A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

40 HISTORY OF THE
over the Schuylkill, at about the same distance. The retreat of Lafayette was thus cut off from every passage but
Matson's Ford; and as the line from his position formed the
base of an obtuse-angled triangle, it is obvious that his distance from it was much greater than that of the British.
General Lafayette now changed his front, and took a
good position opposite the column of General Grant, having
before him Barren Hill Church, and behind him the opening which served as a retreat. About this time his perilous
situation was perceived by glasses from the camp at Valley
Forge, and the whole army was put under arms to act as
circumstances might require; and six alarm guns fired by
General Washington, intended to give his detachment notice of the danger, served also to keep the enemy in awe,
who imagined the whole American army was in march.Nothing now remained but to retreat; and Lafayette, with
a veteran composure, and with a promptness of decision so
essential in moments of critical danger, took the only course
which could have preserved his troops. He therefore advanced the head of a column toward Grant, as if to attack
him, while the rear filed off rapidly toward the Schuylkill!
this movement gained ground even for the front, which,
while it advanced towards the enemy, also approached the
river, and at the same time induced General Grant to lose
time in order to prepare for battle. While this manceuvre
was performing in the face of the detachment under Grant,
a small party was thrown into the churchyard, which was
surrounded by a wall, on the road toward General Gray,
which also gave the appearance of an intention to attack in
that quarter. By these dispositions, happily conceived, and
executed with regularity, the marquis extricated himself and
his party from the destruction which had appeared almost
inevitable. The only road he could take made him approach the column of General Grant, and exposed him to
be attacked by it in front, while Gray and the main body
fell on his rear. In this situation, his own greatness of mind
suggested to the young soldier the proper course to be pur