The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART 1I.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 103
cipitation and disorder. How to account for this, I
know not; unless, as I before observed, the fog represented their own friends to them for a reinforcement of
the enemy, as we attacked in different quarters at the
same time, and were about closing the wings of our
army when this happened. One thing, indeed, contributed not a little to our misfortune, and that was a
want of ammunition on the right wing, which began
the engagement, and in the course of two hours and
forty minutes, which time it lasted, had, many of them,
expended the forty rounds, that they took into the field.
After the engagement we removed to a place about
twenty miles from the enemy, to collect our forces
together, to take care of our wounded, get furnished
with necessaries again, and be in a better posture,
either for offensive or defensive operations. We are
now advancing towards the enemy again, being at this
time within twelve miles of them.
Our loss in the late action was, in killed, wounded,
and missing, about one thousand men, but of the missing, many, I dare say, took advantage of the times, and
deserted. General Nash of North Carolina was wounded, and died two or three days after. Many valuable
officers of ours were also wounded, and some killed.
In a word, it was a bloody day. Would to Heaven I
could add, that it had been a more fortunate one for us.
I very sincerely congratulate you on the change in
your family. Tell the young couple, after wishing them
joy of their union, that it is my sincere hope, that it
will be as happy and lasting as their present joys are
boundless. The enclosed letter of thanks to my sister
for her elegant present, you will please to deliver; and,
with sincere affection for you all, I am, &c.*
@ In this letter General Washington enclosed to his brother the copy
of a brief despatch, which he received after the letter was written, from