Gave to his sleeping foes the dreams of death.
Last, tho' not least, the fierce St. Leger rav'd
With Johnson's savages, and those far worse
Than savages, miscalled Loyalists;

These black revenge, and fury; hot from hell,
Led on to deeds of madness; fathers, sons;
Sons, fathers; and fraternal love, now chang'd
Into fix'd hate, point at their kindred blood

420

425

debted for their lives to the humanity of one of Grey's cap. tains, who gave quarters to the whole fourth troop, though contrary (as is said) to the orders of his superiour officers." Ramsay, ii. 94-5. Life of W. iii. 564-5. See Belsham, ii. 379. Humanity would express a hope that this account is exag gerated; and indeed some extenuation is derived from the circumstance of the attack being made in the night.

419. the fierce St. Leger &c.-The detachment which was to proceed by the way of the Mohawk river was put under the command of colonel St. Leger." It consisted of about 200 British troops, a regiment of New-York loyalists, raised and commanded by sir John Johnson, and a large body of savages." Ramsay, ii. 27. The cruelties committed by the Indians, and particularly the murder of the innocent and beautiful miss Maccrea, "excited universal horrour," and "instead of disposing the inhabitants to court British protection, had a contrary effect."" Their cruel mode of warfare, by putting to death as well the smiling infant and the defenceless female, as the resisting armed man, excited an universal spirit of resistance." See Ib. 36--39. Of the plunder and ravages committed by the loyalists the American history is full. See Ramsay, ii. 114. "A particular detail-would be sufficient to freeze every breast with horrour." Ib. 145. See 287-8. 293. "It was the general opinion of the Americans, that the continuance of the war, and the asperity with which it had been carried on, was more owing to the machinations of their own countrymen, who had taken part with royal government, than to their British enemies. It is certain that the former had been most active in predatory excursions, and most forward in scenes of blood, and murder." Ramsay, ii. 308.

The dark assassin's poignard. Gracious God!
How long shall this contaminated globe
Escape thy justice! Is it that misery

Must point the road to happiness and love?
Yes! and the time shall come when love alone
Shall reign triumphant, and thy name be blest
By purer tongues upon a sinless earth.

430

END OF THE SIXTH BOOK.

WASHINGTON,

OR

LIBERTY RESTORED.

BOOK VII.

ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK.

Distresses of the American army. Prayer of Washington. The Goddess Liberty appears to him, and brings him consolation. Arrival of the French forces under Rochambeau, and march of the united troops to York-town. Soliloquy of lord Cornwallis, and speech to his officers. His lordship's determination to defend York-town. Washington's address to his forces. Death of colonel Scammell.

WASHINGTON,

OR

LIBERTY RESTORED.

Now had the slow-pac'd wain of sable night
Ascended heaven's mid-steep, and in her train
The starry host with all their glittering gems
Spangled the expanse; now was creation hush'd
In the soft dews of sleep, all but the mind
Of great Columbia's chieftain, him no sleep
But anxious care possess'd, and troubled thoughts
How he might shield his country from those ills
Which now on every side assail'd her round;
E'en in his very camp disease had spread
So thick her noisome vapours, that he fear'd
No efforts on his part could save the rest
From the grim jaws of death, and to these ills
Were added mutiny, and discontent,

5

10

Whose clamorous tongues pervaded all the camp: 15 Nor wanted cause; oft without food, or clothes,

Expos'd to all the inclemencies of sky,

Nor day, nor night, nor season brought relief,
E'en Congress' self unable to supply

Q