uld think that the future augurs well.
I do wish the soldiers would evacuate the city."

"When General Howe leaves, all may as well leave with him."

"When does he leave, did you say?" impatiently asked her true American
friend.

"Next week, I understand. The great Mischienza, you know, was arranged
in his honor as a farewell celebration."

"General Clinton, I presume, will succeed. He seems the most logical
choice."

"Yes. He already has been appointed to the supreme command."

"I hope he decides to evacuate."

"I do not know. Perhaps," was the sole response.

But it already had been decided. Upon the departure of General Howe,
instructions were forwarded from the ministry to Sir Henry Clinton, the
new Commander-in-chief, to evacuate the city at once. The imminent
arrival of the French fleet, together with the increasing menace of the
Continental Army at Valley Forge, constituted a grave peril to the
isolated army of the British. Hence it was determined that the capital
city must be abandoned.

Clinton intended to transfer his army to New York by water in order that
the bulk of his forces might be concentrated for the spring campaign. On
account of the vast number of Tories who, apprehensive of their personal
effects, had begged to be transferred with him, he was obliged to forego
his original intention of sailing by water in favor of a march overland.
Accordingly on the morning of June 18, 1778, the rear-guard of the
British marched out of the city and on that same afternoon the American
advance entered and took possession with Major General Benedict Arnold,
the hero of Saratoga, as Military Governor.

The joy of the Whig populace knew no bounds. No longer would the
shadows of dark despair and abandoned hope hang like a pall over the
capital city. No longer would the stately residences of the Tory element
be thrown open for the diversion and the junket of the titled gentry. No
more would the soldiery of an hostile army loiter about the street
corners or while away the hours at the Taverns or at the Coffee Houses.
The Congress was about to return. The city would again become the
political as well as the civic center of American affairs. The people
would be ruled by a governor of their own accord and sympathy.
Philadelphia was to enter into its own.

CHAPTER II

I

"It won't do, I tell you. And the sooner he realizes this the more
satisfactory will it become for all concerned."

"Sh-h-h," answ