engaged, and when the rest of the army had been routed, or had fled, they maintained the battle unaided, against two brigades of the enemy. Nearly half of their force was annihilated. Their loss in killed and wounded was 256, officers and men. To this day, the people of Long Island point out to strangers the spot where half of the Maryland battalion stemmed the advance of the whole left wing of the British army, when no other troops were left upon the field, and where the best blood of the State was poured out like water.

Questions.-13. How long were they engaged? What do the people of Long Island still do?

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MARYLAND TROOPS IN THE RETREAT-Maryland Troops in the Advance Posts-Crossing the Ferry-Attempt to Surround the Americans-Disgraceful Retreat of the Connecticut Militia-Maryland Line Cover the Retreat -Battle at Harlem-Battle at White Plains-Attack on Fort Washington - Destruction of the Enemy's Troops by the Maryland and Virginia Rifles.

one day's rest since their bloody conflict, they were ordered on duty at the advanced post of Fort Putnam, within two hundred and fifty yards of the

Questions.-1. Why was it necessary to be prompt in the retreat? When was the retreat effected? 2. Where were the Maryland troops ordered?

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enemy's line, and, with two Pennsylvania regiments on the left, were to protect the retreat of the army.

3. Under cover of a foggy night and morning, the movement was happily effected, in spite of the disorder of the eastern troops; and it was not discovered by the enemy until the last detachment of Marylanders and Pennsylvanians was half way across the river and out of reach.

4. The British now attempted to surround the Americans on New York Island, and, it being found impossible to defend the city, in the disorganized condition of the troops, Washington resolved that the army should be withdrawn into the lines below Fort Washington. On the 15th of September, the enemy effected a landing without opposition, in the face of two brigades of Connecticut militia, who fled disgracefully at the fire from sixty of the British infantry.

5. Disgusted with such cowardice, General Washington immediately sent an express for the Maryland regiment, drew it from its brigade, and ordered it down towards New York, to cover the retreat of the army. He knew well he could rely upon its maintaining its position against all odds.

6. Smallwood posted his regiment, and they remained under arms the best part of the day until

Questions.-3. How was the retreat effected? 4. What did the British now attempt? What did Washington resolve? When did the enemy effect a landing? What is said of the Connecticut militia? 5. What did Washington do? 6. What did Smallwood do?

the last troops had passed. Having maintained his position as long as it was necessary, and having received notice to retreat, he retired in good order, and reached the lines about dusk.

7. On the next day, a body of three hundred British appeared in the plains below the American position. Having been attacked, and receiving a reinforcement of seven hundred men, Gen. Washington ordered up Major Price, with three of the Maryland independent companies, and Colonels Richardson's and Griffith's regiments of the Maryland flying camp. These troops attacked the enemy with the bayonet and drove them from their position.

8. In the battle at White Plains, the militia having taken to flight, and the artillery having retired in confusion, Smallwood's Maryland regiment was immediately advanced to meet the enemy. A long and severe conflict ensued; but, overpowered by superior numbers, it was compelled to give ground.

9. The Maryland regiment suffered severely; Col. Smallwood was himself among the wounded. The regulars of that gallant corps, worn down by the hard service they had endured, and the effects of their wounds, had been much weakened. Yet under all these trying circumstances, almost with

Questions.-7. What took place the next day? 8. What is said of Maryland regiment in battle of White Plains? 9. Who was wounded?

out field officers, the Maryland line displayed its wonted valor at White Plains, and won new laurels for its State.

10. In the attack on Fort Washington, we again find the Marylanders distinguishing themselves. Posted among the trees, Rawling's riflemen, the hardy sons of the Maryland and Virginia mountains, poured upon the advancing column a murderous fire. The Hessians broke and retired. Again they were brought to the attack, and again repulsed with dreadful slaughter. The Maryland riflemen remembered the destruction of their brethren at the battle of Long Island by the Hessians, and did not forget to avenge it.

11. A single battalion of riflemen, whose weapons, from frequent discharges, had become foul and almost useless, could effect little, when opposed to five thousand men with the bayonet. They could not hope for victory, but they won great glory.

12. The fort was compelled to surrender.Among the captives were Major Otho H. Williams, Lieutenants Luckett, Lingan, Davis and Evans. Some few Marylanders escaped across the river. The loss of the enemy was nearly twelve hundred, more than half of which was inflicted by Rawling's Maryland and Virginia riflemen.

Questions. -9. What further is said of the Maryland line? 10. What is said of the attack on Fort Washington? 11. What of the riflemen? 12. What was the result? What was the loss of the enemy?