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dent refuses to the House of Representatives tha Papers respecting Diplomatick transactions-His interpositions in favour of the Marquis La Fayette -Takes the Son of the Marquis under his Protec tion and Patronage

CHAPTER XIII.

1:5

The President calumniated-His Letter to Mr. Jefferson-Statement of the Secretary of the Treasury— The French Directory's attempt to control the American Government-Review of the transactions with France-The President declares his resolution to retire from Publick Life-Meets Congress for the last time-Describes the Letters that had been forged-Attends the Inauguration of Mr. Adams— Retires to Mount Vernon-Threatening attitude of France-General WASHINGTON appointed Commander in Chief of the American Forces-His opinion of Publick measures-His indisposition and Death-Conclusion

169

LIFE

OF

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER VIII.

Arnold is appointed a Brigadier in the British Service and invades Virginia-Plan to capture him-Mutiny in the American Camp Violence of the Pennsylvania Line-Order restored-Weak State of the army-The French Court grants a Loan to the United States-Exertion of the States to enable the General to open the Campaign-The French Troops march to the American CampPlan to surprise the British Post at King's Bridge-Expedition to Virginia-Count de Grasse arrives in the Chesapeak-Yorktown besieged-British Redoubts stormed-The British make a SortieLord Cornwallis attempts to escape-He capitulates and surrenders his Posts--Indecisive Action between the French and English Fleets-Sir Henry, too late, embarks his Troops for YorktownThanks of Congress to the American and French Con manders, and to the Army-General St. Clair despatched to Caroli-The other corps of the Army return to the Neighbourhood o. NewYork, and go into Winter Quarters.

1781. ARNOLD, having been appointed a Brigadie General in the British army, was with about sixteen hundred men detached to invade Virginia. With his armed ships he sailed up James' river, and at Richmond and other places destroyed publick and private property to a great amount. He at length indicated a design to establish a permanent post at Portsmouth.

The French fleet since its arrival on the American coast had been blocked up in the harbour of Newport, and the land forces had remained inactive in that town. But about this time the British blockading squadron suffered by a violen storm, and a temporary superiority was given to the French.

General WASHINGTON thought that a fair opportu

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