at Bristol, and take command of Reed's and Cadwalader's troops and
help us in the attack! I did not positively order him to do so; only
requested him to delay his journey by a day or two. I can't understand
his action. A letter was handed me just before we crossed by
Wilkinson, telling me that he had gone on to Congress."

"To Congress! What wants he there? Oh, general, it seems as if you
had to fight two campaigns,--one against the enemy, and the other
against secret, nay open, attempts to minimize your authority and check
your plans."

"It seems so, Greene; but with a just cause to sustain, and the
blessing of God to help our efforts, we cannot ultimately fail, though,
indeed, it may be better that I give place to another man, more able to
save the country," went on the general, solemnly.

"Forbid it, Heaven!" cried Greene, passionately. "We, at least, in the
army, know to whom has been committed this work; ay, and who has done
it, and will do it, too! We will stand by you to the last. Could you
not feel in the cheers of those frozen men, when you landed, the love
they bear you?"

"Yes, I know that you are with me, and they too. 'T is that alone that
gives me heart. Did you publish the orders about the capture of the
transport?"

"Yes, sir, and it put new heart in the men, I could see. I wish we had
the supplies, the clothing especially, now. It grows colder every
moment."

"Ay, and darker, too; I think we shall have snow again before we get
through with the night. I wonder how the others down the river have
got along. But who comes here?" continued the general, as two men
walked hastily up to him and saluted.

"Well, sir?" he said to the first.

"Message from General Ewing, sir."

"Did he get across?"

"No, sir, the ice was so heavy he bade me say he deemed it useless to
try it."

"One piece removed from the game, General Greene," said Washington,
smiling bitterly. "Now your news, sir?" to the other.

"General Cadwalader got a part of his men across, but the ice banks so
against the east side that not a single horse or piece of artillery
could be landed, so he bade me say he has recrossed with his men, sir."

"And there's the other piece gone, too! Now, what is to be done?"

General Sullivan, having crossed with the last of his division, at this
moment rode up.

"The troops are all across, general," he said.

"Well done! What time is it, some one?"

"Half after eleven, sir," an