eignty. of the States, could not be greater than the power that created it. It could only exercise acts of authority delegated to it. It was the agent to exercise the power belonging

The United States, being the creation

to the States.

6. Questions were to be decided not by the people at large, but by the States themselves, a majority of them being required to carry a question.

7. The States agreed that congress, which represented them in their collective capacity, alone should exercise certain acts of sovereignty,—such as declaring war, laying imposts, and coining. money, which were essential for the common good.

8. Though Maryland had held aloof from the confederation, she had not relaxed her efforts in the common cause. At the very time when she was contending for her own rights with Virginia, her sons were fighting on the soil of this sister State for its defence, shedding their blood without stint upon every battle-field-the Maryland line and the Virginia regiments, side by side, bearing the brunt of the hard-fought southern campaigns. Her valor in the field, and her wisdom and firmness in the cabinet, have left their impress upon the country, however they may be ignored by partial writers of its history. Her valor in the

Questions.-6. How were questions to be decided? 7. What did the States agree to? 8. What is said of Maryland? What is said of her valor and firmness?

field either determined the victory, or saved the army in many a hard fought struggle, and her firmness in the cabinet gave rise to the formation of those States which this day constitutes the pride and power of the Republic-the great West.

CHAPTER XI.

THE MARYLAND LINE SOUTH- Maryland Line sent to Reinforce the Southern Department---Passage through Maryland-Gates' Folly-Route marked by De Kalb--Changed by Gates--Battle at Camden--Dreadful Charge of the Marylanders - The whole British force brought against the Maryland Line-Virginia Militia.

1. During the year 1779, the southern army had been unfortunate. Georgia and South Carolina were re-conquered by the enemy, and North Carolina was invaded.

2 In this critical state of affairs, it was resolved by congress that the Maryland and Delaware lines. should be dispatched to reinforce that department.

3. In April, 1780, they were accordingly detached, under the command of Maj. Gen. De Kalb, and, after marching through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, embarked at the head of Elk river.

Questions.-1. What is said in this section? 2. What did congress resolve? 3. Under whose command were they placed?

4. The first and second brigades passed through the State early in May. They numbered about two thousand men, and most of that gallant and veteran army looked for the last time upon their beloved State. Yet proudly conscious of their noble bearing, and the honor they had won for it, they cheerfully marched on to new fields of glory.

5. The south was calling for their aid, and these men, who had shewn their prowess at the north— some, sharers with Gist of the bloody day upon Long Island, some, who fought at Harlem Heights, White Plains, Fort Washington, and through five severe campaigns—were hastening thither to cross their bayonets with British steel again.

6. The legislature directed the sum of three thousand dollars to be paid to each officer, and, to welcome their passage through the State, gratuities were distributed among the non-commissioned officers and privates.

7. On their march, they were overtaken and joined by Genl. Gates, who had been appointed to the command of the southern department.

8. The broken remains of the cavalry, which had served the preceding campaign, had been withdrawn to North Carolina to recruit. Its officers desired Gates to use his influence to fill his corps.

Questions.-4. What is said of their passage through the State? 5. What is said in this section? 6. How were they welcomed? 7. By whom were they joined? 8. What is said of the cavalry? What did the officers desire?

He refused to do so, thinking he had a sufficient force for his purpose. He learned to regret his

folly.

9. De Kalb had already selected a route for the army, somewhat circuitous, but through a fertile country, where provisions and supplies could be obtained. Gates, notwithstanding the remonstrance of Gen. Williams, changed the course to a more direct one, but through a barren and exhausted district.

10. The result was disastrous; the men were compelled to live on green corn and unripe fruit, producing sickness and death. The horses, destitute of forage, were unable to support the forced marches, and the whole army, when it approached the enemy, was broken down, and scarcely fit for service.

11. The first battle in which they were called to engage was at Camden. Lord Cornwallis, the leader of the British, and Genl. Gates, had formed the design of surprising each other, and the advance parties of each met at half past two o'clock in the morning.

12. After some skirmishing, as if by mutual consent, both armies ceased their fire, and drawing back awaited the dawning of day.

opened on both sides at day-break.

The artillery
To teach the

Questions.-9. What had DeKalb done? What did Gates do? 10. What was the result? 11. What was the first battle they were called upon to engage in? 12. When did the battle commence?

Virginia militia to stand the fire of the enemy, Col. Otho H. Williams, of Maryland, with a party of volunteers, moved in their front against the British artillery, to draw and sustain their fire. Cornwal lis immediately threw forward his veteran corps. The Virginia militia, scarcely waiting to deliver one fire, threw down their arms and fled. One regiment of North Carolina militia followed their shameful example. Another North Carolina regiment, however, cheered by the firm bearing of the Marylanders, maintained its ground.

13. At the moment the left wing broke, Cornwallis elated with success, ordered a charge to be made on the right. But Gist's brigade was immovable. For a while the terrific struggle seemed of doubtful issue-"bold was the pressure of the foe," exclaims an eye witness, "firm as a rock the resistance of Gist-now the Marylanders were gaining ground."

At

14. The gallant Howard, at the head of Williams' regiment, impetuously broke upon the enemy, and drove the opposing corps before him. this moment, Webster, second in command of the enemy, brought his veteran guards upon their flank. They were instantly met by the second. Maryland brigade under Small wood.

Questions.-12. What did Col. Williams do? What did Cornwallis? What, the Virginia militia? Who followed? 13. What is said in this section? 14. What is said of Howard? Of Webster? Who met him?