but he replied with his usual gravity and decision, that the point remained untouched; "That etc., etc.," which meant "every thing," according to the colonel's pleaded reason, meant also nothing, and did not change the case at all.

Colonel Paterson then endeavored to communicate, as well as he could in the course of a desultory conversation, the purport of the letter. Washington replied, that as far as he could understand, Lord Howe's power extended only to granting pardons, and as Americans battling for their rights required no pardons, there was little use in arguing the matter. So the emissary returned as he came, having seen the commander-in-chief, and whatever he had passed going and coming, the usual ceremony of blindfolding having been dispensed with in his case.

Congress highly approved the conduct of Washington in this matter, and recommended it as an example to any or all the officers who might be placed in similar situations.

After many false alarms, it was ascertained that the enemy had landed on Long Island, at a point between the Narrows and Sandy Hook.

About three o'clock on the 27th of August, the British were in motion, and before long the battle began; Lords Percy and Cornwallis, with Sir Henry Clinton, commanding on the British side, and General Sullivan and Lord Stirling on the American. The issue of the day was any thing but fortunate for the Conti

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SAD TIMES, SAD HEARTS.

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nentals, who lost, in killed, wounded and taken prisoner, about eleven hundred men.

The British force was at least fifteen thousand strong, well furnished with artillery; while the Americans mustered only about five thousand, poorly enough provided in all respects, and without even a single company of cavalry. Washington, stationed on a hill, swept the whole field with his telescope, and watched the result with breathless anxiety. From what he saw, he anticipated the immediate surrender of Stirling and his troops. But when he saw that instead of retreat or surrender, Stirling attacked Lord Cornwallis under the most desperate disadvantage, he wrung his hands in agony at the sight. "Good God," said he, "what brave fellows must I this day lose!"* His worst anticipations were realized.

Every thing had gone against his troops, and nothing had been gained but experience.

That night was one of cruel anxiety and suffering; the men weary, sick and wounded; the commander-inchief going about among them, to say whatever could be said by way of consolation and encouragement, and to make what preparations could be made for the struggle of the morrow.

He had witnessed the rout and slaughter of his troops with the keenest anguish; it was now his office to inspirit them for a new effort, against superior force, and in the face of a victorious enemy.

* Irving, Vol. II, p. 324.

The sentries of the two armies could hear each other speak, so near had the lines approached.

The dawn of day brought a violent rain, which prevented the enemy from going on with the projected intrenchments, and nothing more than skirmishing was attempted through the day.

The next morning there was a dense fog. When this was, for a moment, lifted by a light breeze, the British fleet was observed to be in a sort of bustle, boats passing to and fro, as if some movement was in contemplation. Those who were on the look-out conjectured that the fleet was about to come up and anchor in the East River, thus checkmating the army on Long Island.

Washington called a council of war, and it was at once decided that the troops must if possible be taken back to New York under cover of the night. Nine thousand men, with baggage and artillery, to be spirited away from the very front of a victorious army, capable of annihilating them if the alarm should be given!

But it was done under the eye of Washington, who was at the ferry during the entire operation. The fog favored the withdrawal of the men from the lines, and the whole body was at last embarked and ferried over, just before daybreak, so that the last boats passed in full view of the enemy. Washington crossed the river with the very latest. This retreat was one of his greatest achievements. At no period of the war, probably,