hington himself seems to have considered that
his case was hopeless. By means of glasses he had discovered Lafayette's
peril, | and he caused his bridge across the Schuylkill to be broken
down, lest the British, after annihilating this detachment, should fall
upon himself at Valley Forge.

{GEORGE III. 1778-1779}

SIR HENRY CLINTON TAKES THE COMMAND OF THE BRITISH TROOPS.

The above wore the last military operations in America over which Sir
William Howe presided. He had been for some time soliciting his recall,
through feelings of resentment for want of confidence reposed in him,
and inattention to his recommendations; and on the 24th of May, Sir
Henry Clinton arrived at Philadelphia to supersede him in the command.
How General Howe could imagine that any recommendations which he could
make would be attended to, is matter of surprise, when his inglorious
campaigns are considered. He had done nothing of consequence during the
long time he had been in America, and at the very time he was superseded
in the command, he was conscious that the army must soon evacuate
Philadelphia. For the last seven months he had, indeed, been living a
life of pleasure, which wholly unfitted both him and his army for active
service. Hence, it is no wonder that before his departure both officers
and men, expressed their warmest affection for him. On the 18th of May
a grand fete was given to him as a proper leave-taking, which was
celebrated in such bad taste that it reflected disgrace on those who got
it up, and those who consented to be honoured by it. Even if the Howes
had been uniformly victorious and had finished the war by brilliant
exploits, the pageantry was of such a nature as would have been better
fitted for some inglorious Eastern despot; how much more then was it
misplaced when all the work they had been commissioned to execute was
left undone. The enemy had still the sword in their hands, and were
daily increasing in courage, in skill, in strength, and in numbers. Such
was the state of America when Sir William Howe returned to England. His
brother, Admiral Lord Howe, who was a man of ability, still retained
the command of the fleet, although he also wished to return home, and
to take no further part in the contest. The rumours of the French war
first, and then the arrival of the French fleet on the coast of America,
alone induced him to retain his command.

ARRIVAL OF THE COMMISSIONERS IN AMERICA WITH THE CONCILIAT