Copy of a Gold Medal presented to General Washington by Congress on the Evacuation of Preston. 1 ._. Orms of the Washington · Kumily obtained from the Heraldist Moge Lendere. 2. Copy of General Washington's Seal. and having hastened thither to watch the motions of General Clinton, who it was expected would make a descent somewhere on the coast at the south. The British fleet lingered ten days in Nantasket Road, and Washington could not venture to leave his post, nor indeed to order away all his army, till assured that the fleet had actually put to sea. When this was ascertained, he set off for New York, passing through Providence, Norwich, and New London. At Norwich he had an interview with Governor Trumbull, who came there to meet him. On the 13th of April he arrived in New York. The divisions of the army, moving more slowly, did not unite in that place till some days later. It was soon evident, that General Howe had gone in another direction, and that no immediate danger was to be apprehended from the enemy. The British armed vessels, hitherto remaining in the harbor, retired down to Sandy Hook, twenty-five miles from the city. The militia from Connecticut and New Jersey were discharged. The first task of the Commander was to inspect the works begun by General Lee, direct their completion, and prepare other means of defence. Affairs in Canada became every day more gloomy. The unfortunate repulse at Quebec, the want of an efficient commander after the fall of the gallant Montgomery, the severity of the winter, and the deficiency of supplies, all contributed to dishearten the troops, diminish their strength, destroy discipline, and engender confusion. Reinforcements from England would certainly be in the River St. Lawrence, as soon as the ice should break up. Congress, justly fearing the consequences, requested Washington first to detach four regiments, and then six others, to act in the northern department. He approved this measure from the conviction, that the public interests would thus be served; since no support could be obtained in Canada, except what was sent there, whereas at New York the militia on an emergency might be summoned from the surrounding country. CHAPTER VIII. 1776. visits Con adelphia. May 22. The presence of General Washington being thought essential at Congress, for the purpose of advising with them on the state of affairs, and concerting arrangements for Washington the campaign, he repaired to Philadelphia, leaving the argress at Phil- my in the command of General Putnam. On his way he examined Staten Island, and the opposite Jersey shore, with the view of determining the proper places for works of defence. He was absent fifteen days. He seems to have been disappointed and concerned at discovering divisions in Congress, which portended no good to the common cause. It was known, from the late proceedings in Parliament, that commissioners were coming out with proposals of accommodation. In a letter to his brother, written at Philadelphia, he speaks as follows. Approves the vote of the Virginia Convention for indepen dence. May 31. "I am very glad to find, that the Virginia Convention have passed so noble a vote, and with so much unanimity. Things have come to such a pass now, as to convince us, that we have nothing more to expect from the justice of Great Britain; also, that she is capable of the most delusive arts; for I am satisfied, that no commissioners were ever designed, except Hessians and other foreigners; and that the idea was only to deceive and throw us off our guard. The first has been too effectually accomplished, as many members of Congress, in short, the representation of whole provinces, are still feeding themselves upon the dainty food of reconciliation; and, though they will not allow, that the expectation of it has any influence upon their judgment with respect to their preparations for defence, it is but too obvious, that it has an operation upon every part of their conduct, and is a clog to their proceedings. It is not in the nature of things to be otherwise; for no man, that entertains a hope of seeing this dispute speedily and equitably adjusted by commissioners, will go to the same expense and run the same hazards to prepare for the worst event, as he who believes, that he must conquer, or submit to unconditional terms, and the concomitants, such as confiscation, hanging, and the like." |