THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (_continued_).—EXPULSION OF THE BRITISH FROM
BOSTON.—DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.—LOSS OF NEW YORK, ETC.
At the commencement of 1776, the American army under Washington was
reduced to little more than 9,000 men. By the united strenuous efforts,
however, of congress and the commander-in-chief, it was raised in
February, to 14,000, and was moreover brought into a state of more
perfect organisation.
His anxieties with regard to the army being now so far removed,
Washington resolved to expel the enemy from Boston, which they had
occupied so long. A portion of the British troops still being encamped
on Bunker’s Hill, where they had lain all the winter and suffered
severely, Washington sent a strong detachment on the night of the 4th of
March, when there was no moon, to take possession of Dorchester Heights,
on the opposite side of the city, and which commanded it entirely.
Carrying the necessary tools with them, the Americans silently ascended
the heights, and before daylight had thrown up a strong redoubt. The
sight of these works astonished General Howe the next morning, and he
immediately made preparations for dislodging the Americans, plainly
perceiving that unless this were done he must evacuate the city. A
violent storm, however, rendered the embarkation of the troops
impossible, and the Americans had thus time afforded for the completion
of their works.
Before, however, an attack on either side was made, Washington received
a proposal that he should allow the British troops to pass out
unmolested, on condition that Howe left the town uninjured. Accordingly,
on the 17th, the whole British force, amounting to 7,000, with about
2,000 marines, and accompanied by about 1,500 loyalists, quietly left
the city and embarked for Halifax. Of the loyalists it must be remarked,
that many of them were persons of large property, who thus sacrificed
all for the maintenance of principle. Their conduct was admirable,
though it met with no reward but misery and ruin. The embarkation
occupied eleven days, and as the rear-guard was passing on board,
Washington and his troops entered the city, with colours flying and
drums beating, while the inhabitants knew not how to give sufficient
evidence of their joy. Many fugitive families also now returned to their
homes, and all Massachusetts rejoiced exceedingly. A medal was struck,
by order of congress, to celebrate this event.
The British fleet sailed for Halifax, Washington being convinced that
its ultimate destination would be New York, which, from its central
situation and the great number and influential character of the British
partisans there, would be an easy and important acquisition. No sooner,
therefore, had he placed Boston in a suitable state of defence, than,
leaving five regiments there, under the command of General Ward, the
main body of the army was put in motion towards New York, which was
intended to form his head-quarters. Washington arrived there in April.
The plans of the British for 1776 embraced the recovery of Canada, the
reduction of the southern colonies, and the possession of New York.
Canada, as we have said, was soon regained; and about the time when the
first detachment of Washington’s army reached New York, Sir Henry
Clinton appeared off Sandy Hook, with a fleet from England. Finding,
however, that any attempts were at this time impracticable, Clinton
sailed to the south, and at Cape Fear River was joined by Sir Peter
Parker, who had sailed from England with seven regiments on board.
A packet of intercepted letters to Governor Eden and others had given to
congress information of the enemy’s intended movements, and General Lee
was appointed to the command in the southern provinces. All was in
readiness, therefore, at Charleston, the point of attack. The most
vigorous means had been used for this purpose throughout the Carolinas.
Charleston was fortified, and a fort on Sullivan’s Island at the
entrance of Charleston harbour, built of palmetto wood, was garrisoned
with about 400 men, and placed under command of Colonel Moultrie.
On the 4th of June, the British fleet appeared off the harbour, and
after considerable delay, a strong force having landed under General
Clinton, on Long Island, east of Sullivan’s Island, the palmetto fort
was subjected to a heavy bombardment; but the balls took little effect,
sinking into the soft wood as into a bed of earth, and at the same time
three ships, attempting to gain a position between Sullivan’s Island and
the shore, were stranded; two of them being afterwards got off with
damage, and the third abandoned and burnt. Moultrie and his brave 400
Carolinians defended the fort with such cool and resolute courage, that
after an engagement of eight hours, from eleven in the morning to seven
in the evening, the British vessels retired with considerable damage and
loss, the admiral himself being wounded, and the ex-governor, Lord
Campbell, who fought on the flag-ship, mortally so. The loss of the
garrison was only ten killed and twenty-two wounded. This fort has borne
the name of Moultrie ever since.
