Page:History of the United States of America, Spencer, v1.djvu/477

] Two pieces of cannon fell into the hands of the enemy; but they made few prisoners. The conquest of Rhode Island was of great utility for their ulterior operations: from this province they could harass Massachusetts; and the reinforcements that General Lincoln had assembled with the intention of conducting them to the army of Washington, were detained in that province, to observe General Clinton, and prevent him from disturbing its tranquillity. Even Connecticut shared the alarm, and retained the reinforcements it was upon the point of sending to the camp of Washington.

General Howe, as an English writer remarks, has been severely censured for not pressing the pursuit of the Americans with more activity, and overwhelming Washington before he found refuge behind the Delaware. Probably, however, the censure is not quite just, although it may be regarded as certain that the delay of the British force proved the salvation of the American army. Howe's conduct was marked by cool prudence rather than by daring enterprise or unwary impetuosity. He was on the whole as successful as any other British general during the war, and he exposed himself to none of those disasters which fell upon others of his compeers. But however this may be, it is undoubtedly true, that Washington gave evidence of superior generalship in this retreat through .the Jerseys; and not only of superior qualities as a commander-in-chief, but also of possessing the higher and nobler endowments of the most exalted patriotism. Painful, indeed, is it to see what trials and perplexities, and humiliations waited upon his every step, and how his soul was racked with the cares and burdens laid upon him. But trials are not sent without design, Washington was formed of that material which is purified and strengthened by trial. Bravely did he endure; profoundly learned and wise did he become by endurance; and no man of his day ever attained such vast influence as he did by the irrefragable proofs which he exhibited of the purity, integrity, and decision of his character and conduct.