Читать книгу Aaron Burr: A Biography - Nathan Schachner - Страница 33

Table of Contents

But his health, already heavily undermined, gave way completely under these incessant fatigues and arduous duties. His physician insisted on his retirement, otherwise he would not answer for the consequences. Very reluctantly, therefore, on March 10, 1779, he tendered his resignation.

It was accepted with real regret by General Washington. The Commander appreciated the value of his services, even though he had his private prejudices against the young officer. “Perfectly satisfied,” he said, “that no consideration save a desire to re-establish your health could induce you to leave the service, I cannot therefore withhold my consent. But, in giving permission to your retiring from the army, I am not only to regret the loss of a good officer, but the cause which makes his resignation necessary.”^[116]

But Burr’s old friend, Patterson, from a distance, put another construction upon the business. “I congratulate you on your return to civil life,” he wrote, “for which (I cannot forbear the thought) we must thank a certain lady not far from Paramus. May I have occasion soon to thank her on another account; and may I congratulate you both in the course of the next moon for being in my line: I mean the married.”^[117] But of this lady and of Patterson’s confident prediction more anon. For the present suffice it to say that Burr was definitely ill—he was to be a martyr to his ailment for a considerable time to come.

The effects of Burr’s withdrawal soon manifested themselves. A good officer, Colonel Thompson, took over the command, but the British, apprised that the dreaded Burr was no longer on the ground, attacked and wiped out Thompson’s Headquarters and took him prisoner. Colonel Green, who replaced him, was surprised and killed together with most of his men. The American lines were hurriedly shortened, leaving some twenty miles of country unprotected and subject to the old ravages. William Hull, an officer of the old command, wrote to his former Colonel sadly, “The ground you so long defended is now left to the depredation of the Enimy, and our friends in distressing circumstances.”^[118]

Burr, however, was not to be permitted immediately to recuperate. Even though now a civilian, at McDougall’s request he consented to undertake another mission. The General, at Newburgh, had been unable, in spite of repeated attempts, to get word through to Washington of enemy movements. Burr consented to make the passage. “To whom it may concern:—Colonel Burr, being on very pressing public business, every magistrate will assist him in changing horses, and all friends of the country will also assist him. June 2nd, 1779. Alexander M’Dougall, Major-General.”^[119]

He got through successfully, and Washington, on hearing of McDougall’s critical position, marched forthwith toward the Highlands with his forces.