r y P' General Wayne at Stony Point. ^rew^"Trv>.tvJv>.^ PREFACE The object of the following pages is to p.ice upon per manent record a continuous account of the "daring dijeds" of the heroes of our country. The work makes no claims to originality of matter. We have gathered from all au- thentic sources within our reach interesting and important incidents which have transpired from the commencement of the Revolutionary struggle, to the conclusion of the Mexican war, whether upon sea or land, in which our countrymen have borne a part. Our design has been to form a book of attractive and popular reading — to embalm in the memory of the American people, the sacrifices, the patriotism, the heroism, the sufibrings and dangers of those to whom we owe the achievement and the preservation of our freedom. The Revolutionary struggle was indeed a time of peril. Its history has been written by able hands ; but history deals in general facts — in great achievements, and great results. Those lesser details — deeply interesting and thrill- ing in themselves — those personal adventures that go to make up the Romance of War, are passed by, and only exist as fragments, scattered through ephemeral worksj (V r R E F A E . ^^ ^ ^ without continuity or relation. It is our purpose to givt these form and shape, in connection with the more important events which have transpired in the wars of our country What is true of the Revolution, is equally true of the second contest with Great Britain, the Mexican and Indian wars. Whatever may be said by the man of Peace, that in which any people most glory is the martial achievements of their renowned Heroes. It has been so from the beginning, and will continue to be, for ought we know, to the end. Search history through, back to the remotest antiquity, and prominent upon its pages, stands the record of great and startling military achievements. The American people partake in this universal sentiment To stimulate it, and keep it alive, they have the additional one of gratitude to their Heroes for the liberty which they have given them — for the free institutions which are the result of their "c^armp deedsr If the following pages contribute to perpetuate this sentmient of gratitude, to keep burning pure and bright the fire upon the altar of patriotism, our end will havs been accomplished. CONTENTS. b'TRODnCTION 9 Battlo of Lexington 17 Fight at Concord Bridge 23 Battle of Bunker Hill 31 Taking of Ticonderoga by Colonel Allen 42 Patriotic Father 46 Arnold's March through the Wilderness 47 Death of General Montgomery 49 Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army 52 Eldridge Gerry 53 Richard Henry Lee 54 Attack on Sullivan's Island 57 Declaration of Independence 61 Death of Captain Hall 62 Battle of Trenton 65 Captain George Little 67 General Andrew Pickens 70 A.n Extraordinary Retreat 73 Don't give up the Vessel 74 Military Courtesy 76 The Scotch Prize ; or, the Little Yankee 78 Battle of Fort Moultrie 79 Sergeant Jasper at Fort Moultrie 83 John Adams 8o Battle of Princeton 87 Battle of Brandywine 91 TI CONTENTS . Battle of Germantown 96 General Wayue's War Horse 102 Colonel M'Lane 103 Rev. Thomas Allen 108 Battle of Bennington 110 Battle of Saratoga 116 Revolutionary Reminiscence 119 March of Burgoyne 122 Battle of Oriskany 126 Death of General Herkimer 139 Marion the Republican General. • 144 Putnam's Feat , 149 Death of Captain Biddle 151 Battle of Monmouth 155 General Lee 157 Paul Jones' Naval Battle 159 Encampment at Valley Forge 161 Colonel George R. Clarke 164 Affairs at Schoharie 168 Sergeant Jasper 172 Storming of Stony Point 179 Colonel Isaac Hayne 184 Intrepidity of Colonel White 188 Prudence and Bravery of Major Lee 190 SulHvan's Expedition 191 Adventure of David Elerson 192 Battle of Newtown 198 Expedition of Colonel Broadhead 205 Capture of Major Andre 212 Death of Baron De Kalb 21 4 Battle of King's Mountain 219 Battle of the Cowpeni* 223 Sergeant MitcheU 229 CONTENTS. Vll Naval Engagements 230 Defeat of Major Gainey 231 Marion at Nelson's Ferry 233 Adventures of Major James and Captain Witherspoon. . 236 Black Mingo 238 Defeat of Colonel Tynes 241 Battle of Eutaw Springs 244 Battle of Guilford 247 Capture of Fort Watson 267 Capture of Fort Motte 269 La Fayette in Virginia 274 Wayne's Victory at the Miami Rapids 281 Capture of L'Insurgente 284 The Constitution and Vengeance 287 Burning of the Philadelphia 290 Bombai'dment of Tripoli 295 Loss of the Intrepid 302 Expedition of General Eaton 307 Capture of the Giierriere 310 The Wasp and Frolic 312 Defense of Fort Harrison 316 Capture of the Macedonian 319 Capture of the Adams and Caledonia 321 Battle of Queenston 323 General Scott and the Indian Chief 328 Capture of the Java 33] Capture of the Peacock 834 Death of General Pike 336 Captain Holmes' Expedition 339 Capture uf the Penguin 342 Battle of Tohopeca 343 Cruise of the Essex , 348 Defense of Fort Stephenson 3 ' Vlll CONTENT 8. Capture of the Rpervier 356 Defense of" Sac-kett's Harbor 85" Capture of the Reindeer 362 Enterprise and Boxer 364 Commodore Perry's Victory on Lake Erie 36V Battle of the Thames 373 Battle of Chippewa 378 15attle of Lundy's Lane 384 Sortie of Fort Erie 395 Assault on Fort Erie 398 Battle of Plattsburg 404 Battle of Lake Champlain 408 Defense of Baltimore 410 Battle of New Orleans 413 Colonel Clinch and the Indians 425 Battle of Okee-cho-bee 42" Battle of Palo Alto 433 Captain May's Charge 443 Captain Morris and Major Allen 446 Battle of Resaca de la Palma 448 Taking of Sonoma 454 Capture of Montgomery 458 Battle of San Pasqual 470 Battle of Bracito 472 Battle of Buena Vista 475 Capture of Alvarado 477 Taking of Puebla 478 Affair at the National Bridge 480 General Riley at Contreras 482 Callant Atiair of Colonel de Russey 489 Capture of the Tuspan 495 Capture of Santa Cruz de Rosales 497 INTRODL CTION. The American Revolution forms an epoch in the histor| of the world. It stands prominent as one of the most im portant, not only in the immediate consequences which resultec from it, but in the continued influence it is destined to exert upon the destinies of the world through all coming time. It opened a new era in the science of government, and, like the advent of the Christian rehgion, it established a new dispensation. Our country was baptized with the blood, and consecrated by the prayers of the Pilgrims. It has been the asylum of the persecuted of all nations. First came the Pilgrims, who, in the language of their covenant, " fled from their na- tive land, and homes, and relatives, for the glory of God and the preservation of the Christian religion." Then came the pious Hugenots of France, escaping also from a perse- cution, which had literally made the mountains desert and the vales to i-un down with blood. These aj3 the foundei*s of our country — the ancestry to which we \ook back with a feeling of exultant pride. Soon came the time of fiery trial and severe tribulation — the ceaseless w^atch — the house of God begirt with sentinels X INTEO D UOTI O K . and filled with armed worshipers — the night attack by th<» ruthless savage upon the frontier settlement — the burning a welling — the murdered infant, slain in its mother's arms — the bleeding father scalped and trodden under foot, ere the warm spirit had departed — the feeble woman led captive and driven away, and, when nature could no longer endure, suf- fering torture, and death — the stout resistance — the fear- ful vengeance, and final triumph. These, and a thousand other trials were the portion of those who laid the early foundations of the institutions whose blessings are now ours. No sooner was the savage foe subdued — driven back from river and mountain — no sooner did those self-sacrificing men begin to enjoy the fruits and reap the rewards of their toil and suffering, than they became an object of jealousy and envy to the mother country. England, led by a nar- row policy, no sooner saw the Colonies in a situation to de- fend and provide for themselves, than she resolvea to impose taxes and assessments for the benefit of the Home Govern- ment, at the same time denying them a share in the enact- ment of those laws by which they were to be taxed. These unjust imposts and tyrannical measures met, at the outset, with strong and determined opposition, restrained though it was by a habitual reverence to the majesty of the King and Parliament of Great Britain. But, as the oppressions increased, and the hand of tyranny became more onerous, the elastic spirits of the Colonists, though bowed INTRODUCTION. Xl down for the moment, recoiled with temfic force upon the oppressors. The measures adopted by the Ministiy of Eng- land to subdue the rising spirit of discontent, was but so much fuel to the volcano which was soon to shake New England to its center, and whose premonitions of the catas trophe were felt throughout the CU)lonies. But it was at .he Battle of Lexington that it burst forth in all its fury, with a glare that illuminated rock, hill and dale, forest and prairie, and with a shock that was felt throughout Chris- tendom. The Battle of Lexington is the first act in the opening drama — the first of the " Daring Deeds " achieved by out Elevolutionary Fathers. It gave earnest of the spirit with which they entered the fearful struggle, and of the finaj triumph which crowned their heroic eflbrts, after years of toil, danger and blood. Familiar as household words though the events of the Revolution are, the time will never come, we trust, when they will cease to be of deep and absoibing interest to every American freeman — when their recital will cease to make the bosom of every patriot glow with renewed emotion. Then followed the trials and suflferings of the Seven Year'fe War. Men accustomed to the implements of agriculture and the mechanic arts siezed the sword and the musket and went fortn to battle for the right. The habiliments of the citizen were exchanged for the covering of the soldier — man left X.U intr:)duotion. his home and his happy fireside, for the tented field, the 3arap of war. The instruments of peace were wrought into instruments of death, and the patriot marched forth to meet the oppressor with a firm resolve to conquer or die. The farewell prayer was said, and the last offering made upon the altar of domestic aftection. Thus commenced the struggle for the achievement of oui country's independence. Such the spirit of our fathers. The fire which had been enkindled at Lexington and Bunker Hill continued its course, burning fiercer and brighter, and gain ing strength as it passed over the land. It sped like a wild contagion, as it were, upon the wings of the wind. It ascen- ded the hills of New England, and shed its light afar ofi* upon the waters of the south. One spirit — one mind ani- mated the people. They saw their country threatened with subjection to the will of a tyrant Ministry, on the one hand — stripped of its rights and privileges — while, on the other, *var — desolating war — stared them in the face, with all its hor- rors. But a spirit of resistance, deep and strong, is abroad — the crisis is passed — all is staked upon the issue of the con- test. This was an age of heroes. They fearlessly bared their bosoms to the storm, to avert the destiny which threatened the country they loved. The struggle was long and bloody. All the evils which humanity can sufler, they endured. But they shrank nc*. nor faltered. The polar star of their hope stil) rose above ',he troubled horizon, to light them on, ai I N T K D U C T I () N . Xlll the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did the children of Israel in the wilderness. At times it is indeed obscured by the clouds of defeat — but they, vanquished, despair not of the result. Their cause is approved of Hea- ven, and cheered by its smiles, they persevere. The Eagle of Freedom flutters aloft over the prostrate Lion of the boasted power of Britain. Peace crowns the efforts of patriotism, and Liberty, the first born of Heaven, is the reward of the toils of the oppressed. Its banner is yet floating over us, and palsied be the hand that would dishonor it Ou)' fathers of the Revolution laid the foundation and com menced the su})erstructure — leaving to future generations the task of completing the glorious edifice, they so auspi- ciously began. Their diflSculties and dangers ended not vnth the close of the war. They found themselves, it is trae, mdependent of British rule — free from the oppressions that had impelled them to take up arms. But this was all. Chaos was before them. An exhausted country was around them. Devastation had marked the footsteps of the invaders — thi arts of peace had been neglected, and the country was with out resources. The Colonies were held together only by the recollection of common sufierings, and common dangers. The instrument which connected them was but as a rope of sand. A government was to be formed, and institutions molded. Conflicting interests and prejudices were to be hai monized, and a new order of things established KIV INTRODUGTION. But the same overruling Providence that guided them safely through the long and fearful struggle, was with them stilL As He had given them valor in war, so He gave them wis- dom in council. They saw and fully appreciated the dangers to which their liberated country was exposed. The wise men of the nation — many of those who had periled their " lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honors," for the achievement of its liberties, were called by the people to devise ways and means to meet the crisis. They proved themselves equal to the emergency, and the American constitution was the result of their labors. That instrument — the perfection of human wisdom, as applied to the formation of government, yet re- mains in its original strength and punty — the palladium o^ our Hberty — the admiration of the world. Under it, th*^ union of the States was effected. Since then, their progress has been onward and upward. From thirteen, they have become thirty-one, and the three miUion of inhabitants have in- creased to twenty-three million. That this Union, so fraught with national and individual blessings — so necessary for the protection and preservation of civil, political, and religious liberty, may be preserved in its integrity is the prayer of every patriot heart. After the formation of the government order soon came >ut of confusion, and what before was without form and void, issumed shape and fair proportions. Peace continued to ^bide within our borders for over ? quarter of a century, INTRODUOTION. XV .cerrupted only by slight difficulties with France, the Barbary Powers, and an occasional conflict with the savages. But England had never, in fact, conceded our full inde- pendence. She had ceased to demand of us allegiance, it is ,rue; but she mterposed other demands equally humiliating. o our national pride, and contrary to every principle of nternational law. Increasing in impudence as we forebore o chastise her an-ogance, she continued her encroachments And rose in her demands and pretensions until the spirit of the country was aroused. A second war ensued. In this too, our countrymen desplayed deeds of daring equal to those of the Revolutionary period. Having accompHshed the objects for which the war was commenced, and again humbled the pride of England, an honorable peace was concluded. Our country enjoyed a long period of tranquility, accom- panied by physical and moral progress unparalleled in the history of the world. A few Indian wars alone break the monotony of our history until 1846, when we suddenly found ourselves involved in a war with a neighboring Republic. This contest, too, was fruitful of " Daring Deeds," but is so recent that it is unnecessary to more than allude to it here. Incidents in the history of our country are valuable fo' study. The record of what our ancestors have achieved and suffered to purchase our hberties, will impress upon the minds of the young an idea of their priceless value. Let the children ©f America jt early imbued with a love for their oountrv. XVI [ N T R O r> U C T I O JS . Teach them the principles of true patriotism, by the wa} and by the fireside ; going out and coming in. Rehearse to them while in their infant years, the story of the Pilgrims Tell them the story of the Revolution, and their love oi country shall ** grow with their growth, and strengthen wit! their strength." DARING DEEDS OF A.MER1CAN HEROES CHAPTER L— 1775. BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. A considerable quantity of military stores having been deposited at Concord, eighteen miles fi^om Bos- ton, General Gage, who commanded the British troops in that city, determined to destroy them. In pursuance of his design, he, on the evening of the 18th of April, 1775, dispatched a party of 800 grenadiers and light infantry under Lieutenant- Colonel Smith, who crossed Charles river from the foot of Boston common to Phips' farm in Cam- bridge, about eleven o'clock at ni^ht, and com- menced a quick but silent marcn for Concord. Tliough they attempted to preserve secrecy, yet 18 DAEING DEEDS the friends of liberty were too vigilant not to notice their departure, and many messengers were imme- diately sent to alarm the country. Of these, Colonel Revere, Mr. Dawes, and three or four others of the most active, fell into the hands of a party of British officers, who kept them as prisoners for a time, but, becoming alarmed at the firing of a party of militia at drill near Lexiigton meeting- house, they t:)ok the horses from their captives and rode off. The following account of the battle is given by one of the most celebrated orators of New England. " The Committee of Safety had set the preceding day at TV est Cambridge ; and three of its respected members, Gerry, Lee, and Orne, had retired to sleep, in the public house, where the session of the committee was held. So difficult was it, notwith standing all that had passed, to realize that a state of things could exist, between England and Amer- ica, in which American citizens should be liable to be torn from their beds by an armed force at mid- night, that the members of the Committee of Safety, though forewarned of the approach of the British troops, did not even think it necessary to retire from their lodgings. On the contrary, they rose OF AMERICAN HEROES. ly from their beds and went to their windows to gaze on the unwonted sight, the midnight march of armies through the peaceful hamlets of New England. Half the column had already passed, when a flank guard was promptly detached to search the public house, no doubt in the design of arresting the members of the Committee of Safety, who might be there. It was only at this last critical moment that Mr. Gerry and his fi'iends bethought them selves of flight, and without time even to clothe themselves, escaped naked into the fields. "By this time Colonel Smith, who commanded the expedition, appears to have been alarmed at the indications of a general rising throughout the country. The light infantry companies were now detached and placed under the command of Major Pitcairne, for the purpose of hastening forward, to secure the bridges at Concord ; and thus cut ofi* the communication between this place and the towns north and west of it. Before these companies could reach Lexington, the oflScers already mentioned, who had arrested Colonel Kevere, joined their advancing countrymen, and reported that five hundred men were drawn up in Lexington, to resist the king's troops. On receiving this exaggerated account, the 20 DARING DEEDS British light infantry was halted, to give t.me tbi the grenadiers to come up, that the whole togethei might move forward to the work of death. "The company assembled on Lexington green, which the British officers, in their report, had swelled to live hundred, consisted of sixty or seventy of the militia of the place. Information had been received aoout nightfall, both by private means and by communications from the Committee of Safety, that a strong party of officers had been seen on the road, directing their course toward Lexington. In consequence of this intelligence, a body of about thirty of the militia, well armed, assembled early in the evening ; a guard of eight men under Colonel William Munroe, then a sergeant in the company was stationed at the house of the Rev. Mr. Clark; and three men were sent off to give the alarm at Concord. These three messengers were however stopped on their way, as has been mentioned, by the British officers, who had already passed onward. One of their number, Elijah Sanderson, has lately died at Salem at an advanced age. A little afte»" midniglyt, Messrs. Revere and Dawes arrived with the certain information that a verv large body of the OF AMEBIOAN HEROES. 21 royal troops was in motion. The alarm was njw generally given to the inhabitants of Lexington, mes- sengers were sent down the road to ascertain the movements of the troops, and the militia company mider Captain John Parker appeared on the green to the number of one hundred and thirty. The roll was duly called at this perilous midnight muster, and some answered to their names for the last time on earth. The company was now ordered to load with powder and ball, and awaited in anxious expectation the return of those who had been sent to reconnoiter the enemy. One of them, in consequence of some misinformation, returned and reported that there was no appearance of troops on the road from Boston. Under this harassing uncertainty and contradiction, the militia were dismissed, to await the return of the other expresses, and with orders to be in readiness at the beat of the drum. One of these messengers was made prisoner by the British, whose march was so cautious, that they remained undiscovered til. within a mile and a half of Lexington meeting- house, and time was scarce left for the last messenger to return with the tidings of their approach. ''The new alarm was now given; the bell rings. 22 NOBLE DEK1>S Q.larm-gun8 are iired, the drum beats to arms. Some of the militia had gone home, when dismissed ; but the greater part were in the neighboring houses, and instantly obeyed the summons. Sixty or seventy appeared on the green and were drawn up in double ranks. At this moment the British column of eight hundred gleaming bayonets appears, headed by theii mounted commanders, their banners flying and drums beating a charge. To engage them with a nandful of militia of course was madness, — to fly ftt the sight of them they disdained. The British troops rush furiously on ; their commanders, with mingled threats and execrations, bid the Americans lay down their arms and disperse, and their own troops to fire. A moment's delay, as of compunc- tion, follows. The order with vehement impreca- tions is repeated, and they fire. ]N"o one falls, and the band of self-devoted heroes, most of whom had never seen such a body of troops before, stand tirm in the front of an army, outnumbering them ten to one. Another volley succeeds ; the killed and wounded drop, and it was not till they had returned the fire of the overwhelming force that the militia were driven from the field. A scattered fire now OF AMERICAN HEROES. 28 ^icceeded on both sides, wii^'e the Americaus re- mained in sight; and the British troops were then drawn up on the green to fire a volley and give a shout in honor of the victory." FIGHT AT CONCOKD BKIDGE. Elated with its success at Lexington, the British army took up its march toward Concord. The in- telligence of the projected expedition had been com- municated to this town by Dr. Samuel Prescott; and from Concord had traveled onward in every direction. The interval was employed in removing a portion of the public stores to the neighboring towns, while the aged and infirm, the women and children, sought refuge in the surrounding woods. About seven o'clock in the morning, the glittering arms of the British column were seen advancing on the Lincoln road. A body of militia, from one hun- dred and fifty to two hundred men, who had taken post for ohservation on the heights above the en- trance V the town, retire at the approach of the 24 DARING DEEDS army of the enemy, first to the hill a little farthei north, and then beyond the bridge. The British troops press forward into the town, and are drawn up m front of the court-house. Parties are then )rdered out to the various spots where the public stores and arms were supposed to be deposited Much had been removed to places of safety, and something was saved by the prompt and innocent artifices of individuals. The destruction of propert;^ and of arms was hasty and incomplete, and con sidered as the object of an enterprise of such fatal consequences, it stands in shocking contrast with the waste of blood by which it was efi'ected. It was the first care of the British commandei to cut oif the approach of the Americans from the neighboring towns, by destroying or occupying tht bridges. A party was immediately sent to tht south bridge and tore it up. A force of six com panics, under' Captains Parsons and Lowrie, was sent to the north bridge. Three companies undei Captain Lowrie were left to guard it, and three under Captain Parsons proceeded to Colonel Bar rett's house, in search of provincial stores. Whik they were engaged on that errand, the militia oT Concord, joined by their brave brethren from thu OF AMERICAN HEROES. 25 neighboring towns, gathered on the hill opposite the north bridge, under the command of Colonel Robinson and Major Buttrick. The British compa- nies at the bridge were now apparently bewildered with the perils of their situation, and began to tear up the planks of the bridge ; not remembering that this would expose their own party, then at Colonel Barrett's, to certain and entire destruction. The Americans, on the other hand, resolved to keep up the communication with the town, and perceiv- ing the attempt which was made to destroy the bridge, were immediately put in motion, with or- ders not to give the first fire. They drew near to the bridge, the Acton company in front, led on by the gallant Davis. Three alarm-guns were fired into the water, by the British, without arresting the march of the citizens. The signal for a general discharge is then made ; a British soldier steps from the ranks, and fires at Major Buttrick. The ball passed between his arm and his side, and slightly wounded Mr. Luther Blanchard, who stood near him. A volley instantly followed, and Captain Davis was shot through the heart, gallantly march ing at the head of the Acton militia against the choice troops of the British line. A private of his 26 DARTNGDEED8 company, Mr. Hosmer, of Acton, also fell at tiis side. A general action now ensued, which termi- nated in the reti-eat of the British party, after the Idss of several killed and wounded, toward the center of the town, followed by the brave band who had driven them from their post. The advance party of British at Colonel Barrett's was thus left to its fate ; and nothing would have been more easy than to effect its entire destruction. It was now twelve hours since the first alarm had been given, the evening before, of the meditated expedition. The swift watches of that eventful night had scattered the tidings far and wide ; and widely as they spread, the people rose in their strength. The genius of America, on this the morning of her emancipation, had sounded her horn over the plains and upon the mountains ; and the indignant yeo- manry of the land, armed with the weapons which had done service in their fathers' hands, poured to the spot where this new and strange tragedy was acting. With the British it was a question no longer of protracted contest, nor even of halting long enough to rest their exhausted troops, after a weary night's march, and all the labor, confusion, and distress OF AMERICAN HEK0E8. 27 ji the day's eff^^rts. Tlieir dead were hastily buried in the public square; their wounded placed in the vehicles which the town afforded ; and a fight com- menced, to which the annals of warfare will hardly afford a parallel. On all the neighboring hills were multitudes from the surrounding country, of the un armed and infirm, of women and of children, who had fled from the terrors and the perils of the plunder and conflagration of their homes ; or were collected, with fearful curiosity, to mark the pro- gress of this storm of war. The panic fears of a calamitous flight, on the part of the British, trans- formed this inoffensive, timid throng into a threat- ening array of armed men ; and there was too much reason for the misconception. Every height of ground, within reach of the line of march, was ccrv- ered with the indignant avengers of their slaughtered brethren. The British light companies were sent out to great distances as flanking parties ; but who was to flank the flankers? Every patch of trees, every rock, every stream of water, every building, every stone wall was lined^ with an unintermitted fire. Every cross-road opened a new avenue to the assailants. Through one of these the gallant Brooks led up the minute-men of Keading. At another 28 MAKING DEEDS defile they were encountered by the Lexington militia under Captain Parker, who, undismayed at the loss of more than a tenth of their number in killed and woimded in the morning, had returned to the conflict. At first the contest was kept up by the British with all the skill and valor of vet- eran troops. To a military eye it was not an un- equal contest. The commander was not, or ought not to have been taken by surprise. Eight hundred picked men, grenadiers and light infantry, from the English army, were no doubt considei'ed by General Gage a very ample detachment to march eighteen or twenty miles through an open country : and a very fair match for all the resistance which could be made by unprepared husbandmen, without con- cert, discipline, c-r leaders. " We attempted," says a British officer already quoted, "to stop the men and form them two deep, but to no purpose ; the confusion rather increased than lessened." An En- glish historian says, the British soldiers were driven before the Americans like sheep; till, by a last desperate efibrt, the officers succeeded in forcing their way to the front, " when they presented their swords and bayonets against the breasts of their own men, and told them, if they advanced they OF A.MERICAN HEROES. 2& should die." Upon this they began to form, unde) what the same British officer pronounces " a ver^ heavy fire," which muse soon have led to the destruc- tion or capture of the whole corps. At this critical moment a reinforcement arrived. Colonel Smith had sent back a messenger from Lexington to apprise General Gage of the check he had theie received, and of the alarm which was running through the country. Three regiments of infantry and two di- visions of marines with two field-pieces, under the command of Brigadier-General Lord Percy, were accordingly detached. They marched out of J3os- ton, through Eoxbury and Cambridge, and came up with the flying party, in the hour of their extreme peril. While their field-pieces kept the Americans at bay, the reinforcement drew up in a hollow- square, into which, says the British historian, they received the exhausted fugitives, " who lay down on the ground, with their tongues hanging from their mouths, like dogs after a chase." A half hour was given to rest; the march was then resumed ; and under cover of the field-pieces, every house in Lexington, and on the road down- wards, was plundered and set on fire. Though the aanws in most cases were speedily extinguished, 30 DARING DEEDS several houses were destroyed. Notwithstanding the attention of a great part of the Americans was thus drawn off, and although the British force was now more than doubled, their retreat still wore the aspect of a flight. The Americans filled the heights that overhung the road, and at every defile the struggle was sharp and bloody. At West Cam- bridge, the gallant Warren, never distant when danger was to be braved, appeared in the field, and a musket-ball soon cut off a lock of hair from his temple. General Heath was with him, nor does there appear till this moment, to have been any effective command among the American forces. Below West Cambridge, the militia from Dor- chester, Koxbnry, and Brookline came up. The British field-pieces began to lose their terror. A sharp skirmish followed, and many fell on both sides. Indignation and outraged humanity struggled on the one hand, veteran discipline and desperation on the other; and the contest, in more than one instance, was man to man, and bayonet to bayonet. The British officers were compelled to descend from their horses to escape the certain destruction which attended their exposed situation. The wounded to the n limber of two hundred, now presented th^ OF AMERICAN HEROES. 31 most distressing and constantly increasing obstruc- tion to the progress of the march. Near one hundred brave men had fallen in this disastrous flight; a considerable number had been made prisoners ; a round or two of ammunition only remained ; and it was not till late in the evening, nearly twenty-four hours from the time when the first detachment was put in motion, that the exhausted remnant reached the heights of Charlestown. The boats ot the vessels of war were immediately employed to transport the wounded ; the remaining British troops in Boston came over to Charlestown to protect their weary countrymen during the night ; and before the close of the next day the royal army was formally besieged in Boston. BATTLE OF BUiq"KEE HILL. The following full and correct account of the battle of Bunker Hill, is taken from a pamphlet published in Boston, June 17, 1825. After the affair of Lexington and Concord, on the 32 DARING DEEDS 19th of April, 1775, the people, animated by one common impulse, flew to arms in every direction. The husbandman changed his plough-share for a musket; and about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Mass- ichusetts, and the remainder from New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, assembled under Teneral Ward in the environs of Boston, then occupied by 10,000 highly disciplined and well equipped British troops, under the command of Gene- rals Grage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, Bigot, and others. Fearing an intention, on the part of the British, to occupy the important heights at Charlestown and Dorchester, which would enable them to command the surrounding country. Colonel Brescott was de- tached, by his own desire, from the American camp at Cambridge, on the evening of the 16th of June, 17Y5, with about 1000 militia, mostly of Massachu- setts, including 120 men of Butnam's regiment from Connecticut, and one artillery company, to Bunker Hill, with a view to occupy and fortify that post. At this hill the detachment made a short halt, but concluded to advance still nearer the British, and accordingly took possession of Breed's Hill, a posi- tion which commanded the whole inner harl)or of OF AMERICAN HEROES. 33 Boston. Here, about midiiiglit, they commenced throwing up a redout, whicli they completed, not- withstanding every possible eflbrt from the Bi-itish ships and batteries to prevent them, about noon the next day. So silently had the operations been conducted through the night, that the British had not the most distant notice of the design of the Americans, until day-break presented to their view the half-formed battery and daring stand made against them. A dreadful cannonade, accompanied with shells, was immediately commenced from the British battery at Coppo' Hill, and the ships of war and floating bat- teries stationed in Charles E-iver. The break of day, on the 17th of June, 1775, presented a scene, which for daring and firmness could never be surpassed ; 1000 unexperienced militiu, in the attire of their various avocations, without discipline, almost without artillery and bayo- nets, scantily supplied with ammunition, and wholly destitute of provisions, defying the power of the formidable British fleet and army, determined to maintain the liberty of their soil, or moisten tliat soil with their blood. 34 DARINGDEEDa The fire from the Glasgow frigate and two float ing batteries in Charles E-iver, were wholly directed with a view to prevent any communication across the isthmus that connects Charlestown with the main land, which kept up a continued shower of missiles, and rendered the communication truly dangerous to those who should attempt it. When the intention of the British to attack the heights of Charlestown became apparent, the remainder of Putnam's regi- ment, Col. Gardiner's regiment, (both of which, as to numbers, were very imperfect,) and some New Hampshire militia, marched, notwithstanding the heavy fire, across the neck, for Charlestown heights, where they arrived, much fatigued, just after the British had moved to the first attack. The British commenced crossing the troops from Boston about 12 o'clock, and landed at Morton's Point, S. E. from Breed's Hill. At 2 o'clock, from the best accounts that can be obtained, they landed between 3000 and 4000 men, under the immediate command of Gen. Howe, and formed, in apparently invincible order, at the base of the hill. The position of the Americans, at this time, was a redout on the summit of the heights, of about eignt rods square, and a breast-work extending on OF AMKRICAN HEROES. Ou tlio left >f it, about seventy feet down the eastern decllvitj of the hill. This redout and breast-work was commanded by Prescott in person, who had superintended its construction, and who occupied it with the Massachusetts militia of his detachment, and a part of Little's regiment, which had arrived about one o'clock. They were very deficient in equipments and ammunition, had been toiUng in- cessantly for many hours, and it is said by some accounts, even then were destitute of provisions. A little to the eastward of the redout, and northerly to the rear of it, was a rail-fence, extending almost to Mystick Eiver; to this fence another had been added during the night and forenoon, and some newly mown grass thrown against them, to afford something like a cover to the troops. At this fence the 120 Connecticut militia were posted. The movements of the British made it evident their intention was to march a strong column along the margin of the Mystick, and turn the redout on the north, while another colmnn attacked it in front ; accordingly, to prevent this design, a large force became necessary at the breast-work and rail-fence. The whole of the re-enforcements that arrived, amounting in all to 800 or 1000 men, were ordered 36 DARING DEEDS to tliis point by General Putnam, who had been extremely active throughout the night and morning, and had accompanied the expedition. Before 3 o'clock the British formed, in two col- umns, for the attack ; one column, as had been anticipated, moved along the Mystick River, with the intention of taking the redoubt in the rear, while the other advanced up the ascent directly in front of the redoubt, where Prescott was ready to receive them, (ieneral Warren, President of the Provincial Congress and of the Committee of Safety, who had been appointed but a few days before a major-general of the Massachusetts troops, had volunteered on the occasion as a private soldier, and was in the redoubt with a musket, animating the men by his influence and example to the most daring determination. Orders were given to the Americans to reserve their fire till the enemy advanced sufficiently near to make their aim certain. Several volleys were fired by the British with but little success ; and so long a time had elapsed, and the British allowed to advance so near the Americans without their fire being returned, that a doubt arose whether or not the latter intended to give battle; but the fatal moment soon arrived : when the British had OF AMEKICAN HEROES. 3T advanced tc within about eight rods, a sheet ot fire was poured upon them and continued a short time with such deadly effect that hundreds of the assailants lay weltering in their blood, and the remainder retreated in dismay to the point where they had first landed. From daylight to the time of the British advan- cmg on the works, an incessant fire had been kept up on the Americans from the ships and batteries— this fire was now renewed with increased vigor. After a short time, the British officers had sue ceeded in rallying their men, and again advanced, in the same order as before, to the attack. Thinking to divert the attention of the Americans, the town of Charlestown, consisting of 500 wooden buildings, was now set on fire by the British ; the roar of the flames, the crashing of falling timber, the awful appearance of desolation presented, the dreadfal shrieks of the dying and wounded in the last attack, added to the Imowledge of the formidable force advancing against them, combined to form a scene apparently too much for men bred in the quiet retirement of domestic life to sustain. But the etillness of death reigned within the American works, and nought could be seen but the deadly- 38 DARINGDEED8 presented weapon, ready to hurl fresli destructior on the assailants. The fii'e of the Americans waa again reserved till the British came still nearer than before, when the same unerring aim was taken, and the British shrunk, terrified, from before its fatal effects, flying, completely routed, a second time to the banks of the river, and leaving, as before, the field strewed with their wounded and their dead. Again the ships and batteries renewed their fire, and kept a continual shower of balls on the works. Notwithstanding every exertion, tlie British officers found it impossible to rally the men for a third attack ; one third of their comrades had fallen ; and finally it was not till a re-enforcement of more than TOGO fresh troops, with a strong park of artillery, had joined them from Boston, that they could be induced to form anew. In the meantime every effort was made on the part of the Americans, to resist a third attack ; Gen. Putnam rode, notwithstanding the heavy fire of the ghips and batteries, several times across the neck, to induce the r ilitia to adv^ance; but it was only a few of the resold. e and brave who would encoimter the r^torm. The British receiving re-enforcements from their formidable main body — the town of OF AMERICAN HEROES. 39 Charlestown presenting one wide scene of destruc- tion — the probability the Americans must shortly retreat — the shower of balls pouring over the neck — presented obstacles too appalling for raw troops to sustain, and embodied too much danger to allow them to encounter. Yet, notwithstanding all this, the Americans on the heights were elated with their success, and waited with coolness and determination the now formidable advance of the enemy. Once more the British, aided by their re-enforce- ments, advanced to tiie attack, but with great skill and caution : their artillery was planted on the eastern declivity of the hill, between the rail-fence and the ]:>rea3t-work, where it was directed along the line of the Americans, stationed at the latter place, and against the gateway on the north-eastern corner of the redoubt ; at the same time they attacked the redoubt on the south-eastern and south-western sides, and entered it with fixed bayonets. The Blaughter on their advancing was great; but the Americans, not having bayonets to meet them on equal terms, and their powder being exhausted, now slowly retreated, opposing and extricating them- selves from the British with the butts of their pieces. 40 DARING DEEDS The column that advanced against the rail-fence was received in the most dauntless manner. The Americans fought with spirit and heroism that could not be surpassed, and had their ammunition held out, would have eecm-ed to themselves a third time the palm of victory ; as it was, they effectually pre- vented the enemy from accomplishing his purpose, which was to turn their flank, and cut the whole of the Americans off; but having become perfectly exhausted, this body of the Americans also slowly retired, retreating in much better order than could possibly have been expected from undisciplined troops, and those in the redoubt having extricated themselves from the host of bayonets by which they had been surroimded. The British followed the Americans to Bunker Hill, but some fresh militia at this moment coming up to the aid of the latter, covered their retreat. The Americans crossed Charlestown [Neck about 7 o'clock, having in the last twenty houra performed deeds which seemed almost impossible. Some of them proceeded to Cambridge, and others posted themselves quietly on Winter and Prospect Hills. From the most accurate statements that can be found, it appears the British must have had nearly OF AMERICAN HEROES. 41 5000 8 )ldiers in the baltle ; between 3000 and 4000 having first landed, and the re-enforcement amount- ing to over 1000. The Americans, throughout the whole day, did not have 2000 men on the field. The slaughter on the side of the British was im- mense, having had nearly 1500 killed and wounded, 1200 of whom were either killed or mortally wounded ; the Americans about 400. The name of the first martyr that gave his life for the good of his country on that day, in the importance of the moment was lost; else a mon- ument, in connection with the gallant Warren, should be raised to his memory. The manner of his death was thus related by Col. Prescott. '' The first man who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill, was silled by a cannon ball which struck his head. He was so near me that my clothes were besmeared with his blood and brains, which I wiped oft', in some degree, with a handful of fresh earth. The sight was so shocking to many of the men, that they left their posts and ran to view him. I ordered them back, but in vain. I then ordered him to be buried instantly. A subaltern officer expressed surprise that I should allow him to be buried with- out having prayers said ; I replied, this is the firsi 42 DARING DEEDS man that has been killed, and the only one that will be buried to-daj. I put him out of sight that the men may be kept in their places. God only knows who, or how many of us, will fall before it is over. To your post, my good fellow, and let each man do his duty." The name of the patriot who thus fell is supposed tc nave been Pollard, a young man belonging to Billerica. He was struck by a cannon ball, thrown "Vom the line-of-battle ship Somerset. TAKING OF TICONDEROGA BY COL. ALLEN. The seizure of the important fortress of Ticon- deroga, by Col. Ethan Allen, on the 10th of May, 1Y75, is thus related by himself: — "The lirst systematical and bloody attempt at Lexington, to enslave America, thoroughly electrified my mind, and fully determined me to take a part with my country. And while I was wishing for an opportunity to signalize myself in its behalf, directions were privately sent to me fi-om the "-hen OF AMERICAN HEROES. 4^ eolony, now state of Connecticut, to ^Jse the Green Mountain Boys, and, 'f possible, with them to sur- prise and take the fortress of Ticonderoga. This enterprise I cheerinllj undertook ; and after first guarding all the several passes that led thither, to cut ofi:' all intelligence between the garrison and the country, made a forced march from Bennington, and arrived at the lake opposite Ticonderoga, on the evening of the 9th day of May, 1775, with two hundred and thirty valiant Green Mountain Boys ; and it was with the utmost difficulty that I procured boats to cross the lake. However, I landed eighty-three men near the garrison, and sent the boats back for the rear guard, commanded by Col. Seth Warner; but the day began to dawTi, and I found myself necessitated to attack the fort before the rear could cross the lake ; and as it was ha- zardous, I harangued the officers and soldiers in the manner following : ' Friends and fellow soldiers, — You have, for a number of years past, been a scourge and terror to arbitrary powers. Your valor has been famed abroad, and acknowledged, as appears by the advice and orders to me from the General Assembly of Connecticut, to sxirprise and take the garrison now before us. I now propose to advance before 44 DARING DEEDS jou, and in person conduct you through the wicket gate ; for we must this morning either quit oui pretensions to valor, or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men dare undertake, I do not urge it on any contrary to his wnl. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your firelocks.' The men being at this time drawn up in three ranks, each poised his firelock. I ordered them to face to the right ; and at the head of the center file, marched them immediately to the wicket gate aforesaid, where I found a sentry posted, who instantly snapped his fusee at me. I ran immediately toward him, and he retreated through the covered way into tht parade within the garrison, gave a halloo, and rar under bomb proof. My party, who followed me mto the fort, I formed on the parade in such a manner as to face the barracks which faced each other. The garrison being asleep, except the sen- tries, we gave three huzzas, which greatly surprised them. One of the sentries made a pass at one of my officers with a charged bayonet, and slightly >vounded him. My first thought was to kill him with my sword, but in an instant I altered the OF AMERICAN HEROES. 4ft design and fiiiy of the blow, to a slight cut on the side of the head ; upon which he dropped his gun and asked quarter, which I readily granted him ; and demanded the place where the C3mmanding officer slept. He showed me a pair of stairs in the front, which led up to a second story in the barracks, oO which I immediately repaired, and ordered the commander, Capt. Delaplace, to come forth instantly, or I would sacrifice the whole garrison ; at which time the captain came immediately to the door with his breeches in his hand, when I ordered him to deliver to me the fort instantly ; he asked me by what authority I demanded it. I answered him, ' In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Con- tinental Congress.'* The authority of congress being very little known at that time, he began to speak again, but I interrupted him, and with my drawn 6Word near my head, again demanded an immediate surrender of the garrison ; with wnich he then com- plied, and ordered his men to be forthwith paraded without arms, as he had given up the garrison. PATEIOTIC FATHER. When the news of a skirmisli at Lexington •■eaclied Barnstable, a company of militia immedi ately assembled and marched off to Cambridge. In the front rank, there was a young man, the son ol a respectable farmer, and his only child. In march ing from the village as they passed his house, lie came out to meet them. Tliere was a momentary halt. The drum and fife paused for an instant. The father, suppressing a strong and evident emotion, said, " God be with you all, my friends ! and, John, if you, my son, are called into battle, take care that you behave manfully, or else let me never see your face again." A tear started into every eye, anc" the march was resumed. A.BNOLD'S MxlRCH THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. About the same time tliat Canada was invaded by tbe usual route from New Y'ork, a considerable detachment of the American army was brought thither by a new and unexpected passage. Arnold, who conducted this bold undertaking, acquired thereby the name of the American Hannibal. He was sent, by General Washington, with a thousand men, from Cambridge, with orders to penetrate into that province, by ascending the Kennebec, and then, after crossing the mountains which divide Canada from Maine, by descending the Chaudiere to the St. Lawrence. Great were the difficulties, and severe the privations, they had to encounter, in marching 300 miles, by an unexplored way, through an uninhabited country. In ascending the Kenne- bec, they were constantly obliged to struggle against an impetuous current ; and were often compelled, by cataracts, to land, and haul their batteaux up rapid streams, and over falls of rivers They had 48 DARING DEEDS to contend with swamps, woods, and craggy nountains. At some places, they had to cut their way for miles together, through forests, so em bar rassed, that their progress was only four or five miles a day. One third of their number were, from sick- ness and want of food, obliged to return. Previsions grew at length so scarce, that some of the men ate their dogs, cartouch boxes, leather small clothes, and 'jhoes. Still they proceeded with unabated fortitude They gloried in the hope of completing a march which would rival the greatest exploits of antiquity ; and on the 3d of November, after thirty-one days spent in traversing a hideous desert, they reached the inhabited part of Canada, where the people were struck with amazement and admiration when they saw this armed force emerging from the wildernehb. DEATH OF GEKEKAL MONTGOMERY. Richard Montgomery, a Major-General in the army of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland, in the year 173T. He possessed an excel- lent genius, which was matured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her battles with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1T59, on the very spot where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against her, under the banners of freedom. After his return to England, he quitted his regiment, in 1772, though in a fair way of preferment. He had imbibed an attachment to America, viewing it as the rising seat of arts and freedom. After his arrival in this country, he purchased an estate in New York, about a hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of Judge Livingston. He now considered himself as an American. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had expressed his readiness to draw his sword on 60 DARING DEEDS the side of the colonies, the command of the conti- nental forces, in the northern department, was intrusted to him and Gen. Schuyler, in the fall of 1Y75. By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief com- mand devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Chamblee, and on the third of November captured St. Johns. On the 12th, he took Montreal. In December he joined Col. Arnold, and marched to Quebec. The city was besieged, and on the last day of the year it was. determined to make an assault. The several divisions were accordingly put in motion, in the midst of a heavy fall of snow. which concealed them from the enemy. Mont- gomery advanced at the head of the New York troops along the St. Lawrence, and having assisted with his own hands in pulling up the pickets, which obstructed his approach to one of the barriers he was determined to force, he was pushing forward, when one of the guns from the battery was dis- charged, and he was killed with his two aids. This was the only gun fired, for the enemy had been struck with consternation, and all but one or two had fled. But this event probably prevented the capture of Quebec When he fell, Montgomery OF AMERICAN HEROES. 51 was in a narrow passage, and his body rolled upon the ice, which formed by the side of the river. After it was found the next morn^'ng among the slain, it was bm-ied by a few soldiers, without any marks of distinction. He was thirty-eight years of age. He was a man of great military talents, whose measures were taken with judgment, and executed with vigor. With undisciplined troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme, he yet inspired them with his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hardships, and thus pre- vented their complaints. His industry could not be wearied, his vigilance imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated. To express the high sense entertained by his country o^ his services. Congress directed that a monument of white marble, to his memory, should be placed in front of St. Paul's Church, JSTew York. The remains of Gen. Montgomery, after resting forty-two years at Quebec, by a resolve of the State of N'ew York, were brought to the city of New York, on the 8th of July, 181Y, and deposited, with ample form and grateftil ceremonies, near the aforesaid monument in St. Paul's Church. W^ASHINGTON, COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE AMERICAN ARMY. in May, 1775, Congress met pursuant to adjourn ment. Hostilities having commenced, it was a point of vital importance to the American cause, to select a proper person for Commander in Chief of the American forces. G-eorge "Washington, a delegate from Virginia, was by the unanimous voice of Congress, appointed, to till this important station, on the 15th of June, 1775, "To Washington's experience in military affairs are united sound judgment, extensive knowledge of men, perfect probity, pure morals, a grave deportment indefatigable industry, easy manners, strict polite ness, a commanding person, cool bravery, unshaken fortitude, and a prudence that baffled and con foimded his enemies." Soon after his appointment, General Washington repaired to the army, who were besieging Boston ; he was received with profound respect and joyful acclamations by the American army. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 52 The Americans having so closely invested Boston the British Commander judged it prudent to evac- uate the town, which they did on the 17th of March, 1TY6, taking with them 1500 of the inha- bitants, who dared not stay on account of their attachment to the British cause. General Washington immediately entered the town, to the great joy of the inhabitants. ELBKIDGE GEKKY. It was during the march ot the English force to Concord, through Cambridge, when the Committee of Supplies had been in session, that Mr. Gerry, and Colonels Lee and Orne, had remained over night. They were very near being captured by a detachment that surrounded the house in which they were lodged. With much difficulty, however, they made their escape to a secure retreat, with very little covering beside their night-dresses. There they concealed themselves until the danger to which they had been exposed had passed by. They then 3- 54 DARINGDEEDS returned, and spread the alarm among the inha bitants. On the night preceding the battle of Bunker's Hill, Mr. Gerry, with his intimate friend General Warren, who fell in that engagement, retired to the same bed. In the morning they separated with an affectionate farewell, to meet no more in this world. Mr. Gerry went, as his duty called him, to attend a meeting of the Congress in Watertown on that day; and Warren, to meet death on Bunker's memorable battle-ground. RICHAED HEISTRY LEE. The meeting of the first Congress presented a scene, unprecedented in the annals of this or any other country. It was new, interesting, and solemn, beyond expression. The consequences which might result from it were momentous, to a degree which the human mind cannot easily comprehend. The responsibility was weighty enough to bear down the firmest and most resolute. The eyes of three OF AMERICAN HEROES. 55 (nil-'ons of people were intently fixed on them. The consequences of their determinations would vitally affect posterity to the end of time ; and an uncer- tainty as to each others views, pervaded the whole assembly. The seals were successively broken, and the in- structions of the several delegations disclosed. When the last seal was broken by Mr. Henry, a universal silence pervaded the house, anxiety was visible in every countenance, and a half suppressed quiver agitated every lip. At this moment E-ichard Henry Lee arose, and broke the portentous silence. He saw, as by intuition, that the feeling, and the crisis, were such as might be turned to good, or to evil, nccording as they might be improved at the mstant. He addressed the assembly with a voice so melodious, a language so pensive, and sentiments 80 enlarged and just, as soothed, though they did Qot suppress the emotions of the meeting ; and when with the most pleasing and convincing eloquence, he declared that there was but one hope for the country, and that was in the vigor of her resistance, every heart beat in unison with the sentiment, and was prepared to enter on the system which should render resistance effectual. Then was achieved a 56 DARING DEEDS ^riumpli, which began immediately to be felt througL the American colonies. In this Congress, Mr. Lee was placed on all the most important committees, and associated with the most distinguished delegates from the other colonies. It cannot be necessary to mention them in detail It was here that the extent and variety of his in- formation, were manifested in his extensive influence and usefulness. His counsel and advice, were sought for by members of committees w^ith which he was not connected, respecting their reports, more than those of any other member of the house. When the first Congress adjourned on the 26th day of October, 1774, the part which Mr. Lee had acted in that body, during its session ; the intelligence it had displayed ; the spirit he had manifested ; his activity in business ; the straight forward course he pursued ; his devoted patriotism, strict honor, and unyielding fidelity ; his elegance of manners, and his persuasive eloquence ; left an impression on the public mind respecting his character, most honor- able to his talents, and truly grateftd to his feelings. [t was an impression which any man might desire to make, but which few were able to secure. CHAPTER IL— 1776. ATTACK ON SULLIYAJST'S ISLAND. lu the months of June and July, 1TT6, the British commanders, General Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, attempted to destroy the fort on Sullivan's island, near Charleston, S. C. Their force consisted of two fifty gun ships, and four frigates of twenty-eight guns each, besides several smaller vessels, with 3000 troops on board. The fort was commanded by Colonel Moultrie, with a garrison of but 375 regulars, and a few militia. This fort, though not entirely finished, was very strong. '' However, the British generals resolved, without hesitation to attack it; but though an attack was easy jfrom the sea, it was very difficult to obtain a co-operation of the land forces. This was attempted by landing them on Long Island, adjacent to Sul- Uvan's Island on the east, from which it is separated by a very narrow creek, said to be not above two feet deep at low water. 58 DARINGDEEDS " Opposite to this fort, the Americans had posted a strong body of troops, with cannon and intrench- ments, while General Lee was posted on the main land, with a bridge of boats betwixt that and Sul- livan's Island, so that he conld at pleasure send re-enforcements to the troops in the fort on SuUi- v^an's Island. " On the part of the British, so many delays occurred, that it was the 24th of June before matters were in readiness for an attack; and by this time, the Americans had abundantly provided for their reception. On the morning of that day, the bomb-ketch began to throw shells into Fort Sullivan, and about mid-day, the two fifty gun ihips, and thirty gun frigates, came up, and began 4 severe fire. " Three other frigates were ordered to take theii station between Charleston and the fort, in ordei to enfilade the batteries, and cut off the commu- nication with the main land ; but, through the ignorance of the pilots, they all stuck fast ; and though two of them were disentangled, they were found to be totally unfit for service. The third was burnt, that she might not fall into the hands of the Americans. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 59 "The attack was therefore confined to the five irmed ships and bomb-ketch, between whom and the fort a dreadful fire ensued. The Bristol snfiered excessively ; the springs on her cable being shot away, she was for some time entirely exposed to the enemy's fire. As the Americans poured in gi-eat quantities of red hot balls, she was twice in flames. Her captain, Mr. Morris, after receiving five wounds, was obliged to go below deck, in order to have his arm amputated. After undergoing this operation, he returned to his place, where he re- ceived another wound, but still refused to quit his station. At last he received a red hot ball in his body, which instantly put an end to his life. " Of all the oflScers and seamen who stood on the quarter deck of the Bristol, not one escaped with- out a wound, excepting Sir Peter Parker alone: whose intrepidity and presence of mind on this occasion, were very remarkable. The engagement lasted till darkness put an end to it. " During the height of the attack, the American batteries remained for some time silent, so that it was concluded that they had been abandoned ; but this was found to proceed only from want of pow- der ; for, as soon as a supply of this necessary 60 DAflING DEEDS article was obtained, tlie firing was resumed as brisli as before. During the whole of this desperate en- gagement, it was found impossible for the land forces to give the least assistance to the fleet; the American works were foimd to be much stronger than they had been imagined, and the depth of the water effectually prevented them from making any attempt. " In this unsuccessful attack, the killed and wounded on the part of the British amounted to about 200. The Bristol and Experiment were so much damaged that it was thought they (50uld not have been got over the bar; however, this was at last accomplished, by a very great exertion of navai skill, to the surprise of the Americans, who had expected to make them both prizes. On the American side, the loss was judged to have been considerable. DECLAKATION OF I]SrDEPE:N"DENCE. The American people, exasperated by the pro ceedings of the British government, which placed them out of their protection, and engaging foreign mercenaries to assist in subduing them, began to broach the subject of independence from the British crown. Accordingly, the subject was brought before Con- gress , but some of the members of that body being absent, they adjourned its consideration to the 1st of July. They accordingly met, and appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Philip Livingston, to frame the De- claration of Independence. They agreed that each of their number should draft a declaration, and read it next day, in rotation, to the rest. They accord- ingly met, and Mr. Jefferson was fixed upon to " read first ;" his gave such satisfaction that none other was read. Their report was accepted, and 5 02 OA RIN G DEKD> Congress declared " the thirteen United States Free and Indejpendent^'' July 4th, 1Y76. This declaration was received by the people with transports of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various parts of the Union. In New York, the statue of George III. was taken down, and the lead of which it was composed, was converted into musket balls." DEATH OF CAPTAIN HALE. After General Washington, by his retreat, had left the British in complete possession of Long Island, and not knowing what would be their future operations, he applied to General Knowlton, commander of a regiment of light infantry, to de- vise some means for gaining necessary information of the design of the British in their future move- ments. Captain Hale nobly offered himself for this hazardous and important service. His amiable, pio^iB, intelligent, and patriotic character, and the Bacfifice of his life in the manner in which he mado OF AMEBICAN HEROES. 63 the sacrifice, entitle him to a distinguished rank among the first patriots of the revolution. T^e par ticulars of this tragical event, sanctioned by General Hull, who knew them at the time, are related by Miss H. Adams, in her History of New England. "The retreat of General Washington, left the British in complete possession of Long Island What would be their future operations remained uncertain. To obtain information of their situation, their strength, and future movements, was of high importance. For this purpose. General Washington applied to Colonel Knowlton, who commanded a regiment of light infantry, which formed the van of the American army, and desired him to adopt some mode of gaining the necessary information. Colonel Knowlton communicated this request to Nathan Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a Cap- tain in his regiment. This young officer, animated by a sense of duty, and considering that an oppor- tunity presented itself by which he might be useful to his country, at once ofi'ered himself a volunteer for this hazardous service. He passed in disguise to Long Island, examined every part of the British army, and obtained the best possible informatioi respecting their situation and future operations. ^>4 DikRINGDEEDS " In his attempt to return, he was apprehendea, carried before Sir William Howe, and the proof of his object was so clear, thcit he frankly ack- nowledged who he was, and what were his views. "Sir William Howe at once gave an order to the provost marshal to execute him the next mor- ning. "The order was accordingly executed in the most unfeeling manner, and by as great a savage as ever disgraced humanity. A clergyman, whose atten- dance he desired, was refused him; a Bible, for a moment's devotion, was not procured, though he requested it. Letters, which, on the morning of his execution, he wrote to his mother and other friends, were destroyed ; and this very extraordinary reason was given by the provost marshal, ' that the rebels should not know that they had a man in their army, who could die with so much firmness.' "Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to offer him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and as worthy a young man as Amer- ica could boast, with this as his dying observation, ' that he only lamented he had but one life to lose for his country.' " BATTLE OF TRENTON. The summer and fall of 17Y6 was the most gloomy period of the American Revolution. Gene ral "Washington had been obliged to retreat from Long Island to New York, thence over the Hudson to New Jersey, and through New Jersey to Penn- sylvania, vigorously pursued by an enemy flushed with a series of success. The retreat through New Jersey was attended with circumstances of a painful and trying nature. Washington's army, which had consisted of 30,000 men, was now dimin- ished to scarcely 3000, and these were without sup- plies, without pay, and many of them without shoes or comfortable clothing. Their footsteps were stained with blood as they fled before the enemy. The affairs of the Americans seemed in such a des- perate condition, that those who had been most confident of success, began despairingly to give up all for lost. Many Americans joined the British, and took protections fi-om them. In this season of 66 DAitlNGDEEDS general despcndency, the American Congress re commended to each of the states to observe " a day of solemn fasting and humiliation before God." General Washington saw the necessity of making a desperate effort for the salvation of his country. On the night of the 25th of December, 1Y76, the American army recrossed the Delaware, which was filled with pieces of floating ice, and marched to attack a division of Hessians, who had advanced to Trenton. The sun had just risen, as the tents of the enemy appeared in sight. No time was to be lost — Washington, rising on his stirrups, waved his sword toward the hostile army, and exclaimed; " There^ my hrave friends^ are the enemies of your country ! and now all I have to ash of yon is, to remember what you are about to fight for ! March /" The troops, animated by their commander, pressed on to the charge ; the Hessians were taken by sur prise, and the contest was soon decided ; about 1000 were taken prisoners, and 40 killed, among whom was their commander, (a German officer,) Colon "il Rahl. CA^PTAIN GEOllGE LITTLE. Among the vessels which were built by the State of Massachusetts during the war of the Revo- lution, was the sloop Winthrop. She was built in the then District of Maine, and for the express purpose of protecting our coasting trade, which had suffered much by the captures, &c., of the enemy. She mounted thirteen guns, and was commanded by Captain George Little of Mansfield, who had been the first Lieutenant, of the stafl* ship Protec- tor, John Foster Williams, Esq., commander, and who, in our quasi war with France, in 1798, com- manded the frigate Boston. His first Lieutenant, in the "Winthrop, was Edward Preble, of Portland, who also had been an officer on board the Protec- tor, and who was afterward Commodore Preble. The Winthrop was a very fortunate vessel, and more than answered the expectations of those who built her. She protected the coasting trade, made many prizes, and covered herself with glory. Soon after sailing on her first cruise, she fell in with two ships 68 DARING DEEDS which made a formidable appearance, but boldly running down upon them, she captured ^hem both Thej proved to be two stout British Letters of Marque, and she immediately returned with tncm to Boston. She made a number of prizes after wards, and recaptured some American vessels [n one of her cruises, she recaptured a sloop belonging to the late William Gray, Esq., which had been taken by the British brig Meriam, of equal or superior force to the Winthrop, and with a prize master and crew on board, was ordered for Penobscot, to which place the Meriam herself nad gone. Captain Little immediately resolved upon the daring plan of cutting her out. Disguising his vessel, . so as to give her as much as possible the appearance of the prize sloop, he entered e harbor of Penobscot in the evening; as he passed the foit, he was hailed, and asked what sloop that was — he answered, " The Meriam's Prize." It is said that the fort had some suspicions of him, but they sufiered him to pass. He then ran up toward the brig, and as he approached her, was again hailed and gave the same answer — " Take care l^said they on board the Meriam) you'll .'an foul of us." He informe*^ ^hom that he had been ashore OF A.MBEIOAN HEROES. 69 OD a reef and lost his cables and anchors, and re- quested them to throw him a warp, which was immediately done. The sloop was then hauled up to the brig, and Lieutenant Preble, as had been appointed, jumped on board with a number of men, who had their various duties assigned them — while some slipped the cables, others made sail, &c. Pre- ble himself, with a few followers, entered the cabin, where the officers were just changing their dress for the purpose of going on shore. They made some attempts to get their arms for defence, but were soon subdued. When they were coming out of the harbor, the fort fired upon them, but Captain Little judged it best not to return the fire — he kept stead- dy on his com-se and when out of reach of their shot. triumphantly let off thirteen sky rockets. In the same cruise he took two other vessels, one of which was a schooner of eight guns, which he had driven ashore. He manned out his boats, went on shore, made the crew prisoners, and got off the schooner — with his four prizes he returned to Boston. The five vessels entered the harbor together in fine style with a leading breeze; and a gajlant show they made. 'iENEEAL ANDREW PICKENS. In September, 1776, General Andrew Pickens, being then a Major, belonged to an army of 2000 men, composed of Regulars and Militia, com- manded by Colonel Williamson, which was sent on an expedition against the Cherokees, who had been instigated by British emissaries, to wage 9 war of extermination against the frontier inhabitants of the country, now composing Abbeville, Laurens, and Spartanburgh Districts. When this army had proceeded into the Indian country, as far as the upper part of what is now Pickens District, it was halted for a day or two, either for rest or to gain intelligence. During this time. Major Pickens ob- tained permission to take twenty-five choice men, to scout and reconnoiter the adjacent country He had not proceeded more than two miles, when, early in the morning, after crossing a stream, now called Little River, in passing through an old Indian Seld, along the margin of the stream, which was OF AMERICAN HEROES. 71 Cvjvered with a thick grass, four or five feet high, more than two hundred Indians, painted for war in the most hideous manner, were seen rushing down the point of a ridge, directly upon them, with their guns swinging in their left hands, and their tomahawks raised in their right; their leader animating and exhorting them not to fire a gun, but to tomahawk the white men, for they were but a handful. Brennan, a half-breed, was one of the twenty-five, and he, understanding them, told what they said. Major Pickens and all his party were on foot, and he, as well as every other, had his trusty rifle. He ordered his men not to fire until he did, to take deliberate aim, and fire two at a time in succession, and to fall in the grass and load. Brennan was by his side in front, and when the Indian chief approached within about twenty five yards, he and Brennan fired, and two Indians fell ; the fire of his other men was in succession, as directed, and equally efiective. This invincible firmness, in so small a band, astonished and struck terror into the savage ranks, and they immediately recoiled upon each other, dropped their tomahawks, and resorting to their guns, gradually fell back, and were picked out at leisure by the steady and 72 DARING DEEDS unerring aim of this small band of fiim Militia After the first or second fire, Brennan was sho' down. But few were killed or wounded of the whites ; if they had not been brave men, and true, not one would have escaped. Major Pickens, in loading in a hurry, soon choaked his gun, when he picked up Brennan's and continued to use it while the Indians were in reach. How many of them were killed, could not be known, as the Indiansi in those times, always carried off their dead, whenever they could, to prevent their enemies from acquiring their savage trophy, the scalp ; but, it was believed a great number were killed, in pro- portion to the number of combatants opposed to them. During the action, one of the men observed that there was a constant firing from behind a tree-root, and watching his opportunity when its occupant had to expose himself to take aim, shot him in the head, and when one of his comrades had taken up the dead body, and was making off with it, shot him also, with as much coolness, as if he was shooting at a target, and they fell one upon the other. The firing was heard at Williamson's camp, when Major Pickens' brother, Joseph, who was » OF AMERICAN HEROES. 73 captain, immediately summoned his followers, and hastened to his brother's assistance. But, before he could reach him, the Indians were beaten back, and dispersing, and fleeing to the neighboring mountains. AN EXTKAORDmARY RETREAT. In June, 1776, when general Sullivan arrived in Canada, the American army was torn in pieces by sickness, and various unaccountable occurrences, so that a whole regiment was not to be found together. The general, with his usual activity and address, soon collected together a debilitated and dispirited army ; tried the strength of the enemy, who were at least four to one ; performed an excellent retreat, through almost insuperable difficulties, the enemy at their heels, 3000 sick with the small-pox, the most healthy like so many walking apparitions, all their baggage, stores and artillery to be removed, officers as well as men all employed in dragging cannon, &c., their batteaux, aU loaded, were moved 74 DARINGDEEDS up the rapids six miles, one of which was towed by the poor and wearied men, while up to their arm-pits in water, and all performed in a day and a half. The sick and baggage were safely landed at St. John's, and from thence carried to Crowp Point, with only the loss of three cannon. DON'T GIVE UP THE VESSEL. In May, 17Y6, Captain Mugford, commanding the continental armed schooner Franklin, captured a British ship of about 300 tons, and mounting six guns. In the then state of the country she was invaluable, as her cargo was made up entirely of the ammunitions of war. Captain Mugford, after seeing his prize safe into Boston harbor, was going out again, but the tide making against him, he came to an anchor off Pudding-gut Point ; the next morning, by the dawn of day, the sentry saw thir- teen boats, from the British men of war, making for them ; they were prepared to receive tliem oefore they could board the schooner. She sun) OF AMERICAN HEROES. 75 five of the boats, the remainder attempting to board, the J cut off the hands of several of the crewp as they laid them over the gunwale. The brave Cap- tain Mugford, making a blow at the people in the boats with a cutlass, received a wound in the breast, on which he called his lieutenant and said, ' I am a dead man : donH give up the vessel ; you will be able to beat them off; if not, cut the cable and run her on shore.' He expired in a few min Qtes. The lieutenant then ran her on shore, and the boats made off. Those who were taken up from the boats which were sunk, say they lost >eventy men ; the Franklin had but one man killed resides the captain. MILITARY COURTESY. i!n September, 1776, a picquet of 450 men from (-General Heath's division, constantly mounted guard, by relief, at Morrisania, near New York, fi-om which a chain of sentinels, within half gun-shot of each other were planted. The water oassage betw^een 76 DARINGDEED8 Morrisania and Montresor's Island, being in &om» places very narrow, the sentinels on the American Bide, were ordered not to fire on those of the British, unless they began ; but the latter were so fond of beginning, that there was a frequent firing between them. This being the case one day, and a British officer walking along the Montresor's side, an American sentinel who had been exchanging shots with one of the British, seeing the officer, and concluding him to be better game, gave him a shot and wounded him. He was carried to the house on the island. An officer with a flag came im mediately down to the creek, and calling for the American officer of the picquet, informed him, that if the American sentinel fired any more, the commanding officer on the island would cannonade Colonel Morris' house, in which the officers of the picquet were quartered. The American officer im- mediately sent to General Heath, to know what answer should be returned. He was directed to inform the flag officer, that the American sentinels had been instructed not to fire on sentinels^ unless they were first fired upon, then, to return the fire : and that such should be their conduct — as to the cannonading of Colonel Morris' house, they might OF AMERICAN HEBOES. 77 act their pleasure. The firing ceased for some time, mitil one day a raw Scotch sentinel having been placed, he soon after discharged his piece at an American sentinel, which was immediately re turned; upon which, a British ofiicer came down and ca,lling to the American ofiicer, observed, that he thought there was to be no firing between the sentinels. He was answered, that their own began : upon which he replied, ' He shall then pay for it :' the sentinel was directly after relieved, and there was no more firing between them, at that place ; but they were so civil to each other on their posts, that one day, at a part of the creek where it was practicable, the British sentinel asked the Ameri- can, who was nearly opposite to him, if he could give him a chew of tobacco ; the latter, having in his pocket a piece of a thick twisted roll, tossed it across the creek to the other, who after biting ofi^ a quid sent the remainder back. THE SCOTCH PRIZE; OR, THE LITTI^ YAISTKEE. It happened, in 1776, that the garden of a widow, which lay between the American and British camps, in the neighborhood of New York, was frequently robbed at night. Her son, a mere boy, and small for his age, having obtained his mother's permission to find out and secure the thief, in case he should return, concealed himself with a gun among the weeds. A strapping highlander, belong- ing to the British grenadiers, came and having filled a large bag, threw it over his shoulder; the boy then left his covert, went softly behind him, cocked his gun, and called out to the fellow, ' You are my prisoner : if you attempt to put your bag down, I will shoot you dead; go forward in that road.' The boy kept close behind him, threatened, and was constantly prepared to execute his threats Thus the boy drove him into the American camp where he was secured. When the grenadier wa« at liberty to throw down his bag, and saw wht OF AMERICAN HEROES. 79 had made him prisoner, he was extremely morti- fied, and exclaimed, ' A British grenadier made prisoner by such a brat ! ' The American officers were highly entertained with the adventure, made a collection for the boy, and gave him several pounds. He returned fully satisfiied for the losses his mother sustained. The soldier had side-arms, but they were of no use, as he could not get rid of his bag. BATTLE OF FORT MOULTRIE. On the 20th of June, 1YT6, a day ever memo- rable in the annals of Carolina, the British ships of war, nine in number,* commanded by Sir Peter Parker, drew up abreast of the fort, let go their anchors, with springs upon their cables, and com jienced a terrible bombardment. The famous oattle which followed makes one of the brightest »ages in our history. Its events, however, are too • Two ships of fifty guns ; five of twcTiiy-eight ; one of tweuty-sii and a bomb-vesseL 80 DAKING DEEDS geneially known to make it necessary that we should dwell upon them here. A few, however, belong properly and especially to our pages. The subject of this memoir was a conspicuous sharer in its dangers and in its honors. The fire of the enemy was promptly answered, and with such efficicD'jy of aim as to be long remembered, by the survivors. Having but 5000 pounds of powder, with which to maintain a conflict that raged for eleven hours, with unabated violence, it became necessary, aot only that the discharge from the fort should be timed, but that every shot should be made to do execution. In order to do this the guns were trained by the field-officers in person ; hence, per- haps, the terrible fatality of their fire. The Bristol, fifty gun ship. Commodore Sir Peter Parker, lost forty-fom- men killed and thirty wounded. Sir Peter himself lost an arm. The Experiment, another fifty gun ship, had fifty-seven killed and thirty wounded. To these two vessels in particular, the attention of the fort was directed. The words, passed along the line by officers and men, were — " Look to the Commodore — look to the fifty gUD ships." The smaller vessels suffered comparativeiv little. Theh' loss of men was small. The inju-j OF AMERICAN HEROES. 81 to the vessels themselves was greater, and one of them, the Acteon, ran aground, and was sub- sequently burnt. The Carolinians lost twelve killed and twenty-four wounded. One of the former was the brave fellow Macdaniel. When borne from the embrasure where he received his mortal wound, he cried out to those around him — " Do not give ap — you are fighting for liberty and country.'' The want of powder was severely felt. But for this, judging from the effects of the fire from the fort, the British Commodore must have struck, or his fleet must have been destroyed. So slow, at one time, were the discharges — so great the inter- val of time between them, — that the British were of opinion that the place was abandoned. But a new supply of powder was obtained by Marion, who, with a small party, leaving the fort, proceeded to the armed schooner Defence, lying in Stop Ga]> Creek, and seized upon her powder, by which the fire was kept up until a supply of five hundred weight was received from the city. This caused a renewal of the conflict in all its fury. The garrison fought with a coolness which would have done \onor to veterans. The day was very warm, and the men partially stripped to it. Moultrie says 82 DARINGDEEDS '' When the action began, (it being a warm day,) some of the men took off their coats and threw them upon the top of the merlons. I saw a shot take one of them and throw it into a small tree behind the platform. It was noticed by our men, and they cried out, " look at the coat !" A little incident that speaks volumes for their coolness. Moultrie himself and several of his officers smoked their pipes during the action, only removing them when it became necessary to issue orders. In the hottest fire of the battle the flag of the fort was shot away, and fell without. The brave Jasper, instantly sprang after it upon the beach, between the ramparts and the enemy, and binding it to a sponge staff, re- stored it to its place, and succeeded in regaining his own in safety. We shall hear more hereafter, of this gallant fellow. The coolness — nay the cavalier indifference — displayed by the Carolinians through- out the combat, is not its least remarkable feature. There is something chivalric in such deportment, which speaks for larger courage than belongs to ordinary valor. Mere bull-dog resolution and endurance is here lifted, by a generous ardor of Boul, into something other than a passive virtue. Che elasticity of spirit which it shows might be OF AMR RIG AN HEROES. 83 trained to any performance within the compass of human endowment. Tradition ascribes to the hand and eye of Marion, Jie terrible effect of the last shot which was fixed on this bloody day. It was aimed at the Commo- dore's ship, which had already received something more than her due share of the attention of the fort. This shot, penetrating the cabin of the vessel, cut down two young officers who were drinking, we may suppose, to their fortunate escape from a conflict which seemed already over — then ranging forward, swept three sailors from the maindeck into eternity, and finally buried itself in the bosom of the sea. This curious particular was derived from five sailors, who deserted from the fleet that very night. SERGEANT JASPER AT FORT MOULTRIE. G-eneral, then Captain Horry, relates the following incident : " I commanded an eighteen pounder in the left wing of the fort. Above my gun on the 84 DARINGDEEDS rampart, was a large American flag hung on a very high mast, formerly of a ship ; the men of war directing their fire thereat, it was, from their shot, so wounded, as to fall, with the colors, over the fort. Sergeant Jasper of the grenadiers leapt over the ramparts, and deliberately walked the whole length of the fort, until he came to the colors on the extremity of the left, when he cut off the same from the mast, and called to me for a sponge stafl*, and with a thick cord tied on the colors and stuck the staff on the rampart in the sand. The sergeant fortunately received no hurt, though exposed for a considerable time, to the enemy's fire. Governor Rutledge, after the battle, as a reward, took his small sword from his side, and in presence of many officers, presented it to Sergeant Jasper, telling him to wear it in remem- brance of the 28th June, and in remembrance of him. He also offered Jasper a lieutenant's com- mission, but as he could neither read nor write, he modestly refused to accept it, saying, ' he was not fit to keep officers' company, being only bred a sersreant.' " J OHN ADAMS. To give some idea of his immense labors, the following summary may suffice. He was a member of ninety different committees, during 1TY6, and 17Y7. He was chairman of twenty-five. Some of these incurred great responsibility, and required incessant labors. The important duties thus im- posed on him, he continued to discharge with fidelity and assiduity till December, 17YY — when he was appointed a commissioner to France. This appointment he accepted ; and embarked on his mission, in the frigate Boston, in the month of February, 1YY8. It was on this voyage that he evinced his courage as well as his patriotism, in a personal engagement with the enemy of his country. Captain Tucker, of the Boston, having discovered an English ship, with the consent of Mr. Adams gave chase to her ; and, coming up with, engaged her. He had stipulated, as a condition of attacking ^1? DARING DEEDS the ship, that Mr. Adams should keep below, out of danger. But he soon saw him with his musket, among the mariners on deck personally engaged in the conflict. CHAPTER n.— 1776. BATTLE OF PKII^CETON. General Washington, having secui-ed the Hessian prisoners on the Pennsylvania side of the Dela- ware, recrossed the river two days after the action, and took possession of Trenton. Generals Mifflin and Cadwallader, who lay at Bordentown and Crosswix with 3600 militia, were ordered to march ap in the night of the Ist of January, to join the Commander-in-Chief, whose whole effective force, including this accession, did not exceed 5000 men. rhe detachments of the British army, which had been distributed over New Jersey, now assembled at Princeton, and were joined by the army from Brunswick under Lord Comwallis. From this po- sition the enemy advanced toward Trenton in great force, on the morning of the 2d of January ; and, after some slight skirmishing with troops, detached to harass and delay their march, the van 88 DARING DEEDS of their army reached Trenton about four in the afternoon. On their approach, General "Washington retired across the Assumpinck, a rivulet that runs through the town, and, by some field-pieces posted on its opposite banks, compelled them, after a^ tempting to cross in several places, to fall back out of the reach of his guns. The two armies, kindling their fires, retained their position on op- posite sides of the rivulet, and kept up a cannon- ade until night. The situation of the American general was at this moment extremely critical. IS'othing but a stream, in many places fordable, separated his army from an enemy, in every respect its superior. If he remained in his present position, he was certain of being attacked the next morning, at the hazard of the entire destruction of his little army If he should retreat over the Delaware, the ice in that river not being firm enough to admit a pas- sage upon it, there was danger of great loss, perhaps of a total defeat ; the Jerseys would be in full possession of the enemy ; the public mind would be depressed ; recruiting would be discour- iged ; and Philadelphia would be within the reach of General Howe. In this extremity, he boldly OF AMERICAN HEROES. 89 determined to aoandon the Delaware, and by a circuitous march aiong the left flank of the enemy, fall into their rear at Princeton. As soon as it was dark, the baggage was silently removed to Burlington ; and about one o'clock the army, leaving ts fires lighted, ana the sentinels on the margin of the creek, decamped with perfect secrecy. Itt movement was providentially favored by the weather, which had previously been so warm and moist, that the ground was soft, and the roads wero scarcely passable ; but, the wind suddenly changing to the northwest, the ground was in a short time frozen as hard as a pavement. About sunrise, two British regiments, that were on their march under Lieutenant-Colonel Mawhood to join the rear of the British army at Maidenhead, fell in with the van of the Americans, conducted by Genera] Mercer, and a very sharp action ensued. The ad vanced party of Americans, composed chiefly ol militia, soon gave way, and the few regulars at tached to them could not maintain their ground General Mercer, while gallantly exerting himself to rally his broken troops, received a mortal wound The British iTished forward with fixed bayonets, and dro^e back the Americans. General Washington, 00 DARING DEEDS who followed close in the rear, now led on the main body of the army, and attacked the enemy with great spirit. While he exposed himself to their hottest fire, he was so well supported by the same troops which had aided him a few days be- fore in the victory at Trenton, that the British were compelled to give way. The seventeenth regiment, which was in front, forced its way through a part of the American troops, and reached Maidenhead. The fifty-fifth regiment, which was in the rear, retreated by the way of Hillsborough to Brunswick. General Washington pressed for- ward to Princeton. A party of the British that had taken refuge in the college, after receiving a few discharges from the American field-pieces, came, out and surrendered themselves prisoners of war; but the principal part of the regiment that was left there saved itself by a precipitate retreat to Brunswick. In this action, upward of 100 of the enemy were killed on the spot, and nearly 300 were taken prisoners. The loss of the Ameri- cans in killed was somewhat less ; but, beside General Mercer, Colonels Haslet and Potter, twc brave and excellent officers from Pennsylvania Captain Neal of the artillery, Captain Fleming, and OF AMERICAN HEKOES. 91 five otLer valuable officers, were found among the siain. Lord Cornwallis, discovering at daylight that the American army had moved off, broke up his camp, and commenced a rapid march to Brunswick, and was close in the rear of the Americans before they left Princeton. General Washington retired witn his army to Morristown. During these move- ments, many of the American soldiers were without shoes; and their naked feet, in marching over the frozen ground, were so gashed, as to mark each 8t(»p with blood. There was scarcely a tent in the v'hole army. BATTLE OF BEANDYWINE. Sir William Howe, having in vain attempted to entice or provoke General Washington to an en- gagement, had, in June, retired with his army from the Jerseys to Staten Island. After keeping -ne American general in long and perplexing' uspense concerning his intended operations, he at length sailed from Sandy Hook with about 16.000 92 DARINGDEEDS men ; entered Chesapeake Bay ; and on the 24tJ of August arrived at the head of Elk River. Gene rals Grant and Knyphausen having joined him oi the 8th of September with the troops under theii command, the whole army moved onward in two columns toward Philadelphia, the possession of which was now discovered to be the object of the British commander. General Washington, who regulated his movements by those of the enemy had by this time, with the whole American army, excepting the light infantry, which remained on the lines, taken a position behind Red Clay Creek, on the road leading directly from the enemy's camp to Philadelphia. The British boldly advanced until they were within two miles of the Ameri- cans. General Washington, on reconnoitering their situation, apprehending their object to be to turn his right, and, suddenly crossing the Brandywine, to seize the heights on the north side of that river and cut off his communication with Philadelphia, changed his position early in the night of the 8th of September, crossed the Brandywine. and the next morning took post behind that river, on the height near Chadd's Ford OF AMERICAN HEROES. 93 At daybreak on the morning of the 11th, the royal army advanced in two columns, the one com- manded by Lieutenant-General Knyphausen, and the other by Lord Cornwallis. While the first column took the direct road to Chadd's Ford, and made a show of passing it in front of the main body of the Americans, the other moved up on the west side of the Brandywine to its fork, crossed both its branches about two in the afternoon, and marched down on its eastern side with the view of turning the right wing of their adversaries. General Washington, on receiving intelligence of their approach, made the proper disposition to receive them. The divisions commanded by Sulli- van, Stirling, and Stephen, advanced a little farthei up the Brandywine, and fronted the column of the approaching enemy ; Wayne's division, with Max- well's light infantry, remained at Chadd's Ford, to keep Knyphausen in check ; Green's division, ac- companied by General Washington, formed a reserve, and took a central position between the fight and left wings. The divisions detached against Cornwallis took possession of the heights above Birmingham church, their left reaching toward the Brandywine ; the artillery was judiciously placed. 94 DAEINGDEEDS aud their flanks were covered by woods. About four o'clock, Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle, and began the attack. The Americans sus- tained it for some time with intrepidity ; but their right at length giving way, the remaining divi- sions, exposed to a galling fire on the flank, con- tinued to break on the right, and the whole line was soon completely routed. As soon as Cornwallis had commenced his attack ; Knyphausen crossed the ford, and attacked the troops posted for its defence ; which, after a serve conflict, were com- pelled to give way. The retreat of the Americans, which soon became general, was continued that night to Chester, and the next day to Philadelphia. The loss, sustained by the Americans in this action, is estimated at 300 killed, and 600 wounded. Be tween 300 and 400, principally the wounded, were made prisoners. The loss of the British was stated to be rather less than 100 killed, and 400 wounded As the British were advancing toward Goshen to gain the Lancaster road, dispositions were again made for battle, on the 16th, by both armies ; but a. heavy rain separated the advance parties, which nad begun to skirmish, and its increasing violence goon ol>]iged the Americans to retreat. General OF AMERICAN HEROES. 95 Washington on the 19th crossed tlie Scluylkili, and encamped on the eastern banks of that river ; while detachments of his army were posted at the several fords, over which the enemy wonld pro- bablv attempt to force a passage. BATTLE OF GEEMANTOWN. General Washington, having been reinforced by 1500 men from Peekskill, and 1000 from Virginia, and having received intelligence through two inter- cepted letters, that General Howe had detached a part of his force for the purpose of reducing Bill- ing's-point works and the forts on the Delaware, entertained the thought of attacking the main body as it lay at Germantown. The line of encampment crossed the town at right angles about the center ; the left wing extended to the Schuylkill. It was covered in front by the mounted and dismounted chasseurs : a battalion of light infantry, and the Queen's American rangers were in the front of the right; and the 40th regiment, with another 9tj DARING DEEDS baitalion of light infantry, were posted at the head of the town, upon Chestnut-Hill road, there quarters of a mile in advance. Lord Cornwallis lay at Phila- delphia with four battalions of grenadiers. When General Washington had communicated to his coun- cil of war the account he had obtained, the general officers unanimously agreed upon an attack, and to its being made in several places, to produce the greater confusion and Jisti action, and to hinder the several parts of the enemy's forces affording sup- port to each other. It waa to be sudden and vigor- ous, in expectation of carr\ '.ug the point speedily, from an apprehension that the Americans would not persevere in a prolonged attack, for want of better discipline and more acquaintance with mili- tary service. Was it found tha» they could make no impression upon the enemy, they were after a while to make an expeditious retreat. The divi- sions of Sullivan and Wayne, flanked by Conway's brigade, were to enter the town by wayof Chestnu*" Hill ; while Armstrong, with the Pennsy) vania mill tia, got upon the enemy's left and rear. Colonel Thomas Conway, Knight of St. Louis, had been elected so early as May, a brigadier-general, i\;^on the recommendatory letters he brought from F^ar^e. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 97 The divisions of Greene and Stephen, flanked by IVT'Dougall's brigade, were to enter by taking a circuit at the market-house, and to attack the right wing ; and the militia of Maryland and Jersey, imder Generals Smallwood and Freeman were to march by the old York road, and fall upon the rear of the right. Lord Stirling, with Kash's and Maxwell's brigades, were to form a corps de reserve. They began their march about seven o'clock in the evening of the 3d of October. General Wash- ington is with the divisions of Sullivan and Wayne. He expects that if the enemy has gained timely intelligence of his march, they will wait for him on Chestnut Hill, and receive him as he comes out of the woods. When arrived on the hill, without any appearance of opposition, he is congratulated upon the persuasion that the British will be com- pletely surprised. About sunrise on the fourth the attack is begun on the 40th regiment, and the bat- talion of light infantry that accompanied it. These corps are overpowered and pursued. In this exi- gence Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave throws him- self, with six companies of the 40th regiment, into Mr. Chew's stone house, lying full in the front of the Americans. These halt. A discourse ensues 98 DARINGDEEDB between Generals Knox and Keed, in tlie presenc^j of the Commander-in-Chief, whether or not to ad- vance without first reducing the house. Knox urge? that it is contrary to all military rule to leave a foi* possessed by an enemy in their rear. Reed ex claims — " What ! call this a fort, and lose the happy moment ! " Conway is inquired after to give his judgment, but cannot be found. It is agreed to send a flag to the house, and summon the British oflicer to surrender. A young person undertakes to carry it. He approaches, is fired upon, and killed. Meanwhile, General Greene gets up with his column, and attacks the right wing of the enemy. The morning being exceedingly foggy, prevents the Americans from fully improving the advantages they gain. Colonel Mathews, of Greene's column, attacks with uncommon spirit, routs the parties opposed to him, kills a great number, and makes 110 prisoners ; but, through the fog, loses sight of the brigade he belongs to, is separated from it, and is taken prisoner with his whole regi- ment, accompanied with the release of all whom he had captured. A number of Greene's troops are stopped by the halt of the division before Chew's house, where near or quite one half of OF AMjffiRiOAN HEROES. 99 Greneral Washington's army remains some time in- active. During this inactivity, General Grey, bring- ing the front of a great part of the left wing by a timely movement to Germantown, leads on three battalions of the third brigade and attacks with vigor, being supported by General Agnew at the head of the fourth brigade. A warm engagement ensues. At the same time, two British regiments attack on the opposite side of the town ; while General Grant moves up the 49th regiment, to the aid of the 4:th, which is employed in supporting the troops engaged with Greene's column. The fog in so great, that at times you cannot see twenty yards before you, and frequently not more tha./ titty. It occasions the American parties mistaking eacn other for the enemy, and prevents their ob- serving the true situation of the latter. Owing hereto, in a great measure, the Americans quit every part of the town ; and when General Grey, having passed it, advances with the British right wing upon their left, they leave the field hastily and entirely, in spite of every efibrt that can be made to rally them. Lord Cornwallis arrives with a squadron of light horse just in season to join in the pursuit. Greene with his own and Stephen'* 5* 100 DARING DEEDS division, happens ""X) form the last column of *.hf retreating AmericaDS. Upon coming to two roads and thinking it will be safest, and may prevent the enemy's advancing by either so as to get ahead of bim ; and that the divisions may aid each othei upon occasion, he marches one division on the one road, and the second on the other. While contin- uing his retreat, Pulaski's cavalry who is in his rear, being fired upon by the enemy, rides over the second division, and throws them into the utmost disorder, as they know not at first but that they are the British dragoons. The men run and scatter, aiid the general is apprehensive that he shall lose his artillery. He cannot collect a party sufficient to form a rear guard, till he hits upon the device of ordering the men to lay hold of each other's hands. This answers. He collects a number, and by the help of the artillery, brings the enemy to give over the pursuit, after having continued it near five miles. The Americans then proceeded in their march back to Shippach Creek without further disturbance. The British officers acknowledged, soon after this affair, that it was the severest blow they had met with ; that it wap planned with judgment, and OF AMERICAN HKROKB. 101 axecuted with spirit; and that they were at a losa for its not being followed up, unless it was for want of ammunition. The Americans lost in killed twenty-five continental officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, wounded 102, and an equal num- ber missing. The militia were, three killed, four wounded, and eleven missing. Of rank and file, continentals, 109 were killed, and 378 wounded- militla, seven were killed and nineteen wounded. They had artillery officers, two killed and eleven wounded; and matrosses six killed and seven wounded. The total of their killed was 152 ; and of their wotmded 521. Upward of 400 were made prisoners, among whom were fifty-four officers. The number of missing among the Americans is n. rule by which to judge of the number captured by the enemy, as many of the missing, who do not return to their colors, go home. General Nash, 3f North Carolina, was among the slain, and will be honored by Congress with a monument, the game as other generals who have fallen in action, bravely contending for the independence -^f the United States. The loss of the royal army, including the wounded 102 DARING DEEDS and a few prisoners, amounted by their own acknow ledgment, to 585 ; but the slain scarcely exceeded seventy. Among these, however, were some distin- guished officers, particularly General Agnew and Lieutenant-Colonel Bird. They suffered probably more than they allowed. The battle, by General Knox's watch, held two hours and forty minutes. GENERAL WAYNE'S WAEHOESE. At the battle of Germantown, General Wayne rode his gallani roan ; and in charging the enemy, his horse received a wound in his head, and fell, as was supposed, dead. Two days after, the roan returned to the American camp, not materiallj injured ; and was again fit for service. " COLONEL M'LANE. This venerable and distinguished soldier of the Revolution, after having reached the patriarchal age of eighty-three, closed his earthly pilgrimage at Wil- mington, Delaware, in 1829. Colonel M'Lane was distinguished for daring per sonal courage, and for his unremitted activity as a partisan officer. He was long attached to Lee's famous legion of hoi'se, which, throughont the war, was the terror of the British. While the British occupied Philadelphia, Colonel M'Lane was constantly scouring the adjacent coun- try, particularly the upper part of Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery counties — seizing every opportunity to cut off the scouring parties of the enemy, to intercept their supplies of provisions, and to take advantage of every opening which offered for striking a sudden blow. In this capa- city, he rendered many important services to the army, and caused great alarm to the British ; and 104 BAKING DEEDS though they frequently attempted to surprise and take him, yet such was his constant watchfulness, that none of their attempts succeeded. Having concerted with Captain Craig, the plan of an attack upon a small detachment of the enemy, they agreed to rendezvous at a house near Shoemake- town, eight miles from Philadelphia, on the Willow Grove turnpike. Colonel M'Lane, having ordered his little band of troopers to follow at some dis- tance, commanded two of them to precede the main body, but also to keep in his rear ; and if they discovered an enemy to ride up to his side and inform him of it without speaking aloud. While leisurely approaching the place of rendez- vous, in this order, in the early gray of the mor- ning, the two men directly in his rear, forgetting their orders, suddenly called out, "Colonel, the British!" faced about, and putting spurs to their horses, were soon out of sight. The colonel, looking around, discovered that he was in the center of a powerful ambuscade, into which the enemy had silently allowed him to pass, without his observing them. They lined both sides of the road, and had been stationed there to pick up any straggling {)arty of the Americans that might chance to pass OF AMERICAN HEROES. lv)5 Immediately on finding they were discovered, a file of soldiers rose from the side of the highway, and fired at the colonel, but without efl'ect — and as he put spurs to his horse, and mounted the road-side into the woods, the other part of the de- tachment also fired. The colonel miraculously escaped : but a shot striking his horse upon the flank, he dashed through the woods, and in a few minutes reached a parallel road upon the opposite side of the forest. Being familiar with the country, he feared to turn to the left, as that course led to the city, and he might be intercepted by another ambuscade. Turning, therefore, to the right his frightened horse carried him swiftly beyond the reach of those who fired upon him. All at once, however, on emerging from a piece of woods, he observed several British troopers stationed near the road-side, and directly in sight ahead, a farm house, around which he observed a whole troop of the enemy's cavalry drawn up. He dashed by the troopers near him, without being molested, they believing he was on his way to the main body to surrender himself. The farm house was situated at the intersection of two roads, presenting but few avenues by which he could escape. Nothing 106 DARING DEEDS daunted by the formidable array before him, he galloped tip to the cross roads ; on reaching which he spm-red his active horse, turned suddenly to the right, and was soon fairly out of the reach of their pistols, though as he turned, he heard them call loudly, surrender or die. A dozen were instantly in pursuit; but, in a short time, they all gave up the chase, except two. Colonel M'Lane's horse, scared by the first wound he had ever re- ceived, and being a chosen animal, kept ahead for several miles, while his two pursuers followed with unwearied eagerness. The pursuit at length waxed so hot that, as the colonel's horse stepped out of a small brook which crossed the road, his pursuers entered at the op- posite margin. In ascending a little hill the horses of the three were greatly exhausted, so much that neither could be urged faster than a walk. Occasionally, as one of the trooj^ers pursued on a little in advance of his companion, the colonel slackened his pace, anxious to be attacked by one of the two — but no sooner was his willing- ness discovered, than the other fell back to hia station They at length approached so near that OF AMERICAN HEROES. 107 a conversation took place between them : the troopers calling out — "Surrender, you damned rebel, or we'll cut you to pieces." Suddenly, one of them rode up on the right side of the colonel, and without drawing his sword, laid hold of his collar. The latter, to use his own words " had pistols which he knew he could depend upon." Drawing one from the holster, he placed it to the heart of his antagonist, fired, and tumbled him dead on the ground. Instantly the other came up on his left, with sword drawn, and also seized him by the collar of his coat. A fierce and deadly struggle here ensued ; in the course of which Colonel M'Lane was desperately wounded in the back of his left hand, cutting asunder the veins and tendons of that member. Seizing a favorable opportunity, he drew his other pistol, and with a steadiness of purpose, which appeared even in his recital of the incident, placed it directly between the eyes of his adversary, pulled the trigger, and scattered his brains on every side of the road. Fearing that others were in pursuit, he abandoned his horse in the highway : and apprehensive, from his extreme weakness, that he might die from loss 108 DARING DEEDS of blood, he crawled into au adiaeeiit mill pond, eii-tirelj naked, and at length succeeded in stopping the profuse flow of blood, occasioned by his wound. KEV. THOMAS ALLEN. Rev. Thomas Allen was the tirst minister of Fittsfield. When the American Revolution com- menced, he like the great body of the clergy, ardently espoused the cause of the oppressed colo- nies, and bore his testimony against the oppression of the mother country. When, in anticipation of the conflict which finally took place at Bennington, the neighboring country was roused to arms, he used his influence to increase the band of Patriots, by exciting his townsmen to proceed to the battle ground. A company was raised in his parish and proceeded. Some causes, however, were found to retard their progress on the way. Hearing of the delay, he proceeded immediately to join them, by his influence quickened their march, and soon pre sented them to Gen. Stark. Learning from hiir OP AMERICAN HEROES. 109 that he meditated an attack on the enemy, he said he would fight, but could not willingly bear arms against them, until he had invited them to submit. He was insensible to fear, and according!}^ pro ceeded so near as to make himself distinctly heard in their camp, where, after taking a stand on a convenient eminence, he commenced his pious exhortations, urging them to lay down their arms. He was answered by a volley of musketry, which lodged their contents in the log on which he stood. Turning calmly to a friend, who had followed hin: under cover of the breast -work which formed his footstool, he said — '^ Now give me a gun ; " and this is said to be the first American gun which spoke on that memorable occasion. He continued to bear his part till the battle was decided in favor of the American arms, and contributed honorably to that result. BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. General Burgoyne's progress toward Albany was delayed through the want of speedy and sufficient supply of provisions. He considered in what way the difficulty was to be surmounted. According to information, the Americans had a great deposit of corn, flour, and store cattle at Bennington, which was guarded only by militia. Every day's account confirmed the persuasion of the loyalty of one de- scription of the inhabitants in that part of the country, and of the panic of the other. He there- fore entertained the design of surprising the stores at Bennington, and of sending a very large detach- ment upon the expedition ; but was diverted from the latter, as supposed, by Major Skeen, who assured him, " The friends to the British cause are as five to one, and they want only the appearance of a protecting power to show themselves." Re- lying upon their attachment, the general sent the German Lieutenant-Colonel Baum, with only about OF AMERICAN HEEOSJS. Ill 500 men, and 100 Indians, who carried with them two light pieces of artillery. To facilitate the ope- ration the army moved along the eastern shore of Hudson Eiver, and encamped nearly opposite to Saratoga ; and a bridge of rafts being thrown over, the advance corps passed to that place. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Breyman's corps, consisting of the Brimswick grenadiers, light infantrj^ and chasseurs, were posted at Batten-kill, in order if necessary to support Baum. Stark, hearing that a party of Indians was at Cambridge, sent Lieutenant-Colonel Gregg with 200 men to stop their progress. Toward night he was informed by express, that there was a large body of regulars in the rear of the Indians. On tliat he drew together his brigade, and the militia who were at hand, in order to stop their march ; sent to Manchester for Colonel Warner's regiment, and forwarded expresses to the neighbor- ing militia to join him with all speed. He then marched, in the morning of the 14th, with Colonels Warner, Williams, and Brush, and the men present, and in about seven miles met G-regg retreating, and the enemy within a mile of him. The troops drew up in order of battle ; and the enemy, upon coming in sight, halted upon a very advantageous 112 DARING DEEDS piece of ground. Baiim perceiving that the Amer- icans were too strong to be attacked by his present force, sent an express to Burgoyne with an account of his situation ; and Breyman was immediately despatched to reinforce him Meanwhile small parties of the Americans skirmished with the enemy, killed and wounded thirty of them, with two Indian chiefs, without any loss to themselves, which had a good effect upon their courage. The ground Stark occupied not being suitable for a general action, he retreated about a mile and en- camped. In a council of war, it was agreed to send two detachments into the enemy's rear, while the rest of the troops attacked in front. On the 15th of August it rained all day, which retarded the intended assault ; however there was frequent skirmdshings in small parties. The heavy rain, together with the badness of the roads, prevented also Breyman's advancing to Baum's assistance with despatch. The next day, August 16th, Stark being joined in the morning by Col- onel Seymonds, from Berkshire, pursued his plan. Baum, in the meanwhile, had entrenched and rendered his post as defensible as time and its nature would permit. General Stark detached OF AMERICAN HEROES. 113 Nichols with his force to the rear of his left : Colonel Henrick, with 300 men, was sent to the rear of his right : they were to join, and then attack. Warner, Habard and Stickney, with 200, were posted still further on his right. A hundred men were also advanced toward his front to draw hifa attention that way. About three o'clock in the afternoon all were ready for the attack. Before Nichols and Henrick could join, the Indians pushed ofl" between the two corps, but receiving a fire as they passed, had three killed and two wounded. Nichols then began the assault upon Baum, and was followed by the rest ; those in front pushing forward. In a few minutes the action oecame general, and lasted about two hours, with one con- tinued noise like the ruffling of a drum. Baum made a brave defence ; and the German dragoons kept together after having expended their ammuni- tion, and led by their colonel charged with their swords, but were soon overpowered. The whole detachment, though well enclosed by two breast- works, were forced to give way to the superior number and corn-age of the Americans, who with their brown firelocks, scarce a bayonet, little disci pline, and not a single piece of cannon, ventured 114 DARING DEEDS to attack 500 ^ell trained regulars, furnished with the best and completest arms and accoutrements, having two pieces of artillery, being advantageously posted, and accompanied by 100 Indians. When the militia had gained the victory, they dispersed to collect plunder, which they were very desirous of securing. This nearly proved fatal to them. While thus busied. Stark received information, that the reinforcement under Breyman was within two miles of him. Happily, at that instant, Warner's continental regiment, which had been sent for from Manchester, came up fresh, marched on, and began to engage ; meanwhile the militia collected as fast as possible, and pushed on to its assistance. The action became general ; and the battle continued «.»bstinate on both sides till sunset ; when the Ger mans gave way, partly through a failure of ammu nition, leaving their two pieces of artillery behind them, and a number of prisoners. They retreated m the best manner they could, improving the advantage of the evening and of the night. The Americans took four brass field-pieces twelve brass drums, 250 dragoon swords, foui ammunition wagons, and 700 prisoners, among whon^ was Lieutenant-Colonel Baum. Three hundred dean OF AMERICAN HEROES. 115 are said to have been found upon the spot ; but if 80, surely the slain on each side must have been included. The Americans lost but about 100 killed and wounded. The courage of the men was sharpened by the prospect of advantage, for in General Stark's orders they were promised all the plunder that should be taken in the enemy's camp. The royal officers were astonished to see how un- dauntedly they rushed on the mouths of the cannon. Both men and officers are entitled to much honor for their gallant behavior. Colonels Warner and Henrick's superior skill in military matters was of service to the general, who was less conversant with them than they ; but his rank in the army of the United States was afterward given him by Congress, on the 4th of October, when they " Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be presented to General Stark, of the Kew Hamp- shire militia, and the officers and troops under his command, for their brave and successful attack upon, and signal victory over the enemy in their 'ines at Bennington; and that Brigadier Stark be appointed a brigadier-general in the army of the Jnited States." IN" ever were thanks more de- gervedly bestowed. This was the first turn of 6 116 DARING DEEDS affairs in favor of the Americans in the northern department after the death of General Montgomery. It raised the spirits of the conntrj, and made the militia willing to turn out beyond what would have otherwise been done. BATTLE OF SAKATOGA. After collecting thirty day's provision Burgoyne passed the Hudson, and encamped at Saratoga. Gates, with numbers already equal, and continually augmenting, began to advance toward him with a resolution to oppose his progress at the risk of a battle. He encamped at Stillwater, and Burgoyne hastened forward to open the way with his sword. On the 17th of September the two armies were within four miles of each other. Two days after, sldrmishes between advanced parties terminated in an engagement almost general, in which the utmost efforts of the British merely enabled them to main tfcin the footing of the preceding day. Burgoyne, unassisted by the British forces undei OF AMERICAN HEROEft. 117 Clinton at New York, found himself unable to pursue his march down the river, and in the hope of this assistance, was content to remain in his camp, and stand on the defensive. His army was likewise diminished by the desertion of the Indians and the Canadian militia, to less than one half of its original number. Gates finding his forces largely inc.veasing, being plentifully supplied with provisions, and knowing that Burgoyne had only a limited store, which was rapidly lessening, and could not be recruited, was not without hopes that victory would come, in time, even without a battle. His troops were so numerous, and his fortified position so strong, that he was able to take mea- sures for preventing the retreat of the enemy, by occupying the strong posts in his rear. Accord- ingly nineteen days passed without any furthei operations, a delay as ruinous to one party, as it was advantageous to the other. At the end of this period, the British general found his prospects of assistance as remote as ever, and the consumption of his stores so alarming, that retreat or victory became unavoidable alternatives. On the 8th of October a warm action ensued in which the British were everywhere repulsed, 118 DARING DEEDS and a part of their lines occnpied by their ene mies. Burgoyne's loss was very considerable in killed, wounded, and prisoners, while the favorable situation of Gates' army made its losses in the battle of no moment. Burgoyne retired in the night to a stronger camp, but the measures imme- diately taken by Gates, to cut off his retreat, com- pelled him without delay to regain his former camp at Saratoga. There he arrived with little molesta- tion from his adversary. His provisions being now reduced to the supply of a few days, the transport of artillery and baggage toward Canada being rendered impracticable by the judicious measures of his adversary, the British general resolved upon a rapid retreat, merely with what the soldiers could carry on their backs. On a careful scrutiny, however, it was found that they were deprived even of this resource, as the passes through which their route lay were so strongly guarded that nothing but artillery could clear them. In this desperate situation a parley took place, and on the 16th of October the whole army surrendered to Gates The prize obtained consisted of more than 5000 prisoners, some fine artillery, 7000 muskets, clothing for 7000 men, OF AMERICAN HEK0E8. 119 witn a great quantity of tents, and other military stores. All the frontier fortresses were immediately abandoned to the victors. It is not easy to overrate the importance of this success. It may be considered as deciding the war of the Kevolution, as from that period the British cause began rapidly to decline. The capture of Cornwallis was not of more importance than that of Burgoyne, nor was it in itself an event of greater splendor, or productive of more exultation. REYOLUTIOJSTARY REMmiSCENCE. Major W. H., an officer who was distinguished for his bravery and gallant spirit, had under his charge about 300 ' Green Mountain boys' — a most significant appellation in those days — all of whom were sharpshooters, accustomed to the field, and strangers to fear. This corps was placed on an advantageous piece of ground, partly concealed by bushes. The enemy were duly apprised ot their position, and it was deemed important to dislodge 120 DARING DEEDS them. Accordingly, a formidable detachment, esti- mated at about 500 strong, was ordered to march against them. They advanced upon a charge, think ing to decide the contest without much loss and with little difficulty. The Americans undismayed, were prepared to receive them. Major H. gave peremptory orders to his troops to reserve thei) fire until the word of command ; the enemy there- lore rushed on without interruption until they had approached within a few rods of this Spartan band, when, pursuant to order, so deadly a fire was poured into their ranks, that those who escaped retreated in dismay and confusion. The surviving officers, and they were few in number, soon rallied their forces and brought them a second time to the charge, advancing to the line of their comrades who had faller, when they received a second fire not less destructive than the first; the enemy were completely panic struck, and fell back in wild dis- order. The few remaining officers, however, who behaved with dauntless bravery, and probably thirsting for vengeance, rallied their troops once more, although but few were left, and brought them a third time to the charge. The issue of *iiis attem|3t was not less fatal then the others ; foi OF AMERICAN H E R O E e> . after receiving the third fire, the survivors fled in terror and despair, and soon surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Their astonishment was past utterance when they found that out of the whole force with whom they had been associated, no more than thirty-six remained ! The others lay stretched upon the field in mute silence, presenting a terri- ble memento of the power and unyielding spirit of freemen, when summoned to battle in the defence of invaded rights. Immediately after th« issue of the engagement, my informant repaired to that part of the field which had been attended with such fatal conse- quences to the enemy. He was horror struck on witnessing the scene that presented itself to his view. And his declaration to the writer of this article was, ' I never beheld so awful a spectacle as here greeted my eyes. It was a winrow of dead men from one end of the line to the other.'