CHAPTER I.

Incursion into Jersey.... General Lacy surprised.... Attempt
on Lafayette at Barren Hill.... General Howe resigns the
command of the British army.... Is succeeded by Sir H.
Clinton.... He evacuates Philadelphia, and marches through
the Jerseys.... A council of war which decides against
attacking the British on their march.... Battle of
Monmouth.... General Lee arrested.... Sentenced to be
suspended for one year.... Thanks of congress to General
Washington and his army.


[Sidenote: 1778]

The position at Valley Forge had been taken for the purposes of
covering the country, protecting the magazines, and cutting off all
supplies to Philadelphia. Although the intercourse of the inhabitants
with that place could not be entirely prevented; the sufferings of the
British army from the scarcity of fresh provisions and forage were
considerable; and, as the spring opened, several expeditions were
undertaken both to relieve their own wants, and to distress the army
of the United States.

About the middle of March, Colonel Mawhood and Major Simcoe, who were
detached into Jersey at the head of about twelve hundred men, landed
at Salem, nearly opposite Reedy Island, and dispersed the small bodies
of militia who were stationed in that part of the country.

[Sidenote: March 23.]