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to call on the states for specific supplies of did not reach a port in the United States till everything necessary for their support. To the tenth of July following. On that day, obtain the men it was proposed to complete to the great joy of the Americans, M. de the regular regiments by drafts from the Ternay arrived at Rhode-Island, with a inilitia, and to make up what they fell short squadron of seven sail of the line, five frigof thirty-five thousand effectives, by calling ates, and five smaller armed vessels. He forth more of the militia. The tardiness of likewise convoyed a fleet of transports with deliberation in congress was in a great four old French regiments, besides the lemeasure done away, by the full powers gion de Lauzun, and a battalion of artillery, given to their committee in camp. Accu- amounting in the whole to six thousand men, rate estimates were made of every article all under the command of lieutenant-geneof supply necessary for the ensuing cam- eral count de Rochambeau. To the French paign. These, and also the numbers of as soon as they landed possession was given men wanted, were quotaed on the ten north- of the forts and batteries on the island, and ern states in proportion to their abilities and by their exertions they were scon put in a numbers. In conformity to these requisi- high state of defence. Rochambeau detions, vigorous resolutions were adopted for clared, "that he only brought over the vancarrying them into effect. Where volun- guard of a much greater force which was tary enlistments fell short of the proposed destined for their aid; that he was ordere i number, the deficiencies were, by the laws by the king his master to assure them, that of several states, to be made up by drafts or his whole power should be exerted for their lots from the militia. The towns in New-support.

England and the counties in the middle Admiral Arbuthnot had only four sail of states were respectively called on for a spe- the line at New-York, when M. de Ternay cified number of men. Such was the zeal arrived at Rhode Island. This inferiority of the people in New-England, that neigh- was in three days reversed, by the arrival bors would often club together, to engage of admiral Graves with six sail of the line. one of their number to go into the army. The British admiral, having now a superiThe legislative part of these complicated ar- ority, proceeded to Rhode-Island. He soon rangements was speedily passed, but the ex-discovered that the French were perfectly ecution, though uncommonly vigorous, lag- secure from any attack by sea. Sir Henry ged far behind. Few occasions could occur Clinton, who had returned in the precedin which it might so fairly be tried, to what ing month with his victorious troops from extent, in conducting a war, a variety of wills Charlestown, embarked about eight thoumight be brought to act in unison. The result sand of his best men, and proceeded as far of the experiment was, that however favor- as Huntingdon Bay, on Long-Island, with the able republics may be to the liberty and hap- apparent design of concurring with the Britpiness of the people in the time of peace, ish fleet, in attacking the French force at they will be greatly deficient in that vigor Rhode-Island. When this movement took and dispatch, which military operations re- place, general Washington set his army in quire, unless they imitate the policy of mon- motion, and proceeded to Peek's Kill. Had archies, by committing the executive departments of government to the direction of a single will.

ARRIVAL OF ROCHAMBEAU.

Sir Henry Clinton prosecuted what appeared to be his design, general Washington intended to have attacked New-York in his absence. Preparations were made for this WHILE these preparations were making purpose, but Sir Henry Clinton instantly in America, the armament which had been turned about from Huntingdon Bay towards promised by the king of France was on its New-York. way. As soon as it was known in France, DEFECTION OF ARNOLD. that a resolution was adopted to send out THE campaign of 1780 passed away in troops to the United States, the young the northern states, as has been related, in French nobility discovered the greatest zeal successive disappointments and reiterated to be employed on that service. Court fa- distresses to the American cause. The vor was scarcely ever solicited with more country was exhausted, the continental curearnestness, than was the honor of serving rency expiring. While these disasters were under general Washington. The number openly menacing the new states, treachery of applicants was much greater than the ser- was silently undermining them. A distinvice required. The disposition to support guished officer engaged, for a stipulated the American revolution was not only prev- sum of money, to betray into the hands of alent in the court of France, but it animated the British an important post committed to the whole body of the nation. The winds his care. General Arnold, who committed and waves did not second the ardent wishes this foul crime, was a native of Connecticut. of the French troops. Though they sailed The disposition of the American forces in from France on the first of May, 1780, they the year 1780 afforded an opportunity of VOL. IV.