* The contrast of the ' Green Mountain boys,' was scaicely less striking, as but few of them were injured. MARCH OF BURGOYNE. As the invader advanced, the inhabitants fled in the wildest consternation. The horrors of war, how- ever mitigated by the laws and usages of civiliza- tion, are at all times sufficiently terrific ; but when to these the fierce cruelties of a cloud of savages are superadded, those only who have been familiar «^ith an American border warfare can form an ade- quate opinion of its atrocities. Among the fugitives driven from their peaceful abodes on the present occasion was Mrs, Ann Eliza Bleecker, a lady who has been somewhat celebrated as one of the early poets of our country. She was the daughter of Mr. Brandt Schuyler, of the city of New York, and the wife of John J. Bleecker, Esq., of ISTew Rochelle. whose enterprise, together with his lady's love for the wild scenery of the forest, had induced him to exchange a residence among the busy haunts of men for a solitary plantation in the vale of the Tomhanic, a mountain stream flowing into the OF AMERICAN HKROKS. VZO Hoosic River, about twenty miles from Albany. Mr. Bleecker's residence lay directly in the march of Bm-goyne, on whose approach he hastened to Albany to provide accommodations for his family. But a few hours after his departure, Mrs. Bleecker, as she sat at the table, received intelligence that the enemy, with tomahawk and brand, was within two miles of her residence. Instant flight was the only alternative. Taking one of her children in her arms, and seizing the other by the hand, she started off on foot, attended only by a young mulatto girl, and leaving her house and all its contents a prey to the Indians. The roads were encumbered by carriages, loaded with women and children, each intent upon his or her own safety ; so that no assistance could be obtained, and her only recourse was to mingle in the fugitive throng, and participate in the common panic and common distress. Having traveled about five miles on foot, however, she succeeded in obtaining a seat for the children in a wagon, which served to facilitate her march. On the following morning she was met oy her husband, who conducted her to Albany, and thence down the Hudson as far as Red Hook, one of her children dying by the way. 6* 9 124: DARING DEEDS Amid this scene of desolation and affright, there was jet one woman whose proud spirit was mi- daunted. It was the lady of General Schuyler. The general's country-seat was upon his estate in Saratoga, standing upon the margin of the river. On the approach of Burgoyne, Mrs. Schuyler went up to Saratoga, in order to remove their furniture. Her carriage was attended by only a single armed man on horseback. When within two miles of her house, she encountered a crowd of panic-stricken people, who recited to her the tragic fate of Miss M'Crea, and, representing to her the danger of proceeding farther in the face of the enemy, urged her to return. She had yet to pass through a dense forest, within which even then some of the savage troops might be lurking for prey. But to these prudential counsels she would not listen. ^' The general's wife," she exclaimed, " must not be afraid !" and, pushing forward, she accomplished her purpose. Before the mansion was evacuated, however, the general himself had a narrow escape from assassi- nation by the hand of a savage, who had insinuated himself into the house for that purpose. It was at the hour of bedtime in the evening, and while the OF AMERICAN HEROES. 12*6 g(iAeral was preparing to retire for the night, that a l*;male servant, in coming in from the hall, saw a gleam of light reflected from the blade of a knife, in the hand of some person whose dark outline she iiscerned behind the door. The servant was a black slave, who had sufficient presence of mind not to appear to have made the discovery. Pass- ing directly through the door into the apartment where the general was yet standing near the fire- place, with an air of unconcern she pretended to arrange such articles as were disposed upon the mantelpiece, while in an under-tone she informed her master of her discovery, and said, aloud, " I will call the guard." The general instantly seized his arms, while the faithfal servant hurried out by another door into a long hall, upon the floor of which lay a loose board which creaked beneath the tread. By the noise she made in tramping rapidly upon the board, the Indian — for such he proved — was led to suppose that the Philistines were upon him in numbers, sprang from his con- cealment and fled. He was pursued, however, by the guard and a few friendly Indians attached to the person of General Schuyler, overtaken, and made prisoner. Exasperated at his treachery, tho 12f) DARINe DEEDS friendly Indians were resolved to put him to death, and it was with much difficulty that they were diverted from their purpose by the general. The effect* of the incidents we have been detail- ing, and other recitals of savage cruelties, not all, as General Burgoyne represented, without founda- tion, was extensive and powerful. The cry of ven- geance was universal, and a spirit was aroused which proved of speedy and great advantage to the American arms. BATTLE OF ORISKANY. It appears that on the morning of that day, which was the 9th of August, General Herkimer had misgivings as to the propriety of advancing any farther without first receiving re-enforcements. His officers, however, were eager to press forward. A consultation was held, in which some of the officers manifested much impatience at any delay, while the general still urged them to remain where they were until re-enforcements could come up, or OF AMERICAN HKROK8. 127 at least intil the signal of a sortie should be re ceived from the fort. High words ensued, during which Colonels Cox and Paris, and many others, denounced their commander to his face as a Tory and a coward. The brave old man calmly replied that he considered himself placed over them as a %ther, and that it was not his wish to lead them to any difficulty from which he could not extricate them. Burning, as they now seemed, to meet the enemy, he told them roundly that they would run at his first appearance. But his remonstrances were unavailing. Their clamor increased, and their reproaches were repeated, until, stung by imputations of cowardice and a want of fidelity to the cause, and somewhat irritated, withal, the general immediately gave the order, " March on !" The words were no sooner heard than the troops gave a shout, and moved, or, rather, rushed forward. They marched forward in files of two deep, pre- ceded by an advanced guard and keeping flanks upon each side. Having by ten o'clock, proceeded rapidly forward to the distance of only two or three miles, the guards, both front and flanks, were suddenly shot dcwn, the forest rang with the war-whoops of a 128 DARING DEEDS savage foe, and in an instant the greater part of the division found itself in the midst of a formi- dable ambuscade. Colonel St. Leger, it appeared, having heard of the advance of General Herkimer, in order to prevent an attack in his intrenchments, had detached a division of Sir John Johnson's regi- ment of Greens, under Sir John's brother-in-law. Major Watts, Colonel Butler with his rangers, and Joseph Brant with a strong body of Indians, to inter- cept his approach. With true Indian sagacity, Tha- yendanega had selected a position admirably fitted for his purpose, which was to draw the Americans, whom he well knew to be approaching in no very good military array, into an ambuscade. The locality favored his design. There was a deep ravine crossing the path which Herkimer, with his undisciplined array, was traversing, "sweeping toward the east in a semicircular form, and bear- ing a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was marshy, and the road crossed it by means of a causeway. The ground, thus partly enclosed by the ravine, was elevated and level. The ambuscade was laid upon the high ground west of the ravine." The enemy had disposed himself adroitly, m » OF AMEBICAN HEROES. 129 circle, leaving only a narrow segment open for th« admission of the ill-starred Provincials on tlieii approach. The stratagem was successftd. Uncon- scious of the presence of the foe, Herkimer, with his whole armj, excepting the rear-guard, composed of Colonel Yisscher's regiment, found himself en- compassed at the first fire, the enemy closing up the gap at the instant of making himself known. By thus early completing the circle, the baggage and ammimition wagons, which had just descended into the ravine, were cut ofi" and separated from the main body, as also was the regiment of Colonel Visscher, yet on the eastern side of the ravine ; which, as their general had predicted, instantly and ingloriously fled, leaving their companions to their fate. They were pm-sued, however, by a portion of Che Indians, and sufiered more severely, probably, than they would have done had they stood by their fellows in the hour of need, -either to conquer or to fall. Being thrown into irretrievable disorder, by the suddenness of the sm-prise and the destructiveness of the fire, which was close and brisk from every side, the division was for a time threatened with annihilation. At every opportunity, the savages, 130 DAKINO DEEDS concealed behind the trunks of trees, darted forward with knife and tomahawk to ensure the destruction of those who fell ; and many and fierce were the conflicts that ensued hand to hand. The veteran Herkimer fell, wounded, in the early part of the action, a musket ball having passed through and killed his horse, and shattered his own leg just below the knee. The general was placed upon his saddle, however, against the trunk of a tree for his support, and thus continued to order the battle Colonel Cox, and Captains Davis and Van Sluycfc. were severally killed near the commencement of the engagement ; and the slaughter of their broken ranks, from the rifles of the Tories and the spears and tomahawks of the Indians, was dreadful. But even in this deplorable situation, the wounded general, his men dropping like i eaves around nim. and the forest resounding with the horrid yells of the savages, ringing high and wild over the din of battle, behaved with the most perfect firmness and composure. The action had lasted about forty-five minutes, in great disorder, before the Provincials formed themselves into circles in order to repel the attacks of the enemy, who were concentrating. and closing in upon them from all sides. From OF AMERICAN HERuMS. 13J this moment the resistance of the Provincials was more effective, and the enemy attempted to charge with the bayonet. The firing ceased for a time excepting the scattering discharges of musketry from the Indians ; and as the bayonets crossed, the contest became a death struggle, hand to hand, and foot to foot. Kever, however, did brave men stand a charge with more dauntless courage, and the enemy for the moment seemed to recoil — just at the instant when the work of death was arrested by a heavy shower of rain, which suddenly broke apon the combatants with great fhry. The storm raged for upward of an hour, during which time the enemy sought such shelter as might be found among the trees at a respectful distance ; for they had already suffered severely, notwithstanding the advantages in their favor. During this suspension of the battle, both parties had time to look about, and make such new dispo- sitions as they pleased for attack and defence, on renewing the murderous conflict. The Provincials, under the direction of their general, were so fortu- nate as to take possession of an advantageous piece of ground, upon which his men formed themselves into a circle, and, as the shower broke away, awaited 182 DABING DKKDB the movements of the enemy. In the early part of the battle, the Indians whenever they saw a gun fired by a militiaman from behind a tree rushed upon and tomahawked him before he could re-load. In order to counteract this mode of warfare, two men were stationed behind a single tree, one only to fire at a time, the other reserving his fire until the Indians ran up as before. The fight was presently renewed, and by the new arrangement, and the cool execution done by the fire of the militia forming the main circle, the Indians were made to suffer severely; so much so, that they began to give way, when Major Watts came up with a re-enforcement, consisting of another detachment of Johnson's Greens. These men were mostly Loyal- ists, who had fled from Tryon county, now returned in arms against their former neighbors. As no quarrels are so bitter as those of families, so no wars are so cruel and passionate as those called civil. Many of the Provincials and Greens were known to each other; and as they advanced so near as to afford opportunities of mutual recog- aition, the contest became, if possible, more of a leath struggle than before. Mutual resentments and feelings of hate and revenge, raged in their bosoms OF AMEBIOAN HEROES. 183 The Provincials fired upon them as they advanced, and then springing like chafed tigers from their covers, attacked them with their bayonets and the Dutts of their muskets, or both parties, in closer contact, throttled each other and drew their knives ; stabbing, and sometimes literally dying in one another's embrace. At length a firing was heard in the distance from the fort, a sound as welcome to the Provincials as it was astounding to the enemy. Availing them selves of the hint, however, a ruse-de-guerre was attempted by Colonel Butler, which had well nigh proved fatal. It was the sending, suddenly, from the direction of the fort, a detachment of the Greens disguised as American troops, in the ex pectation that they might be received as a timely re-enforcement from the garrison. Lieutenant Jacob Sammons was the first to descry their approach, in the direction of a body of men commanded by Captain Jacob Gardenier, an officer who, during that memorable day, performed prodigies of valor. Perceiving that their hats were American, Sammons informed Captain Gardenier that succors from the fort were coming up. The quick eye of the captain detected the ruse^ and he replied, "Net so : they 134 DARING DEEDS are enemies: don't you see their green coats!' The J continued to advance until hailed by Garde- nier ; at which moment one of his own soldiers, observing an acquaintance, and supposing him a friend, ran to meet him, and presented his hand. It was grasped, but with no friendly gripe, as the credulous fellow was dragged into the opposing jne, and informed that he was a prisoner. He did not yield without a struggle ; during which Gardenier, watching the action and the result, sprang forward, and with a blow from his spear levelled the captor to the dust and liberated his man. Others of the foe instantly set upon him, of whom he slew the second and wounded a third. Three of the disguised Greens now sprang upon him, and one of his spurs becoming entangled in their clothes, he was thrown to the ground. Still contending, however, with almost superhuman strength, both of his thighs were transfixed to the earth by the bayonets of two of his assailants, while the third presented a bayonet to his breast as if to thrust him through. Seizing this bayonet with his left hand, by a sudden wrench he brought its owner down upon himself, where he held him as a shield against the arms of the others, until one of OF AMERICANHEROKS. 186 nis own men, Adam Miller, observing the straggle flew to his rescue. As the assailants turned upon their new adversary, Gardenier rose upon his seat ; and although his hand was severely lacerated by grasping the bayonet which had been drawn through it, seized his spear lying by his side, and, quick as lightning, planted it to the barb in the side of the assailant with whom he had been clinched. The man fell and expired, proving to be Lieutenant McDonald, one of the Loyalist officers from Tryon county. All this occurred in far less time than is necessarily occupied by the relation. While en- gaged in the struggle, some of his own men called Dut to Gardenier, "For God's sake. Captain, you are killing your own men I " He replied, " They are not our men — they are the enemy — fire away I" A deadly fire from the Provincials ensued, during which about thirty of the Greens feU slain, and many Indian warriors. The parties once more rushed upon each other with bayonet and spear, grappling and fighting with terrible fury ; while the shattering of shafts and the clashing of steel min- gled with every dread sound of war and death, and the savage yells, more hideous than all, pre- sented a scene which can be more easily imagined 136 DARING DEEDS than described. The unparalleled fortitude and bravery of Caj^tain Gardenier infused fresh spirits into his men, some of whom enacted wonders of valor likewise. It happened dm'ing the melee^ in which the contending parties were mingled in great confusion, that three of Johnson's Greens rushed within the circle of the Provincials, and attempted to make a prisoner of Captain Dillenback. This officer had declared he never would be taken alive, and he was not. One of his three assailants seized his gun, but he suddenly wrenched it from him, and felled him with the butt. He shot the second dead and thrust the third through with his bayonet But, in the moment of his triumph, at an exploit of which even the mighty Hector, or either of the sons of Zeruiah might have been proud, a ball laid this brave man low in the dust. Such a conflict as this could not be continued long; and the Indians, perceiving with what ardor the Provincials maintained the fight, and finding their own number sadly diminished, now raised the retreating cry of " Oonah /" and fled in every direc- tion, under the shouts and hurrahs of the surviving Provincials, and a shower of bullets. Finding, moreover, from the firing at the fort, that their QT AMERICAN HEKOES. 137 nresence was Decessary elsewhere, the Greens and Kangers now retreated precipitately, leaving the victorious militia of Tryon county masters of tne Held. Thus ended one of the severest, and, for the num- bers engaged, one of the most bloody battles of the Eevolutionary war. Though victorious, the loss of the Provinciais was very heavy; and Tryor county long had reason to mourn that day. Colone: Paris was taken prisoner by the enemy, and after- ward murdered oy the Indians. Several other prisoners were aiso killed by the savages, after they had been brought into Colonel Butler's quar- ters, and, as it was said, by the colonel's own tacit consent, if not permission in terms. But the general character of that officer forbids the impu- tation. Major John Frey, of Colonel Knock's regi- ment, was likewise wounded and taken ; and, to show the more tnan savage fmy burning in the bosoms of the men brought into conflict on this occa- sion, the disgraceftd fact may be added, that his own brother, who was in the British service, at- tempted to take his life, after he had arrived m Butler's camp. The major saw his brother aT>, proaching in a menacing manner, and called out, 138 DARINODBKDB " Brother, do not kill me I do yon not kjiow me ?" But the infuriated brother rushed forward, and the major was only saved by the interposition of others. The whole number of the Provincial militia killed was 200, exclusive of the wounded and the lost as prisoners. Retaining possession of the field, the survivors immediately set themselves to work in constructing rude litters, upon which to bear off the wounded. Between forty and fifty of these, among whom was the commanding general, were removed in this manner. The brave old man, notwithstanding the, imprudence of the meaning — imprudence in allow- ing a premature movement at the dictation of his subordinates — had nobly vindicated his character for courage during the day. Though wounded, as we have seen, in the onset, he had borne himself during the six hours of conflict, under the most try- ing circumstances, with a degree of fortitude and composure worthy of all admiration. Nor was his example without effect in sustaining his troops amid the perils by which they were environed. At one time during the battle, while sitting upon his sad- dle raised upon a little hillock, being advised to select a less exposed situation, he replied, ' I will OF AMERICAN HEBOEB 139 tace the enemy." Thus, " suironnded by a few men, he continued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, and in the heat of the onslaught, he deliberately took his tinder-box fi-om his pocket, lit his pipe, and smoked with great composure. '' At the moment the soldiers were placing him on the litter, while adjusting the blankets to the poles, three Indians approached, and were instantly shot down by the unerring rifles of three of the militia. These were the last shots fired in that battle. The loss of the enemy in this engagement was equal to, if not more severe than, that of the Ameri- cans. DEATH OF GENERAL HERKIMER. General Herkimer did not long survive the battle of Oriskany. He was conveyed to his own house near the Mohawk River, a few miles below the Little Falls, where his leg, which had been shat- tered five or six inches below the knee, was ampu- tated about ten days after the battle, by a young 1 10 140 DARING DEEDS French surgeon in the army of General Arnold, and contrary to the advice of the general's own medical adriser, the late Doctor Petrie. But the operation was unskillftdly performed, and it waf found impossible by his attendants to stanch the blood. Colonel "Willett called to see the general soon after the operation. He was sitting up in hie bed, with a pipe in his mouth, smoking, and talking in excellent spirits. He died the night following that visit. His friend. Colonel John Roff, wa£ present at the amputation, and affirmed that he bore the operatii^n with uncommon fortitude. He was likewise with him at the time of his death The blood continuing to flow — there being no physician in immediate attendance — and being himself satisfied that the time of his departure was nigh, the veteran directed the Holy Bible to be brought to him. He then opened it and read, in the presence of those who smTounded his bed, with all the composure which it was possible for any man to exhibit, tlie thirty-eighth Psalm, applying it to his own situation. He soon afterward expired ; and it may well be questioned whether the annals of man famish a more striking example of OhristiaD OF AMEBIOAN HEE0K8. 141 heroism — calm, deliberate, and firm in the horn* of death — than is presented in this remarkable instance. Of the early history of General Herkimer but little is known. It has been already stated that his family was one of the first of the Germans who planted themselves in the Mohawk Valley ; and the massive stone mansion, yet standing at German Flatts, bespeaks its early opulence. He was an uneducated man, with, if possible, less skill ji letters even than General Putnam, which is saying much. But he was, nevertheless, a man of strong and vigorous imderstanding, destitute of some of the essential requisites of generalship, but of tbe most cool and dauntless courage. These traits were all strikingly disclosed in the brief and bloody ex- pedition to Oriskany. But he must have been well acquainted with that most important of all books — THE Bible. Xor could the most learned biblical scholar, lay or clerical, have selected a portion of the sacred Scriptures more exactly appropriate to the situation of the dying soldier than that to which he himself spontaneously turned. If Socrates died like a philosopher, and Rousseau like an unbelieving sentimentaKst, General Herkimer died like a \ 142 DAKING DBBD8 Cheistiajst Hero. Congress passed a resolution re questing the Governor and Council of New York to erect a monument, at the expense of the United States, to the memory of this brave man, of the value of $500. This resolution was transmitted to the Governor of New York, George Clinton, in a letter, from which the following passage is quoted : " Every mark of distinction shown to the memory of such illustrious men as offer up theii lives for the liberty and happiness of their country, reflects real honor on those who pay the tribute ; and, by holding up to others the prospect of fame and immortality, will animate them to tread in the same path." Governor CKnton thus wrote to the committee of Try on county on the occasion : " En- closed you have a letter and resolves of Congress for erecting a monument to the memory of your late gallant general. While with you I lament the cause, I am impressed with a due sense of the great and justly merited honor the continent has, in this instance, paid to the memory of that brave man." Such were the feelings of respect for the services ana memory of the deceased entertained by the great men of that day. Sixty years have since OF AMERICAN HEROES. 143 rolled away, and the jonmal of Congress is the only monument, and the resolution itself the only inscription, which as yet testify the gratitude of the Republic to General Nicholas Herkimer. CHAPTER IV.— 177 S MARION, THE REPUBLICAN GENERAL, We received, says his biographer, a flag from the enemy in Georgetown, S. C, the object of which was to make some arrangements about the exchange of prisoners. The flag, after the usual ceremony of blindfolding, was conducted into Marion's encampment. "When led into Marion's presence, and the bandage taken from his eyes, ho beheld in our hero a swarthy, smoke dried little man, with scarcely enough of threadbare homespun to cover his nakedness ! and, instead of tall ranks of gaily-dressed soldiers, a handful of sun-burnt yellow legged militia-men, some roasting potatoes, and some asleep, with theii* black firelocks and powder-horns lying by them on the logs. Having recovered a little from his surprise, he preswated his letter to General Marion, who perused it ^nd loon settled every thing to his satisfaction. OF AMBBIOAN HBB0S8. 145 The officer took up his hat to retire. — " Oh no 1 ^ hfcid Marion, " it is now abont our time of dining ; and I hope, sir, jou will give us the pleasure of your company to dinner." At the mention of the word dinner^ the British officer looked around him, but, to his great morti- fication, could see no sign of a pot, pan, Dutch oven, or any other cooking utensil, that could raise the spirits of a hungry man. " Well, Tom," said the general to one of his men, " come, give us our dinner." — The dinner to which he alluded was no other than a heap of 6weet potatoes, that were very snugly roasting under the embers, and which Tom, with his pine Atick poker, soon liberated from their ashy confine- ment, pinching them every now and then with his fingers, especially the big ones, to see whether they were well done or not. Then having cleansed them df the ashes, partly by blowing them with his breath, and partly by brushing them with the sleeve of his old cotton shirt, he piled some of the best on a large piece of bark, and placed them be- tween the British officer and Marion, on the trunk of the fallen pine on which they sat. " I fear, sir," said the general, " our dinner will 146 DARING DEEDS. not prove so palatable to you as I could wish - but it is the best we have." The officer who was a well bred man, took up one of the potatoes, and ajffected to feed, as if he had found a great dainty, but it was very plain that he ate more from good manners than good appetite. Presently he broke out into a hearty laugh: Marion looked surprised — "I beg pardon, general," said he, " but one cannot, you know, always com mand one's conceits. I was thinking how droll some of my brother officers would look, if our government were to give them such a bill of fare as this." " I suppose," said Marion, " it is not equal to their style of dining?" "No, indeed," quoth the officer ; " and this, I imagine, is one of your acci dental Lent dinners — a sort of han yon / in gene- ral, no doubt, you live a great deal better ? " " Rather worse," answered the general, " for often we do not get enough of this." " Heavens I " re- joined the officer, " but, probably what you lose in meal you make up in malt — though stinted. in provisions, you draw noble pay." " IsTot a cent, sir," said Marie b, "not a cent." "Heavens and earth ! then you must be in a bad box ; I don't OF AMERIOAN HEROES. 147 Bee, general, how you can stand it." " Why, sir," replied Marion with a smile of self approbation, " these things depend on feeling." The Englishman said, "he did not believe it would be an easy matter to reconcile his feelings to a soldier's life on General Marion's terms — all fighting, no pay, and no provisions but potatoes." "Why sir," answered the general, " the heart is all ; and when that is much interested, a man can do anything. Many a youth would think it hard to indent himself a slave for fourteen years ; but let him be over head and ears in love, and with such a beauteous sweetheart as Rachel, and he will think no more of fourteen years' servitude than young Jacob did. Well, now this is exactly my case — I am in love, and my sweetheart is Liberty: be that heavenly nymph my champion, and these woods shall have charms beyond London and Paris in slavery. To have no proud monarch driving over me with his gilt coaches — nor his host of excisemen and tax-gatherers insulting and rob bing : but to be my own master, my own prince and sovereign — gloriously preserving my national dig- nity, and pursuing my true happiness — planting my vineyai ds, and eating their luscious fruit ; sowing 1* 148 OA.BIZrO DBBDB my fields, and » taping the golden grain ; and seeing millions of bro\2ier8 all around me equally free and happy as myself. This sir, is what I long for." The officer replied, that both as a man and a Briton, he must certainly Bubscribe to this aa a happy state of things. " Happy," quoth Marion, " yes, happy, indeed , and I would rather fight for such blessings for my country, and feed on roots, than keep aloof, though wallowing in all the luxuries of Solomon ; for now, sir, I walk the soil that gave me birth, and exult in the thought that I am not unworthy of it. I lOok upon these venerable trees around me, and feel that I do not dishonor them — I think of my own sacred rights, and rejoice that I have not basely deserted them. And, when I look forward to the long, long ages of posterity, I glory in the thought that I am fighting their battles. The chil dren of distant generations may never hear my name, but still it gladdens my heart to think that I am now contending for their freedom, with aU its countless blessmgs." 1 looked at Marion as he uttered these sentiments and fancied I felt as when 1 heard the last words of the brave De Kalb; the Englishman hung his OF AMEBIOAN HEROES. 149 L >nest head, and looked, I thonght, as if he had eeen the upbraiding ghosts of his illustrious country- men, Sidney and Hampden. On his return to Georgetown he was asked by Colonel Watson, why he looked so serious ? " I have cause, sir," said he, " to look so serious." " What ! has General Marion refused to treat ? " " No, sir. " " Well then, has old Washington defeated Sir Henry Clinton, and broke up our army?" "No, sir, not that either : but worse. " " Ah I what can be worse ? " " Why, sir, I have seen an American general and his officers without pay, almost without clothes, living on roots, and drinking water, and all for Liberty ! What chance have we against such men. ' PUTNAM'S FEAT. About the middle of winter, while General Pu^ aam was on a visit to his out-post at Horse-Neck he found Governor Tiyon advancing upon that town with a corps of 1500 men. To oppose these General 150 DABIKG DBBD8 < utnam had only a picquet of 150 men, and two iron field-pieces, without horses or drag-ropes. He, however, planted his cannon on the high ground, by the meeting-house, and retarded their approach by firing several times, imtil, perceiving the horse (supported by the infantry) about to charge, he ordered the picquet to provide for their safety, by retiring to a swamp inaccessible to horse, and se- cured his own by plmiging down the steep precipice at the chm*ch upon a full trot, liiis precipice is so steep, where he descended, as to have artificial stairs, composed of nearly one hundred stone steps, for the accommodation of foot passengers. There the dra- goons, who were but a sword's length from him, stopped short ; for the declivity was so abnipt that they ventured not to follow ; and, before they could gain the valley, by going round the brow of the hill in the ordinary road, he was far enough beyond their reach. He continued his route, unmolested, to Stan- ford ; from whence, having strengthened his picquet by the junction of some militia, he came back again, and, in turn, pursued Governor Tryon in his reti'eat , As he rode down the precipice, one ball, of the many fired at him, went through his beaver : but OF AMBEIOAN HEB0E8. 151 GoYernor Trjon, by way of compensation for spoil- ing Lis hat, sent him, soon afterward, as a present, a complete suit of clothes^. DEATH OF CAPTAIN BIDDLE. On the night of the Tth March, 1778, the fatal accident occurred, which terminated the life of this excellent officer. For some days previously he had expected an attack. Captain Blake, a brave officer, who commanded a detachment of the second South Carolina Regiment, serving as marines on board the General Moultrie, and to whom we are indebted for several of the ensuing particulars, dined on board the Randolph two days before the engagement. At dinner. Captain Biddle said, "We have been cruising here for some time, and have spoken a number of vessels, who will no doubt give information of us, and I should not be sur- prised if my old ship should be out after us. As to any thing that carries her guns upon deck, I think myself a match for her." About three P M 152 DABINa DBEDB I of tli6 Tth of March, a signal was made from the Randolph for a sail to windward, in consequence of which the sqnadron hauled upon a wind, in or- der to speak her. It was four o'clock before she could be distinctly seen, when she was discovered to be a ship, though as she neared and came before the wind, she had the appearance of a large sloop with only a square-sail set. About seven o'clock, the Randolph being to windward, hove to; the Moultrie, being about 150 yards astern, and rather to leeward, also hove to. About eight o'clock the British ship fired a shot just ahead of the Moultrie, and hailed her; the answer was, "the Polly, of New York ; " upon which she immediately hauled her wind, and hailed the Randolph. She was then, for the first time, discovered to be a two-decker. After several questions had been asked and an- swered, as she was ranging up alongside the Ran- dolph, and had got on her weather quarter^ Lieutenant Barnes, of that ship called out, "This is the Randolph," and she immediately hoisted her colors, and gave the enemy a broadside. Shortly after the action commenced. Captain Biddle re- ceived a wound in the thigh, and fell. This occar Bioned some confiision, as it was at first thought OF AMBBIOAif HBKOBS. 163 Vaat he was killed. He soon, however, ordeied a chair to be brought, said that he was only slightly wounded, and being carried forward encouraged the crew. The stern of the enemy's ship being clear of the Kandolph, the Captain of the Moultrie gave orders to fire, but the enemy having shot ahead, so as to bring the Randolph between them, the last broadside of the Moultrie went into the Randolph, and it was thought by one of the men saved, who was stationed on the quarter-deck near Captain Biddle, that he was wounded by a shot trom the Moultrie. The fire from the Randolph was constant and well directed. She fired nearly three broadsides to the enemy's one, and she ap- peared, while the battle lasted, to be in a continual blaze. In about twenty minutes after the action began, and while the surgeon was examining Cap- tain Riddle's wound on the quarter-deck, the Ran- dolph blew up. The enemy's vessel was the British ship Yarmouth, of sixty-four guns, commanded by Captain Vincent. So closely were they engaged, that Captain Morgan, of the Fair American, and all his crew, thought that it was the enemy's ship that had blown up. He stood for the Yarmouth, 164 DABIHG DEEDS and had a trumpet in his hand, to hail and inquire how Captain Biddle was, when he discovered his mistake. Owing to the disabled condition of the Farmouth, the other vessels escaped. The cause of the explosion was never ascertained, but it is remarkable that just before she sailed, after the clerk had copied the signals and orders for the armed vessels that accompanied him, he wrote at the foot of them, ' In case of coming to action in the night be very careful of your magazines.' The number of persons on board the Randolph was 315, who all perished except four men, who were tossed about for four days on a piece of the wreck before they were discovered and taken up. From the information of two of these men, who were after- ward in Philadelphia, and of some individuals in the other vessels of the squadron, we have been enabled to state some particulars of this unfortunate event, in addition to the accounts given of it bv Dr. liamsay in his History of the American Revolution, and in his History of the Revolution of Soutli Carolina. In the former work, the histo rian thus concludes his account of the action * Captain Biddle, who perished on board the Ran dolph, was universally lamented. He was in th« OF AMERICAN HEBOBB. 165 prime of life, and had excited highi expose tations of future usefulness to his country, as a bold and skillful naval officer.' Thus prematurely fell, at the age of twenCy-seven, as gallant an officer as any country ever boasted of. In the short career which Providence allowed to him, he displayed all those qualities which con- stitute a great soldier — brave he was to excess, and consummately skilled in his profession. BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. At the opening of the campaign in 1778, General Howe went to England, and left the command to Sir Henry Clinton. In June, the British army left Philadelphia, and marched toward Staten Island. In their march they were annoyed by the Americans ; and on the 28th of June, a division of the army, under General Lee, was ordered, if pos- sible, to bring them to an engagement. Soon after the British had left the heights of Freehold, General Lee was on the same ground, and followed them 156 DABINO DBED8 into the plain. While he was advancing to recon- noitre the enemy in person, Sir Henry Clinton marched back his whole rear division to attack the Americans. While Lee made a feint of retreating, in order to draw the British after him, one of his officers, General Scott, who had under him the greater part of General Lee's force, misunderstood his orders, and actually retreated. This obliged Lee to follow, until he could overtake him, the army hanging upon his rear. Li this situation he was met by General Washington, who, riding up to General Lee, addressed him in terms that im- plied censure. Lee answered with warmth and disrespectful language. General Washington led the troops in person, and a smart action took place, in which both parties claimed the victory, but the advantage was clearly on the side of the Americans. The loss in killed and wounded amounted to 300 or 400, on each side ; but the British left the field of battle in the night, and pursued their retreat. This battle lasted through the whole of one of the warmest days of summer, the mercury being above ninety degi-ees by Fahrenheit's scale. Many of the soldiers died on the spot, by heat, fatigue, oi OF AMBBIOAN HBB0E8. 157 drinking cold water. General Lee was tried by a court martial for disobedience, and bis command sospended for one year. GENERAL LEE. General Lee was remarkably slovenly in bis dress and manners ; and bas often, by tbe mean- ness of bis appearance, been subject to ridicule and LQSult. He was once attended by General Wash- ington to a place distant from tbe camp. Riding on, be arrived at tbe bouse wbere they were to dine, sometime before tbe rest of tbe company. He went directly to tbe kitcben, demanding some- tbing to eat, wben tbe cook, taking bim for a servant, told bim sbe would give bim some victuals in a moment — but be must belp ber off with tbe pot. Tbis be complied witb, and sat down to some cold meat, wbicb sbe bad placed before bim on tbe dresser. Tbe girl was remarkably inquisitive about tbe guests wbo were coming, particularly of Lee, wbo she said sbe bad beard was one of tbe 1^8 DABINa DEEDS odc'c«>t and ugliest men in the world. In a fe\^ mcmonts, she desired the general again to assist her in placing on the pot, and scarcely had he finished, when she requested him to take a bucket and go to the well. Lee made no objections and began drawing water. In the meantime, General Washington arrived, and an aid-de-camp was des- patched in search of Lee ; whom, to his surprise, he found engaged as above. But what was the confusion of the poor girl on hearing the aid-de- camp address the man with the title of general. The mug fell from her hands, and dropping on her knees, she began crying for pardon ; when Lee, who was ever ready to see the impropriety of his own conduct, but never willing to change it, gave her a crown, and turning to his aid-de-camp ob- served, " You see, young man, the advantage of a fine coat — the man of consequence is indebted to it for respect — neither virtue nor abilities without it, will make you look like a gentleman." PAUL JOJSTES' NAVAL BATrLE On the 22d of September, 1778, occurred on the coast of Scotland, " that unexampled sea-fight, " which gave to the name of Paul Jones such temfic eclat. This man was a native of Scotland, but enffacred in the service of the United States. His flotilla was composed of the Bonhomme Richard, of forty gnns, the Alliance of thirty-six, (both American ships,) the Pallas, a French frigate of thirty-two, in the pay of Congress, and two other smaller vessels. He fell in with a British merchant fleet, on its return fi'om the Baltic, convoyed by Captain Pearson, with the frigate Serapis, of forty four gims, and the Coimtess of Scarborough, of twenty. Pearson had no sooner perceived Jones, than he bore down to engage him, while the merchant men endeavored to gain the coast. The American flotilla formed to receive him. The two enemies joined battle about seven in the evening. The British 160 DABING DBBDS having the advantage of cannon of a longer reach, Paul Jones resolved to fight them closer. He brought up his ships, until the muzzles of his guns came in contact with those of his enemy. Here the phrenzied combatants fought from seven till ten. Paul Jones now found that his vessel was so shattered that only three effective guns remained. Trusting no longer to these, he assailed his enemy with grenades; which falling into the Serapis, set her on fire in several places. At length her magazine blew up, and killed all near it. Pear- son, enraged at his ofiicers, who wished him to surrender, commanded tJUom to board. Paul Jones, at the head of his crew, received them at the point of the pike, and they retreated. But the flames of the Serapis had communicated to her enemy, and the vessel of Jones was on fire. Amidst this tremendous night-scene, the American frigate Alli- ance came up, mistaking her partner for her enemy, fired a broadside into the vessel of Jones. By the broad glare of the burning ships, she discovered her mistake, and turned her guns against her ex- hausted foe. Pearson's crew were killed or wounded, his artillery dismounted, and his vessel on fire, and ho could no longer resist. The flames of the OF ^MEBICAN HEROES. 161 Serapis were, however, arrested; bnt the leaks of the Goodman Richard could not be stopped, and the hulk went down soon after the mangled remains of the crew had been removed. Of the 375 who were on board that renowned vessel, only sixty- eight left it alive. The Pallas had captured the Countess of Scarborough ; and Jones, after this horrible victory, wandered with his shattered, un- manugeable vessels, for some time ; and at length, on ^he 6th of October, had the good fortune to find his way to the waters of the Texel. ENCAMPMENT AT YALLEY FORGE. The American encampment at Yalley Forge during the severe winter of 1777-8, presented a spectacle for which the pen of History never drew a parallel. A large army was there concentrated, whose naked foot-prints in the snow, converging to that bleak hill-side, were often marked with blood. Absolute Destitution there held high court; and never was the chivalric heroism of patient suffering . 8 DAKINCj oebl>» more tangibly manifested than was exhibited >y that patriot band within those ft^ail log huts t lat barely covered them from the falling snow, or sheltered them from the keen wintry blasts. Many were utterly without snoes or stockings, and nearly naked, obliged to sit night after night shivering round their fires in quest of the comforts of heat, instead of taking that needful repose which nature craves. Hunger also became a resident tormentor, for the prevalence of toryism in the vicinage ; the avarice of commissaries, the tardy movements of Congress in supplying provisions, and the close proximity of a powerful enemy, combined to make the procurement of provisions absolutely impracti- cable without a resort to force. But few horses were in the camp ; and such was the deficiency in this respect for the ordinary, as well as extraordi- nary occasions of the army, that the men in many instances cheerfully yoked themselves to vehicles of their own construction, for carrying wood and pro- visions when procured ; while others performed the duty of pack-horses, and carried heavy burdens of fuel upon their backs. Yet amid all this suifer- ing day after day, surrounded by frost and snow, patriotism was still warm and hopeftd in the hearts OF AMERICAN HEROES. 163 01 the soldiers, and the love of self was merged into the one gi'eat sentiment, love of country. Although a few feeble notes of discontent were heard, and symptoms of an intention to abandon the cause were visible, yet the great body of that suffering phalanx were content to wait for the budding spring, and be ready to enter anew upon the fields of strife for the cause of freedom. Un- provided with materials to raise their beds from the cold ground, the dampness occasioned sickness and death to rage among them to an astonishing degree. " Indeed, nothing could surpass their suffering, except the patience and fortitude with which it was endured by the faithful part of the army." Amid all this distress, in the neighborhood of a powerful British army, fearless of its numbers and strength, and licentiousness, a striking proof of their intrepidity in suffering was exhibited by the Americans COLCWEL GEOEGE R. CLAKKE. Connected with the Indian operations of tht summer of 1778, was one distinguished by tht boldness of its conception and the brilliancy of it^ execution. The increasing hostility of the remote tribes upon the waters of the Mississippi and its tributaries had induced a belief that a powerful in- fluence must have been exerted upon their minds by the settlements planted long before at Kaskas- kias, and in the country of the Upper Mississippi, by the French, in connection with Canada. For the purpose • of striking at once at the root of the evil, an expedition was organized early in the season, the object of which was to invade and take possession of those settlements. The command was intrusted to Colonel George Rogers Clarke, of Virginia, a bold and experienced border officer ; and his whole force, destined to penetrate twelve hun- dred miles through a wilderness, which was, in fact, the enemy's country, did not exceed 200 men. The OF AMERICAN HBE0E8. 165 rendezvous of this little army was at the Great Kanhawa, where they were attacked by a superior Indian force before their embarcation. But, finding they were not able to make any impression upon the fort, the assailants drew off, having killed but one man and wounded one or two more. Descen- dins: to the falls of the Ohio, a small fort was erected at that place, in which a garrison was left of ten or twelve families. Arriving within about sixty miles of the mouth of the Ohio, the troops were landed, and, with only four days' provisions, marched for the Illinois. They reached the pre- cincts of Kaskaskias at midnight on the sixth day, having marched two days without food, and deter- mined forthwith, and unanimously, to take the town or die in the attempt. The town was strongly for- tified, and contained about 250 well built houses ; but the approach of the invaders was unknown ; the people and the garrison were alike slumbering in security ; and both town and fort were taken, the latter being carried by surprise, although the defences were sufficiently strong to resist 1000 men. The commanding officer, Philip Rocheblave, was made prisoner ; and among his papers, falling into the hands of Colonel Clarke, were the 16B DARING DEEt>g instructions which he had from time to time received from the British governors of Quebec, Detroit, and Michilimackinack, urging him to stimulate the In- dians to war by the proffer of large bounties for scalps. Kocheblave was sent a prisoner to Wil- liamsburg, in Yirginia, and with him were sent the papers taken from his portfolio. On the day after the fall of Kaskaskias, Captain Joseph Bowman, at the head of thirty mounted men, was sent to attack three other towns upon the Mississippi, the first of which, called Parraderuski, distant fifteen miles from Kaskaskias, was surprised, and taken without opposition, the inhabitants at once assenting to the terms of the conqueror. The next town was St. Philip's, distant nine miles farther up. The force of Captain Bowman was so small, that he wisely determined to make a descent upon St. Philip's in the night, that his strength, or, rather, his weakness, might be concealed. The precaution ensured success ; and the inhabitants with whom the whole negotiation was conducted in the night, acceded to the terms prescribed. From St. Philip's, Captain Bowman directed his course upon the yet more considerable f?own of Cauhow, distant between forty and fifty miles. This OF AMERICAN HEROES. 167 town contained about 100 families, and was also approached secretly, and entered in the night. Captain Bowman, with his troop, rode directly to the quarters of the commander, and demanded the surrender of himself and the whole town, which was immediately complied with. Taking posses- sion of a large stone house, well fortified, the " bold dragoon '"' immediately established his quar- ters therein, and awaited the morning's dawn, which would disclose to the people the diminutive force to which they had surrendered. Enraged at the discovery, one of the enemy threatened to bring a body of 150 Indians against the little American squadron, and cut them off. But he was secured, and in the course of ten days upward of 300 of the inhabitants became so reconciled to their change of masters as to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Leaving a small guard at Cauhow. Captain Bowman returned to Kaskaskias AFFAIKS AT SCHOHAEIE. The enemy on the New York frontiers were by no means inactive. A large band of Indians and Tories, under the conduct of Brant and Barent Frey, broke into the district at the close of May and inflicted no small degree of damage, by the destruction of both life and property. They were met by Captain Patrick, belonging to Colonel Alden's regiment, and a handful of troops, who were entirely cut to pieces. Captain Pati-ick fell early in the engagement. His lieutenant, a corpo- ral, and nineteen men, were also killed. The com- mand then devolved upon a sergeant, who fought bravely, as all had done. They were surrounded by a force greatly superior in numbers, and but four men, exclusive of the sergeant, escaped, all wounded. The bodies of Patrick and his lieutenant were shockingly mutilated. A portion of the set tlement was burned, and the settlement of Turlof k, in the same vicinity, was also ravaged. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 169 Tlie people of Schoharie had suffered severely from the scouts and scalping parties of the enemy during the summer, but their bravery in individual contests had amply avenged their wrongs. On one occasion a party of seven Indians made prisoner of a Mr. Sawyer, whom they bound and marched off into the wilderness. Having proceeded eight or ten miles, they laid themselves down to sleep for the night. But their prisoner had been less ef- fectually secured than they supposed. In the couise of the night he succeeded in disengaging his hands, and cautiously taking a hatchet from the girdle of one of the Indians, he despatched six of them in rapid succession, and wounded the seventh, who made his escape. Having thus relieved himself of his keepers. Sawyer returned home in safety, and at his leisure. Soon after the battle of Monmouth, Lieutenant- Colonel William Butler, with one of the Penn- sylvania regiments and a detachment of Morgan's riflemen, was ordered to the North, and stationed at Schoharie. Butler was a brave and experienced officer, especially qualified for the service upon which he was appointed. His arrival in Schoharie had a salutarv effect by discouraging the disaffected 8* 12 170 DARING DEEDS and, by the presence of a stronger force than had yet been among them, establishing the confidence and reviving the spirits of the people. Several of his scouting parties also returned with good success Attached to the rifle corps, under Captain Long, were several bold spirits, who signalized themselves so greatly in the partisan warfare in which they were engaged, that many of their exploits are freshly remembered among the inhabitants of Scho- harie to this day. Of this number were David Elei-son, and a Virginian named Murphy. The first expedition of Captain Long was directed to the valley of the Charlotte River, one of the upper tributaries of the Susquehanna, flowing from the mountains south of Schoharie. The object was to arrest and bring to the fort a conspicuous Tory living upon that stream, named Service. His house being a point of rendezvous and supply for the Tory and Indian scouts, it was desirable that it should be broken up. While on his way to the place of destination, it was the good fortune of Captain Long to intercept a company of Tories, enlisted for the king's service, in the neighborhood of Catskill, by a Captain Smith, who were then on their way to join Sir John Johnson at Niagara. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 171 Smith was killed by the simultaneous shots of Eler son and his captain, they being a few rods in ad- vance at the moment when the Tory leader emerged at the head of his men from a thicket. His follow- ers fled in every direction. They had intended to lodge that night with Service, but that unfortunate man had guests of quite another character. While unapprised of danger, his house was surrounded by the troops of Long, when in an instant Murphy and Elerson rushed in, and made him a prisoner. Having been informed that he must accompany them to Schoharie, on leaving his house he seized ^n axe standing by the door, whicb he poised, and directed for a blow at the head of Murphy. The latter was too quick-sighted to receive it; but as he sprang aside to avoid the descending weapon. Ser- vice fell dead from the rifle of Elerson. After his term of enlistment had expired. Murphy remained in Schoharie, and made war on his own account. He was as remarkable for his fleetness as for his courage and great precision in firing. He used a double-barrelled rifle ; and the fact of his frequently firing twice in succession without stopping to load, and always bringing down his man, ren- dered him a terror to the Indians. Not knowing 172 DARJNGDEEDS the peculiar constrnction of his rille, thej were impressed with the belief that it was a charmed weapon, and supposed he could continue firing as long and as often as he pleased without loading at all. He fought the savages after their own fashion ; was more than their equal in stratagem or with his heels; and, the greater the apparent danger he was encountering, the greater was his delight. When he had opportunity, he took pattern of the Indians in scalping those who fell by his unerring aim ; and it was said that he killed forty of their warriors with his own hands. SERGEANT JASPER. The reader is already somewhat acquainted witL tne name of William Jasper — perhaps Sergeant Jasper is the better known. This brave man pos- sessed remarkable talents for a scout. He cotdd wear all disguises with admirable ease and dex terity. Garden styles him " a perfect Proteus. " He was equally remarkable for his cunning as for OB AMERICAN HEROES. 173 his bravery ; and his nobleness and generosity were, quite as much as these, the distinguishing traits of his character. Such was the confidence in his fidelity and skill that a roving commission was granted him, with liberty to pick his associates from the Brigade. Of these he seldom chose more than six. "He often went out," says Moultrie, " and returned with prisoners, before I knew that he was gone. I have known of his catching a party that was looking for him. He has told me that he could have killed single men several times, but he would not ; he would rather let them get off. He went into the British lines at Savannah, as a deserter, complaining, at the same time, of our ill-usage of him ; he was gladly received (they having heard of his character) and caressed by them. He stayed eight days, and after informing himself well of their strength, situation and inten- tions, he returned to us again ; but that game he could not play a second time. With his little party he was always hovering about the enemy's camp, and was fi*equently bringing in prisoners." It was while in the exercise of his roving privileges that Jasper prepared to visit the post of the enemy at Ebenezer. At this post he had a brother, who 174 DARING DEEDS neld the same rank in the British service, that he held in the American. This instance was quite too coEimon in the history of the period and comitry, to occasion much surprise, or cause any suspicion of the integrity of either party. We have already considered- the causes for this melancholy difference of individual sentiment in the country, and need not dwell upon them here. William Jasper loved his brother and wished to see him : it is very certain, at the same time, that he did not deny himself the privilege of seeing all around him. The Tory was alarmed at William's appearance in the British camp, but the other quieted his fears, by representing himself as no longer an American soldier. He checked the joy which this declaration excited in his brother's mind, by assuring him that, though he found little encouragement in fighting for his country, " he had not the heart to tight against her." Our scout lingered for two or three days in the British camp, and then, by a detour^ regained that of the Americans ; reporting to his commander all that he had seen. He was encour- aged to repeat his visit a few weeks after, but this time he took with him a comrade, one Sergeant Newton, a fellow quite as brave in spirit, and OF AMERICAN BthOfiS- 175 Strong iri body as himself. Here he was again well received by his brother, who entertained the guests kindly for several days. Meanwhile, a small party of Americans were brought into Ebenezer sua captives, over whom hung the danger of " short shrift and sudden cord." They were on their way to Savannah for trial. They had taken arms with the British, as hundreds more had done, when the country was deemed reconquered ; but, on the api^roach of the American army, had rejoined their countrymen, and were now once more at the mercy of the power with which they had broken faith. " It will go hard with them," said the Tory Jasper to his Whig brother ; but the secret com- ment of the other was, " it shall go hard with me first." There was a woman, the wife of one of the prisoners, who, with her child, kept them company. William Jasper and his friend were touched by the spectacle of their distress ; and they conferred together, as soon as they wei-e alone, as to the possibility of rescuing them. Their plan was soon adopted. It was a simple one, such as naturally suggests itself to a hardy and magnanimous char- acter. The prisoners had scarcely left the post for Savannah, under a guard of eight men, a sergeant 176 DAaiSQ DEEDS and corporal, when Jasper and his friend dep^. ed also, though in a different direction from the guard. Changing their course when secure from observation, they stretched across the country and followed the footsteps of the unhappy captives. But it was only in the pursuit that they became truly conscious of the difficulty, nay, seeming impossi- bility, of effecting their object. The guard was armed, and ten in number ; they but two and weaponless. Hopeless, they nevertheless followed on. Two miles from Savannah there is a famous spring, the waters of which are well known to travelers. The conjecture that the guard might stop there, with the prisoners, for refreshment, suggested itself to our companions ; here, opportu- nities might occur for the rescue, which had no- where before presented themselves. Taking an obscure path with which they were familiar, which led them to the spot before the enemy could arrive, they placed themselves in ambush in the imme- dia^p. neighborhood of the spring. They had not long to wait. The conjecture proved correct. The guard was halted on the road opposite the spring. The corpora] with four men conducted the captives to the water, while the sergeant, with the remainder OF AMERICAN HEKOES. 177 of his force having made them groimd their arms near the road, brought up the rear. The prisoners threw themselves upon the earth — the woman and her child, near its father. Little did any of them dream that deliverance was at hand. The child fell asleep in the mother's lap. Two of the armed men kept guard, but we may suppose with little caution. What had they to apprehend, within sight of a walled town in the possession of their friends ? Two others approached the spring, in order to bring water to the prisoners. Resting their muskets against a tree they proceeded to fill their canteens. At this moment Jasper gave the signal to his comrade. In an instant the muskets were in their hands. In another, they had shot down the two soldiers upon duty ; then clubbing their weapons, they rushed out upon the astonished enemy, and felling their first opponents each at a blow, they succeeded in obtaining possession of the loaded muskets. This decided the conflict, which was over in a few minutes. The surviving guard yielded themselves to mercy before the presented weapons Such an achievement could only be successful from its audacity and the operation of circumstances. The very proximity of Savannah increased the chances 178 DARING DEEDb of success. But for this the guard would have used better precautions. Noue weio taken. The prompt valor, the bold decision, the cool calculation of the instant, were the essential elements which secured success. The work of our young heroes was not done imperfectly. The prisoners were quickly released, the arms of the captured British put into their hands, and, hurrying away from the spot which they have crowned with a local celebrity not soon to be forgotten, they crossed the Savannah in safety with their friends and foes. CHAPTEE v.— 1779. STOKMING OF STOISTY POmT. Among the many exploits of gallantry and prowess which shed a luster on the fame of our Rev- olutionary army, the storming of the fort at Stony Point has always been considered one of the most brilliant. To General Wayne, who commanded the light infantry of the army, the execution of the plan was intrusted. Secrecy was deemed so much more essential to success than numbers, that it was thought unadvisable to add to the force already on the lines. , One brigade was ordered to commence its march, so as to reach the scene of action in time to cover the troops engaged in the attack, in case of any unlooked for disaster ; and Major Lee, of the light dragoons, who had been eminently useful in obtaining the intelligence which led to the enterprise, was associated with General Wayne, 180 DARING DEEDS as far as cavalry could be employ ea in such a service. The night of the 15th of July, 1779, was fixed on for the assault ; and it being suspected that the garrison would probably be more on their guard toward day, twelve was chosen for the hour. Stony Point is a commanding hill, projecting far into the Hudson, which washes three-fourths of ite base. The remaining fourth is, in a great measm-e, covered by a deep marsh, commencing near the river on the upper side, and continuing into it below. Over this mersh, there is only one crossing- place. But at its junction with the river is a sandy beach passable at low tide. On the summit of this hiU was erected the fort, which was fm-nished with a sufficient number of heavy pieces of ordnance. Several breast-works and strong batteries were ad- vanced in front of the principal work, and about half way down the hill, were two rows^of abbatis. The batteries were calculated to command the beach and the crossing-place of the marsh, and tc rake and enfilade any column which might be ad- vancing from either of those points tow.ird the fort. In addition to these defences, several vessels of wai' wer« stationed in the river, so as, in a OF AMERIOA.N HEB0E9. 