replied that he was "not worth buying; but, such as he was, the king of England was not rich enough to do it." The commissioners persisted for some time in their tampering. They sent addresses to persons of every description throughout the country, with offers of pardon, and threatenings of vengeance, but their promises and menaces were alike disregarded. The inhabitants of the surrounding country, knowing the condition of the army, were alarmed; one of them left his home one day, and, as he was passing thoughtfully the edge of a wood near the camp, heard low sounds of a voice. He paused to listen, and, looking between the trunks of the large trees, saw Washington engaged in prayer. He passed quietly on, that he might not disturb him; and, on returning home, told his family he knew the Americans would succeed, for their leader did not trust in his own strength, but sought aid from the Hearer of prayer, who promised in his word, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Many, who, in prosperity, have forgotten to worship their Creator, call upon him earnestly in the day of trouble, when they feel that His power only can deliver them; but with Washington it was a custom, as one of his nephews thus relates: "One morning, at daybreak, an officer came to the general's quarters with despatches. As such communications usually passed through my hands, I took the papers from the messenger and directed my steps towards the general's room. Walking along the passage which led to his door, I heard a voice within. I paused, and distinctly recognised the voice of the general. Listening for a moment, when all was silent around, I found that he was earnestly engaged in prayer. I knew this to be his habit, and therefore retired, with the papers in my hand, till such time as I supposed he had finished the exercise, when I returned, knocked at his door, and was admitted." Thus, in obedience to Him whom he called "the Divine Author of our blessed religion," Washington, in the retirement of his chamber, prayed to his "Father who seeth in secret ;" and truly his "Father who seeth in secret" did "reward him openly." The aspect of affairs now became more cheering. Silas Deane arrived from France with a treaty between the United States and the French government, which revived everywhere the drooping spirits of the people. General Howe about the same time sailed for England. He was an experienced officer in European tactics, but wanted energy, enterprise, and activity and was utterly unable to cope with Wash ington. He was succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton, also an officer of experience and reputation. The alliance with France, and its anticipated consequences, rendered an entire change of measures necessary on the part of the enemy, and the new commander prepared to evacuate Philadelphia, to concentrate his force at New York. This design was executed, and he marched through New Jersey with Washington hanging on his rear, eager to strike a blow. He had so long been harassed by the necessity of constantly retreating, that the idea of pursuit animated him to new exertions and new vigour. At last he had turned on his pursuers, and almost for the first time since he assumed the command, could he indulge the bias of his temper, which was ever in favour of decisive action. Though still inferior in force, he was equal in numbers, and hoped that Sir Henry Clinton would afford him an opportunity of attack, in his march through New Jersey. He proposed the question to a council of officers, where it was opposed by Steuben, Du Portail, and General Lee. But this did not deter him, and he resolved that the enemy should not escape without a blow, if an opportunity for striking it occurred. The march of the British general was directed towards Middletown, whence he |