To Major Horry, who called to see him a little while before his death, he said: "Major, I have got my furlough. That sword was presented to me by Governor Rutledge, for my services in defence of Fort Moultrie; give it to my father, and tell him I have worn it with honor. If he should weep, tell him his son died in hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Elliot that I lost my life supporting the colors which she presented to our regiment." Such was the affair at Fort Moultrie--such the patriotic and chivalrous conduct of men fighting for their altars, their homes, their wives, their children. Was it strange that, in a good cause, Heaven should smile on such high and heroic conduct? Was it strange that a people, so intent on the enjoyment of their just rights, should accomplish their object? This repulse of the British, it may be added, was unexpected to them; and the more so, as they well knew that no systematic measure of defence had been adopted at the South. The contest had hitherto been in a different quarter, and no intimations had transpired of a contemplated change. In addition to this, the British were profoundly ignorant of the true southern character. They had learned some lessons in regard to the "Yankees;" and, especially, that if they were made of "stuff," it was "stern stuff;" but they had yet to learn, that the same kind of ore abounded south of the Potomac. The old "slaughter-pen" on Sullivan's Island, _enlightened_ them, and _impressed_ them as to the fact so fully, that the influence of the lesson lasted for two years and a half--that being the respite of the Southern states from the calamities of war, consequent upon the repulse of the British at Fort Moultrie. [Illustration] FOOTNOTE: [38] Headley's Washington and his Generals. VII. MILITARY REVERSES--LOSS OF NEW YORK. BRITISH take possession of Staten Island--Strongly rëinforced--State of the American Army--Occupation of New York and Brooklyn--Battle of Brooklyn--Americans repulsed--Long Island abandoned--Remarkable retreat--Gloomy state of the American Army--Washington retreats to Harlem--Movements of the British--Washington retires to White Plains--Loss of Fort Washington--American Army pursued--Retreats successively to Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton--Thence to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware--British go into Winter-quarters between the Delaware and Hackensack--Capture of General Lee--Prevalent Spirit of Despondency.