A COUNCIL OF WAR AT FOftT RICHMOND. 29 



General Kuyphausen returned, under the cover of darkness, back 

 to Elizabethtown, where he awaited the arrival of Generals Clinton 

 and Arbuthnot, on their return from Charleston. The invaders, be- 

 ing greatly reinforced, returned to Springfield, and, several days 

 later, engaged the American army under Generals Greene and Dick- 

 enson. But, gaining nothing by the engagement, Kuyphausen again 

 retreated to Elizabethport, re-embarked, and in the night time 

 brought his army back to Staten Island. 



The event, viewed from a military standpoint, was of but little 

 significance ; yet, it is safe to assume, had an important political 

 effect upon the two countries at war. Lord Howe was greatly dis- 

 appointed, and did not hesitate to make the fact known to General 

 Kuyphausen, who, it is said, felt the humiliation so keenly that he 

 actually wrote his resignation. He never fully regained his popu- 

 larity among the troops, and those who kneAV him best have said that 

 the scenes which filled his first day in the little hamlet of Spring- 

 field followed and haunted him to the very hour in which his eyes 

 closed in their sleep of death. 



Although a century has passed away since the veteran armies from 

 far-away lands centralized near the little fort, the fact seems to be 

 thoroughly established that the sacred principles which were born 

 in those Revolutionary battles have grown stronger by the distance 

 of time. Common ties of friendship and national interests enable 

 the silken furls of the proud emblems of both lands to mingle in a 

 cemented peace, and bespeak the perpetuation of two of the greatest 

 nations existing under the providence of God. It is doubtful that a 

 more neglected historical spot exists in the whole country than Fort 

 Richmond ; but it is likely to stand for a century to come, when, per- 

 haps, it will be regarded with more interest than by those who, liv- 

 ing here to-day, shall have passed away. 