181 considerable degree, to command the ground at the toot of the hill. The fort was garrisoned by about 600 men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson. At noon of the day preceding the night of the attack, the light infantry commenced their march from Sandy Beach, distant fom-teen miles from Stony Point, and passing through an excessively rugged and mountainous country, arrived about eight in the afternoon at Spring Steel's, one and a half miles from the fort, where the dispositions for the assault were made. It was intended to attack the works on the right and lefc flanks at the same instant. The regiments of Febiger, and of Meiggs, with Major Hull's de- tachment, formed the right column, and Butler's regiment, with two companies under Major Murfree, formed the left. One hundred and fifty volun- teers, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury and Major Posey, constituted the right ; and 100 volunteers under Major Stewart, composed the left. At half past eleven, the two columns moved on to the charge, the van of each with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. They were each preceded by a forlorn hope of twenty men, the one commanded IS9 DARING DEEDS by Lieutenant Gibbon, and the other by Lieutenant Knox, whos-d duty it was to remove the abbatis and other obstructions, in order to open a passage for the columns which followed close in the rear. Proper measures having been taken to secure every individual on the route, who could give intelligence of their approach, the Americans reached the marsh undiscovered. But unexpected difficulties having been experienced in surmounting this and other obstructions in the way, the assault did not commence until twenty minutes after twelve. Both columns then rushed forward, under a tremendous fire of musketry and grape shot. Surmounting every obstacle, they entered the works at the point of the bayonet, and without having discharged a single piece, obtained complete pos session of the post. The humaniPy displayed by the conquerors was not less conspicuous, nor less honorable, than their courage. Not a single individual suffered after resistance had ceased. All the troops engaged in this perilous service manifested a degree of ardor and impetuosity which proved them to be capable of the most difficult enterprises; and all distinguished themselves OF AMERICAN HBEOBB. 18ft whose sit nation enabled tiiem to do bo. Colonel Plenry was the first to enter the fort, and strike the British standard. Major Posey mounted the works almost at the same instant, and was the first to give the watch-word — '^ The fort's our own.'^ Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox performed the service allotted to them with a degree of intrepidity which could not be sui'passed. Out of twenty men who constituted the party of the former, seventeen were killed or wounded. The loss sustained by the garrison was not con- fiidcrable. The return made by Lieutenant-Colonei Johnson, represented their dead at only twenty, including one captain, and their wounded at six oflicers and sixty-eight privates. The return made by General Wayne states their dead at sixty-three, including two otiicers. This diflerence may be ac- counted for, by supposing, that among those Colonel Johnson supposed to be missing, there were many killed. The prisoners amounted to 543, amons; whom were one lieutenant-colonel, four captains and twenty subaltern officers. The military stores taken in the fort were also considerable. The loss sustained by the assailants was by no neans pro])orti<)ned to the ap])arent dant^er of the 184 DARING DEEDS enterprise . Tlie killed and wounded did n^t exceed 100 men. General Wayne himself, who marched at the hea his guides and prisoners, to his troops fDr the ourpc-ee of proceeding in the rear. He then 190 DARING DEEDS employe -i himself in collecting the militia of the neighborhood, with whom he overtook his gnides and prisoners. This affair, sajs General H. Lee, in his memoirs, approaches too near the marvelous to have been admitted by him, had it not been uniformly accre- dited, and never contradicted. PRUDENCE AND BRAVERY OF MAJOR LEE. Major Lee, on the 19th of July, 1779, with about 300 men, completely surprised the British garrison at Paulus Hook, directly opposite the city of New York, and brought off 159 prisoners; having killed about thirty of the British ; while the loss of the Americans was only two killed and three wounded. Congress gave thanks to Major Lee, and ordered a gold medal to be struck and presented to him, as a commemorative of the action, and as a reward for his prudence, address, and bravery. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION. During the summer of 1779, an expedition under General Sullivan was sent against the Indian tribes called the Six Nations, upon the upper sources of the Susquehanna, who, with the exception of the Oneidas, incited by British agents, had for some time carried on a sort of guerilla warfare against the border settlements. Sullivan with about 3000 troops, left Wyoming and proceeded up the Sus- quehanna to Tioga Point, where he was joined by General James Clinton, from the banks of the Mo- hawk, with about 1600 men, making his effective force nearly 5000. At Elmira, in Chemung county, Sullivan found a party of Indians and tories about 1000 in number, 800 savages and 200 whites, under the command of Brandt, Butler, and others, who were at the massacre of Wyoming the preceding year. They were strongly fortified, but Sullivan at once attacked them, and, after a desperate resistance, the savages 1^* 192 DARING DEEDS retreated back into the wilderness. Determined to chastise them severely, the Americans pursued them into the very heart of their country, and during the month of September, they desolated the whole domain to the Genesee River. They burned forty Indian villages, laid waste corn fields, wardens, fruit trees, and every other vestige of culti- vation left behind by the fiying Indians and tories, destroying more than 150,000 bushels of corn. This expedition was a cruel one, and was hardly justi- hable by any rule of right; yet it presented one of those stern necessities — an evil of great magni- tude, requiring a severe remedy to avert serious consequences — which the exigencies of the times called forth. It greatly intimidated the Indians, and for a time the frontier settlements had repose. ADVENTURE OF DAVID ELERSON. The detachment to which Elerson belonged had been ordered from Schoharie to join General Clinton's expedition. While lying at the head of OF AMERIOAN HEROES. 198 the lake, Elerson rambled off to an old clearing, at the distance of a mile or more from the camp, to c:ather pulse for dinner. Having filled his knap- sack, while adjusting it, in order to return to camp, he was startled at the rustling of the tall and coarse herbage around him, and in the same instant beheld some ten or a dozen Indians, who had crept upon him so cautiously as to be just on the point of springing, to grasp him. Their <)bject was clearly rather to make him a prisoner than to kill nim, since he might easily have been shot down unperceived. Perhaps they wanted him for an auto-da-fe^ perhaps to obtain information. Seizing his rifle, which was standing by his side, Elerson sprang forward to escape. A shower of tomahawks hurled through the air after him ; but, as he had plunged into a thicket of tall weeds and bushes, he was only struck on one of his hands, his middle finger being nearly severed. A brisk chase was immediately commenced. Scaling an old brush- wood fence, Elerson darted into the woods, and the Indians after him. He was as fleet as a stag ; and perceiving that they were not likely soon to over- take, the pursuers discharged their rifles after hira, but luckily without effect. The chase was thus 194 DARING DEEDS continued from eleven until three oVIock, E^.ersoD using every device and stratagem to elude or de- ceive the Indians, but they holding him close. At iengtli, having gained a moment to breathe, an In- dian started up in his front. Drawing up his rifle to clear the passage in that direction, the whiz of a bullet fleshing his side, and the crack of a rifle from another point, taught him that delays were particularly dangerous at that spot. The Indian in front, however, had disappeared, on his presenting his rifle, and Elerson again darted forward. His wounded side bled a little, though not enough to weaken him. Having crossed a ridge, he paused a moment in the valley beyond to slake his thirst, his mouth being parched, and himself almost fain^ ing. On rising from the brook, the head of one of his pursuers peeped over the crest of the hill. He raised his rifle, but such was his exhaustiou that he could not hold it steady. A minute more and he would have been in the power of the sav age. Raising his rifle again, and steadying it by the side of a tree, he brought the savage tumbling headlong down the hill. In the next moment his trusty rifle was re-loaded and primed, and in the next the whole group of his jmrsuers came ruslr'ng OF AMERICAN HEB0B9. 195 over the ridge. He again supposed his ininuteB were numbered ; but, as he was partly sheltered by the trunk of a huge hemlock, they saw not him, but only the body of their fallen comrade, yet quivering in the agonies of death. Drawing in a circle about the body of their companion, they raised the death wail ; and as they paused, Elerson made another effort to fly. Before they resumed the pursuit, he had succeeded in burying himself in a dark thicket of hemlocks, where he found the hollow trunk of a tree, into which he crept. Here he lay ensconced two full days, without food or dressing for his wound. On the third day he backed out of " the loophole of his retreat," but knew not which way to proceed, not discerning the points of the compass. In the course of two or three miles however, he came to a clearing, and found himself at Cobleskill, having, during his recent chase, run over hill and dale, bog, brook, and fen, upward of twenty-five miles. At about the same time, and probably by the same party of Indians, the premises of a Mr. Shank- land, lying in their track, situated in the outskirts of Cherry Yalley, were assaulted. Residing at the distance of two or three miles from the village, his 196 DARING DEEDS house hiid escaped the common destruction tli© preceding autumn. But he had, nevertheless, remo- ved his family to the Valley of the Mohawk for safety, and had returned to his domicil accompa- nied only by his son. They were awakened just before dawn by the assailants, who were endeavor- ing to cut away the door with their hatchets. Taking down his two guns, Mr. Shank] and directed his son to load them, while he successively fired to the best advantage. But not being able to see the enemy, he determined upon a sortie. Having a spear, or espontoon, in the house, he armed himself therewith, and carefully unbarring the door, rushed forth upon the besiegers, who fled back at his sudden apparition. One of the Indians, whom he was specially pui-suing, tumbled over a log, and, as Mr. Shankland struck at him, his spear entered the wood and parted from the shaft. Wrenching the blade from the log, he darted back into the house, barred the door, and again commenced tiring upon the assailants. They had been so much sur- prised by his rushing out upon them, that they neither fired a shot nor hurled a tomahawk until he had returned to his castle and barred the Bally-port. During that part of the affray, his son^ OF AMEBIOAN HEB0B8. 197 becoming somewhat frightened, escaped from the louse and ran for the woods. He was pursued, overtaken, and made captive. The father, however, continued the fight, the Indians firing through the casements at random, and he returning the shots as well as he could. At one time he thought of sallying forth again, and selling his life to the best advantage; but, by thus doing, he very rightly judged that he should at once involve the life of his son. The Indians, growing wearied of fighting at such disadvantage, at last attempted to make sure of their victim by applying the torch, and the house was speedily in flames. But between the rear of the house and the forest a field of hemp inter- posed, into which Mr. Shankland contrived to throw himself from the house, unperceived by the Indians. Concealed from observation by the hemp, he suc- ceeded in reaching the woods, and making good his retreat to the Mohawk. Meantime, the Indians remained by the house until it was consumed, together, as they supposed, with the garrison. They then raised a shout of victory, and departed, several of their number having been v/ounded by the courageous proprietor. BATTLE OF NEWTOWN. General Sullivan having completed his arrange ments, he left Wyoming on the 31st of July, and ascended the Susquehanna to Tioga, with an expe- dition far more formidable as to numbers, and not less imposing in other respects, than was the descending division under General Clinton, though he had not the advantage of riding upon so ma- jestic a flood. Sullivan reached Tioga on the 11th of August, and on the following day pushed out a detachment twelve miles toward Chemung, which was attacked by a body of Indians, losing, during the brush, seven men killed and wounded. The detachment returned to Tioga on the 13th, after having burned one of the Indian towns. General Clinton, with his division, having been joined at Oghkwaga by a detachment of Colone^ Pauling's levies from Warwasing, arrived at Tioga, and formed a junction with Sullivan on the 22d of August. The entire command amounted now to OF IMERIOAN BEROE8. 199 5000, consisting of the brigades of Generals Clin- ton, Hand, Maxwell, and Poor, together with Proctor's artillery and a corps of riflemen. So long had the expedition been in progress, that it was well understood the Indians and Tories were not unprepared to receive them ; and in moving up the Tioga and the Chemung E-ivers, the utmost degree of caution was observed to guard against surprise. A strong advanced guard of light infan- try preceded the main body, which was well pro- tected by large flanking parties. In this way they slowly proceeded in the direction of the works of the enemy, upon the Chemung at Newtown. On the 28th an Indian settlement was destroyed, to- gether with fields of corn, and other Indian products yet unharvested. The Indians, determined to risk a general action in defence of their country, had selected their ground with judgment, about a mile in advance of Newtown. Their force was estimated by G-eneral Sullivan at 1500, including five companies of British troops and rangers, estimated at 200 men. The enemy, however, only allowed their force to consist of 550 Indians, and 250 whites, in all 800. Brant commanded the Indians, and the regular troops 200 DAEING DEEDS and rangers were led by Colonel John Butler, associated with whom were Colonels Sir John and Omj Johnson, Major Walter N. Butler, and Cap- tain M'Donald. The enemy had constructed a oreastwork of half a mile in length, so covered by a bend of the river as to expose only the front and one of the flanks to attack ; and even that flank was rendered difficult of approach by resting upon a steep ridge, nearly parallel to the general course of the river, terminating somewhat below the . breastwork. Farther yet to the left was still another ridge, running in the same direction, and leading to the rear of the American army. The ground was covered with pine, interspersed with low shrub-oaks, many of which, for the purpose of concealing their works, had been cut and brought from a distance, and stuck down in their front, exhibiting the appearance of untransplanted shrub- bery. The road, after crossing a deep brook at the foot of the hill, turned to the right, and ran nearly parallel to the breastwork, so as to expose the whole flank of the army to their fire should it ad- vance without discovering their position. Detach- ments of the enemy, communicating with each ot^er, were stationed on both hills, for the purpose OF AMERICAN HEROES. of falling upon Sullivan's- right and rear the mo- ment the action should commence. The enemy's position was discovered by Major Parr, commandiug the advanced guard, at about eleven o'clock in the morning of the 29th of Au- gust. General Hand immediately tbrmed the light infantry in a wood, at the distance of about 400 yards from the breastwork, and waited until the main body of the army had arrived on the ground. A skirmishing was, however, kept up on both sides, the Indians sallying out of their works by small parties, firing, and suddenly retreating, making the woods, at the same time, to resound with their war- whoops, piercing the air, from point to point, as though the tangled forest were alive with their grim-visaged warriors. Correctly judging that the hill upon his right was occupied by the savages, General Sullivan ordered Poor's brigade to wheel off and endeavor to gain their left flank, and, if ])0S8ible, to surround them, while the artillery and main body of the Americans attacked them in front. The order was promptly executed ; but as Poor climbed the ascent, the battle became animated, and the possession of the hill was bravely contested, [n front the enemy stood a hot cannonade for more ^^^ OARTNO DEEDS than two hours. Both Tories and Indians were entitled to the credit of fighting manfully. Every ock, and tree, and bush shielded its man, from oehind which the winged messengers of death were thickly sent, but with so little eflfect as to excite astonishment. The Indians yielded ground only incn by inch ; and in their retreat darted from tree to tree with the agility of the panther, often con- testing each new position to the point of the bay- onets, a thing very unusual even with militiamen, and still more rare among the undisciplined war- riors of the woods. Thayendanegea was the ani- mating spirit of the savages. Always in the thickest of the fight, he used every effort to stimu- late his warriors, in the hope of leading them to victory. Until the artillery began to play, the whoops and yells of the savages, mingled with the rattling of musketry, had well-nigh obtained the mastery of sound. But their whoops were measu- rably drowned by the thunder of the cannon. This cannonade " was elegant," to adopt the phraseology of Sullivan himself, in writing to a friend, and gave the Indians a great panic. Still, the battle was contested in front for a length of time with undi tninished spirit. But the severity of fighting was OF AMERICAN HEROES. 203 on the flank just described. As Poor gallantly approached the point which completely uncovered the enemy's rear, Brant, who had been the first to penetrate the design of the American com- mander, attempted once more to rally his forces, and, with the assistance of a battalion of the ran- gers, make a stand. But it was in vain, although he exerted himselt to the utmost for that purpose, dying from point to point, seeming to be every where present, and using every means in his power to reanimate the flagging spirits and reinvigorate the arms of liis followers. Having ascended the steep, and gained his object without faltering, Poor turned the enemy's flank, and the fortunes of the day were decided. Perceiving such to be the fact, and that there was danger of being surrounded, the retreat-halloo was raised, and the enemy, sav- ages and white men, abandoned their works, crossed the river, and fled with the utmost pre- cipitation, the Indians leaving their packs and a number of their tomahawks and scalping-knives be- hind them. The battle was long, and on the side of the enemy bloody. Eleven of their dead were found upon the field : an unusual circumstance with liie Indians, who invariably exert themselves to the 204 DARING DEEDS utmost to prevent the bodies of their slain from falling into the hands of their foes. But being pushed at the point of the bayonet, they had not time to bear them away. They were pursued two miles, their trail affording indubitable proof that a portion of their dead and wounded had been carried off. Two canoes were found covered with blood, and the bodies of fourteen Indian warriors were discovered partially buried among the leaves, ^ight scalps were taken by the Americans during the chase. Considering the duration of the battle, and the obstinacy with which it was maintained, the loss of the Americans was small almost to a miracle. Only five or six men were killed, and between forty and fifty wounded. Among the American officers wounded were Major Titcomb, Oaptain Clayes, and Lieutenant Collis, the lattei mortally. All the houses of the contiguous Indiau town were burned, and the corn fields destroyed. EXPEDITION OF COLONEL BRODHEAD But there was jet another expedition against the Indians, devised and executed simultaneously with that of General Sullivan. This movement took place under the direction of Colonel Daniel Brod- head, then commanamg at Fort Pitt, and was originally designed by tne Commander-in-Chief, after accomplishing the destruction of the Mingo, Mun- sey, and a portion of the Seneca Indians settled on the Alleghany River, for co-operation with that of Sullivan, by a junction at Niagara, a point, as it happened, unattained by either. Colonel Brodhead left Pittsburgh on the 11th of August, at the head of 600, rank and file, including volunteers and militia, with provisions for one month. The first Indian town designed to be attacked was Canno- wago. On their way thither, four days after theii departure from Fort Pitt, Colonel Brodhead's ad danced guard met a party of between thirty and forty Indian warriors descending the Alleghany ^n 206 , DARING DKEDP canoes. The Indians landed to give battle^ but were defeated after a sharp brush, and put to flight, leaving live warriors dead, and evident marks that others had been carried off vj^ounded On arriving at Cannowago, the troops were mor- tified to find that the town had been deserted for eighteen months. Proceeding onward, however, thej successively entered several towns, which were abandoned by the Indians on their approach. They were all destroyed, together with the adjacent cornfields. At the upper Seneca town, called I oghroonwago, they found a painted image, or war-post, clothed in dogskin. There were several towns in the vicinity of this place, containing, in all, 130 houses, some of which were large enough to accommodate three or four families each. These were all destroyed, together with their fields of corn, 80 extensive that the troops were occupied three days in accomplishing the object. The old towns >f Buckloons and Maghinquechahocking, consisting of thirty-five large houses, were likewise burned. The Indians had fled so precipitately as to leave some packages of skins and other booty, to the value of $3000 all of which were then taken Fields of corn were destroyed at least to the extent OF AMERICAN HEROES. 207 d{ 500 acres. From the number of new lionees building, and the extent of lands preparing for cultivation, it was conjectured that it was the in- tention of the whole Seneca and Munsey nations to plant themselves down in those settlements. The distance traversed by Colonel Brodhead, going and returning, was 400 miles, and not a man was \oU during the expedition. The thanks of Congress were likewise voted to General Washington for devising, and to Colonel Brodhead for executing, this expedition. It has already been remarked that, as but few of the enemy were slain in these expeditions, the only immediate effect, beyond the destruction of pro- visions and property, was to exasperate the Indians. A more remote eifect was to throw the whole body of the hostiles of the Six Nations back upon their British employers for their entire support the fol- lowing winter. Another consequence was, that, from the want and distress of the Indians during the winter, a mortal disease was superinduced among them, which swept great numbers into eternity. The Delawares were at that time at peace with the United States, and a small body of their 10 DARINO DEEDS warriors had accompanied Colonel Brodhead on the exj)edition from which he had just returned. The business having been closed with the Huron chief, the Delawares interposed in behalf of the Maqni- chee clan of the Shawanese. These Indians were now apparently very humble : but, apprehensive that they might not, perhaps, manage their own case very well, the Delawares had kept them back from the council, and undertaken their cause them- selves. The conference appears to have been satisfactory to Colonel Brodhead. But if the Maquichee clan of the Shawanese preserved theii- fidelity, the main body of the nation became none the less unfriendly by their means. And although Colonel Brodhead had admonished them that he would not counter- mand the orders of Colonel Clm-ke to strike them, it so happened that the first and severest blow was struck by the Shawanese themselves. It was but a short time after the closing of the council at Fort Pitt, that a detachment of seventy men from the Kentucky district of Virginia, under the command of Major Rogers, was surprised while ascending the Ohio, and nearly exterminated. The Kentuck- •ans were drawn ashore by a stratagem. At first OF AMERICAN HEROES. 209 a few Indians only appeared, standing upon a sandbar near the month of the Licking Kiver, while a canoe, with three other Indians, was paddling toward them as though to receive them on board Rogers immediately put in to the Kentucky shore, and having made fast his boats, went in pursuit. Only five or six Indians had been seen, and Kogers, presuming that the whole party would not proba bly exceed fifteen or twenty at farthest, felt per t'ectly sure of an easy victory, having seventy men, well armed and provided. Proceeding cautiously toward the point where he supposed he should surround the enemy, and having adjusted his movements with that design, at the very moment when he was preparing to rush forward and secure them, he found himself with his whole force in the midst of an ambuscade ! The Indians rose in hun- dreds on all sides of him, and pouring in a close and deadly fire upon the Americans, rushed upon the survivors tomahawk in hand. Major Kogers and forty-five of his men were killed almost in- stantly. The residue ran for the boats, but the ffuard of only five men, who had been left in charge, had sought security by putting off in one of them, while the Indians had already anticipated 210 DA.RING DEEDS the fugitives by taking possession of the others The possibility of retreat being thus cut off, the brave fellows now turned furiously upon the enemy ; and as night was approaching, after a sharp fight for some time, a small number, aided by the dark- ness, succeeded in effecting their escape to Har- rodsburgh. Among the wounded in this sharp and bloody encounter, who escaped both death and captivity, were Captain Robert Benham and another man, whose cases, together, form a novel and romantic adventure. Benham was shot through both hips, and the bones being shattered, he instantly fell. Still, aided by the darkness, he succeeded in crawl ing among the thick .branches of a fallen tree, where he lay without molestation through the night and during the following day, while the Indians, who had returned for that purpose, were stripping the slain. He continued to lie close in the place of his retreat until the second day, when, becom ing hungry, and observing a raccoon descending a tree, he managed to shoot it, hoping to be able to strike a fire and cook the animal. The cracl< of the rifle was followed by a human cry, which at first startled the captain ; but the cry bein£» OF AMERICAN HEROES. 211 repeated several times, the voice of a Kentuckian was at length recognised ; the call was returned, and the parties were soon together. The man proved to be one of his comrades, who had lost the use of both his arms in the battle. Never did misery find more welcome company. One of the parties could use his feet, and the other his hands. Eenham, by tearing up his own and his compan- ion's shirts, dressed the wounds of both. He could load his rifle and fire with readiness, and was thus enabled to kill such game as approached, while his companion could roll the game along upon the ground with his feet, and in the same manner col- lect wood enough together to cook their meals. When thirsty, Benham could place his hat in the teeth of his companion, who went to the Licking, and wading in until he could stoop down and fill it, returned with a hatful of water. When the stock of squirrels and other small game in their immediate neighborhood was exhausted, the man of legs would roam away, and drive up a flock of wild turkeys, then abundant in those parts, until they came within range of Benham's rifle. Thus hey lived six weeks, when they discovered a boat upon the Ohio, which took them off. Both recov jred thoroughly from their wounds. CHAPTER VI.— 1780. CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRE. In the year 1780, a plot fraught with much danger to the American cause was happily dis- covered. This plot originated with Arnold, a gene- ral in the American army, who by his extravagance and overbearing behavior, had brought upon him- self a reprimand from the American Congress. Of a temper too impetuous to bear reproof, Arnold, bent on revenge, entered into a negotiation through Major John Andre, adjutant general in the British army, to deliver up to the enemy the important post of West Point, of which Arnold had the command. Andre proceeded in disguise to West Point, a^ew a plan of the fortress, concerted with Arnold, and agreed upon the manner and time of attack. Hav- ing obtained a passport, and assumed the name of Anderson, Andre set out on his return to New OF AMERICAN HEROES. 213 Fork by land. He passed the outposts of the American army without suspicion. Supposing him- self now out of danger he pressed forward, elated with the prospect of the speedy execution of a plot, which was to give the finishing blow to liberty in America. When Andre had arrived within about thirty miles of New York, and as he was entering a village called Tarrytown, three militia men, who happened that way, John Paulding, David Wil- liams, and Isaac Yan Wart, seized the bridle of his horse, and accosted him with, " Where are you bound ? " Andre, supposing that they were of the British, did not immediately show his passport, but waving their questions, asked them, ''-where they helonged tof' they replied ''to below,'' {vef er- ring to the course of the river, and implying that they were of the British party.) " And so do /," said Andre, (confirmed in his mistake by this stratagem,) and at the same time informed them that he was a British officer on urgent business, and must not be detained. " You belong to our enemies,^ exclaimed the militia men, " o/nd we a/rrest you^ Andre, struck with astonishment, presented his passport; but this, after what had 15 314 DARING DEEDS passed, oiixy rendered his case the more suspicious He then offered them a purse of gold, his horse and watch, besides a large reward from the British government, if they would but liberate him. But these soldiers, though poor and obscure, were not to be bribed. They searched him, and foimd con- cealed in his boot, papers which evidenced his guilt, and they immediately conducted him to Colonel Jameson, their commanding officer. Andre was tried by a board of general officers of the American army, and executed as a spy, at Tappan, New York, October 2d. He was a young officer, highminded, brave, accomplished, and hu- mane. He suffered with fortitude, and his fate excited the universal sympathy of all parties. DEATH OF BAKOlSr DE KALB. Major Horry, in his "Life of General Marion," gives the following account of an interview with the brave De Kalb, the day before the disastrous battle of Camden : OF AMERICAN HSBOBB. 915 Immediately on receiving orders of departni*e, we waited on the good o_d De Kalb to take our leave, and to express our deep regret at parting with him. "It is with equal regret, my dear sirs, that I part with you," said he ; " because I feel a presentiment that we part to meet no more.** We told him we hoped better things. " Oh no !" replied he, " it is impossible. War is a kind of game, and has its fixed rules, whereby, when we are well acquainted with them, we can pretty correctly tell how the trial will go. To-mor- row, it seems, the die is to be cast ; and, in my judgment, without the least chance on our side. The militia will, I suppose, as usual, play the hack- game ; that is, get out of battle as fast as their legs will carry them. But that, you know, won't do for me. I an an old soldier^ and cannot run: and I believe I have some brave feUows that will stand by me to the last. So, when you hear of our battle, you will probably hear that your old friend, De Kalb, is at rest" I never was more affected in my life; and I perceived tears in the eyes of G-eneral Marion. De Kalb saw them too ; and taking n-s by the hand, he said, with a firm tone, and animated look, "l^o I 216 DARING DEEDS no ! gentlemen ; no emotion for me, but those of congratulation. I am happy. To die is the irre- versible decree of him who made us. Then what joy to be able to meet death without dismay This, tliank God, is my case. The happiness of man is my wish ; that happiness I deem inconsis- tent with slavery. And to avert so great an evil from an innocent people, I will gladly meet the British to-morrow, at any odds whatever." As he spoke this, a fire flashed from his eyes. which seemed to me to demonstrate the divinity of virtue, and the immortality of the soul. We left him with feelings which 1 shall never forget, while memory maintains her place in my aged br^in. It was on the morning of August 15th, 1780, that we left the army in a good position, near Kugeley's mills, twelve miles from Camden, where the enemy lay. About ten, that night, orders were given to march and surprise the enemy, who had, at the same time, commenced a march to surprise the Americans. To their mutual astonishment, the advance of both armies met at two o'clock, and began firing on each other. It was, however, soon discontinued by both parties, who appeared very OF AMERICAN HEKOEb 21V willing to leave the matter to be decided by day- light. A council of war was called, in which De Kalb advised that the army should fall back to Kugeley's mills, and wait to be attacked. General Gates not only rejected this excellent counsel, but threw out insinuations that it originated in fear. Upon this, the brave old man leaped from his horse, and placed himself at the head of his com- mand on foot, saying, with considerable warmth, " Well, sir, perhaps a few hours will show who are the brave." As daylight increased, the frightened militia began to discover the woods, reddened all over with the scarlet uniform of the British army, which soon, with rattling drums and thundering cannon, came rushing on to the charge ; and they scarcely waited to give them a distant fire before they broke, and fled in every direction. General Gates clapped spurs to his horse, as he said, " to bring the rascals back." However, he did not bring him- self back, nor did he stop tiM he reached Charlotte, eighty miles from the field of battle. Two-thirds of the army having thus shamefully taken them- selves off, the brave old De Kalb and his handful of continentals were left to try the fortune of tha 21 S DA.RTNGDEKD8 day. More determined valor was never displayed : for though outnumbered more than two to one they sustained the whole British force for mon than an hour. Glorying in the bravery of his con tinentals, De Kalb towered before them like a pillar of fire. But, alas ! what can valor do against equal valor, aided by such fearful odds? While bending forward to animate his troops, the veteran received eleven wounds. Fainting with loss of blood, he fell to the ground, while Britons and Americans were killed over him, as they furiously etrove to destroy, or to defend. In the midst of clashing bayonets, his cmly surviving aid. Monsieur de Buyson, stretched his arms over the fallen hero, and called out, " Save the Baron de Kalb ! save the Baron de Kalb ! " The British officers then interposed, and prevented his immediate destruction. De Kalb died, as he had lived, the unconquered friend of liberty. When an English officer con- doled with him for his misfortune he replied, " I thank you, sir, for your generous sympathy; but I die the death I always prayed for; the death of a soldier, fighting for the rights of man." He sur- vived but a few hours, and was buried in the OF AMERICAN HEROEB, 219 plains of Camden, near which his last battle was fought. Many years after, when the great Washington Fisited Camden, he eagerly inquired for the grave of De Kalb. It was shown to him. Gazing upon it thoughtfully, he exclaimed, with a deep sigh, "So, there lies the brave De Kalb; the generous stranger, who came from a distant land, to hght our battles, and to water, with his blood, the tioe of liberty. Would to God he had lived to share its fruits!" BATTLE AT KIKG'S MOUNTAIN. '' It had been the policy of the British, since the general submission of the inhabitants of South Carolina, to increase the royal force by embodying the people of the country as British militia. In the district of Ninety-six, Major Ferguson, a par tisan of distinguished merit, had been employed to train the most loyal inhabitants, and to attach them to his own corps. That officer was now 220 DARIN© DEEDS directed bj Lord Oornwallis to enter the western part of North Carolina, near the mountains, and to embody the loyalists in that quarter, for co-operation with his army. Oornwallis, in the mean time, com- menced his march with the main army from Cam- den, through the settlement of the Waxhaws, to Charlotteville, in North Carolina. About the same time, Colonel Clark, of Georgia, at the head of a small body of men, which he had collected in the frontiers of North and South Carolina, advanced against Augusta, and laid siege to that place. Colonel Brown, who with a few loyal provincials held that post for the British, made a vigorous defence ; and, on the approach of Colonel Cruger, with a re-enforcement from Ninetj-six, Clark relin- quished the enterprise, and made a rapid retreat through the country along which he had marched to the attack. Major Ferguson, receiving intelli gence of his movements, prepared to intercept him. The hardy mountaineers of Virginia and North Carolina, collecting at this time from various quar- ters, constituted a formidable force, and advanced by a rapid moA^ement toward Ferguson. At the same time. Colonel Williams, from the neighbor- hood of Ninety-six, and Colonels Tracy and Banan, OF AMERICAN HEBOBS. 221 also of South Carolina, conducted parties of men toward the same points. Ferguson, having notice of theii approach, commenced his march for Char- .otteville. The several corps of militia, amounting to near 3000 men, met at Gilberttown, lately occu- pied by Ferguson. About 160u riflemen were im- mediately selected, and mounted on their fleetest norses, for the purpose of foxiowing the retreating army. They came up with the enemy at King's Mountain, October Tth, 1780, where Ferguson, on finding he should be overtaken, had chosen his ground, and waited for an attack. The Americans formed themselves into three divisions, led by Colonels Campbell, Shelby, and Cleaveland, and began to ascend the mountain in three different and opposite directions. Cleaveland with his divi- sion, was the first to gain sight of the enemy's pickets, and halting his men, he addressed them in the following simple, affecting, and animating terms : — " My brave fellows, we ham beat the to- ries^ and we can beat them ; they are all cowards. If they had the spirit of men, they would join with their fellow-citizens in supporting the inde- pendence of their country. When engaged, you are not to wait for the word of command from me !^i8 DARING DEEDB / will ahow you by my exa/mple how to fight. 1 can undertake no more. Every man must consider himself as an officer, and act from his own judg- ment. Fire as quick as you can, and stand your ground as long as you can. When you can do no better, get behind trees, or retreat ; but I beg of you not to run quite off. If we are repulsed, let us make a point to return, and renew the fight; perhaps we may have better luck in the second attempt than in the first. If any of you are afi'aid, such have leave to retire, and they are requested iTnmediately to take themselves offP This address, which would have done honor to the hero of Agincourt, being ended, the men rushed upon the enemy's pickets, and forced them to retire ; but returning again to the charge with the bayonet, Cleaveland's men gave way in their turn. In the mean time. Colonel Shelby advanced with his division, and was in like manner driven back by the bayonets of the enemy ; but there was yet another body of assailants to be received : Colonel Campbell moved up at the moment of Shelby's re- pulse, but was equally unable to stand against the British bayonet ; and Ferguson still kept possession of his mountain. The whole of the division bein^ OF AMERICAN HER(iES. 223 separately baffled, determined to make another effort in co-operation, and the conflict became ter- rible. Ferguson still depended upon the bayonet but this brave and undaunted officer, after gallantly sustaining the attack for nearly an hour, was killed by a musket ball, and his troops soog after sur- rendered at discretion. The enemy's loss on this occasion was 300 killed and wounded, 800 prison- ers, and 1500 stand of arms. Our loss in killed was about twenty, among whom was Colonel "Wil- liams, one of our most active and enterprising officers ; our number of wounded was very con siderable. BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. Morgan, pursued by Tarleton, having been accus- tomed to fight and to conquer, did not relish the eager and interrupting pursuit of his adversary ; and sat down at the Cowpens to give rest and re- freshment to his harassed troops, with a resolution no long«?r to avoid action, should his enemy persist 284 DARING DEEDS in it. Being apprised at the dawn of day of Tarle ton's advance he instantly prepared for battle. This decision grew out of irritation of temper, which appears to have overruled the suggestions of hia sound and discriminating judgment. The ground about the Cowpens is covered with open wood, ad- mitting the operation of cavalry with facility, in which the enemy trebled Morgan. Two light parties of militia, under Major M'Dowel, of North Carolina, and Major Cunning- ham, of Georgia, were advanced in front, with orders to fell the enemy as he approached; and, preserving a desultory well-aimed fire as they fell back to the front line, to range with it and renew the conflict. The main body of the militia com- posed this line, with General Pickens, at its head. At a suitable distance in the rear of the first line a second was stationed, composed of the continen- tal infantry and two companies of Virginia militia, under Captains Triplett and Taite, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Howard. Washington's cavalry, reinforced with a company of mounted militia, armed with sabres, was held in reserve ; convenient to support the infantry, and protect the horses of OF AMERICAN HEROES. ^2.'> the rifle militia, which were tied, agreeably to iisasre, in the rear. Tlie British lieutenant-colonel, urging forward, was at length gratified with the certainty of battle ; and, being prone to presume on victory, he hurried the formation of his troops. The light and legion infantry, with the seventh regiment, composed the line of battle ; in the centre of which was posted the artillery, consisting of two grasshoppers ; and a troop of dragoons was placed on each flank. The /)attalion of the seventy-first regiment, under Major M'Arthur, with the remainder of the cavalry, for- med the reserve. Tarleton placed himself with the ane, having under him Major Newmarsh, who commanded the seventh regiment. The disposition was not completed when he directed the line to advance, and the reverse to wait further orders. The American light parties quickly yielded, fell back, and arrayed with Pickens. The enemy shouting, rushed forward upon the front line, which etained its station, and poured in a close fire but, continuing to advance with the bayonet on our militia, they retired, and gained with haste the second line. Here, with part of the corps, Pickens took post on Howard's right, and the rest fled to DARING DEEDS their horses — probably with orders to remcve them to a fuither distance. Tarleton pushed for- ward, and was received by his adversary with un- shaken firmness. The contest became obstinate, and each party animated by the example of its leader, nobly contended for victory. Our line maintained itself so firmly, as to oblige the enemy to order up his reserve. The advance of M'Arthur reanimated the British line, which again moved forward ; and, outstretching our front, endangered Howard's right. This officer instantly took mea- sures to defend his flank, by directing his right company to change its front ; but, mistaking this order, the company fell back ; upon which the line began to retire, and Genei-al Morgan directed it to retreat to the cavalry. This manoeuvcr being per- formed with precision, our flank became relieved, and the new position was assumed with prompt- itude. Considering this retrograde movement the precursor of flight, the British line rushed on with impetuosity and disorder; but, as it drew near, Howard faced about, and gave it a close and mur- derous fire. Stunned by this unexpected shock, the most advanced of the enemy recoiled in con- fusion. Howard seized the happy moment, and OF AMERICAN HBBOKS. 827 followed his advantage with the bayonet. This decisive step gave us the day. The reserve having been brought near the line, shared in the destruc- tion of our fire, and presented no rallying point to he fugitives. A part of the enemy's cavalry, hav- ing gained oui' rear, fell on that portion of the militia who had retired to their horses. Washing ton struck at them witli his dragoons, and drove them before him. Thus, by simultaneous efforts the infantry and cavalry of the enemy were routed Morgan pressed home his success, and the pm-suii became vigorous and general. The British cavalry having taken no part in the action, except the two troops attached to the line, were in force to covei the retreat. This, however, was not done. The zeal of Lieutenant-Colonel Washington in pursuit liaving carried him far before his squadron, Tarle- ton turned upon him with the troop of the seven- teenth regiment of dragoons, seconded by many of his officers. The American lieutenant-colonel was first rescued from this critical contest by one of his sergeants, and afterward by a fortunate shot from his bugler's pistol. This check concluded resistance on the part of the British officer, who drew off with the remains of his cavalry, collected his 2S8 DABING DEEDS stragglers, and hastened to Lord Cornwallis. The baggage guard, learning the issue of the lattle, moved instantly toward the British army. The re mainder arrived with Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton on the morning following. In this decisive battle we lost about seventy men, of whom twelve only were killed. The British infantry, with the excep- tion of the baggage guard, were nearly all killed or taken. One hundred, including ten officers, were killed ; twenty-three officers and 500 privates were taken. The artillery, 800 muskets, two stan- dards, thirty-five baggage wagons, and 100 dra- goon horses, fell into our possession. Congress manifested their sense of this important victory by a resolve, approving the conduct of the principal officers, and commemorative of their dis- tinguished exertions. To General Morgan they presented a golden medal, to Brigadier Pickens a sword, and to Lieutenant-Colonels Howard and Washington, a silver medal, and to Captain Friplett, a sword. SERGEANT MITCHELL. The intrepidity of this excellent soldier ^ merits particular notice. There were no ensigns attached to the command, and when it was ascertained that a contest must ensue with Tarleton, the adjutant selected Mitchell to bear the colors, as he had al ways been distinguished for correctness of conduct and was connected with a family of high respecta- bility. In the progress of the battle, Tarleton led an attack on the centre of the line where Mitchell was posted, with his standard. The intrepid ser- geant was cut down, and the staff of his colors broken. Grasping the part to which the colors were attached, he retained it firmly in his hands, while dragged to a distance of fifteen yards. The British dragoons now gathered round him, and would immediately have mangled him to death, but Captain Kinloch dismounted and protected him from their rage, declaring that so gallant a soldier, though an enemy should not perish. 16 2S0 DARING DEJCDf Mitchell survived his wounds, though severe, re- moved, at the close of the war to Georgia, became, from his acknowledged merits, a Brigadier-General, and was, but a few years back, a hale and hearty man. NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS. In June, 1780, the twenty-eight gun ship Ti'umbull, commanded by Captain Nicholson, attacked the British ship Watt, of greatly superior strength, and was disabled, but not captured. She lost thirty-two in killed and wounded ; the enemy lost ninety-two. In October, the sixteen-gun sloop Saratoga, Captain Young, captured a British ship and two brigs, but while convoying them into port, was overtaken by the seventy-four Intrepid, and the prizes were re- captured. The Saratoga escaped. On the 2d of April, 1781, the Alliance, Captain Barry, captured two Guernsey privateers ; and soon after, she cap tured two British men-of-war, one of which was retaken on its way to America. In June, the OF AMERICAN HEBOEB 231 Confederacy, Captain Harding, was captured by two armed British vessels. In August, the Trum- bull was captured by three British cruiserP, off the Capes of the Delaware; and on the 6th of Sep- tember, the Congress, Captain Geddes, captured the British ship Savage, after a desperate encounter. She was afterward recaptured. DEFEAT OF MAJOE GAINEY. Marion's career of activity commenced with his command. Though always prudent, he yet learned that prudence in military life must always imply activity. The insecurity of the encampment, with a militia force, is always greater than that of battle. The Roman captains of celebrity were particularly aware of this truth. But the activity of Marion was necessarily straitened by the condition in which he found his men. They were wretchedly deficient in all the materials of service. His first effort to supply some of their wants, was in sacking the 8aw-mill6. The saws were wrought and hammered 232 DARING DEBDB by rude blacksmiths into some resemblance to sabres, and thus provided, Marion set his men in motion, two days after taking the command. Crossing the Pedee at Port's Ferry, he advanced upon a large body of Tories commanded by Major Gainey, who held a position upon Britton's Neck. Gainey was considered by the British an excellent partisan officer, but he was caught napping. Ma- rion moved with equal secrecy and celerity. After riding all night, he came upon the enemy at dawn in the morning. The discovery and the attack were one. The surprise was complete. A captain and several privates were slain, and the party dis- persed. Marion did not lose a man, and had but two wounded. In this engagement, our representa tive. Major James, distinguished himself, by singling out Major Gainey for personal combat. But Gainey shrank from his more powerful assail- ant, and sought safety in flight. James pursued for a distance of half a mile. In the eagerness of the chase he did not perceive that he was alone and unsupported. It was enough that he was gaining upon his enemy, who was almost within reach of his sword, when the chase brought them suddenly upon a body of Tories who had rallied OF AME&IOAN HEBOBB. Upon the road. There was not a moment to be lost. Hesitation would have been fatal. But our gallant Major was not to be easily intimidated. With great coolness and presence of mind, waving his sword aloft, he cried out, " come on, boys I here they are ! " and rushed headlong upon the group of enemies, as if perfectly assured of support. The ruse was successftd. The Tories broke once more, and sought safety from their individual enemy in the recesses of Pedee swamp. MARION AT NELSON'S FEREY. On the 17th August, the day following the defeat of Gates, — of which event he was as yet wholly ignorant — he dispatched Colonel Peter Horry, with orders to take command of four com- panies, Bonneau's, Mitchell's, Benson's, and Le- nud's, near Georgetown, on the Santee ; to destroy all the boats and canoes on the river from the lower ferry to Lenud's — to break up and stop all comm^inications with Charlestown, and to procure. 234 D A R 1 NG DE B D 8 if possible, supplies of gunpowder, flints and bul- lets. "Twenty-five weight of gunpowder, ball or buckshot," is the language of his orders. This will show how scanty were the supplies which were to be procured of the material upon which everything depended. Marion frequently went into action with less than three rounds to a man — half of his men were sometimes lookers on because of the lack of arms and ammunition — waiting to see the fall of friends or enemies, in order to obtain the necessary means of taking part in the affair. Buckshot easily satisfied soldiers, who not unfrequently ad- vanced to the combat with nothing but swan-shot in their fowling-pieces. While Horry proceeded toward Georgetown, Marion marched to the up])er Santee. On this march he was advised of the defeat of Gates ; but, fearing its eflfect upon his men, without communi- cating it, he proceeded immediately toward Nelson's Ferry. This was a well known pass on the great route, the " war-path, " from Charleston to Camden. II ere his scouts advised him of the approach of a strong British guard, with a large body of prisoners taken from Gates. The guard had stopped at a house on the east side of the river. Informed of OF AMEKIOAN HKKOEB. 235 all necessary particulars, Marion, a little before daylight, detached Colonel Hugh Horry, with six- teen men, to gain possession of the road, at the pass of Horse Creek, in the swamp, while the main body under himself was to attack the enemy's rear. The attempt was made at dawn, and was perfectly successful. A letter from Marion himself, to Colonel P. Horry, thus details the event: — *' On the 20th inst. I attacked a guard of the 63d and Prince of Wales' Kegiment, with a number of Tories, at the Great Savannah, near 1^5'elson'- Ferry ; killed and took twenty-two regulars, and two Tories prisoners, and retook 150 Continentals of the Maryland line, one wagon and a drum ; one captain and a subaltern were also captured. Our loss is one killed, and Captain Benson is slightly wounded on the head." ADVENTURES OF MAJOR JAMES AiNi^ CAPTAm WITHERSPOON. Major James, who was equally bold and skillful, pressed forward fearlessly till he became aware of the proximity of the British. He was resolved to make sure of his intelligence. He placed himself in a thicket on their line of march, and by a bright moon, was readily enabled to form a very correct notion of their character and numbers. But as the rear-guard passed by, his courageous spirit prompted further performances. He was not content to carry to his general no other proofs of his vigilance but the tidings which he had obtained. His perfect knowledge of the ground, his confidence in the ex- cellent character of his men, and the speed of their horses, moved him to greater daring ; and, bursting from his hiding-place, with a terrible shout, he swooped down with his small party upon the star- tled stragglers in the rear of the Tory march, carrying off his prisoners in the twinkling of an Oir AMERICAN HEROES. 2S7 eye, without stopping to slay, and without suffering the loss of a man. Before the enemy could rally, and turn upon his path, the tread of the partisan's horse no longer sounded in his ears. It was while Marion remained at White Marsh, that one of his captains, Gavin Witherspoon, whom he had sent out with four men, achieved one of those clever performances, that so frequently dis- tinguished the men of Marion. He had taken re- fuge in Pedee Swamp from the pursuit of the enemy, and, while hiding, discovered one of the camps of the Tories who had been in pursuit of aim. "Witherspoon proposed to his four comrades to watch the enemy's camp, until the Tories were asleep. But his men timidly shrank from the per- formance, expressing their dread of superior numbers. "Witherspoon undertook the adventure himself. Creeping up to the encampment, he found that they slept at the butt of a pine tree, which had been torn up by the roots. Their guns were piled against one of its branches at a little distance from them. These he first determined to secure, and, still creeping, with the skill and caution of an experienced scout, he succeeded in his object. The guns once in his possession, he aroused the 238 DARTNO DBlCt>« Tories by oommanding tlieir surrendei They were seven in number, unarmed, and knew nothing of the force of the assailant. His own more timid followers drew near in sufficient time to assist in securing the prisoners. There was another Wither- spoon with Marion, John, a brother of Gavin, and like him distinguished for great coolness, strength, and courage. Both of the brothers delighted in such adventm-es, and were always ready to engage in them, — the rashness of the attempt giving a Bort of relish to the danger, which always sweetened it to the taste of our partisans. BLACK MIKGO. Marion was advised of a large body of Tories at Black Mingo, fifteen miles distant, under the com- mand of Captain John Coming Ball. Marion was in expectation, every moment, of additional troops, but he determined not to wait for them. He found his men in the proper mood for fight, and at such times small inequalities of force are not to be OF AMERICAN HEEOES 289 regarded. He resolved to ^ive the humor vent, and at once commenced his march for the enemy's encampment. He found the Tories strongly posted at Shepherd's Ferry, on the south side of the Black Mingo, on a deep navigable stream, the passage of which they commanded. There was but 'one other approach to them, about a mile above their position, through a boggy causeway, and over a bridge of planks. It was nearly midnight when Marion's troops reached this pass. While the horses were crossing the bridge, an alarm gun was heard from the Tory camp. Celerity now became as necessary to success as caution, and Marion ordered his men to follow him at full gallop. When they reached the main road, about 300 yards from the enemy, the whole force, with the exception of a small body acting as cavalry, dismoimted. A Dody of picked men, under Captain Waties, was ordered down the road to attack Bollard's house, where the Tories had been posted. Two companies, under Colonel Hugh Horry, were sent to the right, and the cavalry to the left, to support the attack, Marion himself bringing up the reserve. It so happened, however, that the Tories had taken the alarm, and having withdrawn from the house, had 240 DARIKG DEEDS chosen a strong position in an old field near it. Here they encountered Horry's command, on the advance, with a fire equally severe and unexpected. The efiect was that of a surprise upon the assail- ants. Horry's troops fell back in confusion, but were promptly rallied and brought to the charge. The battle was obstinate and bloody, but the a])- pearance of the corps under Waties, suddenly, in the rear of the Tories, soon brought it to a close. Finding themselves between two fires, the enemy gave way in all directions, and fled for refuge to the neighboring swamp of Black Mingo. So warmly contested was this affair, that, though soon over, fully one third of the men brought into the field were put Jwrs de combat. The loss of Marion was proportionably very considerable. Captain Logan was among his slain, and Captain Mouzon and Lieutenant Scott so severely wounded as to be unfit for future service. The force of the Tories was almost twice as great as that of the Whigs. They lost their commander, and left nearly half their number, killed and wounded, on the ground. But for the alarm given by the tread of Marion's horses, while crossing the neighboring bridge, the Tories would most probably have been surprised. At any OF AMERICAN HEBOE8. 241 rate, the affair would have been settled without subjecting the brigade to the severe loss which it sustained. After this event Marion adopted the precaution, whenever about to cross a bridge by night, with an enemy near, to cover the planks with the blankets of his men. But he generally preferred fords, where they could possibly be had, to bridges. DEFEAT OF COLONEL TYJNES. Colonel Tynes had brought with him from Charleston, large supplies of the materials of war and comfort — commodities of which the poor patriots stood grievously in need. They hungered at the tidings brought by the scouts, of new English muskets and bayonets, broad-swords and pistols, saddles and bridles, powder and ball, which the provident Colonel had procured from Charleston for fitting out the new levies. To strike at this gathering, prevent new levies, and procure the supplies whioh were designed for them, were 242 DAKINGDEEJJB controlling objects to which all others were made to yield. The half-naked troops of the brigade found new motives to valor in the good things which the adventure promised. Tynes lay at Tarcote, in the forks of Black River, and, as Marion was advised, without exercising much military watchfulness. The head of his column was instantly turned in this direction. Crossing the lower ford of the northern branch of Black River, at Nelson's plantation, he came upon the camp of Tynes at midnight. A hurried, but satisfactory survey, revealed the posi tion of the enemy. No preparation had been made for safety, no precautions taken against attack. Some of the Tories slept, others feasted, and others were at cards — none watched. Marion made hia arrangements for the attack without obstacle or interruption. The surprise was complete, — the panic universal. A few were slain, some with the cards in their hands. Tynes, with two of his officers, and many of his men, were made priso- ners, but the greater number fled. Few were slain, as scarcely any resistance was offered, and Tarcote Swamp was fortunately nigh to receive and shelter the fugitives, many of whom shortly made their appearance and took their places in the ranks of OF AMERICAN HEROES. S43 the conqueror. Marion lost not a man. The an- ticipations of his people were gratified with the acquisitions of no small store of those supplies, arms and ammunition, of which thej had previously stood in so nrjucb need. CHAPTEK Vll— 1781 BATTLE OF EUTAW SPKINGS. On the 9th of September, 1781, General Greene, having assembled about 2000 men, proceeded to attack the British, who, under the command of Colonel Stewart, were posted at Eutaw Springs. The American forces were drawn up in two lines : the first, composed of Carolina militia, was com- manded bj Generals Marion and Pickens, and Colonel De Malmedy. The second, which consisted of Continental troops from North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, was commanded bj General Sump- ter, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and Colonel Wil- liams. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, with his legion, covered the right flank; and Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson, with the state troops, covered the left. A corps de reserve was formed of the cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, and the Delaware troops, under Captain Kirkwood. As th© OF AMEBIC IN HEROES. 24h Americans came forwarrd to the attack, thej fell in with some advanced parties of the enemy at about two or three miles ahead of the main body. These being closely pursued, were driven back; and the action soon became general. The militia were at length forced to give way, but were bravely supported by the second line. In the hottest part jf the engagement, General Greene ordered the Maryland and Yirginia continentals to charge with trailed arms. This decided the fate of the day " Nothing, " says Dr. Ramsey, " could surpass the intrepidity of both officers and men on this occa- sion. They rushed on, in good order, through a heavy cannonade, and a shower of musketry, with such unshaken resolution, that they bore down all before them. " The British were broken, closely pursued, and upwards of 500 of them taken pris- oners. They, however, made a fresh stand, in a favorable position, in. impenetrable shrubs, and a picketed garden. