Just at this time word came that General George Washington, the newly
appointed commander-in-chief, was on his way from Philadelphia to the
Continental army, and would pass through New York City. Washington with
his aides and a company of soldiers were hurrying across New Jersey on
horseback, and when they reached the city they were met by a committee
from the Provisional Assembly, with a number of patriot soldiers.
The next morning Washington set out for Boston. He had not yet left the
town when a ship appeared in the bay having on board Governor William
Tryon, who had been visiting in England for nearly a year. Governor
Tryon did not remain long in the city though, as it was not a
comfortable place for a royal Governor just then. He hurriedly left one
night and went aboard one of the British ships in the bay.
At the close of this year Washington was still before Boston with the
Continental army. Another section of the army was in the North, fighting
against the British in Canada. This last branch was encamped about the
walls of Quebec in the last month of the year. It was under the command
of General Richard Montgomery, of New York, a brilliant soldier who had
fought in the French and Indian wars. Quebec was stormed, but was too
strong to be taken. Montgomery fell crying, "Men of New York, you will
not fear to follow where your general leads." He was buried with
military honors in Quebec, for the British honored him as a brave man.
Forty-three years later his remains were removed to New York, and placed
beneath the portico of St. Paul's Chapel, where his tomb may now be
seen.
Fighting by the side of Montgomery when he fell was a youth who was
singled out for his bravery. His name was Aaron Burr. You are to hear
more of him, for many and many a time in after years the eyes of the
entire country were turned upon him.
CHAPTER XXV
A BATTLE on LONG ISLAND
And now, early in the next spring, George Washington came again to
New York, having at last forced the British troops from Boston. The
city, which was under the control of the patriots, was in a state of
excitement, as it seemed probable that this was to be the next point
of attack. Every person who favored the cause of the King, or who was
suspected of favoring it, was looked upon with distrust. One-third of
the citizens had fled. The soldiers of the Continental army were
arriving daily. Women and children were rarely seen upon the streets.
Many of the royalists' houses, which had been closed when their owners
fled, were broken open to give sleeping quarters to the soldiers.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account