The British had, in several instances, gained the advantage. The
Americans needed more soldiers, and it was thought that unless the
friends of liberty came forward--promptly came, the British arms might
succeed.

"It was not in such a man as Enoch Crosby, to seek ease, or shun
danger, in the hour of his country's trial. He saw others making
sacrifices--women as well as men--youth as well age--and he scorned to
have it said, that he could not make sacrifices, as well as others.
His musket was therefore taken down; and fitting on his knapsack, he
took up his march towards the head quarters of the American army on
the Hudson.

"In a few days, he reached the _neutral ground_ and"----

_William_. "Pray, father, may I interrupt you, to inquire what was
meant by the 'neutral ground?"

_Gen. P_. "I will explain it to you. At this time (Sept. 1776,) the
head quarters of the British army were in the city of New York. The
American army lay up the Hudson, fifty or sixty miles, either at, or
near, West Point.

"Between the two armies, therefore, was the county of West Chester,
the centre of which being occupied by neither, was called the 'neutral
ground.' But, in reality, it was far from being a neutral spot."

_William_. "Why not, father, if neither the British, nor the
Americans, occupied it?"