CHAPTER X.

HROUGHOUT the country, and throughout the world, which had been a deeply interested spectator of the conflict, the capture of this second British army was regarded as decisive of our struggle for independence. The combined army soon after separated to go into winter quarters.

A portion of the French forces departed for the West Indies, and the residue remained in Virginia until the spring, when it left the country, followed by the blessings of the people.

Washington, after separating from the French, resumed his position on the Hudson, for the purpose of being ready to act, if necessary, against Sir Henry Clinton on the opening of the spring. Though hoping the war was now closed, he did not remit his exertions to be prepared for its renewal. He saw the necessity of being ready for another campaign.

I

"I shall endeavour," he writes to General Greene, who so nobly distinguished himself in the war of the South-"I shall endeavour to stimulate Congress to the best improvement of our success, by taking the most vigorous and effectual measures to be ready for an early and decisive campaign the next year. My greatest fear is, that, viewing this stroke in a point of light which may too much magnify its importance, they may think our work too nearly closed, and fall into a state of languor and relaxation. To prevent this error, I shall employ every means in my power; and if unhappily we fall into this fatal mistake, no part of the blame shall be mine."

But, on receiving news of the capture of Cornwallis, the ministry ceased to have a majority in the House of Commons in favour of the war. Various motions were made for putting an end to it, and finally a resolution was passed, declaring that the House would consider as enemies to the king and to the country all who should advise or attempt the further prosecution of offensive war in America. The command of the forces in this country was given to Sir Guy Carleton, with instructions to prepare the way for an accommodation by every proper means in his power.

Carleton accordingly opened a correspondence with Congress, proposing the appointment of commissioners on their part to negotiate a reconciliation. By the terms of the treaty of alliance between the United States and France, neither party could conclude a separate peace without the consent of the other, and the negotiations were transferred to Paris. Here, on the 30th of November, 1782, the provisional articles of a treaty were agreed on by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, on the part of the United States, and Messrs. Fitzherbert and Oswald on behalf of Great Britain. The definitive treaty of peace was, however, not finally ratified until the 30th of September, 1783. It recognised the independence of the United States, and for ever.

Thus, after a series of sacrifices as great as was perhaps ever made by any nation for the attainment of freedom, and an accumulation of sufferings, hardships, disappointments, and aggravated difficulties, which could only have been borne by a brave, steady, and virtuous people, the United States won for themselves a station among the independent nations.

When the American army had the expectation of soon being dismissed from service, they became

anxious about the pay that was due them, and which it was necessary they should receive, to enable them to return to their families. An artful address was circulated through the camp on the Hudson, for the purpose of inducing desperate resolutions to force the government to a compliance with their demands. The address was accompanied by an invitation to all the officers to meet on the next day, and take the subject into consideration. Washington was in camp, and his firmness and judgment did not forsake him. In his general orders he noticed the address, and expressed his belief that the good sense of the officers would prevent their "paying any attention to such an irregular invitation," but invited them to meet on another day, when, he said, they could deliberate on what course they ought to pursue. Before that day arrived, he conversed separately with the officers, and used his influence to lead them to adopt measures which he intended to propose. When they were assembled, he addressed them in a calm and affectionate manner; entreating them to disregard the efforts that were made to induce them to act disgracefully, and assuring them of his confidence that Congress would treat them justly.

This address, from one whom they loved and had

been accustomed to obey,-in whose judgment and affection they had perfect confidence,-could not fail to influence the army, and the officers immediately formed resolutions which satisfied their anxious commander, and proved their respect for him. It has been suggested that in no instance did the United States receive a more signal deliverance through the hands of Washington, than in the termination of this transaction. His conduct gave a new proof of the soundness of his judgment, and the purity of his patriotism. He wrote to Congress an account of what had occurred, and earnestly entreated that the demands of the army might be attended to, and that provision might be made for a further compensation than the mere pay which was due to the officers. He said, "if (as has been suggested for the purpose of inflaming their passions,) the officers of the army are to be the only sufferers by this revolution; if retiring from the field they are to grow old in poverty, wretchedness and contempt, and owe the miserable remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent in honour, then shall I have learned what ingratitude is; then shall I have realized a tale which will embitter every moment of my future life."

Congress received a petition from the officers, and