aass_Ejli ■ Book_4i^ / .^ fj y ^' ^^ c.> Plate 2 .^^^ ir/..o,v„.-.f,v.s'_ THE BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC ; J^rom f mitgtoit ta i\t Citg of ||Tti'it0. BY HENRY W. HAREISON. ILirSTRATED BY IsTMEROIIS EXGRATINGS OF MEDALS, POETRAITS. A^'D BAITLE-EIELDSr- - .N 0?" ci: PHILADELPHIA: HENRY CAREY BAIRD, (successor to e. l. caret,) 1857. Entered according to Act of Copgress, in the year 1856, by UENRY CAREY BAIRD, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON ft CO. PHILADELPHIA. M-i>\ PRIMED Br T. K. AND P. G. COLUNS. PREFACE. This work is designed to present a coup-cVceil of American military history by means of lively sketches of the most important battles fought since the commencement of the Revolutionary War, by troops and naval forces, in the service of the United States. It has been by no means an easy task to condense so much history within so small a space. The writer hopes and trusts, however, that what is contained in this volume will be found sufficient for the information of the general reader, and that it will dwell in the memory more permanently, than if the record of the same events had been spread out so as to occupy many volumes. CONTENTS. Battle of Lexington 8 Capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point 12 Battle of Bunker Hill 14 Siege of Boston 20 Expedition against Canada 27 Defence of Fort Moultrie 36 Descent upon Long Island 40 Battle of Trenton 43 Battle of Princeton 50 Battle of Brandywine 54 Battle of Germantown 58 Battles of Red Bank and Fort Mifflin 61 Battle of Bennington 65 Battle of Behmus's Heights ' 1 Battle of Stillwater 75 Attack on Forts Clinton and Montgomery 79 Battle of Monmouth 84 Massacre of Wyoming °8 Siege of Savannah 95 Storming of Stony Point 98 Capture of the Serapis 102 Capture of Charleston 106 Battle of ^yaxhaws 109 Battle of Camden HI Battle of King's Mountain 116 Battle of the Cowpens 121 Battle of Guilford Court-House 126 Battle of Ilobkirk's Hill 131 Battle of Eutaw Springs 134 Siege of Yorktown 139 Capture of the General Monk 150 Close of the Revolutionary War 153 General Wayne's Victory over the Indians 158 Capture of L'Insurgente 161 Burning of the Philadelphia 165 Bombardment of Tripoli 169 Capture of Derne 1~3 CONTENTS. Battle of Tippecanoe 178 Commencement of the War of 1812 — Defence of Fort Harrison 183 Battles of Ogdensburg, Fort Niagara, and Queenstown 187 Constitution and Guerriere 194 United States and Macedonian — Wasp and Frolic — Constitution and Java 197 Battle of Frenchtown , 207 Siege of Fort Meigs 209 Defence of Fort Stephenson 215 Battle of Lake Erie 218 Battle of the Thames 223 Hornet and Peacock 225 Chesapeake and Shannon 229 Enterprise and Boxei- 233 Massacre at Fort Mimms 237 Battles of Tallushatches and Talladega 240 Expedition to the Hillibee Towns and the Tallapoosa River 246 Final Treaty of the Creeks 251 Battle of Chippewa 258 Battles of Bridgewater and Niagara 262 Siege of Fort Erie 267 Battles of Plattsburg and Lake Champlain 275 Battle of Bladensburg and Capture of the Capital 282 Attempt of the British on Baltimore 289 Attack of Fort Bowyer and Capture of Pensacola 291 Battle of New Orleans 296 President and Endymion 306 Constitution, Cyane and Levant 310 Hornet and Penguin 315 Porter's Cruise in the Pacific 320 Seminole War 325 Black Hawk's War 335 Second Seminole War 342 Commencement of the Mexican War, and Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma 348 Storming of Montgomery 359 Battle of Buena Vista 363 Siege of Vera Cruz 371 Battle of Cerro Gordo 379 Battles of Contreras and Churubusco 387 Storming of Molino Del Rey 405 Storming of Chapultepec and Capture of Mexico 418 Siege of Puebla 436 Battles of lluamantla and Atlixco 443 Occupation of Califoi'nia and New Mexico 451 THE lalllc-Jjiclbs flf t|c The object of most of the wars undertaken by Great Britain has been to force her commercial system upon other nations. This system had been submitted to by her North American colonies with a very ill grace for many years before the Revo- lution ; and when in addition to it a system of direct taxation was resorted to, the Americans, foreseeing the ultimate result of further submission, resolved upon resistance. Their object at first was what they called redress of grievances; but a single year of hostilities drove them into a declaration of independence, which it cost seven years more of war to maintain and perfect. 7 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. THE MINUTE-MAN. BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. The first blow struck for the freedom of the American people was at Lexington. The people, long oppressed by the tyranny of the mother-coun- try, had begun to make preparations for a struggle to free themselves from the taxation and oppression of a despot whose only aim seemed to be the drain- ing of the coffers of Americans. The stores of arms and provisions at Concord first attracted the attention of General Gage, commander-in-chief of the British forces in America. At eleven o'clock at night, on the 18th of April, 1775, in pursuance of his determination to seize the stores at Concord, General Gage embarked 800 grenadiers and light infantry, the flower of his army, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. \) Smith and Major Pitcairn, on Charles River, at Boston Neck. Saihng up to Phipp's Farm, they landed there, and advanced towards Concord. Some of the friends of liberty got notice of this movement; and, in spite of the secrecy of their movements, the British troops soon found, by the firing of guns and ringing of bells, that the alarm was spreading over the country. Between four and five o'clock on the morning of the 19 th of April, the troops reached Lexington, thirteen