It was necessary to collect the boats from a distance, and do it all within sight and hearing of the enemy.

The boats were obtained, a thick mist settled down on sea and land, the water was calm, and as the night wore away, the entire army with all its arms and baggage was carried over, Washington leaving in the last boat.

At daybreak the British awoke, but it was too late.

They had fought a successful battle, they had had the American army in their grasp, and now all was over.

The victory had melted away, and, as a grand result, they had a few hundred prisoners, a stray boat with three camp-followers, and the deserted works in which they stood.