Washington resolves to occupy Boston.—The British evacuate the city.—Washington marches to New York.—Charleston fortified.—Moultrie’s defence of Charleston harbour.—The siege raised.—The declaration of independence drawn up and signed on the 4th July.—Howe arrives at Sandy Hook.—Plots against Washington.—Offers from Britain of indemnity on submission.—Disasters of the Americans at Long Island.—Washington returns to New York.—The British assault Fort Washington.—The Howes issue a proclamation for submission.—Despondency among the Americans.—Washington’s exploit at Trenton.—Attack on the British at Princetown.—The recovery of the Jerseys.—Franklin sent as envoy to Paris.—Lafayette joins the Americans. 75–92 CHAPTER VI. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (_continued_)—1777. War on the Canadian frontier.—Washington at Morristown.—Burgoyne’s expedition in the North.—His plan of operations.—Engagement at Hubbardton.—Burgoyne’s successes: he reaches the Hudson.—The “Green Mountain Boys” and their prowess.—Fate of Jenny M‘Crea.—General Gates assumes the command.—Battle of Saratoga.—Burgoyne falls back on Saratoga.—Surrender of the British army at Saratoga.—Washington at Philadelphia.—Battle of the Brandywine river.—Howe enters Philadelphia.—Washington’s ill success at Germantown.—His precarious position.—Want and distress in the American army.—Plan of confederation. 93–110 CHAPTER VII. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (_continued_)—1778. Discussions in Parliament on the American war.—Conciliatory measures proposed and rejected.—Losses suffered by the Americans.—Increase of warlike spirit among the Americans.—Treaties of commerce and alliance between France and the United States.—Offers from Britain rejected.—Philadelphia evacuated.—Battle of Freehold.—French fleet arrives to assist the Americans.—Attempt against Newport abandoned by D’Estaing.—British fleet, sent to oppose D’Estaing, arrives at New York.—Commissioners for conciliation.—Lafayette challenges the Earl of Carlisle.—The war assumes a ferocious character.—Destruction of Fort Wyoming.—The war in the South.—Savannah captured by the British 111–128 CHAPTER VIII. THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (_continued_)—1779.