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11
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'''Ji'
ASTOK. LEMOX
AKO
DARING DEEDS
OF
AMERICAN HEEOES
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
EDITED 27
JAMES
0.
BRAYMAN, ESQ.
"How
who
sink to rest,
i-biest."
.With
thciif
coautrj's liccojc
CrM.'S
25
AXTON,
1859.
Park Row.
5(r
-^Hk;
SEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
5311605
*9lV*, lENOX and
1^-12
^-
Eiitered according to
Act of
bj
GEO.
H.
DERBY AND
'le.^
CO.
of
PREFACE
The
objfict
of the following
pages
is
to place
upon
per-
claims
all
matter.
We
au-
our i-each
and important
upon
sea
or
land, in
which
our countrymen
Our
to
embalm
the
in the
memory
of
the
American
sacrifices,
patriotism, the
heroism, the
sufferings
to
whom we
our freedom.
peril.
The Revolutioaajy,
Its
struggle
written
W9s
time of
;
history
in
has been
facte
by able hands
but history
great
thrill-
deals
general
-^ in
gr^^.at
achievements, and
interesting
results.
Those
lesser d^tnils
deeply
personal
are
and
ing in themselves
those
adventures that go
passed
by,
to
make up
exist
the
Romance of War,
scattered
and only
works.
as
fragments,
through
ephemeral
IV
TKEFACE.
It
is
our purpose
to
give
and shape,
more important
events which
What
is
Whatever may be
said
renowned Heroes.
will
It has
and
continue
to
be, for
prominent upon
its
pages, stands
the record
of
great
and
in this
alive,
universal
sentiment.
and keep
to
it
gratitude
their
for
the
result of
their
^^darmp
deeds"
upon the
altar of
patriotism, our
end
v^iil
ha\e
beoii
accomphshed,
/*!*!'*
CONTENTS
linTRODUCTION,
Battle of Lexington
Fio-lit at
9
llT
Concord Bnd^e
Hill
23
31
Battle of Bunker
42
46
4*7
Father
49
Army
52 53
54
57
61
62 Q5
67
Andrew Pickens
70
73
An
Extraorduaary Retreat
74
75
The
Scotch Prize
or,
the Little
Yankee
78 79
83 85
John Adams
Battle of Pj-inceton
Battle of
87
.
Brandy wine
.,
91
Vi
Battle of
CONTENTS!.
Germantown
95
102
103
Thomas Allen
108 110
116
Battle of Bennington
Battle of Saratoga
Revolutionary Reminiscence
119
March of Burgoyne
Battle of Oriskany
122
126
139
144
149
151
Putnam's Feat
Monmouth
155
157 159
General Lee
Encampment
at Valley
Forge
161
Colonel George
K Clarke
164
168
Affairs at Schoharie
Sergeant Jasper
Hayne
White
Intrepidity of Colonel
188 190
191
Expedition
192
198
Newto^
205 212
Mountain
214 219
223 229
Cowpens
Sergeant Mitchell
CONTENTS.
Naval Engagements
Defeat of Major Gainey
Vll
230
231
Marion
at Nelson's
Ferry
.
233
236 238
241
Eutaw Springs
244
247 267
Battle of Guilford
269 274
La Fayette
in Virginia
at the
Wayne's Victory
Miami Rapids
281
Capture of L'Insurgente
284
287
The
290
295 302
Bombai-dment of Tripoli
Loss of the Intrepid
307 310
312 316
319
Frolic
Adams and
Caledonia
321
Battle of Queenston
323 328
'
331
334 336
339
842
Tohopeca
343
348
352
VIU
CONTENTS.
356 857
362
364
Commodore
Battle of the
Perry's Victory on
Lake Erie
367 373
Thames
Lane
Battle of
Chippewa
378
Battle of Lundy's
Sortie of Fort
384 395
Ene
398
404
408 410
Battle of
Lake Champlain
Defense of Baltimore
Battle of
New
Orleans
413
425
427 433 443
446 448
Palma
Taking of Sonoma
Capture of Montgomery
Battle of
454
458
San Pasqual
470
472
Battle of Bracito
Battle of
Buena Vista
475
477 478
Capture of Alvarado
Taking of Puebla
Affair at the National Bridge
480 482
489
495
497
IlSrTEODUCTIOlN".
The American
of the world.
It stands
from
it,
is
destined to exert
all
upon the
It
coming time.
like
estabhshed
a new
blood,
and consecrated
It has
nations.
First
came the
and
homes, and
religion."
Then came
from a perse-
also
which had
made
blood.
down with
of our country
we
fiery trial
and severe
tiibulation
the house of
God
beofu-t
with sentinels
X
and
INTRODU CTI O N.
filled
thfl
ruthless
savage upon
the
burning
dwelling
mother's arms
the bleeding father scalped and trodden under foot, ere the
warm
spirit
had departed
the feeble
woman
when
torture,
and death
final
the
stout resistance
the fear-
vengeance, and
trials
triumph.
These, and
other
were
the
portion of
those
who
laid
whose
foe
blessings are
now
ours.
No
from
sooner was
the
savage
subdued
driven
back
river
and mountain
no
fruits
men
toil
their
and
suffering,
than
of jealousy
and
envy
policy,
to the
mother country.
row
and assessments
the
Home
Govern-
ment of
those laws
to
be taxed.
at the
with
it
strong
restrained
though
the
the
majesty of
But, as the
Britain.
though
bowed
INTRODUCTION.
down
for tue
Xl
moment,
upon the
of
'
oppressors.
Eng-
land
to
subdue the
to
its
much
fuel
New
catas-
England
to
trophe were
the Battle
felt
But
it
was
at
of Lexington that
burst forth in
hill
and
dale, forest
and
felt
throughout Chris-
tendom.
The
drama
Battle of Lexington
is
the
first
act
in
the opening
the
first
of the
^Daring
It
Deeds''"'
achieved
by our
with
final
Revolutionary Fathers.
spirit
fearful
and of the
crowned
their heroic
efforts,
after years
of
the events of the Revolution are, the time will never come,
we
trust,
when they
will cease to
interest to every
American freeman
when
cease to
make
the
bosom of every
patriot
emotion.
Then
War.
followed the
trials
and
sufferings of the
Seven Year's
Men
the mechanic arts siezed the sword and the musket and went
forth to battle for the right.
The habiliments
of the citizen
were exchanged
the soldier
man
left
XU
his
INTRODUCTION.
home and
of war.
his
happy
fireside,
for the
tented
field,
the
camp
The instruments
firm
The
the
was
said,
and the
made upon
domestic affection.
for the
spirit
achievement of out
of our fathers.
Such the
at
The
continued
course,
it
burning
fiercer
and
brighter,
It sped
ing strength as
contagion, as
it
were,
ded the
hills
of
New
hght
afar off
ani-
One
one
mind
mated the
people.
They saw
stripped of
its
rights
and
privileges
while,
other,
war
desolating
war
stared
them
roi-s.
But a
crisis is
spirit
abroad
the
test.
passed
all
is
They
fearlessly
bared their
bosoms
The
struggle
All the
evils
suffer,
they shrank
still
nor
,he
faltered.
The
rose above
troubled
horizon, to
them
on, ai
INTRODUCTION.
tlie
Xlll
cloud
by day and
Israel
the pillar of
fire
by nigbt did
times
it
is
the
children of
in
the wilderness.
of
defeat
At
indeed
obscured
by the clouds
but
is
they, vanquished,
Their cause
approved of Hea-
and cheered by
its
The Eagle
of Freedom
flutters aloft
power of
and
toils
Britain.
Peace crowns
first
patriotism,
Liberty, the
born of Heaven,
Its
of
the oppressed.
banner
is
yet
and palsied
it
Our
and com-
menced
the task
the
superstructure
leaving to
future
generations
ciously began.
Their
diflaculties
the
close of
the war.
They found
is
true,
free
to take
up arms.
But
this
was
all.
Chaos
An
thi
peace had
been neglected,
out resources.
reollection
The
of
common
and common
clangers.
as a rope
institutions
molded.
Conflicting interests
to
be hai
monized, and a
new
XIV
INTRODUCTION.
safely
still.
As He had
He
dom
to
in council.
which
was exposed.
of the nation
their fortunes,
many
and
of those
who had
achievement
of
its
liberties,
means
to
meet the
to
That instrument
the perfection of
human
re-
mains in
our
its
original strength
and purity
the palladium of
hberty
the
Under
it,
the
and upward.
From
thirteen,
they have
in-
become
thirty-one,
Union, so fraught
and preservation of
preserved
in
civil,
political,
is
and
rehgious
may be
its
integrity
the prayer of
After the
fonnation of the
proportions.
Peace
continued
INTRODUCTION.
'_terrupted only
XV
by
slight diflBculties
never, in
to
fact,
conceded our
full
indeit is
demand
of us allegiance,
o our
national
pride,
and contrary to
every principle of
nternational
iO
law.
Increasing in impudence as
we
forebore
chastise
her encroachments
spirit
of
aroused.
second
war ensued.
In
this,
objects
by
physical
histoiy of
the world.
monotony of our
ourselves
involved
a war with a
"
so
is
here.
Incidents
study.
in
The
imbued with a
XVI
INTKODUCTION.
the principles of
;
Teach them
and by the
true patriotism,
in.
by the way
Rehearee to
fireside
them while
Tell
them the
story of
their love of
country shall " grow \vith their gi'owth, and strengthen witt
their strength."
DAEING DEEDS
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
CHAPTER. I. 1775.
BATTLE OF LEXIE'GT0:N.
A
ton,
been deposited
In
800
and
light
infantry under
Lieutenant-
Colonel Smith,
foot
who
of
Boston
common
bridge, about
eleven o'clock
night,
for
and comConcord.
menced
Though
a quick
but
silent
to
marcn
they attempted
.18
DARINGDEEDS
friends 'of liberty
tlie
to notice
their departure,
Of these,
Colonel
into the
hands of a party of
as
.
prisoners for a
time,
but,
becoming alarmed
drill
at
the firing of a
party of militia at
rode
off.
battle is
England.
" The Committee of Safety had set the preceding
day
at
three of
its
respected
retired
to
Ome, had
was
So
notwith-
that
had passed,
Amer-
which American
citizens should
be liable to
members of
did
it
necessary to
retii-e
On
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
fi'oin
19
their beds
and went
sight, the
to their
windows
to gaze
on the nnwonted
through
the
doubt
of the
It
in
the
design
of
arresting the
members
be there.
that
was only
momert
his
friends
bethought themto
selves
clothe
tliemselves,
escaped naked
the fields.
"By
this
time Colonel
Smith,
who commanded
country.
The
light
now
command
of Major
off the
communication between
north and west of
i-each
it.
this
place
five
hundred men
the king's
tiic
to resist
On
20
DARING DEEDS
was
ujd,
the grenadiers to
come
to the
work of death.
green,
in
their
report,
had
Safety,
consequence of
this
intelligence, a
body of about
in the evening
a guard of eight
men under
Colonel
who had
One
little afte''
Dawes
arrived ^vith
body of the
OF
AMEKICAN HEROES.
21
'
down
movements of the
troops,
and the
militia
company
number
thii'ty.
The
roll
was duly
and
some answered
earth.
names
time on
to load with
powder and
and awaited
in anxious expectation
sent to reconnoiter
One
of them, in consequence of
some
Under
and contradiction,
drum.
One
of these messengers
British,
remained undiscovered
within a mile and a half of Lexington meetinghouse, and time was scarce left for the last messenger
to retm-n
'
*;->
NOBLE DEP:DS
fired, tlie
Qlarm-gims are
of
tlie
drum
beats to arms.
Some
;
militia liad
but
neighboring houses,
Sixty or seventy
At
this
moment
mounted commanders,
their
banners
flying
and
to fly
them they
;
disdained.
their
The
British
troops
rush furiously on
commanders, with
down
their
fire.
troops to
moment's delay,
as of
compunc-
tion, follows.
tions is repeated,
l^o one
falls,
and
whom had
them
wounded
drop, and
was not
till
scattered fire
now
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
23
re-
mained
in sight;
and give a
army took up
The
in-
municated
to
this
The
interval
women and
About seven
hun-
dred and
fifty to
post for observation on the heights above the entrance to the town, retire at the approach of the
24
DAKINO DEEDS
first to
the hill a
little
farther
The
British
drawn
up in
front
of
the conrt-hoiise.
to
be deposited
safety,
to places of
and
consequences,
it
stands in
shocMng
it
contrast witi
effected.
by which
was
was the
first
commandei
to cut off
the approach
sent
to
tht
up.
force of six
com
left
guard
it,
and three
to Colonel
Bar
While
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
hill
25
opposite
command
The
of Colonel
British
compa-
would expose
to
their
own
Barrett's,
certain and
entire
The
up the communication with the town, and perceiving the attempt which was
made
to
destroy the
or-
first fire.
to
Acton company
led on
by
Davis.
fired
by the
march of the
discharge
is
citizens.
The
signal
for a
general
then
made
The
ball
stood near
volley
instantly
followed,
and
Captain
Davis was shot through the heart, gallantly marching at the head of the Acton militia against the
choice troops of the British line.
private of his
25b
DARINGDEEDS
also
fell
at
his
A
of
general action
now
several
killed
their
The advance
left
than to effect
It
entire destruction.
first
alarm had
The
tidings far
and wide
and widely
in their strength.
this the
morning of her
manry
of the land,
hands, poured
where
this
new and
acting.
it
march, and
and
distress
OF
AMERICAN HEE0R8.
Tlieir
27
wounded placed
;
in the
vehicles
and a
fight
com-
menced,
will hardly
afford a parallel.
On
all
armed and
had
fled
infirm, of
women and
of children,
perils
;
who
of the
or were
The panic
fears of a
calamitous
flight,
British, trans-
formed
this inoffensive,
men and
much
the
misconception.
Every height of
The
British light
but
who
was
to
Every patch of
trees,
every rock, every stream of water, every building, every stone wall was lined^ with an unintermitted
fire.
to the
assailants.
led
At
another
28
defile
DARING DEEDS
they were
encountered
by the
Lexington
at
militia
the loss of
killed
to the
their
number
in
and wounded
conflict.
in the morning,
first
had returned
At
up
vet-
by the
and valor of
it
eran troops.
equal contest.
To a military Qye
ought
by
surprise.
Eight hundred
to
march eighteen
:
an open country
and a
very
fair
match
for all
"
We
to
attempted," says
a British
oflJcer
men
;
no purpose
the
An
by a
En-
were driven
last
before
the
Americans
efibrt,
like
sheep;
till,
desperate
their
the ofiicers
succeeded in forcing
their
way
told
them,
if
OF
should die."
AMERICAN HEROES.
Upon
this
29
At
di-.
two
field-pieces,
under the
command
accordingly detached.
ton,
J5os-
at bay,
drew up
in
a hollow
who
lay
down on
march was
field-pieces,
then resumed
every house in Lexington, and on the road downwards, was plundered and set on
flan><3s
fire.
Though the
in
30
several
DARING DEEDS
houses
were destroyed.
ITotwithstanding
Americans was
force
thus drawn
off,
was
wore the
aspect of a flight.
that
the heights
struggle
bridge,
At West Cam-
danger was
and
there appear
effective
this
moment,
the
to
command among
Roxbury, and
field-pieces
American
militia
from Dor-
The
British
began
many
fell
on both
was man
to
The
which
to
thf-
The wounded
number
of
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
31
march.
brave
men had
fallen
considerable
prisoners
;
and
was not
till
when
the
first
detachment
The boats of
to
wounded
came over
to
besieged in Boston.
Bunker
Hill, is taken
32
19tli of April,
DARING DEEDS
1YY5, the people, animated
by one
common
musket
plough-share for a
and about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Massand the remainder from
achusetts,
Kew
Hampshire,
Rhode
Greneral
Island,
Ward
the
environs
of Boston, then
occupied
by 10,000 highly
disciplined
and well
others.
at
Charlestown and
command
by
his
own
including 120
men
fortify that
post.
At
halt,
but
concluded to advance
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Boston.
33
throwing up a redout, which they completed, notwithstanding every possible effort from the British
ships
and
noon the
next day.
So
silently
through the night, that the British had not the most
distant notice of the design of the
Americans, until
made
against them.
never
in
be
surpassed
1000
unexperienced
the
attire
without discipline, almost without artillery and bayonets, scantily supplied with
destitute
formidable British
to
or moisten that
34
DARING DEKDa
The
fire
frigate
and two
float
main
missiles,
truly dangerous to
it.
When
the intent>ion
of Putnam's regi-
Hampshire
heavy
fire,
had moved
British
The
commenced
At
2 o'clock, from
command
The
of Gen.
in apparently
hill.
was
oi?
OF AMERICAN HEKOES.
tKo Itti
/f
it,
35
the eastern
down
declivitj of the
construction,
it
and a part of
Little's
many
hours,
and
it
is
said
by some
to the rear of
was a
rail-fence,
extending almost
to
Mystick Kiver;
to this fence
mown
At
this fence
The movements
of the British
made
it
evident
column attacked
it
in front
became necessary
The whole
amounting
of
in
at the breast-work
and
rail-fence.
the re-enforcements
to
that
arrived,
all
36
to this
DAEING DEEDS
point
umns,
for
as
had been
anticipated,
moved along
up the ascent
directly in front
them.
who had
men by
his influence
and example
to the
the
enemy advanced
certain.
sufiiciently
near
make
their
aim
fired
by the
success
and
so
their
not
fatal
give battle;
but the
moment
soon arrived
when
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
advanced
fire
37
to within
blood,
and
the
to the point
where
landed.
From
vigor.
had sue
same order
Thinking
wooden
;
buildings,
was now
flames,
set
on
fire
by the
British
wounded
added
to the
form a scene
in
much
for
men bred
to
the
quiet
retirement of domestic
etillness
life
sustain.
But the
American
of
death
reigned
within
the
38
DARINGDEEDS
fresli
destruction
on the
assailants.
till
The
fire
of the Americans
was
again reserved
before,
the British
came
still
nearer than
when
the
fatal
Again the
and
batteries
renewed
balls
their fire,
on the works.
found
attack
finally
;
it
men
for a
third
;
and
it
was not
till
a re-enforcement of
more than
artillery,
be
effort
Gen.
Putnam
ships
heavy
fire
of the
and
to induce
the
r?
ilitia to
advance
but
it
was only
a few of the
the storm.
the
town of
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
39
the probability the Americans must shortly retreat the shower of pouring over the neck presented obstacles too raw
tion
balls
aj)palling for
much danger
them
to encounter.
Yet, notwithstanding
now
enemy.
British, aided
by
their re-enforceskill
and caution;
their
artillery
hill,
rail-fence
the latter
at the
and entered
it
with
fixed
bayonets.
The
now
selves
pieces.
the
butts
of
their
40
DARINGDEEDS
The column
that
rail-fence
The
spirit
to themselves a third
it
time
the
palm of victory
as
much
possibly have
troops,
been expected
from
undisciplined
The
British
Hill, but
some
moment coming
up
to
having in the
last
Some
of
them proceeded
to
From
found,
it
OF AMERICAN" HEROES.
5000 soldiers in the battle having
first
;
41
the
men on
the field.
was im-
1200
of
whom
were
either
killed
or
mortally
first
life
importance of the
moment was
with
lost;
else
a mon-
ument,
in
connection
The manner of
" The
Col. Prescott.
man who
in the battle of
ball
Bunker
Hill,
was
killed
by a cannon
which struck
clothes
his head.
He
in
was so near
me
that
my
were besmeared
off,
fresh
earth.
The
was
so
shocking to
many
I then
of the
men, that
I ordered
in vain.
ordered him to
be buried instantly.
A
;
him
to
be buried withis
I replied, this
the
first
42
DARING DEEDS
that has
man
the
been
killed,
I put
him
men may be
To your
God
only
over.
post,
my good
who
fellow,
and
let
each
man
to
do his duty."
patriot
thus
fell is
supposed
man
belonging to
ball,
Billerica.
He
thrown
by
Col.
1775,
is
thus related
first
by himself:
to take
"The
my
me
a part
with
my
country.
to
And
an opportunity
directions
signalize
myself in
to
its
behalf,
me
OF
colony,
AMERICAN HEROES.
43
now
Green
to sur-
possible, with
them
fortress of Ticonderoga.
This
first
and
after
guarding
all
country,
made
at
and arrived
the evening
valiant
Boys
and
it
However, I landed
men
commanded by
Col.
fort before
it
and and
as
was ha-
soldiers in the
manner
following
'
You
and
have, for a
number of years
been a scourge
valor has been
Your
as appears
by the
me
now
before us.
now propose
to
advance before
4A:
DARING DEEDS
for
we must
this
morning
possess
;
either
quit
our
pretensions to
fortress in a
valor, or
om-selves
as
of this
it is
few minutes
and inasmuch
men
dare
to
undertake, I
his
do not
that
urge
will
it
on any
contrary
wnl.
You
undertake
voluntarily, poise
at this time
youi- firelocks.'
drawn up
I ordered
his firelock.
them
and
at
marched them
I
who
me.
him, and
into
he retreated
through
the
covered
way
the
My
party,
who
followed
me
mto
the
fort, I
manner
other.
tries,
as to face the
we gave
One
them.
of the sentries
made
a pass at one of
my
with
officers
wounded him.
My
first
thought was to
kill
him
my
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
45
head
his
gun
and asked
quarter,
He
showed
to a
me
which led up
I
which
come
forth instantly,
at
would
sacrifice
which
door
me
me
I answered him,
In
the
name of
known
the Great
tinental Congress?
very
little
that time, he
began
to
Speak
and with
my
drawn
sword near
my
head, again
;
demanded an immediate
with wnich he then comto
and ordered
his
men
be forthwith paraded
PATEIOTIC FATHER.
When
the
news of a skirmish
at
Lexington
and marched
off to
Cambridge.
In
ot
the front
In march
mg
halt.
came out
meet them.
fife
an
instant.
The
said, "
if
God be
with you
all,
my
and, John,
you,
my
me
again."
and
the
of the
American
Arnold,
acquired
who
conducted
bold
the
undertaking,
thereby the
name of
American Hannibal.
He
was
sent,
then,
crossing the
the
Lawrence.
the
Great
were
they
the
difiSculties,
and
in
severe
privations,
miles,
had
to
encounter,
marching 800
an uninhabited country.
bec, they
an impetuous current
by
cataracts, to
land,
their
batteaux up
rapid streams,
and over
of rivers.
They had
4:8
DARINGDEEDS
contend
with
to
Bwamps,
woods,
and
craggy
Bountains.
At some
places, they
had
to cut their
way
through
forests, so
embar
five miles
One
third of their
sick-
Prcvisiona
grew
at
men
ate
and
shoes.
Still
days
inhabited
part of
armed
force
emerging from
the
Montgomery, a Major-General
was born
in
the
army
in the north of
He
to
fall,
v/hen
though in a
fair
way
to
of preferment.
He
it
America, viewing
and freedom.
After his
in this country, he
purchased an estate in
city,
He
now
Wlien the
as
commenced,
he was
known
to
to liberty,
and
draw
his
sword on
50
DARINGDEEDS
command
of the conti-
nental
forces,
in
the
northern
department, was
in the
fall
intrusted
to
of 1775.
By
mand
fort
He
reduced
Chamblee, and
St.
on
the
third
of
!N"ovemher
captured
Johns.
On
Quebec.
The
city
it
last
make an
The
in motion, in the
midst of a heavy
fall
of
snow,
Mont-
gomery advanced
at
York
and having
assisted
with his
own hands
in pulling
up the
pickets,
which
was determined
to force,
when one
of
This
fired, for
the
all
had
fied.
But
this event
capture of
Quebec.
When
he
fell,
Montgomery
OF
was
in a
AMERICAN HEROES.
his
51
body
rolled
upon
After
it
slain, it
soldiers, without
any
marks of
age.
He
was
thirty-eight years of
talents,
He
who were
inspired
him
in the extreme,
he yet
shared
pre-
them with
all
own
enthusiasm.
He
with them in
their hardships,
and thus
To express
by
his
monument
memory, should
be placed in front of
years
at
Quebec, by a resolve of
the
State
city of
New York,
aforesaid
monument
to adjourn-
having commenced,
it
was a
]X>int
of
v^ital
Commander
in
Chief of the
American
forces.
fj-om
Virginia,
this
are
deportment,
commanding
fortitude,
and con
Soon
after his
who were
besieging Boston
^^^
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
The Americans having
the British
so closely invested
it
5?
Boston
to evac-
Commander judged
prudent
they did
on the ITth of
who dared
General
ELBKIDGE GEEEY.
It
force to
when
the Committee
had been in
session, that
Mr. Gerry,
With much
however,
yerj
little
There
They then
54
DARINGDEEDS
alarm among the inha-
On
Hill,
the night
preceding
General
Warren, who
same bed.
affectionate farewell, to
meet no more
in this world.
day;
and Warren,
to
meet death
on
Bunker's
memorable battle-ground.
EICHAKD
The meeting of the
HE:N'KY LEE.
first
Congress presented a
any
other country.
It
was new,
interesting,
and solemn,
beyond expression.
result
from
it
were momentous,
degree which
the
human mind
and
The
responsibility
firmest
The
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
were intently fixed on
tliem.
65
millions of people
The
end of time
and an micer-
assembly.
The
seals
in-
structions
of
delegations
disclosed.
When
was
At
this
moment Eichard
silence.
Henry Lee
arose,
He
crisis^
were such
as
might be turned
to good, or to
evil, rKJCording
as
instant.
He
and
just, as soothed,
when
for
the
was prepared
renc
ir
to enter
resistance effectual.
achieved
56
/^riumph,
DARING
T)i:kds
to
be
felt
through
the
most important committees, and associated with the most distinguished delegates from the other
It It
colonies.
detail.
his in-
and
useftdness.
His
counsel
and
advice,
were
member
of the
house.
"When the
first
session
the intelligence
spirit
he had manifested;
he pm'sued;
his
devoted patriotism,
fidelity
;
honor,
and unyielding
and
his elegance of
;
manners
left
an impression on
the public
mind respecting
his character,
most honor
to
CHAPTER. 111776.
ATTACK OK SULLIVAN'S ISLAND.
In the months of June and July, 1776, the British
fort
on Sullivan's
island,
Their force
consisted of
two
gun
ships,
and four
several
frigates of twenty-eight
smaller
fort
vessels,
with
The
was commanded
and a few
militia.
This
strong.
fort,
though not
entirely finished,
was very
an attack was
obtain a
it
was very
difficult to
on the
east,
from which
separated
by a very narrow
feet
deep
at
low water.
r>S
DARING DEEDS
".Opposite to this
fort,
a strong
body of
troops, with
and
Sul-
so
that he
"
On
many
June
delays
before
occurred, that
was
the
24th
of
by
On
and
about
mid-day, the
frigates,
two
gun
and
thirty
gun
A severe fire.
fort, in
ordei
enfilade the
and cut
;
off
the
commuthe
nication
but, through
ignorance of the
they
all
stuck
fast
and
be totally unfit
for
service.
fall
The
third
into the
hands
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
was therefore confined
to
59
the five
"The
armed
attack
ships
whom and
ensued.
The
Bristol sufiered
excessively
As
the Americans
balls,
poured
in
great quantities
in flames.
five
of
red hot
Her
captain,
Mr. Morris,
to
to
have
arm amputated.
where he
re-
still
At
last
Of
all
who
stood on the
quarter deck of the Bristol, not one escaped without a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone
:
this
The engagement
it.
remained
for
some time
silent, so that
;
it
but
was found
;
to
der
for,
as
soon as a supply of
necessary
60
DARTNG DKKD
oljtained, tlie firing
article
was
was resumed
this
as brisk
as before.
desperate en-
gagement,
was found
to
be
much
stronger
any attempt.
" In
this
unsuccessful
attack,
the
killed
and
to
wounded on
about 200.
amounted
The
Bristol
it
much damaged
that
was
at
of naval
who had
expected
prizes.
On
the
American
side, the
was judged
to
have been
considerable.
declaratio:n' of i:n'depe:ndence.
Tlie
pro-
them out
mercenaries to
in subduing them,
began
to
July.
Sherman, and
claration of Independence.
They agreed
of their
it
number should
draft a declaration,
rest.
and read
They accord-
" read
gave such
satisfaction that
none
other was
read.
62
DARINGDEKDS
and
various parts
Btatue of
of the Union.
III.
George
it
of
which
musket
balls."
the
British in
complete
possession of
Long
their
Island,
be
commander
vise
some means
ments.
hazardous
and important
and
service.
pious, intelligent,
patriotic character,
manner
in
which he made
OF
the
sacrifice,
AMERICAN HEROES.
liim
to a
G3
entitle
distinguished rank
among
the
first patriots
of the revolution.
The
par-
by General
by
Hull,
"The
British
retreat
in
complete
Long
Island.
What would
uncertain.
their strength,
be
their future
operations
remained
To obtain information of
theii* situation,
importance.
For
General Washington
who commanded
to
Mopt
request
to
Nathan Hale,
of Connecticut,
a Cap-
This young
animated
by
a sense of duty,
for
to
this
hazardous service.
Island,
He
passed in disguise
Long
information
04
DARINGDEEDS
"In
his attempt to retiu-n, lie
was apprehended,
the
Howe, and
that he
proof
of his
object
was
so
clear,
Howe
at
in the
most
by
disgraced
humanity.
morning of
his
were destroyed
and
this
know
that they
had a man
in their
much
firmness.'
