Rawdon called upon those who had taken an oath of alle giance to the king, to come forward for its defence. Among these was Col. Isaac Hayne, who, on the capture of the city by the British, to obtain his liberty and a last interview with his dying wife, had promised to support the royal government, on the assurance that he would not have to take up arms in its behalf. After receiving the last sigh of his wife, and following one of his children to the grave, Col. Hayne had remained at home, taking no part in the conflict, till he received Lord Rawdon's summons to repair to his standard. As by this act the British violated their agreement, Colonel Hayne felt that he was absolved from his part of the contract. Collecting a troop of horse, he ranged the country; but, after gaining some advantages, was defeated and captured. He was sentenced to death. In vain his fellowcitizens, in vain the ladies of Charleston, in vain the sister of the prisoner and his orphan children, implored Lord Rawdon's mercy. On the 4th of August, Col. Hayne was hanged like a common criminal.

399. At this juncture Lord Rawdon returned to England, leaving Col. Stuart in command of the British army in South Carolina. Stuart took a position at Eutaw Springs; and Greene, whose army had been increased by reinforcements to 2,600 men, attacked him at that place. The battle was fought on both sides with desperate courage. At last the British ranks were broken. As they gave way, Col. Campbell, who had contributed much to the success of the Americans, fell mortally wounded; his last words were, "I die contented". Col. Washington received a bayonet wound, and was taken, while half his troop of cavalry fell on the field. Still the rout of the British was general, and the Americans, thinking the battle was over, seized upon the captured stores. While they were thus scattered and off

dor. resort? Under what circumstances had Col. Hayne promised to support the royal government? Give an account of his subsequent history. 399. What did Lord Rawdon do, at this juncture? On whom did the command of the British devolve? Where did Stuart take a position? [See Map, p. 286.-Where were Eutaw Springs?] What took place at Eutaw Springs? Which party gave way? Give an account of Col. Camp bell's fall. What befell Col. Washington and his troop? How were the Americans

1781]

ARRIVAL OF A FRENCH FLEET.

293

their guard, the enemy rallied and returned to renew the engagement. The vigilance of Greene saved his men from a surprise, and with some loss he drew them off. Though the British remained masters of the field, the Americans had the decided advantage in this battle. The former lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners, not far from 700 men; the American loss was 555. The next day, Stuart destroyed his stores, and retreated towards Charleston, leaving 1,000 stands of arms behind him.

This battle closed the long contest in the Carolinas. The patriot cause was once more triumphant. Congress voted the highest honors to General Greene and his officers, who throughout the whole campaign had conducted themselves with distinguished ability and valor.

CHAPTER XIX.

SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. -SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS.

400. On the last day of August, 1781, a French fleet under De Grasse [du gras] arrived in Chesapeake Bay; and it was agreed between the French and the American commander to attack Cornwallis, now strongly intrenched at Yorktown. Washington, who had been threatening New York, carefully concealed this new design, and, withdrawing his army from the Hudson, marched rapidly towards Virginia. Clinton did not become aware of his movements till it was too late to prevent them; but he tried to recall Washington by sending Arnold to devastate Connecticut. Used So this business, and glad to have an opportunity of glutting his malice, Arnold landed on the Thames [see Map, p. 91], took the posts on the west side of the river, and sent Col. Eyre [ire] against Fort Griswold, on the other side. Col.

nearly surprised? What was the final result? State the loss on each side. What was Stuart's next movement? What is said of this battle? What honors were rendered to Gen. Greene?

400. What took place, August 31st, 1781? On whom was an attack concerted? Whut did Washington do with his army? How did Clinton try to divert him from his pur

Ledyard made an heroic defence, but had at last to surrender. Eyre, wounded in the attack, was succeeded by Major Bromfield. "Who commands this fort ?" asked Bromfield, as he entered. "I did, but you do now," answered Ledyard, presenting his sword. Seizing the weapon, Bromfield plunged it into the bosom of his prisoner. The example was followed by his men, till a great part of the garrison was killed or wounded. After burning New London, and committing various other outrages, Arnold returned to New York.

