THE WAR FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. CHAPTER VI. The War in the North. British reinforcements arrived in America, and Washington soon became apprised of a designed attack upon New York. Hastening from Boston to the defense of that city, he posted about four thousand men under GENERALS SULLIVAN, STIRLING, and PUTNAM on LONG ISLAND, near Brooklyn. General Howe soon arrived from Halifax, and General Clinton, from Charleston, where he had been repulsed. Ten thousand Hessians and English, under GRANT and VON HEISTER, were landed. A battle ensued, in which the Americans suffered terrible defeat. By the greatest good fortune Washington was enabled to withdraw his forces secretly across the river, hidden by a fog, before the British followed up the victory with capture of the whole American army. DE KALB. Washington was now forced to evacuate New York. He was followed by the British, and in a skirmish at Harlem Heights gained the advantage over them. Both armies now manoeuvered for positions, and at WHITE PLAINS (September 28) the Americans were again defeated. Crossing the Hudson, Washington posted himself at Fort Lee. Directly opposite stood Fort Washington, to defend which COLONEL MAGAW had been left with three thousand men. This fort, with its whole garrison, fell into the enemy's hands (November 16), and the victory was followed by the capture of Fort Lee. Washington retreated into New Jersey closely pursued by CORNWALLIS and KNYPHAUSEN. Reverses had discouraged many, and his forces were reduced to three thousand. Across the State he hastened, and, reaching the Delaware, Both the people of America and the people of England were divided among themselves on the question of the war now pending between the two countries. In America those who favored independence were called PATRIOTS, Those who, from various motives, felt no desire to throw off allegiance to the British Crown, were called TORIES. On the other hand the war was very unpopular with the people of England. The king found it so difficult to recruit his armies for American service that he was compelled to hire soldiers of other powers. Russia, applied to, indignantly declined. The rulers of several petty German States, among which were HesseCassel, HesseHanau, were, however, willing to hire their men, and furnished twenty thou sand, under four experienced generals, RIEDESEL, KNYPHAUSEN, VON HEISTER and DONOF. crossed to the other side (December 8), taking the precaution of placing all the boats for miles up and down the stream beyond the reach of the pursuing British. Concluding to wait until the river should freeze sufficiently to THE ADVANCE ON TRENTON. enable his army to cross, Cornwallis quartered his men in the several villages and towns near by. Hearing that the enemy's forces were thus divided, Washington determined to strike a quick, bold blow upon one of the divisions. Crossing the river at night, amid the drifting ice he marched with two thousand four hundred men upon Trenton, where COLONEL RAHL and some two thousand Hessians were encamped. The advance was made through a blinding snowstorm, and the surprise was complete (December 26). Rahl was mortally wounded, and more than one thousand captured. By morning the Americans were safe on the other side of the river with their prisoners. The victory at Trenton gave new life to the American cause, for it dispelled much of that gloom that had settled upon the country. Many enlisted, and with increased force Washington was enabled to enter New Jersey and take the offensive. Cornwallis fell back to Princeton, and, receiving heavy reinforcements, advanced upon the American position near Trenton. A preliminary skirmish took place (January 2, 1777) with the advantage in favor of the Patriots. According to the plans of Cornwallis the main engagement was to take place the next day. COUNT PULASKI. Again did Washington distinguish himself by a feat of good generalship. A part of the British forces had remained at Princeton and were to arrive to take part in the battle. Washington determined to attack this force, but the enemy in his front must know nothing of his movement. Quietly was the baggage of the Americans removed to a safe place, and, leaving the camp fires burning, the Patriots quietly withdrew, and by morning were at Princeton. The British forces were up and about to march forward to join Corn Foreigners in the American Army. The gallant struggles of the Americans were winning the admiration of Europe. Frederick the Great of Prussia saw much to applaud in the achievements of Washington, Arnold and other generals. A number of foreigners joined the American army and did valiant service in the cause of liberty. Among these were the French nobleman, LAFAYETTE; the Poles, PULASKI and KOSCIUSKO, and the Germans, DE KALB and STEUBEN. wallis. The action that ensued was hotly contested (January 3). The personal bravery of the commander-in-chief did much toward winning the victory, and with a loss of some four hundred men the British were routed. Cornwallis, hearing the sound of distant can non, hastened to the rescue, but arrived too late. Both armies now went into winter quarters-the Americans at Morristown Heights. When operations were resumed Washington soon found himself called to the defense of Philadelphia. Eighteen thou STEUBEN. sand British put to sea from New York, and landed at Elktown, Maryland, seventy miles from the city (August 25, 1777). An engagement took place at CHAD'S FORD, on Brandywine Creek (September 11), and, greatly outnumbered, the Americans were compelled to fall back, after making a Invasion from the North. During the early part of 1777 a powerful British expedition was organizing in Canada under SIR JOHN BURGOYNE for the purpose of invading New York. Preparations to meet the invaders were made by GENERALS SCHUYLER and Arnold, Washington sending them from time to time such forces as he could spare from his army operating in New Jersey. creditable resistance. The British entered Philadelphia in triumph. Congress was compelled to adjourn to Lancaster (September 26), and shortly after to York. The main body of the British encamped at GERMANTOWN, Here they were attacked, but six miles from Philadelphia. without success (October 3), the Americans losing more than eleven hundred men. The British soon obtained control of the Delaware, Forts MERCER and MIFFLIN falling into their hands, not without the brilliant repulse of Donop by GENERAL GREENE in a preliminary engagement (October 22). The Patriots now retired to Valley Forge, and passed the long, desolate winter in gloom and suffering. Many were without shoes, most were inadequately supplied with clothing, all were THE MORNING DRILL AT VALLEY FORGE--STEUBEN INSTRUCTING THE PATRIOTS without sufficient food. Their privations tested their fortitude and patriotism to the utmost. At Valley Forge the Americans were joined by BARON STEUBEN, an eminent and experienced German general, who enlisted himself in the American cause. Steuben was of inestimable service in reorganizing the army and drilling |