[The Life of George Washington, Vol. 2 (of 5) by John Marshall]@TWC D-Link book
The Life of George Washington, Vol. 2 (of 5)

CHAPTER X
18/55

He justified his having failed to call in a larger reinforcement of militia, by the scarcity of provisions, the supply on hand not having been procured until General Schuyler had resumed the command in the department; and attributed his not having evacuated the place in time to preserve his army and stores, to the prevalent opinion that there was not a sufficient force in Canada to attempt so hardy an enterprise, and to his not being at liberty to adopt that measure but in the last necessity.
A court of inquiry justified his conduct, and he retained the confidence of the Commander-in-chief.
On learning the distressed state of the remnant of the army, General Washington made great exertions to repair its losses, and to reinforce it.

The utmost industry was used to procure a supply of tents; artillery and ammunition were forwarded from Massachusetts; the remaining troops of that state were ordered to that department; and General Lincoln, who possessed, in a high degree, the confidence of the New England militia, was directed to raise and command them.
General Arnold, so often distinguished for his gallantry in the field, was ordered to the northern army, in the hope that his presence and reputation might reanimate the troops; and Colonel Morgan, with his corps of riflemen, was detached on the same service.

Through the present dark gloom, Washington discerned a ray of light, and already cherished the hope that much good might result from present evil.

"The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence," said he in a letter of the 15th of July, to General Schuyler, "is an event of chagrin and surprise, not apprehended, nor within the compass of my reasoning.
This stroke is severe indeed, and has distressed us much.

But, notwithstanding, things at present wear a dark and gloomy aspect, I hope a spirited opposition will check the progress of General Burgoyne's arms, and that the confidence derived from success will hurry him into measures that will, in their consequences, be favourable to us.


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