was soon known, and the mortification it produced was extreme. A
reluctant confession of the calamity was made by the minister, and a
desire to restore peace on any terms consistent with the integrity of
the empire found its way into the cabinet.




CHAPTER XI.

Defects in the Commissary department.... Distress of the
army at Valley Forge.... The army subsisted by
impressments.... Combination in congress against General
Washington.... Correspondence between him and General
Gates.... Distress of the army for clothes.... Washington's
exertions to augment the army.... Congress sends a committee
to camp.... Attempt to surprise Captain Lee.... Congress
determines on a second expedition to Canada.... Abandons
it.... General Conway resigns.... The Baron Steuben
appointed Inspector General.... Congress forbids the
embarkation of Burgoyne's army.... Plan of reconciliation
agreed to in Parliament.... Communicated to congress and
rejected.... Information of treaties between France and the
United States.... Great Britain declares war against
France.... The treaties with France ratified by congress....
Complaints of the treatment of prisoners.... A partial
exchange agreed to.


{1777}