the enemy, occupied by the German corps of Breyman, consisted of a breast-work of rails piled horizontally between perpendicular pickets, driven into the earth, formed en potence to the rest of his Îine, and extended about 250 yards across an open field, and was covered on the right by a battery of two guns. The interval from the left to the British light infantry was committed to the defence of the provincialists, who occupied a couple of log cabins. The Germans were encamped immediately behind the rail breastwork, and the ground in front of it declined in a very gentle slope for about 120 yards, when it sunk abruptly; our troops had formed a line under this declivity, and covered breast high were warmly engaged with the Germans. From this position, about sunset, I perceived brigadier-general Learned advancing towards the enemy with his brigade, in open column, I think with colonel M. Jackson's regiment in front, as I saw lieutenant-colonel Brooks, who commanded it, near the general when I rode up to him; on saluting this brave old soldier, he inquired, where can I put in with most advantage.' I had particularly examined the ground between the left of the Germans and the light infantry, occupied by the provincialists, from whence I had observed a slack fire: I therefore recommended to general Learned to incline to his right, and attack at that point; he did so with great gallantry; the provincialists abandoned their position and fled; the German flank was by this means uncovered; they were assaulted vigorously, overturned in five minutes, and retreated in disorder, leaving their gallant commander, lieutenant-colonel Breyman, dead on the field. By dislodging this corps, the whole British encampment was laid open but the extreme darkness of the night, the fatigue of the men, and the disorder incident to undisciplined troops after so desultory an action, put it out of our power to improve the advantage; and in the course of the night General Burgoyne broke up his camp and retired to his original position, which he had fortified behind the great ravine.'

to us;

p. 267–272.

Major Ackland, who was wounded and taken prisoner, was accompanied by his wife, whose strong conjugal affection gained her some celebrity. When her husband fell into our hands, she came with a flag and a letter from general Burgoyne to take care of him. Her reception at the American posts was misrepsented and made a subject of calumny against our army. Major (now general) Dearborn was the officer commanding, and general Wilkinson relates all the circumstances of her reception. He has given two long extracts and very interesting ones, from a journal published by

the baroness Reidesel, at Berlin, in 1800. She accompanied her husband, who was a general officer in Burgoyne's army; and lady - Harriet Ackland, who might be called a fellow sufferer, is of course mentioned in it. She relates some anecdotes of general Schuyler, which mark his noble, generous character. It is always a subject of regret that this officer should have been deprived of the command of the army, and of the glory of capturing Burgoyne, to have both devolve upon Gates who was every way his inferiour. The following extract gives some further account of major Ackland, and we have marked it, because generous sentiments displayed between men engaged against each other in conflict, is an exhibition of the most elevated feelings.

Before we leave this part of these memoirs, we should willingly make some extracts relating to the convention of Saratoga, where it appears general Wilkinson rendered very essential service at a critical moment, but our limits will not permit. We have also omitted all mention of the serious difficulties in which the author was involved on account of general Conway's letter to Gates, reflecting on general Washington. Gates was a weak man, and Conway was what Washington styled him, a dangerous incendiary.' The reader will find the narrative of the whole campaign, which terminated in the surrender of general Burgoyne, replete with interest.

A few days after my return to Albany, major Ackland with whose family I was on an intimate footing, spoke to me with some solicitude on the subject of the retaliation threatened by Congress, for the ill treatment of colonel Ethan Allen; he had made arrangements for lady Harriet's accouchment in that place, but became uneasy lest the threat should be carried into effect, and he be selected as the object. He asked my opinion as a friend, whether it would be most advisable to remain where he was, or to obtain leave to remove on his parole to New York. I did not hesitate to recommend the latter, because by being near the commander of his army, he might be able to accelerate his exchange, and by being out of sight, should retaliation take place, he might be overlooked. He then inquired how he could effect this purpose; and I offered him my assistance, on condition he would make me a pledge; he promised every thing in his power, and I advised him to propose to general Gates, that if he would parole him, he should exert his utmost influence to procure colonel Allen's exchange; and that, in case he did not succeed, then

he would use his exertions to procure the exchange of my fellow statesman and friend, major Otho Williams, with whom I had served at Cambridge, when he was a subaltern in the rifle company of captain Price, and who was suffering severely in captivity at the time, having been wounded and made prisoner at fort Washington in 1776. Major Ackland entered into this stipulation, and gave me his honour for the performance. His application to general Gates succeeded, and he removed with his precious charge to New York. I wrote major Williams by him, and on his arrival there, finding the major was confined on Long Island, major Ackland procured permission for him to visit the city, and accompanied it with an invitation to his house, introduced him to lady Harriet, distinguished him by the most generous and friendly attentions, and finally procured his exchange, not being able to succeed in that of colonel Allen. Ackland took great interest in listening to major Williams's recital of his sutterings, and those of the American prisoners, which frequently brought tears from lady Harriet. Major Ackland's connexions, fortune, and parliamentary standing, being a member of the House of Commons, licensed him in the free expression of his sentiments; and one day on 'Change, when the treatment of the American paisoners became a topic of conversation, after expressing his abhorrence, he observed, But, gentlemen, inhumanity originates at head-quarters, and you all follow the fashion. On another occasion, after dining with lady Harriet, he proposed to major Williams a visit to an assembly; they entered, and the attention of the belles and beaux could not but be attracted by two such elegant figures as Ackland and Williams; but the rancour of civil animosity prevailed over the obligations of good breeding, and Williams was shunned like a pestilence. Ackland made his introduction general, but without effect; and after sauntering across the room several times, Come, Williams,' said he, this society is too illiberal for you and me; let us go home and sup with lady Harriet.'