"Unknown
as amiable
to all
friend to offer
him
as
and
worthy a young
man
as
Amer-
life to
lose
BATTLE OF
The summer and
fall
TKE]S"TOIsr.
of
1776 was
the
most
Gene
from
to retreat
Long Island
to !N'ew Jersey,
New
The
Jersey to Penn-
by an enemy flushed
retreat
with
series
of
success.
through
!N^ew Jersey
painful
army,
which had consisted of 30,000 men, was now diminished to scarcely 3000, and these were without supplies,
many
of
or
comfortable
clothing.
Their
were
The
affairs of the
Americans seemed
in such a des-
for lost.
Many Americans
In
this season of
(y6
DARIN G
1)
]<:
ED
re-
commended
to eacli of tlie
On
ice,
and marched
to
Trenton.
Tlie sun
had
just
the tents
of the
enemy appeared
in sight.
No
time was to
be
his
lost
Washington,
my
!
rising
hostile
on his
stirrups,
waved
" There,
your country
is,
and now
all
have
to
ask of you
to
to fight
for
March
The
on
troops,
to the
charge
prise,
about 1000
among whom
Colon
;1
was
their
commander,
(a
German
officer,)
Rahl.
PUBLIC LIBR^HV
the
vessels
which were
built
by the
She was
built in
purpose of protecting
suffered
oui'
much by
by Captain George
been the
tor,
first
Little
of Mansfield,
who had
commander, and
manded
His
first
Lieutenant,
in the "Winthrop,
who
tor,
also
had been an
w^as
and who
afterward
Commodore
Preble.
more
built
who
trade,
glory.
made many
Soon
after
prizes,
two ships
68
DAKINGDEEDS
They proved
to
be two
stout
British Letters
of
prizes
after
wards,
In
and
of
some American
she
vessels.
one
her
cruises,
recaptured
a sloop
had
gone.
Captain
immediately
out.
resolved
Disguising
as
give her as
much
possible
was
he
brig,
"The Meriam's
Prize."
It
is
He
and
as
hailed
(said
" Take
.'im
care
foul
of us."
He
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
on a reef and lost his cables and anchors, and
69
re-
immediately done.
to the
brig,
had been
of men,
appointed,
who had
while
Pre-
made
&c.
where the
for the
officers
were
just
soon subdued.
When
judged
ily
it
he kept steadshot,
triumphantly
sky rockets.
vessels,
In the
same
cruise he took
two other
one of which
He manned
made
The
fine
a leading
breeze
they made.
UENEKAL ANDEEW
In September, 1776, General
PICKEITS.
Andrew
Pickens,
men, composed
of
Eegulars
and
Militia,
comsent
wage a
war of extermination
of the country,
now composing
Districts.
Abbeville, Laurens,
this
and Spartanburgh
When
army had
is
now Pickens
District,
it
was
During
this time.
Major Pickens
ob-
twenty-five choice
men,
He
now
when,
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Tl
for
war
seen rushing
down
directly
upon them,
tomahawks raised
animating
told
what
they
said.
his
party were
on
foot,
and he,
as
trusty
rifle.
He
ordered his
men
not to
fire
fire until
two
at
in the grass
and
Brennan was by
and when
he and Brennan
fired,
men was
as directed,
and equally
effective.
This invincible
recoiled
upon each
other,
and resorting
were
picked
and
out
at
leisure
72
DARING DEEDS
or second
fire,
down.
whites
;
killed
or
wounded
of
the
Major Pickens,
in
when he
it
while
How many
off
of them
were
in
those
times,
always
dead,
but,
it
killed, in pro-
number
of combatants opposed to
them.
During the
action,
one of the
men
when
observed that
his
opportunity
its
occupant
him
in the
head, and
when one
of his comrades
had taken up
with
as
if
it,
making
off
shot
him
also,
with
as
much
coolness,
fell
he was
The
firing
was heard
at "Williamson's
camp,
a
brother, Joseph,
who was
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
summoned
his followers,
73
captain, immediately
and
But, before
to
the
neighboring
AK
EXTRAOEDIJSrAEY EETEEAT.
was not
to
be found together.
The
and address,
army;
performed an excellent
difficulties,
the
enemy
their
heels,
most healthy
like so
many walking
and
apparitions, all
artillery to
be removed,
in dragging
as
men
all
employed
all
loaded, were
moved
74
DARING DEEDS
six miles,
up the rapids
their
half.
The
sick
safely landed
to Crowi?
at St.
John's,
VESSEL.
commanding
Mugford,
the continental
In the
then state
invaluable, as
made up
entirely of
the
tide
off
came
an anchor
Pudding-gut Point
the next
thir-
men
of war,
making
them
She sunJ
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
76
at the
boats
breast,
'
received
wound
the
said,
on which he called
a dead
his lieutenant
and
am
man donH
:
give
off
;
up
the vessel /
you
them
if not, cut
the cable
shore.'
He
and
the
made
off.
men
the Franklin
killed
MILITAEY COUKTESY.
In September, 17Y6, a picquet of 450
men
from
by
relief, at
76
DARING DEEDS
American
to fire
unless they
began
them.
ofiicer
walking
along
the
Montresor's
side,
an
American
with
sentinel
shots
one
of
the
the
officer,
and
He
was carried
to the
house
An
officer
im
mediately down to
for the
American
that if the
officer
informed him,
American
officer
sentinel
commanding
The American
officer
im-
mediately sent to
He
the
was directed
to
American
on
sentinels
to fire
sentinels^ unless
fire
as to the
; :
OF AMEEICAN HEROES.
act
77
their
pleasure.
The
firing
time, until
havmg
an American
turned
;
sentinel,
re-
upon which, a
came down
and
calling to the
American
observed, that
He
their
own began
pay
for it
:'
upon which he
He
shall then
was no more
firing
between them,
at
that place
civil to
where
it
was
sentinel asked
the Ameriif
can,
who was
he could
give
him a chew
who
It
which
between
the
American and
British
Her
son, a
mere boy,
and small
case
he should
return, concealed
among
the weeds.
British
A strapping
grenadiers,
it
ing to the
filled
boy then
covert,
went
behind him,
^
to the fellow,
You
my
prisoner
if
you attempt
to
down, I
road.'
will shoot
into the
American camp,
grenadier was
When
his
the
liberty to
throw down
bag, and
saw who
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
79
and exclaimed,
'
A
!
British
'
grenadier
made
officers
prisoner
by such a brat
The American
the
boy, and
gave
liim
several
pounds.
his
He
returned
mother sustained.
The
soldier
had side-arms,
memo-
war, nine
in
Parker, drew up
go their
upon
their cables,
and comfamous
menced
battle
terrible
bombardment.
The
Two
five of
twenty-eight
80
generally
DARING DEEDS
known
to
make
them
it
necessary
tliat
we
The
should
dwell
nj^on
here.
few, however,
especially to our
pages.
dangers and in
honors.
The
fire
of
the
aim
as to
survivors.
which
to
became necessary,
be
the
made
to
do
In
order
to
do
this
guns were
trained
by
the field-ofiicers in
The
Bristol,
lost
gun
ship.
Commodore
killed
lost
Sir Peter
thirty
Parker,
forty-four
men
and
an
wounded.
Sir
Peter
another
thirty
himself
fifty
arm.
The
Experiment,
killed
gim
ship,
had
fifty-seven
and
wounded.
To these two
vessels in particular,
The words,
officers
"Look
ships.'^
little.
to the
Commodore
look
gun
men was
small.
The
injury
OF
to tlie vessels
AMERICAN HEROES.
81
them,
the
Acteon,
ran
aground, and
lost
was
sub-
sequently burnt.
The Carolinians
twelve killed
One
brave
fellow
Macdaniel.
When
borne
from
"Do
and
felt.
not give
country.'^
up
you
are
fighting
for
liberty
But
for
effects of
the
fire
from the
struck, or
at
his fleet
So slow,
so
that the
of opinion
that
the
But a
new supply
of
proceeded
in Stop
Gap
was kept up
until
This caused a
The garrison
Vonor
the
to veterans.
men
partially
Moultrie
says,
82
"
DARING DEEDS
the action
When
began,
off
(it
being a
coats
warm
day,)
their
and threw
of the merlons.
it
saw a shot
tree
into a small
behind
the platform.
It
the coat
for
!"
little
speaks
volumes
their
coolness.
officers
smoked
removing them
In the
when
it
became necessary
to issue orders.
was shot
instantly
away, and
fell
it
without.
sprang after
to a
sponge
staff, re-
to its place,
and succeeded
in regaining his
own
in safety.
fellow.
"We
shall hear
more
hereafter, of this
gallant
The
coolness
nay
the
cavalier
indifference
not
its
least
remarkable feature.
There
is
which speaks
ordinary
larger courage
than belongs to
resolution
valor.
is
Mere
lifted,
bull-dog
and
endurance
soul, into
here
by a generous ardor of
virtue.
The
elasticity of spirit
which
it
shows might be
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
83
human endowment.
Tradition ascribes to the
tiiQ
on
bloody day.
It
was aimed
Commo-
dore's ship,
cut
officers
who were
drinking,
we may
conflict
then ranging
bosom
derived
forward, swept
into eternity,
and
This
of the
sea.
curious
particular
was
from
'Q.YQ
sailors,
who
very night.
SEKGEAISTT JASPEE
AT FOKT MOULTRIE.
in
wing of the
Above
my
gun on the
"
S4
rampart, was
a
DARING DEEDS
large
American
flag
;
hung on a
the
very
Ligli
men
of
war
directing
shot, so
woimded,
the
fort.
over
the ramparts,
the
until
he came to the
left,
when he
to
cut
for
same
and called
me
a sponge
colors
staff,
tied
on the
sand.
The sergeant
for
fortunately received
though exposed
a considerable time,
the
enemy's
fire.
Governor Hutledge,
his small
as a reward, took
and
in presence of
many
officers,
to
in
remem-
He
also offered
modestly refused
fit
to
accept
it,
saying,
'
he was not
to
keep
officers'
eerseant.'
JOHN ADAMS.
To give some idea of
following
his
immense
labors, the
summary may
suffice.
He
was a member
He
was chairman of
twenty-five.
Some
of
these incurred
incessant
great responsibility,
and required
thus im-
labors.
The important
to
duties
posed
fidelity
on
him, he continued
till
discharge
with
and assiduity
December, 1777
to
when
This
of
France.
Boston, in the
this
month
February, 1778.
was on
voyage that he
enemy
of his country.
an English
gave chase
her.
ship, with
to
the consent of
Mr. Adams
her
and, coming
up with, engaged
He
had
Rfi
DAEINGDEED3
Adams
should keep below, out
his musket,
among
in the conflict.
CHAPTEK. n. 1776.
BATTLE OF PKII^CETON.
General Washington, having secm-ed the Hessian
prisoners
Generals Mifflin
who
lay
at
Bordentown and
From
this po-
the
enemy advanced
toward
Trenton
in
some
slight
skirmishing
with
troops,
88
DARING DEEDS
their
of
four in the
afternoon.
On
on
its
opposite banks,
to
at-
tempting
cross
back
kindling their
fires,
The
this
situation
of
the
at
moment extremely
^Nothing
but
a
his
Btream, in
many
places
fordable,
separated
its
in every respect
superior.
little
army.
ice in
enough
danger
to
admit a pasgreat
loss,
sage
upon
it,
there was
;
of
perhaps of a
full
total defeat
possession of the
;
enemy
the
public
mind
would be depressed
aged
;
recruiting
would be discour-
of General
Howe.
In this extremity, he
boldly
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
determined
circuitous
fall
89
to
into
Princeton.
As
soon as
it
baggage was
silently
removed
to
fires lighted,
on the margin
Its
of the creek,
decamped with
perfect secrecy.
movement
was
providentially
favored
by
the
warm and
was
soft,
scarcely passable
but, the
About
sunrise,
two
march under
Lieutenant-Colonel
the British
Mawhood
to
army
at
Maidenhead,
in with
the
van of
the
Americans,
conducted
by General
The
ad-
The
and
drove back
the Americans.
General Washington,
00
DAEINGDEEDS
followed
close
who
in
the rear,
now
led on the
main body
with great
.of the
spirit.
to
in the
victory at Trenton,
to
were
compelled
give
in
way.
front,
The seventeenth
forced
its
regiment,
which was
way
Maidenhead.
The
fifty-fifth
Brunswick.
General
ward
to Princeton.
from
the
American
field-pieces,
prisoners of
was
to
left
by a
precipitate retreat
Brunswick.
In
this
action,
upward of 100 of
spot,
the
enemy were
killed
on the
and nearly
The
Ameribeside
was somewhat
but,
from
Pennsylvania,
artillery,
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
five other
siain.
91
valuable
officers,
Lord Cornwallis,
the
discovering
at
oiF,
daylight
that
broke up his
to
Brunswick,
and was
they
left
Americans before
Princeton.
many
of the
American
were without
shoes
feet, in
gashed, as to
mark each
whole army.
BATTLE OF BEANDYWHSTE.
tSir
to
entice
Washington
to
an en-
gagement, had, in
his
army
to Staten Island.
After keeping
me
American general
in
long
and
perplexing^
Hook
92
DARING DEEDS
;
men
of
entered Chesapeake
at the
Bay
and on the
24tJ
August arrived
Gene
rals
two
toward
Philadelphia, the
possession of
commander.
General
Washington,
who
regulated his
had by
this time,
Red Clay
Creek,
the enemy's
camp
until
to Philadelphia.
The
cans.
situation,
to
be
to turn
and cut
changed
off
his
of September,
and
the
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
the
in
93
11th, the
At daybreak on
royal
morning of the
army advanced
by Lord
Cornwallis.
to
"While
the
first
made
a show of passing
it
in front of
main
Brandywine
both
its
marched down on
of turning
the
right
wing of
their
adversaries.
approach,
made
The
the
proper
disposition
to
receive them.
divisions
commanded by
little
Sulli-
farther
Wayne's
remained
;
division, with
at
Max-
Chadd's Ford, to
companied
reserve,
by General
Washington,
formed
The
Cornwallis took
possession of the
heights above
Birmingham church,
Brandywine
;
94
DABING DEEDS
their
and
flanks
About
line of
sus-
the
The Americans
intrepidity
;
tained
for
but their
divi-
right at length
sions,
exposed
to a galling
tinued to break
on the
right,
As
;
soon as Cornwallis
attack
Knyphausen crossed
troops
the
posted for
its
defence
conflict,
were com-
The
general,
The
is
loss,
sustained
by the Americans
in this action,
Be
made
to
prisoners.
less
The
was
stated
be rather
As
Goshen
to
gain
the
made
for battle,
but
nad begun
to skirmish,
and
its
increasing violence
Boon oWiged
General
; ;
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
tlie
95
Washington on
19tli
crossed
tlie
Scliuylldii,
at the
enemy wonld
pro-
BATTLE OF GEEMANTOWK.
General Washington, having been reinforced by
1500
men from
General
Howe had
detached a
forts
on the Delaware,
main body
lay at
Germantown.
The
line of
encampment
wing extended
to the
Schuylkill.
It
was
and
96
DARING DEEDS
were posted
at the
head
at Phila-
When
to his coun-
of
officers
its
being
made
in
waa
to
mili-
tary service.
Was
found
thai,
they could
make
after a
divi-
make an
expeditious retreat.
The
sions of Sullivan
by way of Chestnut
Hill
tia,
got
left
and
rear.
C-^lonel
of
St.
Louis,
had been
May, a
letters
brigadier-geners^l, ivpon
the
recommendatory
he brought from
F'-ar^^e.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Tlie divisions of
97
M'Dougall's
brigade, were to
by taking
and
wing
and the
militia of
road, and
Stirling,
to
fall
upon the
Lord
They began
their
General Wash-
ington
is
He
expects that
the
intelligence of
his
him
on Chestnut
Hill,
he comes out
hill,
of the woods.
When
arrived on the
is
without
any appearance of
opposition, he
congratulated
will
be com-
About
attack
is
These
exi-
this
gence
self,
Lieutenant-Colonel
in the front of
Americans.
These
halt.
discom-se
ensues
98
DARING DEEDS
vance without
that
it is
first
Knox
urges
contrary to
possessed
by an enemy
!
Reed ex
lose
claims
" What
!
call
this
is
fort,
and
the
happy moment
his
to
"
Conway
agreed
the
summon
young
British
to
surrender.
it.
person
is
undertakes
to
carry
He
approaches,
fired
up with
his column,
-right
wing of
the enemy.
uncommon
spirit,
routs
the
number, and
the fog, loses
makes 110
eight
prisoners
but, through
of the
it,
brigade he
is
belongs
to, is
separated
from
and
whom
troops
he had captured.
are
number
halt
of Greene's
stopped
by the
of
the division
before
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
General Washington's army remains some time
active.
99
in-
During
this inactivity,
wing by
of the third
brigade and
attacks with
at
by General Agnew
the
warm engagement
while
At
attack
employed
in supjDorting the
The fog
is
that at
times
you
cannot
see twenty
It
occasions the
for
American
parties mistaking
each other
serving
the
true
the
latter.
Owing
hereto, in a
great
having passed
it,
wing upon
and
hastily
entirely, in spite of
to rally
every
effort
that
can be
made
them.
Lord Cornwallis
arrives with
Greene
5*
w^ith
his
100
DARING DEEDS
happens
to
division,
form the
last
column of
to
tlip
retreating Americans.
Upon coming
be
safest,
two roads,
prevent
and thinking
it
will
and
may
by
of
him
divisions
may
upon
road,
occasion, he
While
contin-
uing
rear,
Pulaski's
cavalry
who
is
in his
know
not at
first
is
He
he
hits
men
to
lay hold of
collects a
This answers.
He
number, and
artillery,
brings the
enemy
to
it
having
continued
march back
further disturbance.
The
a^^ir, that
^vitli
;,
that
OF
AMEKICAN HEROES.
101
it
was
for
want of ammunition.
twentj-five
The Americans
lost in killed
and
The
killed, four
file,
Of rank and
were
killed,
They had
wounded;
wounded.
of their
and matrosses
killed
and
seven
;
The
was 152
and
wounded
521.
Upward
of 400 were
fifty-four
made
prisoners,
officers.
is
rule
by which
to
by the enemy,
as
many
who do
l!^ash,
General
slain,
and
will
be honored
Bame
as other generals
who have
fallen in action,
The
102
DAEING DEEDS
their
own acknow-
Among
officers,
distin-
guished
particularly General
Agnew and
probably
Lieutenant-Colonel
Bird.
They
The
suffered
battle,
by General
GENEKAL
At
WAYJSTE'S
WAEHORSE.
the battle of
wound
and
fell,
as
Two
days
after,
the roan
returned
the
for service.
COLONEL
M'LAJSTE.
He
to
Lee's
was the
M'Lane was
try,
particularly
Philadelphia,
seizing
of
every
enemy,
and
to
to
intercept their
supplies
provisions,
take advantage of
every opening
In
this
whicli
sudden blow.
capato
;
he rendered
many
important services
the
aud
104
DARING DEEDS
none of their
attempts succeeded.
Having
upon a small
detachment
of
the
enemy,
they
agreed to rendezvous at a house near Shoemaketown, eight miles from Philadelphia, on the Willow
Grove turnpike.
his
little
band of troopers
of
follow at
to
some
dis-
tance,
commanded two
also to
them
precede the
;
keep in
his rear
and
if
and inform
him
of
it
without
speaking
aloud.
While
place of rendez-
vous, in
ning, the
their
two
men
orders,
!"
suddenly called
" Colonel,
the
British
horses,
The
colonel, looking
the
enemy had
him
them.
They
had
been stationed
there
to
pick up
any straggling
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
105
and
as
and
lie
tachment
escaped
flank,
:
also
fired.
The
colonel
miraculously
he feared
by another
his
ambuscade.
him
swiftly
beyond the
All at once,
reach of those
who
fired
upon him.
He
dashed
by the
way
to the
main body
to
surrender himself.
situated
at the intersection of
avenues
by which
Nothing
106
DARING DEEDS
liim,
he
up
to
the
cross
roads
on
reaching
which he spurred
to the right,
reach
of
their
pistols,
them
call loudly,
dozen were
Colonel
M 'Lane's
re-
by
the
first
ceived,
for
unwearied eagerness.
The pursuit
at length
waxed
brook which
at
the ophill
margin.
of the
In
ascending
little
the
so
horses
three were
greatly exhausted,
much
walk.
on
in
advance
of
his
companion,
the
but no sooner
other
was
fell
his willingto
back
his
station.
They
at
OF 'MERICAN HEROES.
a
conversation
calling
107
the
took
place
between tliem
troopers
out "Surrender,
you
damned
you
to pieces."
Suddenly, one
the colonel,
of
right side of
hold of his
" had
The
latter,
to
use
his
own words
pistols
he placed
it
to the
tumbled him
came up
by the
struggle
collar
A
the
fierce
and deadly
of
here
ensued
in
course
which
in
Colonel
M'Lane was
his
left
desperately
wounded
the
back of
drew
his other
and with a
his
steadiness of purpose,
recital of the
incident, placed
directly
between
l08
DARING DEEDS
by
his
wound.
KEY.
THOMAS ALLEN.
first
minister of
When
like
the
the
menced, he
body of the
clergy,
and bore
"When, in anticipation of
the
arms, he
by
exciting his
townsmen
to
ground.
company was
and
to
proceeded.
Some
causes, however,
were found
Hearing of the by
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
tliat
109
he would
to submit.
He
was
insensible
to
camp, where,
eminence,
after taking, a
stand
his
on a
pious
convenient
he
commenced
to lay
exhortations, urging
them
down
their arms.
He
Turning calmly
to a friend,
who had
followed
him
he said
to
"l^ow give
first
me
gun;" and
this
is
said
be the
spoke on that
memorable
till
occasion.
He
continued
of the
to that result.
BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
General Burgoyne's progress toward Albany was
delayed tlirough the want of speedy and sufficient
supply of provisions.
the difficulty
He
considered in what
way
to
was
to
be surmounted.
According
information, the
corn, flour,
and
Bennington, which
the
inhabitants
in
that part
of the
there-
He
at Bennington,
as
supposed,
The
^VG
to one,
German
Lieutenant-Colonel
OF
AMEEICAN HEROES.
who
To
carried with
Ill
them
artillery.
Hudson
Saratoga
River, and
;
and a bridge of
ant-Colonel
Breyman's
corps,
consisting
the
Brunswick grenadiers,
were posted
support
light infantry,
and chasseurs,
Baum.
Stark,
hearing
that
party of
Toward
On
that
he drew together
at
his
brigade,
and the
militia
who were
;
march
him with
all
speed.
He
then
men
present,
and in about seven miles met G-regg and the enemy within a mile of him.
retreating,
The troops
drew up
coming
in order of battle
in sight, halted
112
piece of ground.
BAKING DEEDS
Baum
to
Amer-
by
his present
an express
;
of his
situation
to
despatched
parties
reinforce
Meanwhile small
with
the
of
the
Americans
skirmished
thirty of
them, with
upon
their courage.
The
camped.
In a council of war,
it
was agreed
to
send
the
rear, while
On
it
rained
;
all
day, which
The heavy
the
to
together
also
with
the
badness
of
roada^
prevented
Breyman's advancing
despatch.
Baum's
assistance with
Baum,
in
the
his
meanwhile,
had
entrenched
and
its
rendered
nature
would
General
Stark
detached
OF
Nichols with
AMERICAN HEROES.
his
113
his
left
force
to
the rear of
were posted
hundred
to
men were
afternoon
also
draw
About three
for
o'clock in the
were ready
the attack.
Before
fire as
rest
In
few minutes
the
action
oecame
Baum
made
a brave defence
and led by
their colonel
overpowered.
The whole
way
to
the
superior
of the Americans,
who with
brown
114
to attack
DARING DEEDS
500 well trained regulars, furnished with
artillery,
"When
of
securing.
This
nearly proved
fatal
to
them.
tl.at
Breyman was
within two
miles of him.
engage
meanwhile the
as possible,
and pushed on
;
The
action
became general
on both sides
and the
sunset
;
battle
contmued
the
^bstinate
till
when
Ger
ammu
behind
two pieces of
artillery
They
retreated
the
best
manner they
could,
improving the
The Americans
twelve
brass
took
four
brass
field-pieces,
drums,
250
dragoon
swords,
foui
among whom
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
are said to have
115
but
if
included.
The Americans
lost
and wounded.
sharpened
The
courage
men was
for
all
in
the
The
how
of
unthe
to
dauntedly
cannon.
they
rushed
on
the
mouths
are
Both
men and
their
officers
entitled
much honor
Warner and
for
gallant behavior.
Colonels
Ilenrick's
the general,
;
who was
in
was afterward
of October,
given him
by Congress, on the
4:th
when they
Hamphis
and the
their
officers
command,
for
attack
United
servedly
States."
Never were
This was
thanks
the
more
de-
bestowed.
6
first
turn of
116
DARING DEEDS
in
aftaii's
favor of the
Americans
in the northern
department
It raised
General Montgomery.
made
the
militia
willing
turn
out
beyond
what would
BATTLE OF SARATOGA.
After collecting thirty day's provision Burgoyne
passed the
Gates, with
at
Saratoga,
numbei^ already
equal,
and continually
toward
him with
He encamped
at Stillwater,
and Burgoyne
his sword.
way with
On
the
Two
days
after,
to
main-
OF
Clinton
at
AMERICAN HEROES.
York,
found himself unaljle
117
'Ne^Y
to
assistance,
was content
to
remain
in
his
militia, to less
orio'inal
number.
Gates
findinir
forces
supplied with
limited
store,
was
rapidly lessening,
and
troops
w^ere
so
numerous, and
he was able
his
to
fortified
take mea-
the enemy,
rear.
by
Accord-
days
passed without
any further
j)arty, as
it
was advantageous
At
of
his stores
so
became unavoidable
On
in
warm
action ensued,
118
DAKl^'G DEEDS
their lines occupied
loss
and a part of
mies.
killed,
by
their
enein
Burgojne's
situation
battle
Gates'
army made
its
losses
in in
the the
of
no moment.
Burgoyne
retired
by Gates,
com-
pelled
camp
at Saratoga.
molesta-
tion
from
his adversary.
to the
reduced
of
artillery
and
being
a rapid
retreat,
merely with
what the
soldiers
On
that
a careful
scrutiny,
however,
it
was found
this resource, as
which
their route
lay were so
them.
In
this
army surrendered
consisted of
artillery,
to
Gates.
The
2^1'ize
obtained
prisoners,
for
some
fine
7000
muskets, clothing
7000
men,
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
119
abandoned
It is
success.
may
The capture of
splendor, or productive of
more
exultation.
REYOLUTIO]S"AEY EEMmiSCEI^CE.
Major
for his
W.
II.,
an
officer
who was
spirit,
distinguished
his
had under
a most
of
all
whom
and
to
the
field,
placed on an
their
position,
to dislodge
120
DARINGDEEDS
them.
esti-
mated
to
march
against them.
ino^
They advanced
the
to decide
little
contest without
much
loss
and
with
difficulty.
were prepared
to receive
Major H. gave
to
peremptory orders
fire until
to
his
reserve their
the
word
of
command
the
enemy
there-
fore rushed
approached
few
rods of this
Spartan
fire
was
those
who escaped
The surviving
rallied
in
number, soon
their forces
time to
who had
fallen,
when they
received a second
first;
fire
the
enemy were
in wild dis-
fell
back
officers,
however,
who
behaved
thirsting
dauntless
bravery,
and
probably
once
trooj^s
more, although
few were
to
left,
and brought
them
this
a third time
the
charge.
The
issue of
;
less fatal
fin
OF
after receiving
AMERICAN HEROES.
the third
fire,
121
terror
prisoners
war.
Their
astonishment
that out of
was
past
utterance
force with
the whole
upon the
ble
field
in
mute
the
memento
of
of freemen,
of invaded
when summoned
ris^hts.
Immediately
after the
issue of
the engagement,
my
part of
the field
conse-
which had
quences
to
fatal
He was
to
horror struck on
witnessing
view.
the
his
'
And
article was,
as here
greeted
my
the
'
eyes.
It
was a winrow of
of
Green Mountain
but
was
ecai'cely
striking, as
injured.
MAKCH OF BUKGOYl^E.
As
the invader advanced, the inhabitants fled
The horrors
of war, howciviliza-
but
when
to
a cloud of
savages
familiar
wdth an
quate opinion of
Among
the fugitives
Ann
who
somewhat celebrated
New
John
J. Bleecker, Esq., of
New
Rochelle,
him
to
men
for
the.
Tonihanic, a
mountain
stream
flowing
into
the
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Iloosic
123
River, about
march
to
he hastened
Albany
to
Mrs. Bleecker,
on
foot,
attended
only
by a young
all
its
mulatto
contents
girl,
and leaving
her
house and
encumbered by
children, each
so
women and
own
safety
that no assistance
and participate
distress.
in the
common
panic and
five miles
common
on
foot,
march.
On
the
was met
Albany,
as far as
Red Hook,
124
DARING DEEDS
this
Amid
daunted.
affriglit, tliere
spirit
was unSchuyler.
in
The
general's country-seat
his estate
the river.
On
up
went
Her
carriage
armed
of her
man on
horseback.
panic-stricken
who
She had
yet to
pass through
dense
forest, w^ithin
But
to
prudential
counsels
she would
not
listen.