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, after having made every effort to dislodge them, was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six-poun- ders were then brought forward to play upon them^ but they fell into their hands ; and the endeavors to drive them from their station being found 246 DARING DEED8 im])racticable, the Americans retired, leaving a strong picket on the field of battle. Their loss was about 500 ; that of the British upward of 1100. General Greene was honored by Congress with a British standard, and a gold medal, emblematic of the engagement and its success, "for his wise, decisive, and magnanimous conduct m the action of Eutaw Springs, in which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he obtained a most signal victory." In the evening of the succeeding day. Colonel Stewart abandoned his post, and retreated toward Charleston, leaving behind upward of seventy of his wounded, and a thousand stand of arms. Ho was ])ursued a considerable distance, but in vain. The battle of Eutaw produced the most signal consequences in favor of America. The British, who had, for such a length of time, lorded it abso- lutely in South Carolina, were, shortly after that event, obliged to confine themselves to Charleston BATTLE OF GUILFORD. The battle of Guilford Court-House took place on the 15th of March, 1781. The American army consisted of 4491 men, of whom 2753 were militia of North Carolina and Virginia, 1060 from the first state, and 1693 from the last; the British of about 2400 men, chiefly troops grown veteran in victories. The American army was drawn up in three lines ; the front composed of Korth Carolina militia, under the command of General Butler and General Eaton; the second of Yirginia militia, commanded by General Stevens and General Lawson ; the third and last of the Maryland and Yirginia continentals, amounting to 1490 rank and file, commanded by General Huger and Colonel Williams. Lieutenant-Colonel Washington, with his cavalry, and a corps of Delaware light-* nfan try, and some riflemen under Colonel Lynch, cohered the right flank. Lieutenant-Colonel Lee, with his legion, and some riflemen under Colonel Campbell, S48 DAKING DEEDS the left. After a brisk cannonade in front, the British advanced in three columns, the Hessians on the right, the Guards in the center, and Lieutenant-Colonel Webster's brigade on the left, and attacked the front line. This gave way when their adversaries were at the distance of 140 yards. Some of the North Carolina militia, who composed this line, fired once, but a great number ran away without firing or being fired upon. All exertions of their officers to rally them were ineffectual. The Virginia militia behaved much better ; kept up their fire till they were ordered to retreat, and did great execution. General Stevens had posted forty riflemen at equal distances, twenty paces in the rear of his brigade, with orders to shoot every man who should leave his post. This gallant officer, though he received a wound through the thigh, did not quit the field. He had the address to prevent his brigade from receiving any bad impressions from the retreating North Carolinians, by giving out that they had orders to retire after discharging their pieces. To cherish this idea he ordered the militia under his command, to open their files to favor their passage. The continental troops were last engaged, and Huger fought with great spirit OF AMERICAN HEROES. 249 Toward the close of the action, a charge was made on the British guards by the cavah-y of Lieutenant- Colonel Washington and the Maryland troops, commanded by Colonel Gunby and Lieutenant- Colonel Howard, with such execution that the whole corps was nearly annihilated. After a severe conflict of an hour and a half, the discipline of veteran troops carried the point against numbers General Green abandoned the field to his- rival, still, however, showing a good face ; he retreated no farther than over the Reedy Fork, a distance of three miles. The Americans lost four six-pounders which had been in possession of both armies in difierent stages of the action. This victory cost the British dear. Their killed and wounded ex ceeded 600 men. The Guards lost Colonel Stuart, with the Captains Schutz, Maynard and Goodriche, besides subalterns. Colonel Webster, an officer of distinguished reputation, died of his wounds, to the great injury of the service, and the universal regret of the royal army. Brigadier-Generals O'Hara and Howard, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, with several other officers, were wounded. About 300 of the continentals and 100 of the Virginia militia were killed and wounded ; among ^50 DABINO DEEDS ihe former was Major Anderson, of the Maryland line, a valuable officer, and the same who behaved 60 well in General Gates's defeat. Among the latter were General Huger and General Stevens. The early retreat of the North Carolinians saved them from much loss. Though the Americans had fewer killed and wounded than the British, yet their army sustained a greater diminution by the numerous fugitives from the militia, who no more rejoined the camp. Lord Cornwallis suffered so severely, that he was in no condition to improve the advantage he had gained. The British had only the name, the Americans all the good con- sequences of a victory. General Greene retreated., and Lord Cornwallis kept the field ; but, notwith- standing, the British interest, in North Carolina, was ruined by this action. Three days after the battle Lord Cornwallis issued a proclamation, setting forth his complete victory, and calling on all loyal subjects to stand forth, and take an active part in restoring good order and government ; and offering a pardon and protection to all rebels, murderers excepted, who would surrender themselves on or before the 20th of April. On the day on which this proclamation was issued, his lordship left his OF AMESIOAN HEROES. 251 lioepital and seventj-five wounded men with the numerous loyalists in the vicinity of Guilford, and began a march toward thi» sea-coast, which had the appearance of a retreat. Thirteen days before the expiration of this act of grace, he had reached his shipping at Wilmington, all the upper country remaining in the power of General Greene's army. SIEGE OF YORKTOWN. The autumn of 1780 found the British in posses- sion of most of the southern states. Charleston had fallen, South Carolina had been overrun, Virginia was threatened ; and the victorious Gates, ttdvanciiig to the succor of the patriots, had been totally destroyed at Camden. But the savage policy adopted by Coruwallis to secure his conquest was ultimately the cause of his ruin. He issued a pro- clamation, sequestering the estates of all those, not included in the capitulation of Charleston, who were in the service or acting under the authority of Congress, and of all others who, by an open 12 DARING DEEDS avowal of liberal principles, or other notorious acts, should show a leaning to the colonial authori- ties. At this juncture Marion appeared ; the militia flocked to his standard ; and the success of the partisan war carried on bj him and Sumpter raised the drooping spirits of the whigs. The appointment of Greene to the command of the southern army, and the brilliant affair at the Cowpens, still further exalted their hopes ; so that even the check at Guilford Court-House failed to dishearten them Indeed, the result of that battle was almost as un- favorable to the British as to the Americans. In a few days Greene was ready to renew the contest ; but Cornwallis eluded his grasp, and reached "Wil- mington, in his way to Yirginia, on the Yth of April, 1Y81. The American leader, finding it 'm- possible to bring his enemy to battle, took the bold resolution of marching into South Ca^'^olina, and thus forcing Cornwallis to follow him or abandon his conquests. The British general, on receiving intelligence of this movement, hesitated, but finally determined to pursue his first design, and overrun Virginia. By this daring step he would place his army in a country not yet wasted by war, and where, cf^nsequently, supplies wc uld be plentiful ; OF AMEKICAN HEROES. 253 while, if he should succeed in reducing the colony, the subjugation of the other southern states would inevitably follow, no matter how fortunate Greene, in the mean time, might be. For a time success followed every footstep of the foe. Comwallis, advancing rapidly northward, had united himself to the British Generals Philips and Arnold, as early as the latter end of May; while La Fayette, who had been dispatched to succor- Greene, but had been arrested by the enemy on the James Eiver, was preserved from capture only oy his energy and address. At length a junction was effected between him and Wayne, and subse- quently a detachment led by Baron Steuben still farther increased his force. Happily, at this crisis. Sir Henry Clinton, alarmed by "Washington's pre- parations for the siege of IS'ew York, recalled a portion of the force of Comwallis, and that general, now somewhat weakened, retired to Yorktown. Tlie whole of the French allies and 2000 of the continental line were detailed for the southern ex- pedition, which Washington determined to lead in person : the march of the troops was concealed as long as possible, while a sufficient forte was left to defend the Hudson; and so completely was Sir 254 DARING DEEDS Henry Clinton deceived, that the allied forces had reached the Delaware before he became aware of their intention to move southward. The brave continentals traversed now, with far dif- ferent feelings, the ground over which they had fled a few years before, ill-provisioned, poorly clothed, and marking their footsteps with blood. There was before them the prospect of reducing a formidable army, with but little expense of blood and treasure, and thus revenging their own wrongs and redeem- ing their country. They had already eluded Sir Henry Clinton, and a few days would probably enable them to surround Cornwallis. They marched on with high hopes, cheering their way with songs, and before the end of September arrived at Wil- liamsburgh, in the immediate vicinity of the foe. Meantime, the French fleet, in pursuance of the concerted plan, had reached the Chesapeake, while Cornwallis, too late aware of the net in which ho was involved, had been assiduously occupied in fortifying his position. Having formed a junction with La Fayette, the allied army, commanded by Washington in person, moved down from Williamsburgh to Yorktown ; and on the 30th of September occupied the outer OF AMERICAN HEB0E8. 255 lines of Cornwallis, which that general had aban- doned without a struggle. Two thousand men were detailed to the Gloucester side to blockade that post. The investment was now complete. It was not, however, imtil the night of the 6th of October that the Americans broke ground, within 1600 yards of the enemy's Knes, the intermediate time having been employed in bringing up the stores and heavy artillery. By daybreak the trenches were sufficiently advanced to cover the men. In less than four days a sufficient number of batteries and redoubts had been erected to silence the fire of the enemy. On the 10th, the day on which the British withdrew their cannon from the embrasures, the red-hot balls of the allied batteries set fire to an English frigate and three large transports lying in the harbor. On the night of the 11th the second parallel was opened within 300 yards of the British lines. These new trenches were flanked by two redoubts in possession ©f the enemy, who, taking advantage of the circumstance, opened several new embrasures, and kept up an incessant and destructive fire. It became necessary to carry those batteries by storm ; and the 14th was fixed for the purpose : one redoubt being ^56 DjLring deeds assigned to the Americans and the othQr to the French. A noble emulation fired the soldiers of the respective nations as thej advanced across the plain. La Fajette led the continentals : the Baron de Yiominel commanded his countrymen. The re~ doubt entrusted to the Americans was carried at the bayonet's point, the assailants rushing on with such impetuosity that the sappers had not time to remove the abattis and palisades. The French were equally courageous and successful, though, as their redoubt was defended by a larger force, the conquest was not so speedy, and their loss was greater. Coruwallis was now reduced to extremities. His works were crumbling under the shot of the first parallel, and in another day the new trenches would open their fire at half the distance. In this emergency he resolved on a sortie, hoping thus to retard the completion of the batteries in the second parallel. The enterprise was, at first, successful^ and the two batteries, which were now nearly com- pleted, fell into the hands of the foe ; but the guards from the trenches immediately hastening to the assistance of their fellow soldiers, the enemy was dislodged and driven back into his works. The OF AMERICAN HERO KB. 257 8am« day the second parallel opened several of its catteries. It was hoped that, bj morning, every gun might be brought to bear. A capitulation was now the only resource. Ac- cordingly, at ten the same forenoon, Gornwallis beat a parley, and proposed a cessation of hostili- ties for one day, in order to agree on terms for the surrender of Yorktown and Gloucester. Wash- ington granted two hours for Gornwallis to prepare his proposals ; and, that no time might be lost, sent in his own. The answer of the British gene- ral rendering it probable that but little difficulty would occur in adjusting the terms, Washington consented to the cessation of hostilities. On the 18th, the commissioners from the two armies met ; but evening arrived before they could agree except on a rough draft of the terms of surrender. These, however, Washington caused to be copied, a. d sent them early next morning to Gornwallis, deter- mined not to lose the slightest advantage by delay. He further informed the British general that a definitive answer was expected by eleven o'clock ; and that, in case of a surrender, the garrison must march out by two in the afternoon. No resource being left, Gornwallis signed. 258 DARING DEEDS it was a proud day for the war-worn troops of America, when the richly appointed soldiery of Britain marched out with dejected faces from their works, and in profound silence stacked their arms on the plain, in presence of the conquerors. But no unmanly exultation was seen among the allies. With decent pity they gazed on the spectacle, reserving their congratulations for their private quarters. But there, the rejoicings were loud and fervent, and the gay Frenchman from the Loire joined in triumphal songs with the hardy sons of N"ew England, or the more enthusiastic Virginian. By the capitulation, more than 7000 prisoners, exclusive of seamen, fell into the hands of the allies. Among the captives were two generals, and thirty-one field officers. The army, artillery, arms, military chest, and public stores were surrendered to Washington ; while the ships and seamen were assigned to Count de Grasse, the French admiral In addition to those made prisoners at the capitu- lation, the loss of the garrison, during the siege, was 552. The allied army lost about 300. The whole force, including the militia, under Washing- ton's command, was 16000. The siege occupied or AMBBIOAN HBBOBB. 269 eleven days to the opening of the treaty, and thirteen to the signing of the capitulation. On the very day when the capitulation was signed at Torktown, Sir Henry Clinton sailed from Sandy Hook with 7000 men to relieve Cornwallis; but on the 24th, when off the capes of Virginia, having received intelligence of the surrender, he altered his course for New York. This brilliant result was achieved chiefly by the energy and wisdom of Washington. A delay of one week would hav« frustrated his plans, relieved Cornwallis, and protracted the war, perhaps, for years. BATTLE OF HOBKIKK HILL. Early in April, Greene arrived at a place called [lobkirk's Hill, about a mile from Eawdon's en- campment at Camden. He established his head- quarters there, but was soon after attacked by the British commander, and a desperate battle ensued For a long time, the result was doubtft.l. Green* 260 DABING DEEDS anticipating victory, sent a detachment to cut ofl the expected retreat of Rawdon, but a regiment from Maryland becoming confused by a furious charge of the enemy, disconcerted the others, and soon the rout of the Americans became general. But Greene so far restored order that he retreated with deliberation, and succeeded in carrying off six English officers prisoners. He retired with his army to Rugely's Mills, where, after some days, Rawdon, who had received a reinforcement of 400 men, (whom Marion had endeavored in vain to intercept,) attempted to surprise him at night. Greene retreated to Saunder's Creek, where Raw- don made an ineffectual effort to dislodge him, and who, after burning the jail, mills, private houses, and some of his own stores, evacuated Cam- ien, and retreated south of the Santee River. During the march of Greene to Hobkirk's Hill, he dispatched Colonel Lee with his legion to join General Marion on the Santee, for the purpose of operating against a chain of British forts established between the Santee and the Congaree, the most important of which was Fort Watson on Wright's Bluff. Marion and Lee, although provided with nothing but muskets and rifles, closely invested that OF AMERICAN HEROES. 261 fort. After a resistance of eight days, the garrison was obliged to yield, and 114 men surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Several other British posts fell in rapid succession before the victorious Americans. Orangeburgh surrendered to Sumpter on the 11th of May; Fort Motte to Marion and Lee on the 12th ; the post at Nelson's Ferry was evacuated on the 14:th by the British ; Fort Granby capitulated to Lee on the 15th ; and on the 21st, a detachment of Lee's legion, under Captain Eu- dolph, reduced the fort at Silver Bluffs. Early in June, Lee and Pickens, having united their forces, penetrated into Georgia, and attacked Fort Corn- wallis, at Augusta. The garrison, after a stout re- sistance, surrendered, and over 300 men became prisoners of war. The Americans lost during the siege about forty men. Marion, in the mean while, closely invested Georgetown, and the garrison, learning the downfall . of the other posts in the vicinity, evacuated the town. The British were now confined to three posts, — I^inety-six, Euta\A Springs, and Charleston. MAKION AND THE BEITISH OFFICER. It was while Marion was lying with his main force at the camp at Snow's Island, that two cir cumstances occurred which deserve mention, as equally serving to illustrate his own character, and the warfare of that time and region. One of these occurrences has long been jk popular anecdote, and, as such, has been made the subject of a very charming picture, which has done something toward giving it a more extended circulation. The other is less generally known, but is not less deserving '^f the popular ear, as distinguishing, quite as much as the former, the purity, simplicity, and firmness of Marion's character. It appears that, desiring the exchange of prisoners, a young officer was dispatched from the British post at George- town to the swamp encampment of Marion, in order to effect this object. He was encountered by one of the scouting parties of the brigade, care- fully blindfolded, and conducted, by intricate paths, OF AMERICAN HEROES. 263 through the wild passes, and into the deep recesses of the island. Here, when his eyes were uncoveredv he found himself surrounded by a motley multitude, which might well remind him of Robin Hood and his outlaws. The scene was unquestionably wonderfully picturesque and attractive, and our young officer seems to have been duly impressed by it. He was in the middle of one of those grand natural amphitheatres so common in our swamp forests, in which the massive pine, the gigantic cypress, and the stately and ever-green laurel, streaming with moss, and linking their op- posite arms, inflexibly locked in the embrace of centuries, group together, with elaborate limbs and leaves, the chief and most grateful features of Grothic architecture. To these recesses, through the massed foliage of the forest, the sunlight came as sparingly, and with rays as mellow and subdued, as through the painted window of the old cathe- dral, falling upon aisle and chancel. Scattered around, were the forms of those hardy warriors with whom our young officer was yet destined, most probably, to meet in conflict, — strange or savage in costume or attitude — lithe and sinewy of frame — keen-eyed and wakeful at the least S64 DARING DEEDS alarm. Some slept, some joined in boyish sports , some, with foot in stirrup, stood ready for the sig- nal to mount and march. The deadly rifle leaned against the tree, the sabre depended from its boughs. Steeds were browsing in the shade, with loosened bits, but saddled, ready at the first sound of the bugle to skirr through brake and thicket. Distant fires, dimly burning, sent up their faint white smokes, that, mingling with the thick forest tops, which they could not pierce, were scarce distinguishable from the long gray moss which made the old trees look like so many ancient pa- triarchs. But the most remarkable object in all this scene was Marion himself Could it be thai the person who stood before our visitor — " in stat- ure of the smallest size, thin, as well as low " — was that of the redoubted chief, whose sleepless activity and patriotic zeal had carried terror to the gates of Charleston ; had baffled the pursuit and defied the arms of the best British captains ; had beaten the equal enemy, and laughed at the supe- rior? Certainly, if he were, then never were the iimple resources of intellect, as distinguishable from strength of limb, or powers of muscle, so wonderfully evident as in this particular instance. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 265 The physical powers of Marion were those simply of endurance. His frame had an iron hardihood, derived from severe discipline and subdued desires and appetites, but lacked the necessary muscle and capacities of the mere soldier. It was as the general, the commander, the counselor, rather than as the simple leader of his men, that Marion takes rank, and is to be considered in the annals of war. He attempted no physical achievements, and seems to have placed very little reliance upon his personal prowess. The British visitor was a young man who had never seen Marion. The great generals whom he was accustomed to see, were great of limb, portly, and huge of proportion. Such was Cornwallis, and others of the British army. Such, too, was the case among the Americans. The average weight of these opposing generals, during that war, is stated at more than 200 pounds. The successes of Marion must naturally have led our young English- man to look for something in his stature even above this average, and verging on the gigantic. Vastness seems always the most necessary agent in provoking youthful wonder, and satisfying it. His astonishment, when he found they did meet, ^66 DARING DEEDS was, in all probability, not of a kind to lessen the partisan in his estimation. That a frame so slight, and seemingly so feeble, coupled with so much gentleness, and so little pretension, should provoke a respect so general, and fears, on one side, so impressive, was well calculated to compel inquiry as to the true sources of this influence. Such an inquiry was in no way detrimental to a reputation founded, like Marion's, on the successful exercise of peculiar mental endowments. The young officer, as soon as his business was dispatched, prepared to depart, but Marion gently detained him, as he said, for dinner, which was in preparation. "The mild and dignified simplicity of Marion's manners had already produced their effects, and, to prolong so interesting an interview, the invitation was ac- cepted." The entertainment was served up on pieces of bark, and consisted entirely of roasted potatoes, of which the general ate heartily, requesting his guest to profit by his example, repeating the old adage, that ' hunger is the best sauce. ' " But surely, general, " said the officer, " this cannot be your ordinary fare. " " Indeed, sir, it is, " he re- plied, "and we are fortunate on this occasion, entertaining company, to have more than our usual OF AMERICAN HEROES. 267 allowance. " The storj goes, that the young Briton was 80 greatly impressed with the occurrence, that, on his return to Georgetown, he retired from the service, declaring his conviction that men who could, with such content, endure the privations of such a life, were not to be subdued. His conclusion was strictly logical, and hence, indeed, the importance of such a warfare as that carried on by Marion, in vv^hich, if he obtained no great victories, he was vet never to be overcome. CAPTURE OF FORT WATSOIST. Having once resolved, Marion's movements were always rapid and energetic. On the 15th of April, only a day after the junction with Lee, he was before Fort Watson. This was a stockade fort, raised on one of those remarkable elevations of an unknown antiquity which are usually recognized as Indian mounds. It stands near Scott's Lake on the Santee river, a few miles below the junction of the Congaree aud 268 DARING DEEDS Wateree. The mound is forty feet in height, and remote from any other elevation, by which it might be commanded. The garrison at this post consisted of eighty regular troops and forty loyalists, it was commanded by Lieutenant McKay, a brave officer, of the regular service. To the summons of Marion he returned a manly defiance, and the place was regularly invested. Besieged and besiegers were alike without artil- lery; with a single piece, the former might well have defied any force which Marion could bring against him. The place would have been impreg- nable to the Americans. As it was, its steep sides and strong palisades forbade any attempt to storm. To cut ofif the garrison from Scott's Lake, where it procured water, was the first step taken by the besiegers. But the besieged, by sinking a well within the stockade, below the level of the contigu- ous water, counteracted the attempt. For a mo- ment, the assailants were at fault, and, without Artillery, the prospect was sufficiently discouraging. But while doubting and hesitating, Colonel Maham, of the brigade, suggested a mode of overawing the garrison which was immediately adopted. At a short distance from the fort there grew a small OF AMERICAN HEROES. wood, a number of the trees of which were hewn down, and transported upon the shoulders of the men within a proper distance of the mound. Here, during the night all hands were actively employed in piling the wood thus brought, in massive and alternate layers, cross-wise, until the work had reached a sufficient elevation. At dawn, the gar- rison were confounded to find themselves, at wakening, under a shower of rifle bullets. Thus overlooked, the fort was no longer tenable ; and a party of volunteers from the militia, headed by Ensign Baker, and another of Continentals, from the legion, led by Mr. Lee, a volunteer, ascended the mound with great intrepidity, and gained the abattis, which they proceeded to destroy. This movement brought the garrison to terms, and a capitulation immediately followed. CAPTURE OF FOET MOTTE. This post was the principal depot of the convoys from Charleston to Camden, and sometimes of 270 DARING DEEDS those destined for Forts Granby and IN'inelj Six. A large new mansion-house belonging to Mrs. Motte, situated on a high and commanding hill, had been chosen for this establishment. It was surrounded with a deep trench, along the inner margin of which a strong and lofty para]3et was raised. To this post had been assigned a sufficient garrison of 150 men. This force was increased by a small detachment of dragoons from Charleston, which had been thrown into it a few hours before the appear ance of the Americans. The garrison was com- manded by Captain McPherson, a firm and gallani officer. Opposite to Fort Motte, to the north, stood another hill, where Mrs. Motte, who had been ex- pelled from her dwelling, resided in an old farm- house. On this, Lee took position with his corps: Marion's men occupied the eastern declivity of the same ridge on which stood the fort. The place was very soon invested. The six- pounder with which Greene had furnished Marion, was mounted on a battery raised in the quarter which he occupied, for the purpose of raking the northern face of the enemy's parapet. McPherson was in the possession of a wall-piece, but he had OF AMERICAN HEROES 21. not been able to adapt it for use befcrtj the invest- ment took place. It does not seem t^ have been used during even the siege. His chief hopes lay in being relieved by a detachment from Camden, not doubting its arrival before his assailant could push his preparations to maturity. The works of the latter advanced rapidly, and the place was summoned on the 20tb of May. The reply declared the determination of the besieged to try the strength and patience of the besiegers. These had now every motive for perseverance. They were ad- vised of the approach of Rawdon, with all his force, to the relief of the fort. That stern commander, finding Camden was no longer tenable against the increasing forces of the Americans, and unable to maintain his several posts with his diminished strength, was aiming to contract his scattered bodies into narrower limits. Having made a second, but unsatisfactory demonstration upon Greene, he de- stroyed his unnecessary baggage, and, leaving Cam- den in flames, he once more abandoned it to the Americans. Greene advised Marion of his retreat, and urged him to expedition. On the next night he reached the country opposite Fort Motte, and i?is numerous flres oi the highest grounds en his 2T2 DA.RINO DEEDS route, encouraged the garrison with hopes of bqo cess, which were not to be realized. What was to be done, was to be done quickly, on the part of the besiegers. The process of bat- tering bj cannon would be too slow. Some shorter mode was to be adopted, to anticipate the approach of Kawdon. The ready thought of our partisan suggested this process. It was known that the large mansion of Mrs. Motte occupied the greater part of the area of the fort ; but a few yards of ground within the works remained uncovered by it. To burn the house by fire would compel the surrender of the garrison. The necessity was very reluctantly communi- cated to the widow by whom the property was owned. But she was one of those glorious dames of the Ee volution, to whom the nation is so largely indebted for the glory of that event. She had re- ceived the American officers with a hospitality which made them almost shrink from suggesting their purposes; but as soon as they were made known, she put them perfectly at ease upon the subject. With something more than cheerfulness — with pride — that any sacrifice on her part should con- tribute to the success of her countrymen, in so dear OF AMERICAN HEROES. 273 Ru object, she herself produced a bow, with all the necessary apparatus, which had been brought from India, and which she had preserved. By the irrows from this bow the fire was to be communi- cated to her dwelling. Every thing being in readiness, the lines were .■nanned and an additional force stationed at the batteries, lest the enemy, in the moment of des- peration, might prefer risking an assault, rather than endure the mortification of a surrender. A flag was again sent to McPherson, but the sight of Rawdon's fires on the other side of the river encouraged him with the belief that he might still resist successfully. The bow was put into the hands of Nathan Sav- age, a private in Marion's brigade. It was noon when the attempt was made. The scorching rays of the noonday sun had prepared the roof for the conflagration. Balls of blazing rosin and brimstone were attached to the arrows, and three several shafts were sent by the vigorous arm of the militia man against the roof. They took effect, in three different quarters, and the shingles were soon in a blaze. McPherson immediately ordered a party to the roof, but this had been prepared for, and the 13 19 2T4 DABING DEEDS fire of tlie six-pounder soon drove the soldiers down. The flames began to rage, the besiegers were on the alert, guarding every passage, and, no longer hopeful of Kawdon, McPherson hung out the white flag imploring mercy. The gentle nature of Marion readily yielded to his prayer, though, as Lee tells us, " policy commanded death." LAFAYETTE IN VIRGINIA Early in the summer of 1781, all eyes were turned toward Virginia ; and La Fayette, in proud consciousness of the interest he was exciting, the more resolutely determined to triumph. No ex- citement can be traced in any of his letters during this period. He seems coolly to have extricated himself from his various difficulties as fast as they arose, and as calmly to have narrated them. Witness the following, addressed to General Greene, dated at his camp, June 3d : "Lord Cornwallis had at first a project to cross above Richmond, but desisted from it and landed OF AMERICAN HEROES. 275 at Westover. He then proposed to turn our left flank, but before it was executed we moved bj the left to the forks of Chiccahomony. The enemy advanced twelve miles, and we retreated in the same proportion. They crossed Chiccahomony and advanced on the road to Fredericksburg, while we marched in a parallel with them, keeping the upper part of the country. Our position at Matta- pony church would have much exposed the enemy's flank on their way to Fredericksburgh, but they stopped at Cook's ford on the North Anna River, where they are for the present. General Wayne having announced to me his departure on the 23d, I expected, before this time, to have made a junction with him. We have moved back some distance and are cautious not to indulge Lord Comwallis with an action with our present force. It was not long before Comwallis, with great chagrin saw that the " boy " was successfully elud- ing his grasp. The distance between them daily increased, notwithstanding all the efforts made by the British General to overtake his foe. With a rapidity only equaled by his caution, La Fayette had passed the Pamunkey before the British army had reached the Chiccahomony, and Comwallis 276 DARING DEEDS after marching some distance up the northern side of Northanora, found that the Marquis would make his junction with Wayne in spite of him, and gave over the heat of his pursuit while he turned his attention to other objects which were more attain- able. La Fayette, however, did not relax his vigi- lance. A close watch of his adversary enabled him to foresee, and thereby frustrate, some of his most important plans. Cornwallis found himself harassed and frequently outwitted, exceedingly to his morti- fication. He dispatched Tarleton to capture the Assembly of Virginia, which was then in session at Charlotteville ; but before Tarleton could get there. La Fayette had contrived to forward the in- formation, and when the British arrived, — the birds had flown. General Wayne, with the Pennsylvania line, con sisting of about 800 men, at length joined him. Though this addition left the force of La Fayette still feeble, in comparison with that of Cornwallis, it was yet sufficient to determine him upon a new course of action. The pursued would become the pursuer. Cornwallis established himself at Williamsburg, ftnd La Fayette about twenty miles above, with OF AMERICAN HEROES. 277 the Chiccahomony between himself and his adver- sary. Neither party, however, remained in this position long. Sir Henry Clinton suspecting that a combined attempt was about to be made by the allied forces against 'New York, and deeming him- self too weak to resist it, ordered Comwallis to send him a detachment of the troops under his command in Yirginia. After complying with this requisition, Comwallis thought himself not strong enough to remain at "Williamsburg, and resolved to retire to Portsmouth. Accordingly, on the 4th of July, he marched from Williamsburg, and de- termining to cross the river at James' City Island, Lc encamped that day favorably for the passage But before he was ready to move, his foe was nea' him. La Fayette left his camp on the 5th, crossed the Chiccahomony the same day, and pushed his best troops within eight miles of the British camp. He learned that Comwallis was expecting to pass the river, and he at once formed the design of attacking his rear after the main body should have gone over to Jamestown. Comwallis, however, sus- pected this. He knew that the ardor of La Fay- ette would not allow such an opportunity to escape him, and as soon as he found that the Marquis 278 DARING DEEDS was 80 near, he resolved to make one more trial )f stratagem upon him. He took every measm'e to encourage his advance, but instead of passing the river, he waited an attack. At the same time he took measures to induce the belief, that he had crossed with the main body of his army. His light parties were all drawn in, his troops were held compact, and made to cover as little ground as possible, and his piquets, which lay close to the encampment, were ordered to yield at the first attack, and exhibit an appearance of disorder and alarm. To add to the deception, the intelligence was spread, that the greater part of the British had reached the island, and a few troops were sta- tioned there, with orders to make such demonstra- tions as would corroborate this news. La Fayette was fully deceived. The plans of Cornwallis were so complete, and were carried out so accurately, that he could not perceive the snare. Every thing looked as he had anticipated ; after personally reconnoitering the scene, and receiving all the intelligence he could meet. La Fayette, on the 6th of July, began his attack. A few riflemen were detached to harass the outposts of the enemy, while he advanced at the head of the continental OF AMERICAN HEROES. 279 troops to support the onset. Every thing was conducted precisely as Cornwallis had planned. His piquets fell back in disorder, and thus drew on the Americans, emboldened by their success, in a rapid pursuit. The main body of Cornwallis' army was concealed by woods, and General Wayne, who was first in advance, soon discovered it moving out in order of battle against him. Ketreat was impossible, and that brave officer, with a boldness almost without parallel, rode gallantly forward, with his 800 men, and made a furious attack upon the British line. The action was kept up with spirit for some time, while fche British army was wind- ing its fold, like a serpent around the little band. La Fayette soon came up, and saw at a glance the crisis. The plan of Cornwallis was evident in a moment, and perceiving that Wayne was outflanked right and left, and fast becoming surrounded, he ordered his retreat. A line of light infantry was drawn up about half a mile in his rear, and by a skillful movement Wayne was enabled to join these without serious loss. Here they remained for some hours, but the British army did not pursue. Corn- wallis, who greatly overrated La Fayette's numbers, judged that his retreat was a stratagem to draw 280 DARING DEEDS him into an ambuscade, and accordingly did not improve the advantage he had gained. The loss of La Fayette in this action was 118 men, most of whom belonged to General Wayne^s detachment. The conduct of this latter officer during the day was worthy of all praise. "It is enough," says La Fayette, " for the glory of General Wayne, and the officers and men he commanded, to have at tacked the whole British army, with a reconnoiter- ng party only, close to their encampment, and, by this severe skirmish, hastened their retreat over he river. CHAFrER VIII 1784—1804. WAYNE'S VICTORY AT THE MIAMI RAPIDS. On tlie 20th of August, 1Y94, the army of Gen eral Wayne was put in motion, a battalion of mounted volunteers, commanded by Major Price, forming the advance. This corps was attacked, after marching nearly five miles, and received so hot a fire from the enemy, who were concealed in the high grass and woods, as to compel it to fall back. The army was immediately formed by General Wayne in two lines, in a close thick wood, while the savages were drawn up in three lines, near enough to support each other, at right angles with the river. " I soon discovered," says the General, in his account of the engagement, written to Gen- eral Knox, '* from the weight of the fire, and extent of their lines, that the enemy were in full force in front, in possession of their favorite ground, and endeavoring to turn our left flank. I gave 282 DARING DEEDS orders for the second line to advance, and directed Major-General Scott to gain and turn the right flank of the savages, with the mounted volunteers, bj a circuitous route. At the same time, I ordered the front line to advance with trailed arms, and rouse the Indians from their coverts at the point of the bayonet; and when up, to deliver a close and well directed fire on their backs, so as not to give time to load again. I also ordered Captain Campbell, who commanded the legionary cavalry, to turn the left flank of the enemy, next the river, and which afforded a favorable field for that corj^s to act in. All these orders were obeyed with sj)irit and promptitude ; but such was the impetuosity of the charge of the first line of infantry, that the Indians and Canadian militia and volunteers were di-iven from their coverts in so short a time, that, although every exertion was used by the ofiicers of the second line of the legion, and by Generals Scott, Todd, and Barbee, of the mounted volunteers, to gain their proper positions, yet but a part of each could get up in season to participate in the action, — the enemy being driven, in the course of one hour, more than two miles througli the thick woods already mentioned, by less than one-half OF AMERICAN HEROES. 283 tfleir numbers. From every account, the enemy amounted to 2000 combatants ; the troops actually engaged against them were short of 900. This horde of savages, with their allies, abandoned them- selves to flight, and dispersed, with terror and dismay, leaving our victorious army in full and quiet possession of the field of battle, which termi- nated under the influence of the British garrison, as you ^ill observe by the inclosed correspondence between Major Campbell, the commandant, and myself." The correspondence referred to was sufiSciently pungent in its tone ; and the British commander having taken occasion to give notice to General Wayne " that his army, or individuals belonging to it, should not approach within reach of his cannon, without expecting the consequences attend- ing it," the answer he received was, the imme- diate destruction by fire of every thing of any value within view of the fort, and up to the very muz- zles of the guns. The fort was carefully recon noitred within pistol-shot, and it is easy to perceive, that nothing would have gratified the feelings of the successful soldier more than an act of hostility on the part of the British commandant which 284 DAEING DEEDS would have justified him in carrying the works by storm. This victory was followed by the treaty of Greene- ville, the result of which was a long peace with the Indians. CAPTURE OF L'lJSrSUEGENTE. On the 9th of February, 1799, Commodoie Trux- ton, in the Constellation, came in sight of a large ship, and immediately gave chase. The stranger hoisted American colors ; but, unable to answer the Constellation's private signals, she ran up the French ensign, and fired a challenge. For the first time since the Revolution, one of our national vessels was in sight of an enemy. We had fought and triumphed on land ; now we were to meet the DOwers of the old« world upon sea. Every man was eager to engage ; and, as the gallant ship moved down upon the enemy, her speed seemed too small to meet the anxious longing of her crew. They were not disappointed. The Insurgente waited CF A.MERTCAN HEROES. 286 calmly for her opponent; and, when the latter opened her fire, returned it with spirit. The silence was broken ; the eager antagonists had their wish ; and one loud cannonade roared across the solitary waters, rocking the surface of ocean like an earth quake, and heaving the ships to and fro with mighty energy. ISTearer and nearer they drew to each other, and louder and fiercer the conflict grew, until nothing was heard but the roar of heavy ordi- nance, and nothing seen except a thick black pall, shooting forth columns of flame. Yolleys of heavy shot were poured into the American foretop-mast, until it reeled and swung backward under the ter- rible blows. The young midshipman who com- manded it, (David Porter,) called again and again to his superior for leave to lower the sail and relieve the pressure ; but his voice was lost in the uproar of battle. Feeling that the mast must fall, unless this were done, he assumed the responsibility, and thus saved the ship from a serious misfortune. Hei' broadsides now raked the enemy from stem to stern, crashing masts, sails, and rigging, and strewing the deck with dead and dying. The Con- Bteliation then glided from the shroud of smoke, Railed round to her opponent's rear, and was on 286 DARINGDEEDS the point of raking her again, when the latu^- acrac^ her colors. The Insurgente was one of the fastest sailers l^i the French navy, and was under the commam of Captain Barreault. She carried forty Frencl twelve-pounders, and 409 men. Her loss wat twenty-nine killed, and forty-one wounded. The Constellation had thirty-eight guns, (English cali bre,) 300 and nine men, and had three of her crev wounded. An incident subsequent to the battle deserves mention. The first lieutenant of the Constellation, Mr. Rodgers, with Midshipman Porter and eleven men, were placed on board the prize to superin- tend the removal of prisoners. While engaged in this duty, the wind rose almost to a hurricane, night set in, and 1Y3 of the crew still remained on board. So strong was the action of the waves, that the ships were often widely separated, and then driven with fearful violence almost to a col- lision. At length, not-withstanding every exertion, the prize was driven completely out of sight. At this opportunity, so unexpectedly offered, the prisoners began to exhibit unequivocal signs of revolt. To the handful who watched them this OF AMERIOA.N HEROES, 287 movement would have been fatal ; but the intrepid Rodgers showed himself equal to the emergency. Ordering all the prisoners to the hold, he secured the lire-arms, and placed a sentinel at each hatch- way, with positive orders to shoot every man who should attempt to mount the deck. In this unen- viable situation he remained three days, watching his prisoners with sleepless vigilance, and exhorting his men never to surrender their prize. At the end of the time he arrived safely in St. Kitt's. where the Constellation was already anchored. THE CONSTELLATION AND YENGEANCE. The battle between the Constellation and Ven- geance (February 2d, 1800,) is one of the most in- dubitable proofs in history of the American naval superiority, both in maneuvering and action. The French frigate had been descried on the previous day, when Commodore Truxtun hoisted English colors. These, however, were disregarded, and a chase commenced, which continued all mght, and 20 DARING DEEDS t-hrougli the following day. At eight in the eve- ning, Trnxtun was about speaking his opponent, when the latter suddenly commenced firing. Flight and pursuit were now abandoned, and each com- mander prepared for a violent struggle. The night 5vas dark ; and the sullen dashings of the waters ieemed in unison with the terrible storm that was soon to hurry man into conflict with his fellow man. At a few minutes past eight, the Constellation poured a heavy broadside into her antagonist, which was answered by a wide sheet of flame, followed by another and another, until the pitchy gloom was lighted up by the incessant volcanic glare. Side by side those two ships sat upon the waters, fling- ing out their crashing hail, and rolling with terrific violence upon the heaving ocean. Minutes and hours rolled on ; the night grew deeper and blacker, and the wind howled and shrieked along the heav- ens. But man heeded not the elements. Far over the ocean was that red dismal glare beheld ; and the distant mariner started from his dreaming berth, and bent forward to catch the faint lingering of that wild revel. At intervals each crew heard the shouts of opposing officers and the cheers of battle .»F AMERICAN HEROE3. 289 The same voice that had rung out against the Insurgente was driving the Americans to battle ; while, as though in stern mockery, the French commander poured his thrilling appeals to his sail- ors. That night battle was a scene terrible and sublime. At one o'clock, the French vessel drew from the combat, and spread sail. Sure of victory, Truxtun ordered a chase, but at that moment received the disheartening intelligence, that every shroud had oeen shot from the main-mast, which was supported only by its wood. But, anxious to risk everything in order to secure the prize, he ordered his men to secure it long enough to come up with the enemy. But no exertion could obviate the calamity, uud the mast went by the board, in a few minutes after the enemy had retired. In this long-disputed action the Constellation lost fourteen men killed, and twenty-five wounded, eleven of whom subsequently died. Her whole crew was 310 souls. The armament, of the Yen- geance was twenty-eight eighteens, sixtee:i twelves, and eight forty-two pound carronades. Her crew was between four and five hundred men, and her loss fifty killed and 110 wounded. When arriving 290 DARING DEEDS in Curacoa, she was Id a sinking condition ; and there can be little doubt, that had the action recommenced, her capture would have been in- evitable. BUKJSTIjSTG of the PHILADELPHIA. The successful attack on the Philadelphia (Feb ruary 16, 1804,) laid the foundation of Decatur's fame. The plan of the assault was not more admi- rable than the chivalric daring with which it was executed, or the little loss that attended it. Its influence on both belligerents was incalculable, and gave a new complexion to all the subsequent ope rations of the war. The Siren and Intrepid had sailed on the 3d, under orders to burn the Philadelphia. Stormy weather attended them until the 15th ; a calm suc- ceeded ; and Decatur, with about eighty men, made his reconnoissances for attack. These were contin- ued until the afternoon of the following day, when khe ship became visible. She remained in the OF AMERICAN HEROES. 291 same condition as when grounded, except that hei lower rigging was standing, and her guns were loaded and shotted. Near her lay two corsairs, a few gun-boats, and two galleys. As the twilight declined, and the shades of eve- ning gathered round, the Intrepid, slowly winding amid rocks and shoals, approached her intended ob- ject. The deep blue sky, purified by the late storm, was reflected from the tranquil water, as from a mirror; while the young moon, like a crescent gem, hung fair and beautiful over the peaceful scene. Gradually, as evening deepened, the wind died away, until scarcely a breath swept across the waters, and the Intrepid lay as immovable as though founded on a rock. Then a ripple would dim the bright surface, a slight breeze sweep on the vessel, and silently it would continue its swan- like course. How great the contrast of sleeping nature, with the feelings of that crew On the deck stood their leader, every muscle rigid with expectation, and his restless eye piercing through the surrounding night. At his feet lay his men in concealment, panting with expectation of the ap- proaching struggle. Not a sound broke the oppres sive silence — it was a pause stern and terrible. 292 DARING DEEDS Suddenly a voice came ringing over the sea They were hailed by the Moorish crew. A con- versation took place, which was maintained under an assumed character on the part of the Ameri- cans, until the wind suddenly shifted and brought their vessel within complete range of the frigate's guns. Their situation was now perilous — a single broadside would have sent the Intrepid to the bottom. Fortunately, no suspicion had as yet been excited, and the Turks even sent a boat to the assistance of the supposed unfortunate stranger. In a few moments the Intrepid was alongside of her prey. Instantly Decatur sprang to the side of the vessel. " Board ! " he shouted to his crew, and the astonished Turks beheld their deck swarm- ing with armed troops. Decatur's foot slipped in springing, so that Mr. Charles Morris had the honor of being first on the quarter-deck. In a moment his commander and Mr. Laws were at his side, while heads and bodies appeared coming over the rail, and through the ports in all directions. Never was surprise more complete. The enemy hurried in disordered crowds from place to place, some crying foi quarter, others climbing the shrouds, and others leaping overboard. In ten minutes the OF AMRRTOAN HEROES 293 enemy were swept away, and the gallant Decatur had undisputed possession of his prize. And now a shade of sorrow dimmed the yictor's joys. That proud vessel, whose deck he had often paced, in company with his nation's defenders, and for which he had faced such danger, must, before morning, be given to the flames. It would have been happiness to bring her from the sands, and once more restore her to her sister fleet ; but this was impossible. The combustibles were now ordered from the Intrepid, and in a few minutes the flames were sweeping and hissing along her sides. The greedy element licked up the spars and rigging, like chaft', and bursting sheets of fire drove the victors to their ketch. The flames burst from the port-holes, glanced like lightning along the sides, and flashed in the faces of the adventurers. The ketch became jammed against the frigate, and all her ammuni- tion was in danger of igniting. The crew, however, extricated themselves by their swords, and soon escaped from their dangerous position. Then they paused, turned one exulting gaze toward the burn- ing vessel, and poured their feelings in one wild shout of victory. That sound had not yet subsided, 294 DARING DEF.t)8 when the land batteries, the corsairs and gallej's, burst forth in one simultaneous roar. Showers of balls and shot came whistling around the men, plunging and splashing among the waters, and throwing the spray in all directions. But, elated by success, the crew hastened not, heeded not. That spectacle was terrible to sublimity. The Philadelphia was in one wide blaze. Sheets of flame flashed along her rolling hull, danced among her rigging, and, collecting along the masts, fell down with sullen report toward the water. The waves seemed like melted brass. All Tripoli was in uproar. Thousands of people were standing in fearful anxiety, gazing upon the conflagration ; vol umes of smoke were unfolding heavily along the heavens ; batteries were roaring on all sides ; ships passing to and fro ; within a few miles all nature appeared convulsed. Yet the little craft bore on, till the balls ceased to whistle near them, and they were free from danger. Then, for the first time, each man thought of what he had accomplished, and gazed in astonishment at his fellows. Steadily the Intrepid bore on, until she met the boats of tlie Siren, Rent to cover her retreat. In u few moments one of these returned to the Siren, OF AMERICAN HEK0E8. 295 bringing a man dressed in a sailor's jacket. He sprang over the gangway — it was a messenger of victory, Decatur himself. BOMBAKDMENT OF TRIPOLI. In order to have a correct idea of the terrible scene attending the bombardment of Tripoli, it will be necessary to take a view of the respective forces of the combatants. The fleet of Commodore Preble consisted (.»f one frigate, the Constitution, three brigs, three schooners, six gun-boats, and two bombard-ketches ; carrying in all, 164 guns and 1060 men. The castle and batteries of the enemy mounted 115 guns, of which forty-live were heavy brass battering-cannon. Beside these, there were nineteen gun-boats, each carrying a heavy twenty- four-pounder and two howitzers ; two schooners of eight guns each, a brig of ten, and two galleys, each of four guns. The regular garrison and crews numbered 3000 men, and they were assisted by 20,000 Arabs. 14 296 DARING DEKT) 8 On the afternoon of the 3d of August, 1804, tjignal was given for a general attack upon the town. It was commenced by bombs and heavy shot. In a moment, 200 cannon opened upon the American fleet, and Tripoli seemed shrouded in lire. The smoke from the ships meeting that on shore, formed one black canopy, under which the fierce combatants hurled forth their volleys of blasting flame. Through this darkness bombs were passing and repassing, scattering red-hot fragments in all directions, and sweeping every thing before them as they struck at the desired object. The water ploughed and boiled with the incessant plunges, and the strong-built houses of Tripoli tottered as though in an earthquake. While the main forces were conducting the bombardment. Captain Decatur, with his three gun boats, attacked nine of the enemy's. A few mo ments, and these little squadrons were rocking witl their own cannonadings. These died away as the boats neared each other, and then succeeded the clash of bayonets and the ringing of sabers. De- catur seized a boat, and boarded her with but fifteen men. Five Turks rushed at him with thoir cimeters. The moment was oig with importance. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 297 On his life hung the conduct and fate of his men. But, with the rapidity of thought, he parried every blow, and drove back his antagonists unharmed. The captain, a powerful Turk, rushed at him and severed liis blade ; but Decatur closed with him, and both came to the deck. Although the Ameri- can was under his antagonist, he managed to draw his pistol, with which he shot the Turk dead. Part of his crew then rushed to his assistance, and soon cleared the boat. With eight men he then ad- vanced against another of the fleet, and carried it after a desperate encounter. The obstinacy of the enemy in these conflicts made the slaughter immense. The two prizes had thirty-three officers and men killed, and nineteen out of twenty-seven prisoners wounded. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Trippe boarded one of the enemy's large boats, with only a midshipman, Jonathan Henry, and nine men. At the moment of boarding, his boat fell away, and thus eleven men were left to wrestle with thirty-six. The battle was fearful, but short. Fourteen of the enemy were killed, seven badly wounded, and the rest taken prisoners. Lieutenant Trippe received eleven saber wounds, and fell while wrestling with his enemy. 29» DARING DEEDS The lieutenant succeeded in getting his opponent's sword, with which be killed him. In this manner the battle raged for more than two hours, the batteries working within pistol-shot, and every gun in uninterrupted blast. At half-past four Commodore Preble gave signal to the smaller vessels to withdraw ; and soon after the whole fleet were retiring from the town, under cover of a fire from the Constitution. The smallness of the American loss in this fierce cannonade must ever remain a matter of astonish- ment. But one man was killed — Lieutenant Decatur, brother of the captain. One man had his arm shattered, and several others were wounded. The Constitution was considerably injured, and the other vessels suffered in their rigging. Vastly different was the effect upon the enemy. Of one hundred and three men on board the cap- tured boats, only thirty were fit for duty. Three other boats were sunk with their entire crews, and the decks of the remaining vessels were swept of numbers. The town iftself was considerably dam- aged, and the inhabitants thrown into the greatest consternation. Many fled into the interior; and, of the thousands who swarmed the house-tops, to OP AMERICAN HEROES. 299 witness the commencemeut of the battle, uut one was left ten minutes after it had begun. On the 7th of August, the second bombardment of Tripoli commenced. The ships opened their fire at half-past two, and continued three hours. Forty- eight shells, and five hundred twenty-pound round shot were thrown into the town, one battery silenced, and several boats injured. The Americans lost a prise boat, which blew up, together with twenty- four killed and four wounded. The bashaw being still determined to pursue his aggressions against the Americans, a third assault was determined upon. At two o'clock on the morning of the 24th, the work of death recommenced. The moon was shin- ing with uncommon brightness, and all nature lay as though exhausted with the heat of the preceding day. The white buildings of the town, mellowed by the flood of light, seemed still and solitary as the regions of Arabian fairy land. Far away in the distance the palm trees drooped their graceful tops, and further still the mountains of Barbary seemed, Atlas-like, to be supporting the heavens. As the ships glided slowly into station, they seemed strange a^d unnatural — intruders into the sacred repose of so lovely a spectacle. 300 DARING DEEDS But this hushed tranquillity, this peaceful repose of nature, was destined to a rude awakening. A single bomb burst faintly on the silence, swept across the starry arch, and dropped into the town. Another followed ; and then one tremendous roar burst along the startled fleet, lashing the waiert into maddening surges, and stunning the air for miles around. Ranks of liquid fire blazed in every direction, and hundreds of flashing shot rushed throuo^h the void, toward the devoted town. Then a pause ; and then the terrible answer, crashing and plunging in and around the vessels, and throwing fountains of spray over the decks and rigging. Again the ships hurled forth their defiance, the batteries replying until intermission failed, and one uninterrupted uproar shook land and sea. The hours rolled dreadfully on ; but that death-work seemed endless ; and the sun had begun careering in the east before the mad passions of man had ceased to struggle. This bombardment having been productive of lit tie effect, a combined attack upon the town and bashaw's castle was soon after, August 28th, made. The gun-boats and smaller vessels anchored within, amonor the rocks of the harbor. Thirteen of the OF AMERICAN HEROES. 301 ecemy's boats engaged eight of the Americans', when the constitution sailed by, ordered the latter to retire, and delivered a fire which sunk a Tripolitan boat, drove two others on the rocks, and obliged the remainder to retire. The frigate then com- menced a fierce attack upon the town and castle continuing it for three-quarters of an hour, witl considerable efiect. The castle and two batteries were silenced, many houses destroyed, and some men killed. A boat of the Americans was suiak, a few men killed, and several badly wounded. On the 3d of September, the fifth and last bom- bardment of Tripoli took place. The action com- menced a little after three P. M., and soon became general. In about half an hour, the battle became divided ; a part of the fleet bombarding the town, and the remainder engaging the enemy's squadron. Taught by former experience, each party seemed to rely principally on maneuvering, during which many of the vessels were so much injured as to be unfit for sailing. Yet, although the shipping suff"ered so materially, not a man of the Americans was in- jured. The action closed at half-past four LOSS OF THE INTREPID. The name of this vessel is associated with some of the most daring deeds of modern warfare ; her fate was in strange keeping with her reputation. On the evening of September 4th, she was dis- patched by Commodore Preble as a fire-ship, to explode among the enemy's cruisers. It was com manded by Captain Somers, and his second, Lieu- tenant Wadsworth, with ten other men. A deep mist had brooded over the water, and the stars were seen dim, as though half extinguished. A gloom hung over the American seamen ; for those bold comrades whom they were sending forth were to return no more, unless they could escape unper- ceived from the enemy. The captain had declared his intention of exploding the vessel in case of being boarded by the Tripolitans ; and now those who knew his worth — who had stood by his side in danger as in prosperity — yearned over him with the honest sympathy of sailors. Pale with repressed anxiety, the commodore gave them his AMERICAN HEROES 303 parting instructions, and the ketch swept forward through the water toward its object. The manner in which the fire-ship was prepared for her dreadful work, is thus described by Mr. Cooper, in his Naval History : "A small room or magazine had been planked up in the hold of the ketch, just forward of her principal mast. Communicating with this magazine was a trunk or tube, that led aft to another room filled with combustibles. In the planked room, or magazine, were placed 100 barrels of gunpowder, in bulk ; and on the deck immediately above the powder, were laid fifteen thirteen and a half inch shells, and 100 nine-inch shells, with a large quan tity of shot, pieces of kentledge, and fragments of iron of different sorts. A train was laid in the trunk or tube, and fuses were attached in the proper manner. In addition to this arrangement, the other small room mentioned was filled with splinters and light wood ; which, besides firing the train, were to keep the enemy from boarding, as the flames would be apt to induce them to apprehend an immediate explosion. And now the fearful voyage commenced. Slowly the canvas of the de/oted craft receded into the 14* 21 804 DARING DEEDS distance, until she seemed like some shadowy spirit^ struggling and writhing with the darkness. Hearts that had swelled to the rigidity of iron, grew chilly and palpitating as the eye hung on the lessening folds ; and a strange restlessness, a solitary pang for the horrors of war, crossed each bosom. Deca- tur himself, who moved among the mighty as the mightiest, stood like a statue upon the deck, his eye peering through the darkness, and his noble form thrilling with intense feeling. Not a sound was heard ; nature seemed suspended. More and more faint the sails become, until only by turns are they revealed through the darkness. Sometimes a blast of wind strikes the water, heaves the ves- sel on its bosom, and displays her to the sight ; then she suddenly sinks, and all is black. Now the spectators strain and lean from their stations, and pray for one more glance ; but still all in blackness. Suddenly every man started. A report cracked along the strung nerves ; a thick light gleamed through the night ; the enemy had opened their guns. Anxiety changed to agony. One ball would hurl the ketch and her crew into mangled atoms ; and how was such a catastrophe avoidable ? OF AMERICAN HEROES. 