ARRIVAL AT PETERSBURG. 49 in which this band of heroes was held by the two Scotch regiments, and even by the battalions of light infantry, the "élite" of the army who had fought and generally led in every action during the war. The gallant earl and his brave officers who had shared with him in his long and arduous marches, as well as in his laurels, were almost idolized. Their numbers were : appro he animadverts on Lord Cornwallis' march into Virginia, and declares that it was 66 a measure determined on without his bation, and very contrary to his wishes and intention." Lord Cornwallis' reply vindicates the measure, and explains the grounds upon which it was undertaken. "I could not remain (his Lordship says) at Wilmington, lest General Green should succeed against Lord Rawdon, and, by returning to North Carolina, have it in his power to cut off every means of saving my small corps, except that disgraceful one of embarkation, with the loss of the cavalry and every horse in the army. From the shortness of Lord Rawdon's stock of provisions, and the great distance from Wilmington to Camden, it appeared impossible that any direct move of mine could afford him the least relief. In the attempt, in case of a misfortune to him, the safety of my own corps might have been endangered, or if he extricated himself, the force in South Carolina when assembled, was, in my opinion, sufficient to secure what was valuable to us, and capable of defence in that province. I was likewise influenced by having just heard that General Phillips had been detached and placed under my orders, which induced me to hope that solid operation might be adopted in that quarter, and I was fully persuaded that until Virginia was reduced we could not hold the more southern provinces, and that after its reduction they would fall without much resistance, and be retained without much difficulty." D AMERICAN CAMPAIGN. 51 CHAPTER THE FIFTH. American Campaign continued-Action at James City-Siege and Surrender of York Town. PREPARATIONS were at once made for moving towards the Marquis la Fayette, who had been reinforced by troops from the north, as well as by the militia from the neighbourhood of Richmond. Another detachment from New York joined the British army about 26th May in James River, consisting of two battalions of the troops of Anspach Brandenburg, the 17th and 43d British Regiments. The German regiments and the 17th, being weak in numbers, were sent to join the garrison of Portsmouth, General Leslie was sent to take the command at that post, and Brigadier Arnold went to New York. The 43d Regiment was kept with the army, and, with the detachments of the 76th and 80th, formed a brigade for Lieutenant-Colonel Dundas. Here I had daily opportunities of being with my friend Major Gordon, whose military ability was justly appreciated by Lord Cornwallis, at the same time that it somewhat excited his surprise, as his lordship had known him twenty years before in the gay circles of London. Our encampments were always chosen on the banks of a stream, and were extremely picturesque, as we had no tents, and were obliged to construct wigwams of fresh boughs to keep off the rays of the sun during the day. At night, the blazing fires which we made of the fence rails illuminated the surrounding scenery, which, in this part of America, is of the most magnificent description. There was but one wish in the army, which was to come up with the marquis. At parting with my friends in the evening, it was always "Prælium pugnatum est." The marquis moved to the westmard, keeping about twenty miles off; we marched as far as Jefferson's Plantation, and Lieutenant-Colonels Tarleton and Simcoe were detached, and destroyed tobacco and stores of various descriptions. The former officer came upon the Assembly of Virginia at Charleville by rapid marches, and made prisoners of several members. The army began to move towards Williamsburgh Neck for the sake of health at this season of the year, as well as because there was no chance of coming up with La Fayette's corps; we arrived there on the 25th June. On this march the Queen's Rangers, forming a rear-guard, were assailed by an American corps under Colonel Butler, which had followed close in their rear for several days. After some sharp fighting, in which Lieutenant Jones greatly distinguished himself until he fell, the enemy retired. ACTION AT JAMES CITY. 53 A few days afterwards, his lordship, wishing to approach the shipping at Portsmouth, had occasion to cross the James River to Cobham, and having made choice of James City Point as a proper place for crossing, he apprised the naval authorities of his intention, and our baggage, bât horses, and the Queen's Rangers crossed over on the 5th July. The rest of the army still remained at James City. La Fayette, with Wayne's brigade, was completely deceived respecting this movement, and supposing that all the army had crossed over except the rear-guard, came down to James City on the 6th, moving by a narrow road across the Green Springs leading to a spot of cleared ground on the bank of the river which was immediately in front of Colonel Dundas's brigade. The British army was drawn up in two lines, the brigade of Colonel Dundas forming the left of the front line, the light infantry the right, the Guards, 23d, 33d, and Hessians formed the second line. The picquet-guard of Colonel Dundas's brigade, consisting of men of the 76th Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Balneaves, an officer of the 80th Regiment, was ordered to resist as long as possible, which they did for a length of time. The lieutenant was killed, and Lieutenant Alston of the same regiment, having taken the command, was severely wounded, and after him Ensign Wemyss of the 76th was also wounded, when the picquet received orders to retire; and the |