The
general's wife,"
!"
she exclaimed,
be afraid
her purpose.
was
at
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
getioral
125
was preparing
saw
outline she
dis'cerned
black slave,
who had
sufficient
made
the discovery.
fire-
an
air of
to
The general
instantly seized
by
long
hall,
upon the
floor of
By
the
noise
she
made
in
tramping
for such
he
proved
was
led
to
He
person
Schuyler, overtaken,
at
and
made
prisoner.
Exasperated
126
DARING DEEDS
were resolved
to put
friendly Indians
him
to death,
and
it
difficulty that
they were
The
ing,
we have been
detailall,
and other
recitals of
as General
tion,
spirit
American arms.
BATTLE
It
OF
OEISKANY.
the morning of that day,
appears
that on
had misgivings
as
to
the
propriety of
advancing
first
receiving re-enforcements.
to press forward.
His
officers,
consultation
was
held,
in
officers
manifested
much
still
m^ged them
remain where
OF
at least until
AMERICAN HEROES.
the signal of
fort.
127
to his face as
a Tory
replied
as a
them
and that
difficulty
it
was not
his
wish
to lead
them
any
them.
Burning, as they
told
now seemed,
to
meet the
enemy, he
at
them roundly
that they
his
would run
his
first
appearance.
But
remonstrances
increased,
were
their
unavailing.
Their
clamor
and
reproaches were
by
and somewhat
immediately gave
the order,
"
March on
!"
The
and moved,
or,
rather,
files
rushed
forward.
in
of
guard and
upon each
side.
Having, by ten
to
o'clock,
the
distance
of
guards, both
clown, the
fi'ont
and
flanks,
forest
j2S
daring deeds
foe,
savage
and
in
dable ambuscade.
Colonel
St.
Leger,
it
appeared,
Herkimer,
John Johnson's
regi-
ment
of
and
to inter-
With
whom
good
he well
military
knew
to
be approaching in no very
into
array,
his
an
ambuscade.
The
deep
locality favored
design.
There
was
was
traversing,
"sweeping
toward the east in a semicircular form, and bearing a nortliern and southern direction.
of this ravine
it
The bottom
by means of a causeway.
The ground,
thus
partly
level.
and
The
ambuscade was
laid
adroitly, in a
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
circle,
129
admission of
approach.
ill-starred
Provincials on theii
successful.
Uncon-
Herkimer, with
compassed
at
the
first
fire,
the
enemy
closing
up
By
were cut
off
main body,
as also
ravine
companions
to their
the Indians,
by
their
to
conquer or
Being thrown
into
irretrievable disorder,
by the
which was
close
for a
side, the
division
was
annihilation.
At every
opportunity,
savages,
130
DAKING DEEDS
who
fell
fierce
were the
conflicts that
ensued hand
hand.
The veteran
the
Herkimer
action, a
fell,
wounded,
ball
musket
horse,
killed
his
and shattered
own
leg just
his
support,
to
order the
battle.
Van
Sluyck,
of
engagement
their broken
Eut
deplorable
situation,
the
wounded
general, his
men dropping
like leaves
around him,
and the
forest
composure.
circles
in
order to repel
concentrating,
sides.
who were
all
and closing
in
From
OF
this
AMERICAN HEROES.
131
moment
more
effective,
to
charge
The
firing
scattering
;
discharges
as
musketry
and
and
foot to foot.
^N'ever,
men
enemy
for the
moment seemed
the
to recoil
just
at the instant
when
arrested
by a heavy shower of
Tlie storm
might be found
;
among
for
they
had already
During
had time
sitions as
this
to look about,
The
Provincials,
fortu-
upon which
his
men formed
themselves
182
DARING DEEDS
movements of the enemy.
In the early part of
the
gun
tree
rushed
re-load.
mode
of
warfare, two
men were
the
Indians
ran
uj)
as
before.
The
fight
was
new arrangement,
by the
fire
of
the
the
main
circle, the
Indians were
made
to
to sufi:er severely; so
much
began
came
uj)
with a
Johnson's Greens.
ists,
These
men were
mostly Loyal-
who had
fled
in
As no
no
quarrels
as those of families, so
passionate as those
called
Many
to
of
known
each other;
afford
and
as they
advanced so
near as to
nition, the
opportunities of
mutual recog-
more of a
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
upon tliem
133
as they advanced,
them with
their bayonets
and the
and drew
their knives
stabbing,
and
sometimes
literally
dying
in
one
another's embrace.
At
welcome
to the Provincials as
was astounding
to the
enemy.
Availing them
selves
was
proved
the
fatal.
It
direction
of
detachment
of
the
Greens disguised as American troops, in the expectation that they might be received as a timely
Lieutenant Jacob
Sammons was
the
direction
the
of
first to
who, during
valor.
Sammons
134
DAEING DEEDS
enemies
:
are
don't
to
you see
their
They continned
nier
;
at
own
soldiers,
him a
his hand.
credulous
ane, and
was dragged
into
the opposing
He
did not
without a struggle
the
action
during which
the
result,
Gardenier,
watching
and
sprang
levelled
man.
of
whom
third.
he was thrown
however,
v/ith
to the
gromid.
Still
contending,
almost
superhuman
him through.
as a
arms of the
OF AMEKICAN HEROES.
nis
135
As
new
and although
seized his
spear lying
it
by
his
side, and,
quick
as lightning, planted
to the
the
assailant
fell
with
whom
The man
be Lieutenant
officers
from Tryon
is
necessarily
While
en-
men
called
"For God's
!
sake. Captain,
you
own men
"
He
replied, "
fire
They
away !"
deadly
fire
slain,
and
many
Indian
warriors.
The
parties
once
more
while the
min-
yells,
all,
pre-
136
DARING DEEDS
described.
tlian
The unparalleled
fortitude
and
spirits
men, some of
It
whom
enacted wonders of
in
valor likewise.
make
a prisoner of
Captain Dillenback.
This
alive,
officer
and he was
his gun, but
felled
One
he suddenly wrenched
the butt.
him with
He
bayonets
moment
brave
man low
in the dust.
as
this
Such a
conflict
and finding
raised the
own number
sadly diminished,
now
fled in
every direc-
Provincials,
and
shower
of bullets.
fort,
Finding,
that their
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
ni'Gsence
13'7
militia of
num-
Though
the
Provincia'is
ward
mm-dered
oy the
aiso
Indians.
Several
savages,
other
after
prisoners were
killed
by the
and, as
if
it
was
said,
by the
colonel's
own
But
tacit
consent,
not
permission
in
terms.
the
regi-
and, to
in the
into conflict
on
this occa-
disgraceful fact
may
after
own
brother,
who was
his
in the
tempted
Butler's
to take
life,
he had arrived
his
camp.
brother
an-
138
"
Brothci'.j
tlie
DA EING DEEDS
do not
kill
me
me ?"
tlie
But
others.
field,
the sm^vivors
immediately
rude
litters,
set
upon which
and
fifty
Between
the
forty
of these,
commanding
general,
were removed in
manner.
imprudence
in allow-
had
Though wounded,
as
we
try-
and
his
composure worthy of
all
admiration,
l^ov
was
example without
the perils
amid
At one
time during the battle, while sitting upon his saddle raised
upon a
little
hillock,
being advised to
''
select a less
exposed
situation,
he replied,
I will
OF
tace
AMERICAN HEROES.
139
the
enemy."
men, he continued
with firmness.
his
pipe,
''
At
the
the
moment
him on
litter,
down by
the unerring
rifles
The
equal
cans,
loss of
to, if
the
enemy
in
this
engagement was
He
where
was conveyed
to his
own house
near the
Mohawk
Little Falls,
shat-
ampu>
by a young
10
140
DARING DEEDS
in
French surgeon
and contrary
the
army
of
General Arnold,
to the
own
But the
it
and
was
He
was
sitting
up
in his
He
that
visit.
His
friend,
John
Eoff,
was
bore the
operatic,
n with uncommon
at
fortitude.
He
the time of
flow
his
death.
to
immediate
directed
Holy Bible
it
to
be
in
brought to him.
He
then opened
and read,
who surroimded
it
the
composure which
was possible
any
man
it
to exhibit, the
thirty-eighth
Psalm, applying
;
to his
it
own
situation.
He
and
of
may
man famish
OF
heroism
of
AMEKICAN HEROES.
141
in the hour
this
remarkable
instance.
Of the
is
Herkimer
but
little
known.
of the
Germans
Yalley
the
Mohawk
German
Flatts,
bespeaks
its
early opulence.
if possible, less
He
skill
is
even than
saying much.
most
all
cool
These
traits
were
ex-
and bloody
pedition to Oriskany.
books
THE Bible.
ISior
If Socrates died
and Rousseau
like
an unbelieving
died
like
sentimentalist.
General
Herkimer
142
Christian Heko.
DAEING DEEDS
Congress passed a resolution re
New York
monument,
the
at the
States, to
memory
This
value
to
of
$500.
was
transmitted
the Governor of
ISTew
in
quoted
"
Every mark of
distinction
shown
up
to the
memory
of
such illustrious
men
as offer
their
and happiness of
their country,
and immortality,
will
same path."
the
" En-
Congress
of your
monument
to
the
memory
cause, I
am
memory
feelings of
men
of
that day.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
rolled away,
143
is
the
the onlyof
which
as
the Republic to
S.
We
the
a flag from
object of
enemy
Georgetown,
S.
C,
the
which was
the
exchange of prisoners.
the usual
into
ceremony of
blindfolding,
was
conducted
into
Marion's encampment.
When
led
Marion's
little
and, instead of
a handful of
tall
ranks
of
gaily-dressed soldiers,
sun-burnt
firelockfi
and
logs.
Having
General Marion;
who perused
it
and
"
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
The
t^ixid
145
officer
retire.
" Oh no
Marion, "it
sir,
now
and I hope,
you
will
your company
to dinner."
At
officer
British
looked around him, but, to his great morticould see no sign of a pot, pan, Dutch
fication,
" "Well,
Tom,"
said
the
The dinner
snugly
to
that
were
very
roasting
now and
whether they
not.
the
ashes,
partly
breath,
and
partly
some of the
be-
officer
" I fear,
"
:
146
DARING DEEDS.
but
it is
the best
we
hare."
The
officer
who was
but
it
mand
one's
conceits.
some of
my
brother
officers
if
our
government were
as this."
to give
them such a
of fare
"
it
is
not equal to
"]N"o,
"
and
this, I
imagine,
one of your
/
acci-
sort of
Ian yan
deal
in gene-
no
doubt,
you
live
great
better
we do
"
Heavens "
!
re-
lose
in
in malt
though stinted
"
!N"ot
provisions,
Bir,"
a cent,
said Marion,
!
"Heavens and
;
earth
I don't
OF
see, general,
AMERICAN HEROES.
stand
it.''
14:7
"Why,
sir,"
replied
self
approbation,
The Englishman
be an easy
life
"he did
not
believe
it
would
on General Marion's
terms
all
fighting,
no pay,
"Why
is
sir,"
all
and when
much
interested, a
man
it
can do anything.
Many
ears
in
love,
and
Well,
now
this is exactly
my
case
:
am
in love,
and
my
sweetheart
is
Liberty
be that heavenly
shall
nymph my champion,
me with
nor
his host
my own prince and sovereign gloriously preserving my national dignity, and pursuing my true happiness planting
bing
but to be
master,
my own
mv vinevaids. andeatino'
148
v:aKING DEEDS
fields,
my
and seeing
me
happy
The
Briton,
as iryeelf.
officer
This
sir,
is
what
replied, that
both as a
man and
to
this
a
a
as
happy
"
my
wallowing in
sir,
all
for
now,
walk the
soil
gave
me
birth,
and exult
it.
in
the
thought that I
these
am
not unworthy of
look upon
feel that I
I think of
my
own
sacred rights,
and
rejoice
that
have not
basely deserted
to the long,
them.
And, when
I look forward
thought that I
am
Tlie chil
may
never hear
my
all
name, but
I
its
still it
gladdens
my
am now
countless blessings."
1
and fancied
of
when
the
words
hia
the brave
De Kalb;
Englishman liung
OF
I
AMEKICAN HEROES.
if
lie
149
>nest
had
On
his return to
Colonel Watson,
why he looked
What
sir.
"
" ITo,
Sir
"
Well
Washington defeated
?
Henry
not
Clinton,
that
" ]^o,
sir,
either:
?
worse."
sir,
"Ah!
what can be
worse
"
"
Why,
on
!
roots,
for
Liberty
'
What
have we against
Buch men,
PUTNAM'S FEAT.
About the middle of
winter, while General Fut-
tliat
town
150
DAEING DEEDS
He,
however, planted
his
approach
by the
infantry)
about to
cliai-ge,
ho
tlieir safety,
by
se-
swamp
inaccessible to horse,
tlie
and
steep precipice
is
church upon a
full trot.
This precipice
so
steep,
where he descended,
as to
have
artificial stairs,
stopped short
he was
far
reach.
ford
;
He
As he rode down
many
fired at
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Governor Trjon, bj way of compensation
ing his
liat,
151
for spoil-
a complete
of this
previously
he
had expected an
officer,
who commanded
whom we
are
several
of the
ensuing
particulars,
engagement.
At
dinner,
Captain
for
Biddle
said,
"We
give
vessels,
who
no doubt
be
sur-
prised
to
my
As
I
deck,
About three
\52
DARING DEEDS
Ytli
of tLe
of
Randolph
for a sail
windward, in consequence
upon a wind,
in or-
It
w^th
the
only a square-sail
About seven
o'clock,
to
;
Randolph being
to
windward, hove
the
hove
to.
About eight
o'clock the
New York
for the
"
time, discovered
to
be a two-decker.
an-
After several
questions
and
had
got
on
her
weather
quarter^
colors,
Shortly
re-
after
ceived a
wound
and was
fell.
This occa-
sioned some
confusion, as
at
first
thought
OF
'.
AMERICAN HEROES.
153
-lat
hki
was
killed.
crew.
The
stern
being
clear of the
gave
orders
but the
enemy having
shot
Randolph, and
saved,
who was
from the
Moultrie.
The
fire
She
fired nearly
In
about
twenty minutes
after
the action
wound on
The
enemy's
'
vessel
sixty-four
was
the
British
ship
Yarmouth,
of
guns,
commanded
by
Captain Yincent.
that Captain
all his
that
He
stood
Yarmouth,
154
DARING DEEDS
in his hand, to hail
and inquire
was,
when he
discovered his
Owing
to the disabled
condition of the
ascertained,
sailed, after
the clerk
for the
armed
vessels that
'
at
The
number
who
all
who were
tossed
up.
From
the
who were
after-
ward
in Philadelphia,
Id
the other
we have bee
given of
the
it
bv
Dr.
Eamsay
in
his
History
of
American
thus
concludes
account
of the action
Captain Biddle,
who
Ran
tht
He
was
in
OF
prime of
life,
AMERICAN HEEOES.
165
naval
officer.'
fell,
Thus prematurely
as gallant
of.
at the
age of twenty-seven,
an
officer
as
to
him, he displayed
a great
all
stitute
soldier brave
he was
to excess,
and consummately
BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.
At
the opening of the campaign in 1TT8, General
to
Howe went
Sir
left
England, and
left
the
command
to
Henry
Clinton.
Philadelphia,
and marched
toward
Staten
Island.
Americans
was ordered,
if pos-
Soon
after
^56
into the j)^ain.
DAEINQ DEEDS
While he was advancing
in
jDerson, Sir
to recon-
noitre
the
enemy
Hemy
Clinton
Americans.
in order to
officers,
feint of retreating,
General
Scott,
the
orders,
to
and actually
retreated.
This
obliged
Lee
follow, until
he could
his rear.
overtake
him, the
In this situation he
plied
disrespectful
language.
Washington
led
The
loss in killed
to
800
left
the field
degrees
by Fahrenheit's
scale.
Many
of
oi
the soldiers
vSiili
li
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
157
command
suspended
one year.
GENEKAL LEE
General
dress and
his
manners
and has
often,
by the mean-
He
of the
company.
He
went directly
to the kitchen,
demanding some-
thing to eat,
servant, told
in a
pot.
when
the
cook,
taking
him
for
give
him some
off
victuals
moment
but he
The
girl
with the
to
down
before
some
cold
meat, which
dresser.
she had
placed
him on
the
was remarkably
inquisitive
particularly of
who
158
DARING DEEDS
and ugliest
oclc\\it
men
in
the world.
In a
few
to assist
placing
finished,
when
she requested
him
to take a
bucket
and go
to the well.
whom,
to his surprise,
camp
address the
fell
man
with the
of
general.
The mug
knees, she
began crying
pardon
when Lee,
gave
ob-
turning to
his aid-de-camp
"You
see,
for
indebted to
without
abilities
gentleman."
"
PAI^L JONES'
NAYAL BATTLE
unexampled
On
coast
" that
sea-fight,
which gave
eclat.
name
This
man was
native of
Scotland, but
States.
engaged
flotilla
United
His
of
forty
Alliance
Pallas, a
of
thirty-six,
(both
American
ships,) the
French
frigate of
thirty-two, in the
smaller vessels.
fleet,
He
fell
in with a British
merchant
on
its
by
Countess
of
Scarborough, of
twenty.
down
to
endeavored
The American
flotilla
formed
battle
to receive
him.
in
about seven
The
British
160
DAEING DEEDS
cannon of a longer reach,
Paul
Jones
resolved to fight
his
ships, until
them
the
closer.
He
brought
up
muzzles of hia
his
enemy.
Here
till
ten.
his
vessel
was
so
three
effective
guns
remained.
his
into the
At
it.
length
all
near
Pearto
enraged at his
officers,
surrender,
at the
commanded them
to board.
Paul Jones,
at the point
head of
,
them
of the pike
fire.
Amidst
this
frigate Alli-
By
the
broad glare of
artillery
dismounted, and
resist.
his
vessel
on
fire,
The flames of th
OF AMEKICAN HEROES.
161
Goodman Richard
the hulk
mangled remains
of the crew
Of
the 3T5
who
vessel,
only sixty-
alive.
Countess of
Scarborough
and
Jones,
his
;
after
this
horrible victory,
wandered with
shattered, un-
man ugeable
way
vessels, for
some time
and
at length, to find
American encampment
at
Yalley
Forge
a parallel.
large
army was
whose naked
converging to
and
162
DARING DEEDS
>y
1
patriot
frail
log huts
lal
barely covered
sheltered
them from
the falling
snow, or
blasts.
Many
night
after
night
shivering
Hunger
also
the
avarice of
Congress in
make
force.
men
in
many
yoked themselves
to vehicles of
own
wood and
pro-
visions
when procured
while
othei's
performed the
upon
their backs.
Yet amid
all
this
suffer-
was
still
OF
AMERICAN HEKOES.
the love of self was
163
merged
the
one
great
sentiment,
love
of country.
symptoms of an
intention
to
abandon
that
were
body of
wait
for
to
the
to enter
anew upon
Un-
to raise
their
beds from
and death
degree.
suffering,
to
rage
among them
nothing
to
an astonishing
surpass
their
" Indeed,
could
which
army."
it
faithful part of
the
Amid
in the neighborhood
its
numbers
COLONEL GEORGE
Connected with
the
R.
CLARKE.
operations
of the the
it&
Lidian one
summer
of
1778, was
its
distinguished
bj
boldness of
execution.
tribes
The increasing
the remote
its
tributaries
had induced a
fluence
minds
by the
kias,
by
the
Canada.
Eor
the
the
an expedition was
organized
to
early
in
which was
possession
of
those
settlements.
The
command
and
was intrusted
to Colonel
whole
force, destined
The
OF
AMERICAN HEKOES.
little
165
the
rendezvous of this
army was
at
Great
But, finding
the assailants
one
Descenfort
ding to the
of
the
was
the
mouth
marched
for
the
Illinois.
pre-
cincts of Kaskaskias at
mined
forthwith,
and unanimously,
to take the
town
for-
built houses
invaders was
unknown
alike slumbering
fort
in security;
were taken,
the
by
surprise, although
to
resist
defences were
sufficiently strong
officer,
1000
men.
The commanding
;
Philip Rocheblave,
his papers, falling
and among
Colonel
liands
of
Clarke,
were
the
166
DARING DEEDS
lie
instrnctions whicli
liad
from time
to
time received
by the
proffer of
large bounties
for
him were
sent the
On
fall
of Kaskaskias, Captain
Joseph Bowman,
the
Mississippi, the
surj^rised,
at
The
miles
so
town was
distant
nine
farther up.
The
force of Captain
Bowman was
make
a descent
upon
St. Philip's in
rather,
his
weakness, might
;
be
concealed.
The
with
in
whom
St.
the night,
acceded
to
the
terms
prescribed.
From
Philip's, Captain
Bowman
directed
his
course upon
the
yet
Cauhow,
distant
This
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
families,
167
also
and was
in
and
entered
the
night.
Captain
Bowman, with
demanded
the
was
sion
Taking possesfortified,
large
''
the
therein,
dawn,
Enraged
at
enemy threatened
little
to bring
American
off.
and
upward of 300 of
the inhabitants
became
United
States.
Leaving
small
guard
at
to Kaskaskias.
AFFAIKS AT SCHOHAEIE.
The enemy on the 'Now York
no means inactive.
Tories,
frontiers
were by
large
May
and
inflicted
destruction of
and property.
They were
to
Colonel
handful
of
troops,
who
fell
to
pieces.
Captain Patl-ick
The com-
mand
by a
four
who
fought
bravely, as
force
had done.
greatly superior in
wounded.
The bodies
portion of
the
setk:,
same
vicinity,
was
also ravaged.
OF
Tlie
AMERICAN HEROES.
169
their wrongs.
On
one
Indians
made
prisoner
of a Mr. Sawyer,
whom
Having proceeded
down
to sleep
less
But
their
prisoner
had been
In the couise
made
Having thus
relieved himself of
in safety,
his keepers.
and
at his leisure.
Soon
Monmouth, Lieutenantwith
Colonel William
Butler,
one of the
Penn-
was ordered
to the ]S'orth,
and stationed
at Schoharie.
officer,
especially
the
service
upon
His
arrival in Schoharie
had a sahitarv
effect,
bv discoura2;;ng the
disaffected
170
DARING DEEDS
yet been
among them,
Several of
Attached
to
the
rifle
corps,
spirits,
who
they
are
were engaged,
fi-eshly
many
Of
of
their
exploits
remembered among
to this
harie
day.
this
named Murphy.
expedition of
valley of
tributaries
Captain
Charlotte
the
Long was
directed
the
the
the
of
River, one of
upper
The
object
was
to
and bring
to the
fort
a conspicuous Tory
living
His house
for
and supply
the
it
scouts,
it
be
of
broken up.
destination,
it
While on
way
to
the
of Catskill,
their
by
to
a Captain Smith,
join Sir
wav
John Johnson
Xiagcua.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Smith was
killed
171
vance
at the
at the
moment when
his
emerged
followto
head of
men from
a thicket.
His
man had
While
in,
he must accompany
Murphy.
it
;
The
to receive
but as he
rifle
of Elerson.
Murphy
his
own
He
was
as
remarkable
for
his
fleetnesa
in firing.
He
used a double-barrelled
and the
fact of his
to load,
his
man, ren-
dered
him
Kot knowing
172
the
peculiar
DARING DEEDS
construction
of
his
it
rilie,
they were
was a charmed
firing as
He
own
fashion
equal in
stratagem or with
was
encountering,
greater
was
his
delight.
who
fell
by
his unerring
aim
and
it
was said
their
own hands.
SEEGEAISTT JASPEK.
The reader
the
is
name
is
of
William Jasper
perhaps
a scout.
Sergeant
Jasper
sessed
This brave
for
man
pos-
remarkable talents
all
He
could
wear
terity.
disguises with
styles
Garden
him " a
Proteus.
*'
He
for his
cunning as
i^yr
OB
his bravery
AMERICAN HEROES.
his nobleness
173
and
quite as
his
much
character.
Such was
that
the
confidence
in
his
fidelity
and
skill
roving
commission was
granted
Of
often
more
six.
"He
I
Moultrie,
knew
that
he was gone.
catching
He
men
let
has told
me
several times,
he would rather
them get
off.
He went
Savannah, as a
time,
of
deserter, complaining, at
ill-usage
the
same
our
of
him
of
baving heard
them.
and caressed by
He
he returned
not
to us again
but that
"With
game he
his
little
could
play
second
time.
about
the enemy's
in prisoners."
was while
enemy
At
this post
174
DARING DEEDS
tlie
Held
same rank
he
conimon
to
occasion
much
surprise, or cause
We
need
not dwell
his
brother
to see
him
it
is
very
certain, at
same time,
that
all
The
at William's
appearance in the
his fears,
quieted
by
representing
soldier.
himself as no
longer an American
this declaration
that,
He
by assuring him
though he found
for
little
encouragement in fighting
the heart to fight
his
country,
against her."
Our
commander
aged
all
that he
had
seen.
He
a few weeks
after,
brave
in
spirit,
and
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
173
by
his brother,
who
entertained the
Meanwhile, a small
over
whom hung
the danger of
" short
They were on
their
way
to
Savannah
when
on
the
the
was
of
deemed reconquered
the
but,
approach
their countrymen,
the
Jasper to his
Whig
brother
it
shall
go hard with
me
There was a woman, the wife of one of the who, with her
child,
prisoners,
of
as
their
distress
and
they
conferred
possibility of rescuing
them.
adopted.
It
naturally
char-
magnanimous
left
ITG
DARING DEEDS
his friend dep^. dd
in
different
their
direction
from
the
guard.
Changing
course
when
secure from
and
unhappy
captives.
But
conscious of
bility,
of
effecting
their
object.
;
armed,
and ten in
number
they
two and
weaponless.
on.
Two
a famous
spring,
the
known
to
travelers.
The conjectm-e
w^ith
that
the
for
;
guard
might
stop
there,
the
prisoners,
refreshment,
here, opportu-
suggested
nities
itself
to
our companions
for
might occur
before
had noan
where
presented
themselves.
Taking
them
enemy could
arrive,
of
the spring.
long to wait.
The
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
made them ground
their
177
arms
The prisoners
and
the woman
The
father.
Little did
any of them
child
dream
fell
that
Two
of the
armed
little
men
caution.
What had
town
of a walled
Two
water
the
prisoners.
Resting
fill
their
muskets
their canteens.
At
this
the
signal
to
his
comrade.
hands.
soldiers
upon duty
their
first
opponents each
at a blow,
they
a few minutes.
successful from
178
of success.
DAEING DEEDS
But
for this the
better precautions.
The prompt
instant,
success.
done
imperfectly.
The
prisoners
were
quickly
into
released, the
their
spot
and
foes.
THENEWYOKKl
PUBLIC .LIBRARY
i
CHAPTER v. 1779.
STOLMmG OF
Among
the
STOI^Y
of
POmT.
gallantry
many
exploits
and
prowess which shed a luster on the fame of our Revolutionary army, the storming of the fort at Stony
light
was
Secrecy
to
was
deemed
so
much more
it
essential
success
than
numbers, that
was
One
commence
march, so as
of
useful
18U
DARING DEEDS
far
as
as
such
service.
The night of
for
the assault
and
it
more on
their
guard
commanding
hill,
projecting far
its
base.
The remaining
in a great measure,
on the upper
side,
and continuing
is
into
it
below.
place.
Over
But
this
mersh, there
at its junction at
a sandy
of this
beach passable
hill
low
tide.
On
the
summit
fort,
which was
fui'nished with
a sufficient
number
of
fibout
way down
batteries
the
hill,
The
were
calculated
command
the
vancing
fort.
points
towArd the
of
so
as,
in
OF
AMERICAN HEEOES.
command
181
considerable degree, to
foot of the hill.
The
the
fort
command
At noon
of the
infantry
commenced
their
march
from
from
Sandy Beach,
distant
fourteen miles
rugged
about
fort,
where the
dispositions for
was intended
left flanks at
to attack the
and
the
same
instant.
The regiments
formed
the
left.
fifty
volun-
teers, led
At
to
half
moved on
the
commanded
TS2
DARING
de?:ds
it
was
to
open a passage
rear.
secure
give
on
their
the
route,
who
the
could
of
approach,
Americans
But unexpected
this
did
commence
until
twenty
twelve.
a tremendous
of musketry and
grape shot.
Surmounting every
at
works
the
point of
Not a
had
ceased.
manifested
degree
of
to
ardor
and
impetuosity
which
proved
them
;
difficult enterprises
and
distinguished themselves
OF
v^hof-e
AMERICAN HEE0E8.
enabled them to do
first to enter
1<S3
situation
so.
Colonel
strike
E'lenry
was the
the
fort,
and
works almost
to
at the
same
first
"The
om* own."
the service
Knox performed
them
wounded.
The
loss sustained
con-
siderable.
Tlie return
made by
Lieutenant-Colonei
wounded
at
six
and sixty-eight
privates.
by General
Wayne
states their
including two
officers.
This difference
that
may
be
ac-
counted
for,
by supposing,
to
among
those Colonel
Johnson suj^posed
killed.
many
among
543,
whom were
lieutenant-colonel,
officers.
four captains,
stores
The military
The
menus
loss sustained
by the
assailants
was by no
184
euterprise.
DARINGDEEDS
The
killed
100 men.
at
the
right
column, received a slight wound in the head, which stunned him for a time, but did not compel him
to leave the
column.
fort
Being supported by
his aids,
he entered the
Colonel
Lieutenant-
Hay was
also
among
the wounded.
The
humanity,
its
noblest
companion,
displayed
on
that
occasion
by
the
memorated.
COLONEL ISAAC
hands of Lord Comwallis,
his
HATISTE.
OF
and person.
