CRAGIE HOUSE,
WASHINGTON’S HEAD-QUARTERS.
On the 3d of July, the morning after his arrival at Cambridge,
Washington took formal command of the army. It was drawn up on the
Common about half a mile from head-quarters. A multitude had assembled
there, for as yet military spectacles were novelties, and the camp was
full of visitors, men, women, and children, from all parts of the
country, who had relatives among the yeoman soldiery.
An ancient elm is still pointed out, under which Washington, as he
arrived from head-quarters accompanied by General Lee and a numerous
suite, wheeled his horse, and drew his sword as commander-in-chief of
the armies. We have cited the poetical description of him furnished by
the pen of Mrs. Adams; we give her sketch of his military compeer—less
poetical, but no less graphic.
“General Lee looks like a careless, hardy veteran; and by his appearance
brought to my mind his namesake, Charles XII. of Sweden. The elegance of
his pen far exceeds that of his person.”[1]
Accompanied by this veteran campaigner, on whose military judgment he
had great reliance, Washington visited the different American posts, and
rode to the heights, commanding views over Boston and its environs,
being anxious to make himself acquainted with the strength and relative
position of both armies: and here we will give a few particulars
concerning the distinguished commanders with whom he was brought
immediately in competition.
Congress, speaking of them reproachfully, observed, “Three of England’s
most experienced generals are sent to wage war with their
fellow-subjects.” The first here alluded to was the Honorable William
Howe, next in command to Gage. He was a man of a fine presence, six feet
high, well proportioned, and of graceful deportment. He is said to have
been not unlike Washington in appearance, though wanting his energy and
activity. He lacked also his air of authority; but affability of
manners, and a generous disposition, made him popular with both officers
and soldiers.
There was a sentiment in his favor even among Americans at the time when
he arrived at Boston. It was remembered that he was brother to the
gallant and generous youth, Lord Howe who fell in the flower of his
days, on the banks of Lake George, and whose untimely death had been
lamented throughout the colonies. It was remembered that the general
himself had won reputation in the same campaign, commanding the light
infantry under Wolfe, on the famous plains of Abraham. A mournful
feeling had therefore gone through the country, when General Howe was
cited as one of the British commanders who had most distinguished
themselves in the bloody battle of Bunker’s Hill. Congress spoke of it
with generous sensibility, in their address to the people of Ireland
already quoted, “America is amazed,” said they, “to find the name of
Howe on the catalogue of her enemies—_she loved his brother_!”
General Henry Clinton, the next in command, was grandson of the Earl of
Lincoln, and son of George Clinton, who had been Governor of the
province of New York for ten years, from 1743. The general had seen
service on the continent in the Seven Years’ War. He was of short
stature, and inclined to corpulency; with a full face and prominent
nose. His manners were reserved, and altogether he was in strong
contrast with Howe, and by no means so popular.
Burgoyne, the other British general of note, was natural son of Lord
Bingley, and had entered the army at an early age. While yet a
subaltern, he had made a runaway match with a daughter of the Earl of
Derby, who threatened never to admit the offenders to his presence. In
1758, Burgoyne was a lieutenant-colonel of light dragoons. In 1761, he
was sent with a force to aid the Portuguese against the Spaniards,
joined the army commanded by the Count de la Lippe, and signalized
himself by surprising and capturing the town of Alcantara. He had since
been elected to Parliament for the borough of Middlesex, and displayed
considerable parliamentary talents. In 1772, he was made a
major-general. His taste, wit, and intelligence, and his aptness at
devising and promoting elegant amusements, made him for a time a leader
in the gay world; though Junius accuses him of unfair practices at the
gaming table. His reputation for talents and services had gradually
mollified the heart of his father-in-law, the Earl of Derby. In 1774, he
gave celebrity to the marriage of a son of the Earl with Lady Betty
Hamilton, by producing an elegant dramatic trifle, entitled, “The Maid
of the Oaks,” afterwards performed at Drury Lane, and honored with a
biting sarcasm by Horace Walpole. “There is a new puppet-show at Drury
Lane,” writes the wit, “as fine as the scenes can make it, and as dull
as the author could not help making it.”[2]
It is but justice to Burgoyne’s memory to add, that in after years he
produced a dramatic work, “The Heiress,” which extorted even Walpole’s
approbation, who pronounced it the genteelest comedy in the English
language.
Such were the three British commanders at Boston, who were considered
especially formidable; and they had with them eleven thousand veteran
troops, well appointed and well disciplined.
In visiting the different posts, Washington halted for a time at
Prospect Hill, which, as its name denotes, commanded a wide view over
Boston and the surrounding country. Here Putnam had taken his position
after the battle of Bunker’s Hill, fortifying himself with works which
he deemed impregnable; and here the veteran was enabled to point out to
the commander-in-chief, and to Lee, the main features of the belligerent
region, which lay spread out like a map before them.
Bunker’s Hill was but a mile distant to the west; the British standard
floating as if in triumph on its summit. The main force under General
Howe was intrenching itself strongly about half a mile beyond the place
of the recent battle. Scarlet uniforms gleamed about the hill; tents and
marquees whitened its sides. All up there was bright, brilliant, and
triumphant. At the base of the hill lay Charlestown in ashes, “nothing
to be seen of that fine town but chimneys and rubbish.”
