g him
with dishonourable dealings, brought him in a prisoner to the
camp. But, unhappily, conduct such as this was rare; in the
course of a week many men quitted their colours, and fled to the
enemy.

RETREAT.

In the mean time the whole of the wounded, except such as were
too severely hurt to be removed, were embarked upon the canal,
and sent off to the fleet. Next followed the baggage and stores,
with the civil officers, commissaries, purveyors, &c.; and last
of all, such of the light artillery as could be withdrawn with
out trouble or the risk of discovery. But of the heavy artillery,
of which about ten pieces were mounted in front of the bivouac,
and upon the bank of the river, no account was taken. They were
ship's guns, of little value, and extremely cumbersome;
consequently their removal, had it been practicable, would
scarcely have rewarded the trouble. It was therefore determined
to leave them behind; and they were accordingly permitted to
retain their stations to the last.

These preparations being continued for some days, on the 17th no
part of our force remained in camp except the infantry. Having
therefore delayed only till the abandoned guns were rendered
unserviceable, on the evening of the 18th it also began its
retreat. Trimming the fires, and arranging all things in the same
order as if no change were to take place, regiment after regiment
stole away, as soon as darkness concealed their motions; leaving
the piquets to follow as a rear-guard, but with strict
injunctions not to retire till daylight began to appear. As may
be supposed, the most profound silence was maintained; not a man
opening his mouth, except to issue necessary orders, and even
then speaking in a whisper. Not a cough or any other noise was to
be heard from the head to the rear of the column; and even the
steps of the soldiers were planted with care, to prevent the
slightest stamping or echo. Nor was this extreme caution in any
respect unnecessary. In spite of every endeavour to the contrary,
a rumour of our intended movement had reached the Americans for
we found them of late watchful and prying, whereas they had been
formerly content to look only to themselves.

For some time, that is to say, while our route lay along the high
road and beside the brink of the river, the march was agreeable
enough; but as soon as we began to enter upon the path through
the marsh all comfort was at an end. Being constructed of
mater