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with great energy. From the high water mark of 89,000 the Continental Army shrunk year by year. In 1777 the total was 69,000; in 1778 it had dwindled to 51,000, and such was the condition of the difficulty as to enlistments that the enlistment of negro slaves was authorized by Rhode Island-these slaves to become free on enlistment.

Congress recommended to the States the employment of the draft. These conditions grew worse in 1779. Bounties had to be greatly increased and the total maximum force shrunk to 44,000. In 1780 the same general difficulties continued. The proportion of Continentals to Militia had increased. The grand total was about 43,000, of whom a very considerable number were Militia enlisted for short periods. In 1781 (the last year which was characterized by active fighting), the army had dwindled to a total of a little over 29,000

men; mutiny took place among the troops of the Pennsylvania line, and the general condition was chaotic. Had we been confronted by a well organized enemy and a vigorous campaign waged against us, it is not difficult to foresee what the outcome must have been. Bounties had increased enormously, and discipline was poor among the newly raised troops.

No one who has studied carefully the situation during the last two years of the Revolutionary War can fail to appreciate the tremendous value of the aid which was furnished us by France. It was of vital importance and came at a most critical time. The haphazard policy followed throughout the Revolution cost tremendously in life and treasure. Years after the war General Lee (known as LightHorse Harry Lee) characterized our military policy as follows:

"While I record with delight facts

which maintain our native and national courage, I feel a horror lest demagogues who flourish in a representative system of government (the best when virtue rules, the wit of man can devise) shall avail themselves of the occasional testimony to produce a great result. Convinced as I am that a government is the murderer of its citizens which sends them to the field uninformed and untaught, where they are to meet men of the same age and strength, mechanized by education and discipline for battle, I cannot withhold my denunciation of its wickedness and folly."

Washington's criticism of our military policy was none the less strong. He says:

"Had we formed a permanent army in the beginning, which, by the continuance of the same men in service, had been сараble of discipline, we should never have had to retreat with a handful of men across the Delaware in 1776 trembling for the fate

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