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the circumstances of the American army, its achievements were highly honorable. The bold and successful movements of Washington, excited the admiration of both Europe and America. Joy and hope now began to revive the drooping spirits of the nation. The people everywhere hailed Washington, as the Savior of his country.

5. Amid all the calamities which threatened the nation, congress displayed the dignity and firmness of true patriotism. They made great exertions to supply the wants of the suffering army. They sent Dr. Franklin* and others to France, to borrow money and procure mili

tary stores. The French, who cherished great hatred towards the English, loaned them money, provided arms and ammunition, and some of them warmly espoused the cause of the Americans. Among these was the young Marquis de Lafayette,† who hired a ship at his own expense to bring him over to America; and who afterwards, became a distinguished officer in the army, and the bosom friend of Washington.

6. The soldiers in the American army, had enlisted to serve only one year. This circumstance caused the

5. What was the conduct of congress at this time? Who did congress send to France? What foreign nation warmly espoused the

American cause?

6. What embarrassments did Washington experience during the winter? What were the sufferings of the soldiers?

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, 1706, and died in Philadelphia in 1790. He was one of the greatest men of any age or nation. [See the Life of Frauklin]

† Gilbert Mottier, Marquis de Lafayette, was born in France, in 1757. IIs was descended from distinguished ancestors, and inherited a princely fortune. Such was his ardor in the cause of liberty, that no sooner did he learn the situation of the American people, than he resolved to leave his native country, and assist them in their glorious struggles for freedom. He made known his intention to Dr. Franklin, who was compelled to confess to him that his government was so destitute of means and credit, that it could not furnish him with a conveyance. "Then," said he, "I will fit out a vessel myself," and he did so. He arrived in the United States at 19 years of age, and joined the army under Washington. He was appointed a major general, and by his skill and services, he gained the esteem and the affection of the whole American people. In 1824, he visited the United States, and made a tour through the country. He was everywhere received with the highest marks of gratitude and respect. He returned to France in 1825, where he died May 20th, 1835. The wondrous scenes, both in the New and Old World, in which the name of Lafayette was prominently distinguished, are among the most remarkable in the annals of mankind.

utmost derangement in the plans and wishes of Wash ington. Sometimes a whole regiment would leave the ranks, or the camp in a single day. A new army was now raised, to serve three years, or during the war. Such was the state of the American forces after Washington retired to Morristown, that nothing of importance was attempted till spring. During the latter part of the winter, the prisoners at New-York suffered extremely from the inhuman treatment of the British. They were stowed together in prison-ships, churches, and other buildings. Many of them starved to death, and others were suffered to die of loathsome diseases, or to perish with cold.

7. Early in the spring, several detachments from the British army were sent out on excursions to cut off the supplies for the Americans. On the Hudson, they were successful in taking several places, where flour and provisions were deposited. The town of Danbury, Connecticut, was burnt, and a large quantity of military stores destroyed. Soon after this, Colonel Meigs of Connecticut attacked the British at Sag Harbor, on Long-Island, killed six of the enemy, took ninety prisoners, burned twelve vessels loaded with provisions, and returned to Connecticut without losing a man.

8. In May, Washington commenced operations with 10,000 men. He left Morristown, and strongly posted his troops at Middlebrook. The enemy advanced against him; but unwilling to attack him in this position, General Howe removed his army to Staten Island, and there formed a plan for taking Philadelphia. He embarked with his army, and near the end of August entered the Chesapeake Bay, and landed 18,000 troops about fifty miles from that city.

9. Washington knowing his design, met him at Brandywine creek, where a battle was fought. The

7. What did the British do in the spring of 1777? What town was destroyed in Connecticut? What did Colonel Meigs do? 8. What is said of Washington? Howe?

9. Describe the battle of Brandywine.

enemy crossed the creek at different places, and, attacking the American army on the right and left, soon threw the line into confusion. Washington perceiving the disorder of his troops, ordered a retreat. In this engagement he lost about 1,000 men. General Lafayette was among the wounded. The loss of the British was 500. The next day the American army retreated to Philadelphia.

10. In the mean time, affairs of great interest had been going on in the northern department. Arnold, soon after his retreat from Canada, had prepared a small fleet to keep the enemy in check on lake Champlain. But in a severe battle he lost a part of his fleet, and was obliged to burn the remainder to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. The English had now forced their way down to the Hudson. Their plan was to unite their forces in Canada with those in New-York, and thus cut off all intercourse between New-England and the southern states.

