HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 259

almost idly at Flatbush, apparently kept in check by Hand’s riflemen, but really in obedience to Howe’s imperative orders. His caution may be counted among the several providences which seemed to watch over the American army, and saved it from what might otherwise have been total annihilation. For bad he, at this juncture, made one vigorous push, he would, with the force at his command, almost certainly have made himself master of works scarcely in a state of completion, and an enemy poorly organized or prepared to receive him. Gen. Greene, under whose supervision the American defences had been constructed, and who had made himself thoroughly acquainted with the whole detail of the army, and with every important point and pass on the west end of Long Island, had been prostrated by illness a few days previous. Sullivan, who succeeded him (on the 20th), was faithful and brave, but was personally unknown to the troops under his command, and had but little opportunity to acquaint himself fully with the field of operations. As a consequence, when Gen. Washington visited the lines on Long Island oil the 24th, he found things at “loose ends.” Disorder was perceptible in every department—detachments skirmished with the enemy's vanguard, or picked off his sentries, without any orders and with little method—others were little better than marauding parties, who burned the houses of friend and foe alike, and robbed dwellings, barns, and hen_roosts with impunity. Annoyed and alarmed that such a state of things should exist in the face of an approaching army, Washington immediately resolved to place some one in command better fitted, by local knowledge and personal influence, to regulate and harmonize the diverse elements of which the army was composed. Gen. Putnam, whose brave heart had been aching

their own land, and in the best of causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, but determined; do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your officers. It is the general’s express orders, that if any man attempt to skulk, lie down, or retreat without orders, he be instantly shot down as an example. He hopes no such will be found in this army; but, on the contrary, that every one for himself resolving to conquer or die, and trusting in the smiles of Heaven upon so just a cause, will behave with bravery and resolution. Those who are distinguished for their gallantry and good conduct may depend on being honorably noticed and suitably rewarded; and if this army will but emulate and imitate their brave countrymen in other parts of America, he has no doubt they will, by a glorious victory, save their country and acquire to themselves immortal honor.”