One little incident of this attack may be related, as it proves the cool
courage of the garrison. At one moment, after a heavy cannonade, the
anxious Americans, who were watching the fight from the shore, beheld
the American flag suddenly disappear from the ramparts. They now feared
that it was all over, and expected to see the British ascend the
parapets in triumph. But no! a moment afterwards and again the
republican banner was floating on the walls. The fact was, that the
flag-staff was shot away and the banner fell outside the fort, when,
without a moment’s hesitation, a sergeant of the name of Jasper leaped
over the walls, and amid a shower of English bullets returned with the
flag and hoisted it once more. Within a few days after this repulse, the
British set sail, with all their troops on board, for the neighbourhood
of New York.
Thirty-five thousand men, well supplied with provisions and all the
necessary munitions of war, were now in array against the Americans. It
was evident that Britain would remit none of her demands, and now aimed
at nothing but the entire subjection of the colonies. For a long time,
and even after they appeared in arms, had the colonies sincerely wished
to preserve their allegiance to the monarch and attachment to the
mother-country. Now, however, a change was rapidly taking place in their
feelings; the sentiment of loyalty was giving way before republican
principles and the desire for independence.
Early in this year, Thomas Paine, a recent emigrant to America and
editor of the “Pennsylvania Magazine,” published a pamphlet, called
“Common Sense,” which spoke out at once the secret sentiment of the
people. It went direct to the point, showing in the simplest but
strongest language the folly of keeping up the British connexion, and
the absolute necessity which existed for separation. The cause of
independence took, as it were, a definite form from this moment.
Early in May, in accordance with the growing sentiment of the public,
congress, on the motion of John Adams, recommended to the colonies no
longer to consider themselves as holding authority under Great Britain.
“The exercise of all powers of government,” said congress, soon after,
“must be under authority from the people of the colonies, for the
maintenance of internal peace, the defence of their lives, liberties and
properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of
their enemies.”
Virginia had already acted on these principles, and other colonies soon
followed the example. On June the 7th, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia,
at the request of his colleagues, formally introduced into congress a
motion declaring that, “The United Colonies are, and ought to be, free
and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to
the British crown; and that their political connexion with Great Britain
is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” This important resolution, like
all other proceedings of congress, was debated with closed doors, and
finally was carried; though it encountered great opposition from some
even of the warmest friends of American independence, but who now
considered it premature. It was carried by a bare majority, and then
left for final deliberation on the 1st of July.
In the meantime, a committee, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin
Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and R. R. Livingstone, had been
appointed to draw up a declaration in accordance with the purport of the
resolution. Each, it was agreed by the committee, should prepare such a
statement as his own judgment might dictate; all should then be
compared, and the most complete selected; or one be finally drawn up
from all. The one prepared by Thomas Jefferson was at once, it is said,
declared by his brother committeemen to be so superior to the rest that
it was unanimously adopted, with but little alteration.
The Declaration of Independence was read in congress on the day
appointed. Delegates for nine out of the thirteen colonies adopted it at
once. New York declined to vote for want of instructions; Delaware was
divided; the delegates of Pennsylvania were three for and four against
it; of South Carolina one for and three against. On the 4th of July it
received the votes of all, with the exception of New York, which,
however, was formally given a few days afterwards.
Miss Bremer tells us, in her recent work on America, that everything in
the hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed, is preserved
as it was then to the present day. The green table still stands, around
which the members of the government sat, and upon which this important
document was signed. She relates also an amusing expression of Benjamin
Franklin’s on this occasion. Some of those present appeared doubtful and
uncertain as to whether it were wise to sign, and were half-inclined to
draw back. “Nay, gentlemen,” said some one, wishing to insure their
adherence, “let us not be divided, let us all hang together.” “Yes,”
said Franklin, in his quiet way, “or else we shall all have to hang
separately!” All laughed and all signed.
