Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-08-10

its name of Valley Forge. There the
patriots froze and starved throughout
the bitter months.
But in the spring came the formal
announcement Of Frances alliance
with America and the news that Eng
lands government was urged by its
disguised taxpayers to seek means OF
peace. A French fleet came to our
country's aid. The British, under Sir
Henry Clinton, who succeeded Howe
as commander In chief, were ordered
to evacuate Philadelphia and mass
their forces in New York. Washing
ton left Valley Forge, pursued them on
their march to Manhattan, caught up
with them at Monmouth, N. j.. and
on June %. ITS, beat them in
f1ercely contested battle.
Now, in ITO. the scene Of conflict
shifted southwark. And there, for the
time, the British repeated the early
successes they had won in the north.
But these victories counted for far less
than had those Of the first years Of
the war, for England was hard pressed
ut home and abroad. She was at war
with Spain and France. The cOlonists
were holding their own against her.
France, her old hereditary foe, was
aiding the revolutionists with men,
ships and money. French and Ameri-
can warships were harassing the Brit
ish coasts and running British COM
merce. All over Europe. especially In
England itself, had sprung up strong
feeling that America should be free.
King Georges ministry in pursu-
Ing the war worked against an
everstrenGthening opposition. Drastic
measures were necessary. and the gov
eminent took them. Parliament voted
$1OO,0OO,0o0 and 10000 men to end
the Revolution: Had this been done
In ITS Americas independence might,
readily have been crushed. Now 1t
was too late. The spirit Of freedom
was awake and would never again
consent to be shackled.
Clinton had sent Colonel Campbell
with 1000 men to overrun Georgia.
They had captured Savannah from the
Americans. and other strongholds also
fell into British hands until all Georgia
was conquered. The Carolinas were
alive with Tories. and these now
sprang to arms in England's behalf.
One such band was beaten by Colonel
Pickens. but the local patriot forces
under General Ashe were routed on
March near Brier creek.
This victory emboldened the British
general Provost to march into South
Carolina with a horde Of British,
Tories and Indians and besiege
Charleston. General Lincoln, with
about 5000 Americans, tried to save
the city. but was beaten off. Char
lesion held out, and hot weather
checked further active hOstilities.
Meantime in the north British force,
$500 strong. under Tryon, had devas-
tated Connecticut, plundering and lay
Ing waste New Haven. NOrwalk, East
Haven and Fairfield. General Anthony
Wayne. with small patriot band, re-
taliated by storming the British strong
hold of Stony Point and killing or cap
turing about COO men.
Early In 1850 Clinton, having
strengthened Manhattan Island and
sailed south with 1000 men. landed
inst below Charleston Feb. 10 and
laid siege to that city. On May IL,
after desperate and long resistance,
the garrison surrendered. This was a
fearful setback to the patriots and
seemed to herald the loss Of the whole
south. Gilman, thinking he had con-
quered the Carollnas. left General
CORVALLIS in charge and returned to
New York Washington sent all the
men he could spare, under General
GATES. to oppose CORVALLIS. Near