WashClinton, now peremptorily commanded Putnam to dispatch to forces. ington all his continental regiments, retaining only his militia Hamilton was greatly enraged against PutThis order was obeyed. nam, and advised Washington to make an example of him, saying: But Washington was un- His blunders and caprices are endless." willing to too deeplv wound the sensibilities of the old general, and " I can not but say," he reprimand. contented himself with a mild delay in the march of the troops than wrote, -there has been more I think necessary, and I could wish that in future my orders may be immediately complied with, without arguing upon the propriety If any accident ensues from obeying them, the fault will of them. be upon me, not upon you." ClinDuring the winter of 1TTT-TS General Putnam and the two tons, with Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt, John Jay, and aothers, reconnoitered the Highlands with a view to their refortific printhe for place eligible most the as Point West selected and tion cipal works.
A beginning was made there before Putnam's retirement from the Peekskill post, which occurred on the Kith of March, 1778. now He was succeeded by McDougall-- his immediate predecessor-- become a major-general. At this stage of the war American hopes mounted high. The WashFrench alliance was signed in Paris on the (5th of February. the inoton still at Vallev Forge (Pa.), was in position to attack te co-opera to fleet French a of British in Philadelphia, and the arrival
EVENTS
with him against that city was expected monthly. It became impracticable for the enemy to continue there, ami the evacuation of the place was decided on. Just previously to the event Howe resigned the chief command and was succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton. The British army moved out of Philadelphia on the 18th of June to make its way by land back to New York.