Washington was not diverted from his purpose, but, leading on his army with all possible dispatch, joined La Fayette's division, and the French troops, which had already disembarked before Yorktown. The command of the latter was assumed by the Count de Rochambeau [du ro-shongbo']. On the 28th of September the allied armies took their respective positions. They were not long in opening their

pose? Give an account of Arnold's expedition. Of the massacre at Fort Griswold. With whom did Washington's army effect a junction? Who took command of the French? [See Map. On what river were Cornwallis's works? What part of the Amer

1781]

CORNWALLIS ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE.

295

batteries. Four British vessels were set on fire in the har bor by a fierce discharge of red-hot balls. Two redoubts of the enemy, so situated as to harass the besiegers, were stormed and carried, one by the Americans, the other by the French, with a steady courage which assured Washington of success. The best feelings prevailed between the allied armies. The American soldiers cheerfully sacrificed their own comfort to increase that of their comrades, sleeping without complaint in the open air that their allies might be provided with tents.

401. Breaches were soon made in the British works. A desperate sally, at first successful, proved of no ultimate advantage; and, as the batteries of the besiegers were brought nearer and nearer, all hope gradually disappeared. Cornwallis could see but one chance of escape, and, slender as it was, he resolved to try it. On the opposite bank of the York River was Gloucester [glos'-ter] Point [see Map, p. 294], where 2,000 Frenchmen lay intrenched. The plan of the British commander was to destroy his baggage, to abandon his sick and wounded, to transport his efficient men in the silence of night across the river, to force a passage through the French lines, to mount as many of his men as possible, and make his way by forced marches to Clinton.

The night of October 16th was selected for this desperate attempt. The first detachment landed on the Gloucester shore in safety; but a storm set in with such fury that the boats bearing the second division were driven down the river. The wind and rain continued till daylight, and it was found impossible to get the remainder of the army across. Those who had landed, after being exposed to the storm for hours, were brought back in the morning, and all expectation of escape was thenceforth abandoned.

402. Perceiving that further resistance was useless, and

ican line did La Fayette command? What American generals between him and WashIngton? What French general was stationed near Washington?] What injury was mflicted on the British shipping? What assured Washington of success? What evidence is mentioned of the good feelings of the Americans towards their allies? 401. What was the effect of the fire of the besiegers? What desperate plan was formed by Cornwallis? Give an account of the attempt. 402 To what was Cornwallis at length

disappointed in the hope of succor from Clinton, Cornwallis on the 17th solicited a cessation of hostilities, with the view of surrendering. The terms of the capitulation were settled at the house of a

Mr. Moore, near Yorktown: and on the 19th

of October, the land force, artillery, and

surren

dered to Washington; the ships and seamen, to De Grasse. The whole number of pris oners was 7,015. During the siege, the, British had lost 552 men; the allies about 300. Eleven thousand Americans and 5,000

Frenchmen took part in the siege.

The scene of the surrender was imposing. Thousands of patriots assembled from the surrounding country to witness the humiliation of that ruthless army and its detested commander. The British came forth gayly dressed, but without flying colors, since that honor had been denied the American army on its surrender at Charleston. Cornwallis would not appear, but sent his sword by Gen. O'Hara. Lincoln was selected by Washington to receive this token of submission, as a solace for the mortification he had experienced in surrendering Charleston the preceding year. Twenty-eight standards were presented to American sergeants by as many British captains. The soldiers then laid down their arms, and returned to their quarters, whence they were subsequently taken to Pennsylvania.

forced? Where were the terms of capitulation settled? When did the surrender take place? [See Map.-Where?] Mention what the Americans gained by this surrender. What loss was sustained on each side during the siege? How many Americans and French took part in the siege? Describe the surrender. Where were the British