"What! ten thousand peasants keep five thousand king's troops shut up? Well, let us get in and we'll soon find elbow-room."
He failed to find "elbow room" until he put out to sea.
To be driven out of Boston, when such a result was considered impossible by the foe, was doubly humiliating to the sons of Great Britain. It was proportionably glorious to American patriots, and they took possession of the city with exultation and devout thanksgivings to God.
Congress unanimously adopted a eulogistic resolution, rehearsing the valor and achievements of the commander-in-chief, and ordered a gold medal, with appropriate inscription, to be struck off, and presented to him as a token of the country's gratitude.
XVIII.
DEFENDING NEW YORK.
"What next?" inquired General Putnam.
"That is a difficult question to answer until I know General Howe's destination," replied Washington.
"Then you don't think he is going home?" continued Putnam facetiously.