AMERICAN HEROES.
185
ment of
tm*es of
neutrality,
many
Carolina,
who
now conceived
he was entitled
peace and
it
and
fortune.
But
was not
new
construction on
it
bond
upon
all
who
signed
it
to
take
uj)
who
refused
This
fraudulent
proceeding
of
in
Lord
Cornwallis
roused
the
indignation
every honorable
and
honest man.
in violation of
Colonel
He
British,
with a
command
his
but
it
was soon
hard fortune
be captured by the
enemy and
carried to Charleston.
Lord Rawdon,
him
to
be
mock
trial,
he was sentenced
to
be
hung
This
sentence
and dismay
186
DARING DEEDS
Leaded by the British Governor, Bull,
A
in
petition,
behalf,
The
ladies
of
and
tories,
now
was
life
Being introduced
into
presence, they
fell
on
they
lisj)ed
their
father's
name, and
plead most
life.
His
was permitted
to
father in prison^
to die,
Why, "
my
son, will
you
row
this
Have
into
world but
life,
For that
pr&pared.
better
my
my
son,
"
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
that
18T
my
To-moiTow,
You
will
accompany me
I
my
fell
execution, and
when
am
dead,
me by
die
on his
Oh,
my
his
I will
with you
"
Colonel
Hayne
but alas
his
irons.
"my
son, live to
honor
;
God by
and
live
!
live to serve
your country
little
sisters
place of
execution.
him.
Soon
as they
came
the gallows,
"Now,
is
my
son,
That tree
the
boundary of
my
life,
and
all
my
life's
sorrows.
Beyond
that, the
much
to heart
It
will
be but short.
was but
and you,
lately
To day I
die,
my
son,
follow us."
" Yes,
my
hearted
youth,
"I
shall
for
indeed I
feel that I
188
DARING DEEDS
seeing, therefore, his father in the hands of
On
he stood
horror.
as
like
Till
he saw that
was
died
staunched, and
he
never wept
more.
often
He
moments
called
on
name
mXKEPIDITY OF
Just before the
COLOTs^EL WHITE.
of
commencement
the siege of
Americans, remarkable
for
it
the
address and
Colonel John
line,
OF
and four other
AMERICAN HEROES.
persons,
180
the
one
of
whom was
number
of
fires,
ment,
summoned
commander
to
smTender.
men from
by a
force
which he supposed
far succeeded,
pretended he must
by great
exertions, should
break
out,
and
good quarters.
humane
attention of
received.
He
immediately
who moved
lest
off
get
away,
the
fury
White's
corps,
he was
to
restrain
it.
White, with
the two
men
to
retained
by him,
repaired, as he
announced
his
purpose
proceeding
in
the
rear.
He
then
190
DAEING DEEDS
liimself in collecting the militia of tLe
employed
neigliborhood, with
whom
he overtook
his
guides
and prisoners.
This
affair,
says General
H. Lee,
in his memoirs,
it
LEE.
19th
of
July,
1779, with
of ITew
York,
and brought
off
159
prisoners;
;
while
presented to him, as a
commemorative
of
the
and bravery.
SULLIYAX'S EXPEDITIOE".
During the summer of 17T9, an expedition under
General Sullivan was sent against the Indian tribes
called the Six ^Nations,
border settlements.
troops, left
Wyoming and
quehanna
to
effective
At Elmira,
in
Chemung
command
at
and
others,
who were
the
massacre of
Wyoming
fortified,
They
were strongly
192
DARING DEEDS
Determined
to
them
severely,
the
Americans
pursued
them
during
the
into
and
the
whole
They
fields,
gardens, fruit trees, and every other vestige of cultivation left behind
by the
fiying Indians
and
tories,
This
justi-
one, right;
by any
rule of
presented one
an
evil of great to
magni-
a severe
remedy
avert serious
consequences
called
forth.
which
It
and
for a
from
join
at the
General
Clinton's expedition.
While lying
head of
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
193
the lake, Elerson rambled off to an old clearing, at the distance of a mile or
to
Having
filled
his
knap-
in order to return to
camp,
he was startled
at
the rustling of
the
tall
and
same
instant
who had
crept
upon him
so cautiously as to be just
to
on the point
object
of springing,
grasp
him.
Their
was
kill
clearly rather to
make him a
prisoner than to
Perhaps
they wanted
him
for
an
auto-da-fe^ perhaps
his rifle,
to obtain information.
Seizing
his
side, Elerson
sprang forward
shower of tomahawks
;
but, as he
had
tall
severed.
brisk chase
was
immediately commenced.
Scaling
an old
brush-
wood
and the
;
He
was
as fleet as a stag
and
perceiving that they were not likely soon to overtake, the pursuers discharged their rifles after him,
but
luckily
without
effect.
194
DARING DEEDS
him
close.
At
moment
to breathe,
an In-
Drawing up
his rifle
whiz of
rifle
The Indian
in
his rifle,
His
to
wounded
little,
weaken him.
a
Having crossed a
beyond
ridge, he paused
moment
in the valley
his
ing.
On
one
hill.
the
He
that
raised
his
rifle,
steady.
in the
A minute
more
Eaising his
rifle
again,
and steadying
by
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
over the ridge.
195
He
;
were numbered
but, as
body of their
fallen
comrade, yet
Drawing
in a
about
the
body of
;
their
companion, they
and
fly.
made another
effort
to
hollow trunk of a
tree, into
full
which he
Here
wound.
On
the
third
day he
backed out of
knew
not which
way
to
came
to a clearing,
and
his
found
himself at
Cobleskill,
having,
during
and
fen, upward of twenty-five miles. At about the same time, and probably by
the
same party
Eesiding at the
196
house
DARING DEEDS
had escaped the common
destruction the
preceding autumn.
ved
his
Mohawk
for
safety,
his
domicil accompajust
dawn by
cut
the assailants,
who were
their
endeavorhatchets.
ing
to
Taking down
his son
to the to
best advantage.
to see
Having
armed
spear,
or
espontoon,
in
the
house,
he
fled
back
at
sudden apparition.
One
of the Indians,
whom
log, and,
at
him, his
sj)ear
entered
the
shaft.
"Wrenching
commenced
so
firing
surtljey
upon the
prised
assailants.
Tliey
had been
much
by
his
neither fired
tomahawk
and
barred
until
he had returned
Bally-port.
his
castle-
the
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
197
He
was pursued,
however,
made
captive.
The
father,
continued the
fight, the
he could.
of
advantage
but,
rightly
life
of
fighting
make
by applying the
torch,
and the
hemp
inter-
Mohawk.
until
was consumed,
They
the
courageous proprietor.
BATTLE OF N"EWTOWK.
General Sullivan having completed his arrangements,
lie left
Wyoming
with an expe-
more formidable
in
as to
imposing
other
respects,
was
the
brush, seven
men
to
killed
and wounded.
The
detachment returned
Oghkwaga by
a detachment of
Colonel
The
entire
to
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
199
Hand, Maxwell,
and
Poor,
together
with
So long
it
that
was
unprepared
to
receive
them; and
in
moving up
Chemung
try
preceded the main body, which was well proIn this way they
Chemung
at
ITewtown.
On
gether
with
fields
of
corn,
and
other
Indian
to risk
a general action
selected
in
their
advance
Newtown.
at
200 men.
The
to consist
800.
Brant
commanded
the Indians,
300
DARING DEEDS
by Colonel John
Butler,
whom
The
Guy
tain
and Capa
M'Donald.
enemj had
constructed
to
attack;
was rendered
diflScult
of approach
by
resting
upon a steep
left
was
still
another ridge, running in the same direction, and leading to the rear of the American army.
The
purpose of
front,
bery.
The
parallel
to
the
breastwork, so as to
ad-
Detach-
the purpose
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
201
ment the
action should
position
commence.
was discovered bj Major
advanced guard,
at
The enemy's
Parr,
commanding
the
about
Au-
General
the light
about 400
by small
air,
from point
to
point, as
forest
were
alive
with
their
grim-visaged warriors.
hill
upon
his right
wheel
and endeavor
to
gain their
left
flank, and, if
and
in front.
but as Poor
hill
enemy
more
202
DARING DEEDS
Both Tories and Indians were
Every
ock,
and
tree,
its
man, from
effect
as
to excite
astonishment.
incli
by inch
to tree
testing each
new
and
still
more
rare
among
riors of
the woods.
spirit
mating
of
Always
in
the
he used every
effort to stimu-
to
victory.
Until
the
artillery
began
to
play,
the
whoops and
rattling
of
musketry,
mastery of sound.
But
Indians
a great panic.
Still,
minished
spirit.
fighting
was
OF AMEEICAN HEROES.
on the flank just described.
203
gallantly
As Poor
enemy's
penetrate
rear, Brant,
the
first
the
design
American comforces,
to rally his
make
a stand.
But
to the
it
was
in vain, although
he exerted himselt
flying
from point
to
point,
seeming
to
be every
in his
power
spirits
and reinvigorate
and gained
fact,
ages
and
white
men,
abandoned
fled with
works,
pre-
the utmost
number
of their
be-
hind them.
of the
The
enemy
bloody.
field
:
who
2C4
DABING DEEDS
into
the hands of
their
foes.
But
being-
pushed
at the point of
had not
carried
Two
buried
among
the
leaves.
was maintained,
to
the Americans
five
Only
forty
or six
fifty
men were
wounded.
killed,
and
the
between
and
Among
American
officers
General Sullivan.
This
movement took
head,
then
commanding
at
Fort
Pitt,
and was
after
originally designed
by the Commander-in-Chief,
settled
on
by a junction
at
^Niagara, a point, as
it
happened, unattained by
left
either.
Colonel Brodhead
of
and
file,
including volunteers
and
first
militia,
The
wago.
On
their
way
thither, four
Alleghany in
206
ianoes.
DARING DEEDS
The Indians landed
after
five
to
were defeated
flight,
a sharp
warriors
brush,
and put
and
off
to
leaving
dead,
evident
wounded
On
for
eighteen
months.
Proceeding
entered
however,
the/
successively
several
towns,
which
all
At
the
upper
Seneca
town,
called
painted
image,
or
war-j)ost, clothed
to
accommodate three
all
These
were
occupied three
fled
skins
to
the
$3000
all
of
taken
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
From
the
207
of
500 acres.
number
of
new houses
for
in-
building,
cultivation, it
was the
to
plant themselves
distance traversed
returning,
down
in those settlements.
The
to
Colonel
It
Brodhead
for
executing,
this
that,
expedition.
as
has
enemy were
immediate
visions
slain
in
these
expeditions,
only
pro-
effect,
more remote
was
fol-
lowing
Another
consequence
was,
that,
distress of
mortal
disease
was
superinduced
great
numbers
into
The Delawares
the
w^ere at that
United
States, lo'
and
small
body of
their
208
wai'riors
DAFwING DEEDS
had Liccompaniecl Colonel Brodhead on the
from which he had just returned.
ex])edition
The
chief,
Huron
Tiiese Indians
:
were
but,
apprehensiv^e
own
them back
to
Colonel Brodhead.
But
if
Maqui chee
clan
main
less imfriendly
by
their means.
And
mand
it
so
happened
was but a
detachment of seventy
men from
the
Kentucky
of
district of Yirginia,
the Ohio,
.ans w^ere
The Kentuck-
At
first
OF
a
AMERICAN HEROES.
only appeared, standing
209
few Indians
upon
three
them on board
Kentucky shore
fast
his boats,
went
in
pursuit
Only
five or six
fectly sure of
well
Proceeding cautiously
he should
his
toward
surround
the
enemy,
and
having
adjusted
movements with
moment
The Indians
rose in hun-
and deadly
tlie
fire
survivors
forty-five
tomahawk
of his
Major Eogers
almost
in-
and
men were
for
killed
stantly.
guard of only
in
by putting
off
in ona
lilO
DA.KING DEEDS
fugitives
the
by taking possession of
tlie
others.
off,
The
possibility of
the
brave fellows
now turned
furiously
and
for
as night
was approaching,
after a sharp
some time, a small number, aided by the darkin effecting their escape
to
ness, succeeded
Har-
rodsburgh.
Among
encounter,
the
wounded
in this
whose
cases, together,
adventure.
Benham was
ing
among
the thick
who had
the slain.
He
continued to
lie
close in the
place
tree,
he managed
to shoot
it,
hoping
to
be able
to strike a fire
The crack
cry,
of
at
the
first
rifle
which
startled
captain
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
211
was
at
length recognised
parties
and
the
to
were
soon
The man
lost
proved
ITever did
One
of
the
his hands.
Benham, by
ion's shirts,
tearing
up
his
own and
his
compan-
He
could
load his
rifle
and
fire
enabled to
his
kill
such
game
roll
as
approached, while
the
col-
companion could
feet,
the
and
in the
to
Wlien
Benham
who went
to the Licking,
fill
and wading
it,
in until
returned with
squirrels
a hatful of
When
in
the
stock of
their
man
flock
rifle.
Thus
a boat
Both recov-
year
the
1780,
j^lot
fraught with
much
dis-
danger
covered.
ral in the
his extravagance
Of
in the British
deliver
up
to
the
enemy
the
important
of
West
Point,
of
which Arnold
had the
command.
Andre proceeded
in disguise to
West
Point, a'<ew
Havof
name
to
E'ew
ii^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
%!
iSliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiliiii'iiiiifciii"!'''^
OF
AMEEICAN HEROES.
He
passed
the
ontposts
213
of the
York by land.
suspicion.
Supposing him-
now
which was
A^merica.
blow
to liberty in
thirty
of
as
he was entering a
called
that
who
happened
Yan Wart,
seized the
bridle of
with, "
Where
are you
bound ?
"
British, did
helow,'^^ (refer-
"
And
so
do 7,"
Andre, (confirmed
in
his
mistake
by
this
was a British
on urgent business,
"
You
with
belong to our
''''and
exclaimed the
militia
men,
we
arrest
you^
Andre,
pass2:)ort;
struck
astonishment,
presented his
but
15
this, after
what had
214
passed,
DARING DEEDS
omj
rendered his case the more suspicious
He
But
be bribed.
in his
conhis
to
cealed
guilt,
and
they
immediately
conducted
him
officer.
Andre was
of the
tried
by a board of general
officers
as a spy, at
Tappan,
officer,
^ew
He
He
was a young
mane.
and
his
fate
all parties.
General Marion,"
following account of
an interview
witl)
De
Camden:
: !
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
215
we waited on
leave,
the good
old
De Kalb
to take our
and
to express our
deep regret
at
parting
sirs,
with him.
" It
is
my
dear
presentiment that
we
part to
meet no more."
things.
We
"
is
told
him
!"
w^e
hoped better
it
Oh
no
is
impossible.
"War
its
when we
we
can
pretty correctly
w^ill
go.
To-mor-
row,
it
to
be cast
and, in
my
side.
The
game
that
is,
get out of
battle as
that,
fast
as their
legs will
carry them.
But
do
for
me.
I an an old soldier^
and
I believe I
stand by
me
to the
So,
of
De
Kalb,
is
at rest."
my
life
and I
Marion.
too
216
DAEING DEEDS
gentlemen
;
no
no emotion
I
for
me, but
die
us.
is
tliose of
congratulation.
am
to
is
liappj.
To
the irre-
versible decree of
Then what
joy to be
This, thank
able
God,
wish
;
my
And
case.
The happiness of
man
is
my
that happiness I
to avert
deem
inconsis-
so great an evil
from an innocent
people, I will
As he spoke
which seemed
this,
fire
to
me
to
"We
him with
feelings
which I
shall
never
forget,
while
brain.
It
memory
maintains her
place in
my
aged
15th, 1Y80,
that
we
left
the
army
in
good
position,
near
enemy
lay.
About
were
had,
who
to surprise
the Americans.
To
their
two
o'clock,
and
began
firing
on each other.
discontinued
by both
parties,
OF AMEEICAN HEKOES.
willing to leave the matter to be decided
light.
SlY
by day-
council of
that
war was
the
called, in
which
back
De
to
Kalb advised
army should
fall
General
but
originated in fear.
Upon
horse,
this,
man
at the
head of
his
com-
mand on
"Well,
sir,
show who
As
began
daylight
to
increased,
the
frightened
militia
all
discover
over
came rushing on
waited to
give
to the charge
them a
distant
before
they
General Gates
to
bring the
back."
self back,
Two-thirds
army having
oif,
them-
selves
De
21B
daj.
for
DA.RING DEEDS
More determined
valor
though outnumbered
one
for
mor
than an hour.
tinentals,
De Kalb
pillar of fire.
But, alas
While
bending forward
received
blood, he
to
eleven
fell
wounds.
the
of
to
and
Americans were
strove to destroy, or to
defend.
In
the midst of
de
Buyson,
stretched
out, "
his
arms
over
the
fallen
hero,
and called
"
The
British
his
officers
then
interposed,
and
prevented
immediate
destruction.
De Kalb
friend
died, as he
had
lived, the
unconquered
officer conI
T
of
liberty.
When
an English
doled with
him
sir,
he replied, "
thank you,
for
man."
He
in
sur-
vived
but
the
OF
plains of
fought.
AMERICAN HEROES.
his last battle
219
was
Many
visited
years after,
when
grave
of
it
De
was shown
to
him.
Gazing upon
sigh,
thoughtfully,
lies
De Kalb
the generous
liberty.
fruits
"Would
to
God he had
lived to share
"
!
BATTLE AT
" It
KIJS^G'S
MOUIS^TAIK.
general
the
inhabitants
of
South
by embodying
In
parto
the people of
the district of
the
Ninety-six,
Major Ferguson, a
train
the
to
attach
them
own
corps.
That
officer
was now
220
directed
DARING DEEDS
bj Lord Cornwallis
to enter the western
embody
mean
time, com-
menced
his
march with
Waxhaws,
to
time. Colonel
against
Augusta,
siege
to
that
place.
Colonel Brown,
who with
for
held
that post
;
the
British,
made
a vigorous
defence
made
a rapid retreat
attack.
intelli-
At
the
same time. Colonel Williams, from the neighborhood of Kinety-six, and Colonels Tracy and Banan,
OF
also of
AMEEICAN HEROES.
221
men
commenced
march
for Char-
The
to
pied by Ferguson.
army.
the
enemy
at
King's
should
The Americans
led
formed themselves
Colonels
into
three
divisions,
by
Cleaveland, and
began
to
and opposite
sion,
directions.
first
was the
to
pickets,
and halting
his
in
terms
ries^
" My brave
fellows,
;
we
Jia'oe
beat the
all
they are
cowards.
If
of
pendence of
their
country.
When
engaged, you
me
2i2
DARINGDEEDS
allow
I will
to fight,
own
judg-
ment.
ground
you
can.
When
;
you can do no
but I beg of
better, get
behind
trees, or retreat
off.
you not
to
run quite
to
If
we
and
make
point
return,
renew the
the
fight;
perhaps we
may have
second
afraid,
first.
you are
to retire,
immediately
to take
themselves
^."
to
This address,
the
which would
have
done
honor
hero of
tlio
men
rushed upon
to
forced
them
retire
but
again to the
Cleaveland's
In the
his
mean
time,
Shelby
like
advanced
with
division,
and was in
of
the bayonets
the
enemy
but
there
:
was yet
Colonel
Campbell moved up
pulse, but
at the
moment
of Shelbj^'s re-
British bayonet
and Ferguson
kept possession
of his mountain.
The whole of
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
separately baffled,
223
another
ter-
determined
to
make
effort in co-operation,
rible.
and
tlie
conflict
became
Ferguson
still
by a musket
rendered
ball,
and
his
troops
soocl
after sur-
at discretion.
The enemy's
loss
on
this
Our
loss in
killed
whom was
active
Colonel Wil-
one
;
of
our most
of
and enterprising
con-
our
number
siderable.
tomed
to fight
and
the
and
sat
down
at the
Cowpens
to give rest
and
re-
freshment
to his
no longer
to avoid action,
enemy
persist
224
in
it.
DARING DEEDS
Being apprised
at the
dawn
of
day of Tarle
ton's
for battle.
This
decision
grew out of
irritation of
temper, which
The ground
Two
liglit
parties
of
militia,
under
Major
M'Dowel, of
ISTorth Carolina,
with
and,
fell
the
enemy
as
he approached
fire as
it
they
back
range with
and renew
comhead.
the conflict.
militia
its
posed
this line,
At
first line
militia,
Washington's cavalry,
of
with
company
was held
mounted
;
militia,
armed with
to
sabres,
in reserve
convenient
OP AMERICAN HEROES.
the
rifle
225
militia,
which
were
tied,
agreeably to
The
was
British
lieutenant-colonel,
urging forward,
;
at length gratified
The
light
and legion
composed the
in the centre of
The
Major
for-
med
line,
the reserve.
having under
commanded
The American
back,
light
parties
quickly yielded,
fell
and
arrayed
with
Pickens.
The
enemy
which
fire;
upon the
retained
its
station,
and poured in a
but, continuing to
second
line.
226
their
DARING DEEDS
torses
to a
probably
The
with
orders
to
remote
for-
them
further distance.
Tarleton pushed
shaken firmness.
contest
became
obstinate,
its
nobly
contended
for
victory.
Our
the
line
maintained
to order
enemy
up
his reserve.
Howard's
sures
to
company
order, the
change
its
front
but, mistaking
this
company
fell
back
line
it
began
to retire,
to
formed with
j)recision,
precursor of
as
it
drew near,
Howard
derous
Stunned by
the
this
unexpected
enemy
recoiled in con-
Howard
seized
the
OF
followed
his
AMERICAN HEROES.
advantage with
the
227
This
bayonet.
line,
the fugitives.
who had
Washing
ton struck at
them with
Thus, by simultaneous
enemy were
routed
his success,
general.
The
were in force
to cover
the
zeal
retreat.
This,
The
of
many
of
The American
lieutenant-colonel
was
his
critical contest
by one of
sergeants,
who drew
collected
ofi^
remains
of his
cavalry,
hia
BAKING DEEDS
stragglers,
and hastened
to
Lord Cornwallis.
The
battle,
moved
The
re-
mainder arrived
Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton
In
this
decisive battle
we
lost
whom
twelve only
were
killed.
The
tion of
killed
or
taken.
;
One hundred,
including
ten
officers,
were killed
were taken.
The
artillery,
dards, thirty-five
baggage
wagons,
goon horses,
fell
important
by a
princijDal officers,
dis-
tinguished
exertions.
To
General
Morgan they
and
to
Lieutenant-Colonels
silver
Howard and
to
Washington,
medal,
and
Captain
Triplett, a sword.
SEKGEANT MITCHELL.
The
intrepidity of
this excellent
soldier^ merits
particular notice.
to the
had
al-
where Mitchell
ser-
posted, with
his standard.
The intrepid
staff
of
his
colors
colors
Grasping
the
dragged
The
British
dragoons
death,
Kinloch
dismounted
and
so
protected
gallant
him from
soldier,
that
though
an
enemv
16
should
not
perish.
230
DARING DEEDS
though severe,
to Georgia,
re-
moved,
war
became,
ISTAYAL EKGAGEME:N'TS.
In June, 1Y80, the twenty-eight gun ship Trumbull,
commanded by Captain
Nicholson, attacked
the
and
She
lost thirty-two
and wounded
the
enemy
lost ninety-two.
brigs, but
captured.
On
the 2d nf
and soon
after,
she cap-
of
which was
June,
the
retaken
on
its
way
to
America.
In
OF
Confederacy,
AMERICAN HEROES.
231
by
encounter.
DEFEAT OF MAJOE
command.
that
Gxill^EY.
prudence in military
activity.
The
insecurity of the
is
encampment, with
battle.
a militia force,
The
Roman
aware of
this truth.
But the
activity of
Marion
deficient
His
first effort to
232
DARING DEEDS
blacksmiths
into
by rude
sabres,
some resemblance
set
to
his
men
in
motion,
taking
the
command.
who held
MaAfter
riding
in
dawn
attack
the
morning.
The
surprise
discovery and
the
were one.
The
was complete.
slain,
captain
dis-
lose a
two wounded.
tive,
Major
James,
distinguished
himself,
by
singling
combat.
assail-
more powerful
in
flight.
James pursued
In the eagerness of
that he
was alone
he
and unsupported.
It
was
enough
that
was
when
them
who had
rallied
OF
upon
lost.
AMERICAN HEROES.
There was not a moment
fatal.
233
to
the road.
be
But our
gallant
to
be
easily
intimidated.
sword
aloft,
!
group of enemies, as
The ruse
more,
was
successful.
and
sought
safety
individual
enemy
in the recesses of
Pedee swamp.
MAEIOI^ AT
On
wholly
the
In"ELSOIS"'S
FEKEY.
following the
ITth
Gates,
August,
the
day
defeat of
of ignorant he
as yet
Peter
to take
command
of four com-
Bonneau's, Mitchell's,
Benson's, and
;
Le-
nud's, near
pJl
to destroy
the
boats
to
all
to procure,
234
if
DARING DEEDS
gunpowder,
flints
possible, supplies of
and
bul-
lets.
buckshot,"
This will
to
depended.
less
man half
of his
men
waiting
in
of
means of taking
easily satisfied
part
the
affair.
Buckshot
soldiers,
who
vanced
to the
in their fowling-pieces.
While
Horry proceeded
to
toward
Georgetown,
Marion marched
On
;
this
bxxt,
effect
upon
his
it,
Ferry.
known
from Charleston
Camden.
Here
him
of the approach of a
at
Informed of
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
all
235
before
six-
little
Hugh
Horry, with
pass of
enemy's
at
perfectly successful.
to
letter
the
event:
"
On
number
Ferry
killed
one
Our
one
killed,
is
slightly
ADYE:N"raEES OF
MA JOE
JAME5S Aisu
CAPTAm WITHEKSPOOX.
Major James, who was equally bold and
pressed forward fearlessly
till
skillful,
he became aware of
make
in a thicket
on their
line of
But
as the
He
to carry
no other proofs of
obtained.
His
jDerfect
their
horses,
moved him
to greater daring
and, bursting
shout,
terrible
he
upon the
star-
stragglers
in
the
rear
of
the
Tory march,
an
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
237
Before the
enemy
could rally,
at "White
Marsh,
Gavin TVitherspoon,
whom
men
of Marion.
He
had taken
re-
fuge in Pedee
Swamp
in
pursuit of
Witherspoon proposed
to his four
comrades
were
asleep.
But
his
men
formance,
nimibers.
himself.
expressing
dread
of
superior
TVitherspoon undertook
the
adventure
Creeping up
to the
encampment, he found
a pine tree, which
roots.
against one of
its
branches at a
first
distance
from them.
and,
still
These he
determined
to secure,
in
his
possession, he aroused
the
238
Tories
DAKTNG DEEDS
by commanding
their surrender.
They were
the
assailant.
followers
drew near
him
and courage.
in
the
to the taste of
our partisans.
BLACK MIXGO.
Marion was advised of a large body of Tories
Black Mingo,
fifteen miles distant,
at
mand
of Captain
John Coming
Ball.
Marion was
troops,
in expectation, every
moment, of additional
He
not
found
men
in the proper
mood
of
for fight,
and
at such
to
times
small
inequalities
force
are
be
OF
regarded.
AMERICAN HEEOES.
resolved to give
tlie
239
vent,
He
humor
and
at
encampment.
He
at Shepherd's Ferry,
commanded.
bridge of planks.
Marion's
troops
reached
pass.
While the
Celerity
caution,
now became
and
necessary
to
success
to follow
as
Marion
ordered his
men
him
at full gallop.
When
a small
body acting
as
cavalry,
dismounted.
down
the road
Two
companies,
Hugh
to the right,
so
240
I>ABING DEEDS
field
near
it.
The
ants.
effect
was that of a
fell
surprise
upon the
assail-
Horry's troops
rallied
were promptly
and brought
The
battle
the Tories,
soon brought
it
to
close.
fires,
the
enemy
directions,
and
fled
for refuge to
the neighboring
swamp
of Black Mingo.
So warmly
affair, that,
the
men
corribat.
The
Marion was
Captain Logan
was among
his
slain,
and
future
service.
The
force
of
the Tories
was
They
their
commander, and
left
But
At any
OF
rate, the
affair
AMERICAN HEROES.
would have been
settled
241
without
it
the
a bridge by
But he generally
DEFEAT OF
Colonel
COLOlSrEL TYNES.
brought
with
Tynes
had
him from
war
poor
and
comfort
commodities
bayon^ets,
of
which
the
patriots stood
at the tidings
grievously in need.
They hungered
new English
pistols,
muskets and
broad-swords and
ball,
powder and
which the
out the
new new
levies.
levies,
To
and
strike
at
this
gathering,
supplies
prevent
procure
the
which
were
designed
for
them,
were
242
DAEING DEEDS
wMcli
all
controlling objects to
yield.
others were
made
to
new
adventm-e promised.
forks of
Tynes lay
at Tarcote, in the
without exercising
much
military watchfulness.
The
this
head of
direction.
his
came upon
the
camp
of
Tynes
at
midnight.
the posi-
enemy.
no
made
precautions
taken
against
attack.
Some
were
cards
none
for
watched.
Marion made
obstacle
his
arrangements
interruption.
or
The
was
complete, the
panic universal.
cards
in
their
few were
slain,
hands.
TjTies,
with
officers,
and many of
his
number
Few
were
offered,
and Tarcote
Swamp was
the fugitives,
many
of
whom
shortly
made
their
OF
tlie
AMERICAN HEKOES.
Marion
his
lost not
24:3
conqueror.
of of
a man.