305 Battery after battery opened, glaring through the blackness, lashing the surges into fury with their iron showers, and filling the spectators with feel- ings unutterable. Now and then, by the help of one volcanic flash, the fearless sail would appear, careering in the jaws of death, like some white spirit of destruction. Time seemed standing still. Yet deeper, louder, more thrilling, the uproar swelled, until earth, sea, air — all nature — seemed battling in convulsions. Tripoli had never wit- nessed a night like that. Suddenly a column of massive fire, to which the united efforts of every battery seemed like the mockeiy of tapers, swept up to heaven, tossing the boiling ocean like a ball, and lighting the coast for leagues. Then a report, as if the elements were crashing with each other; and every vessel shook like a leaf in autumn. After the first stun- ning blow, men gazed on each other in conster- nation; the nerves shrunk and quivered, through fear of a repetition. There was no inquiry; each knew — each felt — the truth. Darkness, three-fold dense, succeeded ; every gun hushed, and stillness fell like a mountain on every heart. Oh, the racking of that moment! The roar of cannon — 8()f) PARTNG DEEDS the stiuggling of battle — would have been wild, sweet music, to the tortured system. A world of horror was crowded into every moment, and man ceased for a while to breathe. The Intrepid was but a name. The crew ! where were they ? After the first shock had subsided, the sailors leaped over the sides of the vessels, held up their lanterns, and placed their ears to the water to catch the dash of oars. How fearful was the pause ! None could resign hope — that crew could not be lost — they must meet once more with their comrades, and narrate the thrilling tale. Imagina- tion swallowed up judgment ; and " I hear them — they are coming," often warmed each bosom with joy. Then there was silence, and the watch was again renewed. Hope again died — time rolled on — the whole truth was being told. Their oars were never again heard. How that vessel exploded none ever knew ; the awful sublimity of her fate was not to be lessened by a disclosure of its cause. Not a single gun was fired ailer the explosion ; both parties seemed bewildered; and, for a few days, operations against the city were suspended. EXPEDITION OF GENERAL EATON. In the African expedition, the Americans were not confined to naval operations. We have else where remarked that the Tripolitan war was con ducted with a chivalry, and display of persona? daring, rarely equaled in modern warfare. Its conclusion was the romantic expedition of General Eaton ; an appropriate closing for deeds of such remarkable intrepidity. Jussuf Carawalli, the Bashaw of Tripoli, during hostilities with the United States, was indebted for his eminence to a successful usurpation. Hamet, his elder brother, and the rightful heir, had fled fi-om the dangers of his own country, and, after wandering in the desert for a long while, joined himself to the Egyptian MamelukcG. Among these he was sought and found by Mr. Eatoii, American envoy to Tunis, who, having obtained consent of government, determined to reinstate him. The pro- 308 DARING DEEDS posal was favored by the viceroy of Egypt, who permitted Hamet to pass from that kingdom, not- withstanding his connection with the Mamelukes, with whom the government was at war. In company with the deposed prince, and a small party of adventurers from all nations, Mr. Eaton (under the title of General,) commenced his march toward Tripoli. They crossed the desert of Barca from Alexandria, and in April, 1805, arrived before Derne. Having received arms and supplies from part of the fleet under Captain Hull, they attacked this place on the 27th, at two P. M. The adven turers advanced rapidly to the attack, and were received with spirit and firmness. An incessant roll of musketry was kept up for more than an hour, when Lieutenant O'Bannan and Mr. Mann stormed the principal work, hauling down the Tripo- litan ensign, and, for the first time, hoisting that of our country on a fortress of the Old World. The whole town surrendered immediately after. Fourteen of the assailants were killed or wounded, Eaton among the latter. They numbered 1200, and their opponents 3000. General Eaton was prevented from following up >F AMERICAN HEROES. 309 his victo-j by an attack on Tripoli, through want of supplier ; and, soon after, a permanent treaty between the two nations put an end to his spirited enterprise CHAPTER IX.— 1812. CAPTURE CF THE GUERRIERE. The disasters of the Americans in the land campaign of 1812 were compensated by several brilliant victories. The first remarkable naval vie tory was that of the frigate Constitution, Captain Hull, over the frigate Guerriere, Captain Dacres The action took place on the 19th of August, 1812 At half past three, P. M., Captain Hull made his antagonist to be a frigate, and continued chase till he was within about three miles, when he cleared for action ; the chase backed her main- top-sail and waited for him to come down. As soon as the Constitution was ready, Hull bore down to bring the enemy to close action immediately ; but, on his coming within gun-shot, the Guerriere gave a broadside and filled away and wore, giving a broadside on the other tack, but without effect, her shot falling short. She then continued wearing and maneuvering for about three-quarters of an hour, to OF AMERICAN HEROES. 311 get a raking position ; but, finding she could not, she bore up and ran under her topsails and jib, witli the wind on the quarter. During this time, the Constitution not having fired a single broadside, the impatience of the officers and men to engage was excessive. Nothing but the most rigid disci- pline could have restrained them. Hull, however, was preparing to decide the contest in a summarv method of his own. He now made sail to bring the Constitution up with her antagonist, and at five minutes before six, P. M., being alongside within half pistol-shot, he commenced a heavy fire from all his guns, double-shotted loith round and grape^ and so well directed and so well kept up was the fire, that in sixteen minutes the mizzen-mast of the Guerriere went by the board, and her main-yard in the slings, and the hull, rigging, and sails were completely torn to pieces. The fire was kept up for fifteen minutes longer, when the main and fore- mast went, taking with them every spar except the bowsprit, and leaving the Guerriere a complete wreck. On seeing this, Hull ordered the firing to cease, having brought his enemy, in thirty minutes after he was fairly alongside, to such a condition that a few more broadsides must have carried her down. 312 DAKING DEEDS The prize being so shattered that she was not worth bringing into port, after removing the pris- oners to the Constitution, she was set on fire and blown up. In the action, the Constitution lost seven killed and seven wounded ; the Guerriere, fifteen killed, sixty-two wounded, including the captain and several officers, and twenty-four missing. The news of this victory was received in the United States with the greatest joy and exultation. All parties united in celebrating it, and the citizens and public authorities vied with each other in be- stowing marks of approbation upon Captain Hul) and his gallant officers and crew. THE WASP AND FEOLIC. Later achievements of our navy, on a large scale, have not been sufficient to effiice the recollection of the brilliant action of the United States sloop-of- war Wasp, under the command of Captain Jones, and the British sloop-of-war Frolic. He sailed from the port of Philadelphia on the OF AMERICAN HEROES. 313 lath of October, 1812, with a gallant set of officers, and a high-spirited and confident crew. On the 16th of the same month the Wasp encountered a heavy gale, during which she lost her jib-boom and two valuable seamen. On the following night, being a bright moonlight, a seaman on the look-out dis- covered five strange sail, steering eastward. ISTotwith standing the apparent disparity of force. Captain Jones determined to hazard an attack ; and, as the weather was boisterous, and the swell of the sea unusually high, he ordered down the topgallant yards, closely reefed the topsails, and prepared for action. The convoy sailed ahead and lay to, five or six miles distant, while the sloop-of-war, wdth Spanish colors flying, remained under easy sail, the Wasp coming down to windward on her larboard side, within pistol-shot, displaying the American ensign, and pennant. Upon the enemy's being hailed, he hauled down the Spanish flag, hoisted the British ensign, and opened a broadside of can- non and musketry. The fire was promptly returned by the Wasp, the vessels gradually neared each other, and each maintained the combat with great animation, the English vessel firing with most ra pidity, but, as the result proved, with no grea 314 DAiiINO DEEDS precision. In a few miimtes after the commence ment of the action, the maintop-mast of the Wasj; was shot away, and falling on the top-sail yard, across the larboard fore and foretopsail braces, caused the head yards to be unmanageable during the continuance of the action. In two or three minutes more the gaft and mizzen topgallant sail were shot away. Each vessel continued in the po- sition in which the action commenced, and main- tained a close and spirited fire. Captain Jones directed his officers not to fire except when the vessel rolled downward, so that the shot was either poured into the enemy^s deck, or below it, while the English fired as soon as they had loaded, with- out regard to the position of their vessel, and thus their balls were either thrown away, or passed through the rigging. The Wasp now passed ahead of the enemy, raked her, and resumed her original position. It was now obvious that the Wasp had greatly the advantage in the combat, and Captain Jones thought the contest might be speedily decided by boarding, but hesitated because the roughness of the sea might endanger the safety of both vessels if brought in contact. As, however, the braces and rigging of the Wasp were so injured by the shot OF AMEKICAN HEROES. 315 of the enemy that he was fearful his masts, being tmsupj.orted, would go by the board, and that the enemy might escape ; he therefore determined at all hazards to board, and thus decide the contest With this determination he wore ship, and ran athwart the enemy's bow, so that the jib-boom came in between the main and mizzen rigging of the Wasp. The enemy was now in a position so inviting for a raking broadside, that one was promptly ordered. So closely in contact were the contending vessels, that while loading, the rammers of the Wasp struck against the sides of the oppo- sing vessel, so that two of the guns of the former entered through the bow ports of the latter, and swept the whole length of the deck. At this junc- ture a sprightly and gallant seaman, named Jack Lang, who had once been impressed on board a British man-of-war, jumped on a gun with his cut- las, and was about to leap on board the enemy, when Captain Jones ordered him back, wishing to give a closing broadside before boarding. His im- petuosity, however, could not be restrained ; and observing the ardor of the crew generally. Lieu- tenant Biddle and Booth gallantly led them on, but to their great surprise, when they reached the 316 DARING DEEDS enemy's deck, not a single uninjured individuai was found on deck except the seaman at the wheel, and three officers. The deck was covered with the dying and dead, and was slippery with blood. When Lieutenant Biddle reached the quarter-deck, the commander and two other officers threw dow^n their swords, and made an inclination of their bodies, thus affording evidence that they had surrendered. DEFENSE OF FOKT HAEKISON. On the 19th of June, 1812, a declaration of war was formally declared against Great Britain by the United States Congress, and sanctioned by the President. Captain Taj^lor had, but a few week8 before, been placed in command of Fort Harrison, a rude and weak stockade, garrisoned by only fifty soldiers, most of whom, like himself, were worn down and disabled by their long and severe service. Almost in the very midst of an enemy's country, surrounded on all sides by a sleepless and savage OF AMERICAN HEROES. 317 fee, and kept constantly on the alert, night and day, tor weeks together, it is not to be wondered at that Taylor and his men should have nearly sunk undei the fatigue and labor they had so long endured. While in this wre-tched state, with scarcely a dozen men fit for service, he was attacked on the night of the 5th of September, 1812, after an ineffectual attempt to get possession of the fort by stratagem, by a force of 450 Indians. But Captain Taylor had taken his measures with too much prudence to be captured either by stratagem. or force, as weak as were his defences, and few his men. The attack was commenced about eleven o'clock at night, amidst the excitement and confusion occa- sioned by the burning of the lower block-house, which contained the property of the contractor, and which they had previously fired. The Indians, con- fident of victory, had completely surrounded the little garrison, and commenced firing upon it from all sides, simultaneously with the firing of the block-house. But Captain Taylor was undismayed, either by the overwhelming number of his enemy and their murderous fire, or the more dangerous element of destruction they had called to their aid. He calmly gave his orders to have the fire 5J8 OARING DKEDS extinguished, but for a long time all otforts were fruitless. The lire communicated to the rc-of, in spite of every elibrt to check it. The scene at this time is represented as truly appalling. The raging of the fire, the yelling and howling of several hun- dred Indians, and the cries of women and children who had taken shelter there, together with the unceasing discharge of guns, must have been enough to appal the stoutest heart. Yet we find this stripling captain, only twenty-two years of age, boldly meeting them all, and giving his orders for suppressing the fire, and repelling the attack of his iOO savage foes, with as much coolness as the oldest veteran. By his great presence of mind, and his well-directed efibi-ts, the flames were at length arrested, and the fire finally subdued. Having extinguished the fire, and erected a temporary breastwork, the fire of the enemy was retarned with redoubled vigor during the whole night, and with such success, that at six o'clock in the morn- ing, the enemy gave up the contest in despair, and withdrew their forces. In this gallant defense. Captain Tayloi only lost two men killed, and two wounded. CAPXaRE OF THE MACEDOmAN. Shortly after the declaration of war against Great Britain, in 1812, the frigate United States sailed upon a cruise, under the command of Commodore Decatur, and on the 25th of October, UVj), in latitude 29° N, longitude 29° 30' W., fell in with his Britannic Majesty's ship, the Macedonian, com- manded by Captain Garden. She was a frigate of the largest class, mounting forty-nine carriage guns, and reputed one of the swiftest sailers in the British navy. When this frigate first hove in sight, and while orders were given on board the United States to prepare for action. Lieutenant Allen mounted aloft ; and, after watching her closely for some time, at length discovered the English pennant. He de- scended to his comrades, who were impatiently awaiting him below, and jocosely pronounced the ft-igate a lawful prize. The enemy having the ad- vantage of the wind, fought at his own distance, and the contest was kept up for one hour and fifty 15 22 320 DARING DEEDS minutes. The United States poured such an inces sant fire, that the shouts from the crew of the Macedonian were distinctly heard, who, from that cause, apprehended her to be in flames. Her col- ors were, nevertheless, hauled down shortly after- ward. In the engagement she lost her mizzen- mast, fore and maintop-mast, and main-yard. She was likewise much damaged in her hull. Thirty- six were killed and forty-eight wounded. On board the United States, five only were killed, and seven wounded. The American frigate received so little damage in this engagement, that she would still have continued her cruise, had it not been necessary for her to accompany her prize into port, on ac- count of the crippled state of the British frigate. Any comments on this splendid action — an action 80 glorious to the arms of our countrymen — would surely now be needless. OAPTIJRE OF THE ADAMS AND CALEDONIA In July, 1812, Colonel Winfield Scott received the commission of lieutenant-colonel in the 2d artillery, (Izard's regiment,) and arrived on the Niagara frontier, with the companies of Towson and Barker. He took post at Black Kock, to protect the navy-yard there established. Lieutenant Elliott of the navy had planned an enterprise against two British armed brigs, then lying at anchor under the guns of Fort Erie. For this purpose, he applied, on the 8th of October, 1812, to Colonel Scott, for assistance in officers and men. Captain Towson, and a portion of his company were dispatched to the aid of Elliott. The attack was successful. On the morning of the 9th, both vessels were carried in the most gallant man- ner. The Adams was taken by Captain Elliott in person, assisted by Lieutenant Isaac Eoach ; and the Caledonia by the gallant Captain Tow son. In dro]>ping down the ISTiagara River, the 322 nARiNG DEEDS Adams became unmanageable, through the oc- currence of a calm, and drifted into the British channel. She got around on Squaw island, directly under the guns of the enemy's batteries, where it was impossible to get her off. Captain Elliott, therefore, having previously secured the prisoners, abandoned her under a heavy fire from the British shore. Then ensued an interesting and exciting scene, the British endeavoring to retake the aban- doned brig, and Colonel Scott to prevent them. The enemy sent off boats, and Scott resisted them, in which effort he was successful. The brig was recaptured, and held until she was subsequently burned, by order of General Smythe, who had then arrived. As for the Caledonia she was preserved by the extraordinary efforts of Captain (now General) Towson, and afterward did good service in the memorable and glorious victory won on Lake Erie, by the gallant Perry. BATTLE OF QUEENSTOK. Eailj in the month of October, 1812, there were near 1500 regular troops at Buffalo and Fort Ni- agara, under the command of General Smythe ; and General Stephen Van Rensselaer, of the New York militia, the commander of the united force, known as the Army of the Center, had concentrated about 2500 men at Lewiston. Nothing was talked of but the invasion and conquest of Canada. The success- ful enterprise under Elliott infused new zeal into the breasts of the really patriotic, but raw and un disciplined militia ; and all that was then required to have terminated the campaign, and perhaps the war, by a bold and successful stroke in the upper province, was the presence of resolute and energetic general officers. The arrangements for storming the heights of Queenston were completed on the 12th of October, and late in the evening of that day Lieutenant- Oolop^l Scott hastened to Lewiston, through mud J'24 DARING DEEDS and rain, and sleet, and entreated Generax Van Rensselaer to permit him to serve as a volunteer with the attacking force. He instantly returned to Schlosser, where his men were posted, ordered them under arras, and just before daylight arrived at Lewiston, bringing with him two pieces of artillery. The troops under Yan Rensselaer and Chrystie had already passed the river, — though not with much regularity, on account of the deficiency of boats, — under a heavy fire from the enemy's batteries ; and they were now warmly engaged on the opposite Dank. Colonel Van Rensselaer and Lieutenant- Colonel Chrystie were both known to be severely wounded, and Scott was finally ordered to cross over and take the command. Leaving his train in battery on the American shor*^, under the command of Captains Towson and Barker, who opened an effective fire on the enemy, Scott crossed the stream, about eight o'clock in the morning, when he found that the British force, consisting of two flank companies of the 49th, and a body of militia, had been driven from their po- sition ; that Captain Wool had stormed the heights south of the town, with three companies of the 13th infantry, and carried the enemy's batteries ; OF AMERICAN HEROES. 325 and that the British commander, General Brock, had been killed in an unsuccessful charge, which he had gallantly headed in person. Although the American letachments, which had made a lodgment on the Canada shore, remained for several hours unmolested, it was not doubted that the enemy would rally again before night. Scott arranged his men, therefore, so as both to cover the ferry, in order that he might be rein forced if necessary, and to repel an attack. Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, small parties of the enemy were seen hovering along the slopes of the hills, and, shortly after, the^ action was fiercely renewed by the rallied militia and grenadiers, and about 400 Indians, under Norton, who had heard the previous firing and had hurried down from Chippewa. With a mixed com- mand of regulars and militia, not far from 350 strong, Scott boldly encountered the enemy. A sharp conflict ensued for a few moments, and the assailants were then driven back, and put to flight, by a forward movement of the bayonet. The protection of tt e ferry rendered a pursuit impossible. Scott therefore re-formed his line, in readiness for another attack. He had just returned 326 DABINODBEDS i(j tlie rear, to di/ect his men how to mis pike a captured cannon, when the enemy rallied again, ;uid forced in the advanced picket. The main line too, had commenced a retreat ere he could reach them. Instantly springing to the front, by great exertions, in which he was ably seconded by Genc- i-al Wadsworth, and Lieutenant-Colonel Chrystie, he brought the retreating line to the right about. His earnest enthusiasm produced a , sudden revulsion of feeling, and the enemy were soon a second time repulsed. Meanwhile, General Sheaffe, who commanded uthe troops at Fort George, had hastily collected all his disposable forces, and the provincial militia in the neighborhood, and was rapidly approaching the scene of action. About four o^clock, his column, numbering rather more than 800 men, emerged into open view just below the village of Queenstou. lie advanced with much caution, though fully aware that the Americans were greatly inferior to his own force in point of numbers, especially when he had effected a junction with the light troops and Indians. Leaving Queenston on his left, he took a wide circuit through the woods, gained the heights, and opened the action anew, with a rapid OF AMKKIOAN HEROES. 33t fire of musketry and artillery. For half an hour, the little band headed by the dauntless and heroic Scott, manfully held their ground, and breasted the volleys that met them on every side. All that l)ravery and skill could do, was nobly performed, — but performed in vain ! Scott fearlessly exposed his person to the enemy's bullets. His tall form, six feet and five inches in height, was the most conspicuous object on the field. He was arrayed in full uniform, and was entreated again and again to cover up or change some parts of his dress. '' No, no ! " said he, smil- ing ; " I will die in my robes ! " Others were constantly falling around him, but he escaped un- harmed. — After the action, when he had surren- dered himself a prisoner of war, an Indian warrior came up to him, and surveying him attentively, said — " You are not born to be shot ; so many times — holding up all the fingers of both hands — 80 many times did I fire at you ! " GENERAL SOOTT AND THE INDIAN CHIEFS. After the battle of Queenston, the prisoners were escorted to the village now called Niagara, at the mouth of the river, where the officers were lodged in an inn, and placed under guard. The sentinel had received orders tu sutler no prisoner to pass out, but not otherwise to restrain their motions. In a little while a message came that some one wished to speak with the "tall American." Scott passed through several doors into the entry. He was surprised to find in his visitors the same two Indians, hideously painted as in battle, who had sprung upon him while he was bearing the flag of truce. The elder, tall and strong, was the distin guished chief known by the name of Captain Ja- cobs. The other was a young man of fine figure, and only inferior in muscular development. In broken English, and by gestures, the prisoner was questioned as to his shot-marks : the Indians sever- ally holding up their fingers to indicate the times OF AMKBIOAN HEKOES. 329 .heir rifles had been leveled at him. Jacobs grew warm and seized Scott by the arm to turn him lound to see his back. Indignant at this manual liberty, the American threw the savage from hiiu. exclaiming, " Off, villain ! You tired like a squaw." " We kill you now ! " was the angry reply, loosen- ing from their girdles at the same instant knives and tomahawks. There was no call for help ; none could have arrived in time ; and flight would have i)een, in the opinion of such soldiers as Scott, dastardly. In a corner of the entry, under the staircase, stood the swords of the American oflicera which, according to the custom of war, they had been desired to lay aside on their arrival. A long sabre, in a heavy steel scabbard, as readily drawn as grasped, lay on the outside of the stack. A spring swiftly to the rear, and another back upon the foe, brought the American, with blade hung in air, to an attitude of defiance. A second lost — a quiver — or an error of the eye, would have ended this story, and left no further room to the biogra- pher of the " tall American." Of one of his assail- ants Scott was absolutely sure ; but that he would fall by the hands of the other before the sword could be again poised, seemed equally certain He 330 DAKING DEEDS had the advantage of ]>ositioii — standing on the defensive, in a narrow entry, just within the foot of the staircase. It was a pass that could not be turned. The savages were held without, in the wider space, near the front door, but maneuvering like tigers to close upon their prey. The parties were thus terribly grouped, when a British officer, entering from the street, and seeing what impended, cried, " The guard ! " and at the same moment seized Jacobs by the arm, and put a pistol to the iioad of his companion. Scott held his blade ready to descend in aid of his gallant deliverer, now turned upon by his foes. The sentinels obeyed the call they had heard, and came in, with bayonets forward. The Indians were marched off, muttering imprecations on all white men, and all the laws of war. The younger of these Indian chiefs was the son of the celebrated Brant, of the Bevolu- tionary war, whose life has recently been given to the public by the late Colonel Wm. L. Stone. The officer who so opportunely entered, on a visit of courtesy, was Captain Coffin, then in the staff of General Sheaffe, and now of high rank m the British army. This adventure he frequently nar- rated, both in New York and on tlic other side of the Atlantic. CAPrURE OF THE JAVA. Long before the commencement of the last wai with Great Britain, Commodore Bainbridge had established the highest character for bravery and ability as a naval commander. On the 29th of December, 1812, in latitude 13° 6' S., and about ten leagues from the coast of Brazil, the Constitution fell in with an enemy's frigate, the Java, bound for the East Indies, with a number of supernumerary officers and seamen for the Bom- hay station. The commodore, finding the frigate fairly within his reach, prepared with alacrity for action. The stranger showed English colors, and bore down with the intention of raking the Con- stitution. Bainbridge avoided this, and the enemy having hauled down colors, and left flying a jack only, the commodore gave orders to fire ahead of the enemy to make him show full colors. Tliis was returned with a full broadside, and a general action commenced, both ships striving to rake and to avoid being raked. 03 332 DARING DEEDS Soon after the commencement of the action, Bain bridge received a ball in the hip ; and a few minutes later a shot carried away the wheel, and drove a small bolt with violence into his thigh. These injuries did not induce him to sit down, and he continued on deck, giving orders until eleven o'clock at night. The action lasted an hour and fifty-five minutes, when the enemy struck her flag, and the American commodore sent Lieutenant Parker to take possession. The Java was com- manded by Captain Lambert, a distinguished offi- cer, who was mortally wounded, and died a few days after the battle. The enemy's loss was not less than sixty killed and 100 wounded. The Con- stitution lost nine killed and twenty-five wounded. The two vessels presented a striking contrast in appearance, at the close of the action ; the Consti- tution " actually coming out of the battle as she had gone into it, with royal-yards across, and every spar, from the highest to the lowest, in its place," though some of them were considerably injured ; while the Java lay upon the water an unmanage- able wreck, with every spar shot away, and but a few stumps left standing. Bainbridge displayed great kindness in the treatment of his })risoners ; OF AMERICAN HERO E 8. 3-^3 and, having destroyed his prize, he landed his captives at St. Salvador, on parole of honor not to engage in hostilities against the United Stat^o until exchang-***^ CHAPTEK X.— 18jd CAPTURE OF THE PEACOCK. The following ac^.ount of this celebrated action is extracted from Captain Lawrence's official dis- patch to the secretary of the navy, dated March 19th, 1813: After cruising off the coast of Surinam, from the 5th to the 22d of February, without meeting a ves- sel, 1 stood for Demarara, with an intention, should 1 not be fortunate on that station, to run through the West Indies, on my way to the United States. But, on the morning of the 24th, I discovered a brig to leeward, to which I gave chase ; ran into quarter less four, and, not having a pilot, was obliged to haul off — the fort at the entrance of Demarara river at this time bearing south-west, distance about two and a half leagues. Previously to giving up the chase, I discovered a vessel at anchor without the bar, with English colors fly- ing, apparently a brig-of-war. In beating ronnd OF AMKRtCAN nEROES. 335 Corobano bank, in order to ^et at her, at half-past three, P. M., I discovered another sail on my weather quarter, edging down for us. At twenty rainntes past four she hoisted English colors, at which time we discovered her to be a large man- of-war brig, beat to quarters, and cleared ship for action ; kept close by the wind, in order, if possi- ble, to get the weather-gage. At ten minutes past five, finding I could weather the enemy, I hoisted American colors and tacked. At twenty minutes past five, in passing each other, exchanged broad- sides within half pistol-shot. Obseiwing the enemy in the act of wearing, 1 bore up, received his starboard broadside, ran him close on board on the starboard quarter, and kept up such a heavy and well-directed fire, that in less than fifteen minutes he surrendered, being literally cut to pieces, and hoisted an ensign, union down, from his fore rigging, as a signal of distress. Shortly after, his main-mast went by the board, dispatched Lieutenant Shubrick on board, who soon returned with her first lieutenant, who reported her to be his Britannic majesty's late brig Peacock, com- manded by Captain William Peake, who fell in the latter part of the action : that a number of her crew 336 DARING DEEDS were killed and wounded, and that she was sinking 'ast, having then six feet of water in her hold ; dispatched the boats immediately for the wounded, and brought both vessels to anchor. Such shot- holes as could be got at were then plugged, her guns thrown overboard, and every possible exertion used to keep her afloat, until the prisoners could De removed, by pumping and bailing, but without eflfect, and she unfortunately sunk in five and a half fathoms water, carrying down thirteen of he^ crew and three of my brave fellows, viz. : ,rohn Hart, Joseph Williams, and Hannibal Boyd DEATH OF GENERAL PIKE. Keeping up their system of petty incursions on the border towns, on the morning of the 22d of Febi-uary, 1813, the British crossed over in cop- siderable force, and succeeded in capturing Og- densburg, on the St. Lawrence. Captain Forsythe, the American commander at that place, with a force lesy than half that of the British, effected OF AMERICAN BKROES. 337 his retreat to Black Lake, in a masterly manner. The ice having disappeared from Lake Ontario about the middle of April, the look-out boat Growler sailed from Sac-kett's Harbor on the 19th, to recon- noiter the lake, and immediately preparations were made for an embarkation of troops for the invasion of Canada. The troops, to the number of 1700, under the command of General Dearborn, were em- barked by the 23d ; but the weather proving stormy the fleet did not sail until the 25th. On the morning of the 27th they arrived off Fork, the capital of Upper Canada ; and, the fleet :iaving taken a position to the south and westward 0^ the principal fort, and as near the shore as pos- sible, the debarkation of the troops commenced about eight, and was completed about ten :n the forenoon. The riflemen under Forsythe first landed, under a heavy fire from the enemy, who had collected 11 their force at this point, consisting of 700 regu .ars and militia, and 100 Indians, commanded by General Sheaffe in person. The contest was sharp and severe for about half an hour, when, about 700 or SOO of the Americans having landed, commanded Dj General Pike, and the remainder of the troops 338 DARING DEEDS * pushing for ihe shore, the enemy retreated to theii works, leaving a number of killed and wounded on the field. Pike having formed the troops on the ground originally intended for their landing, advanced to the batteries, which now opened their fire, which was returned from the schooners, that had beat up to a position within 600 yards of the principal fort. The troops were led in the most gallant manner by General Pike, who carried two redoubts, and was approaching the principal work, when the enemy, having previously laid a train, blew up his magazine, by which a great number of the troops were killed and wounded, and, among the former, the ever-to-be-lamented General Pike. When the fall of Pike was made known to General Dearborn he landed and took the command of the troops. As soon as the magazine was blown up, the British set fire to their naval stores and a ship on the stocks ; and then the regulars, with Sheaffe at their head, made a precipitate retreat from the town. By two in the afternoon, the American flag was substituted for the British, and by four the troops were in peaceable possession of York, a ca- pitulation having been agreed on with the militia OV AMERICAN HEROES. 339 commanding officer, by which the town stores, and nearly 300 militia were surrendered. The total American loss on this occasion was 264 killed and wounded. The British acknowledged a loss of 156, killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing. This loss of killed, woimded, and prisoners, however, must only include the regulars, as 300 militia were surrenderee' in the town. CAPTAIN HOLMES' EXPEDITION. Early in the spring of 1813, a small force, con- sisting of about 180 rangers and mounted infantry under Captain Holmes, was dispatched by Lieuten- ant-Colonel Butler, the commander at Detroit, against Delaware, a British post on the river Thames. This detachment had set out with artil- lery, but the state of the country presenting invin- cible obstacles in its transportation, it was left behind. By this means, and by sending back the sick to Detroit, Holmes' little force was diminished to about 160 men. 16 340 DARING DEEDS On the 3d of March, intelligence was received that a body of the enemy, nearly double his force, was descending the Thames, one-half ot whom were regulars, and the remainder militia and Indians. Holmes immediately retreated a few miles, and took an excellent position on the western bank of a creek, which ran through a deep and wide ravine. Captain Gill was left, with a few rangers, to cover the rear, and watch the motions of the enemy ; but hardly had the main body encamped before they were joined by the rangers, who had been driven in after exchano^ino^ a few shots with the British advanced corps, in a vain attempt to reconnoiter their forces. The attack was commenced simultaneously on every front, the militia and Indians attacking the north, west, and south, with savage yells and bugles sounding, and the regulars charging from the ravine on the east. The latter bravely approached to within twenty paces of the American line, against the most destructive fire. But the front section being shot to pieces, those who followed much thinned and wounded, and many of the officers cut down, they were forced to abandon the charge, and take cover in the woods in diffused order, within OF AMERICAN HEROBB. 341 from fifteen to thirty paces of their antagonists. The charge of the British regulars thus repulsed^ they had recourse to their ammunition, and the firing increased on both sides with great vivacity. Tlie American regulars, being uncovered, were ordered to kneel, that the brow of the heights might assist in screening them from the view of the enemy. But the enemy's cover also proved insufficient, a common-sized tree being unable to protect even one man from the extended line of Americans, much less the squads that often stood and breathed their last together. On the other three sides the firing was also sus- tained with much coolness, and with considerable loss to the foe. The troops on those sides being protected by logs hastily thrown together, and the enemy not charging, both the rifle and the musket were aimed at leisure, with that deadly certaintj which distinguishes the American backwoodsman. Unable to sustain so unequal a contest, therefore, and favored by the shades of twilight, the British commenced a general retreat, after an hour's close and gallant conflict. CAPTUKE OF THE PENGUIN. On the morning of the 23d of March, 1813, wiiiie the Hornet sloop-of-war, of eighteen guns, commana ed by Captain Biddle, was preparing to anchor o5 the island of Tristan d' Acunha, a sail hove in sight, steering northward, with a fine breeze, and disap- peared in a few minutes behind a projecting point of land. The Hornet immediately made sail, and on clearing the point, discovered the same vessel, Gearing down before the wind, when Captain Biddle shortened sail and hove to for her to come up with him. When the stranger got near he began also to shorten sail, and took in his steering-sails Yery clumsily, for the purpose, as it afterward appeared, of practicing a deception. At forty minutes past one, the engagement commenced by a broadside from the Hornet. The action was sustained with great spirit for fifteen minutes, when the enemy approached, with the apparent intention of board- ing ; but finding the Hornet prepared to receive OF AMERICAN HEROES. 343 hhn, he desisted from the attempt, and in a few minutes surrendered. The prize proved to be the British brig-of-war Penguin, of nineteen guns and 132 men, forty-two of whom were killed or wounded. So heavy and well-directed had been the fire of the Hornet, that it was found necessary to scuttle the Penguin, after removing the prisoners. The Hornet received no material injury ; one man only of her crew was killed, and eleven wounded. BATTLE OF TOHOPECA. Nut far from five miles below Emuckfaw, is the great bend of the Tallapoosa, called by the Indians, Tohopeca, or Horse Shoe. At this place, the war- riors from the hostile towns of Oakfuskie, Oake- hoya, Enfaulee, New Yonca, the Hillabees and Fish Ponds, had concentrated their forces, near 1000 strong, for a last desperate struggle. Across the narrow neck of land, or isthmus, by which the peninsula formed by the crooked river was entered, they had erected a breastwork of logs, from five 344 DARING DEEDS to eight feet high, with double port-holes, arranged with no little skill and ingenuity. Within the in- closure, there were about 100 acres of land ; the center was high ground, covered with brush and fallen timber; and on the river bottom, at the lower extremity of the peninsula, was the Indian village. On the night of the 26th of March, 1813, Gene- ral Jackson encamped within six miles of the Horse Shoe, and early on the following morning, General Coffee was detached, with mounted men and most of the friendly Indians, under instructions to cross the river at a ford two miles below Tohopeca, and take possession of the high grounds on the opposite bank, so as to cut oft' all chance of escape in that quarter. The firing on the American side was mainly con- fined to the artillery, though a rifle or musket was occasionally discharged, whenever the dark warriors incautiously exposed their persons. For nearly two hours, the cannonade was kept up, with spirit and activity, though without producing any sensible impression. Meantime the friendly Indians had advanced to the left bank of the river, while Gen- eral Coffee remained on the high ground with the rest of his troops. Some of the Cherokees new OF AMERICAN HEROES 345 discovered that the enemy's canoes, which were drawn up on the shore, near their village, had been left unguarded. They instantly plunged into the stream, swam across, and, in a few moments, re- turned with a number of the canoes. Means being thus provided for passing over, the Cherokees, headed by their chief, Eichard Brown, and Colonel Morgan, and Captain Eussell's company of spies, crossed to the village, set it on fire, and attacked the enemy in the rear. SmTounded though they were, the hostile Indians fought with the utmost bravery and desperation Every avenue by which they might have fled was occupied by the American troops, and their habi- tations were in flames ; still they refused to surren- der, and successfully resisted every attempt of the spies and Cherokees to dislodge them. The soldiers with General Jackson, clamored loudly to be led to the assault, but he hesitated to give the order, till he became convinced that the party in the rear were not strong enough to overcome the opposition they encountered. The command to storm the works was then received with shouts and acclama- tions. General Doherty's brigtide, and the 39th in- fantry, under Colonel Williams, promptly advanced 346 DARING DEEDS to the attack. The result of the contest _ ^oi long remain in doubt. A fierce struggle was maintained for a short time, through the port-holes muzzle to muzzle; the action being so close, as remarked in the dispatch of the commanding gen eral, that " many of the enemy's balls were welded to the American bayonets." Major Montgomery of the 39th infantry, was the first to spring upon the breastwork, but was shot dead among his com rades, who were rushing forward to sustain him A smothered cry for vengeance rolled along the ine, — and the whole column dashed over the feeble barrier, like the avalanche, crushing and bearing down every thing before it. The Indians, fighting with the fury of despair, met the shock with clubbed muskets, and rifles, with the gleaming knife and tomahawk. Some few at- tempted to escape by swimming the river, but were shot down in their flight, by the spies and mounted men under General Cofiee. Most of them, however, fought and died where they stood — behind the ramparts which they were unable to defend. The conflict — nay, we may call it, without reproach to the victors, the butchery — was continued for hours. None asked for quarter. The Tallapoosa OF AMPJRTCAN HEROES. 347 ran red with the blood of the savages, and the dead were piled in mangle>i heaps upon its banks Driven from the breastwork, a considerable num- ber of the enemy took refuge among the brush and fallen timber on the high ground in the center of the peninsula. General Jackson sent them an in- terpreter, to offer terms of capitulation, but they fired on and wounded him. The cannon were brought to bear on their position, and a partially successful charge was made, yet they were not dis- odged. Finally, the brush was set on tire. The flames spread with rapidity, snapping and crackling as they caught the dry bark and leaves, and licking up every thing in their way, like some huge, greedy monster. The Indians were now forced from their concealment; and all who attempted to fly, or offered resistance, were shot down. Night at length put an end to the carnage, and, under cover of the darkness, a few of the survivors of that fatal field escaped into the adjoining forests. Five hundred and fifty-seven dead bodies of the enemy were found within the peninsula ; and there were over 300 taken prisoners, nearly all women and children. The total loss of the Red Sticks, in killed alone, must have been near 800 ; as a number of 348 DARING DEEDS the dead were thrown into the river prevdous to the final rout, by their surviving friends, or shot by General Coffee's men while attempting to make their escape. Among the slain were three prophets, one of whom, by the name of Monohoe, was struck by a grape-shot in his mouth, out of which had issued the lies which had lured his nation to their ruin. General Jackson lost fifty-five men killed and 146 wounded. Twenty-three of the killed, and forty- seven of the wounded, were friendly Creeks and Cherokees. CKUISE OF THE ESSEX. Among those by whom the enterprise of the American navy was chiefly evinced, was Captain Porter, whose cruise on the Pacific terminated about this time. As early as the month of October, 1812, he sailed from the Delaware in the frigate Essex. He doubled Cape Horo^ amidst tremendous storms, about the middle of February, 1813, and on the OF AMERICAN HERDES. 34^ I5th of March put into the port of Yalparaiso, and, having obtained the necessary supplies, proceeded on his cruise, along the coast of Chili, and thence to the Gallipagos islands. In the vicinity of these isles the Essex cruised for upward of six months, during which she totally destroyed that valuable part of the enemy's commerce which was carried on in those seas. The whole of the British vessels at that time in the Pacific, to the number of twelve, car- rying in all 107 guns, and 302 men, were captured. Their value was estimated at $2,500,000. He con- verted one of them into a vessel of war, mounting '"wenty guns, which he named the Essex Junior, and sailed for Yalparaiso. The intelligence of Captain Porter's exploits had at length occasioned a force of the enemy to be sent in pursuit of him. Soon after his arrival at V^alparaiso, the Phoebe, a British frigate of thirty- eight guns, and a sloop-of-war appeared off tlie port, Having been fitted out expressly to meet the Essex. They entered the harbor to obtain provisions, and, having effected this, again stood out and cruised oif the port for about six weeks. Their united force was much greater than that of Captain Porter, the Essex Junior being of but little utility in action 350 DARING DEEDS At length, on the 28th March, the Essex made aii attempt to get to sea, with a favorable wind. The enemy's vessels were close to the shore and Cap- tain Porter expected to be able to pass to wind- ward of them. Unfortunately, however, in rounding the point, the American vessel was struck by a squall, which carried away her maintop-mast. Tlius crippled, escape to sea was impossible ; and as it was equally difficult to reach the harbor. Captain Porter ran into a small bay, and anchored within pistol-shot of the shore. In this situation it was tc» have been expected that the ordinary rules of war- fare, which forbid an attack upon an enemy lying within a neutral territory, would have been ob- served. It was, nevertheless, soon perceived tliat Captain Hillyar, the English commander, was de- termined to avail himself of the opportunity oifered, without regard to the rights of sovereignty of the local government. The Essex was prepared for ac- tion with all possible dispatch ; but before a spring could be put upon her cable to enable her to bring her broadside to bear, the attack was commenced. The British commander, desirous of capturing tlie Essex with as little loss to himself as possible, placed his frigate, the Phoebe, under her stem, OF AM.ERIOAN HEROES. 361 while the Cherub took a position on her bows. The latter, soon finding the fire of the Essex too warm, bore up, and ran also under her stern, where both ships kept up a heavy and raking fire. Cap- tain Porter continued the action for a considerable time, with three long twelve-pounders, being all the guns which he found it possible to bring to bear on the enemy, when, finding his crew falling fast around him, he cut his cable, and ran down on the enemy, with the intention of laying the Phoebe on board. For a short time a close and sanguinary action ensued ; but the superior equip- ment of the British frigate enabling her to choose her distance, she edged off, and continued so heavy a fire from her long guns, that Captain Porter de- termined to run his ship ashore. He was, however, disappointed in this hope by the wind setting off the land; and after an unequal and hopeless con- test of three hours, was compelled to give the gainful order to strike the colors. DEFENSE OF FORT STEPHENSON. (/a]>tain Croghan commanded, a short time, Fort Defiance, on the Miami of the lakes ; but after the defeat of General Winchester, he was ordered to Fort Meigs, upon which the enemy designed an attack. Here General Harrison commanded in person. Every disposition, both for attack and de- fense, was made by the conflicting parties. The siege began on the 28th of April, and on the 9th of May following, the besiegers commenced theii retreat, covered with disgrace. Here Croghan par- ticularly signalized himself with his corps, by sev- eral handsome and brilliant charges on the enemy. For his conduct on this occasion, he received the particular notice of the commanding general ; and was shortly after advanced to a majority, and wa& stationed with his battalion at Upper Sandusky. From this he was ordered to Fort Stephenson, twenty miles above the mouth of Sandusky river. On the 1st of August, General Proctor made his OF AMERICAN HEROES. 358 appearance before the fort. His troops consisted of 500 regulars, and about 700 Indians of the most ferocious kind. There were but 133 effective men in the garrison, and the works covered one acre of ground. The pickets were about ten feet high, surrounded by a ditch, with a block-house at each angle of the fort, one of which contained a six- pounder. This was the exact state of the post at the time the enemy appeared. The first movement made by the enemy was to make such a disposition of his forces as to prevent the escape of the gar rison, if they should be disposed to attempt it. He then sent Colonel Elliott with a flag to demand the surrender of the fort. He was met by Ensign Shipp. The British officer observed that General Proctor had a number of cannon, a large body of regular troops, and so many Indians, whom it was impossible to control, that if the fort was taken, as it must be, the whole of the garrison would be massacred. Shipp answered, that it was the detei mination of Major Croghan, his officers and men, to defend the garrison or be buried in it, and that they might do their best. Colonel Elliott addressed Mr. Shipp again — " You are a fine young man — I pity your situation — for God's sake surrender, 364 DARINGDEEDS and prevent the dreadful slanghter that must follow resistance." Shipp turned from him with indigna- tion, and was immediately taken hold of by an Indian, who attempted to wrest his sword from him. Major Croghan, observing what passed, called to Shipp to come into the fort, which was instantly obeyed, and the action commenced. The firing began from the gun-boats in the rear, and was kept up during the night. At an early hour the next morning, three six- pounders, which had been planted during the night within 250 yards of the pickets, began to play upon the fort, but with little effect. About four P. M., all the enemy's guns were concentrated against the north-western angle of the fort, for the purpose of making a breach. To counteract the effect of their fire. Major Croghan caused that point to be strengthened by means of bags of flour, sand, and other materials, in such a manner that the picket- ing sustained little or no injury. But the enemy, supposing their fire had sufficiently shattered the pickets, advanced, to the number of 500, to storm the place, at the same time making two feints on different points. The column which advanced against the north OF AMEI2I0AN HEROES. 365 western angle was so completely enveloped in smoke, as not to be discovered until it had ap- proached within eighteen or twenty paces of the lines, but the men being all at their posts, and ready to receive it, commenced so heavy and gall- ing a fire as to throw the column into confusion; but being quickly rallied, Lieutenant-Colonel Short, the leader of the column, exclaimed, " Come on, my brave fellows, we will give these Yankee rascals no quarter," and immediately leaped into the ditch, followed by his troops. As soon as the ditch was entirely filled by the assailants, Major Croghan ordered the six pounder, which had been masked in the block-house, to be fired. It had been loaded with a double charge of musket balls and slugs. The piece completel}^ raked the ditch, from end to end. The first fire leveled the one half in death ; the second or third either killed or wounded every one except eleven, who were covered by the dead bodies. At the same time, the fire of small arms was so incessant and destructive, that it was in vain the British ofiicers exerted themselves to lead on the balance of the column ; it retired in disorder under a shower of shot, and sought safety in an adjoining wood. The loss of the enemy in killed 366 DARING DEEDS was about 150, besides a considerable number of their allies. The Americans had but one killed and seven slightly wounded. Early in the morning of the 3d, the enemy retreated down the river, after having abandoned considerable baggage. CAPTURE OF THE EPEKYIER. On the 29th of April, 1813, the sloop-of-war Peacock, of eighteen guns, commanded by Captain Warrington, fell in with, and after an action of forty- two minutes, captured the British brig-of-war Eper- vier, of a like number of guns, and 128 men, of whom eight were killed and fifteen woimded. The Peacock was deprived of the use of her foresail and foretop-sail in the early part of the action ; but received no other injury, two men only being slightly wounded. The prize had on board $120,000 in specie, which was transferred to the Peacock, and both vessels arrived in safety in the United States. DEFENSE OF SACKETT'S HARBOE. On the evening of the 27th of May, the British fleet from Kingston was discovered bearing in the direction of Sackett's Harbor, by the small vessels under Lieutenant Chauncey, who had been sent out to reconnoiter. The alarm guns were instantly fired, and a messenger was also dispatched to General Brown with the information. After issuing orders for the militia to assemble, he repaired to the post of danger. The delay experienced by the enemy in the attempt, but partially successful, to capture a number of boats coming from Oswego with troops, fortunately gave time to collect some 500 or 600 men : but not more than 1000 could be assembled in all, including the invalids. At the request of Lieutenant-Colonel Backus, who had been but a short time at the station, and was unacquainted with the localities, General Brown took command of the united force. In the afternoon of the 28th, the hostile fleet, which consisted of four ships, one 358 nARiNG DEEr>S brig, two schooners, two gun-boats, and thirty-three flat-bottomed boats, containing 1000 picked troops, under Sir George Prevost and Commodore Sir James Yeo, appeared in the offing. Under the orders of General Brown, a breastwork was hastily, but skillfully thrown up, at the only point where a landing could be readily effected, — the primeval forests sweeping away, for miles on miles, in rear of the town, and on either side of the opening leading down to the margin of the lake. The militia, and the Albany volunteers, under Colonel Mills, who had recently arrived, were posted behind the breastwork with a field-piece. The regular troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Backus, were sta- tioned in a second line, in rear, and near the bar- racks and public buildings. Lieutenant Fanning, with his artillerists, occupied Fort Tompkins, at the barracks ; and Lieutenant Chauncey and his men were ordered to defend the stores at Navy Point. During the night of the 28th, General Brown was constantly on the alert. His men slept on their arms, while he and his officers reconnoitered the shores of the lake. All was quiet, however, Bave the mournful sighing of the breeze among the dark pines and hemlocks, the tall oaks and maples OF AMERICAN HEROES. 359 in the neighboring forests, and the constant dashing of the tiny waves on the pebbly beach, till the early dawn on the following morning. The British were then descried pushing rapidly toward the landing in their small boats. As they approached, the American militia appeared cheerful and animated, and betrayed no symptoms of fear ; on the contrary, they seemed anxious to participate in the conflict. The orders of General Brown were, to permit the enemy to come within pistol-shot, and then, taking deliberate aim, to open on them vigorously with the field-piece and musketry. The first fire was well-directed, and very destructive; the shot tearing and crashing through the sides of the boats, knocking ofi" the gunwales, splintering the bowls of the oars, and killing and wounding several officers and men. The British were thrown into confusion ; their advance was checked ; and a few more rounds would undoubtedly have terminated the engage ment. But after firing the second round, the mil tia, for the first time in action, were seized with ^ sudden panic, and, in spite of the efibrts of theii officers, retreated in disorder. Colonel Mills los/ his life in the vain attempt to prevent the retreat General Brown succeedei in rallying about ninety 360 DARING DEEtS men belonging to the company of Captain McNitt whom he formed in line with the regulars, who maintained their position with spirit and bravery. Meanwhile Sir George Prevost had disembarked his troops on the beach, and commenced his march toward the village. But the enemy now encountered the most desperate opposition from the little band of Americans who remained firm, encouraged by the presence of General Brown, and the heroic example of the brave but unfortunate Backus, who fell mortally wounded during the attack. Though compelled to give way before superior numbers, they disputed every inch of ground, and finally took possession of the barrack buildings. Here, partially sheltered, they poured their gallant volleys on the enemy ; at the same time, Lieutenant Fan- ning, though severely wounded, directed the fire of his gun with remarkable precision and eff*ect. The British having made repeated efforts to dis lodge the Americans, without success. General Brown exhorted his men to continue the defense of the position to the last extremity, while he made another effort to rally the militia to their assistance. He then hastened to overtake the fugitives. Hav- ing collected a large number of them together, he or AMERICAN HEROES. 361 earnestly addressed th^m, rebuking both officers and men for their lack 'of courage, with such force and eloquence, that many of them shed tears when he alluded to the brave conduct of the regulars and volunteers, who, though strangers to the soil, were more prompt to defend it, than they, its owners and occupants. He now ordered them to form and follow him, declaring that he would punish the first act of disobedience with instant death. Although his orders were obeyed without reluctance, he was afraid to rely upon their firmness in an open attack. Being unwilling, therefore, to meet the enemy with the troops whom he had just rallied, General Brown determined to effect by stratagem what he was fearful he could not otherwise accomplish. Di- recting the militia to pass through the edge of the forest, in sight of the field of battle, as if affecting to conceal the movement, he marched them by a circuitous route toward the place of landing. The British, suspecting an attempt to turn their flank and capture their boats, became alarmed, and made 9 precipitate retreat, leaving behind them all their killed, a number of their wounded, and thirty-five prisoners. .^^ CAPTURE OF THE UEINDEER. About the first of May, the sloop-of-war Wasp of eighteen guns, commanded by Captain Blakely, sailed from Portsmouth on her first cruise. After capturing seven merchantmen, she encountered, on the 28th of June, the British brig-of-war Reindeer, of nineteen guns and 118 men. After a series of maneuvers on the part of the latter, by which a close action was for a long time prevented, a warm engagement commenced, which was continued with great spirit on both sides for upward of two hours, during which the enemy several times attempted tu board, but were as often repulsed. The crew of the Wasp now boarded with great ardor, and in a few minutes resistance ceased and the British flag was hauled down. Owing to the proximity of the two vessels and the smoothness of the sea, the loss on both sides was severe. That of the Ameri- cans was five killed and twenty-one wounded ; while the British lost twenty-five killed, including Captain OF AMERICAN HEROES. 363 Manners, and forty-two woiuivied. The Reindeei was so much injured that it was found necessary to set her on fire. Captain Blakely, continuing his cruise, about the 1st of September discovered a fleet of merchantmen under convoy of a seventy-four gun-ship. One of them was taken, and after removing her cargo, was set on fire. On the same evening he fell in with and captured the British sloop-of-war Avon, of twenty guns. The appearance of a British squadron compelled him to abandon his prize, which' sunk soon after the removal of her crew. The damage sustained in this action being soon repaired, Captain Blakely continued his cruise, and on the 23d of September, captured the British brig Atlantic, which he sent into the United States. From this period no tidings ever reached the re- public of this gallant ship. Whether she foundered in darkness or tempest, or perished in a conflict with an enemy, has never been asceitained. ENTERPEISE AND BOXER. On the 1st of September, the Enterprise, Captain Burrouo'hs, sailed from Portsmouth on a cruise. On the 5th, early in the morning, they espied a brig in shore, getting under way. They reconnoitered her for a while to ascertain her character, of which they were soon informed by her hoisting three British ensigns, and firing a shot as a challenge. The Enterprise then hauled upon a wind, stood out of the bay, and prepared for action. A calm for some time delayed the encounter ; it was succeeded by a breeze from the southwest, which gave our vessel the weather-gage. After maneuvering for a while to the windward, in order to try her sailing with the enemy, and to ascertain his force, the Enterprise, about three, P. M., shortened sail, hoisted three ensigns, fired a gun, tacked and ran down with an intention to bring him to close quarters. When within half pistol-shot, the enemy gave three cheers, and commenced the action with OF AMERICAN HEROES. 365 his starboard broadside. The cheers and the broadside were returned on our part, and the ac- tion became general. In about five minutes after the battle had commenced, the gallant Burrough received a musket-ball in his body and fell; he, however, refused to be carried below, but continued on deck through the action. The active command was then taken by Lieutenant McCall, who con- ducted himself- with great skill and coolness. The enemy was out-maneuvered and cut up; his main top-mast and topsail-yard shot away; a position gained on his starboard bow, and a raking fire kept up, until his guns were silenced and he cried for quarter, saying that as his colors were nailed to the mast he could not haul them down. The prize proved to be his Britannic majesty's brig Boxer, of fourteen guns. The number of her crew is a matter of conjecture and dispute. We turn gladly from such an idle discussion to notice the last moments of the worthy Burroughs. There needs no elaborate pencil to impart pathos and grandeur to the death of a brave man. The simple anecdotes, given in simple terms by his surviving comrades, present more striking pictures than could be wrought up by the most refined 366 DARING DEEDS attempts of art. " At twenty minutes past three P. M.," says one accomit, " our brave commander fell, and while lying on the deck, refusing to be carried below, raised his head and requested that the flag might never he struck?'