ish monarch. But this was answered by counter manifestoes from
congress, and the efforts of the commissioners were rendered signally
abortive; and they were compelled to return home as they went. The whole
body of colonists were resolute in their desire and purpose of obtaining
their independence.

EVACUATION OF PHILADELPHIA BY THE BRITISH, ETC.

At this time it was known that Count d'Estaing was at sea with a
considerable land force on board, to aid the Americans. This had
doubtless the effect of making congress and the colonists more
determined in their opposition to the British government. On the other
hand, it had the effect of rendering the British general more cautious.
As soon as the prospect of a French war opened on the British cabinet,
as a more central situation was desirable for the army, the evacuation
of Philadelphia was contemplated, and as the French troops might arrive
soon to the aid of Washington, Sir Henry Clinton, contrary to the wishes
of the British officers, who burned with impatience to be led on to
the Valley Forge, resolved to withdraw his troops from the capital of
Pennsylvania. This was executed about the middle of June, and they were
transported across the Delaware without molestation. The march, however,
of the troops was encumbered by a long train of the inhabitants of
Philadelphia, all royalists, who feared the vengeance cf congress, and
their progress was consequently slow. Moreover, the country abounded
with rough roads and difficult passes, while the British troops had to
mend the bridges in their route which Washington had caused to be
broken down. The passes were all occupied by the militia, but these were
everywhere driven from their posts without difficulty. These measures
were preliminary to a step which Washington contemplated, of crossing
the Delaware and falling upon the rear of the retreating enemy. He
crossed that river with this intent; but though he hung upon Clinton's
flank and rear, he did not venture to attack him, and carefully selected
for himself such ground and such a line of march as prevented his being
attacked by the British. Several days passed in this manner, councils
of war being in the meantime held to deliberate upon the expediency
of bringing on a general engagement. Washington himself was anxious to
hazard an action, but of seventeen generals only two besides himself
were in favour of hazarding either a general or partial engagement. In
a council he