Elsie's Vacation and After Events by Martha Finley
page 84 of 257 (32%)
page 84 of 257 (32%)
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"After the British had retreated he was carried to the house of Thomas Clark," continued Harold, pointing out the building as he spoke, "where he lingered in great pain till the 12th and then died." "I'm glad it wasn't Washington," said Walter. "Was Washington hurt at all, papa?" asked Grace. "No, though exposed to the hottest fire he escaped without injury," replied the captain. "God our Heavenly Father preserved him for his great work--the salvation of our country. 'Man is immortal till his work is done'--and Washington's was not done till years afterward." "Not even when the war was over; for he was our first president, I remember," said Lulu. "Yes," replied her father, "and he did much for his country in that capacity. "The night before this battle of Princeton he and his army were in a critical situation, the British being fully equal in numbers and their troops well disciplined, while about half of Washington's army was composed of raw militia--so that a general engagement the next day would be almost sure to result in defeat to the Americans. "Washington called a council of war. It was he himself who proposed to withdraw from their present position--on the high ground upon the southern bank of the Assanpink--before dawn of the next morning, and, by a circuitous march to Princeton, get in the rear of the enemy, attack |
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