were necessary to abandon New York. Clinton, in consequence, sent off heavy detachments to cooperate with him, and it became evident that the forces accumulating there would soon be able to trample under foot all the opposition that could

various rivers of Virginia, plundering and desolating as they advanced. One ascended the Potomac as far as Mount Vernon, and Lund Wash

carps. But the fleet was blockaded in Newport by the British, and could not with safety put to sex. In the middle of January, however, a severe storm swept the eastern coast, and when it brake, a British sixty-four was seen off Montauk Paint under jury-masts, the Culloden, a seventy-be offered. Light armed vessels pushed up the fur, aground on a reef near Gardiner's Island, vile the Bedford, another seventy-four, was adrift in the Sound, swept of every spar, and her whole upper tier of guns thrown overboard. Des-ington, the manager of the estate, wishing to save touches, who had succeeded Chevalier de Ternay, after his death, reconnoitred the shattered fleet for the purpose of engaging it, but found it still too strong to be attacked. He, however, took advantage of its scattered condition to send three Vessels of war, in accordance with Washington's request, to blockade Arnold. These under M. de Tilly, arrived in the Chesapeake; but Arnold, who had been advised of the movement, withdrew his ships so far up the Elizabeth river that the beavier vessels of the French could not reach him. Thus the expedition, which, if it could have sailed sooner, as Washington expected, would have been successful, was rendered abortive, and the vessels returned to Newport.

the buildings from conflagration, sent on board and offered the enemy refreshments. Washington when he heard of it expressed his regret, saying, in that lofty patriotism which like the fire never ceased to burn: "I am very sorry to hear of your loss; I am a little sorry to hear of my own; but that which gives me most concern is, that you should go on board the enemy's vessels and furnish them with refreshments. It would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard, that, in consequence of your non-compliance with their request, they had burned my house and laid my plantation in ruins. You ought to have considered yourself as my representative, and should have reflected on the bad example of communicating with the enemy, and making a voluntary offer of refreshments to them with a view to prevent a conflagration." This is not a public letter, designed to meet the public eye, but a private, conAnfidential one, revealing the feelings of a heart in which love of country absorbed every other interest and emotion. It furnished, also, directions for future conduct. It was saying to his manager, rather than ever again hold any intercourse with the enemy, or make any terms with them, let them burn down my dwellings and lay waste my possessions. Indeed, in this very letter he says he expects such a result. What perfect harmony there is between his secret thoughts and public acts in every thing respecting the welfare of his country.

M. Destouches now resolved, at the earnest recommendation of Washington, to proceed to sea with his whole fleet and sail for the Chesapeake. He departed on the 16th of March, followed by the British admiral with the whole of his fleet. action took place off the capes of Virginia, which terminated without any decisive result, and the French squadron returned to Newport. Previous to this, when Washington was informed of the departure of the three vessels to blockade Arnold, he dispatched Lafayette with twelve hundred men by land, to co-operate with him and aid Baron Steuben, who with a mere handfull of militia had been left to resist the invasion.

With what prospects he was about to enter on the summer campaign may be gathered from the following entry made in his diary on the first of May: "Instead of having magazines filled with provisions, we have a scanty pittance scattered here and there in the different States; instead of having our arsenals well supplied with military stores, they are poorly provided and the workmen all leaving them; instead of having the various articles of field equipage in readiness to be delivered, the quarter-master general, as the der

In the meantime, (March 2d) Washington made visit to Newport, to consult with Rochambeau a plan for the summer campaign. He was received with great honor, and after an absence of three weeks returned to head-quarters. The movements of the enemy, however, were so uncertain, that nothing definite could be decided upon except in any case to act in concert. Whatever shape affairs might ultimately assume, one thing was evident, the British were directing fheir attention more exclusively to the South. Notwithstanding the defeat of Tarleton by Morgan, and the consummate generalship exhibited by Greene, Cornwallis had obtained a strong foot-nier resort, according to his account, is now apheld in the Carolinas, and it was clearly the opinion of the latter that the theatre of the war should be transferred in that direction, even if it

plying to the several States to provide those things for their troops respectively; instead of having a regular system of transportation estab

the breeze, joy and enthusiasm animated every French army, under Rochambeau, marched with heart, and a glorious issue to the summer cam-flying colors into the camp of Washington at paign was confidently expected. Dobbs' Ferry, fought the battle of Green Spring,

