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Show 64 LIEE OF GEN. JACKSON. CHAP. on this occasion, must, in some measu(e, be ascribed III. to the gratification they felt, in being able to defeat the ..,.,........ views of those, who had so lately thwarted their own. To this may be also added, the consciousness all must have entertained, that the privations of which they complained, were far less grievous than they had represented them; by no means sufficient to justify revolt, and not greater than a patriot might be expected to bear without a murmur. But, anxious to return to their families and kindred, and recount the late bril· liant exploits of their first battle, they seized with eagerness every pretext for exoneration, and listened with too much docility to the representations of those, who were influenced by less honest feelings. Having many domestic considerations to attend to-the first ebullition of resentment being cooled, and the first im· pulse of curiosity gratified ; there were no motives to retain them in the field, but a remaining sense of ho· nour, and a fear of disgrace and punishment, should they abandon their post without a cause. But although these motives were sufficient for the present, those who were governed by them did not cease to wish, that a more plausible apology might offer for dispens· ing with their operation. The militia continued to show a much more obedient and patriotic disposition than the volw1teers, who, having adopted a course which they discovered must finally involve them in dishonour, if it should fail, were exceedingly anxious for its success, and that it might have the appearance of being founded on justice. On this subject, the pretensions of the cavalry were certainly much better established; as they were entirely without forage, :md LIFE OF GEN. JACKSON. 65 without the prospect of obtaining any very soon. They CHAP. petitioned therefore to be permitted to return into the m. settled parts of the country, pledging themselves, by~ their platoon and field officers, that if sufficient time were allowed them, to recruit the exhausted state of their horses, and to procure their winter clothing, they would.return whenever called on. The general, una-ble; from many causes, to prosecute the campaign, granted the prayer of their petition, and they immedi· ately set out on their return. . About this time, general Jacksort's prospect of bemg able to maintain the conquests he had made, began to be cheered, · by letters just received from the conq-~ctors, and principal wagon-master, stating, that sufficient supplies for the army were then on the road, and would shortly arrivt at hi. calnp. These letters he hastened to lay before the division, and at the same time invited the field and platoon officers to his quarters that evening, t~ consult on the measures proper to be pur. sued. Havmg assembled them, and well knowing that the flame of discontent, which had so lately shewn itself, was only for the present smothered, and might yet burst forth in serious injury, he addressed them in an animated speech, in which he extolled their patriotism and achievements ; lamented the privations to which they had been exposed; and endeavoured to re-animate them by the prospect of speedy relief, which he expected with confidence on ¢e following day. He spoke of the immense importance of the conquests they had already made, and of the dreadful consequences that mus~ result, if they were now abandoned. " What," Addrc" . contmued he, " is the present situation of our camp? :.'ir.~~~'· I |