Howe’s sentries extended a hundred and fifty yards beyond the neck or
isthmus, over which the Americans retreated after the battle. Three
floating batteries in Mystic River commanded this isthmus, and a
twenty-gun ship was anchored between the peninsula and Boston.
General Gage, the commander-in-chief, still had his head-quarters in the
town, but there were few troops there besides Burgoyne’s light-horse. A
large force, however, was intrenched south of the town on the neck
leading to Roxbury,—the only entrance to Boston by land.
The American troops were irregularly distributed in a kind of semicircle
eight or nine miles in extent; the left resting on Winter Hill, the most
northern post; the right extending on the south to Roxbury and
Dorchester Neck.
Washington reconnoitred the British posts from various points of view.
Every thing about them was in admirable order. The works appeared to be
constructed with military science, the troops to be in a high state of
discipline. The American camp, on the contrary, disappointed him. He had
expected to find eighteen or twenty thousand men under arms; there were
not much more than fourteen thousand. He had expected to find some
degree of system and discipline; whereas all were raw militia. He had
expected to find works scientifically constructed, and proofs of
knowledge and skill in engineering; whereas, what he saw of the latter
was very imperfect, and confined to the more manual exercise of cannon.
There was abundant evidence of aptness at trenching and throwing up
rough defences; and in that way General Thomas had fortified Roxbury
Neck, and Putnam had strengthened Prospect Hill. But the semicircular
line which linked the extreme posts, was formed of rudely-constructed
works, far too extensive for the troops which were at hand to man them.
Within this attenuated semicircle, the British forces lay concentrated
and compact; and having command of the water, might suddenly bring their
main strength to bear upon some weak point, force it, and sever the
American camp.
In fact, when we consider the scanty, ill-conditioned and irregular
force which had thus stretched itself out to beleaguer a town and harbor
defended by ships and floating batteries, and garrisoned by eleven
thousand strongly posted veterans, we are at a loss whether to attribute
its hazardous position to ignorance, or to that daring self-confidence,
which at times, in our military history, has snatched success in
defiance of scientific rules. It was revenge for the slaughter at
Lexington which, we are told, first prompted the investment of Boston.
“The universal voice,” says a contemporary, “is, starve them out. Drive
them from the town, and let His Majesty’s ships be their only place of
refuge.”
In riding throughout the camp, Washington observed that nine thousand of
the troops belonged to Massachusetts; the rest were from other
provinces. They were encamped in separate bodies, each with its own
regulations, and officers of its own appointment. Some had tents, others
were in barracks, and others sheltered themselves as best they might.
Many were sadly in want of clothing, and all, said Washington, were
strongly imbued with the spirit of insubordination, which they mistook
for independence.
A chaplain of one of the regiments[3] has left on record a graphic
sketch of this primitive army of the Revolution. “It is very diverting,”
writes he, “to walk among the camps. They are as different in their
forms, as the owners are in their dress; and every tent is a portraiture
of the temper and taste of the persons who encamp in it. Some are made
of boards, and some are made of sail-cloth; some are partly of one, and
partly of the other. Again others are made of stone and turf, brick and
brush. Some are thrown up in a hurry, others curiously wrought with
wreaths and withes.”
One of the encampments, however, was in striking contrast with the rest,
and might vie with those of the British for order and exactness. Here
were tents and marquees pitched in the English style; soldiers well
drilled and well equipped; every thing had an air of discipline and
subordination. It was a body of Rhode Island troops, which had been
raised, drilled, and brought to the camp by Brigadier-general Greene, of
that province, whose subsequent renown entitles him to an introduction
to the reader.
Nathaniel Greene was born in Rhode Island, on the 26th of May, 1742. His
father was a miller, an anchor-smith, and a Quaker preacher. The waters
of the Potowhammet turned the wheels of the mill, and raised the
ponderous sledge-hammer of the forge. Greene, in his boyhood, followed
the plough, and occasionally worked at the forge of his father. His
education was of an ordinary kind; but having an early thirst for
knowledge, he applied himself sedulously to various studies, while
subsisting by the labor of his hands. Nature had endowed him with quick
parts, and a sound judgment, and his assiduity was crowned with success.
He became fluent and instructive in conversation, and his letters, still
extant, show that he held an able pen.
In the late turn of public affairs, he had caught the belligerent spirit
prevalent throughout the country. Plutarch and Cæsar’s Commentaries
became his delight. He applied himself to military studies, for which he
was prepared by some knowledge of mathematics. His ambition was to
organize and discipline a corps of militia to which he belonged. For
this purpose, during a visit to Boston, he had taken note of every thing
about the discipline of the British troops. In the month of May, he had
been elected commander of the Rhode Island contingent of the army of
observation, and in June had conducted to the lines before Boston, three
regiments, whose encampment we have just described, and who were
pronounced the best disciplined and appointed troops in the army.
