CHAPTER X.

REIGN OF GEORGE III. (_continued_).

Gage attempts to seize American Arms--Skirmish at Lexington--Blockade of Boston--The Second Congress at Philadelphia--Washington chosen Commander-in-Chief--Fall of Ticonderoga and Crown Point--Washington at Boston--Battle of Bunker's Hill--The Olive Branch Petition--Condition of the American Army--Expedition against Canada--Capture of Montreal--Arnold's Expedition--His Junction with Montgomery--Failure of the Attack on Quebec--The Employment of German Mercenaries--Washington seizes Dorchester Heights--Evacuation of Boston--Howe retires to Halifax--The War in Canada--Thomas's Retreat--Sullivan evacuates Canada--The War in the South--Attack on Charleston--Paine's Pamphlet, "Common Sense"--New York and Virginia decide for Independence--Debate in Congress--Report of the Committee--Arbitrary Proceedings--The Declaration--Overtures to France--Arrival of Lord Howe--Position of Washington--Howe's Overtures--Battle of Brooklyn--Washington's Retreat--His Desperate Position--Howe receives a Deputation from Congress--Washington retires Step by Step--Cornwallis's Pursuit--Close of the Campaign--The Articles of Confederation published by Congress--Fresh Overtures to France--Parliament votes large Sums of Money--John the Painter--Chatham demands a Cessation of Hostilities--Washington's Change of Tactics--Surprise of Trenton--Washington outmanœuvres Cornwallis--He recovers New Jersey--Difficulties of Congress--Howe advances against Washington--Alteration of Howe's Plans--Battle of the Brandywine--Howe crosses the Schuylkill--Cornwallis enters Philadelphia--Battle of Germantown--Washington at Valley Forge--Burgoyne's Plan of Campaign--His Advance--St. Clair's Defeat--Burgoyne on the Hudson--The Beginning of his Misfortunes--Battle of Bemus's Heights--Burgoyne's Message to Clinton--He is surrounded--He attempts to cut his Way through--The Surrender of Saratoga--Clinton's Failure to relieve Burgoyne--Close of the Campaign 217