But just in proportion as foreign aid was re- in which he and Wayne showed themselves ested, the colonies, especially those of New Eng-worthy of each other, and the trust committed to Land, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, them. The next night Cornwallis, retreating beg more listless, and the recruits came in fore the boy" whom he contemptuously declared Blowly. could not "escape" him, passed James' river and suc-afterward proceeded to Portsmouth. Here he received orders to take a position on the Chesapeake which could serve as the basis of future operations. Selecting Yorktown as the most secure and favorable, he moved his forces thither and began to entrench himself. By the 23d of August his army was concentrated and well secured.

The mission of Laurens had been partially cessful. France promised six millions of livres, and the king had pledged himself to negotiate a loan for the United States for ten millions, so that at the close of the year he would have furnished in all twenty-five millions.

The two armies remained inactive in their encampment for a fortnight, but Washington kept in constant communication with the Southern armies through a chain of expresses. On the 18th, he, and three French generals, crossed the river at Dobbs' Ferry, and escorted by a hundred and fifty men ascended the hills that terminate the Pallisades, and spent the entire day in surveying through their glasses the portion of the enemy on the northern part of the island. Three days after, with five thousand men, he advanced to reconnoitre the works at Kingsbridge and cut off such of Delancey's light troops as might be found without the lines. The next day the army displayed on the heights opposite the enemy. The latter was wholly unaware of their approach till their sudden apparition on the neighboring hills announced it. Washington and Rochambeau then took with them the engineers and reconnoitred the enemy's works. They afterward weat over to Throg's Neck and measured the distance across to Long Island. The enemy discovered the party and leveled some cannon shot at them, which, however, passed harmlessly by. Having finished the reconnoisance, the whole division retired, reaching the camp at midnight.

The constant success of his favorite and friend, gratified Washington exceedingly, who was afraid in case of any disaster that he would be blamed for putting so young and inexperienced a commander into the field against one of the best tacticians and most accomplished generals of the age.

While Cornwallis was employed in erecting fortifications (Aug. 14th,) Washington received a letter from Count de Grasse, in St. Domingo, stating that he was about to sail with his entire fleet, and some three thousand troops, for the Chesapeake, but could not remain later than the middle of October.

After a brief consultation with Rochambeau, it was decided to be very doubtful whether New York could be reduced within that period, and that Virginia furnished the only field promising immediate success. They resolved therefore to march thither without delay. Every effort, however, was made to deceive Sir Henry Clinton respecting the change of plan. Boats were gathered in the neighborhood of New York-ovens built and forage collected, as if in preparation for a thorough investment of the city—false communications sent for the purpose of falling into the hands of the It was impossible, of course, while the French enemy corroborated this external evidence, and feet at Newport was blockaded to effect any thing Clinton had no doubt that he was to be the object against New York. Washington, therefore, waited of attack. Washington took great pains to dewith the deepest anxiety the arrival of Count de ceive his own troops also, knowing, as he said, Grasse. He dispatched to General Forman, at "where the imposition does not completely take Mocmouth, a letter to the Count, written in Roch-place at home it would never sufficiently succeed ambean's cypher, with directions to keep cease-abroad." He informed Barras at Newport of less watch on the heights, and the moment the Best hove in sight to proceed on board and deEver it.

his intentions, and requested him to sail immediately for the Chesapeake, but the latter had an

found the troops badly clothed, discontented, and averse to returning South. Immediately borrowing ten thousand dollars on his own credit, he expended them in shirts,

In the meantime affairs in the South were assuming a more favorable aspect. Greene had handed Cornwallis over to Lafayette, and this gal-shoes, etc., for the soldiers, which so touched their lant young commander,* on the very day that the

This noble stranger when he arrived in Baltimore,

hearts that their murmurings and complaints gave place to enthusiasm and love, and they closed around him like

veterans.

enterprise of his own on foot against Newfoundland, besides, being senior in rank to the Count de Grasse, he did not wish to serve under him. At the earnest remonstrance, however, of both Washington and Rochambeau he at last consented to go, though grumblingly saying it was the last expedition he would ever undertake.

brightened, and the threads of fate were evidently weaving a net for Cornwallis.