The
an-
ticipations
acquisitions
much
need.
CHAPTEE
VII. 1781
Eiitaw Springs.
lines
The American
the
first,
forces
composed of Carolina
was com-
De Malmedj.
liams.
Lee,
with
his
legion,
covered the
flank;
and Lieutenant-Colonel
left.
corps
under
Lieutenant-Colonel
and
the the
As
THE^S YORK
^AT
PUBLIC LIBKm
^:^^-
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
to
245
the
some advanced
parties
of the
enemy
at
The
militia
line.
charge with
arms.
" N'othing, " says Dr. Eamsey, " could surpass the
intrepidity of
sion.
men on
this occa-
They rushed
them. "
The
British
picketed garden.
after
Lieutenant-Colonel Washington,
effort
to
dislodge them,
prisoner.
Four six-poun-
upon them,
but tliey
to
fell
into their
hands
their
driv3
them from
station
246
impracticable,
DARING DEEDS
the
Americans
field
retired,
battle.
leaying
of
Their loss
of 1100.
upward
the action
of
in
Eutaw Springs,
number
to
that
of
the
enemy, he obtained a
toward
upward of seventy of
He
The
battle of
Eutaw produced
The
lorded
British,
it
who
time.,
abso-
lutely in
BATTLE OF GUILFOKD.
The
battle of
men, of
whom
last;
the British of
in
three lines
militia,
General Eaton;
Virginia militia,
commanded
by General
Stevens
and
General
last of
Colonel
Williams.
his cavalry,
"Washington,
with
light-'nfantry,
248
the
DAEING DEEDS
left.
front,
tlie
British
advanced
right,
in
Hessians
on
the
the
Guards
in
the
center,
and
left,
line.
were
at the distance of
militia,
140 yards.
Some
of the
North Carolina
who composed
without
firing or
All exertions
them were
ineffectual.
The
much
better
kept up
great execution.
man
who should
leave his
post.
This gallant
officer,
He
to
prevent
brigade from
receiving
had orders
To cherish
he ordered the
their files to
open
The continental
troops were
spirit
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
Toward the
on the
Colonel
close of the action, a charge
249
was made
British' guards
"Washington
Maryland
troops,
commanded by
Colonel
Colonel
Gunby and
Lieutenantthat
execution
the
After a severe
of
an hour and a
half,
the discipline of
field
;
to
his
rival,
he retreated no
a distance of
Eeedy Fork,
three miles.
The Americans
in
stages
of
the
action.
This
victory cost
the
British
dear.
The Guards
lost
Colonel Stuart,
Howard,
and
Lieutenant-Colonel
with
continentals
wounded
among
250
DAEING DEEDS
a valuable
in
officer,
so
well
Among
the
latter
The
early retreat
the ^N'orth
Carolinians saved
the Americans had
British, yet
Though
army
sustained
fugitives
numerous
from the
who no more
suffered
to
rejoined the
severely, that
camp.
Lord Cornwallis
so
he was in no condition
improve
the
The
all
British
had
the
good con-
sequences of a victory.
but, notwith-
interest, in
Korth Carolina,
after the
was ruined by
battle
this action.
Three days
setting
forth his
and
and government
to all
and
offering
a pardon and
excepted,
protection
rebels,
murderers
or
On
the
day on which
left
his
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
nospital
251
numerous
and
sea-coast,
which had
Wilmington,
all
SIEGE OF
YORKTOWN.
the British in posses-
of
most of
tlie
southern states.
Charleston
overrun,
had
fallen,
South
Carolina
;
had
been
advancing
to the succor of
had been
totally destroyed at
Camden.
adopted by Cornwallis
to secure
was
He
not
included
in
the
capitulation
of
Charleston,
who
Congress, and of
i2
others who,
by an open
252
DAKING DEEDS
principles,
avowal of liberal
acts,
ties.
or
other
notorious
At
this juncture
Marion appeared
;
the militia
flocked
partisan
to
his standard
The appointment
of Greene to the
command
of
and the
exalted
Cowpens,
their
hopes
so
that
Guilford
Court-House failed
dishearten
them.
Indeed, the result of that battle was almost as unfavorable to the British
as to the
Americans.
In
mington, in his
Aj)ril,
way
to Virginia,
on the Yth of
it
1781.
The American
leader, finding
im-
enemy
resolution
of
marching
into
him
or
abandon
conquests.
The
intelligence of this
movement,
first
design,
and overruD
By
this
army
in
by war, and
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
253
how
fortunate Greene,
mean
had
May
to
while
succor
La
Fayette,
dispatched
by
At
length a junction
w^as effected
Happily, at this
crisis,
Henry
by Washington's pre-
retired to
allies
Yorktown.
to lead in
person
march
254:
BAKING DEEDS
Clinton deceived, that
tlie
Hemy
their
allied forces
had
move southward.
which they had
The brave
and marking
before
There was
of reducing a formidable
Henry
Clinton,
They marched
on with high
ho23es,
cheering their
way with
songs,
at
Wilfoe.
fleet, in
pursuance of the
in
the
Yorktown
5'
'ts^i^f,;
LAl^WYETTE AT YORKTOWN.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
lines of
255
had aban-
doned without a
detailed
post.
It
Two
thousand
to
men were
to
blockade that
the intermediate
in
bringing up the
the
and
heavy
artillery.
By daybreak
men.
of
batteries
and
redoubts
had
been erected
to
silence
the fire of
the enemy.
On
the
10th, the
their
cannon
On
the night
lines.
It
became necessary
;
by storm
:
was
the
purpose
one
being
256
BAKING DEEDS
othxrjr
to
the
French.
La Fayette
the Baron
The
re-
at
not time
remove the
abattis
and palisades.
The French
successful, though, as
force, the
Cornwallis was
now reduced
to extremities.
His
first
would open
In
this
emergency he resolved on a
hoping thus
to
at
first,
successful,
into the
but the
guards
enemy
The
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
parallel
.257
opened several of
its
was hoped
that,
by morning, every
to bear.
capitulation
at
Ac-
cordingly,
ten the
to
the surrender of
Wash-
proposals
and,
that no
time might be
lost,
The answer
rendering
it
difficulty
On
the
met;
These,
a d
Washington caused
early next
to
be
copied,
sent
them
morning
to Cornwallis, deter-
mined not
advantage by delay.
general
that
He
and
further
informed
the
British
a
;
definitive
must
in the afternoon.
'No resource
Cornwalb's signed.
18
258
It ^v'd^
DARING DEEDS
a proud
day
fur the
war-worn troops
ol
But
allies.
With decent
reserving
quarters.
fervent,
their
on
for
the
spectacle,
congratulations
their
private
But
E'ew England,
or the
more
enthusiastic Yirginian.
prisoners,
By
the
capitulation,
exclusive
allies.
of
seamen,
into
the hands
of
the
Among
cliest,
The army,
stores
artillery,
arms,
military
to
and public
;
were surrendered
Washington
In addition to those
lation, the
made
loss of
was 552.
whole
ton's
The
allied
army
lost
about 300.
The
imder Washingsiege
The
occupied
OF
eleven days
to
AMERICAN HEEOES.
the
259
treaty,
opening
of
the
and
On
the
the
capitulation
wafe
Henry
to relieve Cornwallis
when
off
'Hew York.
delay of
for
campment
at
Camden.
He
established
his head-
by the
battle ensued-
For a
was doubtful.
Greene
260
DAKING DEEDS
to cut ofi
a regiment
furious
from
the Americans
became
general.
But Greene so
with
six
he retreated
off
deliberation,
and succeeded
in carrying
English
to
officers prisoners.
He
army
attempted
to
to
surprise
him
night.
Greene retreated
don
Eawhim,
made an ineffectual
after
to
dislodge
mills,
and who,
houses, and
ien,
burning
his
the
jail,
private
some of
own
stores,
evacuated Cam-
Hobkirk's Hill,
Lee with
Congaree, the
most
witli
tliat
closely invested
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
fort.
261
was
yield,
and
ll-i
men
surrendered
Americans.
on the 11th
Orangeburgh surrendered
of
to
Sumpter
May;
;
Fort Granby
21st,
and on the
a detachment of
Early in
Augusta.
The
sistance,
men became
during the
w^hile,
prisoners of war.
siege about forty
closely
The Americans
men.
lost
invested
Georgetown,
of
the
and
the
garrison,
in
learning
vicinity,
the downfall
other posts
the
evacuated
to
the
town.
The
British
were
Eiitaw
now
confined
three posts,
E^inety-six,
his
main
force at
camp
deserve
mention,
as
own
character, and
and region.
.*
One
of these
such,
has
been made
subject
of
a very
more extended
circulation.
is
The other
^f the
popular
as
ear,
as
distinguishing,
purity,
much
the former,
of
the
simplicity,
It
and
firmness
Marion's character.
appears that,
young
at
officer
George-
the
swamp encampment
of
Marion, in
He
was encountered
and conducted, by
OF
AMEKICAN HEROES.
and
into the
263
deep recesses
of the island.
which
him
of
Robin Hood
and
his
wonderfully picturesque
and our
young
officer
seems
in
to
by
it.
He
was
the
one of those
in
grand
natural
forests,
amphitheatres so
in
common
our
swamp
gigantic
laurel,
cypress,
and the
and ever-green
streaming with moss, and linking their oparms, inflexibly locked in the embrace of
posite
centuries,
leaves,
the chief
Gothic
architecture.
To these
recesses,
through
came
as
dral,
upon
aisle
and
chancel.
Scattered
those
hardy warriors
destined,
or
with
whom
our young
to
officer
"
was yet
most probably,
meet
in
conflict,
strange
at
lithe
and sinewy
the
least
keen-eyed
and wakeful
264
alarm.
DARING DEEDS
Some
slept,
some joined
in
boyish sports
for the sigrifle
The deadly
leaned
its
the
sabre
depended
from
boughs.
loosened
of
first
sound
the bugle
fires,
Distant
distinguishable
long
made
the old
many
ancient pain
all
triarchs.
this scene
be that
in stat-
the person
who
"
as
thin, as well
low "
chief,
whose
sleej^less
and
patriotic zeal
;
had carried
baffled
terror to the
gates of
Charleston
had
had
su^je-
Certainly, if
simple
resources
of
as
distinguishable
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
265
endurance.
and
appetites,
but
lacked
the
necessary muscle
It
soldier.
was
as the
rank, and
is
to
He
to
reliance
upon
his personal
prowess.
The
British
visitor
whom
he
was accustomed
to see,
portly,
of
case
of
among
these opposing
stated at
The successes of
man
above
to
look
for
even
this average,
gigantic.
Vastness seems
in
266
BARING DEEDS
probability, not of a kind to lessen the
WSiS^ in all
That a frame so
coupled with so
slight,
and seemingly
gentleness,
so
feeble,
much
and
so
Such an
inquiry was in no
way
detrimental to a reputation
The young
officer,
his
business was
dispatched, prepared
"The
was
ac-
cepted."
heartily, requesting
his
hunger
is
the
best
sauce.
'
" But
be
" Indeed,
fortunate
sir,
it
is,
" he reoccasion,
"and we
are
on
this
OF
allowance. "
AMERICAN HEROES.
The
story goes, that the
267
joimg Briton
was
on his return
men who
could,
were not
to
be subdued.
strictly logical,
of
in
he obtained no great
victories,
he was
On
with Lee, he
was
fort,
remarkable
elevations
of
an
unknown
as
antiquity
Indian monnds.
river, a
268
DARING DEEDS
The mound
is
Wateree.
and
might
The garrison
was
a brave
of
officer,
To the summons
Marion
artil-
As
it
was,
its
steep sides
to storm.
To
it
cut off
step
taken by the
besiegers.
ment,
the
assailants
were
at
fault,
artillery, the
Maham,
At
mode
of overawing the
there
grew a small
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
269
men
Here,
piling the
and
alternate
layers,
the
work had
the garat
reached a
rison
sufficient elevation.
At dawn,
find
rifle
were
confounded
to
themselves,
bullets.
;
wakening, under a
shower of
Thus
and a
party of
volunteers from
the
militia,
headed by
by Mr. Lee, a
volunteer, ascended
the
mound
abattis,
which
they proceeded
the
to
destroy.
This
movement brought
garrison to
terms, and a
from Charleston
to
of
270
DARING DEEDS
Granbj and Ninetj-Six.
to
Mrs. Motte,
situated on a high
hill,
had been
chosen for
this
establishment.
was surrounded
To
this post
sufficient garrison of
150
men.
increased by a
small
the Americans.
Opposite
another
hill,
to
Fort
Motte,
to
the
north,
stood
ex-
On
this,
Lee took
Marion's
men
invested.
The
six-
in
the
quarter
which he occupied,
for the
McPherson
Was
in
the possession of
OF
AMERICAN HEEOES
it
21*
mvest-
ment took
place.
It
His chief
lioj)es
lay
not doubting
arrival before
to maturity.
The works of
the
rapidly,
and
place was
summoned on
the
the 20th of of
May.
determination
the
besieged
try
the
These had
ad-
for perseverance.
They were
Rawdon, with
of
the
fort.
finding
Camden was no
maintain
strength,
his
several
posts
with
his
diminished
was aiming
unsatisfactory demonstration
Cam-
it
to the
his retreat,
On
numerous
fires
272
DAKING DEEDS
suc-
to
be realized.
to
"What was
be done, was
be done quickly,
bat-
The process of
by cannon would be
to
too slow.
Some
shorter
mode was
of
be adopted,
to anticipate the
approach
Rawdon.
of
our partisan
the
suggested
this
the greater
the area of
the fort
fire
very
reluctantly
communi-
owned.
dames
of the Revolution, to
whom
the nation
so largely
re-
She had
shrink
from suggesting
thei-r
made known,
something
more
than
cheerfulness
with
that
any
sacrifice
OF
AMEKICAN HEROES.
all
273
the
and
which
she
the
had
fire
preserved.
By
the
bow
was
to
be communi-
in
were
the
peration,
to
of
Rawdon's
fires
into the
in Marion's brigade.
was noon
when
were attached
shafts
the
arrows,
and
three several
militia-
man
They took
effect, in
three
in a
to
different quarters,
blaze.
and the
274:
BAKING
DEP:DS
fire
besiegers were on
hopeful of Rawdon,
flag
McPherson hung
imploring mercj.
commanded
death."
LA FAYETTE
Early in the
IE"
of
YIRGII^IA.
1781,
all
summer
;
eyes were
in
and La Fayette,
proud
exciting, the
to
triumph.
'No ex-
period.
He
as
seems coolly
to
have extricated
they
difficulties as fast as
and
calmly
to
have
to
narrated
them.
General Greene,
a project to cross
it
and landed
OF
at
AMERICAN HEROES.
He
it
2T5
our
left
Westover.
then
proposed
to turn
to
the forks
Chiccahomony.
The enemy
in
the
same proportion.
Fredericksburg, while
we marched
in a parallel with
Our
on their way
to
Anna
Kiver,
for the
present.
his
General "Wayne
departure
announced
to
me
on
the
made a
We
and
are
cautious
indulge Lord
chagrin saw that the " boy " was successfully eluding his grasp.
daily
increased, notwithstanding
the efforts
made by
With a
by
his
caution.
La Fayette
276
after marcliing
DAEIXG DEEDS
some distance up the northern
side
Wayne
in spite of him,
and gave
which
w^ere
more
attain-
La
lance.
watch of
him
most
to foresee,
and thereby
frustrate,
some of
his
important plans.
He
of
dispatched
Assembly
at
Virginia, which
;
Charlotteville
but
before
could get
there.
formation, and
the lirds
line,
had flown.
General "Wayne, with the Pennsylvania
sisting
con
of
joined him.
Though
still
it
La Fayette
feeble, in
was yet
sufficient to
new
course of
pursuer.
action.
and
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
the
277
his adver-
sarj.
however, remained
in
this
position long.
Kemy
made by
the
self
too
weak
to resist
ordered
Cornwallis
to
command
enough
to retire
in Virginia.
remain
at
to
Portsmouth.
of July, he
to
move,
his foe
was neai
La Fayette
left his
camp on
He
design of
gone over
])ected
ette
to
Jamestown.
lie
this.
knew
La Fay^o
escape
him, and
as
he found
that
the
Marquis
278
DARING DEEDS
so near, he resolved to
was
trial
of
He
every measure to
he waited an attack.
to
At
the
same time he
took measures
body of
his
army.
troops
little
His
light
were
all
drawn
in, his
compact, and
possible,
made
his
to cover as
and
piquets,
which lay
to
close
at
to the
first
yield
the
alarm.
To add
to the
was spread, that the greater part of the British had reached the
island,
sta-
would corroborate
fully
this
La Fayette was
deceived.
The plans
of
as
he had anticipated
after
personally reconnoitering
all
La
Fayette, on
few riflemen
were detached
enemy,
the continental
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
troops
to
279
support
precisely
fell
the
as
onset.
conducted
Cornwallis
His piquets
of Cornwallis'
who was
out
first in
it
moving
in order of
him.
Eetreat was
made
act* on
British
for
The
spirit
che British
ing
fold, like
band.
saw
at a glance the
in a
and
fast
becoming surrounded, he
line of
light infantry
was
in his rear,
and by a
to join these
without serious
for
some
Corn-
army
who
greatly overrated
his retreat
La
Fayette's numbers,
to
judged
that
was a stratagem
draw
280
DARING DEEDS
into an
him
ambuscade, and
The
loss
La Fayette
in
this action to
whom
belonged
The conduct of
vras
worthy of
praise.
"It
enough," says
La
Wayne,
to
and'
at-
the officers
and
men
he commanded,
have
ng party
this
by
severe
skirmish, hastened
their retreat
over
he nver.
'^""'
XHENEWYOPtK
'^LIBRARY
Sf
CHAPTER
VIII.
17841804.
20tli of
Wayne was
of
mounted
volunteers,
commanded by Major
Price,
marching nearly
fire
five miles,
to fall back.
two
wood, while
lines,
up
in
three
near
enough
the river.
Gen-
fire,
and extent
force
of their
in
front,
the
enemy were
in full
in
possession
to
of their favorite
ground,
I
and endeavoring
turn
our
left
flank.
gave
2Sii
DARING DEEDS
Major-General
Scott
to
gain
mounted
volunteers,
I ordered
bj a circuitous route.
the
front
line to
At
the
same time,
arms, and
the
point
to deliver a close
load
again.
river,
and
promptitude
but
such was
the impetuosity
first line
although
ofiicers
by Generals
to gain
but a part of
the
enemy being
less
than
one-half
OF
tneir
AMERICAN HEROES.
From
every accomit,
;
283
numbers.
to
tlie
enemy
amoimted
2000 combatants
This
abandoned themterror
in
full
and
army
and
you
will observe
to
was
sufficiently
tone
give notice
to
General
Wayne
to
it,
" that
his
should
not
the
diate destruction
by
flre
of every thing of
any value
very muzrecon
fort,
and up
fort
to the
of
the
guns.
The
was
it is
carefully
easy to perceive,
the feelings of
act of hostility
would have
gratified
more than an
British
on
the
part
of
the
commandant which
281
v^'ould
DARING DEEDS
have
justified
him
in carrying the
works by
storm.
the result of
the Indians.
CAPTUEE OF L'mSUEGEXTE.
On
the 9th of February, 1799,
Commodore Trux-
came
in sight of a large
ship,
The stranger
to
hoisted
American
colors
but,
unable
answer
the Constellation's
For the
first
the
Eevolution, one
of
our national
vessels
was
in sight of
an enemy.
;
We
sea.
had fought
to
now we were
meet the
Every man
was eager
to
engage
and,
as
seemed
OF
AMERICAN
;
IIEKOES.
and,
285
the
latter
when
opened her
was broken
fire,
returned
it
with
spirit.
The
silence
quake,
and
to
and
fro
with
miglity energy.
Yolleys of heavy
foretop-mast,
ter-
into the
American
rible
blows.
it,
The
manded
to his
superior for
to
lower the
sail
and
uproar of
battle.
assumed the
responsibility,
broadsides
now raked
the
sails,
to
stern,
crashing masts,
The Con-
sailed
round
286
DAETNG DEEDS
when
the
lacit^''
&,d-uc^
her colors.
of
She carried
409
forty
French
was
twelve-pounders,
and
men.
Her
loss
twenty-nine
Constellation
bre,)
killed,
The
had
wounded.
An
deserves
mention.
The
first
to superin-
While engaged
in
duty,
the
in,
wind
rose
almost to a hurricane,
still
night set
remained
on board.
that
the
At
At
this opportunity, so
prisoners
revolt.
began
to
exhibit
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
movement would have been
fatal
;
287
to the
emergency.
the lire-arms,
and placed a
to shoot
every
man
wdio
In this unen-
men
never
At
the
St. Kitt's,
in-
American naval
action.
maneuvering and
The
French
day,
frigate
English
colors.
and a
night, and
288
DARING DEEDS
At
eight
in
the eve-
ning, Trnxtun
his
opponent,
Flight
when
commenced
firing.
mander prepared
Tvas
The night
dark
neemed
was
soon to hurry
man
into
conflict
man.
At
a few minutes
]Dast
eight, the
Constellation
gloom was
Side
fling-
glare.
by
side those
upon the
;
heaving ocean.
Minutes
and
hours rolled on
the night
Far over
;
and
to catch
At
intervals each
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
The same voice
that
289
battle
though in
stern
commander poured
ors.
That
night
battle
was a scene
terrible
and
sublime.
At one
o'clock, the
sail.
moment
received the
wood.
m
to
men
long
enough
to
enemy.
enemy had
retired.
lost
men
of
killed,
and
twenty-five
died.
wounded,
eleven
whom
subsequently
Her whole
of
souls.
The armament,
the
Yen-
Her crew
five
"When arriving
290
in Cnracoa, she
DARING DEEDS
was
little
in
a sinking condition
and
there
can
be
doubt, that
.
had the
action
in*
assault
rable than
was
Its
executed, or the
loss
that
attended
to all
sailed
on the 3d,
Stormj
a calm suc-
ued
the
when
the
ship
became
visible.
She remained
in
OF
same condition
AMERICAN HEEOES.
as
291
that hei
Near her
As
shoals,
ob-
by the
late storm,
was
mirror
hung
fair
Gradually,
away, until
waters,
scarcely a
swept across
as
the
as
and the
Intrepid
immovable
ripple
Then a
would
sweep on
its
would continue
the
contrast of
that
swan-
course.
How
the
great
sleeping
nature, with
feelings of
crew.
On
the
At
men
in
proaching struggle.
sive silence
Not
it
292
DAKING DEEDS
sea.
They were
haile(f
con-
wind suddenly
shifted
and brought
the frigate's
guns.
now
perilous
single
to
broadside would
bottom.
excited,
have
sent
the
Intrepid
the
to
the
assistance
the
supposed
unfortunate
stranger.
her prey.
of
Instantly Decatur
sprang
to
the
side
the vessel.
" Board
deck swarmfoot
with
armed
troops.
Decatur's
slipped
in springing, so that
honor of being
first
moment
his
side, while
the
rail,
]N'ever
The enemy-
some crying
OF AMEEICAN HEROES.
enemy were swept away, and
had undisputed possession of
293
his prize.
And now
joys.
a shade of sorrow
vessel,
dimmed
the victor's
often
That proud
paced, in
for
company with
and
would have
been happiness
to bring
but this
was impossible.
and
in a
The greedy
chaff,
fire
Jammed
tion
her ammuni-
was
extricated themselves
by
their
Then they
294
DARING DEEDS
the
when
Showers of
the men,
and
But, elated
by
success,
the
crew hastened
not,
heeded
not.
That
spectacle
was
terrible
to
sublimity.
blaze.
The
of
Philadelphia
was
in one
wide
Sheets
among
fell
down with
sullen
like
report toward
the water.
The
waves seemed
in uproar.
melted brass.
vol
umes
of
;
smoke
the
heavens
batteries
were roaring on
;
all
sides
all
shijjs
nature
appeared convulsed.
till
Yet the
little craft
bore on,
were
each
from danger.
Then,
time,
man
and gazed
Steadily'
sent
to
In a few
the
Siren,
moments
one
of
returned
to
OF
bringing a
AMERICAN HEKOES.
dressed in a sailor's jacket.
295
man
He
gangway
himself.
it
was a messenger of
Decatm*
BOMBAEDMEISTT OF TEIPOLL
In order to have a correct idea of the terrible
scene attending the bombardment of Tripoli,
it
will
be necessary
to take a
of the combatants.
consisted
brigs,
The
Commodore Preble
Constitution,
of one
frigate,
the
three
three
schooners,
;
six
gun-boats,
all,
and
guns-
two
bombard-ketches
carrying in
castle
164:
and
1060 men.
The
and
batteries of the
forty-five
enemy
were heavy
two schooners of
ten,
and two
galleys,
by
296
DAKING DEEDS
the
On
signal
afternoon
of
the
3d of August, 1804,
attack
was given
It
for a
general
upon the
town.
shot.
American
lire.
shore,
fierce
their
volleys
of
blasting flame.
Through
them
water
as
The
ploughed
and
boiled
with
the
incessant
of
Tripoli
plunges,
and
the
strong-built
houses
While the
main
forces
were
conducting
his three
the
gun
few
mo
own cannonadings.
as the
boats neared
clash of
De-
catur
fifteen
seized
men.
him with
their
cimeters.
OF
AMERICAN HEKOES.
the conduct
297
On
his life
hung
and
fate of his
men.
The
him and
to the deck.
Part
cleared the
boat.
With
eight
men he
fleet,
then ad-
and carried
after a
desperate encounter.
in
The obstinacy of
the
the
enemy
these
conflicts
made
slaughter
immense.
The two
killed,
prizes
had
thirty-three oflicers
and men
prisoners wounded.
one of
At
the
moment
boat
fell
men were
was
left to
The
battle
fearful,
but short.
killed,
seven
prisoners.
wounds, and
298
DARING DEEDS
in getting his opponent's
battle
in uninterrupted blast.
At
half-past
vessels to
and soon
whole
fleet
fire
But
one
man was
killed
Lieutenant
his
arm
shattered,
and the
effect
three
men
fit
were
duty.
Three
numbers.
The town
itself
Many
fled
into
the interior;
and,
the thousands
who swarmed
the house-tops, to
OF
witness the
AMERICAN HEROES.
of
299
commencemeut
was
left
it
had begun.
On
bombardment
of Tripoli
commenced.
The
at half-past tw^o,
Fortj-
The Americans
lost
four killed
still
determined
At two
o'clock
shin-
uncommon
brightness,
nature lay
day.
by the
seemed
and
solitary as
the regions
Far away
in
palm
still
trees
and further
seemed, Atlas-like,
to
As
strano^e
and unnatural
intruders
800
DARING DEEDS
tins
But
hushed
awakening.
silence,
bomb
burst
faintly
on
the
swept
and dropped
Another followed
burst along the
into
startled
maddening
surges,
miles around.
direction,
Eanks of
Then
and
of
spray over
the
forth
decks and
rigging.
their defiance,
the
and one
uninterrupted
uproar
shook
land
and
sea.
The
hours rolled
dreadfully
;
on
but that
death-work
seemed endless
in the east
before the
mad
passions of
man had
of
lit-
ceased to struggle.
Tliis
tle
effect,
among
harbor.
Thirteen of the
OF
enemy's boats
AMEEIOAN HEROES.
301
when
retire,
and delivered a
fire
which sunk a
Tripolitaii
boat, drove
the
remainder
The
frigate then
comcastle,
menced
continuing
for
three-quarters
of an
hour, with
batteries
considerable effect.
The
castle
and two
were
silenced,
killed.
many
houses
destroyed, and
some
men
a few
men
killed,
On
and
last
bom-
place.
The
action com-
menced
general.
little after
became
divided
a part of the
fleet
which many
much
injured as to be unfit
materially, not
jured.
man
in-
The
with some
;
her
was
On
the
dis-
fire-ship, to
among
It
was com-
men.
deep
stars
mist
for those
whom
they were
sending forth
were
intention of exploding
in
case of
who knew
in
his
worth
who
had stood by
danger as in prosperity
the
yearned
sailors.
over him
with
honest
sympathy of
Pale with
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
303
its
object.
The manner
for
in
which the
is
fire-ship
was prepared
her
dreadful work,
thus described
by Mr.
up
in the hold
principal mast.
Communicating with
tube, that led
aft to
this
magazine
was a trunk or
filled
another room
with combustibles.
bulk
A
this
train
was
laid
in the
manner.
In addition to
wood
would
apprehend an immediate
And now
commenced.
2]
Slowly
craft
14*
304
DARING DEED?
seemed
like
some shadowy
spirit,
Hearts
chilly
had swelled
grew
and palpitating
folds
;
as the eye
and a strange
restlessness, a
pang
Deca-
each bosom.
tur himself,
mightiest, stood
statue
darkness, and
feeling.
his noble
Not
a sound
was heard
nature seemed
the
sails
suspended.
More and
more
faint
Sometimes
a blast of wind
sel
on
its
black.
their
Now
all
is
stations,
and pray
blackness.
for
but
still
Suddenly every
along
the strung
man
the
started.
;
report cracked
light
nerves
;
a thick
gleamed
their
through
guns.
the night
Anxiety changed
agony.
One
ball
would
;
mangled atoms
avoidable
and
how
was
such
catastrophe
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
305
the
surges
iron
ings unutterable.
Now
one volcanic
careering
spirit of
would appear,
in
the
destruction.
still.
the
uproar
all
nature
seemed
which the
like
convulsions.
