Chapter V

Hale's Zeal As A Soldier

In the letter just quoted, Washington wrote
further:

"Whither they [the enemy] are now bound,... I know
not, but as New York and Hudson's River are the most
important objects they can have in view... therefore as
soon as they embarked, I detached a brigade of six regiments
to that government and when they sailed another
brigade composed of the same number, and tomorrow another
brigade of five regiments will march. In a day or
two more, I shall follow myself, and be in New York
ready to receive all but the first."

Uncertain as to his power to hold New York,
Washington promptly took the next step that appeared
open to him, carrying in his heart a heavy
weight of care, and realizing, as perhaps no other
man did, that only divine assistance could give
him final success. He was bent upon a desperate
mission, but to it, with sublime patience, he gave
every energy of his masterly mind, and the entire
consecration of all that he possessed.

Well was it for him that the power which con60

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v?