CHAPTER IX

VALLEY FORGE

Distress in America 24

Lack of organization 25

Vexatious meddling of Congress with the army 26

Sufferings at Valley Forge 27

Promoting officers for non-military reasons 28

Absurd talk of John Adams 29

Gates is puffed up with success 30

And shows symptoms of insubordination 31

The Conway cabal 32, 33

Attempts to injure Washington 34, 35

Conway's letter to Gates 36

Gates's letter to Washington 37

Washington's reply 38

Gates tries, unsuccessfully, to save himself by lying 39

But is successful, as usual, in keeping from under fire 40

The forged letters 40

Scheme for invading Canada 41

The dinner at York, and Lafayette's toast 42

Absurdity of the scheme 43

Downfall of the cabal 43

Decline of the Continental Congress 44, 45

Increasing influence of Washington 45, 46