r, that of surgeon-general
to the army. Resentment at his betrayal was extreme, and Abigail Adams
was probably right when she wrote, "If he is set at liberty, even after
he has received a severe punishment, I do not think he will be safe."

Church was not set free. As a member of the Massachusetts Congress he
was brought before the House, and allowed to make his defence, which was
elaborate and able. Church claimed that he was writing to his brother,
and that his intentions were harmless; but he was not believed, and was
expelled from the House. Later the Continental Congress adjudged him
guilty, and ordered him confined in jail. Released later on account of
his health, he was allowed to sail for the West Indies. His vessel was
never again heard from.

This was Washington's foretaste of the treason of Arnold. It may have
disturbed him deeply, but of that he gave no sign. So far as we can see,
he dismissed the matter from his mind and went on with his work of
providing a way for assaulting the town. Congress desired this, the
country looked for it, and his own fiery nature urged him to the risk.

On the 11th of September, having previously notified his generals that
he would lay the question before them, he had called a council of war,
and proposed an attack upon Boston. They were unanimously against it.
Now, in October, he again laid the matter before his council of war, and
reached practically the same result, General Greene alone thinking the
scheme practical, "if ten thousand men could be landed at Boston."[127]
If it is true that councils of war do not fight, the result was natural;
but the situation was a very difficult one. The British had made
Charlestown practically impregnable against anything except surprise, by
a powerful redoubt on Bunker Hill. As for Boston itself, it was
fortified at all prominent points, and was very strongly garrisoned by
veteran troops. The Neck could not be forced, and to cross in boats over
the Back Bay was a hazardous undertaking. It was common sense,
therefore, to wait until ice should make it possible to assault the town
at several points. With his wonderful patience Washington accepted the
situation, and contented himself with wishing that the British would
attack him. There were continual rumors that the British plan was laid,
and deserters frequently came from Boston prophesying a sally; but still
the regulars lay in their fastness, and did not move.

FOOTNOTES:

[104] One