along the coast of Long Island Sound, in New York State (with the savage aid of the Indians), in New Jersey, and in the South,—­there making a more formal movement and seizing the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.  No battles of any account were fought.  There was some skirmishing, but no important military movements were made on either side.  Washington, in December, 1778, removed his headquarters to Middlebrook, N.J., his forces being distributed in a series of camps from the Delaware north and east to Rhode Island.  The winter he passed in patient vigilance; he wrote expostulating letters to Congress, and even went personally to Philadelphia to labor with its members.  Meanwhile Clinton was taking his ease, to the disgust of the British government.

There was a cavilling, criticising spirit among the different parties in America; for there were many who did not comprehend the situation, and who were disappointed that nothing decisive was done.  Washington was infinitely annoyed at the stream of detraction which flowed from discontented officers, and civilians in power, but held his soul in patience, rarely taking any notice of the innumerable slanders and hostile insinuations.  He held together his army, now chiefly composed of veterans, and nearly as numerous as the troops of the enemy.  One thing he saw clearly,—­that the maintenance of an army in the field, held together by discipline, was of more importance, from a military point of view, than the occupation of a large city or annoying raids of destruction.  While he was well intrenched in a strong position, and therefore safe, the British had the command of the Hudson, and ships-of-war could ascend the river unmolested as far as West Point, which was still held by the Americans and was impregnable.  Outside of New York the British did not possess a strong fortress in the country, at least in the interior, except on Lake Champlain,—­not one in New England.  West Point, therefore, was a great eyesore to the English generals and admirals.  Its possession would be of incalculable advantage in case any expedition was sent to the North.

And the enemy came very near getting possession of this important fortress, not by force, but by treachery.  Benedict Arnold, disappointed in his military prospects, alienated from his cause, overwhelmed with debts, and utterly discontented and demoralized, had asked to be ordered from Philadelphia and put in command of West Point.  He was sent there in August, 1780.  He was a capable and brave man; he had the confidence of Washington, in spite of his defects of character, and moreover he had rendered important services.  In an evil hour he lost his head and listened to the voice of the tempter, and having succeeded in getting himself put in charge of the stronghold of the Hudson, he secretly negotiated with Clinton for its surrender.