The Declaration of Independence for the whole Thirteen United States
went abroad, and was received by demonstrations of joy. Public
rejoicings were made, and the ensigns of royalty everywhere destroyed;
leaden statues of the monarch being, wherever found, melted down for
bullets. The legal position of the Tory party now became very serious.
Many of these, being persons of high principle as well as of education
and wealth, were exposed to the violence of political mobs, whose
practices of tarring, feathering and carting, were disgraceful to the
cause of liberty, of which they called themselves the supporters. As
party-feeling in the course of the war grew more violent, the sufferings
of the royalist party became extreme. The new state governments enforced
obedience to their authority by severe penalties, confiscation of
property, imprisonment, banishment, and finally death. As yet, however,
they contented themselves with admonitions, fines, recognisances to keep
the peace and prohibitions to go beyond certain bounds.[15]
Besides all these important measures in congress, it must be borne in
mind that money had to be raised for the carrying on of the war. The
United States congress had already an enormous debt, and again about
£1,000,000 was issued in paper money.
Whilst the Declaration of Independence was occupying congress, General
Howe arrived on June 25th from Halifax before Sandy Hook, just by New
York, and on the 2nd of July took possession of Staten Island. On July
12th, Admiral, brother of General Howe, arrived from England with large
reinforcements, and soon after, Sir Henry Clinton, with his fleet from
the south. General Howe thus found himself at the head of 24,000 of the
finest troops in Europe, well-appointed and supplied; while further
reinforcements were expected daily, which would swell his numbers to
55,000.
As Washington had supposed, the intention of the British was to gain
possession of New York, and having command of the Hudson river, open
communication with Canada, and thus separate the eastern from the middle
states and be able to carry the war into the interior; while Long
Island, adjacent to New York, which abounded in grain and cattle, would
afford subsistence to the army. By the middle of summer, as we have
already seen, the American forces were driven out of Canada, and the
northern frontier exposed to attack.
One of Washington’s first measures, on taking up his quarters in New
York, where the British party was strong, was to prevent any
communication with the enemy’s ships, or between the ex-governor Tryon,
who had been for some time on board the Asia in the harbour, and his
friends in the town. Nor were these precautions needless; among other
plots discovered was one for seizing Washington, and conveying him on
board a British ship, some of Washington’s own soldiers having been
corrupted for that purpose, one of whom was tried by court-martial and
shot in consequence. The mayor also of the city was imprisoned for
carrying on a correspondence with Tryon.
Although the force under Washington at this time amounted to 27,000 men,
yet great numbers were again undisciplined militia, many invalids, and
all very indifferently provided with arms. The really effective force
amounted, perhaps, to 17,000. Among other distinguished men who now
entered the American service was Thadeus Kosciusko, afterwards so
distinguished in Poland, and who served during the whole war as an
engineer.
Soon after the landing of the British army, the admiral, Lord Howe, who
had brought with him from England authority to the royal governors “to
grant pardon and exception from penalty of all such colonies or
individuals as might by speedy submission merit that favour,” sent a
letter containing a statement of this authority, and an offer of pardon
to all who would submit. This letter was directed to George Washington,
Esq. Washington, however, declined receiving in his private capacity any
communication from the enemies of his country; the style of the address
was then changed to that of George Washington, etc., etc., etc., and it
was requested that the offer of pardon contained in the letter might be
made known as widely as possible. Congress ordered it to be published in
every newspaper throughout the Union, “that everybody might see how
Great Britain was insidiously endeavouring to amuse and disarm them;”
and replied, that “not considering that their opposition to British
tyranny was a crime, they therefore could not solicit pardon.”
