The Baron DeKalb [pp. 141-202]

1852.]`TAe Baron DeKaib. 153
us, endorsed by DeKaib, describes the beef drawn for the
army as "not fit for the use of human beings," and the
flour as "too sour for use."
The Baron seems, all this time, to have been actively
employed, and in military duties of an arduous character.
lie was sent, early in November, 1~7~7, on a tour of re COflfloZssance with Generals St. Clair and Knox, and re ported the vast importance of keeping possession of the
Jersey shpre, at or near Red Bank. This region, during
this campaign, had already been made the scene of a
fierce struggle, distinguished by the gallant defence of
Red Bank by Colonel Greene, and the final loss of Fort
Mifflin. The necessity of securing another position, in
the same precincts, for a fortress, was due to the security
of the American shipping employed in the Delaware, and
for other objects, all equally important to the interests of
the army. The letters of Washington speak of DeKaib,
in connection with this duty, in language of the fullest
confidence. The commission, as we learn from another
letter of Washington, returned to camp on the 19th Nov.
The season was one of unusual activity. The British,
under Coruwallis, were in motion, and Lafayette had the
fortune to win the applause of the country by a spirited
assault upon his liessians. Winter was rapidly approach ing, and the rival armies, with the full consciousness of
the period when frost and ice would fetter all operations,
were making their last demonstrations. The policy of
the Americans was, as usual, defensive, and we have no
reason to doubt that DeKalb was doing good service, and
constantly employed in those fields of usefulness, which
are the more discouraging, apart from their general la boriousness, as they afford no opportunities for brilliant
distinction. The winter wore on, and during the interval
of inaction-not rest-DeKaib found leisure for such
employments as the following letter will best illustrate.
It is addressed to
"llis Excellency, lienry Laurens, President of Congress.
"VALLEY FORGE CAMP, ~TII JAN., 1~~8.
"SIR:-The letter of the 1st inst., your Excellency honoured me
-with, gives me great concern on account of your health. I wish it
inay be better by this time. I am also sorry for your trouble of
answering my letter of the 20th December. Being fully convinced