t.
The defence of New York and its dependencies were entrusted to General
Knyphausen.

The preparations made in New York for some distant enterprise were
immediately communicated by his faithful intelligencers to General
Washington, who conjectured its object, and hastened the march of the
troops designed to reinforce General Lincoln.

The season for action in a northern climate being over, the General
turned his attention to the distribution of his troops in winter
quarters. Habit had familiarized the American army to the use of huts
constructed by themselves; and both officers and men were content to
pass the winter in a hutted camp. In disposing of the troops,
therefore, until the time for action should return, wood and water, a
healthy situation, convenience for supplies of provisions, stations
which would enable them to cover the country, and to defend particular
positions, were the objects taken into consideration, and were all to
be consulted.

[Sidenote: The American army goes into winter quarters.]

With a view to these various circumstances, the army was thrown into
two great divisions. The northern was to be commanded by General
Heath; and its chief object was the security of West Point, and of the
posts on the North River, as low as King's Ferry. Subordinate to
this, was the protection of the country on the Sound, and down the
Hudson to the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge. The other and principal
division, under the immediate command of General Washington, was put
under cover, late in December, in the neighbourhood of Morristown.

CHAPTER VI.

South Carolina invaded.... The British fleet passes the bar,
and gets possession of the harbour of Charleston.... Opinion
of General Washington on the propriety of defending that
place.... Sir Henry Clinton invests the town.... Tarlton
surprises an American corps at Monk's Corner.... Fort
Moultrie surrendered.... Tarlton defeats Colonel White....
General Lincoln capitulates.... Buford defeated....
Arrangements for the government of South Carolina and
Georgia.... Sir Henry Clinton embarks for New York....
General Gates takes command of the Southern army.... Is
defeated near Camden.... Death of De Kalb.... Success of
General Sumpter.... He is defeated.

[Sidenote: 1780.]

The departure of the French fleet produced a sudden change in the
prospects of the southern states. The sanguine hopes which