[The Life of George Washington, Vol. 3 (of 5) by John Marshall]@TWC D-Link bookThe Life of George Washington, Vol. 3 (of 5) CHAPTER IX 30/47
Information of this movement was received, and Lieutenant Colonel Lee charged his advanced cavalry with such impetuosity, as to cut a company nearly to pieces.
A captain and several privates were made prisoners.
The whole British army turned into this road and followed in the rear of Williams, who used every effort to delay their march. [Sidenote: February 14.] The measures adopted by Greene for collecting the boats were successful; and, on the fourteenth, he effected the passage of his troops and stores. When Williams supposed that the American army had reached the Dan, he left the road leading to Dix's ferry, and entering that which Greene had taken, urged his march to the lower ferries with the utmost celerity.
Lord Cornwallis, being at length informed that Greene had taken the lower road, turned into it about the same time by a nearer way, and his front was in sight of the rear of Williams.
So rapid were the movements of both armies that, in the last twenty-four hours, the Americans marched forty miles; and the rear had scarcely touched the northern bank, when the van of the enemy appeared on the opposite shore. That General Greene was able to effect this retreat without loss, evidences the judgment with which he improved every favourable circumstance. The exertions, the fatigues, the sufferings, and the patience of both armies, during this long, toilsome, and rapid pursuit, were extreme. Without tents, without spirits, often without provisions, and always scantily supplied with them; through deep and frozen roads, high waters, and frequent rains; each performed, without a murmur, the severe duties assigned to it.
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