and secured in front by the Rariton, and on the left by the Millstone. This position was occupied six days. The object of this manœuvre was to bring on a general action. Washington was too cautious, however, to be tempted into such a snare at a great disadvantage with his raw troops, but he determined to defend his ground in any event. Not choosing to run the hazard of an attack, General Howe returned with his whole army to Brunswic, and in a short time evacuated that place and retreated to Amboy. Three regiments, detached under General Greene, fell upon his rear, pursued him as far as Piscataway, and did considerable execution. Washington then advanced towards the enemy with his main force to Quibbletown. Finding him thus drawn from his strong post, Sir William Howe marched suddenly into the country with all his troops seven or eight miles to Westfield, evidently seeking to turn the American left, and gain the high grounds. To counteract this attempt, Washington retired again to Middlebrook; and the only result of these movements was some smart skirmishing between the advanced parties of the two armies, with little loss on either side. Thus foiled in all his manœuvres for bringing on a general engagement, Sir William Howe crossed over to Staten Island, using for that purpose the floating bridge constructed at Brunswic, and entirely evacuated the Jerseys.

The very next day Washington received the first intelligence, that Burgoyne was approaching Ticonderoga with a formidable army. For some time it had also been reported by spies and deserters, that a fleet of large vessels and transports was preparing in the harbour of New York, with the apparent object of an expedition by water. At first it was not doubted, that this armament was destined against Philadelphia. But the news from the north cast a cloud of uncertainty

U*

over all the enemy's schemes. It now seemed more probable, that concerted operations between Howe and Burgoyne were in view, and that the former would speedily ascend the Hudson to form a junction with the latter. The fitting out of the fleet, it was supposed, might have the double aim of a feint to deceive the Americans into a belief that some distant operation by sea was intended, and of actually preparing to transport troops up the Hudson. It was likewise conjectured, that an attack on New England was meditated, with the view of creating a diversion in favor of Burgoyne; and this was in fact a part of Howe's original plan, which he abandoned in consequence of the deficiency of his reinforcements from Europe.

This state of things was peculiarly embarrassing to Washington. While it was necessary for him to watch every point, it was still more so, that he should be at hand to meet the blow wherever it should be struck. The great object, at which the British had been aiming from the beginning of the war, namely, a possession of Hudson's River and the communication with Canada, thus separating the eastern and southern States, was so important, that he could not doubt this to be the special intent of Burgoyne's expedition; and yet he had seen so many evidences of General Howe's designs upon Philadelphia, that he was unable to relinquish his conviction of their reality. The immediate danger, however, was on the Hudson, to guard against which he despatched two regiments to Peekskill, and prepared to follow with his whole army.

This movement required caution and delay; for, should he withdraw his force too soon from the centre of Jersey, Sir William Howe might land his troops at South Amboy, and march to Philadelphia before he could be overtaken. But, when it was known, that

the enemy had actually embarked on board the fleet, Washington moved slowly towards the Highlands by way of Morristown and Ramapo, advancing as far as the Clove, and at the same time detaching Lord Stirling with a division to Peekskill. At this juncture the fleet dropped down to the Hook and went to sea. Waiting no longer than to be convinced of the absolute departure of the fleet, he immediately began to retrace his steps. The two divisions under Sullivan and Stirling, which had crossed the Hudson to Peekskill, were recalled, and the army pursued various routes to the banks of the Delaware. There he resolved to stay till he should receive further intelligence of the British fleet; for it was still possible that it might return to New York and ascend the Hudson.

News soon came, however, that it had been seen at the Capes of the Delaware, and its destination was then thought to be no longer doubtful. The army marched to Germantown, where it would be in readiness to defend the city of Philadelphia, and the General himself hastened forward to Chester. He there learned that the fleet had left the Capes and steered eastward. All his calculations were again baffled; for it was naturally inferred from the course taken by the fleet, that General Howe would either go directly back to New York, or to some place on the coast of New England, and coöperate with Burgoyne. Till this point was settled by certain information, nothing could be done. The army continued at Germantown, prepared to march at a moment's warning, except Sullivan's division and some other regiments, which were ordered to take post in New Jersey.

During this suspense General Washington passed two or three days in Philadelphia, holding conferences with committees and members of Congress. It was

here that he had his first interview with the Marquis de Lafayette. The enthusiastic zeal with which that young nobleman had embraced the American cause, his romantic adventures in leaving his own country and crossing the Atlantic, and the incidents which befell him on his arrival, are well known; and the part he acted during the war, his influence in gaining effectual aid from the French government, his deep and lasting attachment to Washington, the ardor and consistency with which he adhered to the interests of his adopted country to the end of his life, and the affection which the people of that country have ever manifested for his person and character, all conspire to make the day on which he entered the service one of the most remarkable in the revolution.

"When Lafayette arrived in Philadelphia, he put his letters into the hands of Mr. Lovell, Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Affairs. He called the next day at the Hall of Congress, and Mr. Lovell came out to him and said, that so many foreigners had offered themselves for employment, that Congress was embarrassed with their applications, and he was sorry to inform him there was very little hope of his success. Lafayette suspected his papers had not been read, and he immediately sat down and wrote a note to the President of Congress, in which he desired to be permitted to serve in the American army on two conditions; first, that he should receive no pay; secondly, that he should act as a volunteer. These terms were so different from those demanded by other foreigners, and presented so few obstacles on the ground of an interference with American officers, that they were at once accepted. His rank, zeal, perseverance, and disinterestedness overcame every objection, and he was

appointed a major-general in the American army, more than a month before he had reached the age of twenty.

"Washington was expected shortly in Philadelphia, and the young general concluded to await his arrival before he went to head-quarters. The first introduction was at a dinner party, where several members of Congress were present. When they were about to separate, Washington took Lafayette aside, spoke to him very kindly, complimented him upon the noble spirit he had shown, and the sacrifices he had made, in favor of the American cause, and then told him that he should be pleased if he would make the quarters of the Commander-in-chief his home, establish himself there whenever he thought proper, and consider himself at all times as one of his family; adding, in a tone of pleasantry, that he could not promise him the luxuries of a court, or even the conveniences, which his former habits might have rendered essential to his comfort, but, since he had become an American soldier, he would doubtless contrive to accommodate himself to the character he had assumed, and submit with a good grace to the customs, manners, and privations of a republican army. If Lafayette was made happy by his success with Congress, his joy was redoubled by this flattering proof of friendship and regard on the part of the Commander-in-chief. His horses and equipage were immediately sent to camp; and ever afterwards, even when he had the command of a division, he kept up his intimacy at head-quarters, and enjoyed all the advantages of a member of the General's family. The day after the dinner, Washington inspected the fortifications in the Delaware River, and invited Lafayette to accompany him."*

• See Washington's Writings, Vol. V. p. 454; Appendix. Lafayette's appointment took place on the 31st of July.