war. But the term of enlistment had expired, and the army would have disbanded, if they had means or courage to fly.

Under such sad auspices commenced the retreat of the Americans upon the Delaware. Lord Cornwallis led the pursuit, and hotly pressed upon their rear-a broken bridge or narrow stream being frequently the only division between the two armies. Amidst all the disasters of that retreat, no consideration pressed so heavily on the American chief, as the defection of several influential citizens from the cause of the country. The approach of the pursuers determined Congress to adjourn its sitting for eight days, to assemble again at Baltimore. But, with every presage of evil upon it, that body remained true to its highest trust. Many measures were hurriedly proposed, but from no lips escaped the word compromise; and, delegating all necessary power to the commander-in-chief, with unchanged fortitude it awaited its fate.

The last resolution of Congress, after the most fervent exhortation to the citizens of every state to defend their liberties to the death, was the appointment of a day of humiliation and prayer, to invoke the blessing of the God of Nations on the efforts of America.

The dissoluteness of the British army was a better stimulant. Courage and patriotism, newly awakened, resented the rapine of the triumphant soldiery. The Pennsylvanians flocked to Washington's humble standard. In his heart there was even then no shrinking, and upon that standard no stain. The troops of the conquerors, as

they then proclaimed themselves, indulged in indolence and licentiousness beside the Delaware. They could not think that the naked, famishing army, that flung themselves into that stream were meditating so soon to re-cross it.

CHAPTER XI.

Washington re-crosses the Delaware-Affair of Trenton-Of Princeton-Close of the campaign-Parliament-France-La Fayette-Gallant feat of Arnold.

THE repose or plunder of Cornwallis's army was soon and unexpectedly interrupted; but the first intelligence of insecurity was heard with derision. However, active preparations were on foot on the American side of the river, for once more engaging in aggressive war. Washington concentrated his force at Trenton, and prepared to cross the Delaware. The passage was undertaken on the eve of Christmas-day.

The

army was divided into three divisions, and ordered to cross at the same time at the points at M'Konkey, Trenton, and Bordenton ferries. In the darkness of night, amid masses of broken ice, Washington's division, at the centre point, crossed the rapids of the Delaware; and the next morning rose on them, cold and shivering, separated from the other divisions, and in the immediate neighbourhood of the enemy.

The other divisions were unable to cross, owing

to the flood and floating ice. Washington again sub-divided his division into two detachments, commanded by Green, and Sullivan, who was once more restored to take his place where danger most threatened his adopted country. By different routes they marched rapidly on the town of Trenton, where a division of the British, amounting to 1,500 men, were posted, and a troop of light horse, under Rahl Loxberg and Kniphausen. The Americans, arriving by different roads, fell upon them almost at the same instant. The outposts retreated slowly, keeping up a continuous fire. But the onset of the Americans was irresistible, and the fire that most thinned the opposing ranks was from their own cannon, which were turned upon them from the ramparts, when seized in the beginning of the engagement. Attempting to retire by another road, the retreating columns were checked by a detachment suddenly thrown in their way; and the whole remnant of the camp, twenty-three officers, and 886 men, laid down their arms.

On the same day Washington re-crossed the Delaware with the prisoners and spoils of Trenton. The effect of the victory was sudden and decisive. The spirits of the army revived, and, with new confidence, arose a new impulse. Those whose time of service had expired volunteered to continue, and the army was reinforced to a considerable extent. The rapine and dissoluteness of the British army spurred to action all that there was of heart or virtue in the land.

Washington, availing himself of every circumstance, quickened by such inspiring auguries,

I

made a rapid provision for securing his prisoners, and in two days was again in the rapids of the Dalaware, buffetting as best he could the torrent and its burden of ice. A combination of the different detachments of the British army was the instantaneous result. By rapid movements, impelled by revenge, they concentrated upon Trenton, vastly superior in number and resources to the army that had scarcely time to form on the shore. Both forces occupied together the small village-both were posted on sloping ground, and were divided only by a creek. A cannonade began late in the evening of the 28 January, 1777. It was continued for some time; but the British, satisfied of their strength and security, were first to desist, with the certainty of engaging in more decisive conflict at dawn of the next day. The night was san anxious one to the American generals. Once more the small army, on the safety of which was staked America's every hope, was in presence of a superior force. Retreat was impossible, with the river immediately in the rear, and its only result, even though it were possible to effect it, would be to risk the fate of Philadelphia. Nor could the issue of a general action be questionable. In this extremity Washington conceived the daring design of pushing forward into New Jersey. During the night this movement was commenced. The American army retreated from its position unnoticed, and directed its route towards Princeton, where the British had left three regiments, some field-pieces, and a few troops of light horse. A small party marching to the British camp, observed the Americans;

returned, and alarmed their brothers in arms. This prevented a surprise. The British rushed

forward. The Americans, in the first shock, quailed, and the head of the column fell back in disorder. The general hurried to the spot, broke through the mass of retreating men, and stood between pursuers and pursued his horse's head towards the former. This daring aroused the Americans to a sense of duty. They wheeled about and met their assailants; both fired, while Washington stood between them; but, by a most singular chance, or the anxious watchfulness of heaven, he remained unhurt. The conflict immediately became general, the Americans rushing headlong with the most desperate fury, and the British defending themselves with equal obstinacy. The issue however did not remain long doubtful. Victory was with the Americans, but it was dearly purchased if it cost no more than the valued life of General Mercer, a Scotch soldier, who brought to the service of America sterling devotion and rare abilities. Sixty of the British were slain, as many wounded, and 300 taken prisoners. While Washington was here securing the advantages of a decisive victory, the British were busy with the most formidable preparations for attacking him in the intrenchments at Trenton. Up to that hour no one in the British camp had the least idea that by a silent and masterly movement he had retired from these intrenchments without leaving a man or a single article of baggage behind. wsThe rapidity, success, and skill of his evolutions struck his enemies with a sort of awe. They 2089179M Å sit hard Jeig