Nothing being gained by this attempt at conciliation, the British now
proceeded to the prosecution of the war, which they were prepared to
carry on with the utmost vigour. Washington, aware that the enemy would
advance to New York by way of Long Island, had entrenched a portion of
the American army, 9,000 strong, at Brooklyn, opposite New York, under
General Greene. Greene, unfortunately, being taken dangerously ill, the
command was transferred to Israel Putnam, who, being a stranger to the
ground and unacquainted with the works, was not qualified for the
command of so important a position.
On August 22nd, the English landed on the southern shore of Long Island,
and advanced to within four miles of the American camp, between
themselves and which stretched a range of wooded hills, through which
ran two roads, while a third followed the shore at the western base of
the hills. On the 27th, dividing their forces into three divisions,
under Grant, Heisler and Clinton, the British silently advanced at night
by these three several roads towards the American army. Early in the
morning, Clinton, proceeding by the eastern road, having seized an
important defile, which through carelessness had been left unguarded,
descended with the morning light into the plain, and within sight of the
American camp. In the meantime General Sullivan, who, on the first alarm
of the British approach, had hastened out to meet them with a
considerable force, had fallen in with Generals Grant and Heisler;
whilst Clinton, who by this time was safe on the plain, hastened forward
and threw himself between Sullivan’s corps and the American camp. The
moment Clinton’s approach had been perceived, the Americans attempted a
retreat, but it was too late. The English drove back upon Heisler’s
Hessians, and thus locked in between two hostile armies, some few
managed to escape, but the greater number were killed or taken
prisoners. It was a disastrous day. The true number of the Americans
killed was never ascertained; about 1,000 were taken prisoners. The
English lost only about 400. The victors, 15,000 strong, encamped
directly opposite the American lines. Among the prisoners were Generals
Sullivan, Stirling and Woodhull, late president of the provincial
congress. This latter was taken the day after the battle, being
surprised with a small party driving off cattle. He was wounded and
treated with such cruel neglect that his wounds mortified and he died.
The Tories of Long Island, who had been treated with severity, now
retorted the same on the adverse party.[16]
This defeat was more disastrous even than the loss of so much life, in
the effect which it produced on the American mind. The utmost doubt and
depression prevailed, and again regiments which were enlisted only on a
short term, quitted the service the moment it had expired, and even in
some cases deserted before that was the case.
The British not following up their advantage immediately, Washington,
aware that his position could not be maintained, withdrew silently to
New York on the night of the 29th, greatly to the surprise and vexation
of the enemy; who, however, had now the entire and undisputed possession
of Long Island. A descent upon New York was the next object of the
British commanders; but before this was attempted, another endeavour was
made for compromise and accommodation. Howe sent over his prisoner,
General Sullivan, to desire a conference for this purpose, offering an
exchange of Generals Sullivan and Stirling for Generals Prescott and
M‘Donald, which took place; and a deputation, consisting of Benjamin
Franklin, John Adams and Edward Rutledge, met the British commissioners
on Staten Island; but no favourable result followed, the American
deputies insisting that “the Associated Colonies should not accede to
any peace or alliance but as free and independent states.”
This attempt having again failed, the next movement was to enlist a
loyalist force. Oliver Delaney, brother of a former governor of New
York, and Courtlandt Skinner, late attorney-general of New Jersey, were
commissioned to raise four battalions each; while Tryon, still claiming
to be governor of New York, was appointed major-general. Landing a
considerable force in the city of New York, Washington, on the 12th of
September, removed his head-quarters to the heights of Harlem, seven
miles above the city. The British fleet appeared in the Sound and sailed
up each side of Manhattan, or New York Island, on which New York stands;
a battery was erected, and while the attention of the Americans was
diverted by the fire from Howe’s ships stationed in the East River and
the Hudson, he landed his troops at Bloomingdale, about five miles above
the city and only two from the American camp. Troops had been stationed
to guard this landing; but seeing now the advantage gained by the
alacrity of the English, they fled panic-stricken, without even firing a
gun, as did also two New England brigades, in company with Washington,
who had come down to view the ground. Washington, thus left undefended,
except by his immediate attendants, within eighty paces of the enemy,
was so distressed and excited by their dastardly conduct, that he
exclaimed, “Are these the men with whom I am to defend America?” His
attendants turned his horse’s head, and hurried him from the field.[17]
The next day, a skirmish taking place, the Americans retrieved their
character in some degree, though it was with the loss of two able
officers.
