ivil liberty and defenders of
American liberty in England; but when, after the Declaration of the 4th
of July, 1776, the cause became one of Congressional liberty instead of
British liberty, of separation from the mother country instead of union
with it, of a new form of government instead of one to which they had
sworn allegiance, and which they had ever lauded and professed to
love,--then, in these novel circumstances, the provincial army dwindled
from day to day by desertions, as well as from other causes, and
recruiting its ranks could only be effected by bounties in money and
the promise of lands; the uninterrupted victories of the colonists
during the twelve months previous to the Declaration of Independence
were succeeded by uninterrupted defeats during the twelve months
succeeding it, with the exception of the brilliant and successful
surprise raids which Washington made upon _Trenton_ and _Princeton_. But
these exploits were wholly owing to Washington's skill, and sleepless
energy, and heroic courage, with feeble forces, in contrast to the
lethargy and self-indulgence of the English officers on the one hand and
the inactivity of Congress on the other.

The first trial of strength and courage between the English and
revolutionary forces took place in August, a few weeks after the
Declaration of Independence, in the battle of Long Island, in which
Washington's army was completely defeated; New York and all New Jersey
soon fell into the hands of the British. For this success General Howe
received the honour of knighthood, as did General Carlton for similar
success in Canada--the one becoming Sir William Howe, and the other Sir
Guy Carlton; but neither did much afterwards to merit the honour. The
English officers seemed to have anticipated a pastime in America instead
of hard fighting and severe service, and the German mercenaries
anticipated rich plunder and sensual indulgence.

In the autumn and winter following Washington's defeat at Long Island
and forced evacuation of New York, and indeed of New Jersey, Sir William
Howe buried himself in self-indulgent inactivity for six months in New
York; while a portion of his army sought quarters and plunder, and
committed brutal acts of sensuality, in the chief places of New Jersey.
Loyalty seems to have been the prevalent feeling of New Jersey on the
first passing of the King's troops through it.[406]

This is stated on unquestionable authority (see the previous note);