ness was accordingly committed to general Schuyler.

Gen. Schuyler, about the middle of January, called out. seven hundred of the Albany county militia, and commenced his march; but such was the enthusiasm of the people, that on his arrival at Caghnewaga, his force amounted to near three thousand, including nine hundred of the Tryon county militia. The approach of so formidable a force, intimidated the royalists to such a degree, that they were ready to make proposals of submission.

It was agreed, that Sir John, having given his parole of honor not to take up arms against America, should confine himself to certain limits ;-that he-should deliver up all the cannon, arms, and military stores, that, to his knowledge, were in the county, a few favorite family arms excepted; that the inhabitants should surrender their arms, and twelve prisoners, who were to be selected by Gen. Schuyler, and to be treated with humanity and due deference to rank. The whole number disarmed was supposed to amount to about six hundred.

About the same time, a considerable number were intrenching themselves on Long Island, for the purpose of supporting the royal cause. A detachment of the Jersey militia were sent over, by whom they were disarmed, and their leaders secured.

SEC. XII. Gen. Lee, preceded by a detachment of the continental troops, entered New York, early in February. In March, Gen. Washington succeeded in expelling the British troops from Boston, and, anticipating an attempt upon New York, soon after, made this place the head quarters of the army.

Give some account of Schuyler's proceedings.

At what other place were efforts made to support the royal cause? What was done to counteract them?

XII. When was New York occupied by the continental troops ?—— What was effected by Washington in March?

About the time of Lee's arrival, the inhabitants were thrown into great consternation, by the appearance of Gen. Clinton, with an armed force, at the Hook. Gen. Lee gave out " If the men of war set one house on fire in consequence of my coming, I will chain an hundred of their friends together, and make that house their funeral pile." Had anything been attempted, he would probably have retaliated in a formidable manner; but Clinton, after tarrying a short time at the Hook, sailed to the southward.

SEC. XIII. The siege of Quebec was regularly maintained during the winter, and considerable reinforcements were ordered to that post. Gen. Thomas was appointed to take the command, and arrived on the first of May. The American force before Quebec amounted to one thousand nine hundred men; but the small pox having broken out among the troops, not more than nine hundred were fit for duty. As it was impossible, in the present state of the army, to effect any enterprise, it was resolved, May the fifth, to make the best retreat in their power.

The arrival of reinforcements gave the British a decided superiority, and the American army, in a series of unfortunate movements, were compelled to abandon one post after another, until, on the 17th of June, they wholly evacuated Canada.

Gen. Thomas died of the small pox at Sorelle, and the command devolved on Gen. Sullivan. By the assistance of Stark, Poor, Wayne, and other excellent officers, he succeeded in making a safe retreat before a far superior

Give some account of the occurrence about the time of Lee's arrival.

XIII. What is said of the siege of Quebec?-Of the number and condition of the troops ?What was resolved upon ?What further can you say of the operations in Canada ?

What is said of the retreat?

British force, and bringing the shattered remains of the American army safe to Crown Point.

SEC. XIV. In the midst of these misfortunes the Americans were not dispirited. On the 8th of June, a motion was made in the continental congress, then in session at Philadelphia, for a declaration of independence. After mature deliberation, they, on the 4th of July, 1776, in the name, and by the authority of the people of the united colonies, solemnly published, and declared

"That the united colonies are, and of right ought to be, Free and Independent States; and that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

The intelligence of this declaration was received on the 9th by the convention of the state of New York, then in session at White Plains. They immediately passed an unanimous resolution, fully approving of the measure, and expressing their determination, at the risk of their lives and fortunes, to unite with the other colonies in supporting it.

The declaration was signed by all the members of the Continental Congress. The delegates from New York were William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, and Lewis Morris.

When the declaration arrived at New York, it was read, in accordance with general orders, at the head of each

XIV. What declaration was made in 1776 ?- -What resolution was passed by the New York convention?

By whom was the declaration signed?Who were the delegates from New York?What took place when the declaration arrived at New York?

brigade of the continental army; and was everywhere received with the utmost demonstrations of joy. The same evening, the equestrian statue of the king was laid prostrate, and the lead of which it was composed doomed to be cast into bullets, for the use of the army.

CHAP. XII.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

FROM 1776 TO 1778.

Disposition of British and American troops at New York. Battle on Long Island. Americans evacuate New York. Americans continue

to retreat. Fort Washington taken by the British. Operations on Lake Champlain. Convention adopt the State Constitution.. Commencement of the northern campaign in 1777. Invasion of Burgoyne. His capture. Enterprise of Clinton. State Government organised.

SEC. I. 1776. It was now expected, that the enemy would make New York the principal point of attack, and great exertions were made for putting the place in a posture of defence. Gen. Washington arrived on the 14th of April. The command of the British force was entrusted to Lord Howe and his brother Sir William. On the 22d of August, Lord Howe landed his troops, estimated at twentyfour thousand men, at

1. Where was an attack expected in 1776 ? were taken?What was the number of the enemy, were they commar.ded?

What measures and by whom

Gravesend Bay, on Long Island. The American army, amounting to fifteen thousand, under the command of Gen. Sullivan, were encamped on a peninsula near the village of Brooklyn.

The centre of the British army, composed of Hessians, under Gen. Heister, encamped at Flatbush. The left wing, under Gen. Grant, extended to the coast. The right wing, composed of the principal army, under the command of generals Clinton, Percy, and Cornwallis, was extended towards the opposite coast at Flatland.

The Americans had thrown up strong fortifications, which were separated from New York by East river. A line of intrenchments from Mill Creek to the elbow of East river enclosed the American camp. The armies were separated by a range of hills, covered with thick wood, which intersect the country from west to east, terminating near Jamaica. These high lands were occupied by large detachments from the American army.

SEC. II. On the 27th of August, the British made an attack on the advanced posts of the American army. After an obstinate engagement, the Americans were compelled to retire, with great loss, to their intrenchments. They now resolved to withdraw from the island, and, on the 30th, a safe retreat was effected.

The loss of the Americans in the battle on Long Island, in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, was upwards of one thousand. Among the prisoners captured by the enemy, were generals Sullivan, Stirling, and Woodhull. The loss of the British was estimated at about four hundred.

Where did they land?What was the number of the Americans, and by whom were they commanded?-Where were they encamped: Give some account of the disposition of the British army.the American army.

-Of

II. When and by whom was an attack made?- -What was the result of the action?- -When did the Americans withdraw from the

island?

What can you say of the loss of the Americans in this engagement?

Of the British?