^ In this situation he remained during the rest of the engagement, regardless of bodily pain ; regardless of the life- blood fast ebbing from his wound ; watching with anxious eye the vicissitudes of battle ; cheering his men by his voice, but animating them still more by his glorious example. When the sword of the vanquished enemy was presented to him, we are told that he clasped his hands and exclaimed, " I am satisfied, I die contented." He now permitted himself to be carried below, and the necessary at- tentions were paid to save his life, or alleviate his sufferings. His wound, however, was beyond the power of surgery, and he breathed his last within a few hours after the victory. COMMODORE PERRY'S VICTORY ON LAKE ERIE. Perry took charge of the flotilla of gun-boata stationed in the harbor of New York, early in 1812, with the rank of master-commanJant. Here he remained about a year, disciplining his crews. As war had begun its ravages between Great Britain and the United States, he sought a more active sphere ; and, at his own request, he was transferred to the service on the lakes. In pursuance of this disposition of his services, he repaired with a reinforcement of seamen to Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, to act under Commodore Chauncey. The transportation of the seamen from the sea-board to the harbor, from its novelty to the sons of Neptune, afforded them the highest amasement, particularly as it was a " land- cruise " in the depth of winter. After remaining at Sackett's Harbor some time. Commodore Chauncey dispatched Perry to take 368 DARING DEEDS charge of the squadron then fitted and fitting out on Lake Erie, and to hasten their equipments. At this time, the British fleet on that lake was com- manded by Captain Barclay, an officer of high standing, rank, and skill, who had seen much ser- vice, and whose force was of superior strength to the American squadron. Perry pursued his object unmolested by the enemy, who was continually hovering about the harbor. Havin<^^ equipped and manned his ves- sels, he buoyed them over the bar, on which was only five feet of water, at the harbor's mouth of the port of Erie, on the 4:th of August, 1813. The 3nemy were peaceable spectators of the scene. The next day he sailed in pursuit of them, and returned to port on the 8th, without accomplishing his object. Nothing of moment happened until the morn- ing of the 10th of September. The American squadron was then lying at anchor at Put-in-Bay, and consisted of brigs Lawrence, Commodore Perry, twenty guns ; Niagara, Captain Elliot, twenty guns ; Caledonia, Purser McGrath, three guns ; schooners Ariel, Lieutenant Packet, four guns ; Scorpion, Sail- ing-Master Champlain, two guns ; Somers, Almy. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 369 two guns, and two swivels ; Tigress, Lieutenant Conklin, one gun ; Porcupine, Midshipman G. Senat, one gun ; sloop Trippe, Lieutenant Smith, one gun ; in all, forty -four guns. At sunrise they discovered the enemy, and im mediately got under way and stood for him, with a light wind at southwest. The British force con- sisted of ship Detroit, nineteen guns, one on pivot and two howitzers ; Queen Charlotte, seventeen guns, one on pivot ; schooner Lady Prevost, thir- teen guns, one on pivot ; brig Hunter, ten guns ; sloop Little Belt, three guns ; schooner Chippeway, one gun, two swivels ; in all, sixty-three guns. At ten A. M., the wind hauled to the southeast, and brought our squadron to windward. Commo- dore Perry then hoisted his union jack, having for a motto the dying words of the valiant Lawrence, " Don't give up the ship ! " It was received with repeated cheerings by the officers and crews. And now, having formed his line, he bore for the enemy ; who likewise cleared for action, and hauled up his courses. As the hostile squadrons approached each other, suddenly a bugle was sounded on board the enemy's ship Detroit, and loud huzzas immediately burst forth from all their crews. 370 ' DARING DEEDS As soon as the Lawrence came within the reach of the enemy's long guns, they opened a heavy fire upon her, whicli, from the shortness of her guns, she was unable to return. Perry, without waiting for his schooners, kept on his course, which induced the enemy to suppose it was his intention to board. In a few minutes, having gained a nearer position, he opened his fire. The length of the enemy's guns, however, gave them greatly the ad vantage, and the Lawrence was excessively cut up without being able to do any great damage in re turn. Their shot pierced her sides in all directions killing the men on the berth-deck and in the steer age, where they had been taken down to be dressed One shot had nearly produced a fatal explosion passing through the light room, it knocked the snuff of the candle into the magazine ; fortunately the gunner happened to see it, and had the pres- ence of mind to extinguish it immediately, with his hand. Their heaviest fire was directed at the Lawrence, and Perry, finding the hazards of his situation, made sail, and directed the other vessels to follow, for the purpose of closing with the foe. The tre- mendous fire however, to which he was exposed. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 371 soon cut away every brace and bowliDe, and the Lawrence became unmanageable. Even in this disastrous plight, she sustained the iiction for upward of two hours, within canister distance, though for a great part of the time the Lawrence could not get more than three guns to bear upon her antagonist. It was admirable to be- hold the perfect order and regularity that prevailed among her valiant and devoted crew, throughout this scene of horror. No trepidation, no confusion occurred, even for an instant ; as fast as the men were wounded, they were carried below, and others stept into their places ; the dead remained where they fell, until after the action. At this juncture, the fortune of the battle trembled on a point, and the enemy believed the day their own. The Lawrence was reduced to a mere wreck ; her decks were streaming with blood, and covered with mangled limbs, and the bodies of the slain ; her guns were dismounted, and the commodore and his officers helped to work the last gun that was capable of being used. Finding the Lawrence was incapable of further service, he gave his vessel in charge to Lieutenant Yarnall. who had already distinguished himself by 372 DARING DEEDS his bravery, and hauled down his union, bearing the motto of Lawrence, and taking it under his arm ordered it to be put on board the Niagara, which was then in close engagement. In leaving the Lawrence, he gave his pilot choice, either to remain on board or accompany him ; the pilot re- plied, " He'd stick by him to the last," and jumped into the boat. Perry went off from the ship stand- ing up in the stern of the boat, until the crew absolutely pulled him down among them. Broad- sides were leveled at him, and small arms dis- charged by the enemy, two of whose vessels were within musket-shot, and a third one nearer. The balls struck around him and flew over his head in every direction ; but the same special Providence that seems to have watched over the youthful hero throughout this desperate battle, conducted him safely through a shower of shot, and his shipmates beheld with transport his flag hoisted at the mast- head of the Kiagara. Ko sooner was he on board, than Captain Elliot volunteered to put ofl' in a small Doat, and bring into action the schooners which had been kept astern by light winds ; the offer was accepted, and Elliot left the Niagara to put it in execution. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 373 Commodore Periy now made signal for close action, and the small vessels got out their sweeps and made all sail. Finding that the JS'iagara was but little injured, he determined, if possible, to break the enemy's line. He accordingly bore up and passed ahead of the two ships and brig, giving them a raking fire from his starboard guns, and also to a large schooner and sloop from his larboard side, about half pistol-shot distance. Having passed the whole squadron, he luffed up and laid his ship alongside the British commodore. The smaller ves- sels, under the command of Captain Elliot, having in the meantime got within grape and canister dis- tance, and keeping up a well-directed fire, the whole of the enemy struck, excepting two small vessels, which attempted to escape, but were afterward taken. BATTLE OF THE THAMES. Previous to the battle of the Thames, Commo- dore Perry's victory had opened tlie way for the 26 374 DARTNO DEEDS passage of the American army into Canada, and on the 3d of October, General Harrison left SandwicJj in pursuit of Proctor with about 140 regulars., Colonel Johnson's mounted regiment, and the Kentucky volunteers, under the venerable Governor Shelby, amounting, in the whole, to near 3050 men. Harrison was accompanied by Commodore Perry, who volunteered as his aid-de-camp. The army reached the river Thames, which falls into Lake St. Clair, twenty-five miles above De- troit, the same evening, and next morning crossed by a bridge, which Proctor had neglected to destroy. Next morning, about eight miles above their encampment, the army arrived at the third unford- able branch of the Thames, where they found that the bridge over its mouth, as well as one a mile above, had been taken up by the Indians. Here several hundred of the Indians attempted to dispute the passage of the troops, but the fire from two six-pounders soon drove them ofi"; and in about two hours after, the bridge was repaired, and the troops crossed just in time to extinguish a house that had been set on tire, containing a considera- ble number of muskets, which were fortunately saved. At the first farm above the bridge was found OF AMERICAN HEROES. 375 one of the enemy's vessels on fire, and here intel- ligence was received that they were but a few miles ahead. The army halted for the night about four miles above the bridge, where they found two other vessels, and a large distillery, filled with ordnance and other valuable stores to an immense amount, in flames. It was impossible to extinguish the fire ; but two mounted twenty-four-pounders were taken, and a large quantity of ball and shells of various sizes. Early on the morning of the 5th, the troops were again put in motion, and in the afternoon the ofiicer commanding the advance sent to inform Gen- eral Harrison that his progress was stopped by the enemy, who were formed across the line of march. Between the two armies the road passed through an uncleared beech forest, pretty clear of underwood, near the banks of a river, parallel to which, at the distance of 200 or 300 yards, extended a swamp several miles in length. Across this strip of land the British were drawn up, their left rest- ing on the river, supported by artillery ; their right on the swamp, covered by the Indians. The army moved on in order but a short distance, 376 DARING DEEDS when the mounted men received the fire of the British line, and were instantly ordered to charge. The horses in the front of the column recoiled from the fire ; but on receiving a second fire, the column got into motion, and immediately, at full speed, broke through the enemy with irresistible force. In one minute the contest was over in front. The British officers, seeing no hope of reducing their disordered ranks to order, the mounted infantry wheeling upon them and pouring in a destructive fire, immediately surrendered. Only three of the Americans were wounded in this charge. Upon the American left, however, the contest with the Indians was more severe. Colonel John- son who commanded on that flank of his regiment, received a most galling fire from them, which was returned with great efiect. The Indians still further to the left advanced and fell in with the front line of infantry, and for a moment made an impression upon it. Governor Shelby, however, who was sta- tioned near this point, brought up a regiment to its support. The enemy now received a severe fire in front, and a part of the mounted men having gained their rear, they immediately retreated with precipitation OF AMERICAN HEROKf*. 377 Of tLe British troops, twelve were killed and twenty-two wounded in this action, and 601 regu- lars taken prisoners. General Proctor escaped by the fleetness of his horses, escorted by forty dra- goons, and a number of mounted Indians. The Indians suffered the greatest loss. Thirty-three were found dead on the ground, besides numbers who were killed iu the retreat. On the day of the action six pieces of brass artillery were taken, and two twenty-four-pounders the day before. Of the brass peices, three were trophies of the Revolu- tionary war that were taken at Saratoga and York, and surrendered by General Hull. The number of arms captured by the Americans, or destroyed by the enemy, must have exceeded 5000; most of them had been taken by the British at Detroit, and the river Raisin, and the Miami. The loss of the Americans was seven killed and twenty-two woun- ded, five of whom afterward died. The death of Tecumseh, which took place in this action, has been attributed to Colonel Johnson. CHAPTER XI— 1814. BATTLE OF CHIPPEWA. During the night of the 2d of July, 1814, Gen- eral Brown embarked his troops, but little more thon 3000 strong, at Black Rock ; and early in the morning of the 3d, General Scott landed below the fort with his brigade, and a battalion of artillery under Major Hindman, and General Ripley, with his brigade, above. The commanding general fol- lowed with the volunteer forces, — and a party of Indians were sent round through the woods in rear of the enemy's position. The fort was soon in- vested, and a battery of heavy guns planted in a position that completely commanded its defenses. Without awaiting the threatened assault, after firing a few guns, the garrison surrendered themselves prisoners of war. The main body of the British troops in the im- mediate vicinity of the river, amounting to over 3000 men, under Major General Riall, occupied an OF AMERICAN HEROES. 379 intrenched camp at Chippewa^ about two miles above the Falls. Leaving a small garrison in Fort Erie, General Brown advanced, on the day after ita reduction, against the position of General Kiall. The brigade of General Scott, which, with Captain Towson's battery, formed the advance, had a run- ning fight, for sixteen miles, with the 100th regi- ment, commanded by the Marquis of Tweedale, and finally drove it across the Chippewa Creek. In the evening, the whole army encamped on the south bank of Street's Creek, the bridge over which had been destroyed by the Marquis, within two miles of the enemy's works. Between this stream and the Chippewa, lay the broad plain on which the sanguinary engagement of the following day took place. On the east were the waters of the Niagara, speeding along in their arrowy flight, to the cataract beyond ; and on the west was a dense forest of oaks, and beeches, and maples, extending for several miles into the interior. At an early hour on the morning of the 5th of July, the British light troops, consisting of Cana- dian militia and Indians, who were posted in the woods on the left, commenced making attacks on the American pickets placed on that flank, and 18 380 DARING DEEDS small parties of the enemy occasionally appeared in the open plain in front. General Brown was anxious to bring on an en gagement with the enemy, and, in order to effect this object, or, if that were found impossible, to put an end to the annoying fire of their skirmishers, he directed General Porter to fetch a circuit through the forest with the volunteers and Indians, and cut off their retreat ; and the advanced parties were ordered to fall back before the fire of their oppo- nents, and thus favor the movement. About four o'clock in the afternoon, General Porter encountered the light companies of the Royal Scots and the 100th regiment, in the woods, and drove them back upon the Chippewa, where they met the whole British column, under General Riall, who had an- ticipated the intentions of General Brown, and was now rapidly approaching with the hope of finding the Americans unprepared for his reception. The commanding general had accompanied the volunteers, but, on hearing the roar of the artillery, and discovering the clouds of dust rising in the vicinity of Chippewa bridge, he returned to camp, and ordered General Scott to advance forthwith, with the first brigade and Towson's battery, an<^ OF AMERICAN HEROES. 381 engage the enemy on the open plain, while he brought up the second brigade, under general Rip- ley, to act at whatever point it might be needed. The order was executed with all possible speed. The troops under General Scott dashed across the creek, and through the clumps of bushes fringing its bank, under a galling fire of musketry and ar- tillery, and were soon enveloped in the wreaths of sulphurous smoke rising over the battle field ; their shouts and cheers, borne merrily on the breeze, and the deep-toned thunder of their artillery, and their sharp rattling volleys, announcing the spirit and eagerness with which they entered into the contest. Meanwhile the British light troops had rallied, and compelled the volunteers of General Porter, in turn, to give way. The left flank of Scott's brigade, therefore, became much exposed ; and the 21st in- fantry, forming part of General Ripley's brigade, which had been held in reserve, was detached to gain the rear of the enemy's right flank. The greatest exertions were made to reach their position in time, but in vain ; for such was the impetuosity of the attack made by General Scott, that the battle was fought and the victory won, before they had time to participate in the conflict. 382 DARING DEEDS After the retreat of the volunteers, the 25th in fantry, commanded by Major Jesup, on the extreme left of Scott's brigade, in the forest, was warmly pressed in front and in flank, being exposed to a withering tempest of musket balls that was fast thinning their ranks ; but, at this critical period, their brave leader gave his well-known order, — " Support arms — forward, march ! " — Men who could advance without faltering in such fearful peril were not to be resisted. Having gained, a more favorable position, they returned the fire of the enemy, with interest, and in a few minutes com- pelled them to seek safety in flight. In the other part of the field, equal zeal and gallantry were displayed. The strife was bloody and fiercely contested on both sides, but of short duration. A warm fire was kept up for about an hour, when the enemy's artillery was silenced ; but their infantry were now ordered to move for- ward with charged bayonets. As they advanced, a raking fire was poured upon them from Towson's guns, which Scott had posted in the road to Chip- pewa, and this was followed, almost instantly, by a destructive volley from the 9th and 11th infantry, thrown forward on their outer flanks, and that OF AMERICAN HEROES. 383 tremendous charge which scattered the pride of the English soldiery like chaff before the wind. The enemy's whole line now wavered and broke, and they were hotly pursued to their intrenchments. FTere the advance of the victors was checked by the batteries which opened their fire. General Brown had already hastened forward with the re- serve, and joined in the pursuit. He at once de- cided to force the British position, which was well fortified, having a heavy battery on one flank, and a strong block-house on the other. The ordnance was brought up for the purpose, but, as the hour was late, and the men burning with thirst, and wearied with the fatigues of the day, upon consult- ing with his officers, it was concluded to retire to camp rather than hazard what had been gained by an attack which might terminate in a disastrous repulse. The number of troops actually engaged in this battle, on the side of the British, was not far from 2100 ; the American force was about 1900. The loss of the enemy, according to the official report of the action, was 138 killed, and 365 wounded and missing. Of the Americans there were sixty killed, and 267 wounded and missing. BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE On the 24tb of July, 1814, General Brown re- crossed the Chippewa Creek, and encamped. About noon on the 25th, while his men were busily en gaged in making preparations for the march, he was informed that the British appeared in consider- able force on Queenston heights ; that four of their vessels had arrived during the previous night at the mouth of the Niagara ; and that a number of boats were moving up the stream. The troops were instantly ordered under arms, and in twenty minutes General Scott was on the road to Queenston with his brigade, Towson's artil lery, and a troop of dragoons. About two miles from the American camp, and within a short dis- tance of the Falls, he learned that the enemy were in force in his front, separated from view only by a narrow piece of wood. Having dispatched Assistant Adjutant General Jones, to General Brown, with the intelligence, he held on hi? OF AMERICAN HEROES. 385 march, and in a short time discovered the British army, treble his own force in numbers, strongly posted on Lundy's Lane, which led up from the Falls to Beaver Dams. Regardless of the great disparity between the two armies, General Scott promptly made his dispositions for battle, fully de- termined to maintain his ground till the reserve came up. The Americans deployed in line on the left of the Queenston road. Major Jesup was thrown for- ward on the right with his regiment, and Captain Towson was posted on the left opposite the enemy's artillery. All were elated with their recent victory, and animated by the best spirit. Undismayed by the terrible fire which they encountered, they ad- vanced firmly and steadily against the closely serried columns of the enemy. General Scott and his men held their ground manfully, till the arrival of General Brown, who had hurried forward with his suite, in advance of the brigades of General Eipley and Porter, as soon as the firing was heard. Meanwhile the 11th and 22d infantry, under Colonel Brady and Major Mc- Neil, both of whom were severely wounded, having expended their ammunition, were withdrawn from 18* 27 386 DAKING DEEDS action, and the whole brunt of the battle in front, was sustained by the 9th infantry, commanded by Major Leavenworth. With unswerving courage this regiment resisted every effort of the enemy, though with the loss of half their number, until their op- ponents suspended the attack. General E-iall was deceived by the obstinacy of their resistance, and as it was impossible to distinguish objects with any precision, he supposed the entire American army was engaged, and was therefore content to wait for General Drummond to come up with the reinforce- ments. For a few moments the roar of battle was hushed, and the silence was only broken by the unceasing murmur of the cataract, and the groans of the wounded and the dying. During the temporary suspension of the fire. General Ripley, with his brigade and the remainder of the artillery under Major Hindman, and the volunteers under General Porter, arrived upon the ground. With these fresh troops General Brown formed a new alignment, to cover the exhausted command of General Scott, who fell back behind their comrades. The respite was of brief duration, and the action was soon re- newed with increased warmth. Wider and wider OF AMERICAN HEROES. 387 ^«^verbe^»ttrd the deep echoes of the artillery \ higher and higher rose the sharp, continued roll of musketry ; loud was the Briton's cheer, and louder yet the answering shout of defiance. Captain Towson had failed to make any impres- sion on the enemy's battery, though his guns were skillfully and actively directed ; and on the renewal of the engagement, under the advice of Major Mc- Ree, ttie senior engineer officer, General Brown determined to carry the eminence on which it was posted, at the point of the bayonet. The execution of this enterprise was intrusted to Colonel Miller with the 21st infantry. The reply of the gallant colonel, when he received the order to advance, from General Ripley, is memorable in history, — " / will try, sir ! " said the intrepid soldier. The trial was made, — nor made in vain. Supported by the 23d infantry under Major McFarland, while the 1st infantry, under Colonel Nicholas, which had joined the army that day, was left to receive the enemy's fire in front, Colonel Miller moved up the hill through a raging flood of missiles. The 1st staggered under the tremendous fire to which it was exposed, the 23d faltered, but the brave 21st following their heroic leader, rushed up the height 388 DARING DEEDS with accelerated speed. On reaching the summit they paused an instant, and then rushed forward with shouts and cheers. The British troops had fought bravely, for they were anxious to wipe out the discredit of their late defeat. The cannoniers were transfixed at their posts, and for a few sec- onds there was a fierce contest fought hand to hand, over the loaded guns. But the daring onset of the Americans was not to be resisted ; the discipline of the British soldiery gave way before it ; their artillery was captured, and their routed columns, sullen and discontented, retired slowly down the hill. Meanwhile Major Jesup had turned the enemy's left with the 25th infantry, and, favored by the darkness, had cautiously advanced in their rear. A detachment from his command, under Captain Ketchum, succeeded in reaching the place where Generals Drummond and Riall were stationed with their suites. The former made his escape, but the latter was taken prisoner with his staff. A large number of prisoners, in addition, were captured by Major Jesup, and he then moved to the left to attack the enemy in rear. Coming upon a body of their troops posted in the Queenston road, about OF AMERiCAi^ tiEtiOES. 389 the tim^ of the capture of the battery, his meD delivered their fire, as galling as it was unexpected, and instantly dashed over the fence that separated them. The enemy broke and fled, and, as the 1st and 23d infantry had been already rallied by the an- imated efforts of General Ripley, the whole British line was now forced. General Brown was prompt to improve the ad vantage he had gained, as the British oflicers were heard encouraging their men for a desperate effort to recover their cannon. "While they were engaged in re-forming their broken masses under the hill, he advanced his line, placing the captured guns in his rear ; General Porter being on the extreme left with his volunteers. General Ripley's brigade occu- pying the center, and Major Hindman being sta- tioned in the interval between the second brigade and the 25th infantry, which was posted on the right of the line. The first brigade, under General Scott, was held in reserve. A gloomy and ominous silence prevailed for a short time, and it was then interrupted by the lively strains of martial music, as the British col umns were again ordered to advance. General Drummond had given his men but a few moraents 390 DARING DEED54 to recover from the effects of their repulse. With great daring and intrepidity they marched up the height, at double quick time, presenting an ex- tended line outflanking the Americans on both ex- tremes. Within twenty yards of the crest of the eminence, they poured forth their volleys, and pre- pared to rush forward with their bayonets. In an instant the American line was one blaze of fire. The enemy staggered ; another volley, followed rapidly by another, and still anotter, caused them to break and retire down the hill in confusion, despite the exertions of tneir officers to inspire them with confidence. Another half hour passed in suspense, and again the measured tread of the advancing columns was heard, as they rose the hill. The Americans reserved their fire till it could be most effective, and when the enemy came within range, the artil- lery of Major Hindman once more pealed forth its brazen notes, and, as they pressed nearer and nearer, the rattling musketry was added to the din. But the constant shower of shot and ball poured upon them soon checked their advance. For nearly half an hour they strove in vain to overcome the firmness of the American troops. The contest was OF AMERICAN HEROEft. 391 warm and animated ; and, during its continuancGi General Scott, who had consolidated his brigade into one battalion, under Major Leavenworth, made two effective charges on the left and right of the British line, in the latter of which he received two Revere wounds, that soon after obliged him to quit tlie field. General Brown was always where his presence was needed — in the front of the battle. Heedless of the exposure of his person, he was ever ready to utter words of encouragement where symptoms of hesitation were manifested ; to com- mend ivery act of noble daring; and to arouse his men to further exertions. His efforts were well seconded by the chivalric bearing and the dauntless intrepidity of Scott and Ripley and Porter. Unable to make head against the stern and unyielding re- sistance of the American soldiers, General Drnm- mond was a second time forced to draw off his men. The contest was not yet ended. Additional re- inforcements had joined the enemy, and, after the lapse of another hour, their hesitating columns were encouraged to make one more effort for the victory. Regardless of the havoc made in their ranks, the British troops advanced boldly under a witherino 392 DARING DEJCDS fire. This time they gained the summit of the hill, never pausing after they had delivered their fire, and closed with their antagonists. The battle was now at its height. The beams of the rising moon struggled vainly to penetrate the murky pall that Dverhung the field of combat, but the darkness whs illuminated by the constant flashing of musketry and artillery. Two lines of armed men, merged with each other, were seen surging to and fro. The earth shook beneath their feet. Foot to foot, and breast to breast, they fought. Locked in the death struggle, the Briton and the American fell together. The green sward was soaked with blood ; it col- lected in pools in the ridges made by the plough- ing shot; and ran down in rivulets to mingle its crimson dyes with the limpid waters of the Niagara. General Brown had previously received a sever© wound from a musket ball which passed through his right thigh, and as he now moved to the lef of the American line, to encourage the volunteen to remain firm, he was struck violently upon hia left side by a missile of some description. The blow nearly unhorsed him, and on meeting Colo- Qel Wood, he expressed his doubts as to liis abil- ity to keep the saddle. "Never mind, my dear OF AMERICAN fiEROES. 393 general," was the reply, " you are gaming the greatest victory that was ever gained by your na- tion I " Cheered by these words, which indicated the spirit prevailing among his officers and men, General Brown remained on his horse, giving his orders with wonted firmness and promptitude. The American troops were sorely pressed, but they were more than a match for their opponents. In vain was every effort of the latter. The artillery on both sides was taken and retaken during the strug- gle, but the British were finally forced to yield the ground, leaving their guns in the hands of the Americans. At midnight the contest terminated. The British made no further effort to regain the position, but shrunk silently away in the darkness. Faint from excessive pain and loss of blood, General Brown was now assisted from the field by his stafl*. Gen eral Scott being also disabled, the command was assumed by General Kipley, under whose directions he wounded were collected, and orders were then ssued for a return to camp. The artillery horses being all killed, and there being no drag-ropes at hand, General Kipley very reluctantly left the captured guns on the ground, having rolled the 394 DARING DEEDS smaller pieces down the hill. This circumstance was seized with avidity by the British officer, to give color to their claim that they had defeated the American army, and it has frequently served a similar purpose in the works of British writers. A few considerations will show how utterly un- founded was this claim. The Americans attacked their opponents in a position of their own selection. This position they seized, and held against three daring and desperate efforts to regain it. It was yielded, but yielded voluntarily ; and being without the means to remove the guns, General Ripley left them on the field, and returned to the American camp unmolested. The enemy remained nearer the battle-ground, as their tents and baggage were directly in rear of their line ; and when they dis- covered, on the following morning, that the guns had been abandoned, they took possessi« a of them without difficulty, there being no one to oppose them. SORTIE OF FORT ERIE. On the 3d of August, 1814, General Drummond invested Fort Erie. The infantry of the besieging force was divided into three brigades, each contain- ing 1200 or 1500 men, one of which was stationed alternately in the works in front of the fort, for the protection of the artillerists, and the other two occupied the main camp about two miles in the rear. The circumvallation consisted of two lines of intrenchments supported by block-houses, in advance of which the enemy had constructed their batteries. It was General Brown's intention " to storm the batteries, destroy the cannon, and roughly handle the brigade on duty, before those in reserve could be brought up." The project was well conceived and admirably executed. At noon, on the lYth of September, the troops intended to make the sortie were paraded under arms. The sallying force was divided into two col- amns ; the left, commanded by Genera] Porter, and S96 bAiitNG DEEDS Colonel Gibson, the Pennsylvania volunteers undei Colonel Woods, the New York volunteers under General Davis, and the 1st and 23d infantry under Major Brooks, were ordered to move cautiously upon the enemy's right, by a circuitous road previ- ously opened through the woods ; and the right, commanded by General Miller, and consisting of the first brigade, was directed to enter a ravine between the fort and the British lines, and ad- vance rapidly upon the enemy's works as soon as General Porter became engaged. General Pipley remained in reserve with the 21st infantry, between the new bastions of the fort; his command,^ and that of General Miller, being both out of view of the enemy. The day was dark and lowering. A thick mist rested upon the lake and river, and floated lazily along their banks. The clouds overhead were sur- charged with moisture, and sent down copious show- ers of rain. Favored by those circumstances, the American columns gained their position unper- ceived. General Porter advanced with such ce- lerity and caution, that his men sprang upon the enemy's pickets before they were aware of his presence. As soon as the rapid volleys of General OF AMERICAN. HEROES. 397 Porter were heard, Genearl "Brown ordered Geueral Miller to advance, the head of his column being directed toward the interval between batteries 2 and 3. Dashing forward at full speed, Genera Miller reached the enemy's line and pierced their intrenchments. The British were taken by surprise, yet they fought bravely and well. The contest was close and animated, but brief. Within thirty min- utes after the first gun was fired, batteries 2 and 3 were in possession of the American troops, who swept every thing before them with the bayonet. Battery number 1 was then abandoned by the enemy, and the Americans, without loss of time, commenced the work of demolition. The British guns were spiked or otherwise destroyed, their bi'east- works leveled, and the magazine of battery number 3 was blown up. General Ripley had now brought up the reserve, and was making preparations for a demonstration on the enemy's camp, when he was disabled by a severe wound. The object of the sortie having been accomplished, in the destruction, by a force of regu- lars and volunteers, only 2000 strong, of the labors of 4000 men for a period of near fifty days, Gen- eral Miller ordered his men to fall back to thp 398 DARING DEEDS ravine, and General Brown then directed all lae corps to return to camp with their prisoners, which was done in good order. In this affair the Ameri- cans had eighty-three men killed, 216 wounded, and there were 216 missing. Three hundred and eighty-five of the enemy were taken prisoners, and there were between 400 and 500 killed and wounded. This daring sortie put an end to the leaguer. During the night of the 21 st of September, General Drummond broke up his camp, and retreated to his intrenchments behind the Chippewa. ASSAULT 01s FORT ERIE. The preparations of General Drummond for the assault were completed soon after nightfall on the 14'th of August, 1814. It was arranged that the projected assault should be made early on the fol- lowing morning, in three columns, — that on the right designed to attack the left of the American works, consisting of 1300 men, being placed undei OF AMERICAN HEKOES. -^^O the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Fischer ; that on the left, of about the same number, under Colo- nel Scott, and the central column, composed of 800 select troops, under Lieutenant-Colonel Drummond. It had been rainy throughout the day, and the rolling thunders of the tempest mingled with the loud roar of cannon, and the noise of exploding bombs. When the night set in, the rain continued to fall ; heavy masses of clouds swept athwart the 8ky, curtaining the scene with a dark and gloomy pall ; and the fires of the enemy's camp could scarcely be discerned, glimmering feebly throu^^'b the obscure haze. The breast-works of Fort Erie sheltered many an anxious bosom, but the ijre of a noble courage, that knew not how to falter, sparkled in every eye, and beamed on every countenance. Midnight came, — and yet there were no indica- tions of an attack. Another, and another hour passed by in silence. Ere the next half hour was told, a low, faint sound was heard, like the rustling of the wind among the leaves of the forest. *It ap- proached nearer and nearer, — and the eager lis- teners soon caught the measured tread of the approaching columns, enveloped in thick darkness, 4:00 DARING DEEDS but hurrying onward with rapidity to the assault. The column led by Lieutenant-Colonel Fischer was the first to reach the works. The enemy advanced steadily and quickly, — one portion approaching the battery at the southwestern angle, with scaling ladders ; and the other advancing against the line between it and the lake, with the design of ter- minating the contest, in an instant, by the decisive shock of the bayonet. They were allowed to ap- proach within good range, when the American musketry, and artillery opened suddenly upon them. The effect was terrific. The enemy were mowed down in platoons, and scores were swept away at every discharge. They hesitated for a moment, — another blast burst from the American batteries, — and they recoiled in terror and alarm. They were soon rallied however, and again led to the attack; but they were again repulsed with fearful slaughter. On the other flank the enemy were equally un- successful. The column under Colonel Scott became entangled in the rocks near the river, on the right of the intrenched camp, and were delayed for a short time ; but when they discovered their error, and regained their line of march, they pushed on more rapidly than before. The sleepless vio^ilaneo OF AMERICAN HEROES. 401 ^f the "besieged could not be taken by surprise. The assailing column were heard distinctly behind the ramparts as they approached, and when within fifty yards of the American lines, they encountered an appalling fire that forced them to halt. To ad- vance further was impossible. The batteries before them presented a constant blaze of fire, and the air was full of bursting balls and missiles. In the mean time, the central column, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Drummond, had advanced boldly against the fort in front. A rapid and well-directed fire was turned upon them by Captain Williams, but, unai)palled by the carnage, they succeeded in applying their ladders to the walls of the salient bastion. Their commander and a number of his officers were cut down ; their loss was dreadfully severe ; they were unable to continue the advance, and a re- treat was ordered. They commenced retiring slowly, but the movement terminated in a disorderly flight. Drummond's column, however, had achieved a slight advantage, yet it was brief as it was unim- portant. The first attempt to carry the bastion en- tirely failed ; a second, and a third effort was made, with similar results. J^ut the British commander 19 '4S i02 OAfllMGDEEDS lacked not in brutal courage, though sadly deficient in the more ennobling qualities of the gallant soldier. Under cover of the intense darkness, just before the break of day, he led a portion of his men silently along the ditch, applied his ladders at a point where he was not expected, and mounted the parapet. With a daring intrepidity worthy of a better cause, he led his men forward to the charge, shrieking out in the tones of baffled rage and hate — "No quarter! — give the Yankees no quarter ! " This dastard order was faithfully obeyed. A fierce and maddening contest took place for the possession of the bastion. Major Hindman and his artillerists, with their supporting force, bravely stood their ground. Their efi'orts proved unavailing. Captain Williams, and a number of the men, were killed or mortally wounded, and his lieutenants, Watmough and Macdouough, were also severely wounded. The latter disdained to yield till he was completely disabled, and then asked for quarter. This was refused, — when, rallying his remaining strength, he snatched a handspike, and, with the madness of despairing humanity, strove to beat ofi" his assailants. As he held them It bay, the infuriated Drummond rushed forward, UF AMERICAN HEKOES. 403 and snot him down with his own hand. But this coward act received a fearful retribution. The next instant an avenging bullet found its way to the heart of the British leader, and he fell beside his victim. Notwithstanding the fall of their commander, the men who had effected a lodgment in the bastion successfully resisted every- attempt to dislodge them till daylight. General Gaines then ordered up larger reinforcements, and the enemy began speedily to fall back. They were now at the mercy of the American soldiers, who had not forgotten the sav- age cry which had been the death-knell of many a brave spirit. Expecting no favor, as none was merited, they had commenced tumbling pell-mell over the parapet into the ditch, when a strong reserve was descried rapidly coming up under Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker. An enfilading fire from Captain Douglass' battery upon the approaching column, and a few rapid and effective discharges from the guns of Captains Biddi« and Fanning, checked their advance. Between 300 and 400 of the enemy advanced to within a short distance of the bastion; but, at this moment, and while the Americans, under the orders of General Gaines, 1-04 DARING DEEDS were preparrjg for a vigorous rush upon the rem iiant of Drummond's column, an explosion took place carrying away the whole platform. The loss of the enemy by the explosion was small in com parison with what they had previously sustained, but it served to add to their confusion, and to in- crease their anxiety to escape beyond the reach of the American guns. No effort was made to pursue the assault further, and a general retreat of the enemy now took place, as tumultuous and disorderly, as their advance had been brave and imposing. BATTLE OF PLATTSBUKG. From the evening of the 6th of September, 1814, till the morning of the 11th, Sir George Prevost was zealously engaged in planting his batteries, before Plattsburg, both open and masked, and bringing up his heavy artillery. During all this time he refrained from offensive operations, though there were constant skirmishes between advanced corps of the two arnjies, at the bridges and fords, OF AMERICAN HEROES. 401 The reason alledged for the delay on his >art, waa the want ol his battering train, that came up very slowly ; but the absence of the fleet under Captain Downie, which had not yet arrived, — and without which, as appeared in the sequel, he dared not make an attempt on the American position, — was, probably, the main consideration that influenced him. In the mean time, a lively and eff'ective cannon- ade was directed upon the enemy's lines from the American forts, — the sullen thunder of their artil- lery echoing for many a mile through the sweeping forests whose rich foliage enameled the borders of Lake Champlain. The repeated assaults of the enemy at the different crossings of the river were repelled with ease and alacrity; and on one occa- sion. Captain M'Glassin, of the 15th infantry, gal- lantly crossed the river in the night, with fifty men; attacked a working party 150 strong, con- structing a battery opposite Fort Brown ; defeated both them and their support, also 150 in number, killing seven of the enemy ; and completely demol- ished the work. The regular troops, besides per- forming regular tours of duty at the bridge and fords, labored incessantly, in strengthening the fortifications. 4:06 DARING DEEDS On the night of the 10th of September, Geneva- Macomb was apprised of the intention of the enemy to make an attack the next day ; and, by his orders, the roads and passes leading to the south of his position, as he suspected they designed to turn it, were covered with felled trees, and strewed with leaves, so as to deceive them, and a new road was opened leading toward Salmon river. At the earliest dawn of day, before the welkin began to glow with the purple light of morning, a general movement was reported, by the advanced parties, to be making in the enemy's camp ; and when objects could be distinguished from the main line, all their different corps were observed under arms. Shortly afterward, the British fleet rounded Cumberland head. Sir George Prevost only waited to give his men their breakfast, when the attack was ordered on the land. Showers of bombs, shrapnels, balls, and rockets, were hurled across the river; and immedi- ately after the bombardment commenced, the enemy advanced to force a passage across the stream, and assault the American works, in three columns — one approaching the bridge in the village, another the upper bridge, and the third a ford about three OF AMERICAN HEROES. 407 miles above the forts — all of which were provided with scaling ladders. The attack was vigorously met by the American artillerists; fire answered tire ; and the ringing shot and shout resounded far and wide. Tlie two columns of the enemy which attempted to pass the bridges, were gallantly driven back by the regulars ; the remaining column was led astray in the woods — the artifices of the American com- mander being entirely successful — and after spend- ing a long time in marching and countermarching to no purpose, wearied and worn with fatigue, they arrived in sight of the American works, only to hear the glad shouts of victory at the brilliant success of the brave Macdonough. A further ad- vance was no longer to be thought of; the recall was sounded ; the scaling ladders were thrown down, and a hasty retreat was made. The volun- teers and militia stationed in this quarter, pressed warmly upon them, and succeeded in cutting oif an entire company of the 76th foot, not a single man of whom escaped. The cannonade was kept up till sunset, when the epemy's batteries were all silenced by the efibctive fire from the American forts -^_ BATTLE OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. The assaults on Plattsburgh and on the American fleet by the British were simultaneously made by land and water, on the 11th of September. At eight o'clock in the morning, the British fleet was seen approaching ; and, in an hour, the action became general. It is thus described b}^ Macdonough, in his oflicial letter : " At nine," he says, " the enemy anchored in a line ahead, at about 300 yards distant from my line ; his ship opposed to the Saratoga; his brig to the Eagle, Captain Robert Henley ; his galleys — thir- teen in number — to the schooner, sloop and a di- vision of our galleys ; one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig ; the other assisting their gal- leys ; our remaining galleys were with the Saratoga and Eagle. " In this situation, the whole force on both sides became engaged ; the Saratoga suffering much from the heavy fire of the Confiance. I could perceive, at the same time, however, that our fire was very OP AMERICAN HEROES. iO^ destructive to her. The Ticonderoga, Lieutenant commandant Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of the action. At half past ten, the Eagle not being able to bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a more eligible position, between my ship and the Ticonderoga, where she very much annoyed the enemy, but, unfortunately, leaving me much exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. " Our guns on the starboard side being nearly all dismounted or unmanageable, a stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship winded, with a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the sloop, which sur- rendered about fifteen minutes afterward. The sloop which was opposed to the Eagle, had struck some time before, and drifted down the line. The sloop that was with their galleys had also struck. Our galleys were about obeying with alacrity the signal to follow them, when all the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking state. It then became necessary to annul the signal to the galleys, and order their men to the pumps. I could only look at the enemy's galleys going off in a shattered 19* 410 DARING DEEDS conditio!., for there was not a mast in either squad ron that could stand to make sail on. The lowei rigging being nearly shot away, hung down as though it had just been placed over the mast-heads. " The Saratoga had fifty-five round shot in her ^ull ; the Coniiance, 105. The enemy's shot passed principally over our heads, as there were not twenty whole hammocks in the nettings, at the close of the action, which lasted without intermission two \ours and twentv minutes. DEFENSE OF BALTIMOKE. The success of General E-oss at Washington it. duced him to undertake the capture of Baltimore He boasted that he would make the city his winter- quarters, and with the force which he commanded he could march where he pleased in Maryland. The Americans were not unprepared for an at- tack in this quarter. A force of militia from Mary- land and the neighboring states, together with the regular troops who had recently been engaged at OF AMERICAN HEROES. 411 Washington, amounting in all to 15000 men, had been assembled for the defense of the city. The command of these troops was given to General Smith, of the Maryland militia, assisted by General Winder. On the 11th of September, a British squadron of fifty sail, with 6000 men, entered the mouth of the Patapsco, and on the morning of the 12th com- menced landing at ]S"orth Point, fourteen miles below the city. General Strieker was detached with 3500 militia to oppose their advance. Gen- eral Ross, having preceded the main body of his army with a small reconnoitering party, was shot through the breast by a rifleman, fell into the arms of his aid-de-camp, and died in a few minutes. The command devolved on Colonel Brook, who led on the attack, which was commenced by a dis- charge of rockets from the British, and was suc- ceeded by grape, canister, and small arms on both sides. After maintaining his position for an hour and a half against a great superiority of numbers. General Strieker was at length obliged to retire to Worthington Mills, half a mile in advance of the main body. On the night of the 12th, the British bivouacked 412 DARING DEEDS in advance of the battle ground, and on the 13th commenced their march toward the citj. When within two miles of the American lines thej halted to await the result of the attack on Fort McHenrj. This fortress defends the narrow passage from the Patapsco into Baltimore harbor, two miles below the city, and its command had been intrusted to Major Armistead, with 100 men. Fort Covington, on the right of Fort McHenry, was commanded by Lieutenant Xewcomb. On the 12th, a British squadron of sixteen ships drew up in line of battle within two miles and a half of the forts, and at sunrise on the 13th, commenced an attack on them with bombs and rockets. Twelve hundred men were detached to storm the works on the succeed- ing night, and the battle raged with great fury till the morning of the 14:th, w^hen the assailants, being completely foiled, were compelled to retire, and the squadron sailed down the river. Their example was speedily followed by the army, who had san- guinely anticipated the capture and plunder of Baltimore BATTLE OF KEW OELEANS. Positive intelligence was received in New Or leans, on the 9th of Deceniber, 1814, that the British fleet had been descried standing off the Chandeleur islands ; and Lieutenant Thomas Ap Catesby Jones was imniediately dispatched by Com modore Patterson, with a flotilla of five gun-boats, and 182 men, to watch the motions of the enemy. On ti e 12th instant, they were discovered in such force, off Cat Island, at the eastern extremity of Lake Borgne, that Lieutenant Jones judged it safer to retire up the lake and guard the passes leading toward the city. All the arrangements of General Jackson for the defense of New Orleans were made with consum- mate skill. The batteries commanding the passes from Lake Borgne into Lake Pontchartrain were well manned ; the colored battalion, under Major Lacoste, with the Feliciana dragoons, were ordered tp take post on the Chef Menteur, to cover tho 414 DAKING DEEDS Gentilly road ; Major Plauche's battalion, with Lieutenant Wagner's company of light artillery, were stationed at fort St. John, on the bayou of that name ; the Tennessee cavalry and infantry, un- der Generals Coffee and Carroll, remained about four miles above the city ; the regular troops, and the remainder of the state militia, occupied the city, and the fortifications on the river below ; and the schooner Caroline and brig Louisiana were moored in the stream. On the 22d of December General Keane, whose whole command about 4500 in number, w^ith their heavy cannon and stores, proceeded, in their small boats, up the bayou, and, at four o'clock in the morning of the 23d, arrived opposite the opening of Villere's canal, which connected with the Missis- sippi. They halted at this point for a few hours, and then continued up the canal. Early in the afternoon of the same daj^ they gained the bank of the river unmolested, and established themselves on the plantation of General Yillere, Colonel La Ronde, and Major Lacoste, about eight miles below the city. General Jackson did not wait to be attacked. Within an hour after receiving the information that OF AMERICAN HEKOE&. 4:15 the enemy had effected a landing, he put his troops in motion. Anticipating that the city might be simultaneously threatened by way of the Chef Menteur, General Carroll was left posted on the Gentilly road, with his command and the city mi litia ; and the remainder of the troops, under Gen- eral Jackson in person, consisting of General Coffee's brigade, Major Hind's dragoons, a detach- ment of artillery and marines, under Colonel Mc Rea, parts of the 7th and 44th infantry, the bat- talions of Majors Plauche and Daquin, and two six-pounder guns in charge of Lieutenant Spotts, moved down the left bank of the river, to attack the enemy who had landed below. The schooner Caroline, Captain Henley, with Commodore Patter- son on board, and the brig Louisiana, Lieutenant Thompson, also dropped down the river. It was understood that the signal of attack would be the fire of the Caroline, when she had arrived opposite the position of the British troops. At six o'clock in the evening of the 23 1, the different corps composing the main column, in all not far from 2000 men, effected a junction it the canal Rodriguez, within sight of the watch firjVf ilmoet invariably passed over the American b^es. Far aifierent was it with our own ; at every d?3cba>*ge, the sudden opening that followed in the solid masses, marked the terrible course of death where the Mexican cavalry bit the dust. The infantry, cool spectators of the raging battle, marked with eagle eyes this havoc in the opposing ranks, and mingled their exulting shouts with the din, as they witnessed the prowess of their companions in arms. The terrible eigh teen- pounders rose ever above the tumult, and seemed as if keeping time in solemn sound, as at every discharge they sent their huge masses of crushing iron into the living wall at which they were di- rected. As the battle thickened, the infantry, now formed in our rear, grew impatient to partici- pate in the fight, and the Mexican cavalry, by suffering so severely by our artillery, prepared for the charge. The maneuvering of the day now commenced — the time for cool courage, quick thought, and deeds of individual heroism had arrived. A regiment of Mexican lancers, commanded by General Tor re j on, moved toward our right, as it was supposed to gain possession of our train. The OF AMERICAN HEROES, 437 Third and Fifth regiments of iufautiy^ with a por tion of E-inggold's battery, under the command of Lieutenant Kidgeley were ordered to check 'this movement, and turn the left flank of the enemy. They, however, still keeping up an irregular fire, continued steadily to advance toward our right and front, so as to outflank our line, if possible. Upon their near approach, the Fifth was thrown into square with Captain Walker and twenty mounted men on its right. Lieutenant Ridgeley having dashed for- ward, unlimbered his battery, and commenced rapid discharges of grape and canister upon the enemy's artillery, causing it to retreat ; but the lancers, 1500 strong, continued steadily to advance, in spite of all opposition, until the Fifth poured into them, from the head of the square, a fire so deadly, that the front of the cavalry recoiled ; great numbers fell dead, and those in the rear, without pressing for- ward on the bayonets i-eady to receive them, broke into confusion. A portion, however, re-formed, and kept bravely on, in the attempt to reach the train, when Colonel Twiggs ordered the Third infantry to the extreme right, to cut off their advance. When the enemy saw this movement, they commenced a retreat in good order, marching apparently by 438 n A K I N (; deeds 8quadroiii5, when Lieutenant Ridgeley, assiste^i by Lieutenant French, opened his batteries, scattering theln in all directions. While Lieutenant Ridgeley was engaged in di recting this fire, his horse was shot from under him, and the same ball probably that caused the death of his steed, alarmed the horses at one of his caissons, which sprang madly forward in range of the gun. Lieutenant Ridgeley, regardless of personal danger, rushed forward between the two contending fires, seized the front horses by the head, and brought them into their places ; thus saving not onlj his horses, but the ammunition of his battery. During this time, Major Ringgold's battery was not idle ; but, supported by the Fourth infantry, kept up a galling and continuous fire. On the left, and in the advance, was Duncan's battery, which, sup- ported by the Eighth infantry and Captain Ker's squadron of dragoons, poured forth a terrible dis- charge. The dragoons, who, from their elevated position could witness its efifects, say that horses and riders were frequently blown into the air, and long openings were often visible that it made in the columns against which it was directed ; not- withstanding this, the enemy's line remained OP AMERICAi^i HEkOKS. 4.0^ ansLdken. So rapid were these discharges, that the wiry grass of the prairie, that reached nearly up to the muzzle of the pieces, dried before the sheeted flame, aud burst into a blaze ; the sulphurous smoke jf the exploded cannon and the musket cartridges Li ad already clouded the air, as if to vail the hor- rors of war from the clear blue sky above ; but, when this conflagration took place, the very heavens were at times darkened, and huge masses of smoke rolled across the plain, completely obscuring our lines from the enemy's view. After the battle had raged for two hours, the Mexican batteries began to slacken, and finally ceased altogether. They were unable longer to withstand the terrible and destructive fire of Ring- gold's, Churchill's, Duncan's and Ridgeley's guns, and began to fall back for the purpose of forming a new line of battle under cover of the smoke. Our eighteen-pounders were then moved forward .mtil they occupied the position where the Mexican cavalry were posted at the beginning of the battle The Americans also formed a new line, their righ wing resting on these eighteen-pounders. The two armies were now formed in parallel lines, but the Mexicans were better protected than in their first osition, by the chapparal in their rear. 440 DARING DEEDS Scarcely an hour elapsed before the action wae resumed*. It was commenced by our artillery, which was evidently more destructive than ever. But the Mexicans withstood the shock with great tirmness. Soon after the action was renewed, Captain May was ordered to attack their left. lie cheerfully obeyed the order, but was unable to make much impression on the cavalry with his small force, and accordingly resumed his former position without again having an opportunity to share in the engagement. It was now nearly night, and the Mexicans resolved to make one last effort to shake the firmness of the American lines, and to silence the deadly fire of the eighteen-pounders and Ringgold's battery. Accordingly, they poured in upon them almost a literal tempest of balls. Captain Page fell, mortally wounded, a cannon ball having carried away the whole of his lower jaw, and the brave Major Ringgold had both legs nearly shot away by a ball which passed entirely through his horse. Sanguine expectations of his recovery were for a time entertained. But they were not to be realized, and on the evening of the nth he died at Point Isabel, mourned by the army as a loss to the service and the country, not •easily to be repaired. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 44:1 The artillery battalion under Colonel Childs was now brought up to support the artillery on the right, when a fierce charge was made upon this part of the line by a strong body of Mexican cavalry, which continued to advance in spite of a destructive fire from our artillery. The battalion was formed into a hollow square, and calmly awaited the attack ; but a severe discharge of canister, from the eighteen-pounders, threw them into confusion, and finally dispersed them. A heavy fire of mus- ketry was in the mean time opened upon the square, wounding Lieutenant Luther slightly, and killing and severely wounding several soldiers. Colonel Childs, however, poured in upon them a well-di- rected discharge from his guns, which efi'ectually silenced the enemy's left. But another eftbrt was made by Arista to turn cm' flank, and get posses- sion of our stores in the rear. This movement was fortunately discovered by Captain Duncan, and he was immediately ordered to hold the enemy in check until the eighth infantry could come to his assistance. This he accomplished in most gallant style, opening upon them a deadly fire before they were aware of his vicinity. Every discharge was fearfully destructive, mowing down whole ranks of 442 DARING I) K E J) !S the enemy. They could not long stand under tkia murderous fire, though they continued to advance A^ith great firmness for a time. They were driven back in confusion, but immediately re-fonned and again moved forward, and were again driven back in hopeless disorder, and commenced a precipitate retreat, throwing all into confusion who had yei stood firm. Thus they were driven from the field and compelled to take shelter in the chapparal. Night now put an end to the contest. Thus ended the battle of Palo Alto, after the action had con- tinued for nearly five hours with almost uninter- rupted fury. When it was ended, our soldiers sunk down wherever they chanced to be, wholly ex- hausted by the exertions and excitement of the day, and fell asleep with nothing but the sky above them and the earth beneath. The dragoons, how ever, kept watch all night, fearing an attempt would be made to surprise them by the enemy. Too much uncertainty hung over the future to allow che ofiicers any repose. All felt that the morrOw would bring forth another day of battle, and ex- citement, and carnage, and that the Mexicans would make another mighty effort to crown it with victory to their arms. They held a council of war, OF AMKKICAN HKKOKS. 