Gen. Putnam. Aye, providential indeed!
Gen. Washington. Is he dangerously wounded?
Messenger. I am told not, sir.
Gen. Washington. I am glad of it.—What follow'd?
Messenger. His brave troops pushed on to the second barrier, and took possession of it.
Gen. Washington. Very good—proceed.
Messenger. A party of the enemy then sallying out from the palace-gate, attacked them in the rear, whom they fought with incredible bravery for three hours, and deeds of eternal fame were done; but being surrounded on all sides, and overpowered by numbers, were at last obliged to submit themselves as prisoners of war.
Gen. Putnam. Heav'ns! could any thing prove more unlucky? such brave fellows deserve better treatment than they'll get (I'm afraid) from the inhuman Carleton.
Gen. Lee. Such is the fortune of war, and the vicissitudes attending a military life; to-day conquerors, to-morrow prisoners.
Gen. Washington. He dares not treat them ill—only as prisoners. Did you learn how those brave fellows were treated?