Dec. 11—Washington establishes his army in winter quarters at Valley Forge. During this year American prisoners were treated with great cruelty at New York. General Gates, who had really succeeded in capturing Burgoyne only by the aid of Generals Schuyler and Arnold, intrigues against Washington. When this became known the general indignation killed the scheme.
1778.
The American cause was really gained by the war of the previous year. The Americans were so far unanimous, and so spirited, that the British had not been able to get a permanent hold on any part of the country, save what was occupied by their armies in force.
Jan. 30—A treaty of alliance is made with France.
Mar. 4—The American frigate Alfred, of twenty guns, captured by two English vessels of war.
” 20—The American Minister presented at the French Court.
Apr. 18—Count d’Estaing leaves Toulon, France, with a fleet to aid the Americans in the war.
Jun. 12—Philip Livingston, of New York, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, died.
” 17—The British Parliament having appointed three Commissioners, the Earl of Carlisle, Lord Auckland, and Governor Johnstone, to treat for peace with the colonies, on the basis of granting everything they had asked, except independence, Congress replies, refusing all intercourse unless the independence of the States were first recognized, and the English army withdrawn. Two years before, this would have been eagerly accepted. England had lost, at the beginning of this year, twenty thousand men, and 550 vessels, taken by American cruisers, worth twelve million dollars, and had spent one hundred million dollars on military armaments in America.
” 18—The English, afraid of being blockaded in the Delaware river, by the French fleet, evacuate Philadelphia.