troops,
would bring the rebels to their knees. The cheering in the American
camp, all the louder on account of the sentiments of his gracious
majesty, and the appearance of the new flag, combined to make the
British suppose that the provincials were weakening. "By this time,"
wrote Washington grimly on the 4th, "I presume they begin to think it
strange, that we have not made a formal surrender of our lines."

It was well that he could jest, however sternly, for his situation was
newly complicated by the permission of Congress to attack Boston
whenever he might think expedient, "notwithstanding the town and
property in it may be destroyed." Such permission was equivalent to a
broad hint, and there were not lacking suggestions from many obscure
quarters that the country would be more content if its general should
relieve it of the presence of the British army. Of "chimney corner
heroes" Washington had a genuine contempt, but the resolve of Congress
was another matter, especially when it came through the hands of John
Hancock. He was the largest property-owner in the town, and
prospectively the greatest sufferer by its destruction, yet he
cheerfully wrote, "May God crown your attempt with success!"

Long before now, had Washington been able, he would have attempted to
storm the town. But as often as he called a council of war to consider
the matter, so often did his generals advise against the attempt. The
Americans were doubtful, and Lee, affecting to mistrust the temper of
the troops, would not advise the venture. As to burning the town by
throwing carcasses[143] into it, Lee told the others that the town could
not be set on fire by such means. Washington looked for a chance to
assault the town by crossing on the ice, but for a long time the Back
Bay did not freeze, and when at last it did, he had neither men nor
powder. Such then was his situation when he answered the letter of
Hancock.[144] He begged Congress to consider his situation if, in spite
of their wishes, he did not act. And that they should clearly
understand, he wrote these words:--

"It is not in the pages of history, perhaps, to furnish a case like
ours. To maintain a post within musket shot of the enemy, for six months
together, without and at the same time to disband one army, and
recruit another, within that distance of twenty-odd British regiments,
is more, probably, than was ever attempted."

The significant omission in this passage is the