The loyalists of New York received the British army with the utmost joy.
A few nights after, a fire breaking out, which destroyed the largest
church and about one-third of the city, this disaster was attributed to
“the Sons of Liberty,” some of whom, seized on suspicion by the British
soldiers, were thrown into the flames. The fire, however, is supposed to
have originated in accident.
The utmost depression prevailed in the American camp at Harlem. The
favour of Heaven, it was feared, had deserted their cause. Anxiety,
despondency and dread filled all hearts; and sickness, the necessary
concomitant of such a state of mind, prevailed greatly. There were no
proper hospitals; the sick lay in barns and sheds, and even in the open
air under walls and fences. The army was wasting away by the expiration
of service and desertion; few would enlist. It seemed as if ere long
America must yield from the mere inability to sustain her army.
Washington did his utmost to revive hope and courage, and also appealed
to congress for aid, without which success was impossible. A bounty of
twenty dollars was offered therefore on enlistment, and grants of land
promised to the soldiers and officers. So far good; in the meantime,
Washington was unwilling to risk a general engagement, and Howe also on
his side not venturing to attack the American camp, satisfied himself by
making a movement to gain Washington’s rear, in order to cut off his
connexion with the eastern states and thus prevent his receiving
supplies from that quarter. For this purpose a portion of the royal
troops was withdrawn from New York to Westchester, while three frigates
were sent up the Hudson, to prevent any intercourse with New Jersey.
Reinforcements were received by the British army.
Washington, to avoid being thus enclosed on all sides, crossed over with
his army from New York Island, and took up his position along the
western bank of the Bronx River, which separated him from the English,
and so extending towards White Plains. On the 28th of October, a
skirmish took place, in which the Americans were driven from their
ground with considerable loss; immediately after which, Washington took
up a much stronger position on the heights of North Castle, about five
miles further northward.
Discontinuing the pursuit of Washington, Howe now turned his attention
to the American posts on the Hudson, with the design of entering New
Jersey. Aware of this intention, Washington crossed the Hudson with his
army, and joined General Greene at Fort Lee, on the western bank of the
Hudson, at the town of Hackensack in New Jersey, three miles only to the
south-west of Fort Washington, where was a garrison of 3,000 men, and
ten miles only from New York city. Scarcely, however, were these
arrangements made, when Fort Washington was assaulted by a strong
British force. The commander, Colonel Magaw, made a brave defence and
the assailants lost 400 men in gaining the outworks; but no sooner were
the British within the fort, than the garrison, to the number of 2,000,
overcome with terror, refused to offer any resistance, and all, together
with a great quantity of artillery, fell into the hands of the
British.[18] Two days afterwards Lord Cornwallis crossed the Hudson with
6,000 men, against Fort Lee, which also surrendered with the loss of
baggage and military stores.
Misfortune was the order of the day. Alarm and distrust increased;
Washington and his daily diminishing army fled from point to point. The
New York convention moved its sittings from one place to another, the
members often sitting with arms in their hands to prevent surprise; when
just at this disastrous crises, new alarm arose from the proposed rising
of the Tories in aid of the British. Many suspected Tories, therefore,
were seized, their property confiscated and themselves sent into
Connecticut for safety. The gaols were full; so also were the churches,
now employed as prisons, while numbers were kept on parole. These
resolute measures effected their purpose; the Tory party yielded to a
force which they were not yet strong enough to control, and deferred
active co-operation with the British to a yet more favourable time.
