Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

pressed me to retain my commission, with an assurance that he would endeavor by all means, to give me a command, nearly such as I could have desired in the present circumstances of the army. Though I know you would be happy to hear I had rejected this proposal, it is a pleasure my reputation would not permit me to afford you. I consented to retain my commission, and accept the command. I quarter, at present, by a very polite and warm invitation, with General Lincoln, and experience from the officers of both armies every mark of esteem."

[blocks in formation]

The command was formed by the organization of New York troops into a battalion, which, confided to Hamilton, became part of the advanced corps of the army. A detachment of the enemy into New Jersey offering a favorable moment for the contemplated attack upon New York, dispositions were made for that purpose. The sudden return of the detachment rendering it inexpedient, the advanced parties rejoined the army.

Advices that part of the British troops were recalled from Virginia, the arrival of a reinforcement of Hessians, and the weak state of the Americans, all seemed to render the success of such an attempt uncertain and remote. In a recent conference with Rochambeau at Weathersfield, Washington intimated that the arrival of the French fleet, then in the West Indies, on the American coast, might render more distant operations expedient. He now began to contemplate a southern expedition, with which view, late in July, orders were given to Greene and to La Fayette to prepare for such a contingency. In the middle of August the hoped for intelligence arrived, that De Grasse might be expected in the Chesapeake with a large fleet, and three thousand troops, but that his presence on

the American coast was limited by his engagements to the middle of October.

Immediate orders were given to La Fayette to take such a position as would best enable him to prevent the sudden retreat of Cornwallis into North Carolina, which the arrival of so formidable an armament might prompt. Wayne, if he had not advanced too far, was to be halted.

NOTE.

A letter from Colonel Meade, of Virginia, recently aid-de-camp to Washington, addressed to Hamilton, on the thirteenth of January, 1781 (Works, i. 208), a few days after the capture of Richmond, states: "Arnold, you know, was coming here. He has really been here, and, with shame be it said, marched twenty-five miles and back, without having a single musket fired at him; but let me observe, in justice to the people at large, that there are fewer disaffected by far, in this State, than any other in the Union, and that the people turn out with the utmost cheerfulness. The misfortune, on the present invasion, was, that in the confusion the arms were sent everywhere, and no timely plan laid to put them into the hands of the men who were assembling. The Baron has, no doubt, given the General the particulars of the whole affair. He can hardly be himself, and say any thing on the subject that ought not to be credited."

Col. Samuel Smith to O. H. Williams, June, 1781: "Cornwallis's troops rid thro" (Virginia) " without opposition. The gentlemen have all fled beyond the mountains with a small remains of property, and the poor have no arms to defend themselves. Oh, Virginia! Is this your boasted pride? Perhaps, now, eased of their riches and deprived of their slaves, they may become useful members of society."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

CORNWALLIS, in the mean time, had changed his position, and taken possession of the opposite points which command the entrance of the river York. This movement was in obedience to express orders from Sir Henry Clinton, that he should establish a defensive post for the protection of ships-of-the-line either at old Point Comfort in Hampton Roads, or at Yorktown. A survey rendering it obvious that the works of the former would not command the entrance into Hampton Roads, nor secure the ships when lying at anchor, within them, Cornwallis had no other option, under his orders, than to fortify York and Gloucester.* The first of August, part of his army took possession of these posts, and on the twenty-second the whole was concentrated there.

This order of Sir Henry Clinton was in conformity with the recent policy of the British cabinet, to reduce Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, under the belief that Washington would be compelled to take refuge in the Eastern States. "So very contemptible," Lord George Germain wrote to Clinton, "is the rebel force now, in all parts, and so vast is our superiority every where, that no resistance on their part is to be apprehended, that can

* Stedman, ii. 396.

materially obstruct the progress of the king's arms in the speedy suppression of the rebellion."

To prevent the retreat of Cornwallis was the first object of the Americans. With this view, Wayne, under the pretext of reinforcing Greene, was detached to the south side of the James, La Fayette holding himself ready to co-operate with him, should the enemy move.

To insure the aid of De Grasse, Du Portail was ordered to meet him on his arrival, bearing a joint letter from Washington and Rochambeau, stating their viewsfirst, an united attack upon the enemy in Virginia-next, the recovery of Charleston, and urging him to send up the Elk all his frigates, transports and vessels, for the conveyance of the united troops down the Chesapeake. The Superintendent of Finance was called upon to provide transports and the necessary supplies.

Hamilton now announced to his wife that he had attained his wish: "I wrote you by the last post, in which I informed you that I had taken command of my corps. Major Fish is with me. I prize him both as a friend and an officer." A few days after he apprised her of his expected departure for the south: "In my last letter I informed you that there was a greater prospect of activity now, than there had been heretofore. I did this to prepare your mind for an event which, I am sure, will give you pain. I begged your father, at the same time, to intimate to you, by degrees, the probability of its taking place. I used this method to prevent a surprise, which might be too severe to you. A part of the army, my dear girl, is going to Virginia; and I must, of necessity, be separated at a much greater distance from my beloved wife. I cannot announce the fatal necessity, without feeling every thing that a fond husband can feel. I am unhappy-I am unhappy beyond expression. I am unhappy, VOL. II.-17

because I am to be so remote from you; because I am to hear from you less frequently than I am accustomed to do. I am miserable, because I know you will be so; I am wretched at the idea of flying so far from you, without a single hour's interview, to tell you all my pains and all my love. But I cannot ask permission to visit you. It might be thought improper to leave my corps at such a time, and upon such an occasion. I must go without seeing you-I must go without embracing you-alas! I must go. But let no idea, other than of the distance we shall be asunder, disquiet you. Though I said the prospects of activity will be greater, I said it to give your expectations a different turn, and prepare you for something disagreeable. It is ten to one that our views will be disappointed, by Cornwallis retiring to South Carolina by land. At all events, our operations will be over by the latter end of October, and I will fly to my home. Don't mention I am going to Virginia."

It was of the utmost importance to conceal the destination of the army. The idea was thrown out, that the French fleet was expected at Shrewsbury, and that the army was to march and join it there. Ovens were built at Chatham as though for the supply of the French troops, others near Sandy Hook, and forage was contracted for, to be delivered there. "Thirty boats, built on the North River, were mounted on carriages, ready to be taken into the line of march, with the ostensible design of making a descent on Staten Island." * A stratagem was also resorted to by Washington, which proved entirely successful. An individual, who had been employed by him to gain intelligence, was ascertained to be in the pay of Sir Henry Clinton. This person was sent to headquarters, where a map was left in his view, prepared for * Journal of Trumbull, aide-de-camp to Washington.

[ocr errors]
« ForrigeFortsett »