[117] To while away weary hours the spirit of gambling was prevailing ruinously in the camp. Clouds of gloom were settling down over the public mind. Washington, who felt most deeply the need of Divine favor, by an order of the day, issued on the 26th of February, forbade these demoralizing practices. He wrote: “At this time of public distress, men may find enough to do in the service of God and their country, without abandoning themselves to vice and immorality.” Six days after the issue of this order, Washington’s batteries were planted triumphantly on Dorchester Heights.--Irving’s _Life of Washington_, vol. i. p. 220. [118] “Washington consulted with such of the general officers as he could immediately assemble. The paper was not addressed to him, nor to any one else. It was not authenticated by the signature of General Howe. Nor was there any other act obliging that commander to fulfil the promise asserted to have been made by him.”--Irving’s _Life of Washington_, vol. i. Mount Vernon edition, p. 223. [119] Letter to John A. Washington.--_Am. Archives_, v. 560. [120] A British officer wrote, in reference to this scene, so joyful, yet so sad. “The confusion, unavoidable to such a disaster, will make you conceive how much must be forgot, where every man had a private concern. The necessary care and distress of the women, children, sick and wounded, required every assistance that could be given. It was not like breaking up a camp, where every man knows his duty. It was like departing from your country, with your wives, your servants, your household furniture and all your incumbrances. The officers, who felt the disgrace of their retreat, did their utmost to keep up appearances.”--_Remembrancer_, vol. iii. p. 108. [121] Lee’s Memoirs, p. 162. [122] Thatcher’s “Military Journal,” p. 50. [123] General Charles Lee was in Virginia, when he heard of the evacuation. The following characteristic letter was from his pen. “My dear General: I most sincerely congratulate you. I congratulate the public on the great and glorious event. It will be a most bright page in the annals of America; and a most abominable one in those of the beldam Britain. Go on, my dear general. Crown yourself with glory; and establish the liberties and lustre of your country on a foundation more permanent than the Capitol rock.” [124] “A deep plot, originating with Governor Tryon, was defeated by timely and fortunate discovery. His agents were found enlisting men in the American camp, and enticing them with rewards. It was a part of the plot to seize General Washington, and carry him to the enemy.”--Sparks’ _Life of Washington_, p. 169.