Tripoli
had
never wit-
fire, to
of every
battery
to
seemed
the
mockery of
tapers,
like
swept up
a
ball,
boiling ocean
for
leagues.
Then a
report,
the
elements
After the
first
stun-
men
gazed
fear of a repetition.
knew
each
like
felt
the
;
Darkness, three-fold
stillness
dense, succeeded
fell
mountain
on
every heart.
Oh, the
rackino^
of that
moment!
*S06
DARING DEEDS
would
world of
man
The crew
where
After the
first
the
dash of oars.
How
hope
fearful
was the
pause!
that
tale.
crew could
their
not be lost
they must
Imagina-
up judgment
with
silence,
again
Hope
again
time
rolled
on
the
told.
Their oars
How
the awful
was not
to
be lessened by a disclosure of
cause.
;
Not
both
a single
gun was
fired
parties
seemed bewildered;
and, for
a few
EXPEDITION OF
In
GElS^EEiVL EATON".
not confined
naval
operations.
"VTe
have
else-
chivalry,
rarely
equaled
modern
warfare.
Its
Eaton
an appropriate closing
for
deeds of such
remarkable intrepidity.
Jussuf Carawalli, the Bashaw of Tripoli, during
hostilities
his
eminence
successful
usurpation.
heir,
Hamet,
had
fled
his elder
brother,
and the
rightfiil
from the
dangers of his
own
for a
Among
these
envoy
to Tunis,
The
pro-
308
posal
DARING DEEDS
was favored by the viceroy of Egypt, who
permitted
Hamet
the
to pass
Mamelukes,
whom
government was
at war.
nations,
Mr. Eaton
his
(under the
title
of General,)
commenced
march
toward Tripoli.
They crossed
supplies from
M.
turers
advanced rapidly
spirit
to
the
attack,
received with
roll
and firmness.
for
An
of musketry
was kept up
more than an
hour,
stormed the principal work, hauling down the Tripolitan ensign, and, for the first
time, hoisting
that
of our
country on
a fortress
of the
Old World.
after.
Eaton
among
the
latter.
OF
his victory
"by
;
AMEKICANHEROES.
an attack on
Tripoli, through
309
want
of siippiiey
and, soon
after, a
permanent treaty
to his spirited
of
the
Americans
in
the
land
The
first
tory
The
At
made
and continued
the chase
till
he cleared
top-sail
for action
and waited
for
him
to
come down.
As
soon
to
as the Constitution
was
ready,-
bring the
enemy
to close action
immediately; but,
her
maneuvering
for
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
get a raking position
;
311
not,
jib,
During
this time,
men
to
engage
was excessive,
was preparing
summary
to
method of
his
own.
He now made
sail
bring
at five
the Constitution
up with her
six,
antagonist,
and
minutes before
half pistol-shot, he
all his
commenced
a heavy
fire
from
round and
grajpe^
so well kept
up was the
and the
hull, rigging,
and
sails
were
The
fire
was kept up
fore-
and
leaving
this,
wreck.
On
seeing
firing to
enemy,
in thirty minutes
he was
fairly alongside, to
312
DARING DEEDS
prize
The
and
lost
blown up.
In
the
action,
the
Constitution
;
the Gueid^re,
sixty-two
wounded,
including
the
The news
of
this victory
and the
citizens
and public
and
and crew.
States sloop-of-
of Captain Jones,
He
sailed
OF
13tli
AMERICAN HEROES.
313
On
the
Wasp
lost
encountered a
heavy
gale, during
which she
On
sail,
steering eastward.
and,
down
the topgallant
The convoy
sailed
to, five-
or six miles
distant, while
the
to
American
being
hoisted
ensign,
hailed,
and pennant.
Upon
the
enemy's
flag,
The
fire
by
vessels
other,
but,
as
the
result
314
precision.
DAEING DEEDS
In a few minutes after the commence-
ment
Wasp
yard,
braces,
on the
top-sail
the
larboard
fore
and
foretopsail
In two or three
sail
Each
tained
and
spirited
fire.
Captain Jones
fire
except
when
the
downward,
was either
it,
while
the English fired as soon as they had loaded, without regard to the position of their vessel, and thus
their
balls
brought in contact.
the
rigging of
Wasp were
by the
shot
OF
of the
AMERICAN HEROES.
that
lie
315
enemy
was
he therefore determined at
With
athwart
the
enemy's
came
in
the "Wasp.
inviting
for
in
a position so
that
raking
broadside,
one
was
promptly ordered.
Wasp
bow
ports of
At
this junc-
his cut-
His im-
them
on,
the
516
DAKINQ DEEDS
individual
at the wheel,
and
dead,
with
blood.
down
their
their
and
made an
of
bodies,
affording
evidence
they
had
surrendered.
war
Congress,
and
sanctioned
by the
President.
before,
a rude and
soldiers,
weak
stockade, garrisoned
like
by only
fifty
most of whom,
himself,
were worn
surrounded on
by a
sleepless
and savage
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
fc-e,
317
alert,
for
weeks together,
is
men
long endured.
While
in this
men
fit
for service,
attempt
to get possession of
by a
force
of 450
his
Indians.
had taken
much prudence
to
were
his defences,
and few
his
men.
o'clock
sioned by the
which contained the property of the contractor, and which they had previously
fident
little
fired.
The Indians,
con-
of victory,
garrison,
and commenced
upon
firing
it
from
the
all
sides,
simultaneously with
the
of
block-house.
either
his
enemy
and
their
or the
more dangerous
to their aid.
He
calmly
gave
his
orders
to
have
the
fire
318
DARING DEEDS
all
efforts
were
The
fire
communicated
check
it.
to
the
roof, in
The scene
at this
time
is
The raging
of the
women and
must
children
shelter
there, together
with
the
discharge
of
guns,
have
been
find
enough
to appal
Yet we
boldly meeting
them
fire,
and giving
suppressing the
much
By
and
well-directed
arrested,
the
flames
were
at
length
the
fire
fire,
finally
subdued.
Having
extinguished
the
breastwork, the
fire
of
the
enemy gave up
their forces.
lost
and .withdrew
In
two
men
killed,
and two
wounded.
frigate
United
States sailed
upon a
cruise,
Decatur,
in with
Macedonian, comfrigate of
She was a
"When
hove in
sight,
and
for
action. Lieutenant
Allen mounted
some time,
He
de-
scended
to
his
comrades,
who were
impatiently
ad-
own
distance,
fifty
for
320
minutes.
sant
fire,
DARING DEEDS
The United
that
States poured such an inces-
the shouts
from the
crew of the
Macedonian were
cause,
distinctly heard,
to
apprehended her
be in flames.
Her
col-
hauled
down
lost
shortly after-
ward.
In
the
engagement she
her mizzen-
She
hull.
Thirty-
On
board
wounded.
The American
this
damage
in
Any comments
surely
on
so glorious to the
splendid action
now be
needless.
commission
of
lieutenant-colonel
in
the
2d
artillery, (Izard's
regiment,)
Niagara
Barker.
frontier,
He
took post
planned an
brigs, then
For
purpose, he
to
applied, on
Scott, for
1812,
Colonel
and men.
a portion of his
The
was
successful.
On
Elliott
person,
the
and
eon.
Caledonia
by the
gallant Captain
Tow
the
In dropping
down
322
DARING DEEDS
through
into
the
oc-
the British
island, directly
batteries,
where
it
was impossible
therefore,
to
get
her
oif.
Captain
Elliott,
Then ensued an
interesting
and exciting
doned
brig,
to
prevent them.
The enemy
in
which
effort
he was successful.
until
recaptured,
and held
she was
As
for
the
Caledonia she
was preserved
by
(now General)
memorable and
glorious victory
won on Lake
Erie,
by
i:v:a^iiS^-t5gr;a;a;i^y?i-^'gs>';k^y.u^^
BATTLE OF QUEENSTOK.
Early in the montli of October, 1812, there were
near 1500 regular troops at Buffalo and Fort Niagara, under the
command
of General
Smythe
and
General Stephen
militia, the
Yan
Kensselaer, of the
New York
known
commander
as the
Army
of the Center,
2500
men
at Lewiston.
The
success-
new
zeal into
and
all
that
general
officers.
The arrangements
for
in
the evening of
that
day Lieutenantthrough
Oolop^l
Scott hastened
to Lewiston,
mud
324
and
rain,
DAKING DEEDS
and
sleet,
He
instantly returned to
where
his
men were
posted, ordered
them
at
The
troops under
Yan
though
not with
much
under a heavy
they were
Dank.
fire
and
opposite
Colonel
Van
Rensselaer and
Lieutenant-
known
to
be severely
to
wounded, and
Scott was
finally ordered
cross
Leaving
shore,
his
train
in
battery on
the
American
Barker,
who opened an
effective fire
on the enemy,
that
the
British
force,
and
body of
;
militia,
their po-
sition
that Captain
the heights
south
18th
companies of the
and
carried
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
325
had been
killed
in
made
a lodgment on the
Canada
it
shore,
remained
for several
hours unmolested,
rally
that the
enemy would
Scott
he might be rein-
of
the
was
fiercely
renewed by the
about
militia
and
grenadiers,
and
400
Indians,
under
Norton,
hurried
With
a mixed comfar
mand
strong,
of
and
militia, not
from 350
Scott
boldly
A
tlie
to flight,
ferry rendered
a pursuit
He had
just returned
326
to
DARING DEEDS
the rear, to JL'ect his
men how
enemy
to
unspike a
rallied again,
and forced
too,
in the
advanced
picket.
The main
line
had commenced a
retreat ere
to
he could reach
front,
them.
Instantly springing
the
by great
exertions, in
ral
His
repulsed.
Meanwhile,
General
Sheaffe,
who commanded
all
militia in
scene
of
action.
About
He
that
fully
aware
to
inferior
his
own
when he
and
light troops
left,
he took
the
wide
through
the
woods,
gained
heights,
OF
fire
AMERICAN HEKOES.
and
artillery.
327
of musketry
little
the
Scott,
manfully held
ground,
and breasted
side.
All that
bravery and
skill
His
tall
height,
field.
He
was arrayed in
fall
some
ing
;
''
'No,
no
!
"I
will
die
in
my
robes "
Others
were
he escaped unsurren-
harmed.
After
to
the action,
when he had
came up
said
him
attentively,
born to be shot;
so
many
all
many
times did I
fire at
you "
!
CHIEFS.
now
mouth of the
in an inn,
river,
where the
were lodged
The
sentinel
to pass
no prisoner
but
In a
little
some one
Scott
through several
He
same two
who had
flag of
distin
The
elder, tall
name
and only
muscular development.
In
up
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
their rifles
329
Jacobs grew
to turn
at him.
warm and
round
Scott
bj the arm
him
liberty, the
You
fired like a
squaw."
We
kill
you now
"
girdles at the
same
instant
knives
;
and tomahawks.
There was no
;
call for
help
none
and
flight
would have
as
Scott,
the
opinion of such
soldiers
dastardly.
In
officers,
been desired
sabre, in a
to lay aside
on their
arrival.
long
heavy
drawn
as
grasped, lay on
the
outside of
the
stack.
A
in
hung
lost
an attitude of defiance.
second
quiver
or an
and
this story,
no further room
tall
American."
;
Of one
of his assail^
He
330
DARING DEEDS
standing
on the
foot
the
of the staircase.
turned.
It
the
tigers to close
upon
their
prey.
The
parties
officer,
"
The guard 1
" and
at
the
same moment
pistol to the
seized Jacobs
head of
to
his
companion.
in
descend
aid
of
foes.
gallant deliverer,
now
Tlie sentinels
in,
obeyed the
with bayonets
off,
forward.
muttering
imprecations on
of
war.
was
the son of
celebrated Brant, of
life
the Eevolu-
by the
late Colonel
"Wm. L. Stone.
a
visit
The
of
of
who
so opportunely entered, on
com'tesy,
was Captain
General Sheaffe,
British army.
rated, both in
in
the
This adventure he
frequently nar-_
New York
the
tl
an tin.
LENOX AND
J*>r!ON-l..
r^^
m "w^w
^#\\vwMii
i"-^'nr
m^
''!i;r'
commencement
of
with Great
Britain,
commander.
On
6' S.,
Brazil,
frigate,
the Constitution
the Java,
in
with
an
enemy's
bound
for the
Bomfrigate
bay
station.
fairly within
alacrity for
colors,
action.
and
bore
down with
stitution.
Bainbridge avoided
colors,
this,
and
left flying
fire
commodore gave
to
orders to
full
ahead of
This
the
enemy
colors.
and
23
332
DARING DEEDS
after the
Soon
commencement
a ball
in
bridge received
the hip
and
a few
to sit
down, and
The
action lasted
an hour and
minutes,
when
the
enemy
and
the
to
American commodore
take possession.
Lieutenant
Parker
The
a distinguished
who was
The enemy's
loss
was not
The Con-
The two
vessels presented
the Consti-
she
had gone
spar,
into
it,
few stumps
left
standing.
Bainbridge
displayed
;
his prisoners
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
his
prize,
333
landed
his
he
at
St.
Salvador, on parole of
honor not
Stat^^
engage
in hostilities
until
exchanged.
CHAPTER X. 1815.
CAPTURE OF THE PEACOCK.
The following account of
is
this celebrated
action
dis-
otficial
March
I stood for
I not be fortunate on
the
West
Indies,
on
my way
the
United States.
discovered a
;
24:th, I
ran into
quarter less
four,
and, not
having
pilot,
was
of
the
this
fort at the
entrance
Demarara
river
at
time
bearing
south-west,
Previously
anchor without
ing,
English colore
fly-
apparently a
In beating ronnd
OF
Corobano bank,
three,
AMERICAN HEROES.
335
P. M., I discovered
another
for us.
sail
on
my
At twenty
colors, at
English
to
be a
lars^e
manfor
by the wind,
in order, if possi-
At
American
past
and tacked.
At twenty minutes
five, in
that in less
from
his
fore
rigging,
as
signal
of
distress.
who
soon
first
lieutenant,
who
reported her
be
Peacock, comfell
in the
that a
number
of her crew
336
DARING DEEDS
sinkiiig
;
feet
of
water
in
her hold
for the
wounded,
shot-
vessels
to anchor.
Such
afloat, until
by pumping and
in
five
and a
down
thirteen of her
viz.
:
my
brave fellows,
rohn
and succeeded
in
capturing Og-
Captain Forsythe,
that
place, with
the
force
American commander
less
at
OF
his
AMERICAN HEROES.
337
retreat
ice
to
The
to recon-
made
of
for
an embarkation of troops
Canada.
The
troops, to
the
number
of
1700,
under the
command
;
On
the
off
to the south
and westward
the
debarkation of the
troops
commenced
:n
about
eight,
the
forenoon.
first
landed, undei
fire
lars
and
militia,
The
contest
was
eharj)
and severe
commanded
by Oeir
rnl
338
pushing
DARING DEEDS
for ihe shore, the
enemy
retreated to theii
advanced
to
now opened
fort^
The
carried
principal
when
the
his
laid a train,
blew up
General Pike.
to
"When the
of Pike
General Dearborn,
troops.
As
soon as
the
the stocks
at
their head,
made
a precipitate
retreat
from the
flag
town.
By two
American
was substituted
by
four
the
OF
AMERICAN HE K U
by which
tlie
E 8
o'r
>
cuininaiiding officer,
towu
stores,
and
The
killed
total
American
loss
on
this occasion
was 264
and wounded.
British
The
acknowledged a
loss of
156, killed,
loss
missing.
Tliis
of
Butler,
the a
commander
post
at
Detroit,
Delaware,
British
on
the
river
artil-
Thames.
lery,
cible
transportation,
it
was
left
behind.
By
this
sick to Detroit,
to
Holmes'
16
force
was diminished
340
DAKING DEEDS
the 3d of
On
that a
whom
were
militia
and Indians.
Holmes immediately
retreated
left,
enemy
but
hardly had
the
after
yells
and bugles
on the
east.
The
latter
bravely
approached
to
But the
front
section
who
followed
much
many
to
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
from
fifteen
341
to thirty
paces of their
antagonists.
British regulars
to
tliiis
repulsed,
their
firing increased
The
American
to
assist
being
uncovered,
were
ordered
kneel, that
the
might
the
in screening
enemy.
proved
to
insufficient, a
man from
less the
the extended
line of
Americans, much
squads
and breathed
On
tained with
much
coolness,
being
enemy
rifle
were aimed
Unable
to sustain
commenced
and gallant
CAPTUKE OF THE
On
the
PEISTGUHST.
commandojff
Acunha, a
sail
hove in
sight,
sail,
and
and hove
to for
him.
When
to shorten sail,
and took
afterward appeared,
forty minutes past
of practicing a
one, the
deception.
At
The
action
when
the
enemy
to receive
,f::'(i:i!ll!''i|
^3
til.fl'?'!iii!!|i
i||vi!|ii|,fi|it.
'
lliiiill'^.:"
OF AMERICAN HEEOES.
him, he desisted
343
from
minutes surrendered.
The
prize proved
to
be the
and
whom were
killed or
wounded.
fire
of the
to scuttle the
The Hornet
only of her
man
crew was
killed,
BATTLE OF TOHOPECA.
I^ot far from five miles below
'
Emuckfaw,
is
the
great
called
by the Indians,
war-
At
forces,
near
1000
desperate
struggle.
Across the
844
DARING DEEDS
with double port-holes, arranged
with no
little skill
and ingenuity.
closure, there
the
center was
fallen timber
at the
lower
On
ral
The
firing
w^as
mainly con-
rifle
or
musket was
occasionally discharged,
and
though
without
any sensible
Indians
impression.
Meantime the
had
advanced
to the left
bank of the
river,
while Gen-
eral Coffee
rest of
his
Some
of the Cherokees
now
OF AMERICAN HEKOES.
discovered
that
345
the
drawn up on the
left
had been
into
unguarded.
They
instantly plunged
the
re-
stream,
swam
across, and, in
few moments,
Means being
Cherokees,
provided
for
passing
over,
the
headed by
their chief,
on
fire,
and attacked
enemy
in the rear.
hostile Indians
bravery and
desperation
fled
was
by the American
;
troops,
were in flames
still
Bpies
and Cherokees
to dislodge
them.
The
soldiers
with General
to the assault,
till
were not
they
enough
to
encountered.
The
command
storm
the
in-
fantrv,
346
to the attack.
DARING DEEDS
The
in
result
of
the contest
fierce
did
not
long
remain
donbt.
struggle
was
muzzle
to
muzzle
the
action being so
close,
as
remarked
commanding
gen-
many
to
the
American bayonets."
Major Montgomery
first
of
to spring
upon
among
his
com
him
the
to sustain
smotliered
rolled
along
line,
barrier, like
bearing
down every
thing before
it.
The Indians,
met
with
at-
the shock with clubbed muskets, and the gleaming knife and tomahawk.
Some few
tempted
shot
to
escape by
swimming
by the
down
in their flight,
and mounted
men under
fought
General Cofiee.
behind
continued
the
to defend.
The
nay,
^N'one
we may
call
it,
without
rej^roach
for
to
the
victors, the
butchery
for
was
hours.
asked
quarter.
The Tallapoosa
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
ran red with
the blood
of the
347
dead were
j)iled in
banks
enemy took
refuge
among
the peninsula.
in-
terpreter, to offer
fired
on
and wounded
him.
The
cannon were
dis-
lodged.
Finally, the
The
up every thing in
monster.
concealment;
who attempted
to
fly,
or
offered resistance,
IN'ight at
length
forests.
and there
women and
number
of
The
Ked
;
Sticks, in killed
as a
alone,
34:8
DARING DEEDS
thrown into the river previous
to
the final
rout,
by
their
by General Coffee's
their escape.
men
while attempting to
make
Among
in
name
his
by a grape-shot
issued the lies
ruin.
General Jackson
lost fifty-five
men
killed
and 146
forty-
wounded.
Twenty-three
of
and
by whom the
enterprise of
the
chiefly evinced,
was Captain
As
early as the
he sailed
He
OF
15tli of
AMERICAN HEROES.
34:y
March put
Gallipagos islands.
upward of
six months,
carried on in
those seas.
He
con-
them
mounting
twenty
gilns,
and sailed
for Yalparaiso.
The
at
had
be
at
length
enemy
to
sent
in pursuit of
him.
Soon
Valparaiso, the Phoebe, a British frigate of thirtyeight guns, and a sloop-of-war appeared off the port,
naving been
fitted out
again stood
utility in action.
350
DARING DEEDS
length, on
tlie
At
made an
The
Cap-
attempt
to get to sea,
be able to
pass to wind-
ward of them.
the
point, the
American
vessel
squall,
was impossible
and
was equally
difficult
to reach
In
this situation
it
was
to
within
served.
neutral
It
territory,
ob-
government.
for ac-
The
British
Essex with as
placed
his
loss
to
himself as possible,
frigate, the
Phoebe, under
her stern,
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
while
the
351
The
latter,
of
under her
where
Cap-
time, with
three
all
the
possible to
bring to
Phoebe on board.
close
and
ment of
termined
He
was, however,
off
disappointed
the land
test
;
and
after
of
three
hours,
was compelled
to
give
the
DEFEIS'SE
OF FOET STEPHEKS0:N".
Miami
of the lakes
enemy designed an
in
person.
fense,
and
de-
parties.
The
siege
of
May
besiegers
commenced
their
retreat,
Here Croghan
by
parsev-
handsome and
his conduct
brilliant charges
this occasion,
on the enemy.
For
on
he received the
;
commanding general
to a majority,
and
was
shortly after
advanced
and was
stationed
Upper Sandusky.
Fort
Stephenson,
river.
From
this
he was ordered
to
On
made
his
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
fort.
353
effective
men
the
garrison,
of ground.
The
six-
pounder.
enemy appeared.
enemy was
to
The
first
movement
made by
the
make such
a disposition
it.
He
the
demand
He was met by
Ensign
Shipp.
The
British
officer
many
Indians,
whom
it
was
if
must
be, the
massacred.
was the
detei
officers
and men,
and that
be buried in
it,
"
You
young man
your situation
for
God's
sake
surrender.
35#
DARING DEEDS
Indian,
who attempted
to
come
into the
fort,
obeyed,
The
firing
At an
six-
About
four P. M.,
north-western
of
angle
of
the
fort,
for
the
purpose
effect of
making a breach.
To counteract the
their fire.
to
be
sand, and
manner
ing sustained
little
or no injury.
supposing their
fire
had
sufficiently shattered
number
of 500, to storm
feints
on
OF
western
angle
AMERICAN HEROES.
was
to
355
in
so
completely
enveloped
it
smoke, as not
be
discovered until
had ap-
but the
men
it,
being
all
at
their
posts,
and
gall-
ready
ing a
to receive
fire as to
commenced
so
heavy and
leader of
the
Come
on,
my
no
and
immediately leaped
his troops.
into
the
ditch, followed
by
As
was entirely
filled
by
the assailants.
Major Croghan
ditch,
from end
to
The
first fire
wounded every
At
the
fire
of small arms
it
was
so
incessant and
oflScers
destructive, that
was in
it
retired in disorder in
an
The
loss of
enemy
in killed
356
DARING DEEDS
killed
and seven
of
slightly
enemy
retreated
down
the
river,
after
29th
of
April,
1813,
the
sloop-of-war
Warrington,
fell in
a like
number
of
whom
and
The
foresail
;
but
received
slightly
no
other
injury,
two
men
to
only being
wounded.
The
prize
in specie,
and both
States.
May,
the British
by
instantly fired,
Brown with
the information.
he repaired
of danger.
number
Oswego with
troops,
men
in
all,
At
the request of
Lieutenant-Colonel
short time
at
Backus,
station,
the
with the
localities.
command
one
the hostile
fleet,
S5S
DARING DEEDS
two schooners, two gun-boats, and thirtj-three
brig,
under Sir
George
Prevost
in
and Commodore
the
offing.
Sir
Under the
the
of
primeval
in rear
sweeping away,
for miles
on miles,
the opening
lake.
leading
militia,
down
to
the
margin of the
The
Mills,
who had
the
breastwork with
field-piece.
The regular
sta-
troops
racks and
public
buildings.
Lieutenant Fanning,
with his
barracks
artillerists,
;
men
were ordered
Navy
Point.
His
officers
men
slept
on
he and his
reconnoitered
among
the
tall
OF
in the
AMERICAN HEROES.
forests,
359
neighboring
the early
dawn on
The
British
were
their
small
militia
boats.
As they approached,
the
American
on the contrary,
conflict.
to
permit
enemy
to
come within
pistol-shot,
and then,
The
first
fire
shot;
knocking
ofif
wounding several
ofiicers
;
and men.
their
The
British
were thrown
;
into confusion
terminated
engagemili-
But
the
their
in
disorder.
360
DARING DEEDS
belonging to the company of Captain McNitt,
men
whom
the regulars,
who
spirit
and bravery.
Meanwhile
Sir
toward the
village.
band
who remained
firm,
encouraged by
heroic-
presence of General
mortally
to
attack.
Though
compelled
way
they disputed
took possession
every inch
of
the
barrack buildings.
Here,
on the enemy;
ning, though
<)f
at the
his
effect.
The
lodge
made repeated
without
efforts to dis
the
Americans,
his
success.
General
Brown exhorted
men
to continue
the defense
made
Hav-
He
number
of
them
together, he
OF
earnestly
AMERICAN HEROES.
them, rebuking both
361
addressed
officers
and
men
when
were
more prompt
and occupants.
to
defend
it,
than they,
its
owners
He now
first
Although
his orders
ifraid
attack.
to
upon
their
firmness
in
an
open
to
whom
he had just
General
Brown determined
was
fearful
to effect
by stratagem what he
Di-
to conceal the
The
an attempt
and capture
their boats,
number
prisoners.
25
CAPTURE OF THE
About the
first
liEIJSTDEER.
sloop-of-war
of
May, the
Wasp,
of eighteen guns,
sailed
commanded by Captain
Blakely,
first cruise.
After
After a series of
latter,
tlie
by which a
was
warm
upward of two
hours,
enemy
several times
attempted
The crew
of the W-asp
to the
proximity of
while
OF
AMERICAN HEKOES.
363
The Eeindeei
it
her on
fire.
September discovered a
fleet of
merchantmen
One
of
them was
set
was
with
on
fire.
On
fell in
and
captured
the
sloop-of-war
Avon, of
twenty guns.
The appearance of a
to
British squadron
compelled him
abandon
his
prize,
which sunk
in this action
being soon
and
which
States.
From
this
On
shore, getting
under way.
They reconnoitered
by her
hoisting
three
ensigns,
and
firing
a shot as a challenge.
calm
for
some
it
was succeeded
about
three,
P.
M.,
shortened
sail,
down with an
quarters.
intention
to
bring
him
to
close
When
enemy
'S'rii!
THE
.^._
.1
pasLic
TILDEN rQVN^ArWNI.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
his
365
starboard
broadside.
The cheers
and
the
became
general.
In about
five
minutes after
commenced, the
gallant Burroughs
fell
;
received
he,
however, refused
The
active
command
who
con-
and coolness.
The
fire
kept
for to
were nailed
them down.
The
prize
proved
to
of fourteen guns.
is
Wq
moments
no elaborate pencil
to the
impart pathos
and grandeur
sim]>le
The
anecdotes, given in
than could
366
attempts of
DARING DEEDS
art.
"At
twenty minutes
jjast
ttree
to
be
rest of
;
the engagement,
the
life-
regardless of
;
blood
fast
watching with
;
cheering his
still
men by
by
his
more
his glorious
example.
am
satisfied, I die
contented."
He now
permitted
at-
were paid
sufferings.
few hours
^-'Ai-^
IBRARY
l!iil!!l!''''''iJ':'i:i:i''ii':i!!!iiiW^
of
gun-boats
Here he
As
its
States,
and, at his
own
he was transferred
to the service
on the lakes.
this disposition of
In pursuance of
he repaired with
his services,
a reinforcement of
to
seamen
act
to
under
the
its
Commodore Chauncey.
Tlie transportation of
to the harbor,
from
it
Commodore Chauncey
Perry
to
take
368
DARING DEEDS
fitted
and
fitting out
to hasten their
fleet
equipments.
At
manded bj Captain
standing, rank, and
vice,
skill,
who had
seen
much
ser-
to
the
American squadron.
his
Perry pursued
object
unmolested
by the
about the
his
Havino
equipped
and manned
ves-
The The
port
on
the
8th,
without
accomplishing
his
object.
until
the morn-
10th
of September.
The
American
at Put-in-Bay,
Niagara, Captain
Elliot,
twenty guns
;
schooners
Scorpion, Sail-
Somers. Almv.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
two guns, and
Conklin,
two swivels
Tigress,
Lieutenant
one
gun;
;
Porcupine,
Midshipman G.
one gun
in
all,
At
way and
The
on pivot
seventeen
thir-
and
two
howitzers;
;
Queen
Charlotte,
schooner Chippeway,
sixty-three guns.
in
all,
At
windward.
Commo-
It
And
;
line,
who
up
his
courses.
As
their crews.
370
DARING DEEDS
soon as the Lawrence came witliin
tlie
As
of
fire
reach
a heavy
upon
her, which,
it
was
his intention
position,
he opened his
fire.
all
directions
killing the
men on
be dressed
One
shot had
a fatal explosion
it
passing
through
knocked
;
the
fortunately
pres-
it,
ence of mind
his hand.
to extinguish
it
immediately, with
Their heaviest
fire
was directed
at the
Lawrence,
situation,
to follow,
his
made
sail,
for the
The
tre-
uiendous
however,
to
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
371
Even
action for
upward of two
hours,
within canister
the time the
to
was admirable
to be-
among her
this
valiant
scene of horror.
as fast as
the
men
stept into
they
fell,
At
enemy
The Lawrence
her decks were
was reduced
a mere wreck
helped
to
work the
last
gun
that
was capable of
being used.
