"We must then retire to Augusta County, Virginia," responded Washington, his indomitable spirit rising superior to all discouragements. "Numbers will repair to us for safety, and we will try a predatory war. If overpowered, we must cross the Alleghanies."
Before this time, Colonel Reed said to him one day, "When shall we stop this everlasting retreating and make a stand?"
Washington answered, without the least show of resentment:
"If it becomes necessary, we will retreat over every river and mountain in America."
Such an unconquerable spirit receives its reward at last.
Lee did not leave Northcastle until the last of November. True, he ordered General Heath to a movement that he claimed would support Washington; but when General Heath found that Lee was not obeying the orders of the commander-in-chief, he refused to entertain his commands.
"I am amenable to the commander-in-chief, and cannot supply you with troops as you order," he said.
"In point of law you are right," said Lee, "but in point of policy I think you are wrong. I am going into the Jerseys for the salvation of America; I wish to take with me a larger force than I now have, and request you to order two thousand of your men to march with me."
"I cannot spare that number."