From Farm House to the White House - 912 Freedom Library

Farm House to the White House, by William M. Thayer 166
flocked to his standard. He issued a proclamation, also, offering pardon and protection to all citizens who
would take the oath of allegiance to the king. There was so little hope of the American cause at that time, and
Washington's army appeared so plainly to be near destruction, that many citizens took the oath and joined the
British army, as they thought, from absolute necessity. "Many who had been prominent in the cause, hastened
to take advantage of this proclamation," says Irving. "Those who had the most property to lose were the first
to submit; the middle ranks remained generally steadfast in this time of trial."
A British officer wrote to his friends in London:
"The rebels continue flying before our army. Lord Cornwallis took the fort opposite Brunswick, plunged into
Raritan River, and seized the town.... Such a panic has seized the rebels that no part of the Jerseys will hold
them, and I doubt whether Philadelphia itself will stop their career. The Congress have lost their authority....
They are in such consternation that they know not what to do. The two Adamses are in New England;
Franklin gone to France; Lynch has lost his senses; Rutledge has gone home disgusted; Dana is persecuting at
Albany; and Jay is in the country, playing as bad a part, so that the fools have lost the assistance of the
knaves."
"This," says Sparks, "was the gloomiest period of the war. The campaign had been little else than a series of
disasters and retreats. The enemy had gained possession of Rhode Island, Long Island, the city of New York,
Staten Island, and nearly the whole of the Jerseys, and seemed on the point of extending their conquests into
Pennsylvania. By the fatal scheme of short enlistments, and by sickness, the effective force with General
Washington had dwindled away, till it hardly deserved the name of an army."
Still Washington was hopeful, and expected that the cause of right would triumph. When and how he could
not tell; but he continued to say, "That Providence which has brought us out of many difficulties will yet
crown our righteous cause with success."
"I expected substantial aid from the Jerseys," he said to General Mercer. "I am disappointed that the people
have not flocked to our standard."
"I am more than disappointed," replied Mercer; "I am shocked and vexed at the cowardice of the people."
"What think you," continued Washington, "if we should retreat to the back part of Pennsylvania, would the
Pennsylvanians support us?"
The mountainous regions of Pennsylvania were the field of his early exploits against the French and Indians,
and Mercer was with him there.
"If the lower counties give up, the back counties will do the same," Mercer answered in a desponding way.
"We must then retire to Augusta County, Virginia," responded Washington, his indomitable spirit rising
superior to all discouragements. "Numbers will repair to us for safety, and we will try a predatory war. If
overpowered, we must cross the Alleghanies."
Before this time, Colonel Reed said to him one day, "When shall we stop this everlasting retreating and make
a stand?"
Washington answered, without the least show of resentment:
"If it becomes necessary, we will retreat over every river and mountain in America."
Such an unconquerable spirit receives its reward at last.