miles from Boston. About seventy of the American militia were standing near the road; but, on account of the deficiency of their force, they had no idea of attacking the military. Major Pitcairn, wdio had gone forward with the light infantry, rode towards them, calling out, " Disperse, you rebels ! throw down your arms and disperse !" The order not being obeyed, the troops fired on them. Several Americans dispersed; but, finding that the British still fired, they returned the fire. Eight Americans were left dead on the field. The rest of the detachment, under Lieutenant- Colonel Smith, coming up, the soldiers proceeded to Concord without any further resistance. The small body of militia stationed there retreated across the bridge before the^ British light infantry. The main body of the troops entered the town, and destroyed all the stores of ammunition, arms, and provisions which they could lay their hands on. American reinforcements arriving, Major Buttrick, of Concord, assumed the command, and advanced to take the bridge, until then in possession of the British light infantry. The light infimtry retired, 10 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. and commenced pulling up the bridge. The militia advancing still, the regulars fired on them. The provincials returned the fire, and a sharp contest ensued, the Americans finally forcing the British to commence their retreat to Boston. But the country was now alarmed, and the retreating troops were exposed to an irregular but destructive fire PEOTINCIALS HAKASSINQ THE BRITISH IN THEIE RETREAT. from the militia, who, sheltering themselves behind trees, fences, and stone walls, and availing them- selves of their superior knowledge of the country, kept up an incessant, galling storm of bullets on the British. The regulars, exhausted with their rapid retreat, at last reached Lexington, where Lord Percy joined them with 900 men and two pieces of cannon. The regulars, now amounting to 1800 men, con- BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 11 tinued their retreat after a moment's rest at Concord. Lord Percy, by means of his cannon, kept the militia at their distance; but the gaUing fire still continued. In the evening the regulars arrived at Bunker's Hill, •where, exhausted by fatigue, they remained until morning, and then went into Boston. In this ex- pedition the British lost 65 men killed, 180 wounded, and 28 made prisoners: — total loss, 273. The American loss was 50 killed, 34 wounded, and four missing : — total loss 88. From the moment the British had arrived in Boston, after this action, that place was in a state of siege, which lasted till March, 1776. 12 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. RUINS OF FORT TI CON DER Q A. CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA AND CROWN POINT. The fortress of Ticonderoga was thought by the British to command all our passes to Canada. Though in a somewhat dilapidated condition, it was a post of importance. A bold scheme was at once formed by a few men in Connecticut to get possession of this fortress, and also of Crown Point. About forty volunteers, by the authority of Gover- nor Trumbull, marched to Castleton, where they were joined by Colonel Ethan Allen, with his "Green Mountain Boys," which increased the number to two hundred and seventy. Colonel Benedict Ar- CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA AND CROWN POINT. 13 nold, who had meditated the same enterprise, now joined the volunteers, and the command was given to Colonel Allen. On the 9th of May, they arrived on t|ie shore of Lake Champlain, opposite Ticon- deroga. Allen and Arnold crossed with eighty- three men and surprised the garrison, who were yet asleep. Three loud cheers roused them to a sense of their danger, and as light skirmish ensued. De la Place, the commander, was required to surrender the place. "By what authority?" he asked. "I demand it," replied Allen, "in the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." The for- tress surrendered immediately. Colonel Seth War- ner, with a small party of men, surprised and cap- tured Crown Point. The pass of Skeensborough was seized at the same time by some Connecticut volun- teers. At this time a sloop-ofwar was lying at St. John's, a town at the northern extremity of Lake Champlain. Colonel Arnold surprised and seized it. Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and the pass of Skeens- borough, were all seized without any bloodshed ; and, the seizure of the vessel being also efiected without the loss of a man, two important posts, a very large quantity of military stores, a sloop-of-war, and, above all, the command of Lakes George and Champlain, were acquired by the daring of a few provincial soldiers. 14 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. GENERAL WARREN. BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. On the 12th of June, 1775, General Gage issued a proclamation offering pardon to all persons " who shall forthwith lay down their arms and return to the duties of peaceable subjects, excepting only from the benefit of such pardon Samuel Adams and John Hancock, whose offences are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condign punishment." This proclamation, so far from intimidating the colonists, only served to strengthen and unite them. BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 15 An apprehension having been excited, by the movements of the British army, that General Gage intended invading the interior, movements were made in Congress to take measures for the defence of Dorchester Neck, and to occupy Bunker's Hill. Colonel Prescott was sent with the fragments of three regiments, on the night of the ICtli of June, to