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accomplishing this so much to the advan-only practicable mode of escape. To favor tage of the British, that they could well this he quitted his uniform, which he had afford a liberal reward for the beneficial hitherto worn under a surtout, for a comtreachery. The American army was sta- mon coat, and was furnished with a horse, tioned in the strong-holds of the highlands and under the name of John Anderson, with on both sides of the North River. In this a passport "to go to the lines of White Plains, arrangement, Arnold solicited for the com- or lower if he thought proper, he being on mand of West Point. This had been called public business." He advanced alone and the Gibraltar of America. It was built after undisturbed a great part of the way.-When the loss of Fort Montgomery, for the de- he thought himself almost out of danger, he fence of the North River, and was deemed was stopped by three of the New-York milithe most proper for commanding its naviga- tia, who were with others scouting between tion. Rocky ridges rising one behind an- the out-posts of the two armies. Major Another, rendered it incapable of being invested dré, instead of producing his pass, asked by less than twenty thousand men. Though the man who stopped him, "Where he some even then entertained doubts of Ar- belonged to," who answered, “To below," nold's fidelity, yet general Washington be- meaning New-York. He replied, "So do lieving it to be impossible that honor should I," and declared himself a British officer, be wanting in a breast which he knew was and pressed that he might not be detained. the seat of valor, cheerfully granted his He soon discovered his mistake. His cap request, and intrusted him with the impor- tors proceeded to search him: several patant post. General Arnold, thus invested pers were found in his possession. These with command, carried on a negotiation with were secreted in his boots, and were in Sir Henry Clinton, by which it was agreed Arnold's hand-writing; they contained exthat the former should make a disposition of act returns of the state of the forces, ordhis forces, which would enable the latter to nance, and defences at West Point, with surprise West Point under such circum- the artillery orders, critical remarks on the stances, that he would have the garrison so works, &c.

completely in his power, that the troops ANDRE EXECUTED AS A SPY. must either lay down their arms or be cut to ANDRE offered his captors a purse of gold pieces. The object of this negotiation was and a new valuable watch, if they would let the strongest post of the Americans, the him pass, and permanent provision and futhoroughfare of communication between the ture promotion, if they would convey and eastern and southern states, and was the re-accompany him to New-York. They nobly pository of their most valuable stores. The disdained the proffered bribe, and delivered loss of it would have been severely felt. him a prisoner to lieutenant-colonel JameThe agent employed in this negotiation son, who commanded the scouting parties. on the part of Sir Henry Clinton, was ma- In testimony of the high sense entertained jor André, adjutant-general of the British of the virtuous and patriotic conduct of John army. To favor the necessary communica- Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van tions, the Vulture sloop of war had been Vert, the captors of André, congress resolv previously stationed in the North River, as ed, "That each of them receive annually near to Arnold's posts as was practicable, two hundred dollars in specie during life, without exciting suspicion. Before this a and that the board of war be directed to prowritten correspondence between Arnold and cure for each of them a silver medal, on one André had been for some time carried on side of which should be a shield with this under the fictitious names of Gustavus and inscription, Fidelity; and on the other the Anderson. In the night of the twenty-first following motto: Vincit Amor Patriæ; and of September, a boat was sent from the that the commander-in-chief be requested shore to fetch major André. Arnold met to present the same, with the thanks of conhim at the beach, without the posts of ei- gress, for their fidelity, and the eminent serther army. Their business was not finished vice they had rendered their country." Antill it was too near the dawn of day for An- dré, when delivered to Jameson, continued dré to return to the Vulture. Arnold told to call himself by the name of Anderson, him he must be concealed till the next night. and asked leave to send a letter to Arnold, For that purpose, he was conducted within to acquaint him with Anderson's detention. one of the American posts, against his pre- This was inconsiderately granted. Arnold, vious stipulation and knowledge, and con- on the receipt of this letter, abandoned tinued with Arnold the following day. The everything, and went on board the Vulture boatmen refused to carry him back the next sloop of wår. Lieutenant-colonel Jameson night, as the Vulture, from being exposed to forwarded to general Washington all the the fire of some cannon brought up to annoy papers found on André, together with a lether, had changed her position. André's re- ter giving an account of the whole affair; turn to New-York by land, was then the but the express, by taking a different route

from the general, who was returning from a for averting the proposed execution; Greene conference at Hartford with count de Ro- made a proposition for delivering up André chambeau, missed him. This caused such a for Arnold, but found this could not be acdelay as gave Arnold time to effect his es- ceded to by the British. Robertson urged, cape. The same packet which detailed the "that André went on shore under the sancparticulars of André's capture, brought a tion of a flag, and that being then in Arletter from him, in which he avowed his nold's power, he was not accountable for his name and character, and endeavored to subsequent actions, which were said to be show that he did not come under the de-compulsory." To this it was replied, that scription of a spy. He stated, that he held "he was employed in the execution of meaa correspondence with a person under the sures very foreign from the objects of flags orders of his general: that his intention of truce, and such as they were never meant went no farther than meeting that person to authorize or countenance; and that major on neutral ground, for the purpose of intel-André in the course of his examination had ligence; and that, against his stipulation, candidly confessed, that it was impossible his intention, and without his knowledge be- for him to suppose that he came on shore forehand, he was brought within the Amer- under the sanction of a flag." As Greene ican posts, and had to concert his escape and Robertson differed so widely, both in from them; being taken on his return, he their statement of facts, and the inferences was betrayed into the vile condition of an they drew from them, the latter proposed to enemy in disguise. the former, that the opinions of disinterestGeneral Washington referred the whole ed gentlemen might be taken on the subcase of major Andre to the examination and ject, and proposed Kniphausen and Rochamdecision of a board, consisting of fourteen beau. Robertson also urged that André posgeneral officers. On his examination, he sessed a great share of Sir Henry Clinton's voluntarily confessed everything that related esteem, and that he would be infinitely to himself, and particularly that he did not obliged if he should be spared. He offered come ashore under the protection of a flag. that in case André was permitted to return The board did not examine a single wit- with him to New-York, any person whatness, but founded their report on his own ever that might be named should be set at confession. In this they stated the following liberty. All these arguments and entreaties facts: "That major André came on shore having failed, Robertson presented a long on the night of the twenty-first of Septem- letter from Arnold, in which he endeavored ber, in a private and secret manner, and that to exculpate André, by acknowledging himhe changed his dress within the American self the author of every part of his conduct, lines, and under a feigned name and dis- "and particularly insisted on his coming guised habit passed their works, and was ta- from the Vulture, under a flag which he had ken in a disguised habit when on his way to sent for that purpose." He declared, that if New-York, and when taken, several papers André suffered, he should think himself were found in his possession, which con- bound in honor to retaliate. He also observtained intelligence for the enemy." From ed, "that forty of the principal inhabitants these facts they farther reported it as their of South Carolina had justly forfeited their opinion, "That major André ought to be lives, which hitherto had been spared only considered as a spy, and agreeably to the through the clemency of Sir Henry Clinton, laws and usages of nations, he ought to suf- but who could no longer extend his mercy fer death." if major André suffered; an event which

Sir Henry Clinton, lieutenant-general would probably open a scene of bloodshed, Robertson, and the late American general at which humanity must revolt." He enArnold, wrote pressing letters to general treated Washington by his own honor, and Washington, to prevent the decision of the for that of humanity, not to suffer an unjust board of general officers from being carried sentence to touch the life of André; "but into effect. General Arnold in particular if that warning should be disregarded, and urged, that everything done by major An- André suffer, he called Heaven and earth to dre was done by his particular request, and witness, that he alone should be justly anat a time when he was the acknowledged swerable for the torrents of blood that might commanding officer in the department. He be spilt in consequence."