He

The two armies had passed the Delaware be fore Clinton was aware of their destination. then dispatched Arnold to make an irruption into Connecticut, and threatened an invasion of New Jersey and an attack on the Highlands to induce Washington to halt. But the latter could not be turned aside from the great object on which he had set his heart, and pressed resolutely and swiftly toward its accomplishment.

Cornwallis saw with alarm this sudden and tremendous combination designed to crush him, and gazed anxiously around for an avenue of escape. If he had been left to his own resources he probably would have made a desperate attempt to cleave his way through the defenses of Lafayette and escape to the Carolinas. From his known energy and skill the success of such an

Every thing being ready, the combined armies struck their camps and turned the heads of their columns southward. Twenty regiments, under Heath, were left to guard the Highlands. The American army crossed the Hudson on the 21stthe French commenced next day, completing the passage on the 25th. They proceeded by different routes to Trenton, where they formed a junction and moved rapidly southward. Washington and Rochambeau here left the armies and rode on to Philadelphia, to provide vessels in which to transport the troops from Trenton to the head of the Elk. The city received the commander-in-effort might not have been so hopeless, but he rechief with acclamations, and as he passed slowly through the streets the enthusiasm broke over all bounds, and the clamor of the multitude drowned even the clang of bells and thunder of artillery.

But only boats enough could be procured to earry a single regiment, and the main army, under Lincoln, continued its march by land. Passing through Philadelphia it was followed by almost the entire population, who hailed them with exultant shouts and invoked blessings on their heads. Heavy rains came on, and through the wet and mire the weary suffering troops were kept to the top of their endurance. The French, well clad and well fed, suffered but little, while the destitute Americans presented a most pitiable spectacle.

Washington had written to Lafayette announcing his departure, and requesting him to watch Cornwallis narrowly and not let him escape into the Carolinas. But the second of September arriving without hearing any thing from Count de Grasse, who was to have sailed on the 3d of August, or from Barras, who had notified him he should leave Newport on the 23d, Washington

was

"distressed beyond measure." The English fleet might occupy the Chesapeake first, and then the whole plan would fall through, while if even Barras, who had much of the heavy siege artillery on board, was taken, the entire aspect of affairs might be changed. But three days after, the joyful intelligence was received of the safe arrival of the French admiral with twenty-six ships of the line and several frigates. The army was electrified, while the French officers were almost delirious with joy. The prospect now

ceived a dispatch from Sir Henry Clinton promising reinforcements both of troops and ships. Thus, the second time, did this commander lull into fatal security one of his lieutenants, and first in the case of Burgoyne, and now in that of Cornwallis, make certain an impending calamity.

While the two armies were pressing southward Washington turned aside, and, for the first time in six years, visited his home at Mount Vernon.

In the meantime Count de Grasse was told that the British fleet under Admiral Graves, who had been reinforced from the West Indies, was in pursuit of him off the Chesapeake. He immediately put to sea and offered battle. An engagement followed but without any decisive result. The next day the English admiral, who had the weather-guage, declining to renew the action, De Grasse put back into the Chesapeake, where to his great joy he found Barras safely arrived.

Washington, as soon as Rochambeau joined him, continued his journey, and on arriving at Williamsburg heard of the return of the French fleet and the junction of De Barras with it. Every thing now rested on the dispatch of the troops, and Washington's energies were roused to the utmost. A single day's delay might ruin a great enterprise and defer indefinitely the independence of his country. He wanted an army that could fly, and wrote to General Lincoln to hurry forward the "troops on the wings of speed." Every day we now lose," said he, "is comparatively an age." He sent a messenger to the Count de Grasse for boats to transport the troops by water from Annapolis and the head of the Elk, but the French admiral had anticipated his wants, and he soon had the satisfaction of seeing the

