Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][merged small]

march to the Delaware, and join the main army. But notwithstanding the critical nature of the case, and the pressing orders of his commander, Lee seemed in no haste to obey. Reluctant to give up his separate command, and subject himself to superior authority, he marched slowly to the southward, at the head of about three thousand men; and his sluggish movements and unwary conduct, proved fatal to his own personal liberty, and excited a lively sensation throughout America. He lay carelessly, without a guard, three miles from his troops, at Basking Ridge, in Morris county, where, on the 13th of December, Colonel Harcourt, who, with a small detachment of light-horse, had been sent to observe the motions of that division of the American army, by a gallant act of partisan warfare, made him prisoner, and conveyed him rapidly to New York. He was closely confined for some time, and considered not as a prisoner of war, but as a deserter from the British service, because he

had entered the American army before his resignation of his commission in the British army had been accepted. The capture of General Lee was regarded as a great misfortune by the Americans, whose esteem and confidence he enjoyed; on the other hand the British exulted in his captivity, as equal to a signal victory, declaring that "they had taken the American palladium." Sullivan, who had been exchanged for General Prescott, now took command of Lee's division, and joined the main army.

The campaign had thus far been disastrous for the cause of freedom. The British had gained possession of Rhode Island, Long Island, New York, Staten Island, New Jersey, and were now waiting for the River to freeze in order to cross into Pennsylvania. Washington's army appeared insufficient for even defensive purposes, amounting to no more than 5000 In the midst of the general despondency, many persons took advantage of the proclamation issued by General Howe, and deserted what seemed a hopeless though a righteous cause.

men.

The energy and determined spirit of Washington sustained the little band of patriots which he commanded. He made earnest appeals to Congress to re-organize the army, and devoted himself to recruiting his forces. Conceiving that a bold offensive movement would raise the drooping spirits of the Americans, he eagerly watched for the opportunity. Three regiments of Hessians, amounting to about 1500 men, and a troop of British light-horse, were posted at Trenton. This force, Washington resolved to attack, and the night of the 25th of December was fixed for the attempt. Cadwalader was to cross the river near Bristol, Washington above Trenton, and Ewing a little below.

The division under Washington crossed the river nine miles above Trenton, and by four o'clock in the morning was safely landed and formed upon the opposite bank. Sullivan, with one portion of the troops, then marched by the road near the river, and Washington and Greene, with the other, moved down the Pennington road. The roads entered the town at different points, and it was intended that the attacks should begin simultaneously. At eight o'clock both divisions reached the town and commenced the onset. The Hessians were taken by surprise, and being close pressed on all sides, the greater part surrendered after a short resistance. The British light-horse and a body of Hessians escaped, and fled to Bordentown. The victory was complete. About 1000 prisoners, six brass field-pieces and 1000 stand of arms were taken. Colonel Rahl, the brave Hessian commander, was mortally wounded; six other officers and between twenty and thirty men were killed. The American loss was two privates killed, two frozen to death, and a few officers wounded.

[graphic][graphic][merged small][merged small][graphic]
[graphic][merged small]

The divisions of Cadwalader and Ewing did not succeed in crossing the river; and the enemy being in force at Princeton and Brunswick, Washington recrossed the Delaware with his prisoners the same day, and regained his encampment.

This sudden blow astonished the British general, and revived the confidence of the Americans. Recruiting went on more rapidly. About 1400 men, whose term of service was about to expire, agreed to serve six weeks longer. The British line of cantonments was broken up and driven back.

On the 30th of December, Washington again crossed the Delaware, fixed his head-quarters at Trenton, and was soon after joined by about 3600 militia under Generals Cadwalader and Mifflin. General Howe, alarmed for the security of his conquests, resolved to commence active operations immediately. Lord Cornwallis was ordered to take command of the troops in New Jersey. That officer hastened to Princeton, and on the morning of the 2d of January, it was ascertained that the enemy's battalions were marching towards Trenton. Washington immediately withdrew to the east side of the creek which runs through the town, and

[graphic][subsumed][subsumed]
« AnteriorContinuar »