with each other. I cannot help observing that with great concern I saw
our brave commander exposing himself to the hottest fire of the enemy
in such a manner that regard for my country obliged me to ride to him
and beg him to retire. He, to gratify me and some others, withdrew a
small distance, but his anxiety for the fate of the day soon brought
him up again, where he remained till our troops had retreated."

Congress unanimously adopted the following resolution on hearing of the
battle of Germantown:

"_Resolved,_ That the thanks of Congress be given to General
Washington, for his wise and well-concerted attack upon the enemy's
army near Germantown, on the 4th instant, and to the officers and
soldiers of the army for their brave exertions on that occasion;
Congress being well satisfied, that the best designs and boldest
efforts may sometimes fail by unforeseen incidents, trusting that, on
future occasions, the valor and virtue of the army will, by the
blessing of Heaven, be crowned with complete and deserved success."

The attention of both armies was now principally directed to the forts
below Philadelphia. These it was the great object of Howe to destroy,
and of Washington to defend and maintain.

The loss of the Delaware frigate, and of Billingsport, greatly
discouraged the seamen by whom the galleys and floating batteries were
manned. Believing the fate of America to be decided, an opinion
strengthened by the intelligence received from their connections in
Philadelphia, they manifested the most alarming defection, and several
officers as well as sailors deserted to the enemy. This desponding
temper was checked by the battle of Germantown, and by throwing a