of being associated with him in arms, and serving under him in defence of the violated rights of his country.

This was a happy prelude to a friendship between these two great and illustrious officers, which death alone had the power to dissolve. It is a fact of notoriety, that when time and acquaintance had made him thoroughly acquainted with the character and merits of General Grecne, Washington entertained, and frequently expressed, an anxious wish, that in case of his death he might be appointed his successor to the supreme command.

During the investment of Boston by the American forces, a state of things which lasted for months, no opportunity presented itself to Greene to acquire distinction by personal exploit. But his love of action, and spirit of adventure, were strongly manifested; for he was one of the few officers of rank who concurred with General Washington in the propriety of attempting to carry the town by assault.

On the evacuation of Boston by the British, the American troops were permitted to repose from their toils, and to exchange, for a time, the hardships and privations of a field encamp

ment for the enjoyment of plenty in comfortable barracks. During this period of relaxation, Greene continued with unabating industry his military studies, and as far as opportunity served, his attention to the practical duties of the field. This course, steadily pursued, under the immediate supervision of Washington, could scarcely fail to procure rank, and lead to eminence. Accordingly, August 26, 1776, he was promoted by Congress to the rank of majorgeneral in the regular army.

A crisis, most glowing and portentous to the cause of freedom, had now arrived. In the retreat which now commenced through NewJersey, General Washington was accompanied by General Greene, and received from him all the aid that, under circumstances so dark and unpromising, talents, devotion, and firmness could afford. Possessed alike of an ardent temperament, hearts that neither danger nor misfortune could appal, and an inspiring trust in the righteousness of their cause, it belonged to the character of these two great and illustrious commanders, never for a moment to despair of their country. Hope and confidence, even now, beamed from their countenances, and they encouraged their followers, and sup

ported them under the pressure of defeat and misfortune.

Greene was one of the council of Washington who resolved on the enterprise of December 26, 1776, against the post of the enemy at Trenton. The issue is known, and is glorious in our history. About one thousand Hessians, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, with their arms, field-equipage, and artillery, were the trophies of that glorious morning, which opened on the friends of American freedom with the day-star of hope. He was again of the council of the commander-in-chief, in planning the daring attack, January 2, 1777, on the British garrison at Princeton, as well as his associate in achieving its execution. In both these brilliant actions, his gallantry, prudence, and skill being alike conspicuous, he received the applauses of his commander. He continued the associate and most confidential counsellor of Washington through the gloomy and ominous period that followed.

In the obstinate and bloody battle of Brandy wine, General Greene, by his distinguished conduct, added greatly to his former renown. In the course of it, a detachment of American troops, commanded by General Sullivan, being

unexpectedly attacked by the enemy, retreated in disorder, General Greene, at the head of Weedon's Virginia brigade, flew to their support. On approaching, he found the defeat of General Sullivan a perfect rout. Not a moment was to be lost. Throwing himself into the rear of his flying countrymen, and retreating slowly, he kept up, especially from his cann n, so destructive a fire, as greatly to retard he advance of the enemy. Aiming at length at a narrow defile, secured on the right and I it by thick woods, he halted, sent forward his cannon, that they might be out of danger, in case of his being compelled to a hasty retreat, and formed his troops, determined to dispute the pass with his small arms. This he effected with complete success, notwithstanding the vast superiority of the assailants; until, after a conflict of more than an hour and a half, night came on, and brought it to a close. But for this quick-sighted interposition, Sullivan's detachment must have been nearly annihilated.

On this occasion only did the slightest misunderstanding ever occur between General Greene and the commander-in-chief. In his general orders after the battle, the latter neglected to bestow any special applause on

Weedon's brigade. Against this General Greene remonstrated in person.

General Washington replied, "You, sir, are considered my favourite officer. Weedon's brigade, like myself, are Virginians. Should I applaud them for their achievement under your command, I shall be charged with partiality: jealousy will be excited, and the service injured."

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"Sir," exclaimed Greene, with considerable emotion, "I trust your excellency will do me the justice to believe that I am not selfish. In my own behalf I have nothing to ask. Act towards me as you please; I shall not complain. However richly I prize your excellency's good opinion and applause, a consciousness that I have endeavoured to do my duty constitutes, at present, my richest reward. But do not, sir, let me entreat you, on account of the jealousy that may arise in little minds, withhold justice from the brave fellows I had the honour to command."

Convinced that prudence forbade the special notice requested, the commander-in-chief persisted in his silence. Greene, on cool reflection, appreciated the motive of his general, and lost no time in apologizing for his intemperate