11. General Burgoyne, with an army of 10,000 men, left Quebec in the spring, on this important enterprise. He sent a detachment to Oswego, with orders to proceed from that place and meet him at Albany. British agents were sent out, who succeeded in persuading thousands of Indian warriors to join their army. On the first of July, Burgoyne arrived at Ticonderoga. The garrison, under the command of General St. Clair,* unable to defend the fort, left it by night, and crossed the lake. 10. What were the English attempting to do in the north at this time? 11. What did Burgoyne do? When did he arrive at Ticonderoga? Can you show me Ticonderoga on the map?

* Arthur St. Clair was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1734. He came to this country in 1755, with Admiral Boscawen. He was a lieutenant under Wolfe at the taking of Quebec. At the close of the French war, he settled in Pennsylvania. In the revolutionary war, he espoused the cause of the colonies, and was appointed by congress a major-general, Feb. 19, 1777. At the termination of the war, he returned to Pennsylvania, and in 1784 was sent a delegate to congress from that state. In 1787, he was chosen president of congress. In 1789, he was appointed governor of the "territory northwest of the Ohio," and held the place till 1802. In 1791, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the forces to be employed against the Indians. In Nov. of the same year he met with his memorable defeat near the Miami villages, and was succeeded by Gen. Wayne. He died at Laurel Hill, Pennsylvania, 1818.

They were soon after overtaken by the enemy, and in several skirmishes were routed with a loss of 800 men.

12. The scattered troops who escaped, at length arrived at fort Edward on the Hudson, the head quarters of the northern army, The progress of the British forces spread terror and dismay through the country. But General Schuyler* made every possible exertion to interrupt their march. He pulled up bridges, and cut down trees to obstruct the roads. But the British, after great fatigue and difficulty, appeared at fort Edward. Schuyler, having not more than 4,400 troops, unable to resist the enemy, retreated across the Hudson, and after several removes, posted his army on the island at the mouth of the Mohawk river.

13. About this time news came that fort Schuyler was besieged by a detachment which Burgoyne had sent to Oswego. General Herkimer, with a band of 800 militia, had marched to relieve the garrison, but falling into an ambuscade, lost more than half of his men. Arnold, with three regiments, was immediately sent to raise the siege. The enemy no sooner perceived his approach, than they fled in great haste, leaving their baggage and stores, and retreated to Canada. The militia, of all the surrounding country, now began to assemble to the aid of the American forces.

14. Fresh troops arrived from Washington's army; and Gen. Schuyler being very unpopular, Gen. Gatest 12. What American general tried to interrupt their march? 13. What did General Herkimer do? Arnold?

14. Who was appointed to the chief command? Why? Who was sent to Bennington? What happened?

Philip Schuyler was born at Albany, New-York, in 1731. He was early distinguished for his talents and bravery, and in 1775, congress appointed him a major-general in the American army. The evacuation of Ticonderoga by St. Clair, occasioning unreasonable jealousies in regard to Schuyler in NewEngland, he was superseded by General Gates in August, and an inquiry was directed by congress to be made into his conduct. He was afterwards, though not in the regular service, very useful to his country in the military transactions of New-York. He died in 1804.

† Horatio Gates was born in England, in 1729. He entered the British army in early life. He was with Braddock at his defeat in 1755, and was shot through the body. When peace was concluded. he purchased an estate in Virginia, where he resided until the commencement of the revolutionary war, 1775, when he was appointed general in the army of the United States. After the close of the war he retired to his farm in Virginia. He died in 1806.

was appointed to the chief command in the northern department. Burgoyne was now making all possible exertions to prepare his army to advance against Albany. He found immense difficulty in transporting provisions from lake George to the Hudson river. He sent Colonel Baum, with 600 troops to Bennington, Vermont, to take a large quantity of provisions which the Americans had deposited there. But when Baum approached that place, he learned that a large force of militia had just arrived from New Hampshire. Alarmed for their safety, the enemy at once intrenched themselves.

15. Next day, Aug. 16, the militia, under General Stark, attacked them, killed many, and took a large

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number of prisoners. Before night a reinforcement of 500 Germans arrived from the British camp. They

15. Who commanded the American militia at Bennington? What reinforcement arrived? State the result of the battle of Bennington. Where did Burgoyne post his army? Where did the American army encamp?

He

John Stark was born at Londonderry, New-Hampshire, in 1728. served in the French war. When the news of the battle of Lexington reached him, he was engaged at work in his saw-mill. Instantly seizing his musket, he hastened to Cambridge, where our little ariny was then encamped. He was in the battle of Breed's hill, at the head of the New-Hampshire troops.

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