common courtesy of epistolary correspondence, was violated more than once, by the English officers, in their communications to our beloved Commander in Chief. But happily for the cause he served, in the former case, he was prompt in the system of retaliation, and in the latter he refused to have any intercourse with those who did not acknowledge in his person, the sovereign authority of the people, delegated to him by the Continental Congress.

The American officers were, it is true, well treated, in comparison with their unfortunate men. It was officially announced by a Board of Commissioners, who had convened the year before, that the common soldiers were sometimes kept three, four, and five days, without provisions, and they were then tempted to enlist in the British service, by offers of food, which, to half starved and hungry men, were almost irresistible. To say nothing of the prison-ships which lay in the Wallabout, where hundreds of patriots lost their lives by disease and suffocation, the general treatment elsewhere was so bad, as to excite a burst of indignation throughout the whole confederation. It was said at the time, that in the month of February, 1777, it had been in contemplation by the British General, to transport all the American prisoners

to India, a bourne from whence they were never to return. This cruel intention was, however, laid aside, and some alteration, as we have observed, had taken place in the feelings of the better sort of English officers. With a repentant feeling, which got the better of their prejudices, they began to respect, if they did not admire, the Spartan courage of the Anglo-Americans, who continued to sustain the cause of liberty in a manner worthy of the heroic ages. Policy operated not a little also, to produce a change. Many distinguished officers had been captured, and General Burgoyne himself had become the object of even rebel sympathy. The British were now as anxious to vindicate their honor, as before they had been indifferent to their reputation. Communication after communication was made to General Washington of the relaxation in the treatment of the prisoners, and it was a farther attempt at reconciliation that induced the officers at New-York, including the Hessians, who styled him a goot rebel,' Reimbach Wiesenbach and all, to unite in giving a farewell dinner to an American general officer, who after a year's confinement in New-York, under circumstances of considerable hardship, was about to resume his command.

"

The guests were now arrived, and for this dinner, Tippleglass had robbed earth, air, and ocean of its sweets.' As our readers may imagine, he was, with due nicety, attired in his gala dress. Neat short clothes, and paste buckles at the knees, blue stockings, and shining shoes, lost, ever and anon, under the snowy whiteness of a clean apron, made up his tout ensemble. Tippleglass, on whom his pretty wife was beginning to let off a small peal of her artillery for his delay, seized a tray on which stood a punch bowl of enormous dimensions, and hastened to the with-drawing room, where the party had assembled. Ah, here is mine host,' said a handsome young fellow, who wore an epaulette on the right shoulder, 'here comes the punch-bowl, and the Duke of Norfolk. Why Tippleglass,' continued he, 'your knees tremble under the load, as if the contents of your bowl had affected your understanding! Answer me, mine host, on the honor of a publican.' 'The honorable captain Belaguier cannot be serious. This punch bowl has its ingredients commingled with my hand, that has mixed, ere now, many a cup of right good Norfolk punch, and no questions asked.' 'Well,' replied the young man, (a thoughtless, but brave and intelligent officer,) we 'll try this punch,

and if it be too sweet or too sour, too strong or too weak, I'll kiss thy wife, bespite thee for thy pains.'

"Then my wife passes Scot free for once with your honor, for my punch is of the best, and the contraries well observed, and I will, gentlemen, with your permission, withdraw, and apprise General Lee that dinner waits.' 'Present my compliments to General Lee,' said another person, who was walking up and down the room, and was laughing at Belaguier for the unexpected retort of Tippleglass, 'present the compliments of Col Hanger, of the Jagers, and inform him, that his Majesty's officers are assembled, and will be happy to see him.' As Tippleglass left the room, another officer of a thin figure, with a dark complexion, and immense mustachios, cried out, "Tis a great bore after all, here's a renegade from the service, who was taken in actual rebellion and we are giving him a dinner. Do you not think so, baron Reidesel?" Shame, shame,' said the veteran, 'I plush for vat you say. You are too harsh; you speak too pold for de times. General Lee, in mine esteem, is a goot rebel, and de policy of de day, is petter to make friends as enemies. Besides, in mine country, we do not pring tears to de eye of de unfortunate, whom we have taken in de

6

pattle.' This remark of the good old Baron, precluded, by the impressiveness of its manner, all further criticism of the kind alluded to. Besides Belaguier

had just taken a theatrical position on the floor, and was quoting with his usual vivacity, from Julius Cæsar, Friends, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear!' The speaker would have gone on, for he had assumed a really handsome attitude, when he accidentally caught a glimpse of himself in a pier glass, and burst into a fit of laughter. At this moment the door opened, and General Lee entered with the air of a well bred and accomplished man. He was habited in the full uniform of the American staff:-a light blue coat with plain lappells, laced collar and open front, under which a buff vest was distinctly visible, was surmounted on either shoulder by a gold epaulette. A cross of Stanislaus, hung from a buttonhole on the left side, and the red ribbon, which was then worn by the American officers, was neatly looped through the same aperture. Buff small clothes, and white silk stockings, completed his dress. His head was powdered in the fashion of the day. He was tall and well made; his features, with the exception of his full aquiline nose, were regular and expressive.