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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

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great part of them could not move out of their huts for want of clothes. Many had no shoes. Some were without blankets, and had to rest at night in their rags on the bare frozen ground. Sickness set in. Food could hardly be obtained. Most of the people in the neighborhood were tories, who sold their produce to the British at high prices. Washington had no gold or silver, and the paper money issued by Congress was worth but little. This was indeed a trying hour.

6. There were some kind hearts, however, that felt for the poor American soldiers. One devoted woman, Mary Knight, used to cook provisions for them, and carry them herself to the camp in the depth of winter, disguised as a market-woman, that she might pass the British outposts. Her brother was a general in the American army. The British set a price upon his head; but this brave woman saved him by heading him up in an empty cider hogshead in the cellar, and feeding him through the bunghole.

He stayed there three days, and the British searched the house four times for him without success.

7. While things looked thus gloomy, a joyful piece of news reached the camp. It was that France had acknowledged the independence of the United States, and would help them against England. This was brought about chiefly through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin. This great man was the son of a candlemaker. In his youth, his father employed him in cutting wicks and filling candle-moulds. But he longed for knowledge. He would even deny himself sleep, that he might read and study. After learning the art of printing, he left his home and set out to make his fortune.

8. Franklin found himself in Philadelphia with a single dollar in his pocket. For a time he had hard work to get along. But he was very frugal. He lived on gruel; and, when his landlady informed him she could not afford to board him any longer at the price he was paying, he told her she must make

What made it hard for them to get provisions ?-6. How did Mary Knight help the American soldiers? How did she preserve her brother?-7. Amid the general gloom, what joyful news was received? By whose efforts had this been brought about? What is said of the youth of Benjamin Franklin ?--8. On

the gruel thinner. Franklin became a great writer and philosopher. His name was honored in Europe, and in his own country he was revered as a true-hearted patriot.

LESSON XXXVII.

MONMOUTH.- -WYOMING. MOVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH.

1. In the spring of 1778, Howe returned to England, and General Clinton took command of the British forces. Clinton had orders to evacuate Philadelphia and lead his men to New York. To do this, he had to cross New Jersey. Washington was soon in pursuit. His army was not half so large as Clinton's, and most of his officers thought it would be imprudent to risk an engagement. Washington thought otherwise; and at Monmouth, New Jersey, he gave battle to Clinton.

2. General Lee was to commence the attack with an advanced division. What was Washington's dismay, when, on coming up with the main force, he found this division retreating without having struck a blow! He at once stopped them, and posted his men in such a way that the British were checked. The action continued till night, with advantage to the Americans. They rested on their arms, expecting to renew the battle in the morning. Washington slept on the field in his cloak. But, when day dawned, no British were to be seen. silently departed for New York.

They had

3. On the day of the battle the heat was intense. Many of the British soldiers died from its effects. When Monmouth is mentioned, the name of Molly Pitcher must not be forgotten. Her husband served at one of the American cannon. While she

reaching Philadelphia, what did Franklin find? What passed between him and his landlady? How was Franklin regarded?

1. In 1778, what change was made in the command of the British army? What orders had Clinton? How did his army compare with Washington's? Where did they meet?-2. Give an account of the battle of Monmouth. How did the Americans and Washington pass the night? What did they find in the morning?-3. Describe the weather on the day of the battle. Tell the story of

1778]

MASSACRE OF WYOMING.

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was bringing him water from a spring, a ball struck him, and he fell. There was no one to manage his gun. Springing forward, she took his place, and performed her duty in the most heroic manner. Washington appointed her a sergeant in the army, and she was afterwards well known as Captain Molly".

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4. The Indians, bribed by the British, had from time to time during the war given trouble on the frontier. In the summer of 1778, in company with a band of tories, they made a descent on Wy-o'-ming. This was a flourishing settlement in a lovely valley in Pennsylvania. Most of the men were away, fighting for their country. Those who remained, hearing of their danger, quickly armed themselves, and assembled in a fort with the women and children. When the tories and Indians were near the fort, they sent word to the officer in command to come out and confer with them.

