Life and Times of Washington, vol 2 (Revised, Enlarged, and Enriched) | Page 7

disturbances in the revolted Colonies were at an end, and that the
people of America, recovering from their delusion, had returned to their
duty; but so mutinous and determined was the spirit of their leaders that
they had openly abjured and renounced all connection and
communication with the mother country and had rejected every
conciliatory proposition. Much mischief, he said, would accrue not
only to the commerce of Great Britain but to the general system of
Europe if this rebellion were suffered to take root. The conduct of the
Colonists would convince every one of the necessity of the measures
proposed to be adopted, and the past success of the British arms
promised the happiest results; but preparations must be promptly made
for another campaign. A hope was expressed of the general continuance
of tranquility in Europe, but that it was thought advisable to increase
the defensive resources at home.

The addresses to the speech were in the usual form, but amendments
were moved in both houses of parliament; in the Commons by Lord
John Cavendish and in the Lords by the Marquis of Rockingham. After
an animated debate the amendment was rejected, in the House of
Commons by 242 against 87, and in the Lords by 91 against 26. During
the session of parliament some other attempts were made for adopting
conciliatory measures, but the influence of ministry was so powerful
that they were all completely defeated, and the plans of administration
received the approbation and support of parliament.
During the winter (1776-1777), which was very severe, the British
troops at Brunswick and Amboy were kept on constant duty and
suffered considerable privations. The Americans were vigilant and
active, and the British army could seldom procure provisions or forage
without fighting. But although in the course of the winter the affairs of
the United States had begun to wear a more promising aspect, yet there
were still many friends of royalty in the provinces. By their open
attachment to the British interest, numbers had already exposed
themselves to the hostility of the patriotic party; and others, from
affection to Britain or distrust of the American cause, gave their
countenance and aid to General Howe. Early in the season a
considerable number of these men joined the royal army, and were
embodied under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief with the
same pay as the regular troops, besides the promise of an allotment of
land at the close of the disturbances. Governor Tryon, who had been
extremely active in engaging and disciplining them, was promoted to
the rank of major-general of the Loyal Provincialists. [1]
The campaign opened on both sides by rapid predatory incursions and
bold desultory attacks. At Peekskill, on the North river, about fifty
miles above New York, the Americans had formed a post, at which,
during the winter, they had collected a considerable quantity of
provisions and camp-equipage to supply the stations in the vicinity as
occasion might require.
The most mountainous part of the district, named the Manor of
Courland, was formed into a kind of citadel, replenished with stores,
and Peekskill served as a port to it. On the 23d of March (1777), as
soon as the river was clear of ice, Howe, who thought Peekskill of more
importance than it really was, detached Colonel Bird, with about 500

men, under convoy of a frigate and some armed vessels, against that
post. General M'Dougal, who commanded there, had then only about
250 men in the place. He had timely notice of Colonel Bird's approach,
and, sensible that his post was untenable, he exerted himself to remove
the stores to the strong grounds about two miles and a half in his rear;
but before he had made much progress in the work the British appeared,
when he set fire to the stores and buildings and retreated. Colonel Bird
landed and completed the destruction of the stores which he was unable
to remove. On the same day he re-embarked, and returned to New
York.
On the 8th of April (1777), says Gordon, Congress concluded upon the
erection of a monument to the memory of General Warren in the town
of Boston, and another to the memory of General Mercer in
Fredericksburg, in Virginia, and that the eldest son of General Warren,
and the youngest son of General Mercer, be educated from
henceforward at the expense of the United States. They conveyed in a
few words the highest eulogium on the characters and merits of the
deceased. Through inattention, General Warren, who fell on Breed's
Hill, had not been properly noted when Congress passed their resolve
respecting General Montgomery: the proposal for paying due respect to
the memory of Mercer led to the like in regard to Warren.
On the 13th of April Lord Cornwallis and General Grant, with about