throughout the war should receive a bounty of twenty dollars
and one hundred acres of land, with a new suit of clothes annually.
Those enlisting for three years were to receive twenty dollars bounty,
but no land. This provision was a response to Washington's frequent
protests against short enlistments and small pay, and it pointed to a
reorganization of the army, on a permanent footing, according to
Washington's frequently expressed ideas. The general had great
expectations of relief from this more liberal policy.

"Our present action should look solely to the safety of the army,"
interjected Lee. "To save it from annihilation or capture is our first
duty."

"Certainly," rejoined Washington; "and now let this question be answered
definitely: whether (considering that the obstructions in the North
River have proved insufficient, and that the enemy's whole force is in
our rear on Grog Point), it is now deemed possible, in our situation, to
prevent the enemy from cutting off the communication with the country,
and compelling us to fight them at all disadvantages or surrender
prisoners at discretion?"

Every number of the council except General Clinton decided that it was
impossible to occupy the present position without exposing the army to
destruction or capture; hence, another retreat followed.

XIX.

FROM HARLEM TO TRENTON.

Washington withdrew his army to White Plains, leaving nearly three
thousand of his best troops to garrison Fort Washington. Congress
believed that Fort Washington could hold the Hudson secure, and
therefore ordered that a strong garrison be left there. It was not
according to General Washington's idea, after he decided to retreat to
White Plains, but he yielded to the request of Congress. General
Putnam's obstructions in the river amounted to little. Four galleys,
mounted with heavy guns and swivels; two new ships, filled with stones,
to be sunk at the proper moment; a sloop at anchor, having on board an
infernal machine for submarine explosion, with which to blow up the
men-of-war; these were among the aids to the Fort, together with
batteries on either shore, to prevent the enemy ascending the Hudson.
Yet, on the ninth day of October, three British war-ships sailed
triumphantly up the river, sweeping through the obstructions, with
little damage to themselves.

The British pursued the American army. Washington threw up intrenchments
hastily, designing to make but a temporary stay