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.

208 LIFE OF WASHINGTON. [1776.
murmurings and jealousies between individuals, companies, and regiments. Nor was there the salutary check
of interest to operate as a restraint upon the States.
The war was a common charge, and, when money or
credit could be applied to meet the present exigency, it
was a small sacrifice to be bountiful in accumulating a
debt, which the continent was pledged to pay. There
could be no other remedy than a supreme power in
Congress, which did not exist; and the evil was at all
times a source of irregularities in the military arrangements, and of vexation to the Commander-in-chief.
The arduous duties of General Washington's immediate command were now increased by the task of
organizing a new army, and holding conferences with
commissioners from the States for the appointment of
officers, in the midst of an active campaign, while the
enemy were pressing upon him with a force vastly
superior in discipline, at times superior in numbers, and
abundantly supplied with provisions, clothing, tents, and
all the munitions of war.
Sir William Howe was soon in motion. Having prepared his plans for gaining the rear of the American
army, by which he hoped either to cut off its communication with the country, or bring on a general action,
he first sent two ships, a frigate, and tenders up the
Hudson. These vessels passed the batteries, and ran
through the obstructions in the river, without receiving
any apparent damage; and thus secured a free passage
to the Highlands, thereby preventing any supplies from
coming to the American army by water. This experiment
having succeeded even better than he had expected,
the British commander, on the 12th of October, embarked his troops in the East River on board flat-boats,
sloops, and schooners, passed through Hell Gate into
the Sound, and landed the same day at Frog's Point.