On the last day of November, the American army amounted but to 3,000
men, and was then retreating into an open country at the commencement of
winter, without tents, blankets, or intrenching tools, and but
imperfectly clad. The prospect was hopeless in the extreme. The towns of
Newark, New Brunswick, Princetown, and Trenton, all in New Jersey, were
taken possession of by the British. Finally, Washington, on the 8th of
December, crossed the Delaware, which was now the only barrier between
the English and Philadelphia. The first state legislature of New Jersey,
of which William Livingston was governor, like that of New York, had
been driven, during these commotions, from one place to another; nor had
their most urgent endeavours to call out a militia been availing, so
depressed was the public mind.
Nor was the prospect more cheering in Pennsylvania. The hearts of many
began to fail them; and saving for the energy of Mifflin and a few
others, the American party in Philadelphia might have gradually melted
away. But Israel Putnam had command of the city, and Mifflin put forth
all his eloquence, and patriotism and courage still survived. In the
meantime the disasters of the Americans were not ended. General Lee, an
ambitious and conceited man, who ranked his own military experience as
superior to that of the commander-in-chief, instead of hastening across
the Hudson to join the main army, as Washington had earnestly requested
him to do without loss of time, determined on a brilliant and
independent achievement which should at once startle both English and
Americans, and give him a great reputation. Lingering, therefore, among
the hills of New Jersey while he decided what his great exploit should
be, he lodged one night with a small guard at a house some little
distance from his army, when he was surprised by a body of British
cavalry sent there for the purpose, and carried prisoner to New York.
The command of his troops falling on General Sullivan, the latter
conducted them without further delay to join Washington, whose forces
were thus increased to 7,000 men.
On the very day also on which Washington crossed the Delaware, a British
squadron from New York, under command of Sir Peter Parker, took
possession of Newport in Rhode Island, the second city in New England,
the few troops stationed there abandoning the place without a blow for
its defence. The American squadron, under Commodore Hopkins, was thus
blocked up in Providence River, where it lay for a long time useless.
Having gained this important hold on the colonies both by land and sea,
the Howes issued, as royal commissioners, a proclamation “commanding all
insurgents to disband, and all political bodies to relinquish their
assumed authority, granting sixty days within which to make this
submission.” On this, great numbers of wealthy persons, many of whom had
already been active in the revolutionary movements, to the amount even
of from two to three hundred a day, came in to make the required
submission. The cause of American independence appeared hopeless, and
would have been so had all the people been cowards and time-servers. But
there were thousands of true hearts left within her yet. Congress,
sitting at that time at Philadelphia, adjourned to Baltimore in
Maryland, and Washington was invested for six months with unlimited
powers. Authority was given him to raise sixteen battalions of infantry,
in addition to those already voted, and to appoint officers; the bounty
on enlistment was increased, as were also grants of land for service. He
was also empowered to raise and equip 3,000 light horse, three regiments
of artillery, and a corps of engineers; to call out the militia of the
different states; to displace and appoint all officers under the rank of
brigadier-general, and to fill up all vacancies. He was further
authorised to take whatever he might require for the use of the army at
his own price, and to arrest and confine all such as should refuse the
continental money, a new trouble which had arisen, owing to the vast
issue of paper money. The entire power was thus placed in the hands of
Washington, and he was worthy of the confidence.
Christmas was now at hand, and gloom and despondency pervaded the
American mind. The sixty days were passing on, and the timid and
vacillating were giving in their adherence to the British, when
Washington, as it were, rose up and girded his loins for action. Aware
that the festivities of the season would be fully enjoyed in the British
camp, he resolved to avail himself of the time for an unexpected attack,
and selected the Hessians stationed at Trenton as its object. On
Christmas-eve, therefore, he set out with 2,500 picked men and six
pieces of artillery, intending to cross the Delaware nine miles below
Trenton, while two other forces, under Generals Cadwallader and Irving,
were to cross at other points at the same time. The river was full of
floating masses of ice, and it was only after great difficulty and
danger that the landing was effected by four o’clock in the morning,
when, amid a heavy snow-storm, Washington’s force advanced towards
Trenton; the other bodies under Cadwallader and Irving not having been
able to effect a landing at all.
