The Commander-in-chief availed himself of the occasion of communicating this success to his army, to add a spirit of emulation to the other motives which should impel them to manly exertions.

"This glorious example of our troops," he said, "under the like circumstances with ourselves, the General hopes, will animate every officer and soldier to imitate, and even to out-do them, when the enemy shall make the same attempt on us.

With such a bright example before us of what can be done by brave men fighting in defence of their country, we shall be loaded with a double share of shame and infamy, if we do not acquit ourselves with courage, and manifest a determined resolution to conquer or die." As the crisis approached, his anxiety increased.

Endeavouring to breathe into his army his own spirit, and to give them his own feeling, he thus addressed them.

"The enemy's whole reinforcement is now arrived; so that an attack must, and will soon be made.