Clinton and Howe, eager for a victory before departure, determined to cut him off, and by a rapid movement nearly succeeded in so doing.

Timely information, presence of mind, and quickness alone enabled the young Frenchman to escape, narrowly but completely.

Meantime, a cause for delay, that curse of the British throughout the war, supervened.

A peace commission, consisting of the Earl of Carlisle, William Eden, and Governor Johnstone, arrived.

They were excellent men, but they came too late.