It was eight o’clock when Washington reached Trenton, where, as he
expected, the Hessians, fast asleep after a night’s debauch, were easily
surprised. Their commander was slain, and their artillery taken,
together with a thousand prisoners. Of the Americans two only were
killed, two frozen to death, and a few wounded, among whom was
Lieutenant Monroe, afterwards president of the United States. Without
waiting for any movement on the part of the British, whose forces so far
outnumbered the Americans, Washington immediately re-crossed the
Delaware, and entered Philadelphia in a sort of triumph with his
prisoners.
This unexpected and brilliant achievement created an immediate reaction.
Several regiments, whose term of enlistment was about expiring, agreed
to serve six weeks longer, and militia from the adjoining provinces
marched in. Nor was the effect on the British less striking. General
Howe, astounded by this sudden movement in the depth of winter, in an
enemy whom he considered already crushed, detained Lord Cornwallis, then
just setting out for England, and despatched him with additional forces
to New Jersey, to regain the ground which had been lost. Washington, in
the meantime, knowing the importance of maintaining the advantage he had
gained, re-crossed the Delaware, and established himself at Trenton,
where reinforcements were ordered immediately to join him. On January
2nd, 1777, Lord Cornwallis, with the van of the British army,
approached. On this, Washington withdrew to some high ground on the
eastern bank of a small river which divides the town, and commenced to
entrench himself. The British attempting to cross, a sharp cannonade
ensued, which produced little effect on either side, when Cornwallis,
thinking it most prudent to wait for reinforcements which he expected
the next day, encamped for the night.
Washington knew that his position was a very hazardous one. It was a
great risk to wait for a battle, with his 5,000 men, most of them
militia, new to the camp, and that against a greatly superior and
well-disciplined force. To re-cross the Delaware, then still more
obstructed with floating ice, was equally dangerous, with the enemy
behind him. With great sagacity and courage, therefore, he decided on a
bold scheme, which fortunately was executed with equal courage and
skill. This was no other than to attack the enemy’s rear at Princetown,
and, if possible, gain possession of his artillery and baggage.
Replenishing, therefore, his camp fires, and silently sending his own
heavy baggage to Burlington, and leaving parties still busied at their
entrenchments within hearing of the enemy, Washington marched with his
army, about midnight, towards Princetown, where three British regiments
had passed the night, two of which, marching out to join Cornwallis,
were met and attacked about sunrise by the Americans. A sharp conflict
took place, and the Americans were giving way, General Mercer, an
officer of great promise, being mortally wounded, when Washington and
his select corps came up, and the battle was renewed. One division of
the British fled to New Brunswick, the rest rallied and continued their
march to Trenton. About 400 of the British were killed and wounded; the
American loss was somewhat less.
At dawn, Lord Cornwallis beheld the deserted camp of the Americans and
heard the roar of the cannonade at Princetown, on which, discovering
Washington’s artifice, and fearful lest his military stores and baggage
at New Brunswick should fall into his hands, he immediately put his army
in motion, and reached Princetown when the Americans were about to leave
it. Again was Washington in great danger. “His troops,” says Hildreth,
“were exhausted; all had been one night without sleep, and some of them
longer; many had no blankets; others were barefoot; all were very thinly
clad.” Under these circumstances the attack on New Brunswick was
abandoned, and Washington retired to strong winter-quarters at
Morristown. There he remained till spring, having, in fact, repossessed
himself, in the most masterly manner, of New Jersey. General Putnam was
stationed at Princetown, and other officers at various places, and
skirmishes went on continually, in which the Americans were mostly
successful, being eagerly joined by the inhabitants, who had many wrongs
and ravages to complain of. The British, in fact, suffered greatly
through the winter, from want of forage and fresh provisions.
The effect of Washington’s rapid successes in the Jerseys was like a
succession of electric shocks through the states; and even to this day
it is said, when any unexpected and exciting intelligence is about to be
given, the phrase “Great news from the Jerseys!” is made use of.
