The following extract of a letter from a field-officer in New York, dated Dec. 2d, to his friend in London, gives the British view of affairs. “The rebels continue flying before our army Lord Cornwallis took the fort opposite Brunswick, plunged into Raritan River, and seized the town. Mr. Washington had orders from the Congress to rally and defend that post, but he sent them word he could not. He was seen retreating with two brigades to Trenton, where they talk of resisting; but such a panic has seized the rebels, that no part of the Jerseys will hold them, and I doubt whether Philadelphia itself will stop their career. The Congress have lost their authority. * * * * They are in such consternation that they know not what to do. The two Adamses are in New England; Franklin gone to France; Lynch has lost his senses; Rutledge has gone home disgusted; Dana is persecuting at Albany, and Jay’s in the country playing as bad a part; so that the fools have lost the assistance of the knaves. However, should they embrace the enclosed proclamation, they may yet escape the halter. * * * Honest David Mathew, the mayor, has made his escape from them, and arrived here this day.”[141] In this dark day of peril to the cause, and to himself, Washington remained firm and undaunted. In casting about for some stronghold where he might make a desperate stand for the liberties of his country, his thoughts reverted to the mountain regions of his early campaigns. General Mercer was at hand, who had shared his perils among these mountains, and his presence may have contributed to bring them to his mind. “What think you,” said Washington; “if we should retreat to the back parts of Pennsylvania, would the Pennsylvanians support us?” “If the lower counties give up, the back counties will do the same,” was the discouraging reply. “We must then retire to Augusta County in Virginia,” said Washington. “Numbers will repair to us for safety, and we will try a predatory war. If overpowered, we must cross the Alleganies.” Such was the indomitable spirit, rising under difficulties, and buoyant in the darkest moment, that kept our tempest-tost cause from foundering. CHAPTER XLII. LEE AT PEEKSKILL—STANCH ADHERENCE OF HEATH TO ORDERS—LEE CROSSES THE HUDSON—WASHINGTON AT TRENTON—LEE AT THE HEELS OF THE ENEMY—HIS SPECULATIONS ON MILITARY GREATNESS—FORCED MARCH OF CORNWALLIS—WASHINGTON CROSSES THE DELAWARE—PUTNAM IN COMMAND AT PHILADELPHIA—BAFFLING LETTERS OF LEE—HOPES TO RECONQUER THE JERSEYS—GATES ON THE MARCH—LEE QUARTERED AT BASKINGRIDGE—SURPRISED AND CAPTURED—SPECULATIONS ON HIS CONDUCT.