Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/463

] the nearest shore. Although lighted in their aim by a pyramid of fire, of all the shot from the three vessels, but two struck the crowded bark of fugitives. Captain Talbot, however, in his anxiety to render the experiment certain, had lingered amid the burning timbers of the fire-ship, and was the last to escape, the seaman who applied the match, having, according to a previous understanding, immediately jumped overboard, and been picked up by his expectant comrades. When, therefore, the boat reached the Jersey shore in safety, the appearance of the gallant leader was frightful, and his sufferings intense. His skin was blistered from head to foot, his dress almost entirely consumed, and his eye-sight gone.

"Sadly, yet with gentle care, his humble companions in danger, bore him through the solitary woods, in the gray, cold twilight of morning, to a thin but hospitable settlement, then called the English Neighborhood; but, on their arrival, his dreadful condition so alarmed the children of the place, that no house would give him shelter. At last a poor and aged widow opened her cabin door, and allowed the weary and scorched bearers to lay him on the floor, and cover his tortured frame with a blanket. Fortunately, in the course of that day, two American officers General Knox and Dr. Eustis, passed the vicinity on business; and hearing of the case, hastened to visit then countryman. The seasonable medical aid of the latter gentleman, soon essentially relieved his anguish; and although for a considerable period deprived of vision, he was soon able to bear a removal to Hackensack, to await his convalescence. Meantime, the Asia lad been extricated, with great difficulty, from her perilous situation; and the bold enterprise that so nearly proved her destruction, created such apprehension and loss of confidence in the enemy, that they slipped their cables, fell down the river, and anchored below the city. The hopes of the Americans revived in the same proportion as those of the British were discouraged. So obvious, indeed, was the auspicious influence of this event, that by a resolution of Congress, passed on the tenth of the ensuing October, this "spirited attempt," as it was designated, of Captain Talbot, was made the occasion of a vote of thanks, and a special recommendation of that officer to the commander-in-chief, besides, promoting him to the rank of major.

"October 10th, 1777. Resolved, That Captain Silas Talbot, of the State of Rhode Island, be promoted to the rank, and have the pay, of major in the army of the United States, in consideration of his merit and services, in a spirited attempt to set fire to one of the enemy's ships of war, in the North River, last year; and that he be recommended to General Washington, for employment agreeable to his rank."

Washington had expected that the attack would be made by way of Long Island. He had, accordingly, made his arrangements with reference to this result. General Greene had carefully studied the ground, and fortifications