By these dispositions, happily conceived, and executed with regularity, the Marquis extricated himself from the destruction which had appeared almost inevitable.

In a letter to congress, General Washington termed it "a timely and handsome retreat," and certainly the compliment was merited.
It might be supposed that this young nobleman had not displayed the same degree of military talent in guarding against the approach of danger, as in extricating himself from it.

But the imputation which generally attaches to an officer who permits an enemy to pass unobserved into his rear, is removed by a circumstance stated by Lafayette.

The Pennsylvania militia were posted on his left flank with orders to guard the roads about White Marsh.

Without his knowledge, they changed their position, and retired into the rear, leaving that important pass open to the enemy.
[Sidenote: General Howe resigns his command and returns to England; is succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton.] This was the last enterprise attempted by Sir William Howe.