ing to God for His blessing upon the cause of liberty.

When the news of Cornwallis' surrender reached England, the
disappointment and chagrin were well-nigh universal. The British
ministry were astounded by the unexpected tidings. Lord Germain
announced the fact to Lord North.

"And how did he take it?" inquired a public man.

"As he would have taken a ball in the breast," replied Germain.

"What did he say?"

"He opened his arms and exclaimed wildly, as he paced up and down the
apartment, 'O God, it is all over!'"

As soon as Washington could leave he retired to Mount Vernon for a few
days, from which place he wrote to General Greene:

"I shall remain but a few days here, and shall proceed to Philadelphia,
when I shall attempt to stimulate Congress to the best improvement of
our late success by taking the most vigorous and effectual measures to
be ready for an early and decisive campaign the next year. My greatest
fear is that Congress, viewing this stroke in too important a point of
light, may think our work too nearly closed, and will fall into a state
of languor and relaxation. To prevent the error, I shall employ every
means in my power; and if, unhappily, we sink into that fatal mistake,
no part of the blame shall be mine."

To another he wrote:

"The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he
must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked
that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."

XXIII.

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

"Now we must follow up this grand victory with harder blows," remarked
Washington to Lafayette.

"Then you do not believe the war is ended yet?" Lafayette replied
inquiringly.

"Of course not. The king will not yield to 'rebels' so willingly as
that. We must concentrate our entire force upon New York now."

"Every lover of his country ought to be stimulated to greater deeds
now," added Lafayette.

"And Congress ought to respond promptly and liberally to the demands of
the hour," said Washington. "The legislatures of the several Colonies
ought to be prompt and liberal, also, in providing men and means. Give
us men and supplies equal to the emergency, and our independence can be
permanently established."

Washington waited upon Congress personally, and he wrote letters to the
governors of the several Colonies, pleading for more liberal aid than
ever, that the war might be successfully prosecuted to the bi