With this in mind, Washington at once determined to check the British by striking sharply at one of their new posts.

Having made up his mind, he sent for Wayne and asked him if he would storm Stony Point.

Tradition says that Wayne replied, "I will storm hell, if you will plan it." A true tradition, probably, in keeping with Wayne's character, and pleasant to us to-day as showing with a vivid gleam of rough human speech the utter confidence of the army in their leader, that confidence which only a great soldier can inspire.

So Washington planned, and Wayne stormed, and Stony Point fell.

It was a gallant and brilliant feat of arms, one of the most brilliant of the war.