Hamilton was obliged to share his room with both the young men, and they slept on three little cots in a small space.  When the nights were insufferably hot they would go out and lie on the grass and talk until they were in a condition to sleep anywhere.  Hamilton would forecast the next movement of the enemy; Laurens and Lafayette would tell all they knew about military science in Europe; and then they would discuss the future of the liberated country and the great ideals which must govern her.  And when men can be idealistic while fighting the Jersey mosquito, it must be admitted that they are of the stuff to serve their country well.

But all this delightful intercourse was interrupted in August.  Washington gave battle to the British at Brandywine, was defeated, and in the following month surprised them at Germantown, and was defeated again.  Nevertheless, he had astonished the enemy with his strength and courage so soon after a disastrous battle.  To hold Philadelphia was impossible, however, and the British established themselves in the Capital of the colonies, making, as usual, no attempt to follow up their victories.

Washington went into temporary quarters near the village of Whitemarsh.  His own were in a baronial hall at the head of a beautiful valley.  Old trees shaded the house, and a spring of pure water bubbled in a fountain before the door.  The men were encamped on the hills at the north.

There was a great hall through the centre of the mansion, and here Washington held his audiences and councils of war.  The house throughout was of extreme elegance, and much to the taste of the younger members of the family, particularly of Hamilton, who spent the greater part of his leisure in the library.  But his enjoyment of this uncommon luxury was brief.

Washington must have reinforcements or his next engagement might be his last.  There was but one source from which he could obtain a considerable supply, and that was from the army of Gates in the North.  But Gates was swollen with the victory of Saratoga and the capture of Burgoyne, and was suspected to be in the thick of an intrigue to dethrone Washington and have himself proclaimed Commander-in-chief.  At the moment he was the idol of the army, and of the northern and eastern States, for his victories were tangible and brilliant, while Washington’s surer processes were little appreciated.  Therefore to get troops from him would be little less difficult than to get them from Lord Howe, short of a positive command, and this prerogative Washington did not think it politic to use.  He called a council of war, and when it was over he went to his private office and sent for Alexander Hamilton.

He looked haggard, as if from sleepless nights, and for a moment after Hamilton entered the room, although he waved his hand at a chair, he stared at him without speaking.  Hamilton divined what was coming—­he attended all councils of war—­and sat forward eagerly.  The prospect of a holiday from clerical work would alone have filled him with youth, and he knew how great a service he might be able to render the cowering Republic.