able; at least
our chance of success would be greatly diminished without their
co-operation. As the left of the American army extended to a
fort built upon the very brink of the river, it was clear that
could the ships be brought to bear upon that point, and the fort
be silenced by their fire, that flank of the position would be
turned. This once effected, there would be no difficulty in
pushing a column within their works; and as soldiers entrenched
always place more reliance upon the strength of their
entrenchments than upon their own personal exertions, the very
sight of our people on a level with them would in all probability
decide the contest. At all events, as the column was to advance
under cover of night, it might easily push forward and crown the
hill above the enemy, before any effectual opposition could be
offered; by which means they would be enclosed between two fires,
and lose the advantage which their present elevated situation
bestowed. All, however, depended upon the ability of the fleet
to lend their assistance; for without silencing the fort, this
flank could scarcely be assailed with any chance of success,
and, therefore, the whole plan of operations must be changed.

SEARCH.

Having waited till it was considered imprudent to wait longer,
without knowing whether he was to be supported, Colonel Brook
determined, if possible, to open a communication with the fleet.
That the river could not be far off we knew, but how to get to it
without falling in with wandering parties of the enemy was the
difficulty. The thing, however, must be done; and as secrecy,
and not force, was the main object, it was resolved to dispatch
for the purpose a single officer without an escort. On this
service a particular friend of mine chanced to be employed.
Mounting his horse, he proceeded to the right of the army, where,
having delayed a few minutes till the moon rising gave light
enough through the clouds to distinguish objects, he pushed
forward at a venture, in as straight a line as he could guess at.
It was not long before his progress was stopped by a high hedge.
Like knight-errants of old, he then gave himself up to the
guidance of his horse, which taking him towards the rear, soon
brought him into a narrow lane, that appeared to wind in the
direction of the enemy's fort: this lane he determined to follow,
and holding a cocked pistol in his hand, pushed on, not perhaps
entirely comfortable, but desirous at a