Diary of the American Revolution: from Newspapers and Original Documents (Volume 2)

Diary of the American Revolution from Newspapers and Original Documents (Volume 2)
By Frank Moore


Preface

The materials of these volumes are taken from Whig and Tory newspapers, published during the American Revolution, private diaries, and other cotemporaneous writings. They present to the student of this day the same view the readers of the revolutionary period enjoyed ? the manners and customs of the people, and the moral and religious, as well as political features of the time.

As far as practicable, the language of the writers has been preserved. For every assertion presented the reader will find an authority which must be his guide in ascertaining its value in an historical point of view; while, at the same time, he must keep in mind the truth that the errors and lampoons of a period belong as much to its history as the facts and flatteries.

Among the newspapers from which the editor has drawn his material, no one requires an especial notice in this place; a history of the periodical writers of the last century would in itself exceed the limits of these volumes. Such a work would prove an interesting and important addition to the literature of America.

In conclusion, the editor acknowledges his obligations for the many favors and facilities extended to him by the various Historical Societies of the United States, most especially to the officers of the New York Historical Society, from whom he has received the most valuable assistance.


Excerpt from Chapter I

January 1.--At the opening of the last year, the American cause wore a sickly aspect. The Continental army, reduced to an inconsiderable body, retired as fast as the enemy advance; and a vast tract of country, from the Hudson river to the Delaware, lay exposed tot he ravages of an insulting foe. Roused at length from the lethargy which at first seemed to seize them, the militia poured in to the assistance of General Washington, and gave his little army an appearance of numbers. The fortunate surprisal of the Hessians, and the brilliant manoeuvre at Princeton, first checked the current of misfortune, and gave the tide of affairs a contrary direction. General Howe, confining himself to the narrow limits of Brunswick and Amboy, suffered us to invest him with a handful of militia. The States wisely improved the breathing spell which Heaven lent them; and such were the exertions of the winter, that, before the British army took the field, we had a respectable force on foot. A force, part of which, assisted by the gallant militia of New York and New England, hath destroyed their northern army; while the residue, though unable to stop the progress of General Howe, hath nevertheless fought him bravely, and even now limits...

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