contended, "that he had a right to transact Every exertion was made by the royal all these matters, for which, though wrong, commanders to save André, but without efmajor André ought not to suffer." An in- fect. It was the general opinion of the terview also took place between general American army that his life was forfeited, Robertson, on the part of the British, and and that national dignity and sound policy general Greene, on the part of the Ameri- required that the forfeiture should be excans. Everything was urged by the former, acted.

that ingenuity or humanity could suggest The execution was the subject of severe

censures. Barbarity, cruelty, and murder, [dress, directed to the inhabitants of America, were plentifully charged on the Americans; dated from New-York [October 7th,] five but the impartial of all nations allowed, that days after André's execution. This address it was warranted by the usages of war. It was soon followed by another, inscribed to cannot be condemned, without condemning the officers and soldiers of the continental the maxims of self-preservation, which have army. This was intended to induce them uniformly guided the practice of hostile na- to follow his example, and engage in the tions. The finer feelings of humanity might royal service. He informed them, that he have been gratified, by dispensing with the was authorized to raise a corps of cavalry rigid maxims of war; but these feelings and infantry, who were to be on the same must be controlled by a regard for the pub-footing with the other troops in the British lic safety. Such was the distressed state of service. To allure the private men, three the American army, and so abundant were guineas were offered to each, besides paytheir causes of complaint, that there was ments for their horses, arms, and accoutremuch to fear from the contagious nature of ments. Rank in the British army was also treachery. Could it have been reduced to a held out to the American officers who would certainty that there were no more Arnolds recruit, and bring in a certain number of in America, perhaps André's life might have men, proportioned to the different grades in been spared; but the necessity of discour- military service. These offers were proposed aging farther plots, fixed his fate, and stamp- to unpaid soldiers, who were suffering from ed it with the seal of political necessity. If the want of both food and clothing, and to conjectures in the boundless field of possible officers who were in a great degree obliged contingencies were to be indulged, it might to support themselves from their own rebe said that it was more consonant to ex- sources, while they were spending the prime tended humanity to take one life, than by of their days, and risking their lives, in the ill-timed lenity to lay a foundation, which unproductive service of congress. Though probably would occasion not only the loss of they were urged, at a time when the paper many, but endanger the independence of a currency was at its lowest ebb of depreciagreat country. tion, and the wants and distresses of the

This grand project terminated with no American army were at their highest pitch, other alteration in respect of the British, yet they did not produce the intended effect than that of their exchanging one of their on a single sentinel or officer. Whether the best officers for the worst man in the Amer- circumstances of Arnold's case added new ican army. Arnold was immediately made shades to the crime of desertion, or whether a brigadier-general in the service of the king their providential escape from the deep-laid of Great Britain. The failure of the scheme scheme against West Point, gave a higher respecting West Point, made it necessary tone to the firmness of the American solfor him to dispel the cloud which overshad- diery, cannot be unfolded: but either from owed his character, by the performance of these or some other causes, desertion wholly some signal service for his new masters. ceased at this remarkable period of the war. The condition of the American army, af- It is not to be supposed that the Spaniards, forded him a prospect of doing something on the American frontier, would be totally of consequence. He flattered himself that inactive during these transactions. Don Berby the allurements of pay and promotion, nardo de Galves, the governor of Louisiana, he should be able to raise a numerous force was one of the first to proclaim the indefrom among the distressed American sol-pendence of America; and in the spring of diery. He therefore took methods for ac- 1780, assembled a small force at New-Orcomplishing this purpose, by obviating their leans, and surprised and made himself masscruples, and working on their passions. ter of Mobile, and all the British settlements His first public measure was issuing an ad- on the Mississippi.