Greene made a soldierlike address to Washington, welcoming him to the
camp. His appearance and manner were calculated to make a favorable
impression. He was about thirty-nine years of age, nearly six feet high,
well built and vigorous, with an open, animated, intelligent
countenance, and a frank, manly demeanor. He may be said to have stepped
at once into the confidence of the commander-in-chief, which he never
forfeited, but became one of his most attached, faithful, and efficient
coadjutors throughout the war.
Having taken his survey of the army, Washington wrote to the President
of Congress, representing its various deficiencies, and, among other
things, urging the appointment of a commissary-general, a
quartermaster-general, a commissary of musters, and a commissary of
artillery. Above all things, he requested a supply of money as soon as
possible. “I find myself already much embarrassed for want of a military
chest.”
In one of his recommendations we have an instance of frontier
expediency, learnt in his early campaigns. Speaking of the ragged
condition of the army, and the difficulty of procuring the requisite
kind of clothing, he advises that a number of hunting-shirts, not less
than ten thousand, should be provided; as being the cheapest and
quickest mode of supplying this necessity. “I know nothing in a
speculative view more trivial,” observes he, “yet which, if put in
practice, would have a happier tendency to unite the men, and abolish
those provincial distinctions that lead to jealousy and
dissatisfaction.”
Among the troops most destitute, were those belonging to Massachusetts,
which formed the larger part of the army. Washington made a noble
apology for them. “This unhappy and devoted province,” said he, “has
been so long in a state of anarchy, and the yoke has been laid so
heavily on it, that great allowances are to be made for troops raised
under such circumstances. The deficiency of numbers, discipline, and
stores, can only lead to this conclusion, _that their spirit has
exceeded their strength_.”
This apology was the more generous, coming from a Southerner; for there
was a disposition among the Southern officers to regard the Eastern
troops disparagingly. But Washington already felt as commander-in-chief,
who looked with an equal eye on all; or rather as a true patriot, who
was above all sectional prejudices.
One of the most efficient co-operators of Washington at this time, and
throughout the war, was Jonathan Trumbull, the Governor of Connecticut.
He was a well educated man, experienced in public business, who had sat
for many years in the legislative councils of his native province.
Misfortune had cast him down from affluence, at an advanced period of
life, but had not subdued his native energy. He had been one of the
leading spirits of the Revolution, and the only colonial governor who,
at its commencement, proved true to the popular cause. He was now
sixty-five years of age, active, zealous, devout, a patriot of the
primitive New England stamp, whose religion sanctified his patriotism. A
letter addressed by him to Washington, just after the latter had entered
upon the command, is worthy of the purest days of the Covenanters.
“Congress,” writes he, “have, with one united voice, appointed you to
the high station you possess. The Supreme Director of all events hath
caused a wonderful union of hearts and counsels to subsist among us.
“Now, therefore, be strong, and very courageous. May the God of the
armies of Israel shower down the blessings of his Divine providence on
you; give you wisdom and fortitude, cover your head in the day of battle
and danger, add success, convince our enemies of their mistaken
measures, and that all their attempts to deprive these colonies of their
inestimable constitutional rights and liberties, are injurious and
vain.”
NOTE.
We are obliged to Professor Felton, of Cambridge, for correcting an
error in our first volume in regard to Washington’s head-quarters, and
for some particulars concerning a house, associated with the history and
literature of our country.
The house assigned to Washington for head-quarters, was that of the
president of the Provincial Congress, not of the University. It had been
one of those tory mansions noticed by the Baroness Reidesel, in her
mention of Cambridge. “Seven families, who were connected by
relationship, or lived in great intimacy, had here farms, gardens, and
splendid mansions, and not far off, orchards; and the buildings were at
a quarter of a mile distant from each other. The owners had been in the
habit of assembling every afternoon in one or other of these houses, and
of diverting themselves with music or dancing; and lived in affluence,
in good humor, and without care, until this unfortunate war dispersed
them, and transformed all these houses into solitary abodes.”
The house in question was confiscated by Government. It stood on the
Watertown road, about half a mile west of the college, and has long been
known as the Cragie house, from the name of Andrew Cragie, a wealthy
gentleman, who purchased it after the war, and revived its former
hospitality. He is said to have acquired great influence among the
leading members of the “great and general court,” by dint of jovial
dinners. He died long ago, but his widow survived until within fifteen
years. She was a woman of much talent and singularity. She refused to
have the canker worms destroyed, when they were making sad ravages among
the beautiful trees on the lawn before the house. “We are all worms,”
said she, “and they have as good a right here as I have.” The
consequence was that more than half of the trees perished.
The Cragie House is associated with American literature through some of
its subsequent occupants. Mr. Edward Everett resided in it the first
year or two after his marriage. Later, Mr. Jared Sparks, during part of
the time that he was preparing his collection of Washington’s writings;
editing a volume or two of his letters in the very room from which they
were written. Next came Mr. Worcester, author of the pugnacious
dictionary, and of many excellent books, and lastly Longfellow, the
poet, who, having married the heroine of Hyperion, purchased the house
of the heirs of Mr. Cragie and refitted it.