“The recovery of the Jerseys,” to use again the words of the able
historian Hildreth, “by the fragments of a defeated army, which had
seemed just before on the point of dissolution, gained Washington a high
reputation, not only at home, but in Europe, where the progress of the
campaign had been watched with great interest, and where the disastrous
loss of New York and the retreat through the Jerseys had given the
impression that America would not be able to maintain her independence.
The recovery of the Jerseys created a reaction. The American general was
extolled as a Fabius, whose prudence availed his country no less than
his valour. At home, also, these successes had the best effect. The
recruiting service, which before had been almost at a stand, began to
revive, and considerable progress was again made in organising the new
army.”
The powers with which congress had invested the commander-in-chief
enabled him to make many important changes and provisions for the
well-being of his troops. For instance, the whole hospital department,
which had been very inefficiently filled, was now reorganised; and in
order to prevent the visitation of small-pox, which had proved hitherto
a fatal scourge in the army, every recruit was properly inoculated
before entering the service. An exchange of prisoners took place also at
this time, though the British at first refused, on the plea that the
Americans were rebels. The number of prisoners amounted to about 5,000
in the hands of the British, and 3,000 in those of the Americans. Great
indignation was excited in consequence of the condition to which, it was
discovered, the Americans taken at Long Island and Fort Washington were
reduced by the hardships of their confinement. They were placed in the
custody of the New York Tory party, by whom they had been so cruelly
treated that many had died, and the rest were so emaciated and feeble
that Washington refused to return an equal number of well-conditioned
Hessians and British.
Congress, in the meantime, was again sitting at Philadelphia, and wiser
heads or braver hearts never met for a country’s need. The business
which occupied them was of the most momentous character.
Though Hopkins and his squadron were blocked up at Providence,
privateering had been carried on, principally by New England frigates,
to a great extent. The homeward-bound British ships from the West Indies
offered rich prizes, and in the year just concluded no less than 350
British ships had been captured. A new foreign trade had also been
opened with France, Spain and Holland, principally by way of the West
Indies; and though great risk attended it, still it was the successful
commencement of the great American trade; and the national flag of
thirteen stars and stripes, as appointed by congress, was now first
hoisted in this maritime service.
By no European nation was the progress of the war of independence in
America watched with more interest than by France, who still was
smarting under the loss of her American possessions; hence the American
privateer found ever a ready sale for his prizes in the French ports;
and armed French vessels, sailing under American commissions, were
secretly fitted out. Early in the struggle with the mother-country, the
colonies had avowed their reliance on foreign aid, if necessary; and at
the commencement of the preceding year, Silas Deane, member of congress
for Connecticut, had gone to Paris, ostensibly as a private merchant,
but, in fact, to negotiate with France for the supply of arms and
ammunition.
After the Declaration of Independence, however, Benjamin Franklin was
openly sent to Paris, and other persons to different European courts,
for the same purpose. “The distinguished talents, high reputation, and
great personal popularity of Dr. Franklin,” says Willson, “were highly
successful in increasing the general enthusiasm which began to be felt
in behalf of the Americans.” His efforts were in the end successful; and
although France delayed for a while the recognition of American
independence, yet she began to act with less reserve, and by lending
assistance in various ways—by loans, gifts, supplies of arms, provisions
and clothing—she materially aided the Americans. The tardy action,
however, of the French court was outdone by the general zeal of the
nation. Numerous volunteers, the most eminent of whom was the young
Marquis de Lafayette, offered to risk their fortunes and bear arms in
the cause of American liberty. Lafayette fitted out a vessel at his own
expense, and in the spring of 1777 arrived in America. He at first
enlisted as a volunteer in Washington’s army, declining all pay for his
services; but congress soon after bestowed upon him the appointment of
major-general.
While all these important affairs were going on in the north, the
western frontier of the Carolinas and Georgia was again visited by
Indian warfare, which was only concluded by the Cherokees ceding a large
portion of territory. About the same time, the newly-attempted colony of
Transylvania quietly gave up its plans of independent existence and
became a portion of Virginia, the new county of Kentucky including the
whole of the present state of that name.