CHAPTER XVII.

Causes which produced a Rupture with Holland-Armed Neutrality-Count Byland's Squadron taken-Capture of Mr. Laurens-Declaration of War-Affairs of Eust Indies-Mr. Cornwall chosen Speaker-Dutch War-India Affairs-Burke's Reform Bill-Petition of Delegates from Counties-Bill to repeal the Marriage Act. -Motion on American War-Session concluded-Attack upon Jersey-Siege of Gibraltar-Capture of St. Eustatia-Campaign in America-Revolt of Pennsyl vania Line-Arnold's Expedition to Virginia-General Greene appointed to the Command in Carolina-Tarleton defeated by Morgan-Masterly Retreat of the. Americans-Battle of Guildford-Lord Cornwallis proceeds to Virginia-Operations in Virginia-Capture of Lord Cornwallis-Expedition of Commodore JohnstoneOperations in the West Indies-Tobago taken-St. Eustatia Convoy taken-East Indies-Hyder Ally defeated-Cheyt Sing-Engagement with the Dutch-Combined Fleets in the Channel.

ARMED NEUTRALITY.

CAUSES OF RUPTURE WITH HOLLAND-interfered with their views. This haughtiness worked its own overthrow. The em THE desperation which ill success and ill press of Russia took the lead in establishing conduct produced in ministers was never a system of maritime laws, which subverted more clearly evinced than in the course of the claims of Great Britain. the year 1780. As if Great Britain had not On the twenty-sixth of February 1780, a been sufficiently involved in the work of declaration was published by the empress of bloodshed and devastation; by the singular Russia, addressed to the courts of London, diligence and activity of administration a Versailles, and Madrid. In this it was ob new enemy was conjured up, and added to served, "That her Imperial majesty had an already sufficiently powerful combination. given such convincing proofs of the strict One of the causes which provoked the regard she had for the rights of neutrality, resentment of the British ministry against and the liberty of commerce in general, that the States-General has already been no- it might have been hoped her impartial conticed; but there were some of a still more important nature, which it is now time to remark.

duct would have entitled her subjects to the enjoyment of the advantages belonging to neutral nations. Experience had however The naval superiority of Great Britain proved the contrary: her subjects had been had long been the subject of regret and molested in their navigation by the ships envy in Europe. As it was the interest, so and privateers of the belligerent powers. it seemed to be the wish of the European Her majesty therefore declared, "That she powers to avail themselves of the present found it necessary to remove these vexations favorable moment to effect a humiliation which had been offered to the commerce of of her maritime grandeur. That the flag Russia; but before she came to any serious of all nations must strike to British ships of measures, she thought it just and equitable. war, could not be otherwise than mortifying to expose to the world, and particularly to to independent sovereigns. The haughty the belligerent powers, the principles she demand was not their only cause of com- had adopted for her conduct, which were as plaint. Various litigations had taken place follows: between the commanders of British armed

“That neutral ships should enjoy a free vessels, and those who were in the service navigation, even from port to port, and on of neutral powers, respecting the extent of the coasts of the belligerent powers. That that commerce, which was consistent with all effects belonging to the belligerent powa strict and fair neutrality. The British in- ers should be looked on as free on board such sisted on the lawfulness of seizing supplies, neutral ships, with an exception of places which were about to be carried to their ene- actually blocked up or besieged, and with a mies. Having been in the habit of com- proviso that they do not carry to the enemy manding on the sea, they considered power contraband articles." These were limited and right to be synonymous terms. As other by an explanation, so as to "comprehend nations, from a dread of provoking their ven- only warlike stores and ammunition;" and geance, had submitted to their claim of do- her Imperial majesty declared, that "she minion on the ocean, they fancied them- was firmly resolved to maintain these prinselves invested with authority to control the ciples, and that with the view of protecting commerce of independent nations, when it the commerce and navigation of her subjects

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