disciplined invaders, almost equal in numbers, and much superior in
equipments, to win its way by inches. Where, then, is the ground for
despair, when our friends are looking the enemy in the face, and he
does not dare to attack them? Of two things, Sir, you may be
satisfied, that the advantage on Long Island was obtained neither by
the superiority of the troops nor of the General, but by his having
bribed the officer who commanded the first pass,[25] who giving up his
post, without suffering a gun to be fired, enabled Clinton to march in
the night and take the left wing of the Americans, so as to put them
between two fires, from much superior numbers, with an immense train
of artillery. The other fact is, that the officer who brought the last
despatches declares, that the American lines upon New York island
cannot be forced, but with a certainty of so much loss as cannot be
hazarded. General Howe will therefore try his former art of treachery
and corruption, from which alone I am satisfied we have anything to
fear.

The talk of the Congress having sent Deputies to Staten Island, to
negotiate with Lord Howe is not, that I know of, authenticated.

Adieu,

ARTHUR LEE.

FOOTNOTES:

[25] This wants proof before it can be adopted as a historical fact.

* * * * *

SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

Without date.

Dear Sir,

I am still indebted to you for your favors of the 29th ultimo, and the
15th instant, to which I should earlier have replied, but for a slight
indisposition, and much chagrin at some unfavorable news. However, I
am recovering in health, with which my spirits return, and I keep ever
in my mind the motto _de republica nil desperandum_. I counted the
cost when I entered the lists, and balanced private fortune, ease,
leisure, the sweets of domestic society, and life itself in vain,
against the liberties of my country; the latter instantly
predominated, and I have nothing to complain of, though much to grieve
at, occasioned by the miscarriage or delay of my full powers for open
and public application. I sent you a memoir on American commerce, and
wish to know your sentiments on that subject. The vessel detained at
Bilboa has been dismissed, and the commissary reprimanded for her
detention, and ordered to lend the Captain every assistan