448 hv:\vever, and after calmly considering the events of the day they had just passed, and the probabil- ities of the approaching contest, they unanimously resolved to move on early the next morning and give the enemy battle again, if they should be found on this side of the Kio Grande. The force under General Taylor in this hard fought battle, but little exceeded 2000 men ; while the Mexican army was at least 6000 strong, ur about three to one against the Americans. Our .088 in the engagement, was four men killed, and three officers, and thirty-seven wounded — several of the latter mortally. The loss of the Mexicans was 200 killed and about 400 wounded, besides the missing and desertions. It is believed, however, that their loss in killed, wounded, and missing, was but little short of 1000 men. CAPTAIN MAY'S CHARGE. The enemy still retaining their strongest positions, at the battle of Resaca de la Raima, General Taylor 444 DARING DEEDS 6aw til at they must be disloaged, and the batteries taken. He therefore gave orders to Captain May to take them at all events. May replied, "I will do it, sir," and immediately placing himself at the head of his dragoons, said, " men, follow me ! " and dashed forward with lightning speed, his command rapidly upon his heels. As he was rushing on, he was stopped by the brave Kidgeley, who said to Qim, " wait, Charley, until I draw their fire," and at the same instant discharged his batteries upon the enemy. The discharge of their guns was almost simultaneously with E-idgeley's. By this great presence of mind, and noble-hearted magnanimity, he saved May from a fire that must have made dreadful slaughter among his men. and drew the fire upon himself. There are but few instances of equal bravery and magnanimity on record. The instant Ridgeley had thus drawn upon himself the fire of the Mexican battery. May again dashed on in advance of his command, in spite of a most destructive fire, and cleared the enemy's works at a bound, cutting down the gunners at their pieces. He was gallantly supported by his men, and the Mexicans were driven from their guns by their furious charge. They immediately rallied, however, OF AMERICAN flEKOE&. 445 and again got possession of them, May's command having scattered among the enemy. But he col lected several of them, and again charged the enemy. In this charge he captured General La Vega, while bravely fighting at the guns. He im mediately surrendered to Captain May, and was carried to our lines in charge of Lieutenant Stevens. But though the battery had been silenced for the time, it was not captured. The enemy re- manned their guns, and w^ere preparing to pour their deadly fire again into our ranks. But the Fifth regiment, which had followed closely upon the heels of the dragoons, now approached the battery, and charged the enemy up to the very cannon's mouth, the enemy and our soldiers con- tending hand to hand for the possession of tht works. The struggle was a fierce and bloody one out the enemy were cut down at their gune, o. compelled to fly, and the battery was left in po8 ession of the Americans. CAPTAm MORRIS AND MAJOR ALLEN. The Third regiment, under the command of Cap tain Morris, and the Fourth, under Major Alkn, were conspicuous at the battle of Resaca de la Palma for the spirit with which thej entered the contest. These two corps gallantly rivaled each other in sharing the brilliant events of the day. They fearlessly charged through the densest chap- paral ; and while Captain Morris, and the other officers of the Third, were overcoming what ap- peared to be insurmountable difficulties to meet the enemy, the Fourth came into tlie ravine, op- posite an intrenchment supported by a piece of artillery, that poured a most galling fire into our ranks. Captain Buchanan, being senior officer nearest the point, collected some twenty -five or thirty men, and with Lieutenant Hays and Woods charged across the lagoon, knee and waist deep m water, and after a close-quarter conflict, routed the enemy. Lieutenant Hays distinguished himself by OF AM K R I C A N H K R O K S, . 447 gpringiiig forward and seizing tJie leading muiea attached to the piece, to prevent its being driven off, while Lieutenant Woods sprang to the hand- spikes, and turned it in such a direction as to lock one of the wheels against a tree. A large force of the enemy's cavalrj suddenly charged upon these officers, but Captain Barbour, of the Third, came to the rescue, and with the point of the bayonet drove off the cavalry. Corporal Chisholm, of the Third infantry, shot the Mexican lieutenant-colonel who led the charge. As the officer fell, the cor poral was seen to hand him his canteen of water, and but a moment afterward Chisholm was lying dead on his back, with a cartridge in his hand, and the bitten-off end resting on his lips. Buchanan's party, along with portions of the Fifth regiment, then charged on the Mexican lines, [n the excitement, Lieutenant-Colonel Mcintosh dashed on a wall of chapparal. although it was lined with infantry and cavalry. Under a galling fire he broke it down by repeated blows of his sword, and the weight of his horse. The instant he crot through, his horse fell dead under him : Colonel Mcintosh sprang to his feet ; a crowd of Mexicans, armed with muskets and lances, rushed 21 31 t48 >ARING DEEDS upon him ; still lie galiantly defended himself. A bayonet passed through his mouth and came out below his ear; seizing the weapon, he raised his sword to cut the fiend down who held it, when another bayonet passed through and terribly shat tered his arm, and another still, through his hip; borne down by superiority of force, he fell, and was literally pinned to the earth. The command of the Fifth now devolved upon Major Staniford. who conducted it with zeal and ability to the close of the engagement. BATTLE OF RESACA DE LA PALMA. The detailed report of this brilliant action, so glorious to the American arms, and reflecting so much honor upon our gallant army, is given below However minutely and correctly it may ha/e been described, the account would be imperfect without the report of the commanding officer. General Taylor seems to be everywhere and to sre every thing, and is therefore better prepared to give UF AMEKICAN HEROES. 4:49 [»erfectly all the particulars of the engagement. He does it, in this instance as in all others, with that rare combination of modesty and good sense and it is marked by the same beauty and elegance of style, and clearness and perspicuity of expression, tiiat have distinguished all his dispatches : " Early on the morning of the 9th instant, the enemy who had encamped near the field of battle of the day previous, was discovered moving by his left flank, evidently in retreat; and perhaps at the same time to gain a new position on the road to Matamoras, and there again resist our advance. " I ordered the supply train to be strongly parked at its position, and left with it four pieces of artillery — the two eighteen-pounders which had done such good service on the previous day, and two twelve-pounders which had not been in the action. The wounded officers and men were at the same time sent back to Point Isabel. I then moved for- ward with the columns to the edge of the chap- paral or forest, which extends to the Rio Grande, a distance of seven miles. The light companies of the first brigade, under Captain 0. F. Smith, Second artillery, and a select detachment of light troops, the whole under the command of Captain McCall, idO DARING DEED8 Fourth infantry, were thrown forward into the chap paral, to feel the enemy and ascertain his position. About three o'clock, I received a report from the advance, that the enemy was in position on the road, with at least two pieces of artillery. The com- mand was immediately put in motion, and at about four o'clock 1 came up with Captain McCail, who reported the enemy in force in our front, El?l>8 Ramsay, and the howitzer battery under Captain Webster, opened their fire. General Butler re- mained with his division in rear of the batter3^ The remaining regiment of General Twiggs' di- vision, the 4th infantr}^, was also held in reserve; the general himself, though suffering severely from sickness, being present, and directing the move- ments of his command. The column under Lieutenant-Colonel GarlaiKi was soon exposed to the converging fire of the citadel and the redoubts, and annoyed by the gall- ing discharges of musketry from the adjacent houses and stone walls. Moving rapidly to the right of the fort at the northeastern angle, an attempt was made to carry it by gaining a position in the rear. Shower upon showier of balls fell upon and around them ; yet they pressed nobly on. The stoutest hearted of them all began to quail. The best and bravest, of both officers and men, had fallen, and the w^hole column seemed devoted to immediate destruction. Still those men were ready for the advance; their bosoms throbbed with anxiety, bul they sheltered no coward hearts. It was madness however, for the officers further to expose tbei) aommands. while the enemy were protected by C?r AMERICAN HEROES. 46! their breast- works and barricades; and most of them were temporarily withdrawn to places of compara- tive security. The battery under Captain Bragg was terribly cut up, and compelled to retire ou of range. Captain Backus, of the First infantry, with portions of the different companies, gained the roof of a tannery looking directly into the gorge of the fort ; and had just commenced pour- ing his destructive volleys into the work, when General Quitman arrived upon the ground with his brigade of volunteers, and three companies of the Fourth infantry under Major Allen. They, too, encountered a most withering tire. The Tennessee regiment sustained a severe loss, and the compa- nies of the regular infantry, in the advance, were deprived of one third of their officers and men, who were struck down in an instant. For a mo- ment they staggered and fell back ; but the officers, both of the regulars and volunteers, as if animated by one sentiment, sprang into the front line, and encouraged the men by their words and their ex- ample. Being joined by the remaining companies of the Fourth infantry, they again moved forward, no longei to be repulsed. The breast-works were Burroirded, and the battery won. 4-62 DARING DEKD8 Meanwhile Geiiei'al Butler had entered the edge of the town with the First Ohio regiment, the re- maining regiment of General Hamer's brigade, the First Kentucky being left to support the mortar and howitzer battery. Discovering that nothing could be gained in his front, and being advised by Major Mansfield to withdraw his command, he was about retiring, when he learned that the first fort had been taken. The direction of his column was promptly clianged, and he advanced under a severe fire to within 100 yards of the second fort, called El Diablo. He here found that the inter- vening space was completely swept by the fire of three distinct batteries, but being anxious to cap- ture the work, if within his power, he was prepar- ing to storm it, when he received a severe wound which compelled him to halt. He afterward sur- rendered the command to General Hamer, who moved the regiment to a new position, and within sustaining distance of the batteries under Captains Ridgeley and Webster, which had already occupied the first fort, and were vigorously playing upon the second. General Taylor now came up, and ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Garland, with such men as could W collected of the First, Third, and Fourth infantry, OF AMERIOAK HEROES. 463 and Baltimore and Washington battalion^ with a section of Ridgeley's battery, to enter the town^ penetrate to the right, and carry the second bat tery, if possible. The command advanced beyond the bridge, Purissima, exposed to an incessant fire from the forts and the citadel, where they sustained themselves for some time, but finding it impracti cable to gain the rear of the battery, they withdrew to the captured fort. For six long hours had this contest continued in the lower part of the town. The streets were slip- pery with the blood of the assailants. They had lost 394 men, in killed and wounded, during the operations of the day, among whom were some of the ablest and most accomplished oflScers in the service. The line of the enemy's defenses had been penetrated, and a foothold gained, but at a great sacrifice. It was truly a scene of havoc and slaughter. The capture of Federacion hill, and the Soldada, only rendered it more necessary that the position of the hill of Independence and the Bishop's palace should also be secured. The party who stormed the former, had been nearly thirty-six hours with- out food, and to add to their hardships a violent 464 DARING DEEDS storm came up, toward evening on the 21st With out any covering to protect them from the pelting rain, they lay down with their arms upon the ground, to snatch a few hours sleep. At three o'clock in the morning of the 22d, they were aroused to storm the hill of Independencia. The execution of this enterprise was intrusted to Lieu- tenant-Colonel Childs, with three companies of his artillery battalion, three companies of the Eighth infantry under Captain Scriven, and 200 Texan riflemen, under Colonel Hays and Lieutenant-Colo- nel Walker. There were faint gleams of morning light dancing on the summits of the hills, but the sky was curtained by a thick veil of clouds, and the valley still in deep shade. Proceeding cau- tiously along, the party picked their way up the steep hill, among the rocks and thorny bushes of chapparal, and at daybreak were within 100 yards of the breast-work on the summit. Here they en- countered a body of Mexicans who had been sta- tioned in a cleft of rocks on the night previous, in anticipation of an attack. Three men of the artil- lery battalion, having advanced with too much haste, came unexpectedly upon the enemy. They instantly yielded, but were shot down with the very OF AMERICAN HEROES. 466 pieces which they had surrendered. It did not require this act of cruelty and outrage to kindle the zeal and fire the ambition of their comrades. With a loud fierce shout for vengeance they sprang up the height. A deadly volley from their guns, and a charge with the bayonet, placed them in possession of the work; the enemy delivering an ineft'ectual fire as they retreated. The next object of attack was the Bishop's palace, about 400 yards distant. The Mexicans had withdrawn their guns from the battery, and the detachment were obliged to wait for their own cannon. Lieutenant Rowland of Duncan's battery, was ordered from the main rank with a twelve-pounder howitzer, and in two hours his men had dragged and lifted their piece up the hill, by main strength, and were showering their missiles upon the enemy. The detachment on the height was also reinforced by the Fifth infantry and the Louisiana volunteers. The enemy saw the advantage which had been gained, and mp'iifested a determination to recover the heights. Several feints were made, and then a heavy sortie, supported by a strong body of cav airy. The Americans were prepared for the move- rfient. Captain Yinton advanced, under covei- of 4r66 DAKING DEE1>8 the rocks, with two companies of light troops, to draw the enemy forward, followed by the main column under Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, with the Texans on either flank. The Mexicans advanced boldly, but were scattered into confusion by one general discharge from all arms. Before they could regain their works, the American soldiers rushed down upon them, shouting as they ran. Entering the palace by a door which had been barricaded, but opened by the fire of the howitzer, they com pleted the victory. Lieutenant Ayres was the first to reach the halyards and haul down the flag, which was soon replaced by the American standard, waving proudly in the breeze. The captured guns, together with Duncan's and MackalPs batteries, which came up at a full gallop, were effectively served upon the Mexican soldiers, who fled toward the city, pouring in confused masses down the street leading to the Plaza de la Capella, the pro- longation of which was now held by the Americans. "With the loss of but seventy men in killed and wounded, General Worth had accomplished the purpose for which his division was detached. Tlie enterprise was executed promptly and skillfully, and wi<-h entire success. His whole force was soon after @F AMERICAN HEROES. 467 concentrated in the vicinity of the palace, in readiness to co-operate with General Taylor in an assault upon the town. Meanwhile General Worth had not been idle. In the morning of the 23d, he sent a detachment to take possession of the gorge near Santa Catarina, and had designed to move forward into the city under favor of the ensuing night ; but on hearing the heavy firing upon the opposite side of the town, lie organized two columns of attack, who were ordered to press on to the first plaza, keeping under cover as much as possible, to get hold of the streets beyond it, and then, entering the houses, to break through the longitudinal sections of the walls with picks and bars, and work their way from house to house. The light artillery followed the columns in sections and pieces to support the movement. All day long the work proceeded. Step by step, slowly, but surely, the Americans won their way into the city. The solid masonry yielded before their ponderous blows. The inhabitants were stricken as with a panic. For years Monterey had defied the arm-s of Spain ; but here were soldiers who mocked at every obstacle, and overcame every difiiculty. Begrimed with dust and smoke, 22 4:68 DARING DEEDS _^ imagination pictured them as beings from another world. As they sprang, like magic, throagh the tirm walls of the apartments where pale-faced wo- mei. had retired for shelter, shriek upon shriek rent the air, and only ceased when those who uttered them were assured, in friendly tones, that there wei'e wives and daughters by the firesides of those dark warriors, who waited for their coming, and whose purity and innocence were not forgotten even in the wild excitement of that hour, by those who esteemed and loved them. Galleries and cor- ridors, chambers and balconies, which had oft re- sounded with the notes of merriment and joy, or listened to the endearments of affection and the soft accents of love, now echoed with the rattle of musketry, the sharp crack of the rifle, the clash of steel against steel, the exulting shout and dying groan; and, high above all the din, rose the un- ceasing thunder of artillery. At sunset General Worth's division had reached a street but one square in rear of the great plaza, leaving a covered way behind them, and had car- ried a large building overlooking the principal de- fenses of the enemy. The mortar had been sent round by General Taylor, and this was placed in OF AMERICAN HEROES. 469 position in the Plaza de la Capella, masked by the church wall, and opened on the main plaza and the cathedral, where the enemy were principallj' collected, and whither the aged and helpless had retired as to their only remaining place of refuge. The two howitzers, and a six-pounder were also mounted on the captured building, and every pre- paration made during the night to renew the assault at dawn of day. But this was rendered unnecessary. Monterey was already lost and won ! Early in the morning of the 24th, a flag was sent out by General Ampudia, accompanied by Colonel Moreno as the bearer of a communication to Gen- eral Taylor, proposing to evacuate the city with the personnel and materiel of war. This was posi- tively refused, and a surrender of the town de- manded. Soon after, a conference took place between General Taylor and General Ampudia, at the quarters of General Worth, which resulted in the appointment of commigsioners and the capit ulation of the city BATTLE OF SAN PASQUAL. General Kearny, with 100 men and two muiin- tain howitzers, proceeded along the river Gila to its junction with the Colorado, and thence across the desert, until, on the 5th of December, 1846, he was met, about forty miles from San Diego, by a small party of volunteers, sent by Commodore Stockton to escort him to that place. On the next morning, December 6th, a party of 160 Californians was discovered at San Pasqual, and attacked, and after a severe engagement, in which the Americans lost thirty-four men in killed and wounded, were completely routed. The loss of the enemy was not ascertained. The detachment reached San Diego on the 12th of December, 1846. On the 29th of December, General Kearny, and Commodore Stockton, with 500 men, mostly marines and sailors, and a battery of artillery, left San Diego for Los Angelos, then in the possession of the enemy. On the 8th of January, the enemj Ot AMERICAN SEROES. 4:?J wati discovered, niiinberiug about 600, occupying a strong position on a rising ground, commanding the passage of the river San Gabriel. The troops were soon formed in order of battle, the river forded, the heights carried after about an hour's lighting, when the enemy were compelled to re- treat. On the ne^t day, the enemy appeared in force on the front and flanks of the Americans, harassing and galling them with their artillery, for about two hours, when, arriving at the phiins of the Mesa, they* concentrated their forces, and made a charge upon the American left. This being repulsed, with some loss to them, they retired, and 3n the 10th the city was enteied without further molestation. The American loss on the 8th and 9th of January, was one killed and thirteen wounded. The loss of the enemy was not known, as they were mounted on good horses, and carried off their killed and wounded. BATTLE OF BKACITO. Colonel Doniphan left Santa Fe on the 1st of December 1846, with his regiment, numbering 924, including Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell's escort of 100 picked men. His march lay along the left bank of the Eio Grande, and on the 2.5th of De- cember he had arrived at a place called Bracito, 284 miles from Santa Fe, where they first met the enemy. About 600 of the men encamped on that day at two o'clock P. M., and were engaged in carrying wood and water, their horses being un- saddled and grazing at a short distance, when the word was passed that the enemy was in sight, ad vancing. The troops were called together instantly out as there was not time to saddle their horses, they were drawn up as infantr3^ The Mexicans, numbering about 1100, drew up in good order, on the summit of a small hill, with their cavalry on the right of their line, a small howitzer in the center, and on the left their infantry. Previous to OF AMERICAN HEROES. 4rT3 Liie encounter, a lieutenant advanced from their ranks bearing a black flag, for the [)ni'j)Ose of in- forming Colonel Doniphan that the Mexicans before him gave no quarter, and would ask none. Their charge was immediately made by their dragoons a2:ainst the left of the American line, the infantry at the same time advancing steadily and pouring in three volleys before they w^ere answered. But when the cavalry had advanced within 100 steps of the line, such a volley was returned as caused the whole of the enemy's line to waver, and an- other sent the draoroons to the left, in their flio;ht making an attack on the provision train. There they met with a warm reception, and were soon compelled to fly in everj^ direction in the utmost confusion. In the mean time, the enemy's infantry had been put to flight, and were pursued by fifteen men under Captain Reid, who had jumped upon their horses, while a company of volunteers, taking advantage of their position on the rout ol the enemy, charged upon them and captured their cannon. The rout was complete, and the enemy fled, without stopping, nearly 100 miles, neglecting to fortify El Paso, which a few determined men might have defended against a vast superior force. 22* 33 4^4 DARING DEEDS The American loss in this, the first battle of the army of the west, was seven men wounded, none killed. The Mexicans lost about thirty men killed, and eight prisoners, six of whom afterward died of their wounds. The number of their wounded was not ascertained. CHAPTER XIIL— 1847. BATTLE OF BUENA YISTA. On tho morning of the 20th of February, oui army being encamped at Agua Nueva information was received that the enemy was advancing, when General Taylor ordered the troops to fall back upoL Buena Yista. Early on the ?;2d, the clouds of dust toward Agua Nueva, told that the Mexican army was on the advance. At about 11 o'clock the long roll of the drum summoned us to the field. Our regiments were formed, artillery posted, and we availed ourselves of every advantage that could be taken of the ground. In a few minutes, the leading columns of the enemy were distinctly seen, at a distance of two miles, steadily advancing in the most perfect order. Some 2000 lancers with the artillery, fourteen pieces of different caliber, from twenty-four's down, composed the leading di- vision; then such a host of infantry and lances as never was seen in Mexico before, I suppose, came 76 DARINGDEED8 into full view and filed into position. It was a most grand and gorgeous spectacle : the sun glanc- ing from the bright lances and bayonets of 21000 men — the rattling of their artillery carriages — the prancing of their richly caparisoned horses, and the continued sound of their bugles, swelling through the air, made up a scene never to be described or forgotten. The armies in line of battle were drawn up in a mountain pass. On our right was a deep ravine, impracticable to be turned by cavalry oi artiller}^, whilst on our left the mountains of " Sierra Madre " towered 2000 feet into the skies. A. spur of continuous hills, running from the moun- tain nearly to the ravine, was occupied by our troops — whilst the space between the spur of hills and the ravine, over which the San Luis road runs, was occupied by five pieces of light artillery, com- manded by Captain Washington. This was our center, and was most gallantly defended by Cap- tain Washington, upon whose battery the enemy played four hours with six twenty-four pounders, planted within point blank range, and out of reach of his sixes, without making the slightest impression on them. Between the two armies were immense ravines, some of them nearly fifty feet deep, tho OF AMERICAN EROES. 477 sides covered with loose peobles, and the bottoms extremely precipitate and serpentine from the heavy washing rains. A smooth piece of ground next the mountain, and between it and the head of the ra- vines, some 300 yards in depth, was the most ac- cessible point for turning our left flank, if, indeed, an army of 5200 men, displayed over two miles of ground, in the presence of such a host, could be considered as having a flank. Overlooking Wash- ington's battery, and within near musket shot, is a high hill on the crown of which was posted the first regiment of Illinois volunteers, to cover the battery and save the center. CAPTURE OF ALYaRADO. On the 30th of March, 1847, a detachment of troops under General Quitman left Yera Cruz to co-operate with the squadron under Commodore Perry, in a joint attack upon Alvarado. Lieuten- ant Hunter was dispatched in advance, with the steamer Scourge, to blockade the port. He arrived 4:78 DARING DEEDS off the bar in the afternoon of the 30th, and ai once opened a fire upon the forts, at the mouth of the river, which were garrisoned by 400 men. During the night he stood oflf, but renewed the attack in the morning, when the enemy evacuated their defenses. Several government vessels in the harbor were burned, and the guns spiked or buried in the sand before they retired. Leaving a garri- son in the fort, Lieutenant Hunter proceeded up the river and succeeded in capturing four schoon- ers. Early in the morning of the 1st of April, he anchored off Thlacotalpan, a city containing near 7000 inhabitants, which surrendered to him without offering any resistance. Commodore Perry arrived on the 2d with the squadron, but the towns on the river were already captured. TAKING OF PUEBLA. J-eiieral "Worth halted at Amasoque, twelve miles ti m Puebla, with his division, on the 14th of May, to await the arrival of General Quitmen. About OF AMERICAN HEROES. 479 eight o'clock in the forenoon he found his position suddenly menaced by about 3000 Mexican cavalry, comnianded by Santa Anna. When first discovered they appeared to be moving along on the right flank of the Americans, toward their rear ; it was soon reported that a heavy column was also ap- proaching on the main road. Colonel Garland, with the Second artillery and a section of I)uncan's bat tery, and Major Bonneville, with the Sixth infantry and Steptoe's battery, were ordered to attack the cavalry force, and the remainder of the troops pre- pared to meet the enemy said to be advancing in front. JSTo other party was discovered, however, and after twenty-five rounds were fired from the batter- ies, the Mexican cavalry were routed, and disap- peared among the hills. Some prisoners were taken, and ninety-eight of the enemy were killed or wounded. Late at night Santa Anna reached Pu- ebla with his discomfited troops, and evacuated it early on the following day. Having been joined by General Quitman's brigade, General "Worth entered the town in the morning of the 15th, with- out meeting any further resistance, and on the ensiling day took possession of the adjacent heights of Loretto and Guadaloupe, and planted a battery on the hill of San Juan i80 D A K I N G DEEDS History presents few instances of the display of daring and boldness which deserve to be compared with the entrance of the American soldiers into the city of Puebla. But little more than 4000 men, weather-beaten, jaded, and wayworn, with the dust of many a dreary day's journey " on their sandal shoon," in the gray fatigue-dress of the service, and unaccompanied by the gay paraphernalia of war, marched through the midst of a hostile population of 00,000 souls, stacked their arms in the public square, posted their guards, and, when the nighi wp*;ches came, lay down to sleep without one emo- ti' n of fear or alarm. AFFAIK AT THE NATIONAL BRIDGE. General Pierce left Yera Cruz on the 16th of July, with 2500 men, all in arms, including a bat- talion of marines, under Lieutenant-Colonel Watson. His column, with the wagon-train, was nearly two miles in length. On arriving near the National Bridge, ho found it obstructed and defended, in OF AMERICAN HEROES. 4-81 the same manner as on tne passage of the river by General Cadwalader; but he was unable to place his artillery in a commanding position, and orders were therefore given to charge upon th enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel Bonham, of the Twelfth infantry, at the head of his battalion, rushed for- ward under a heavy fire from the enemy's escopetas, followed by Captain Duperu, with his company of the Third dragoons, sword in hand. The men leaped over the barricade upon the bridge, and in the space of ten minutes the guerilleros were flying m every direction. The command proceeded to the Rio del Plan, where they discovered that the main arch of the bridge had been blown up. Having crossed the river. General Pierce continued on his way to join General Scott. He was five times attacked by the guerilleros, including the renconter stX the Puente Nacional, but repulsed them on ev^ry occasion. GEISTEEAL KILEY AT CONTREKAS. The following account of the Battle of Contreras contains more particulars of the achievements of General Riley than any other we have seen. Yery early on the morning of the 19th of August there was discovered from the top of the house in which we were quartered in San Angus tin, a large body of the enemy, some 12,000 or 15,000, on our left, about three miles distant. General Scott had ordered reconnoisances in that direction toward San Anfiel, where I reported to him. He immediately ordered two divisions forward under Pillow and Twiggs, and followed soon after himself. The enemy were found in an intrenched camp, at a place called Contreras, with twenty pieces of artillery, some of them very heavy siege pieces. — The at- tack commenced at noon, and the firing continued incessantly until dark, when it ceased on both sides, our troops maintaining their ground and occupying a village near by. During tlie afternoon we watched OF AMERICAN HEROES. 4:83 the different movements of our troops with the most fearful anxiety, and could plainly see one of our columns resist a large body of cavalry, and the enemy falling from their saddles and taking to their heels, or rather to their horses' heels. Du- ring the whole of the fight we could see, on the right, a body of at least 10,000 infantry and cavalry in reserve, toward the city ; but they had not the courage to advance, although Santa Anna himself was said to be there. The attack was ordered to be renewed, at three o'clock next morning, and General Scott returned to San Augustin. He left at an early hour, taking with him General Worth's and one-half of his divi- sion as a reinforcement ; but on the nnite he was met by an oflScer, who reported that the batteries had been carried by our troops in a most gallant style. Colonel Riley leading the assault. As he ap- proached the scene of action, it seemed incredible how our men got over the ground to the attack. It was over immense masses of lava thrown up in the roughest, sharpest possible shapes, and covered with dense brushwood. Streams had to be crossed, and deep ravines ; and most of them having passed ^he night in a pelting rain without shelter, it appears 484 DARING DEEDS almost incredible that they were able to drive double their numbers from a battery of twenty-three heavy guns. Colonel Riley's brigade had crossed the ravine, and gone up toward Contreras, after a strong body of the enemy, which he drove off. The enemy was now drawn up in two lines above the village, on the right of the fort — the front infantry, and the rear cavalry. The village of Ensaldo is protected on one side by a deep ravine — on the road between it and the stream is a house and garden, surrounded by a high and rather strong stone wall — the village is intersected by narrow lanes, between high dikes, inclosing gardens full of fruit trees and shrubbery, affording protection and concealment for the men. The church standing in the center, also affording protection, if necessary. General Smith now di- rected General Cadwalader's force to be drawn up on the outer edge of the village, facing the enemy's heavy force on the left of the fort — formed the Third infantry and rifles in column of company, left in front of the right flank, and placed Lieutenant Smith's sappers and miners, and Captain Irwin's company of the Eleventh infantry, in the church, and Major Dimick's regiment in the garden on the in order to secure that avenue and his rear. OF AMERICAN HEKOES. 485 General Smith now determined to attack the large force on the enemy's right, with Colonel Riley on the left. General Cadwalader, on the right of the former, retired in echelon ; but before the movement could be completed, night approached, and the enemy's line could not be seen. Therefore the order was countermanded, and General Cadwala- der resumed his position on the edge of the village ; Colonel Riley's brigade was formed in a long line inside, parallel to it, the rifles on his left, and the Third infantry in the churchyard. Thus they re- mained, exposed to a severe rain, all night, with- out fire or shelter — the oflacers, from generals down, shared the severity of the weather ; but perhaps it only whetted their appetites for a more glorious and determined engagement in the morning. But now imagine the position of this portion of the army, numbering 3500 at the outside, without ar- tillery or cavalry ; while the enemy in front and on the left had 19,000 troops — those in the fort said to be the best of Mexico — with 22 pieces of artillery, and among his troops about YOOO cavalry. It was evident that some decisive action had to be taken, that some great effort had to be made ; and General Smith and Colonel Riley, seconded as they 486 DAKINCJ DEEDS then were, were just the men competent to the task. An attack on the main work was determined upon and the movement to take place at three o'clock on the following morning. However, here another obstacle presented itself; the force of General Smith was not strong enough to attack the main work and hold the village at the same time ; and it was of the utmost importance he should do so, for, if he drove the enemy from this main work, and in his retreat secured possession of the village, he could hold it long enough to allow his troops to get away, and in all probability seriously embarrass any further movements of our army until he was safely fixed somewhere else. It is said that fortune favors the brave — and in this instance it most truly did ; for while General Smith was preparing for the attack, General Shields reported his near approach with his brigade of South Carolina and New York vol- unteers ; and here was an exhibition of magna- nimity on the part of a high-minded soldier to a brother officer. When General Shields arrived, he was the ranking officer, and could have assumed the command ; but he was not the man to pluck the bright laurels about to be gathered by a brother Boldici* in carrying one of the strong works of the OF AMERICAN HEBOES. 487 enemy ; accordingly be moved subject to the com- mand of General Smith, and his brigade was placed in the village of Ensaldo, as circumstances might re- quire, either to cut off the retreat of the enenay from Contreras, or to take the reserve of the enemy, in flank, if it should change its front and attempt to at- tack our force toward Contreras. At three o'clock in the morning of the 20th, our troops commenced their movement toward the front of attack. The night was so dark, that the men could not go out of reach of one another for fear of losing their way. This caused the movement to be so slow, that day-break approached before the head of General Cadwalader's brigade commenced descending into the ravine at the village. As soon as Colonel Riley got out of the deep ravine, and at a point where it was thought the rear of the work could be approached, the head of the column halted and closed, at the same time drawing the loads out of the guns supposed to be wet. Colonel Riley then formed his brigade in column by divisions — and thus the column stood formed. Colonel Riley's brigade on the advance, next General Cadwalader's and General Smith's brigades, together with the sappers and miners, under the command of Major 488 DARING DEEDS Dimick, closed up the rear — leaving General Shields at the village. Colonel Riley continued up the ravine bearing a little to his left, and as he raised over the bank, he stood fronting the rear of the enemy's work ; but he was protected from the severity of its fire by the favorable position of the ground. As soon as Colonel Riley ascended the hill and came in full view of the enemy, they immediately opened a warm fire upon him. Colo- nel Riley threw out his two advanced divisions as skirmishers, and said, '' Forward now, my boys, close in with them and let the bayonet do its work" — and his command rushed down the slope with a desperation and enthusiasm enough to strike terror to the heart of the boldest, while the rear of his command moved steadily forward in solid block, with the most mechanical precision. The sappers and miners and the rifle regiment, which had been thrown across a ravine intervening be- tween the one they had passed up, and under the brow of the slope which Colonel Riley came down, from that position poured in a fire which swept in front of Colonel Riley's column, then inclining toward the left, joined in the attack on the troops outside of the left flank of the fort. Genera) OF AMERICAN HEROES. 489 Oadwalader followed the route taken by ColoTiel Riley, and, as soon as his troops were formed, moved on to his support. The first brigade, which was bringing up the rear, had been ordered to follow the same route ; but while it was on its march by the right flank up the ravine, and nearly opposite the fort, General Smith ordered the brigade to face to the left, and advance in line to attack the en- emy's force in flank. This movement was executed in less time than it takes me to write it. They met the enemy outside of the fort, just as Colonel Riley's brigade rushed into it ; the enemy was completely routed, and commenced a precipitate retreat ; their cavalry and infantry had been formed to receive the charge, but both were compelled to give way to the bayonet ; the rout was most com- plete, and victory most decided. GALLANT AFFAIR OF COLONEL DE RUSSEY. Early in July, Colonel Gates, of the Third artil- lery, the commanding officer at Tarapico, received 23 34 4^90 DARING DEEDS information that a number of American prisoners, entitled to liberation were at or near Huejutla, over 1000 miles in the interior, of Tamaulipas, where General Garey had established his head-quarters, with a force from 1000 to 1500 strong. Being anx- ious to liberate them as soon as possible, Colonel Gates ordered Colonel De Eussey, of the Louisiana volunteers, to proceed to Huejutla, accompanied by an escort of 126 men, in order to communicate with General Garey, and effect the restoration of the prisoners. Colonel De Eussey left Tampico, on the 8th of July with his command, consisting of one company of the Third artillery, Captain Wyse and a field- piece ; a company of dragoons, under Captain Boyd and Lieutenant Taneyhill ; a detachment of Loui- siana volunteers under Captains Mace and Seguine ; and a small party of Tampico rangers, a volunteer company organized by Colonel Gates for the defense of the post. Passing up the river Panuco in steam- ers,- about sixty miles, and then marcning by land through Asulwama, the alcalde of which was made acquainted with the friendly purpose of the expedi- tion, and cheerfully furnished the command with supplies Colonel De Eussey arrived at Tantayuka. OF AMERICAN HEROES. 491 twenty-live miles from Huejutla, on the eleventh instant. The alcalde of this town was also informed of the object of his mission ; and on the morning of the 12th he continued his march. So far he had been unable to find a military officer who might accompany him to the head-quarters of Gen- eral Garey, and although he anticipated that pre- parations for defense would be made, he intended to rely on the white flag when the enemy should be discovered, in order to prevent a conflict, at least until the pacific nature of his visit should be made known. About eight miles from Tantayuka, a Mexican Indian was met, who informed Colonel De Russey that General Garey, with a large force, had laid an ambuscade for him, at the Calaboso river, one mile in his front. Captain Boyd was then in ad- vance with his company, and before orders could be sent to him to fall back to the main body, a rapid discharge of fire-arms was heard. Colonel De Russey hurried forward with the remainder of his detachment, and encountered the dragoons in retreat, having already lost Captain Boyd and six of their comrades. On approaching the river, it was found that the enemy, -who had displayed 492 DARING D K p: n ft considerable sagacity in their clicice of position, had cleared the ground from bushes, for the space of 150 yards on either side of the road, leaving be- yond the now open ground, a dense hedge of chap- paral, in rear of which a fence had been constructed as an obstacle to the movements of cavalry. The main body of General Garey's force were upon the opposite bank of the stream, also protected in their front by thick chapparal. A charge was instantly made on either flank by Captains Mace and Seguine, with their men, and the enemy retired hastily across the river. Captain Wyse at once opened his fire upon the main body on the opposite bank, which was kept up for uearly an hour, when the enemy manifested a disposition to abandon their ground, and their fire altogether ceased. It was now ascertained that all the cartridges but three had been exhausted, and great numbers of the enemy from the towns through which the Americans had passed, were discovered on the flanks and in the rear, who had succeeded m capturing about ninety mules, laden with the provisions, money, and clothing of the detachment. It was also known that the road to Huejutla la}' through a gorge flanked by steep acclivities, an<3 OF AMERICAN HEROES. 493 that the prisoners had been removed. In this po- sition of affkirs, Colonel De Kussey determined to retrace his steps with his small command. After the retrograde movement commenced, the Mexicans began to harass the American rear, but they were always repulsed, with great loss, by Captain Mace, who poured upon them his volleys of musketry with good effect. On ascending a hill about one mile from Tantayuka, a desperate rush was made by the enemy, and the rear-guard was driven in. Captain Wyse promptly unlimbered his gun, and dispersed the Mexicans with two dis charges of canister. In this manner the detachment returned to Tantayuka, keeping up a continued fight throughout the whole distance of nine miles. When they reached the town, the enemy appeared in their front to oppose them. The field-piece was again discharged, and again scattered the enemy in confusion. Colonel De Russey now posted his men on a mound o\ erlooking the town ; powder and ball were procured at the stores ; and a number of cartridges were prepared, by using champagne bottles, as a substitute for tin cylinders, which were half filled with balls, and the remaining space packed with 494 DARING DEEDS earth. Musket cartridges for the infantry were alsc manufactured, and every preparation was made to defend the position. At nine o'clock on the night of the 12th, a message was received from General Garey demanding the immediate surrender of the force. Colonel De Russey replied that this was impossible, and then informed the bearer of the message of the object of his visit. The latter stated, in answer, that there had been some misunder- standing in regard to the matter, and arranged an interview between General Garey and Colonel De Russey, to take place in a few hours. The Mexi- can officers failed to keep the appointment, and suspecting treachery. Colonel De Russey ordered his men under arms, and at two o'clock in the morning of the 13th continued his retreat toward Tampico, protected by the darkness. Shortly after daylight the enemy again appeared upon the flanks and rear of the detachment. Whenever they at> tempted to make a close attack they were driven off by the fire of the field-piece or muskets, though the pursuit was continued for more than fifty miles beyond Tantayuka. The detachment succeeded, however, in reaching Tampico, having lost, in the affair at Calaboso river, and the subsequent retreat. OF AMP:KICAN HEKuES. 4:9k fifteen killed and mortally wounded, ten wounded, and three missing. The enemy lost nearly 300 in killed and wounded. CA.PTUEE OF THE TUSPAH. On the morning of the 18th of April, — the day on which the heights of Cerro Gordo were carried by the troops under General Scott, the Mississippi anchored off the bar of Tuspan river; the email steamers — their masts being taken out, and other wise lightened — took the gun-boats and barges in tow, carrying in all 1200 men, armed with cutlasses, pistols, and muskets, and two pieces of field artil- lery ; and the other vessels of the squadron remained at anchor under Tuspan shoals, from six to eight miles eastward of the bar. The Spitfire, under Captain Tatnall, led the way over the bar, followed by the Yixen and Scourge, each having a gun-boat in tow. Two of the steam- ers struck ; but they soon ploughed their way over the sand, and dashed through the breakers. At i:96 DARINGDEED8 noon the whole flotilla had entered the river. Commodore Perry then hoisted his broad pennant on board the Spitfire, and commenced the ascent of the stream. About five miles from the mouth of the river, two forts were discovered, on the right bank, the guns of which began to play briskly upon the squadron. The small boats were immediately manned with storming parties, and darted for the shore, under cover of a rapid fire from the steam- ers and gun-boats. The Mexicans did not wait to meet the assailants, but retreated down one side of the hill, as the gallant tars from the American vessels sprang up the other, shouting and cheering at the top of their voices. The forts being captured, the flotilla again moved forward. On approaching Tuspan, another fort erected on a high hill, commanding the town, opened on the squadron. Yolleys of musketry were fired, at the same time, from the thickets of chapparal on the bank of the river. Two parties were now landed ; one of which proceeded against the fort, which was earned without serious resistance, and the other entered the town. Most of the inhabitants had fled into tne interior, and but very few soldiers were seen, wlio were brave enough to stand, even for OF AMERICAN HEROES. 497 a few moments, before the American fire. Commo- dore Perry took possession of the town, having lost biit seventeen men, killed and wounded, during the day, and ordered the forts on the river to be de stroyed. Those inhabitants who were peaceably disposed, were invited to return and resume their occupations; and on the 22d instant, the Commo- dore re-embarked his forces, and set sail for Yera Cruz, leaving the Albany and Reefer, under Cap- tain Breese, to guard the river and town, and also directing one of his vessels to blockade the stream on which the town of Soto de Marina is situated. CAPTURE OF SANTA CRUZ DE ROSALES. Governor Trias had collected between 1500 and 2000 men, and fourteen pieces of artillery, at Santa Cruz de Rosales, a strongly fortified town, about sixty miles beyond Chihuahua, and General Price determined to march down and attack him. He left El Paso on the 1st of March, 1848, with 400 men, and arrived at Chihuahua on the 7th, 23* 498 DARINGDEEDS performing the distance of 281 miles in seven days. After Colonel Doniphan's departure, Chihuahua had been reoccnpied by the Mexican authorities, and General Price was met, on his approach, by a civic deputation, who represented that a treaty of peace had been concluded, and requested him not to enter the city. Doubting the information, as he had received no official intelligence of the fact, General Price entered the town, and on the ensu- ing day continued his march to Santa Cruz de Rosales, where he arrived in the evening. On the morning of the 9th he summoned Governor Trias to surrender. The latter refused to comply, stating, also, that it was understood there, that the war had been terminated by a treaty. Considerable parley- ing ensued, and General Price finally consented to wait for four days, during which time a messenger was expected to return, who had been sent by the governor, to ascertain whether the rumor in regard to a treaty was well founded. After waiting twice the specified time, and hav- ing been joined by a reinforcement of 300 men, whom he had directed to follow him, with the ar- tillery. General Price determined to attack the position, on the morning of the 16th of March OF AMERICAN HEROES. 499 Another demand for a surrender was made, which was rejected, and the action then commenced bj a lively cannonade. A good impression having been produced, General Price divided his com- mand into three parties, under Colonel Ralls, Lieutenant-Colonel Lane, and Major Walker, who were directed to attack the works, from three dif- ferent positions. The contest was maintained with vigor until eleven o'clock, when it was suspended in consequence of a rumor, which proved to be false, that a body of lancers were moving up in the rear. At three o'clock in the afternoon, the attack was renewed with increased zeal, and con- tinued until sunset, when the Americans had bur- rowed through the houses to the Plaza ; and the Mexicans then surrendered at discretion. The enemy lost 300 killed and wounded at the storming of Santa Cruz de Posales, while the American loss was but five killed and twenty wounded. Pamous ^Qstlemon ^oohs, No author of the present day has become a greater favorite with boys than " Harry Castlemon;" every book by him is sure to meet with hearty re- ception by young readers generally. His naturalness and vivacity lead his readers from page to page with breathless interest, and when one volume is finished the fascinated reader, like Oliver Twist, asks " for more." N.B. — Any volumes of the sets sold separately, By Harry Castlemon.' GUNBOAT SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 6 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold ^7 50 Frank the Young Naturalist. Illustrated. i6mo. i 25 Frank in the "Woods. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Frank on the Prairie. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Frank on a Gunboat. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Frank before Vioksburg. Illustrated. i6mo. . . i 25 Frank on the Lower Mississippi. Illustrated. i6mo. I 25 GO AHEAD SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 3 75 Go Ahead ; or, The Fisher Boy's Motio. Illustrated. i6mo. , . . . I 25 No Moss ; or, The Career of a Rolling Stone. Illus- trated. i6mo I 25 Tom Newcombe ; or, The Boy of Bad Habits. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 2 PORTER * COATES'S POPULAR JUVENILES. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. ibino. Cloth, extra, black and gold 1^3 75 Prank at Don Carlos' Rancho. Illustrated. i6mo. i 25 Frank among the Rancheros. Illustrated. i6mo. i 25 Frank in the Mountains. Illustrated. i6mo. . . i 25 SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 3 75 The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle. Illus- trated. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold .... i 25 The Sportsman's Club Afloat. Illustrated, i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold i 25 The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers. Illustrated. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold . . i 25 FRANK NELSON SERIES. By HaiTy Castle- mon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 375 Snowed Up ; or, The Sportsman's Club in the Moun- tains. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Frank Nelson in the Forecastle ; or. The Sports- man's Club among the Whalers. Illustrated. i6mo. t 25 The Boy Traders ; or. The Sportsman's Club among the Boers. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold . . . 3 75 The Buried Treasure ; or, Old Jordan's " Haunt," Illustrated. i6mo i 25 The Boy Trapper ; or. How Dave filled the Order. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 The Mail Carrier. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 PORTER * COATES'S POPULAR JUVENILES, 3 ftOTJGHING IT SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vol?. Cloth, extra, black and gold ^^ '^ Oeorge in Camp ; or, Life on the Plains. Illustrated. ^ i6mo George at the Wheel; or, Life in a Pilot Hotise. ^ Illustrated. i6mo ' George at the Fort; or, Life Among the Soldiers. ^ Illustrated. i6mo ^ ROD AND GUN SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. In box containing the following. 3 vols. Cloth, ^ extra, black and gold -^ '^ Don Gordon's Shooting Box. Illustrated. i6mo. i 25 Rod and Gun. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 The Young Wild Fowlers. Illustrated. i6mo. . i 25 FOREST AND STREAM SERIES. By Hairy Castlemon. In box containing the followmg. 3 vols. Cloth extra, black and gold -3 /^ Joe Wayring at Home; or, Story of a Fly Rod. ^ Illustrated. i6mo Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas Canoe. Illustrated. i6mo ^ 25 Steel Horse ; or. The Rambles of a Bicycle. Illus- ^ ^^ trated. i6mo "WAR SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols. ctod., exWbree coJrs and gold. New Style . . 3 75 True to his Colors. 8 illustrations, i2mo. ... i ^5 Rodney, the Partisan. In press. OUR FELLOWS ; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp D^goons. By Harry Castlemon. Illustrated. i6mo. 125 J^lger's ^enotoneb 'j^ooNs. Horatio A'^cr, Jr., has attained distinction as one of the most popular ■writers wt 'jo-..ks for boj-s, and the following list comprises all of his best books. By Horatio Alger, Jr. RAGGED 13ICK SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. In box^ containing the following. 6 vols, i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold $7 50 Ragged Dicl^ ; or, Street Life in New York. Illus- trated. i6mo I 25 Fame and Fortune ; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Mark the Match Boy ; or, Richard Hunter's Ward, Illustrated. l6mo i 25 Rough and Ready ; or, Life among the New York Newsboys. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Ben the Luggage Boy ; or, Among the Wharves. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Rufus and Rose ; or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready. Illustrated. i6mos i 25 TATTERED TOM SERIES. (First Series.) By Horatio Alger, Jr. In box containing the following. 4 vols, i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold .... 5 00 Tattered Tom ; or, The Story of a Street Arab. Il- lustrated. i6mo. I 25 Paul the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a Young Street Merchant, Illustrated, i6mo i 25 Phil the Fiddler ; or, The Young Street Musician. Illustrated. i6mo r i 25 Slow and Sure ; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop. Illustrated. i6mo I 25 35 oo I 25 I 25 I 25 I 25 PORTER & COATES S POPULAR JUVENII,ES. TATTERED TOM SERIES. (Second Series.) In box containing the following. 4 vols. Cloth, extra, black and gold Julius; or, The Street Boy Out West. Illustrated. i6mo The Young Outlaw ; or. Adrift in the World. Il- lustrated. i6mo Sam's Chance and How He Improved It. Il- lustrated. i6mo The Telegraph Boy. Illustrated. i6mo LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. (First Series.) By Horatio Alger, Jr. In box containing the following. 4 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold .... 5 00 Luck and Pluck ; or, John Oakley's Inheritance. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Sink or Swim ; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve. Il- lustrated. i6mo. I 25 Strong and Steady ; or, Paddle Your Own Canoe. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Strive and Succeed ; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. (Second Series.) In box containing the following, 4 vols. i6mo. Clolh, extra, black and gold 5 00 Try and Trust ; or, The Story of a Bound Boy. Il- lustrated. i6mo I 25 Bound to Rise ; or, Harry Walton's Motto. Illus- trated. i6mo I 25 Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Herbert Carter's Legacy; or. The Inventor's Son. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 CAMPAIGN SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. In box containing the following. 3 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 3 75 Prank's Campaign ; or, The Farm and the Camp. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Paul Prescott's Charge. Illustrated. i6mo. . . i 25 Charlie Codman's Cruise, Illustrated. i6mo. . . i 25 6 PORTER A COATES'S POPULAR JUVENILES. BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. Uy Horatio - Alger, Jr. In box containing the following, 4 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold ^5 00 Brave and Bold ; or, The Story of a Factory Boy. Illustrated. i6mo. . i 25 Jack's Ward; or. The Boy Guardian. Illustrated. i6mo I 25 Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 "Wait and Hope ; or, Ben Bradford's Motto. Illus- trated. i6mo I 25 PACIFIC SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 5 00 The Young Adventurer ; or, Tonvs Trip Across the Plains. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 The Young Miner ; or, Tom Nelson in California. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 The Young Explorer ; or, Among the Sierras. Il- lustrated. i6mo I 25 Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for Fortune. A Story of the Pacific Coast. Illustrated. i6mo, ... i 25 ATLANTIC SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 5 00 The Young Circus Rider ; or, The Mystery of Robert Rudd. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune. i6mo I 25 Hector's Inheritance ; or, Boys of Smith Institute. i6mo I 25 Helping Himself; or. Grant Thornton's x\mbition. i6mo I 25 NEW VOLUMES. The Store Boy ; or, The Fortunes of Ben Barclay. By Horatio Alger, Jr. Illustrated. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold . i 25 3ob Burton ; or, The Young Ranchman of the Mis- souri. By Horatio Alger, Jr. Illustrated. l6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold I 25 PORTER & COATES'S POPULAR TIJVENILES. 7 By C. A. Stephens. Rare books for boys — bright, breezy, wholesome and instructive; full of adventure and incident, and information upon natural history. They blend instruction with amusement^ — contain much useful and valuable information upon the habits of animals, and plenty of adventure, fun and jollity. CAMPING OUT SERIES. By C. A. Stephens. In box containing the following, 6 vols, i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold ^7 5^^ Camping Out. As recorded by " Kit," With eight full-page illustrations. i6mo i 25 Left on Labrador ; or, The Cruise of the Schooner Yacht " Curlew." As recorded by " Wash." With eight full-page illustrations. i6mo 125 Ofif to the Geysers ; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland. As recorded by "Wade." With eight full- page illustrations l6mo ^ -25 Lynx Hunting. From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out." With eight full-page illustrations. i6mo I 25 Foz Hunting. As recorded by " Raed." With eight full-page illustrations. i6mo i 25 On the Amazon ; or, the Cruise of the "Rambler," As recorded by " Wash." With eight full-page illus trations. i6mo i 25 By J. T. Trowbridge. These stories will rank among the best of Mr. Trowbridge's books for the young — and he has written some of the best of our juvenile literature. JACK HAZARD SERIES. By J. T. Trowbridge. In box containing the following. 6 vols. i6mo. Cloth, extra, black and gold 7 50 Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. With wenty illustrations, i6mo i 25 A Chance for Himself; or. Jack Hazard and his Treasure. With nineteen illustrations. i6mo. ... i 25 8 PORTER & COATES S POPULAR JUVENILES. Doing His Best. With twenty illustrations. i6mo. $i 25 Fast Friends. With seventeen illustrations. i6mo. i 25 The Young Surveyor; or, Jack on the Prairies. With twenty-one illustrations. i6mo i 25 Lawrence's Adventures Among the Ice Cut- ters, Glass Makers, Coal ^Miners, Iron Men and Ship Builders. With twenty-four illustrations. i6mo. . . i 25 By Edward S. Ellis. A New Series of Books for Koys, equal in interest to the " Castlemon " and " Alger " books. His power of description of Indian life and character is equal to the best of Cooper. BOY PIONEER SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis. In box containing the following. 3 vols. Illustrated. Cloth, extra, black and gold ^3 75 Ned in the Block House ; or, Life on the Frontier. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Ned in the Woods. A Tale of the Early Days in the West. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Ned on the River. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 DBBRFOOT SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis. In box containing the following. 3 vols. Illustrated. i6mo 3 75 Hunters of the Ozark. Illustrated. i6mo. ... i 25 Camp in the Mountains. Illustrated. i6mo. . . i 25 The Last War Trail. Illustrated. 1 6mo 125 LOG CABIN SERIES. By F:dward S. Ellis. In box containing the following. 3 vols. Illustrated. i6mo 3 75 Lost Trail. Illustrated. i6mo i 25 Camp-Fire and Wigwam. Illustrated. i6mo. . i 25 Footprints in the Forest. Illustrated. i6mo. . . 1 25 THE f iresibe Gncyclof aebia of Poetry COLLECTED AND ARRANGED By HENI^Y T. COATES. 27th edition, enlarged and thoroughly revised, and containing portraits of prominent American poets, with fac- similes of their handwriting. Imperial 8vo., cloth, extra, gilt side and edges . . S5 00 Half calf, gilt 7 50 Pialf morocco, antique, gilt edges 7 50 Turkey morocco, antique, full gilt edges 10 00 Tree calf 12 00 Plush, padded sides, nickel lettering 14 00 The remarkable success that has attended the publication of "The Fireside Encyclopaedia of Poetry" — 26 editions having been printed — has induced the author to thoroughly revise it, and to make it in every way worthy of the high place it has attained. About one hundred and fifty new poems have been inserted, and the work now contains nearly fourteen hun- dred poems, representing four hundred and fifty authors, English and American. The work is now illustrated by finely-engraved Ijortraits of many prominent poets, with their signatvures and fac- similes of their handwriting. Xj^^ C/i'^^^n's 'B^ok of Poetry. Compiled by Henry T. Coates. With nearly 200 illustrations. The most complete collection of poetry for children ever published. 4to. Cloth, extra, gilt edges 3 00 Full Turkey morocco, gilt edges 7 5^ 9 THE HANDSOMEST AND CHEAPEST GIFT BOOKS. The" BELLS " Series has been undertaken by the publishers with a view to issue original illustrated poems of a high character, at a price within the reach of all classes. Small 4to. Cloth, gilt edges Ji 5