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But unfortunate was the destiny of this gallant, generous, high minded gentleman; and it cannot be listened to by an American without deep regret, when it is known he gave his life in defence of their honour. I have the following detail from an English gentleman in whom I place confidence;-Ackland, after his return to England, procured a regiment, and at a dinner of military men, where the courage of the Americans was made a question, took the negative side with his usual decision; he was opposed, warmth ensued, and he gave the lie direct to a lieutenant Lloyd, fought him, and was shot through the head. Lady Harriet lost her senses, and continued deranged two years; after which, I have been informed, she married Mr. Brudenell, who

accompanied her from general Burgoyne's camp, when she sought her wounded husband on the Hudson's river.' ^p. 376–378.

General Wilkinson passes over the interval between 1777 and 1797. In 1799, when the army was enlarged during the troubles with France, he received a letter from general Hamilton, which we shall lay before our readers—

•New York, Feb. 12th, 1799.

• Sir,-The interesting incidents which have latterly occurred in our our political situation, having rendered it expedient to enlarge the sphere of our military arrangements, it has in consequence become necessary to regulate the superintendence of our military force in its various and detached positions, in such a manner as while it will serve to disburthen the department of war, of details incompatible with its more general and more important occupations, will likewise conduce to uniformity and system in the different branches of the service.

The commander in chief having for the present declined actual command, it has been determined, in pursuance of the above views, to place the military force every where, under the superintendence of major-general Pinckney and myself. In the allotment for this purpose, my agency is extended to the garrisons on the western lakes, and to all the troops in the north western territory, including both banks of the Ohio, and upon the Mississippi; in short to all the western army, except the parts which may be in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Of this you will have been informed by the secretary of war.

• From the relation which is thus constituted between us, I allow myself to anticipate great mutual satisfaction. Every disposition on my part will certainly facilitate it, and tend to promote the discharge of your trust, in the manner best adapted to your honour and the advancement of the service.

• It was the united opinion of the commander in chief, general Pinckney, and myself, when lately convened at Philadelphia, that your speedy presence in this quarter was necessary, towards a full discussion of the affairs of the scene, in which you have so long had the direction in their various relations, and towards the formation, with the aid of your lights, of a more perfect plan for present and eventual arrangements. Much may be examined in a personal interview, which at so great a distance cannot be effected by writing. The actual and probable situation of our public affairs, in reference to foreign powers, renders this step indispensable. You will therefore be pleased, with all practicable expedition, to repair to Philadelphia; upon your arrival there giving me immediate advice of it. If this can be most conve

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niently accomplished by way of New Orleans, you are at liberty to take that route. On this point you are the best judge, and will no doubt act with circumspection.

• It must rest with you to dispose of the command of the troops at the different stations, during your absence, and to give the proper instructions in conformity with those which have been received from the secretary of war. On this head only one remark will be made. The confidence in your judgment has probably led to the reposing in your discretion, powers too delicate to be intrusted to an officer less tried; capable perhaps of being so used as to commit prematurely the peace of the United States. Discretions of this tendency ought not to be transferred, beyond what may be indispensable for defensive security. Care must be taken that the nation be not embroiled, but in consequence of a deliberate policy in the government.

• Official letters from you to me, as you have been apprised by the secretary at war, are to be forwarded through him; they must be open and under cover. The design of this is, that he may have an opportunity, in cases of great urgency, which could not conveniently wait for my direction, to interpose with the requisite measures. In your absence, it will be proper that the officer or officers you may substitute in the command, should communicate with you; also transmitting their letters open under cover to the secretary at war. This will preserve unbroken the chain of your command.

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• With great consideration, &c. &c. < ' (Signed)

• Brigadier-general Wilkinson."

‹ A. HAMILTON.

General Wilkinson soon after arrived in New York, and had several interviews with general Hamilton.

The arrangements respecting the army proposed by him to general Hamilton, and approved by general Washington, were prevented by the restoration of peace with France. This restoration the author attributes to the agency of the worthy Dr. Logan of Pennsylvania, whose conduct he highly applauds in going voluntarily between the two countries; and says he was entitled to equal praise in 1810, for attempting a similar object, although he adds, he was abused for this interference' by the same persons, who had applauded him on the former occasion. General Wilkinson gives us three letters, which originated in this second embassy; one is addressed to the marquis Wellesley, another to Sir John Sinclair, and his answer. This latter is a curiosity. Though