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.

PARTII.] THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 167
the city. How far this might be founded in necessity,
I am not able to determine; but I suppose it was done
under that idea, and an apprehension of their falling
into the enemy's hands if they attempted to pass up
the river.
Upon the first information I had of Lord Cornwallis's
movement, I detached General Huntington's brigade to
join General Varnum, and, as soon as possible, General
Greene with his division; hoping that these, with Glover's brigade, which was on the march through Jersey,
and which I directed to file off to the left for the same
purpose, and with such militia as could be collected,
would be able to defeat the enemy's design, and preserve the fort. But they were so rapid in their advances, that our troops could not form a junction and
arrive in time to succour the garrison; which obliged
them to withdraw. General Greene is still in Jersey;
and, when Glover's brigade joins him, if an attack can
be made on Lord Cornwallis with a prospect of success,
I am persuaded it will be done. About a hundred and
seventy of Morgan's corps are also gone to reinforce
him.* Generals Poor and Paterson, with their brigades,:" The remainder of Morgan's corps was rendered unfit to march by
the want of shoes. There was much suffering in the army generally on
this account. The following is an extract from the Orderly Book.
"The Commander-in-chief offers a reward of ten dollars to any person, who shall by nine o'clock on Monday morning produce the best
substitute for shoes, made of raw hides. The commissary of hides is to
furnish the hides, and the major-general of the day is to judge of the
essays, and assign the reward to the best artist." - November 22d.
A council of war was called, on the evening of the 24th of November,
to consider the question of making an immediate attack on the enemy
in Philadelphia. While Lord Cornwallis was absent in New Jersey with
so large a body of troops, it was supposed by some that a fit opportunity
presented itself for making a successful attack. General Washington
had reconnoitred the enemy's lines in person with this view. The subject was debated with earnestness, and, as there was a difference of
opinion among the members of the council, they separated without com