operation which had been framed in conjunction with Steuben. It contemplated the employment of forty thousand men for the reduction of New York. With this view he wrote at the same time to Greene, and the next day to Governor Trumbull, and to General Knox, desiring him to bring forward "all the cannon and stores necessary for a siege." The day after he communicated the adherence to this purpose to La Fayette.

On the same day, he wrote, in the name of the commander-in-chief, gratulatory letters to General Rochambeau and the Chevalier De Ternay, commander of the French squadron, embracing in his regards the officers and the men of both services. Nothing could be written of a more winning character.*

Two days after, on the eighteenth of July, he earnestly expostulated, in the name of his chief, with the Board of War, on the want of preparation. "If," he wrote, "after all we can do, we have not the necessary means to answer the public hopes, I hope the public will be too just to attribute to me the disgrace and injury that must follow. I shall do every thing in my power, and I flatter myself the Board will do every thing in theirs."

Four days after, he wrote to Congress in Washington's behalf: "I think it my duty to add, that, pressed on all sides by a choice of difficulties, in a moment which re

*The drafts of all the letters to Rochambeau, while Hamilton was in Washington's family, are remaining in his hand. In his memoirs, tom. i. 248, Rochambeau observes of Washington: "During a long correspondence between us, I could never too highly praise the solidity of his judgment and the amenity of his style." Chastellux remarks, i. 372, of Hamilton, "His correspondence with the French, which language he speaks and writes perfectly well, the details of every kind, political and military, intrusted to him, developed those talents the General had known how to discover and put into activity, whilst the young soldier, by a prudence and secrecy still more beyond his age than his information, justified the confidence with which he was honored," &c.

quired decision, I have adopted that line of conduct which suited the dignity and faith of Congress, the reputation of these States, and the honor of our arms. I have sent definitive proposals of co-operation to the French general and admiral. Neither the season, nor a regard to decency, would permit delay. The die is cast, and it remains with the States, either to fulfil their engagements, preserve their credit, and support their independence, or to involve us in disgrace and defeat. If we fail for want of proper exertions in any of the governments, I trust the responsibility will fall where it ought, and that I shall stand justified to Congress, to my country, and to the world."

Sir Henry Clinton having embarked a large body of troops, advices were immediately given to Rochambeau ; and Washington moved his force to Peekskill. Hamilton in his behalf, announced to Congress this movement on the third of August, stating: "Had Sir Henry prosecuted what appeared to be his design, my intention was to attempt New York in his absence. Our preparations were made for this purpose when I received advice that the fleet returned towards New York." He announced his intention to move down the Hudson with a view to the intended joint attack upon New York. It was thought essential to this object that a larger naval force should arrive from France to compete with the increased naval force of England; and that the promised second division of troops should also be at hand. "Should not the second division arrive," Hamilton wrote the same day to La Fayette in the name of Washington, "so as to enable us to commence our operations by the first of September, I shall have no great expectation of effecting the object. When we calculated on having twice the force of the enemy, we included the whole succor expected from France. It will be difficult, if not impracticable, to ac

complish this before the second division arrives. The number of men hitherto come in, rather falls short of than exceeds our calculations."

Letters were now addressed by Hamilton to Rochambeau and La Luzerne, indicating the place proposed for the debarkation of the second division of the French army, daily expected, but which never came. Orders were at the same time again issued for the impressment of various necessaries for the army. It became also necessary to restrain the impetuosity of La Fayette, eager to employ the French army, which was done by Hamilton in Washington's name. To satisfy the public mind, he at this time published a brief statement of the causes of the abandonment of the projected attack upon New York, which the movements of the army had indicated.

CHAPTER XXI.

Ar these interesting moments serious difficulties had arisen within the army itself. General Greene, in seventyeight, as has been stated, assumed the duties of quartermaster-general, declining any additional emolument. The embarrassments attending the performance of this arduous office, resulting from the state of the finances, were such, that after the experience of a year he asked to resign it. Congress were neither disposed to grant his request, nor to amend the system. He informed Washington that unless this were done, he would not remain long. "I will not sacrifice my reputation for any consideration whatever. I engaged in the business as well out of compassion to your excellency, as from a regard to the public." These motives influenced him to continue in this service, still holding his rank in the line. With the increasing financial disorders his difficulties increased, and it became obvious to him, that unless the control of this department were withdrawn from Congress and committed to the commander-in-chief, the public interests must suffer, and his reputation be injured. The vast expenditures made by him, and the inadequacy of the supply of means by the Board of Treasury, had produced mutual complaints.

A new organization of the department was proposed

in Congress. Its action, urgent as were the motives to promptitude, was slow. Another year elapsed, and no remedy was provided. Again Greene wrote to Washington: "From every new conversation which I have with your excellency upon the business of the quartermaster's department, I am more and more convinced that you are in a great measure a stranger to the difficulties and embarrassments attending it, as well as to the mortification, risk and injury those are exposed to who engage in it." "When the public holds up to view neither the face of friendship nor the prospects of reputation, but on the contrary adds insult to injury, and creates new and unnecessary difficulties, few men would be willing to tread the path where so little is to be gained and so much may be lost." Still looking to a change of system, he adds, "I shall be happy to render every service in my power to promote the proposed plan of operations, notwithstanding the injuries I feel, providing they are not accompanied with circumstances of personal indignity. As to pay, I shall ask none more than my family expenses, and all the conditions I shall ask, are, to have my command in the line of the army agreeable to my rank, and to be secured from any loss in the settlement of the public accounts."

While Congress were debating, the committee of cooperation at camp, where the experience of Greene and Schuyler was in concert, digested a system which was submitted to Congress. Unwilling to part with the control of this department, they rejected it and formed a plan of their own. While this matter was pending, the conduct of the Board of Treasury was deeply wounding to Greene, causing the excitement his letters exhibit. He prepared a comment, which he submitted to Hamilton, from whom he received this judicious letter:

"My dear General,-When you ask my opinion as a