Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-09-08
THE DARK DAYS OF THE REvOLU-
TION.

In the admirable letter ofMr. Rives, published
by us to-day, the dark days of the Revolution, and
the fortitude and heroism to which they gave
birth, are cited as examples of how much brave
people may bear, and from what difficulties they
may emerge triumphantly, if they but hold fast
to their faith, and struggle on with unhlgging
resolution. The Charleston Mercury, adverting
to the same historical period, near the close of
l776. says: The hattie of Long Island had been
fought and lost. New YORK was evacuated by
the Americans and taken possession of by the
British. Fort Washington had been taken by
assault, with nearly 5000 prisoners. Fort Lee
was abandoned. New Jersey lay open to the
enemy, and Philadelphia within their grasp.
At the same time General Charles Lee, who was
regarded by many as our most scientific and ex-
perienced General, and who was called by the
British the ss American Palladium" was taken
prisoner. ssThe militia disbanded and precpi-
lately retreated to their homes even the regu-
lar troops, as if struck with despair, also fled off
and departed in parties. Everything threatened
America with an inevitable catastrophe. The =
army of Washington was so enfeebled that it
scarcely amounted to 5000 men, who had lost
all courage and all energy, and were exposed in
an open country without tents to shelter them,
and in the midst of popula ton little Jealous,
or, rather, hoStile.''
Lord Howe and MS brother availed themselves
of this gloom and dependency by issuing pro-
clamation offering free pardon to all who should
comply within nifty days. SMany, says lrVings
'swho had been prominent in the cause, FASTENED
10 take advantage of this proclamation. Those
who had most property to lose, were the first to
su bmit. The middle rangs remained generally
steadfast in this time Of trial. Botta says the
''beionged, for the greater part,
to the class of the very poor, or the very rich
The inhabitants of Pennsylvania, like those of
New Jersey, focked in like manner to humble
themselves at the feet of the English Commits
,loners, and to promise them fealty and oDedl-
ence. Among others there came The Gailoways,
The Aliens, and others Of the most wealthy ana
respectable families. Every day ushered In
some new calamity the cause of America SEEM
cd fastening to inevitable ruin. The most dis
Greet no longer disSembl-d that the term of the
war was at hand, and that the hour was come in
in which the colonies were about TO resume the
yoke" In this dark day ofperil our own Wash
ingfJn remained hrm and undaunted. He had
now retreated beyond the Deleware. sc What
think you" said he to the brave Mercer ss II
we should retreat to the back part OF Penosylva-
MIA, would the Pennsplvanians support us !''-
SC If the lower counties give up, the back coun.
ties will do the same,'' was the Giscouraging re-
ply. ss We must then retreat to Augusta coun-
ty, in Virginia. said Washington. Sc Numbers
viii repair to us for safety, and ave will try
war. If pressed, we must cross the
'sSuch,'' says Irving, 6 was the indomitable
spirit, rising under difficulties, and buoy ant in
the darkest moment, that kept our tempest-tost
cause from laundering"