A COUNCIL OF WAR AT FORT RICHMOND. 25 



the decision arrived at there upon that Summer's eve, and the in- 

 terests of a score of powerful nations were more or less affected. The 

 sentry, slowly pacing in front of the old stone house, could occasion- 

 ally hear a portion of a question or answer relative to the condition 

 of the country back beyond the Kills, and it was soon known through- 

 out the post that a council of war was in progress and that an expe- 

 dition was soon to be made into New Jersey. 



"Let me lead, with the Queen's Rangers," suggested the impetuous 

 Simcoe ; " they fear no danger, nor do they care for the life of a 

 rebel." 



"It would be far better to name my men for such an expedition; 

 they, too, have no sentimentality in their souls!" added General 

 Kuyphausen, as he spoke of his heartless Hessians; "there will be 

 little else than devastation to mark the route they have taken, and it 

 will be a sorry hour for the rebels when my men meet them ! " 



Notwithstanding Simcoe' s bravery was never questioned, it is a 

 historical fact that Lord Howe had no confidence in his loyalty to 

 the King, nor his honesty of purpose. He was a brutal fanatic, con- 

 stantly seeking self-glory in a channel which most men despise. 

 Consequently Lord HoAve informed him that his rank precluded the 

 possibility of his commanding an expedition where such a large body 

 of troops was to be brought into action ; he would, therefore, place 

 General Kuyphausen in command, with power to select whatever 

 troops, in his judgment, were deemed necessary. 



An hour or more passed in animated discussion about the expedi- 

 tion and other questions that naturally rise at such a time, at the 

 conclusion of which the cammandant of Fort Richmond gave a re- 

 ception to his royal guests. Near the huge stone chimney stood a 

 large round table, which had been left there by the family that had 

 occupied the old stone house for many years. On it rested the con- 

 ventional well-filled punch-bowl and various other luxuries. The 

 vexatious manceuvers of the great army were soon almost forgotten, 

 and the time was given up to the merry scenes which characterized 

 social gatherings at that particular period. 



"God save the King," said the polite Howe, as he raised his glass 

 in the presence of the genial company. " Success to the expedition," 

 exclaimed Kuyphausen, when it came time for another toast and all 

 raised their glasses but the disappointed Simcoe. Presently as the 



