He knew nothing of that battle, of
course; and the fact shows all the more how rapidly public affairs were
hastening to a crisis.

It was the 23d of June when he left Philadelphia, and just before
leaving he addressed another brief letter to his wife, that furnishes a
key to his heart:

PHILADELPHIA, June 23, 1775.

MY DEAREST,--As I am within a few minutes of leaving this city,
I could not think of departing from it without dropping you a
line, especially as I do not know whether it will be in my power
to write again until I get to the camp at Boston. I go fully
trusting in that Providence which has been more bountiful to me
than I deserve, and in full confidence of a happy meeting with
you in the fall. I have not time to add more, as I am surrounded
by company to take leave of me. I retain an unalterable
affection for you, which neither time nor distance can change.
My best love to Jack and Nelly, and regards to the rest of the
family, concludes me, with the utmost sincerity,

Your entire
GEO. WASHINGTON.

Two thousand troops had gathered in Philadelphia, and he reviewed them
before leaving. The whole two thousand escorted him out of the city, and
a company of light-horse escorted him to New York, together with
Generals Lee and Schuyler.

Twenty miles from Philadelphia he was met by a courier on horseback,
bringing particulars of the battle of Bunker Hill.

"How many Americans were engaged in it?" Washington inquired.

"About twelve hundred only."

"Who led them?"

"General Prescott."

"How many were killed?"

"About four hundred and fifty were killed and wounded. The British lost
more than half of their men."

"What officers fell?"

"The brave General Warren was one."

"Did the men fight well?"

"Never braver men met a foe."

"Then the liberties of our country are safe," added Washington.

As grand a welcome as could possibly be given, without the burning of
powder, was tendered by the Provincial Assembly of New York and New
Jersey. They could burn no powder because the Colony possessed but four
barrels, having forwarded a thousand barrels to Cambridge for the use of
the army.

Washington left General Schuyler in command at New York and hastened
forward to Cambridge, for at New York he received a more detailed
account of the battle of Bunker Hill. This information caused him to
hasten his journey; and he reached Watertown