"Could I," said the general, "accomplish the important objects so eagerly wished by congress; confining the enemy within their present quarters, preventing their getting supplies from the country, and totally subduing them before they are reinforced, I should be happy indeed.
But what prospect or hope can there be of my effecting so desirable a work at this time?
The enclosed return,[56] to which I solicit the most serious attention of congress, comprehends the whole force I have in Jersey.

It is but a handful, and bears no proportion on the scale of numbers to that of the enemy.

Added to this, the major part is made up of militia.

The most sanguine in speculation can not deem it more than adequate to the least valuable purposes of war." [Footnote 56: See note No.VIII.at the end of the volume.] [Sidenote: Skirmishes.] Though unable to act with the vigour he wished, the American general kept up a war of skirmishes through the winter.

In the course of it, the British loss was believed to be considerable; and hopes were entertained that, from the scarcity of forage, neither their cavalry nor draft horses would be in a condition to take the field when the campaign should open.