Thus it happened that Washington was across
the Delaware almost as soon as the British. He marched parallel
with them on a line some five miles to the north and was able to
forge towards the head of their column. He could attack their
flank almost when he liked. Clinton marched with great
difficulty. He found bridges down. Not only was Washington behind
him and on his flank but General Gates was in front marching from
the north to attack him when he should try to cross the Raritan
River. The long British column turned southeastward toward Sandy
Hook, so as to lessen the menace from Gates. Between the half of
the army in the van and the other half in the rear was the
baggage train.
The crisis came on Sunday the 28th of June, a day of sweltering
heat. By this time General Charles Lee, Washington's second in
command, was in a good position to attack the British rear guard
from the north, while Washington, marching three miles behind
Lee, was to come up in the hope of overwhelming it from the rear.
Clinton's position was difficult but he was saved by Lee's
ineptitude. He had positive instructions to attack with his five
thousand men and hold the British engaged until Washington should
come up in overwhelming force.
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