feet of transports move away to the scene of operations. He then requested an interview with De Grasse. Accompanied by Rochambeau, Knox, De Chastellux and Du Portail, he embarked in a small vessel and was received by the admiral with distinguished honors. The plan of attack was soon arranged, and Washington returned to land. In the meantime Admiral Digby arrived at Sandy Hook with a reinforcement of vessels. De Grasse was no sooner informed of this than he resolved to put to sea and give the enemy battle. When this astounding intelligence was communicated to Washington he could not conceal his anxiety. He immediately wrote a letter to the count, which he dispatched by Lafayette, who he knew would second its contents with all the influence he possessed. In it he depicted in the strongest language the fatal consequences that would follow such an abandonment of the land forces, declaring that it might result in no less a calamity than the total disbanding of the army. At all events, if he was afraid to be attacked in a stafionary position, he must at least cruize in sight of the capes. But the true reason with De Grasse was, not that he feared to be attacked at anchor-within cannon shot of their fortifications. The he wished to perform a brilliant action in which the glory would belong to himself alone-in short, to capture or disperse the entire English fleet, and thus secure by one grand coup the overthrow of both the British armies and put an end to the war. But for fear of the consequences that might result from disregarding the firm remonstrance of both Washington and the French commanders, there is but little doubt that he would have insisted on executing his brilliant project, and thus overthrown the whole campaign, and put far off the day of peace. He, however, consented to remain; though, it is said, that Wash-spade and pickaxe, as the earth was thrown up to ington, afraid to trust to his steadiness of purpose, sent Hamilton to him during the siege, who passing in an open boat by night, had an interview with him to strengthen his determination. Cornwallis at this time was at the head of more than 7000 troops, which were concentrated mostly in Yorktown, containing at that time about sixty homees. A few occupied Gloucester, on the oppo

battle, and afterward as the distant cannonade of the hostile fleets broke over the sea, hope reanimated his heart. But now as he saw the French fleet quietly riding at anchor in rear of his works, while this overwhelming force slowly and steadily took up its position in front, his heart sunk within him. Washington, on the other hand, as the declining sunbeams streamed over the long lines of glittering bayonets, and polished pieces of the French artillery, as with strains of martial music the steady columns one after another deployed on the field, and saw far away the peaks of the French ships of war, tipped with light, felt that the hour of triumph had come, and a glorious victory was in reserve for his country.

The next day, the morning reveille beat cheerily through the allied camp, and soon the field presented a brilliant spectacle, as the French on the left and the Americans on the right advanced, and extending in a semicircle entirely round the enemy's works to the river on either side, completed the investment. The British then retired from their advanced works, leaving two redoubts undamaged

site side of York river.

The allied armies, nearly sixteen thousand strong, took up their line of march from Williamsbarg on the 28th of September, at 5 o'clock in the morning, and advancing by different routes toward Yorktown, arrived in view of the enemy's lines at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Cornwallis shed their approach through his glass with feelings of the most painful anxiety. At the first departure of De Grasse to give Admiral Graves

succeeding day the allied troops took possession of the neglected works, the French occupying the two redoubts, while the Americans broke ground for two new ones on the right. In the meantime the heavy siege guns were hurried forward. On the morning of the first of October, the British seeing the redoubts begun by the Americans, directed their artillery upon them, and a heavy cannonade was kept up all day and night. For three days and nights the deep reverberations of their guns shook the field, and swept far out over the deep, but not a shot replied. The stroke of the

form the redoubts-the confused hum of workmen erecting tents, and shops, and ovens, and unloading baggage and provisions—the heavy rumbling of artillery wagons as the long line of teams stretched over the uneven ground-and the stern orders of officers, were the only sounds that rose from the allied armies. In the centre, where they met as they swept up in a semicircle from the river, Rochambeau and Washington stationed themselves, and here, too, was drawn up the artillery.

By the sixth of October every thing was ready to commence the approaches, and, as an omen of good, Washington that very day received the cheering intelligence of Greene's victory at Eutaw Springs. The night came on dark and stormy, and amid the driving rain, unheard in the roar of the blast by the British sentinels, six regiments,