1776. CHAP. VI. deserted the American cause, which they had at first embraced, attributed their defection to this measure. It was also an unfortunate truth, that in the whole country, between New England and the Potomac, which was now to become the great theatre of action, although the majority was in favour of independence, yet there existed a formidable minority, who not only refused to act with their countrymen, but were ready to give to the enemy every aid in their power. It cannot, however, be questioned, that the declaration of independence was wise, and well timed; and that, since the continuance of the war was inevitable, every principle of sound policy required that the avowed characters of the parties should be changed; and that it should no longer be denominated, or considered, a war between a sovereign and his acknowledged subjects. CHAPTER CHAPTER VII. LORD AND SIR WILLIAM HOWE ARRIVE BEFORE NEW YORK ARMY OF BROOKLYN-EVACUATION OF LONG ISLAND FRUITLESS NEGOTIATIONS ON 1776. N evacuating Boston, General Howe had retired to CHAP. VII. Halifax. He seems to have intended there to wait the large reinforcements expected from England, and not to approach his adversary till he should be in a condition arrive before to act offensively, and with such success as would make a very serious impression. But the situation of his army in that place was so uncomfortable, and the delays in the arrival of the troops from Europe were so great, that he at length resolved, with the forces already under his command, to sail for New York, in some of the islands on the sea coast of which, it would be in his power to take a station of perfect security, till he should be strong enough to commence the great plan of operations which was contemplated. This measure was recommended by several considerations. His troops would there receive plentiful supplies of fresh provisions; he would be enabled to ascertain, with more precision, the dependence to be placed on the inhabitants; VOL. II. 3 G and, Lord and Sir William Howe New York. 1776. CHAP. VII and, in the meantime, to make those preparations which would facilitate his plan for opening the campaign with vigour, so soon as his whole army should be collected. In the latter end of June, he arrived off Sandy Hook, in the Greyhound, and, on the twenty-ninth of that month, the first division of the fleet from Halifax reached the same place. The rear division soon followed, and, having passed the Narrows, landed the troops on Staten Island, where General Washington had placed only a small military force, for the purpose of collecting and driving off such stock as might otherwise supply the invading army with fresh provisions. Here they were received with great demonstrations of joy by the inhabitants, who took the oaths of allegiance to the British crown, and embodied themselves under the authority of the late Governor Tryon, for the defence of the island. Strong assurances were also received from Long Island, and the neighbouring parts of New Jersey, of the favourable dispositions of a great proportion of the people to the royal cause. On Staten Island, General Howe resolved to wait till his army should be in full force, unless circumstances should require a change of system Foreseeing the distress which would be occasioned to the enemy, by cutting off those supplies of fresh provisions which would be particularly useful on their first landing, General Washington had urged the different committees to co-operate with him in removing the stock and grain in the small small islands near the coast; which, if permitted, to remain, would inevitably fall into their hands: but this wise precaution had been only in part executed, and General Howe soon obtained partial supplies for himself and army. In The effect with which the British arms had been opposed in New England had demonstrated to administration the very serious complexion of the war, and the necessity of employing in it a force vastly more considerable than they had originally supposed could possibly be required. addition, therefore, to the national troops, they had subsidized about thirteen thousand Hessians and Waldeckers, and it was also determined to employ a powerful fleet in this important service.* As had been foreseen by General Washington, the great effort was now to be made on the Hudson. A variety of considerations suggested the policy of transferring the seat of war to this part of the continent. Such is the formation of the country, on the sea coast, being divided into islands assailable in every direction by a maritime force, that it requires for defence, against a conjoint attack by land and water, not only complete fortifications, but a very formidable army also. The same causes which render this part of the United States so vulnerable to an invading enemy, commanding the sea, secure that enemy in the possession of it, after it has been acquired. It must always be found ex CHAP. VII. 1776 CHAP. VII tremely difficult to drive even an inferior army from this post, without first obtaining a naval superiority. 1775. The British general was invited to New York, not only by the facility with which that position could be taken and retained, but by the great and superior advantages it offered in the prosecution of the war. Long Island, of the secure possession of which he could not entertain a doubt, unless his force should be insufficient to make any impression whatever on America, was a fertile country, abounding in provisions, and would of itself furnish large supplies to his army. From this post, too, it was optional with him to carry the war eastwardly, into New England; northwardly, into the state of New York; or, westwardly, into the Jerseys and Pennsylvania; or, if too weak to attempt the conquest of either, he could retire into a place of security, and either. harass the American army and the adjacent country, or carry on expeditions against distant parts of the continent. In fact, it enabled him to command perfectly his own operation, and to choose the scene of action. The possession of the Hudson, too, would open to him the most direct communication with Canada, and enable him very greatly to interrupt the intercourse between the eastern and southern states. In addition to these circumstances, he would cover his friends, who, in turn, would recruit his army, and supply it with those necessaries, the want of which he had so severely experienced in Boston. The command of the fleet destined for this service was entrusted to Lord Howe, the brother of the general; and they |