872
his braveiy,
DARING DEEDS
and
hauled down Lis union, bearing
it
the motto of
under his
arm ordered
to
engagement.
In leaving
He'd
stick
by him
to the last,"
off
and jumped
Perry went
the
boat, until
crew
Broaddis-
were leveled
him, and
small
arms
charged by
one nearer.
The
throughout
this
him
safely through a
shower of
shot,
and
his shipmates
in a small
and bring
which had
in
OP
AMEEICAN HEROES.
signal
for
373
close
and made
but
little
injured,
possible,
to
He
accordingly bore up
brig, giving
them a raking
fire
his larboard
Having passed
The smaller
Elliot,
ves-
having
in the
canister dis-
tance,
fire,
the whole
vessels,
of the
enemy
struck, excepting
to
two small
which
taken.
attempted
escape,
Commofor the
way
20
374
DARING DEEDS
left
Sandwich
regulars,
in
of
Proctor with
about
140
Colonel
Johnson's
mounted
regiment,
and
the
Commodore Perry,
who
Thames, which
falls
Lake
the
St.
Clair, twenty-five
by
eight
miles
above
their
b'.-idgc
over
its
abov<3,
Here
the passage of
six-
fire
from
in
tw^o
and
about
two hours
troops crossed
that had
just
set
been
of
on
containing a considera-
ble
number At
muskets,
saved.
the
first
farm above
OF AMEEIOAN HEEOES.
one of the enemy's vessels on
ligence
fire,
375
intel-
and here
but a
few
miles ahead.
and a large
distillery,
filled
immense amount,
extinguish
was impossible
to
the fire
ball
and
shells of various
commanding
eral
the enemy,
across
the
line
of
march.
underwood,
of
200 or
300
yards,
extended a
this
swamp
Across
strip
drawn up,
their right
876
DAEING DEEDS
the
when
fire
of the
British line,
to charge.
The horses
the
fire
;
the column
full
at
speed,
force.
irresistible
front.
The
disordered ranks to
the
mounted
infantry
immediately surrendered.
in this charge.
Upon
the
American
left,
son
who commanded on
efiect.
The Indians
fell
further
advanced and
moment made an
impression
sta-
upon
it.
up a regiment
to
fire
support.
in front,
OF
AMEEICAN HEROES.
377
Of
the
British troops,
taken prisoners.
by
forty dra-
goons, and a
nnmber
the
of
mounted Indians.
loss.
The
Indians
suffered
greatest
Thirty-three
who were
killed
in
the retreat.
On
the day of
before.
Of
tionary
war
and York,
The number
or destroyed
by the Americans,
British at Detroit,
and
The
loss of the
killed
whom
afterward died.
in this
been attributed
to Colonel
Johnson.
CHAPTEE XL 1814.
BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA.
During the night of the
eral
2d.
Brown embarked
his
troops, but
more
Kock
fol-
and
fort
a party of
enemy's position.
The
was soon
in-
vested,
in a
position that
commanded
its
defenses.
amounting
to
over
GENERAL SCOTT.
THENE
PUBLIC
i
FQUN0A.TK5>IS.
OF
intrenched
AMERICAN HEROES.
at
379
miles
in Fort
its
camp
Brown advanced, on
the
position
reduction, against
of
General Eiall.
Captain
ning
ment,
commanded by
it
the Marquis
the
and
finally drove
across
Chippewa Creek.
Between
this
stream
took place.
On
beyond
forest of oaks,
At an
who were
posted in the
attacks on
flank,
woods on the
the
left,
commenced making
and
380
small parties of
in the
BAKING DEEDS
the
enemy
fi-ont.
occasionally appeared
open plain in
to
bring:
on an en
in order to effect
to
put
an end
to the
annoying
of their skirmishers, he
with
the volunteers
;
ordered
nents,
to fall
of
their oppo-
About
four
and the
who had
an-
now
rising
in
the
Chippewa
advance forthwith,
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
381
whatever point
it
might be needed.
all
possible
speed.
across the
tillery,
their
light troops
had
rallied,
and
give way.
The
left
flank
of Scott's brigade,
21st in-
therefore,
fantry, forming
in reserve,
was detached
flank.
to
the
enemy's right
The
made
for
to
of the attack
made by General
382
DARING DEEDS
commanded bj Major
left
warmly
pressed
and in
flank,
being exposed to a
but, at
this critical
period,
" Support
arms
forward,
march "
!
Men
fire
who
were not
favorable
to
be resisted.
position,
the
enemy, with interest, and in a few minutes compelled them to seek safety in flight.
field,
displayed.
The
strife
was bloody
but of short
for about
and
fiercely contested
on both
sides,
duration.
warm
the
fire
was kept up
artillery
an
hour,
when
enemy's
was
silenced
now
ordered to
move
for-
As they advanced,
pewa, and
this
instantly,
by
thrown
forward
and
that
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
tremendous charge which scattered the pride of
the English
soldiery like
line
chaff
before
the wind.
broke,
to their intrenchments.
Here
the
the advance of
batteries which
the victors
was checked by
fire.
opened
their
General
Brown bad
serve,
and joined
He
at
once de-
flank,
and
The ordnance
hour
was brought up
was
late,
and
was concluded
to retire to
camp
actuall}^
engaged
in this
2100
American
force
wa.s
about 1900.
The
loss of the
enemy, according
wounded and
missing.
Of
Brown
re-
crossed the
Abont
men were
busily en-
in consider-
the
mouth of the
boats were
The
troops were
artil
enemy were
force
in
his
front,
Having dispatched
Jones,
to
Adjutant
with
tlje
General
intelligence,
General
on
liis
he
heb]
*
"^^p
^^^^--r^i
i i
1Pii ^^^"
^fe
i
^m ^^p'i
THENEVVYOftri
PUBLIC LIBRARY
MT9R,
LSNfJX ANB
TfLDEN fOUNOAHONa.
OF AilEKICAN HEROES.
marcli,
3S5
and
numbers, stronglv
Beaver Dams.
disparity
the reserve
came
up.
in line on the
left
of
for-
left
Undismayed by
vanced
firmly
and
steadily
the
closely
enemy.
men
of
the arrival
his suite, in
advance of
was heard.
whom
386
action,
DARING DEEDS
and the whole brunt of the
infantry,
battle in front,
commanded by
Major Leavenworth.
enemy, though
until their op-
number,
was impossible
to distinguish objects
with any
precision, he
\ras engaged,
to wait for
General
ments.
Dmimmond
come up with
the reinforce-
battle
was hushed,
murmur
of
the
cataract,
the
fire,
brigade and
the remainder of
With
these fresh
troops General
Brown formed
new
of
alignment, to
command
General Scott,
who
fell
The
respite
re-
newed
vrith
increased
warmtli.
OF
><3verberte?J
AMERICAN HEROES.
deep
echoes
of
387
artillery
roll
the
the
musketry
Briton's
cheer,
and
make any
impres-
were
Mc-
officer.
General Brown
it
determined
to carry the
eminence on which
was
The execution
of
this enterprise
was intrusted
to Colonel Miller
gallant
when he
memorable
in
history
/ \oill
The
trial
was made,
nor made
that day,
in vain.
Supported by
infantry,
joined the
army
was
left to
receive the
the
1st
it
enemy's
hill
fire in front.
Colonel Miller
moved up
The
stao:orered
fire
to
which
21st*
up the height
388
witli accelerated
DARli^GDEEDS
speed.
On
The
British
troops
had
The cannoniers
for a
were transfixed
onds there was a
at
their posts,
and
few
to
sec-
hand
hand,
to
the
discipline
it
;
way
before
their
artillery
their routed
columns,
sullen
hill.
with
the
25th
by
tlio
detachment
from
his
Ketchum, succeeded
Generals
in reaching
Drummond
their suites.
latter
his staff.
hirge
number
to
enemy
in
rear.
Coming upon
body
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
the time of
389
the capture of
men
was unexpected,
fled,
rallied
by the an-
was now
forced.
to
were
men
in re-forming their
he
advanced
rear
;
in his
left
sta-
The
first
was held
in reserve.
A
short
silence prevailed
for a
and
it
lively strains of
umns were
asrain
ordered
to
advance.
General
Drummond had
given his
men
390
recover from
DARING DEEDS
tlie
.to
With
marched up the
double
crest of
the
In an
fire.
instant the
American
line
;
another
still
followed
another, caused
hill
them
break and
retire
down
of
the
in
confusion,
to
despite the
exertions
their
officers
inspire
heard,
as
they
rose
the
it
hill.
The Americans
reserved their
fire till
forth
brazen
and, as
they
pressed
nearer
and
ball
ponrtd
For nearly
tlie
The
content
was
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
39J
and, during
its
continuance,
two
effective charges
him
to quit
in the front
of
the battle.
symptoms
of
hesitation
act
were manifested
to
com-
mend wery
his
of
men
to further exertions.
His
efforts
were well
Unable
make head
sistance of the
American
soldiers.
General Drumhis
mond was
men.
The
contest
Additional
re-
-sncouraged to
made
troops advanced
392
DARING DEEDS
This time they gained
tlie
'
fire.
summit of the
hill^
their fire,
battle
The
was
now
at its height.
The beams
of the rising
moon
that
murky
pall
overhung the
field of
and
artillery.
Two
lines
of
The
and
Foot
to foot,
Locked
in the death
fell
together.
;
it
col-
made by
ri\T.dets to
the plough-
ing shot
mingle
its
JS^iagara.
severt?
ball
and
as
he now moved
lef
of the
to
American
line, to
left
by a missile of some
description.
The
Wood, he expressed
to
"Is'ever mind,
my
dear
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
general,'-
was the
reply,
gaining
the
na-
"
among
his officers
and men.
The
In vain
of
the latter.
The
artillery
on
Americans.
At midnight
The
British
made no
further effort to
Faint froTn
Brown
by
his staff.
Gen
disabled, the
command was
directions
camp.
The
artillery horses
at
being
all
killed,
band, General
captured
the
394
smaller pieces
DARING DEEDS
down
the
hill.
This circumstance
to
it
show how
utterly
un-
founded was
own
selection.
eiforts
to regain
;
it.
It
was
means
to
tlicm on
American
cam[)
unmolested.
The
dis-
possessi* a of
to
them
oppose
them.
Drumniond
The
was divided
fort,
for
miles in the
The circumvallation
enemy had
storm
tlie
batteries,
could
be brought up."
The
conceived
At noon, on
iutended to
arms.
the
make
paraded under
into
The
;
sallying force
left,
was divided
two
col-
amns
the
?96
DA KING DEEDS
Pennsylvania volunteers under
C<jlonel
^Yoods,
tlie
Xew York
1st
to
volunteers
under
move
cautiously
by a
through
the woods
Miller,
and the
right,
commanded by General
the
first
and consisting of
to
brigade, was
the
fort
directed
enter a ravine
lines,
])etween
and
ad-
General Elpley
remained
the
in reserve
new
bastions
of the
his
command, and
enemy.
thick mist
lazily
and floated
sur-
tb.e
American
ceived.
lerity
position
unpercetlso
General
enemy's
pre-ence.
aware of his
As soon
!'
^[
;;
c A x
II
I-:
i:
o k
C'JT
head of
his
column being
and
3.
Dashing forward
at
full
speed,
General
retrenchments.
surprise,
The
contest
was
min-
brief.
"Within thirty
fired, batteries 2
gun was
and
American
troops,
who
number
was
then
abandoned
by the
time,
loss of
commenced
guns were
the
work of demolition.
or
The
British
their
spiked
otherwise
destroyed,
number
now brought np
for a
the reserve,
demonstration
sortie
having been
of 4000
men
for a period of
near
to
fifty
days. Gento
his
men
fall
back
the
398
ravine, and
DAKING DEEDS
General Brown then directed
all
Liio
corps to return to
camp with
their prisoners,
which
was done
in
good order.
men
216 woimded,
of
the
and
til
ere
w^ounded.
Drummond
to
his intrenchments
ASSAULT
assault
14:th of
01s
FORT ERIE.
fur the
made
early on the
fol-
that
the
on the
American
OF A M E II I C A N H
the
E RO
P:
./J9
command
left,
of
Lieutenant-Colonel Fischer
that
on the
of about the
nel Scott,
select
It
troops,
rolling thunders of
exploding
bombs.
to fall
;
When
and gloomy
and the
fires
of
the
scarcely be
discerned, glimmering
sheltered
many an
courage,
in
the jire of
to
falter,
noble
knew
and
not
how
sparkled
every
eye,
beamed
on
every
countenance.
Midnight came,
tions
and
of
an attack.
Another,
passed by in silence.
told, a low, faint
of the wind
among
and
the eager
soon caught
the
measured
tread
of
the
400
but
DAKING DEEDS
hurrying onward with rapidity
led
to the a&sault.
The column
the
first to
steadily
and
one
approaching
ladders
line
tei^
between
and the
lake, with
the design of
to ap-
proach
within good
artillery
when
the
American
musketry and
The
effect
was
terrific.
down
in platoons,
every discharge.
They
hesitated for a
moment,
in terror
and alarm.
They were
On
Buccessful.
for a
short time
but
when they
and regained
their line of
before.
The
sleepless vieiilance
OF
of
AMERICAN HEKOES.
couid
not
401
the besieged
assailing
be taken by surprise.
distinctly
The
behind
within
when
an appalling
that forced
them
The
to halt.
To
ad-
batteries before
fire,
and the
In the
was
full
mean
time, the
column, commanded
by
Lieutenant-Colonel
boldly
A rapid
and well-directed
but,
officers
;
their loss
was ordered.
They commenced
retiring slowly,
but the
movement terminated
in a disorderly flight.
was brief
as
it
was unim-
portant.
The
;
first
tirely failed
But the
British
commander
28
402
DAKTN G
DEEDS
the
more ennobling
qualities
of
the
gallant
soldier.
Under cover
men
mounted
With a daring
he led his
intrepidity worthy of
a better
cause,
men
forward to the
and hate
quarter
!
" 'No
quarter
give
the
Yankees no
"
A
the
fierce
for
possession of
his
Major
Hindman
force,
and
artillerists,
the
men, were
wounded, and
his also
lieutenants,
severely wounded.
till
disdained
to
yield
for
This
was
refused,
when,
rallying
his remaining
strength, he
snatched a handspike,
despairing
and, with
the madness of
humanity,
As he held them
rushed forward,
Drummond
i<^
AMEKICAN
his
11
EEUE
403
and
sliot
own hand.
But
this
fearful retribution.
its
The next
to
waj
the
fell
beside his
i^otwithstanding the
fall
of their
commander, the
effected
them
daylight.
enemy began
at
speedily to
back.
the
mercy of the
American
many
brave
spirit.
commenced tumbling
into
pell-mell
the
ditch,
when
a strong
descried
rapidly coming
up
under
Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker.
An
the
approaching
enemy advanced
;
the bastion
but, at
404
DARING DEEDS
for a vigorous rusli
were preparing
nant of
upon
tlie
rein
Drummond's column, an
explosion took
place carrying
of the
The
los3
enemy by
but
it
the the
American guns.
assault
further,
made
to
pursue
the
and a general
retreat of
enemy now
as their
BATTLE OF PLATTSBUEG.
From
till
Plattsburg,
both
open
During
all
this
fords.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
The reason alledged
for the delay
401
came np very
under Captain
without
slowly
fleet
arrived, and
make an attempt on
probably, the
the
American
position,
was,
main consideration
that
influenced
him.
In the
mean
American
forts,
the
many
whose rich
Champlain.
foliage
Lake
The repeated
of
the
enemy
were
Captain M'Glassin, of the 15th infantry, galcrossed the river in the night, with
fifty
lantly
men
Brown
defeated
enemy
The regular
per-
and
the
labored
incessantly,
strengtheniug
fortifications.
40G
DARING DEEDS
tlie
On
enemy
his
Macomb was
to
apprised
of
the
intention
of
the
make an
day; and, by
orders,
the roads
and
turn
it,
felled
trees,
and
dawn
general
movement was
reported,
by the advanced
;
parties, to
and
when
main
line, all
arms.
Cumberland head.
Sir
to give his
men
on
their breakfast,
when
the
attack was
ordered
balls,
the land.
rockets,
and
bombardment commenced,
the
enemy
advanced
assault
to force a
the
American works,
three colum.ns
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
miles aboYe the forts
407
all
The
attack
;
was vigorously
fire
artillerists
answered
far
and wide.
the regulars
in the
woods
the
artifices
mander being
entirely successful
and
after spend-
arrived in sight of
to
further ad-
was sounded
the
scaling
ladders
were
thrown
The volun-
and
in cutting off
foot,
not a single
man
up
of
whom
sunset,
escaped.
till
when
silenced
forts.
by the
effective
assaults
At
eight
was seen
approaching
general.
It
became
thus
described by Macdonough, in
"
At
enemy anchored
in a
my
line
his ship
opposed
to the
thirdi-
number
and a
vision of
their ship
our galleys
and brig
leys
and Eagle.
" In this situation, the whole force on both sides
became engaged
the
much from
heavy
fire
of the Confiance.
I could perceive,
at the
same
was very
OF AMERICAN HEKOES.
destructive
to
409
her.
commandant
Cassin,
sustained
her
full
At
and anchored
in
between
very
my
much annoyed
leaving
me much
exposed
a galling
fire
from
"
all
Our guns on
was
go, the
bower cable
cut,
which soon
then
after surrendered.
sprung
to
bear on
fifteen
the
which
sur-
rendered
sloop
about
minutes
afterward.
The
to the Eagle,
had struck
line.
some time
The
had
also struck.
Our
galleys
alacrity the
when
all
reported to
me
to
be in a sinking
It
then
became necessary
and order
their
to
men
pumps.
I could only
410
BAKING DEEDS
was not a mast
in either
sqnaa
make
sail on.
The lower
as
shot away,
hung down
though
had
just
two
DEFENSE OF BALTIMOKE.
The success of General Ross
duced him
to
at
Washington
in
He
make
quarters,
force
which he commanded
for
an
at-
A force
who had
at
OF AMEKICAN HEROES.
Washington, amounting in
all
411
to
been assembled
for
the defense of
The
command
of
these
troops was
given to
General
On
fifty sail,
Patapsco, and
12th
commiles
menced landing
below the
with
city.
N"orth
Point,
Strieker
fourteen
General
to
was detached
Genliis
3500 militia
main body of
army with
a small
into the
arms
aid-de-camp, and
died in a
few minutes.
dis-
suc-
main body.
On
the niglit of
tlie
412
in advance of
DARING DEEDS
t'Le
battle ground,
and on the
city.
13tli
commenced
their
"When
on Fort McHenry.
below
to
intrusted
Fort Covington,
]^ewcomb.
On
the
12th,
British
and
at
commenced an
attack on
them
wdth bombs
and
rockets.
when
completely
foiled,
were compelled
river.
and the
example
san-
Their
capture
and plunder of
TILDE N
F^
Iff W'
A ^^:
.ynjiiiiii;iihHiiiiiliiiuii.aiiiui!liv.'.lJi^''^w^w'^v^
intelligence
was received
in
"New Or
on
the
9th
of
British
fleet
the
Chandeleur islands
Ap by Com
flotilla
of five gun-boats,
On
force, off
Lake Borgne,
to retire
safer
toward the
mate
skill.
The
batteries
commanding
manned
Major
take
post
to
cover
tlie
414
Gentilly
DARING DEEDS
road
;
Major Planche's
battalion,
with
artillery,
were stationed
that
at
fort St.
name
the
city,
remainder of the
state militia,
occupied the
;
and the
fortifications
and the
On
the 22d of
stores,
up
the
the
They halted
at this point
for a
few hours,
the
canal.
Early in
the bank
General
Jackson
did
not wait
to
be attacked.
Within an hour
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
the
415
enemy had
effected a landing,
in motion.
Anticipating
threatened
that
the
might be
the
eimultaneoTisly
by way
left
of
Chef
on the
posted
command and
troops,
the city
mi
mider Genof
eral
person,
consisting
General
Coffee's brigade.
Major Hind's dragoons, a detachand marines, under Colonel Mcinfantry, the bat-
ment of
artillery
moved down
the
the
left
bank of the
river, to attack
The schooner
Patter-
Commodore
Thompson,
also
river.
It
was
of the Caroline,
when
At
six o'clock in
1,
the
different corps
in all
it
the
es of
29
416
in
DARING DEEDS
distance.
to the
tlie
\owing
This
it
The
artil-
troops were
now formed
the
Daquin, both
Gen-
was directed
to turn the
;
enemy's right,
in the rear
At
by the
Caroline.
The
first
intimation
had
eral
fairly
Jackson
uj)on
them
like
a thunderbolt.
Though taken by
his fires to
surprise.
in forming his
men
into
Before
order was
forced
his
entirely restored.
General Coffee
had
way
the
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
eral
417
and displayed
At
length,
falling into
confusion,
mist which
best to call
off
his
men.
During the
field of
and
in the
morning
fell
back
to the canal
city,
where
swamp and
was
at
first
designed by the
British
com-
mander,
to
commence
intrenchments occupied by
the
American
troops.
On
the 28th of
December,
battery
brisk cannonade
was
opened
from a
Showers
of
Congreve
rockets
were
also
new imj^lement
of warin
astonishment
418
DAEING DEEDS
The
firing
was kept up
for
any sensible
effect
During the
and
the advent
of
the
welcomed by
a tremendous burst of
companied by incessant
continued
till
flights of rockets,
which was
when
can guns.
were,
killed
The
the
casualties on these
two occasions
eighteen
on
side
of the
Americans,
;
and,
on the side
of
the
killed,
and eighty-two
wounded.
These repeated
efforts
having proved of no
to carry the
avail.
works by
all his
men
were employed
for the
On
the
Lambert joined
the
enemy,
command was
thus
increased to
upward of 12000
OF A il
men.
ii I
A N U E li O E
4:19
Eveiy
tliiug
was directed
to take
place at
dawn
of day on
On
the
4:th
of
reinforcements
from
Kentucky,
under
Generals
Thomas
Orleans.
strong,
reached
E'ew
of
clothing.
The
city
was ran-
be obtained;
partially remedied,
by the
Mr.
final
disposition
Morgan,
river,
and
sailors
General
Morgan
7th of January,
when
it
On
the
left
420
DAKiNG
dep:ds
There were
twelve guns
On
the
right,
between
and
Daquin
in
General
Carroll's
command, supported by
left,
General
Adair
rifles
Kentucky
in the rear.
which
their
sagacious
a superior force.
;
]^ight after
the soldiers of
of logs
swamp, on heaps
cold,
;
and covyet
all
just breaking,
OF AMERICAN HKKOES.
silvery
421
spreading
Chalmette, on the
they emerged
At
the
same time,
their
that shook
in-
left
bank of the
river. Colonel
back
toward the
troops.
city,
followed
slowly
by the British
Upon
422
Btantial
DARING DEEDS
success.
The main
attack,
on
this
bank
of
made
in
seventy deep
and the
left,
about
The
British troops
moved forward
scaling
many
of
them carrying
lines
when
the
range.
Every piece
well-sustained
as
in requisition.
welcomed the
Still,
assailants
they ap-
proached.
the regularity of
their array
was
unbroken.
them asunder
different
batteries,
whose converging
fires
infantrj^
and riflemen
their
their
posts,
with
hands
or
AMERICAN HEROES.
423
General
lines,
and animate
period
for
his
men.
It was, indeed, a
his
own fame,
for
the martial
reputation of
his
his country.
lofty
proud and
self-reliance,
with the
emergency.
Making
comrades,
distorted,
their
way through
the heaps
of
their
who
and
in
diers
and musket.
rolled
down from
hearted
faltered
The American
was never
for
moment
interrupted,
the
dis-
men
companions in
At
4:24
DAKING DEEDS
the assailants staggered
of
and halted.
Generals
forward, eager to
all
fortunes of
was
lost.
effort
turn
the
tide
of
Both
officers fell
mower.
Some few
1
pressed on,
on and on,
to sure destruction
On
in
the
left,
the
but
it
was
in-
who headed
the attack,
ineffectual
field
severely wounded.
The com-
mand now
devolved
on
General
Lambert, who
made
in the
At mid-day
looked
down on
marred
OF
AMERICAN
shot,
hp:koes.
all
425
over with
cool
by the i^loughing
and dotted
;
huge
piles
of festering corruption
and the
breeze that
groves,
murmured among
The appalling
fire
its
The
wounded,
was
trifling
in
comparison;
but thirteen killed, thirty-nine wounded, and nineteen missing, on both sides of the river, during the
day.
COLOl^EL CLIISrCH
As
AISTD
THE
raDIAl^S.
by Edward
ISTichols
their
white neighbors.
These
4:26
DARING DEEDS
Indians and runaway
as to
a place of safety.
At
this
by
its position,
they mounted
Indians,
all
the
munitions of war.
To dislodge
this
Two
to
schooners
supply Clinch
Having
ob-
twelve-pounder,
Col.
and
carrying
this small
twenty-five
force
men.
Clinch deemed
insufficient
cautioned the
erations.
commander
But,
when near
the
fort,
a watering party
of
of seven
men were
five
attacked
killed,
by an ambuscade
negroes;
were
one escaped,
and the
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
gun-boats
427
immediately
near to the
fort,
and com-
menced a
on
it
By
remainder wounded.
An immense
for
supplying the
into the
querors.
BATTLE OF
O KEE-C H O -BEE
official
dis-
moved under
their
of
the Mickasukies.
swamp, through
which
we were
4:28
DAEING DEEDS
to pass,
compelled
us
and
in
we might be
attacked.
was no enemy
to
oppose
The
army
being
encamped
passage
During the
of
the rear,
Captain
Parks,
who was
fell
in
Indians,
in with
He
armed with an
excellent
fifty
balls
in his
This
that a large
body of Seminoles,
and, no
headed by John
Cohua,
Co-a-coo-chee,
encamped
us,
with a cypress
swamp and
latter.
dense
hammock between
and
a^fter
marching
of
the
or
six
miles,
reached the
*arap
OP AMERICAN HEROES.
429
were
still
Here the
battle,
disposed in order
to
of
but
we found no enemy
oppose us
when we entered
He
hammock
on our
right,
and waiting
to
give
us battle.
"
At
was made
to
in
two
lines,
the volun-
spies, to
form the
first line in
enter the
hammock, and
back in rear
the enemy's
infantry,
who were
430
"
DARING DEEDS
Moving on
in the
direction of
the
hammock,
after
proceeding about a
quarter of
a mile,
lis
we
reached the
swamp which
separated
from the
in breadth, being
for foot,
five feet
impassable
for horses,
and nearly so
in
mud and
water,
which extended
reach
;
eye could
and
swamp and
deep
hammock we had
creek.
At
the edge of
the
swamp
Allen
the
men were
left
under
Captain
was
detached
to
exam-
to the right,
and
in
enemy
in that direction,
was
to return to the
his hearing a
heavy
me
immediately
Bwamp
ders
On
of
the
hammock, the
fire
volunteers
and spies
received a heavy
when
fell,
their gal-
commander.
Colonel
Gentry,
;
mortally
of
wounded.
and. instead
OF
AMERICAN HEEOES.
431
di-
they retired
across
;
the
swamp
to
their
baggage
brought
and horses
into
nor
could
they again
be
action
as
a body, although
efforts
my
staff to
induce them
do
so.
infantry,
which
might be said
to
be a moving battery.
fire
was principally
advance
their gallant
commander, Lieutenant-Colonel
adjutant,
officer,
Thompson, and
were
killed,
his
Lieutenant
Center,
and every
as well
as
when
that
portion of
short distance
untouched.
amounting in
in
all to
hammock
1:82
DARING DEEDS
and Captain Gentry's volunteers, with a
to drive the
infantry,
enemy
front,
and by a change of
their
encampment extended
more than a
mile.
As
the
advancing, I ordered
left,
move
to
it,
which order was executed in the promptest manner possible, and as soon as that regiment got in
position, the
fire
and retreated,
6th,
and
and some
who had
and
in all directions.
"The
action
We
suffered
much,
having twenty-six
killed,
whom
are
The
hostiles
probably suffered,
things
considered,
ten
left
dead
is
when
practicable
it
had been
at
tacked
and was
in danger,
between
gallant
and Point
Isabel,
and
for relieving
its
defenders
situation.
Accordleft
the Yth of
May, he
enemy
bat-
be.
That night
his
Isabel,
march early
in the
morn
About twelve
o'clock, his
advanced
up
In large
numbers
An-
him
that
4:34
D A K 1 N G D K K DS
His wagon
in
mo
and progressed
opened into
trees.
On
of
the
Upon
up, prepared
On
drawn up
division of
Mexican
pointed
lances glittering
the
sun,
and
their
Next, were
dable appearance.
The
tall,
prairie,
moved forward
space
tv.o
TOO
between the
OF
armies,
AMERICAN HEROES.
the
batteries
435
when
Mexican
line opened,
to left,
the
air
The
advancing columns to
and deploy
into
When
this
was done,
Lieutenant
Churchill's
eighteen-pound ers
boomed
full roll-
open
prairie,
and commenced
A general
is
believed,
any
figlit
upon an open
its
battle-field.
