The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1876-10-13
MISCELLANY.
October, 1776-Is7e.
rom he PhIladelphla Ledger

froni he Philadelphia Ledger.
The month Of October, q hundred
years ago, Was one Of anxious waiting
and suspense TO the American army. and
Of disappointment to the British. The
bope was lost on the part OF the latter
that the campaign was to close the war;
and the zeal with which the first events
OF the struggle bad inspired the Ameri-
cans was fast diminishing. At this dis
,ancs Of time, with facts in our posses
sion Of which those who then lived we're
scarcely aware, we can only wonder that
the Americans not merely kept up the
semblance Of strength. but held their
invaders at bay during the whole month
OF October. We have noticed more than
once that it was the policy Of Washing
ton TO avoid general engagement. The
same course Was forced upon the British
IN October. After a succession Of skir-
mishes General Howe found, on the 2Stb,
the American army 80 strongly posted
pea. White Plains- that he declined to
make an attach; and the decisive battle
which was q animate the war was in
ds6aitely postponed. The Britirh con-
tented themselves with carrying an out
post on Chaitertcn Hill, about mile
from the American camp. The main
body Of the Americans effected their re-
treat, and the loss in killed and wounded
ON the side Of the. Americans was report
cd st less than ahundred, that Of the
British about twice that number.
Waiting three davs for reinforce
ments, Gen. Howe found, on the morn,
ing Of the lst Of November, that Wash
ington had Withdrawn to still stronger
position, relieved himself of his sick
and wounded, and strengthened his lines
with entrenchments. His position on
rising ground was unspproachable in
front, and he had 90 secured the passes
that he could not be attacked in flank
The further narrative Of military move
ments belongs to the month Of Novem-
Der. With nothing TO encourage the
Amsricans on land, October witnessed 9
sad check on Lake Champlain. Tn,
feet which the Americans had Launched
upon the waters Of the lake was totally
lost after prodigies Of useless valor.
In the southwest the efforts Of mis-
judging loyalists to arouse the Indian
against the colonists, while ii caused i'm
Il mediate sufIsring, resulted in ultimat
advantage to the American cause. Set
tiers who had hesitated from impru
dence, from indifference, or from polio.
10 declare themselves in favor Of inde
pendence, were driven by eIasperatio
to take sides with the cause Of freedom
and union was promoted by the use Q
savage allies against IL. Referring to tn
causes which retarded the American al
my, and which we're of necessity, so "a
ne possible, concealed. we find reaso
enough for wonder that the cause {
America survived such encouragement
Besides the inefficient methods unds
which the militia were brought into th
field, there were jealousies among leac
ing officers. The Commander-in- Chi
: had not The authority which his con
nission implied, and which successf'
command demanded. The authority
Congress, directed by men without mil
tary knowledge, and necessarily witho'
thatsfamiliarity of details and circun
stances which would alone qualify the
to direct, sadly impeded military oper
lions. All, save the most sanguine
the ignorant, were inclined to despai
and we. in this jubilee month in 1877
can only duly appreciate the prese
standing Of the United States by CO
trasting il with the gloomy outlook o1
hundred years ago: