stablished, and that the Americans may gain to the full what they
consider their just rights."

"That will never be unless victory smiles on our arms," he replied with
a faint smile. "We must conquer to obtain our rights. What has
hitherto been denied will never be otherwise granted."

I looked at my watch. I found that I must hasten back to the boats.

"Farewell, sir!" I said. "I have duties to which I must attend at
present, but I will endeavour, if possible, to see you again before I
return to my ship."

"Stay one moment," said he; "I would ask you to ascertain from our
friends at Hampton if they have received positive information as to the
safety of my daughter and her relatives. When you gain it send me word,
and you will add to the weight of the debt of gratitude I already owe
you."

He said this in a stiff way, as if unwilling to give me the task. This
I thought but natural. Though I was conferring obligations on him, my
position as a poor lieutenant was unaltered, and I knew that he could
not desire to entrust his daughter's happiness to my charge, even should
peace be established. It was almost the hour appointed for the
embarkation of the troops when I got down to the river. So well had our
arrangements been made, that I doubt whether the enemy knew what we were
about. There is something particularly exciting and wild in the
movement of a large body of armed men at night. I could not help
remarking the scene in which I was taking so active a part. Rapidly
flowed by the dark river; boats crowded with men and horses were
continually passing, while others were returning empty for a further
supply; people with torches were stationed on both banks of the river,
to enable the soldiers, as they came down, to take their proper places
in the boats, the lights from the flaming brands throwing a ruddy glare
over the stream, and making the tall buildings of the mills stand out
prominently from the dark forest in the background. All night long the
work was going on, for it was a slow process to get across horses,
artillery and ammunition, provisions and baggage. The first thing in
the morning, after his men had rested but a couple of hours, the
indefatigable Colonel Simcoe set off towards Portsmouth to summon the
town to surrender. At 2 p.m. the army began their march, and arrived
before the place the following day, when the inhabitants, finding that
resistance was useless, surrendered at discretion.