Duncan's
battery, from
of
the
enemy upon
it.
thirty
up the
prairie in
deep furrows,
air.
in
clouds in the
436
DARI>TG DEEDS
:i).>xil<^!?
The
almost
Fo-r
invariably
passed
it
over
the
American
lizea.
uiSerent was
with
our
own
marked
the terrible
The
infantry, cool
spectators of
this
the raging
havoc in the
the prowess
of
companions in arms.
The
terrible eighteen-
as
at
every
di-
As
the
battle
thickened,
the
infantry,
to partici-
now formed
in our rear,
grew impatient
the
and
Mexican
artillery,
cavalry,
by
for
suffering so severely
by our
prepared
the
charge.
The
maneuvering
time
of
for
of
the
day now
quick
commenced
thought,
arrived.
the
cool
courage,
and
deeds
individual
heroism
had
was supposed
to
Tlie
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
437
check
this
left flank
of the enemy.
fire,
keeping up an irregular
our
line, if possible.
Upon
was thrown
into square
men
on
for-
right.
causing
it
to retreat
strong, continued
all
steadily to
Fifth
poured
fire so
into them,
deadly, that
great numbers
for-
them, broke
and
train,
When
by
the
this
retreat
good
order,
438
squadrons,
DAKING DEEDS
when Lieutenant Kidgelej,
assisted
by
them
in all directions.
in di-
his
gun.
seized
the
front
horses
;
horses, but
this time.
the
ammunition
battery.
During
by
the
On
the
left,
and
was Duncan's
terrible dis-
their
elevated
effects,
and
riders
and
in
made
;
was directed
line
not-
withstanding
this,
the
enemy's
remained
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
unshaken.
4,;3j)
reached nearly up
the sulphurous
smoke
air,
of
clear blue
sky above
but,
when
were
very heavens
at times darkened,
rolled
lines
Mexican
ceased
batteries
began
to
slacken,
and
finally
to
altogether.
of Ring-
and began
a
to fall
back
for the
purpose of forming
new
line
of
battle
The Americans
also
formed a new
The two
now formed
by the chapparal
in their rear.
440
DARING DEEDS
resumed.
It
was
commenced by our
artillery,
Soon
after
the
action
was
renewed,
Captain
May
was ordered
the
He
his
cheerfully obeyed
order,
the
sliare in the
engagement.
It
to
make one
last effort
lines,
and
to silence the
of the eighteen-pounders
tempest of
balls.
Captain
ball
Page
fell,
mortally wounded,
a cannon
his
lower
But they
were not
11th
to
he died
by the
army
easily to
be repaired.
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
The
artillery battalion
441
now brought up
right,
to
when
the
a fierce
line
charge was
a
made upon
this
part of
by
strong body of
Mexican
a
The
battalion
was
formed
attack
;
from
the
eighteen-pounders, threw
finally dispersed
them
into
confusion,
and
them.
heavy
fire
of mus-
the square,
and
killing
soldiers.
Colonel
well-di-
upon them a
rected
silenced
But another
effort
was
made by
This
movement was
fortunately discovered
hold
the
enemy
in
infantry could
come
to his
assistance.
style,
before they
were aware of
fearfully destructive,
442
the enemy.
DARING DEEDS
They could not long stand nnder
fire,
this
murderous
to
advance
moved
commenced a
confusion
precipitate
throwing
all
into
who had
yet
stood firm.
the field
and compelled
chapparal.
Thus ended
rupted fury.
When
it
soldiers
sunk
be,
wholly ex-
kept watch
to
all
night,
an
attempt
would be made
surprise
any repose.
All
felt that
the
morrow
and
ex-
would bring
citement,
forth another
day of
that
battle,
and
carnage,
and
the
Mexicans
it
efibrt to
crown
with
They held
a council of war,
OF
AMEKICAN HEROES.
443
had
just passed,
resolved to
move on
and
give the
enemy
battle
they should be
found on
Rio Grande.
this
The
force
hard
while
exceeded 2000
at least
men
6000 strong, or
Our
killed,
in
the
engagement,
officers,
was
four
men
and
three
and thirty-seven
mortally.
wounded
loss
several of
the
latter
The
of
the
loss
in
killed,
wounded, and
little
CAPTAIlSr
The enemy
still
MAY'S CHARGE.
la
at the battle of
Resaca de
444
DARING DEED3
that they
saw
the batteries
taken.
to take
He
sir,"
therefore
Captain
May
will
them
at all events.
May
replied,
"I
"
do
it,
at the
!
head of
men, follow
me
and
command
As he was
rushing on, he
to
and
same
instant
the enemy.
The discharge of
with
simultaneously
Kidgeley's.
By
this
great
he saved
May
from a
fire
that
his
dreadful slaughter
fire
among
upon himself.
The
of the
Mexican
battery.
May
again dashed on
in
destructive
at
a bound, cutting
down
He
their
by
their
They immediately
rallied,
however,
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
44:5
But he
col
of
the
enemy.
He im
for
re-
The enemy
manned
their
their
deadly
But the
closely
upon
the
the
heels
of
the
dragoons,
now approached
to
battery,
the
very
con-
soldiers
possession of
the
The
struggle
was a
cut
fierce
enemy were
to fly,
down
their gung, or
left in pos-
compelled
CAPTAm MOKEIS
tain Morris,
A:N"D
major ALLEN.
The Third regiment, under the command of Capand the Fourth, under Major Allen,
at
were conspicuous
the battle of
Resaca de
la
Palma
contest.
each
They
paral
officers
what apto
peared
be insnrmountable
difficulties
meet
came
into
artillery, that
fire into
our
ranks.
Captain
Buchanan,
collected
being
senior
officer
nearest
thirty
the point,
some twenty-five
or
and
routed the
enemy.
Lieutenant
Hays
distinguished himself by
OF AMEKICAN HEROES.
447
its
being driven
to
while Lieutenant
Woods sprang
the hand-
spikes,
and turned
it
large force
to
who
As
the officer
fell,
the cor
hand him
and
Buchanan's
party, along
with
portions of
the
Mexican
lines.
In
the
excitement, Lieutenant-Colonel
McLitosh
it
was
and cavalry.
Under a
galling
he broke
it
of his
instant
fell
a crowd of
31
448
">
li I 2^
G DE
]:
Ds
upon Lim
still
lie
seizing
the
fiend
it,
when
force,
he
fell,
and
was
of
literally
pinned
to the
earth.
The command
Staniford,
the Fifth
who conducted
of the engagement.
report of
this
brilliant
action, so
glorious to the
reflecting
so
given below
hav-e
correctly
it
may
been
the
report
of
the
to
commanding
officer.
Gen^nd
overy
give
Taylor seems
thing,
be everywhere and
better
to sr,e
and
is
therefore
prepared
to
?'m>T>iT,
S"'^\
Wmm
5^1111
if M ^
Ji/i!^,^^|.
\
x.ii
^fn
IP'
IjiiiiaiHTiSli
OF
perfectly
all
it,
AMERICAN HEROES.
of
4-i9
the particulars
the
engagement.
He
and
does
is
have distinguished
all his
dispatches
moving by
his
evidently in retreat
to
and perhaps
at the
same time
gain a
new
our advance.
to
"I ordered
parked
the
suj)ply
train
left
be
it
strongly
at its position,
and
with
four pieces
of artillery
the
The wounded
officers
and
men
the
same
for-
moved
to
The
light
companies of
artillery,
and a
select
detachment of light
troops,
command
of Captain McCall,
4:50
DARING DEEDS
enemy and
About three
o'clock, I received
enemy was
position
on
th(?
The com-
reported the
enemy
the
road
and
is
by
Eidgeley's
battery
and
the
McCall
were
at
into the
on the
left,
to
infantry.
Captain Mc-
command became
at
light artillery,
though in a very
The enemy
and maintained
an incessant
"
the
fire
The
action
now became
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
fire
451
and
resistless progress of
still
liis
ar-
tillery
was
in position to
k our advance
Perceiving
this artillery
was
May
to
charge the batteries with his squadron of draThis was gallantly and effectually executed
his guns,
:
goons.
the
and General
suffered
much
the
artillery
taken,
but
it
was completely
si-
lenced.
In the
mean
had
now ordered
charge the
which
was
handsomely done
and
the
his artillery,
and
his position
of the road.
"The
light
companies of the
first
brigade, and
infantry,
had
became
452
the enemy.
DARING DEEDS
and Lieutenant
composed
the
chiefly of
men
enemy from
An
attempt to
Third infantry.
at last
completely
and
retreated
precipitately,
leaving
baggage
of
pos-
every description.
session of a
camp where
the
Mexican
official
general-in-chief
were established.
All his
" The
battalion,
excepting
the
flank
which was
parked some
distance in rear.
to
The
battalion
pursue the
him rapidly
prisoners.
to
the river,
making a number of
of
Great
numbers
the
enemy were
drowned
town.
The corps
army on the
field
OF
AMERICAN HEKOES.
our marching
force
453
on
this
"The
strength of
173
officers,
aggregate, 2222.
the
The
actual
enemy
did not
exceed 1700.
loss
was three
officers killed
and
twelve wounded
thirty-six
men
killed
and seventy-
one wounded.
" I
esti-
He
is
known
least equal
to his
loss
on that
(Jay.
It
to us,
and
in a
defended with
very great.
enemy's
loss
was
Kearly 200 of
His
loss
affairs
of
the
8th
at
and
9th,
is,
mated
"
1000 men.
victory has been decisive.
Our
small force
veteran
regiments
perfectly
artillery,
Eight pieces of
great
standards, a
number
of
4:54
PARING
i:
I)
prisoners, including
fourteen
officers,
and a large
fallen
TAK.IKG OF SOKOMA.
In
1838, an exploring expedition
hj the war
Lieutenant
of
N^icollet, to
make
a scientific exploration
Ocean.
On
!N"icollet, in
1843, Cap-
tain,
afterward
Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont,
who
to
nad been
the
was appointed
command
of
the expedition.
Hardly had he
when he
re-
was advancing
though
this
to drive
him from
the terri-
tory,
before, given
him permission
ley of
San Joaquin.
his intentions in
OF
h
AMERICAN HEROES.
With
455
this
li.tle
mountain
about
thirty
miles
from
Monterey,
flair
for
it
best
On
the
There
he found
his
farther progress
completely
him by
Castro,
and the
lofty
mounThese
were the
Cleneral
and dangers
in front.
Behind,
noma, with the avowed intention of attacking Fremont's party, and exterminating
settlers,
all
the
American
to revolt.
whom
he accused of an intention
state of
aifairs.
Colonel Fremont
upon
his pursuers,
and secure
settlers,
his
that of the
American
by
At
l)een
456
fought,
DARIXa
dp: k d
knew
nothing.
lie
formed
him, and not on any of the previous events connected with military operations.
this determination, he,
Having come
to
camp
at daybreak, surprised
captured
it,
to-
whom
he detained as
men
at
American
when
his
little
garrison.
He
immediately, on
the 23d of
there on the
in with
which they
at-
tacked and
defeated,
killing
twO' and
wounding
three, without
harm
to themselves.
Castro,
first
immeSanta
de
los
diately
Clara,
after this
defeat, fell
back,
to
and
then
farther
toward
Ciudad
OF
Angelos.
AMERICAN HEROES.
course of
this
4:5T
In
tlie
pursuit
Fremont
first
time, that
;
and Mexico
Upper
California,
force
under Commodore
The commodore
Monterey, when
instructed
him
march through
he would
arrange with
expedition to
territory.
him a
pursue
did
so,
combined land
Castro,
and naval
He
in
and
found
Commodore
Stockton
command,
United
Commodore
States.
The combined
pursuit
of
Castro
was
rapidly
Commodore
Commandant-
and dispersed.
Commodore Stockton
CAPTUEE OF MOKTEEEY.
Early in the morning of the 21st of September,
the the
town.
in
and
out
around
On
companies of the
Smith, and
first
Duncan's
a deadly
and the
light
Mack all's
The
THENEVs^
OF AME-RICAN HEROES.
mimites, when, as the whole
first
459
brigade had
now
formed
along
enemj
retired in disorder
closely
followed
bj the
cluded
all
The enemy
left
100 of their
men, either
killed or
among them
a colonel of lancers.
to
make
The
division of regulars,
teers,
moved toward
ing
left
guard.
The
and
dragoons
Colonel
under
Lientenant-Colonel
of Texan
May,
Wood's regiment
General
Worth.
Lientenant-Colonel
Washington
by Major Mansfield,
northeastern angle of
while
3:^
the
mortar
served
by
Captain
^60
DARIXO DEEDS
tlie
Eamsay, and
AYebster,
opened
General
of
Butler
the
re-
mained
with,
his division
in rear
battery.
di-
of
General
Twiggs'
infantry,
was
also held in
reserve
being
his
present,
ments of
command.
the
converging
fire
of
the
gall-
and stone
walls.
Moving rapidly
to the
right of
made
to carry it
by gaining a
balls fell
them
The
stoutest
hearted of them
bravest, of
began
to quail.
both
officers
and
the whole
destruction.
immediate
those
men were
It
was madness,
expose their
protected
officers
further to
commands, wh;le
the
enemy were
by
or
tlieir
AMERICAN HEROES.
;
461
to places of
secm'ity.
was
of
terribly cut
compelled
to
retire out
range.
the
destructive
volleys
into
the work,
when
ground with
fire.
The Tennessee
and the compa-
loss,
their officers
and men,
who were
struck
down
in
an
instant.
;
For a moofficers,
fell
back
but the
if
animated
and
men by
their
words and
their ex-
moved
forward,
no longer
to
be repulsed.
4:62
DARING DEEDS
Kentucky being
howitzer
battery.
left
to
and
Discovering
nothing
by Major Mansfield
to
withdraw
his
command, he
that the first
was about
fort
retiring,
when he learned
The
direction of his
column
fort,
called El Diablo.
He
of
three distinct batteries, but being anxious to capture the work, if within his power, he
was prepar-
ing to storm
it,
when he received a
to halt.
to
severe
wound
He
afterward sur-
command
moved
the regiment to a
new
and within
second.
General Taylor
now came
men
as could
and Fourth
infantry,
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
and Baltimore and Washington
section of
463
a
battalion, with,
possible.
from the
forts
and the
citadel,
impracti-
captured
fort.
For
had
this contest
continued in
The
streets
were
slip-
They had
men,
in
killed
The
line of the
It
was
truly
scene
of havoc
and
slaughter.
hill,
more necessary
the former, had been nearly thirty-six hours without food, and
to
add
464
DARING DEEDS
21st.
"With-
pelting
they lay
down with
arms
upon the
At
three
the
morning of the
hill of
Independencia.
The
execution of this enterprise was intrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, with three companies of his
artillery battalion, three
infantry under
x'iflemen,
Texan
nel Walker.
light
gleams of morning
hills,
but the
in
deep shade.
Proceeding cau-
way up
the
steep
hill,
among
Here they
ensta-
Three
men
of the
too
artil-
having
advanced with
much
They
^'^^
mm
*
5^31
S'l'^r^i
1|1
lii a
liiifto"
,..s*isiiiKK'ii"""iillilil!
thene;.
;,
PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST'
T!LDN irOUN'OArKJNt,
OF
pieces
whicli
AMERICAN HEROES.
they had surrendered.
cruelty
It
4:65
did
not
require
this act of
fire
and outrage
to kindle
the ambition of
their comracl,es.
With
up the height.
enemy
delivering an
their
guns
own cannon.
Lieutenant Rowland.
up the
hill,
their missiles
a heavy
alry.
sortie,
move-
ment.
4:66
DARING DEEDS
two companies of light troops,
to
were scattered
all
confusion by one
arms.
American
rushed
as they ran.
Entering
com
the
victory.
Lieutenant
was the
flag,
waving proudly
together with
in the breeze.
Lhincan's
at a
full
and
which came up
gallop,
were
efiectively
fled
who
toward
the
confused
masses
down
now held by
the Americans.
in
With
men
killed
and
the
wounded.
General
The
His whole
force
was soon
after
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
concentrated
in
467
palace,
in
the
vicinity
of
the
and
had designed
to
move forward
;
but on hearing
he
organized
two
keeping under
much
it,
beyond
break
and
bars,
to house.
The
in sections
and pieces
movement.
Step
All
work proceeded.
by
surely, the
Americans won
their
way
into
the
city.
The
solid
masonry
yielded
Spain
every
who mocked
everv
at
obstacle,
and
overcame
difiiculty.
468
DAKING DEEDS
tliein as
imagination pictured
world.
As thej
sprang, like
men had
the
air,
them were
that there
firesides of those
their
coming, and
not
forgotten
innocence were
Galleries
and
cor-
oft re-
sounded
listened
merriment and
affection
joy, or
to the
endearments of
and the
rifle,
and dying
the un-
all
the
din, rose
At
had reached
car-
the enemy.
sent
in
was placed
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
469
masked by the
collected,
The two
howitzers,
also
j^re-
made
dawn
of day.
But
this
lost
and won
24:th,
Moreno
eral
as the bearer of a
Gen-
Taylor, proposing to
refused,
manded.
Soon
conference
took
place
between General
at the quarters of
Taylor and
General Ampudia,
and the
capit-
BATTLE OF
tain howitzers,
its
SAIT
PASQUAL.
men and two mounto
forty miles
party
of
volunteers,
by Commodore
On
the next
was discovered
after a severe
lost
at
thirty-four
men
in
killed
completely routed.
ascertained.
The
loss of the
enemy was
not
On
and
Commodore
sailors,
and a battery of
artillery,
left
San
Diego
for
the enemy.
On
the
8th of
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
47\
commanding
The
troops
were soon
forded, the
fighting,
treat.
formed
in
when
to
re-
On
the next
enemy appeared
in
force
harassing and
for about
them with
their
artillery,
at the plains
made
left.
This being
repulsed, with
some
loss to
city
The American
The
loss
of
the
enemy was
and wounded.
BATTLE OF BEACITO.
Colonel Doniphan
left
his regiment,
numbering 924,
escort
including Lieutenant-Colonel
Mitchell's
of
left;
at a
met the
that
enemy.
day
at
carrying
wood and
when
the
that the
enemy was
in sight, ad-
The
The Mexicans,
good order, on
in
summit of a small
their
hill,
the right of
center,
line,
and on the
Previous
to
OF
the
encoimter,
AMEEICAN HEROES.
a lieutenant advanced
flag, for
4Y3
from
tlieir
the j)nrpose of
in-
that the
Mexicans before
Their
him gave no
quarter,
made bj
their
dragoons
American
line,
the infantry
the
steadily
and pouring
in
But
when
the whole of
the enemy's
line to
left,
their flight
making an
attack
on the provision
reception,
train.
There
warm
mean
compelled to
confusion.
fly in
In the
to flight,
men under
Caj)tai.n
Reid,
company
on
the rout
of
the
their
enemy, charged
cannon.
fled,
upon
them and
captured
to fortify
men
force.
4^14^
DARING DEEDS
loss in this, the first
The American
battle of
the
army
killed.
of
The Mexicans
six
of
whom
afterward
their
died
The number of
wounded
February, our
information
Agua Nueva
back upon
of
Buena
Yista.
dust toward
Agua Nueva,
that the
Mexican
o'clock
At about 11
the
drum summoned
us to the
artillery posted,
In a few minutes,
distinctly
enemy were
Some 2000
of
lancers with
caliber,
di-
the
artillery, fourteen
pieces
different
and lances as
in
76
DARING DEEDS
full
into
view and
filed
into
position.
:
It
was a
men
the rattling
air,
the
made up
forgotten.
The armies
were drawn
up
in a
mountain pass.
to
On
ravine, impracticable
artillery,
be turned by cavalry
left
whilst
on
our
the
fefet
mountains
of
" Sierra
A.
Madre
spur of continuous
nearly to the
tain
ravine,
troops
whilst
and the ravine, over which the San Luis road runs,
was occupied by
five pieces of light artillery,
comour
This was
on them.
ravines,
some
of
them nearly
fifty feet
deep,
tli.^
OF AMERICAN
sides covered with
EROES.
477
loose peobles,
washing
rains.
A smooth
it
raac-
in depth,
left flank,
indeed,
Overlooking Washshot, is
high
first
hill
regiment of
volunteers, to cover
the
CAPTURE OF ALYAEADO.
On
troops
the 30th of
Yera Cruz
to
co-operate with
under Commodore
Lieuten-
steamer Scourge,
to
He
arrived
478
off
DARING DEEDS
the bar in the afternoon of
fire
at
once opened a
upon the
forts,
the
mouth
by 400 men.
off,
when
the
enemy evacuated
Leaving a
garri-
son in the
anchored
him without
arrived
any
resistance.
Commodore Perry
TAKIE"G OF PUEBLA.
General Worth halted at Amasoque, twelve miles
h
to
14:th of
May,
General Quitman.
About
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
eight o'clock in the forenoon
lie
479
When
first
discovered
it
was
soon reported that a heavy column was also approaching on the main road.
the Second artillery
tery,
and Steptoe's
were ordered
to attack
the
pared
front.
to
to
be advancing in
after twenty-five
ies,
Some
and
ninety-eight
of
the
enemy were
or
wounded.
Anna
reached Puit
ebla with his discomfited troops, and evacuated early on the following day.
by
General
Quitman's
brigade.
Worth
any further
resistance,
and
on
the
on the
hil]
of San Juan.
drSO
DAKING DEEDS
Puebla.
But
little
many
hostile population
when
the night-
watches came, lay down to sleep without one emotion of fear or alarm.
AFFAIK AT THE
General Pierce
left
]^ATI0:N'AL BKIDGE.
Yera Cruz on
all in
the
16th of
On
it
I^ational
in
found
obstructed
and defended,
OF
the
AMERICAN HEROES.
as
481
same manner
by General Cadwalader
place his artillery in a
but
he was unable to
position,
commanding
and
enemy.
Lieutenant- Colonel
Bonham,
of the Twelfth
infantry, at the
head of
fire
his battalion,
rushed
for-
company of
The men
Third
dragoons,
sword
in
hand.
every direction.
to
main arch of the bridge had been blown up. Having crossed
on his way
the river, General Pierce continued
to join
General Scott.
He
was ^ve
the
repulsed
them on every
more
particulars of
the achievements of
we have
seen.
Yery
August there
house
in
was
discovered
from
the
top of
the
where I reported
to
him.
He
immediately
The enemy
at
were found
called
in an
intrenched camp,
a place
artillery,
at-
Contreras, with
twenty pieces of
siege pieces.
The
commenced
at noon,
and the
it
firing continued
when
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
the different movements
of
483
with the
our troops
most
fearful anxiety,
resist
our columns
the
and
enemy
falling
Du-
fight
we
could see,
on the
body
Anna
was said
to
be there.
to
be renewed,
at three
San Augustin.
He
left at
by an
officer,
who reported
had
style,
Riley
leading
the
assault.
it
As he
ap-
seemed incredible
how
It
our
men
Streams had
to
be crossed,
appears
484
DARING DEEDS
guns.
the ravine,
after a strong
body
off.
now drawn up
in
two
lines
the
front infantry,
and the
protected
rear cavalry.
The
village of
Ensaldo
is
on the road
between
is
the village
dikes,
intersected
by narrow
lanes,
between high
inclosing gardens full of fruit trees and shrubbery, affording protection and concealment for the
men.
affording
necessary.
General Smith
now
di-
drawn up
enemy's
the
left
of
in
the fort
formed
rifles
column of company,
company of
garden on the
and
his rear.
OF AMERICAN HEKOES.
General Smith now determined
force on the
485
enemy's
right,
the
left.
could
be
enemy's
could
not be
seen.
Therefore
the
rifles
on his
left,
and the
re-
Thus they
all
night, with-
or shelter
the
officers, fi'om
generals down,
;
but perhaps
But
now imagine
the position of
portion of the
ar-
enemy
in front
and
fort
on the
left
of
and among
7000 cavalry.
be
taken, that
some great
effort
had
to
be made
and
486
DARING DEEDS
men competent
to the task.
An
attack on the
to attack the
;
was of
he
for, if
drove the
enemy from
this
in his
hold
it
and in
and
in this instance
for
Kew York
vol-
unteers
and
When
officer,
command
man
to
pluck the
bright laurels
works of the
OF AMERICAN HEROES.
enemy; accordingly he moved
487
mand
in the village of
enemy from
should change
its
front
and attempt
to at-
At
troops
commenced
their
movement toward
so dark, that
of
attack.
men
to
movement
As soon
at
a point where
it
and
closed, at
the
command
of Major
4:88
DAKING DEEDS
closed
at
Dimick,
Shields
up
tlie
rear
leaving
General
the village.
and
as
As soon
came
in full
immediately opened a
warm
"
upon him.
Colo-
skirmishers,
close
and
said,
Forward now,
let
my
boys,
in with
them and
the bayonet
do
its
work"
and
his
the slope
of
his
command moved
the most
block, with
mechanical precision.
rifle
The
regiment, which
had been thrown across a ravine intervening between the one they had passed up, and under the
which swept in
inclining
of
toward
joined
in
the
attack
fort.
on
the
Genera]
OF AMEKICAN HEROES.
489
and, as soon as
to his support.
his
troops
first
were formed,
brigade, which
to follow
moved on
The
rear,
but while
was on
its
march by
and advance
flank.
it
in line
to attack
the en-
emy's force in
in less time
This
takes
than
me
it
to write
fort, just
;
it.
They
outside of the
into
as Colonel
the
enemy was
their cavalry
give
plete,
way
to the
bayonet
commanding
23
officer at
Tampico, received
34
400
DARING DEEDS
number
were
of
information that a
American
prisoners,
entitled to liberation
interior, of
Tamanlipas, where
Being anx-
them
as soon as
possible, Colonel
De
accompanied by
to
communicate with
Colonel
De Russey
left
piece
company
Boyd
a detachment of Loui-
made
supplies. Colonel
De Eussey
arrived at Tantayuka.
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
491
twenty-five miles
instant.
The alcalde of
town was
;
also
informed
he
to
find
a military
officer
who
Gen-
to the head-quarters of
and although
flag
when
the
enemy should
conflict,
at
be
made known.
About eight miles from Tantayuka, a Mexican
Indian was met,
who informed
Colonel
De Russey
had
laid
force,
an ambuscade
for
back
to the
main body, a
Colonel
De
his
retreat,
having already
lost
of
their comrades.
On
approaching the
was found
that
the
enemy, who
had displayed
492
DAKING DEEDS
of chap-
as an obstacle to the
movements of
force
cavalry.
The
by thick chapparal.
charge was instantly
A
the
made on
either flank by
Captains
Mace and
enemy
at
Captain
"Wyse
on
the
up
for
nearly an
disposition
fire
all
when
the
enemy manifested
ground, and
abandon
It
their
their
altogether ceased.
enemy from
provisions,
It
was
also
known
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
had been removed.
In
493
this po-
Colonel
De Russey
determined
to
command.
the
movement commenced,
American
rear,
Mexicans began
they were
to harass the
but
always
repulsed, with
great loss,
by
Captain Mace,
his volleys
hill
On
ascending a
gun, and
two
dis
charges of canister.
When
in
they reached
their front to
the town,
the
enemy appeared
The
field-piece
oppose them.
was
enemy
Colonel
De Russey now
posted his
;
men on
ball
mound
powder and
were
packed with
4:94
DARING DEEDS
Musket
cartridges for the infantry were also
earth.
At
Colonel
De Hussey
was
impossible,
The
latter stated,
De
The Mexi-
failed
to
De Russey
his retreat
ordered
men under
toward
Shortly after
enemy
make
Whenever they
at-
to
by the
fire
more than
fifty
miles
beyond Tantayuka.
The
detachment
succeeded,
lost, in
the
OF
fifteen killed
AMERICAN HEROES.
495
The enemy
lost
nearly 300 in
and wounded.
the
day
anchored
steamers
off
and
other-
wise lightened
took
all
the gun-boats
and barges in
tow, carrying in
pistols,
lery
at
The
Spitfire,
Two
of the steam-
way
over
the sand,
At
4:96
DARING DEEDS
the
noon
whole
flotilla
had
entered
the
river.
the stream.
About
and darted
for the
and gun-boats.
to
meet the
of the
assailants, but
down one
side
hill,
vessels sprang
up the
other, shouting
and cheering
The
forts
being captured,
the
flotilla
again
moved
forward.
fort erected
On
on
a high
commanding
squadron.
same
bank of the
Two
parties
which was
the
interior,
soldiers
were
for
seen,
stand, even
OF
AMERICAN HEROES.
fire.
497
Commo-
Those
inhabitants
sail for
is
situated.
Santa
fortified
town, about
determined
He
left
498
DARING DEEDS
who
as he
had received no
intelligence
of
the fact,
day continued
his
march
to
Santa
Cruz de
,
On
the
The
latter refused to
comply, stating,
was understood
war had
been terminated by a
treaty.
Considerable parley-
was expected
to return,
sent
by the
300 men,
ar-
whom
tillery.
determined
of
to
attack
the
position,
the morning
the
16th of
March.
OF
AMEKICAN UEKOES.
for a surrender
499
Another demand
good
impression
divided
having
his
comRalls,
mand
into
three
parties,
under
Colonel
who
dif-
were directed
to attack
ferent positions.
The
contest
when
was suspended
to
be
in
false, that
the rear.
attack
At
afternoon, the
zeal,
and conbm--
discretion.
The enemy
storming
of
lost
Santa
Cruz
but
de Rosales, while
five
the
American
wounded.
loss
was
killed
and
twenty
'1/