350. The joyful news of Burgoyne's surrender, received about this time, served to relieve the depression occasioned by Washington's reverses. It roused Howe to additional exertion. At midnight, December 2d, 1777, he held a council of war at a house occupied by a Quaker named Darrah. Mrs. Darrah, who was a true friend of her country, suspected that something important was going on; and, silently rising after retiring to bed, she overheard an order for the British troops to start the following night for the purpose of surpri sing Washington at White Marsh. Returning to her room, she feigned sleep, but spent the rest of the night in meditating how she could save her countrymen. Not daring to trust any one with her secret, she obtained a permit to pass the British lines, on pretence of having to go to mill for a bag of flour. The ground was covered with snow, but she heeded it not, and hastening on met an American officer to whom she delivered the important information. The next night she observed the British marching forth on their expedition. They silently approached the camp of Washington, but to their astonishment found the whole American army drawn up in readiness to receive them. For three days Howe remained in the neighborhood, but Washington would not leave his intrenchments to give him battle. On Howe's return to Philadelphia, Mrs. Darrah was closely examined, as to whether any member of her family had been awake on the night in question, but nothing was discovered.

351. The weather now rendered it necessary for Washington to withdraw his army from the field to permanent winterquarters. These he fixed at Valley Forge, on the southwest side of the Schuylkill [skool'-kill], 22 miles from Philadelphia. A march of eight days, over frozen ground on which they left the marks of their bleeding feet, brought his men to the spot. Most of the neighboring inhabitants were Tories, and as the British bought their produce at high prices and paid

Bank. Of that on Fort Mifflin. 350. What joyful news was now received? How did it act on Howe? Tell the story about Mrs. Darrah. 851. What did the weather now oblige Washington to do? What place did he select for his winter-quarters? [See Map, p. 249. How is Valley Forge situated? In what direction is it from White Marsh? What place south of it?] How long were the army in reaching it? What is said of the

1777]

VALLEY FORGE.

253

for it in gold and silver, it was almost impossible for Washington to procure provisions in exchange for the paper money of Congress. He was authorized to seize on what he needed wherever it could be found within seventy miles of the camp; but many of the farmers concealed their grain and even resisted the American foraging parties. Meanwhile the British, 19,500 strong, were revelling in comfort and plenty at Philadelphia. This was the dark hour of the American Revolution.

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CHAPTER XIII.

THE AMERICAN ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE.

352. THE deplorable situation of the American army at Valley Forge, during the dreary winter of 1777-78, can hardly be imagined. Four thousand men were unable to

move out of their huts for want of clothing. A whole pair of shoes was hardly known in the camp. Exposure and the want of proper food brought on putrid fevers and other fatal disorders. The officers fared but little better than their men. The paper money issued by Congress had depreciated so much that the pay of a general was hardly sufficient to keep him in clothes.

This lamentable state of things filled the breast of Washington with inexpressible anguish, which was increased by the injustice of some of his countrymen. The Pennsylvania Legislature censured him for withdrawing his troops to winter-quarters. Congress wavered in its confidence, and in appointing a new board of war gave a prominent place to Gates, Conway, Mifflin, and others, known to be hostile to the commander. Some even demanded that he should be superseded by Gates or Lee. Washington bore these unjust complaints with patience, knowing that time would place things in their true light. He was not wrong. The proposition to remove him was met with indignant, remonstrances from all parts of the country; and Congress, finally convinced that the blame rested with themselves for not making suitable provisions, took measures for the proper equipment of an efficient army.

353. Unbounded joy was soon diffused through America by the news that France had at length (February 6, 1778) recognized the independence of the United States, and entered into a treaty of alliance with its commissioners. This was brought about by the unremitting labors of Franklin. A general favorite at the French court, he had embraced every opportunity of proving to the king and ministry the certainty of his country's ultimate triumph in the struggle with England. Burgoyne's surrender furnished him with an irresistible argument, and the long desired treaty was obtained.

852. Describe the situation of the Americans, both men and officers, at Valley Forge. What other cause of grief had Washington? How were the unjust complaints against the commander received? What did Congress finally decide to do? 353. What joyful news reached America in the spring of 1778? By whom and how were the French in

354. The arrival of Baron Steuben threw another ray of light on the gloom which overshadowed the patriot army at Valley Forge. Steuben had served as aid-de-camp and lieutenant-general under Frederick the Great, king of Prussia. Congress gladly accepted his services, and found them of immense value in organizing and disciplining the army. In May, 1778, at Washington's request, he was appointed inspector-general, and the results of his experience were soon apparent.

355. Washington attempted little during his melancholy sojourn at Valley Forge. Towards the close of spring, 1778, La Fayette was sent with 2,100 men to Barren Hill, on the Schuylkill, twelve miles from Valley Forge, to keep the foraging parties of the enemy in check, and to be ready for action in case of any decided movement. With the connivance of a tory, at whose house the marquis lodged, Howe forthwith laid a plan to cut off the detachment. Fortu

duced to make this alliance? 854. What important addition did the army at Valley Forge receive? What is said of Baron Steuben? To what office was he appointed? 855. Give an account of La Fayette's escape at Barren Hill. What is said of Washing

nately La Fayette discovered the scheme in time to defeat it by a skilful retreat. Washington, who had observed through a spy-glass the threatening movements of the enemy, could hardly restrain his joy when his beloved brotherin-arms reached the camp in safety.

356. The British ministry began to perceive, that, though victories had been gained, little was really done towards reducing America, and the alliance with France rendered their prospects for the future still worse. Accordingly commissioners were sent over with liberal proposals, which would have been accepted before the war commenced, but which now came too late. Bribery was freely tried, but in vain. Among those whom the commissioners ventured to approach in this way was Gen. Reed, of Pennsylvania. Ten thousand guineas and a profitable post were offered him, if he would use his influence to bring about a reconciliation. "I am not worth purchasing," was the reply of the honest patriot; "but, such as I am, the king of Great Britain is not rich enough to buy me."

357. In March, 1778, the country received a severe blow in the loss of Captain Nicholas Biddle, one of its ablest na- val officers. After capturing a number of prizes in the U.S. frigate Randolph, he encountered the Yarmouth [yar'-muth], a British ship of 64 guns, and in the midst of the engagement his vessel blew up. Captain Biddle and all his men, except four who were picked up by the enemy, instantly perished.

ton's solicitude on this occasion? 856. What was now evident to the British ministry! What course did they therefore pursue? Give an account of their attempts at negotiation. What passed between them and Gen. Reed? What severe blow did the coun try receive in March, 1778 ?