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.

MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.. 49
the seasons, and the scarcity of every thing most necessary
to life. They reflected, moreover, that the English army
was embarrassed with the most cumbersome baggage, and
they did not doubt that in the numerous defiles it would be
compelled to thread, some favourable occasion would offer
to attack with advantage. Nevertheless, the voice of the
majority prevailed, not without evident dissatisfaction on
the part of Washington, who remained steadfast in the opinion which he had formed.
On the same day that the British abandoned Philadelphia,
the American commander moved from Valley Forge, and
crossing the river at Coryell's ferry, on the twenty-second,
took post at Hopewell. Sir Henry Clinton was now encamped at and round Allentown; and the main body of
the American army was about five miles from Princeton.
Notwithstahnding the almost concurrent opinion of the general officers against risking an action, the Fabius of America,
who, with a mind of uncommon firmness, combined an enterprising as well as cautious temper, indulged an anxious
desire to adopt that measure. He therefore again assembled his general officers, and once more submitted to them
the situation of the two armies. The same opinion respecting a general battle, that had been given the day before the movement from Valley Forge, was repeated; and
the proposition was peremptorily and decidedly negatived.
General Washington, however, still retained his inclination
to engage the enemy, and finding himself supported by the
private wishes of some officers whom he highly valued, he
determined to take his measures on his own responsibility,
and without calling another council. As soon as he discovered that the enemy were on their march toward Monmouth Court House, (not more than twelve miles from the
heights of Middletown,) he determined that they should not
escape without a blow. Major-General Dickenson with the
Jersey militia, consisting of about one thousand men, and a
brigade of continental troops commanded by Maxwell, now
hung on their left flank toward the rear of the enemy;
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