5. Taking some of his men as a guard, he did as they requested, but was immediately attacked. Most of the party were cut off. The next day, the enemy surrounded the fort. After. holding out till most of his men had fallen, the commander surrendered, on the promise that those within should be spared. But no sooner were the tories and Indians admitted than they commenced killing all they met. Some even murdered their own relatives. Wyoming was a ruin. Few of its once happy people escaped the massacre.

6. Late in the year 1778, the British commenced operations in the south. They took Savannah (see map, p. 68), and overran the eastern part of Georgia, robbing the whig families, and spreading terror in their path. A French fleet containing a body of troops having arrived off the coast, General Lincoln hastened to join them in attacking Savannah. The French would not wait to besiege the city; so it was resolved to storm

Molly Pitcher.-4. What is said of the Indians on the frontier? What did they do in 1778? Where was Wyoming? What preparations were made by its inhabitants? What message did the enemy send to the commanding officer?— 5. What befell this officer and his guard? What followed? Give an account of the massacre.-6. Where did the British commence operations, towards the

it. Though the attack was bravely made, the Americans and French were driven back with loss. The brave Jasper lost his life in trying to save the flag of his regiment.

7. The patriots of the south suffered a still more serious reverse the next year. A strong force of British collected around Charleston, which was defended by General Lincoln, with a large army. The Americans held out till their houses were nearly battered down by the British cannon, but were obliged to yield at last. Five thousand men, with stores and artillery, thus fell into the hands of the enemy.

8. One of the British posts in Georgia was held by a Captain French, with forty men and five vessels. Colonel White, with four men, set out to capture them. Near the British post they kindled a number of fires, as if a large camp were there, and then, quickly riding round, gave various orders in a loud tone of voice, as if they were directing the movements of a large army. They completely deceived Captain French, who thought there was no use of attempting to resist such a host, and surrendered his men and vessels.

9. But how were the five men to secure their prisoners? There was danger that the latter would discover the artifice, and overwhelm them with numbers. So Colonel White told them that his men were very angry at the British on account of their outrages, and that they had better keep out of sight. He would send them ahead with three or four of his men as guides, while he remained to restrain his army. Then, hastening off, he collected the militia of the neighborhood, who soon overtook the others, and led the British in triumph to the nearest American post.

close of 1778? What city did they take? By whom vere they attacked in Savannah? What was the result of the attack? Who lost his life in this battle?-7. What serious reverse did the patriots of the south suffer, the next year? What fell into the hands of the enemy at Charleston ?-8. Relate the stratagem practised by Colonel White.-9. How did White secure his prisoners?

1779]

PAUL JONES.

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LESSON XXXVIII.

PAUL JONES.-FRANCIS MARION.

1. On the ocean, the United States could do but little against the great navy of England. Many fast-sailing little vessels, however, were armed and sent out by private persons. They were called privateers. Cruising wherever there was a chance of taking a prize, they were of great service in cutting off English merchant-vessels, capturing stores, &c. Congress managed from time to time to procure a few vessels. These were intrusted to skilful commanders, who gained some important. victories. Among the most famous of these commanders was Paul Jones.

2. Paul Jones was the son of a Scottish gardener. From early boyhood he was fond of the sea. After making various voyages, he settled in Virginia. When the Revolution broke out, he walked to Philadelphia and offered his services to Congress. They were accepted, and he had the honor of hoisting the first flag that ever floated over an American man-of-war. It was of yellow silk, and bore the device of a pine-tree and a rattlesnake, with the words Don't tread on me. Jones was soon off to Nova Scotia, running into the harbors, destroying the shipping, and capturing prizes.

3. Jones afterwards cruised about the English coasts, to repay the enemy for their outrages in American ports. He was so successful in his descents that his very name became a terror. At one point of the coast, when his dreaded vessel was seen in the offing, the minister went down with his congregation to the shore, and made a strange but fervent prayer for deliverSoon afterwards the wind rose, white caps appeared on

ance.

1. How did the power of the United States compare with that of England on the ocean? What are privateers? How did they annoy the English? Who was among the most famous officers employed by Congress ?-2. Give an account of the early life of Paul Jones. What did he do when the Revolution broke out? What honor did he enjoy? Describe this flag. What was Jones soon doing? -3. Where did Jones afterwards cruise? How was he looked upon? What