From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library
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<strong>Farm</strong> <strong>House</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>White</strong> <strong>House</strong>, by William M. Thayer 162<br />
pointed <strong>to</strong> a reorganization of <strong>the</strong> army, on a permanent footing, according <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n's frequently<br />
expressed ideas. The general had great expectations of relief from this more liberal policy.<br />
"Our present action should look solely <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> safety of <strong>the</strong> army," interjected Lee. "To save it from<br />
annihilation or capture is our first duty."<br />
"Certainly," rejoined Washing<strong>to</strong>n; "and now let this question be answered definitely: whe<strong>the</strong>r (considering<br />
that <strong>the</strong> obstructions in <strong>the</strong> North River have proved insufficient, and that <strong>the</strong> enemy's whole force is in our<br />
rear on Grog Point), it is now deemed possible, in our situation, <strong>to</strong> prevent <strong>the</strong> enemy from cutting off <strong>the</strong><br />
communication with <strong>the</strong> country, and compelling us <strong>to</strong> fight <strong>the</strong>m at all disadvantages or surrender prisoners<br />
at discretion?"<br />
Every number of <strong>the</strong> council except General Clin<strong>to</strong>n decided that it was impossible <strong>to</strong> occupy <strong>the</strong> present<br />
position without exposing <strong>the</strong> army <strong>to</strong> destruction or capture; hence, ano<strong>the</strong>r retreat followed.<br />
XIX.<br />
FROM HARLEM TO TRENTON.<br />
Washing<strong>to</strong>n withdrew his army <strong>to</strong> <strong>White</strong> Plains, leaving nearly three thousand of his best troops <strong>to</strong> garrison<br />
Fort Washing<strong>to</strong>n. Congress believed that Fort Washing<strong>to</strong>n could hold <strong>the</strong> Hudson secure, and <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
ordered that a strong garrison be left <strong>the</strong>re. It was not according <strong>to</strong> General Washing<strong>to</strong>n's idea, after he<br />
decided <strong>to</strong> retreat <strong>to</strong> <strong>White</strong> Plains, but he yielded <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> request of Congress. General Putnam's obstructions in<br />
<strong>the</strong> river amounted <strong>to</strong> little. Four galleys, mounted with heavy guns and swivels; two new ships, filled with<br />
s<strong>to</strong>nes, <strong>to</strong> be sunk at <strong>the</strong> proper moment; a sloop at anchor, having on board an infernal machine for<br />
submarine explosion, with which <strong>to</strong> blow up <strong>the</strong> men-of-war; <strong>the</strong>se were among <strong>the</strong> aids <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fort, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with batteries on ei<strong>the</strong>r shore, <strong>to</strong> prevent <strong>the</strong> enemy ascending <strong>the</strong> Hudson. Yet, on <strong>the</strong> ninth day of Oc<strong>to</strong>ber,<br />
three British war-ships sailed triumphantly up <strong>the</strong> river, sweeping through <strong>the</strong> obstructions, with little damage<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
The British pursued <strong>the</strong> American army. Washing<strong>to</strong>n threw up intrenchments hastily, designing <strong>to</strong> make but a<br />
temporary stay <strong>the</strong>re. General Lee arrived with <strong>the</strong> rear division of <strong>the</strong> army, after <strong>the</strong> temporary fortifications<br />
were well under way.<br />
"This is but a temporary camp," remarked Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong> Lee. "Yonder height (pointing <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> north) is a<br />
more eligible location."<br />
"I judge so," General Lee answered, taking in <strong>the</strong> situation at once.<br />
"Let us ride out and inspect <strong>the</strong> ground for ourselves," proposed Washing<strong>to</strong>n. And <strong>the</strong>y galloped away. On<br />
arriving at <strong>the</strong> spot, General Lee pointed <strong>to</strong> still ano<strong>the</strong>r height far<strong>the</strong>r north.<br />
"That is <strong>the</strong> ground we ought <strong>to</strong> occupy," he said.<br />
"Well, let us go and view it," replied Washing<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
They had not reached <strong>the</strong> location when a courier came dashing up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
"The British are in <strong>the</strong> camp, sir!" he exclaimed <strong>to</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
"Then we have o<strong>the</strong>r business <strong>to</strong> attend <strong>to</strong> than reconnoitering," quickly and coolly replied <strong>the</strong> general, putting<br />
spurs <strong>to</strong> his horse and returning <strong>to</strong> camp.