almost continual motion, wading deep rivers, and encountering every
vicissitude of the seasons, they were without tents, newly without
shoes, or winter clothes, and often without food.

A council of war concurred in the opinion Washington had formed, not to
march against the enemy, but to allow his harassed troops a few days
for repose and to remain on his present ground until the expected
reinforcements should arrive.

Immediately after the battle of Brandywine, the distressed situation
of the army had been represented to Congress, who had recommended the
executive of Pennsylvania to seize the cloths and other military stores
in the warehouses of Philadelphia, and, after granting certificates
expressing their value, to convey them to a place of safety. The
executive, being unwilling to encounter the odium of this strong
measure, advised that the extraordinary powers of the Commander-in-
Chief should be used on the occasion. Lieut. Col. Alexander Hamilton,
one of the General's aides, already in high estimation for his talents
and zeal, was employed on this delicate business. "Your own prudence,"
said the General, in a letter to him while in Philadelphia, "will point
out the least exceptionable means to be pursued; but remember, delicacy
and a strict adherence to the ordinary mode of application must give
place to our necessities. We must, if possible, accommodate the
soldiers with such articles as they stand in need of or we shall have
just reason to apprehend the most injurious and alarming consequences
from the approaching season."

All the efforts, however, of this very active officer could not obtain
a supply in any degree adequate to the pressing and increasing wants of
the army.