n, while there remains the smallest hope of
success."

The condition of the colonies and the Continental army at that time was
critical in the extreme. The campaign of 1779 had closed gloomily for
the Americans. The British had not only been active in raiding in
Virginia and destroying property, but in organizing negro troops. Lord
Dunmore, as we have seen, as early as November, 1775, had issued a
proclamation, inviting the negroes to join the Royal forces, to which a
great many slaves responded, and were organized into companies. A
regiment had been organized by the British on Long Island in 1776, and
now, Sir Henry Clinton invited them by the following proclamation:

"By his Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, K. B., General and
Commander-in-Chief of all his Majesty's Forces, within the
Colonies lying on the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to
West Florida, inclusive, &c., &c.

PROCLAMATION.

"Whereas the enemy have adopted a practice of enrolling
_Negroes_ among their _Troops_, I do hereby give notice
_That_ all Negroes taken in arms, or upon any military
_Duty_, shall be purchased for _the public service_ at a
stated _Price_; the money to be paid to the _Captors_.

"But I do most strictly forbid any _Person_ to sell or claim
_Right_ over any Negro, the property of a Rebel, who may
take refuge in any part of this _Army_: And I do promise to
every negro who shall desert the _Rebel Standard_, full
security to follow within these _Lines_, any Occupation
which he shall think proper.

"Given under my Hand at Head-Quarters, Philipsburg, the 30th day
of June, 1779. H. CLINTON.

"By his Excellency's command, John Smith, Secretary."

It is highly probable that many negroes made their way to the British
camp. Col. Laurens wrote to General Washington, under date of February,
1780, six months after the issuing of Sir Henry Clinton's proclamation,
as follows:

"Private accounts say that General Provost is left to
command at Savannah; that his troops consist of Hessians and
Loyalists that were there before, _re-inforced by a corps of
blacks and a detachment of savages_. It is generally
reported that Sir. Henry Clinton commands the present
expedition."

Clinton left New York in the latter part of 1779, for the reduction of
Charleston, which he comp