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 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 20 The army's wants, was yet perforce impell'd Alas! thou know'st how vain; in thee alone 25 30 I put my trust; Oh! guide my crring thoughts, 35 Teach me to know thy will, and to obey That will when known, that thus the path of right 21. To adopt such measures &c.-Compare the note at b. i. ver. 275; and Ramsay, ii. 222--5. "In addition to the dis asters from short crops, and depreciating money, disorder and confusion pervaded the departments for supplying the army. Systems for these purposes had been hastily adopted, and were very inadequate to the end proposed," &c. Ib. 188. See Life of W. iii. 40-3. " Mistaking a real depreciation of money for the extortion of avarice on the wants of the publick, an attempt was made, under the recommendation of Congress, to limit prices by law; and this limitation, if persisted in, would once more have produced a famine," &c. lb. 403-4. See iv. 245-7. 256. 264-7., where Washington complains of the defects of the State system, and the consequent want of power in Congress. "I see one head gradually changing into thirteen. I see one army branching into thir teen; and instead of looking up to Congress as the supreme controuling power of the United States, considering themselves as dependent on their respective states," &c. See 361. May lead to virtue, happiness, and thee. 40 45 50 1 55 60 Which Heaven gave free to man, thus making power, And right synonymous, has dared provoke Russia's great empress to defend the laws 66 |