occupy Bunker's Hill. Finding, however, that Breed's Hill was a much better spot for a battle- ground, and considering that they would not be disobeying orders by occupying that place, the en- gineers at once commenced a redoubt on the right of Breed's Hill. It was about one hundred and forty feet square, with two passages for ingress and egress. A breastwork of sods was constructed on the left of the redoubt; and a screen, made with two post-and-rail fences, four feet apart, with grass trodden between, extended to Mystic River. General Ward, commander of the American forces, saw that the British would make an attempt to capture the works, and sent reinforcements to Colonel Prescott from his camp in Cambridge. Early in the morning, one of the men was shot from the battery at Copp's Hill, and was buried where he fell. No further damage was done, however, though the cannonade was incessant. General Gage wished to drive the provincials from the hill, and for this purpose sent Major-General Howe and Brigadier-General Pigot, with ten com- panies of grenadiers and ten of light infantry, with some artillery, to perform this service. These generals waited until three o'clock p.m. for rein- forcements from Boston, and then the British began 16 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. to march slowly up the hill. The Americans were ordered to put four buck-shot to a bullet, and to reserve their fire until the British were within point-blank range. At this moment they poured in upon the British a terrible and destructive fire. The regulars, who only expected an irregular and scattering militia volley, were astounded at the deadly fire which made such havoc among their ranks. They fell back in confusion. The officers had the greatest difficulty in making them form for the second time; and, indeed, had it not been for the determined bravery of the British commanders and the encouraging daring of the officers of lower rank, the troops would have met a signal defeat. For the second time the British advanced, and a second volley was poured into them, making the confusion worse than before. Clinton saw this from Boston, and hastened over to assist Howe. Both generals addressed the troops, called to mind the victories gained by British soldiers over all European powers, and the everlasting disgrace of being beaten by raw militia. Charlestown had been set fire to, in order to intimidate the Americans ; and the w^iole town, consisting of four hundred houses, was in a blaze. The British commanders, not daring to trust a third time to bravery, tried stratagem. Pigot, taking the command of a con- siderable force, went around to the southwestern angle of the redoubt and scaled the slight works. The Americans were now attacked east and west. Their ammunition was exhausted; and, having no bayonets, they were forced to retreat, after a short fight with the butts of their guns. Those at the 18 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. breastwork and in the redoubt retreated, and those at the rail fence followed, over Charlestown Neck, northward. It was during the retreat that the Americans suffered the most part of their loss. Captain Knowlton, having a large company near Mystic River, moved up in good order and covered the retreat of the provincials. The British acknowledged 1054 killed and wound- ed, with a large proportion of officers; but their loss was undoubtedly greater. The Americans had 1500 to 1600 men engaged in battle, of whom one hundred and thirty-nine were killed and three hundred and fourteen wounded and missing. The officers killed on the American side were — Majors Moore and McCleary, Colonel Gardiner, and Lieutenant-Colonel Parker. Major- General Joseph Warren was also among the killed. This gallant and brave officer was appointed major- general four days previous to the battle, and on his entering the redoubt 'Colonel Prescott offered him the command, which he refused, saying, "Icaine to learn war under an experienced soldier; not to talie any commarid." He was at the time ot his death president of the Provincial Congress and chairman of the Committee of Safety. His death caused the Americans to determine never to give up their cause. His blood cried from the ground for vengeance. The effect of this battle was to inspire the Americans to greater deeds of daring. It showed to those wdio were in a state of incertitude in regard to which side was the best, that the provincials coidd and icoidd fight. They had done enough for honor, — BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 19 enough to show the British that they were deter- mined. They had given themselves confidence in their own ability, and they seemed more and more likely to make the throne of England totter to its base. The loss was severely felt ; the wound they had received was deep ; but the British forces — the pride of their nation, — the troops who were thought invincible, — were twice repulsed and nearly defeated by raw militia fighting for their homes and firesides. 20 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. 8IEQE OP BOSTON. SIEGE OF BOSTON. On the 10 th of May, Congress voted an army of 20,000 men, chose George Washington to be com- mander-in-chief of the army of the United Colonies, and emitted three million dollars' worth of bills of credit. Washington accepted his high trust, 'though with great diffidence. On the request of Congress that he would accept the command, he addressed the president of that august body in the following words : — " Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done me by this appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities and military experience are not equal to the arduous SIEGE OF BOSTON. 21 trust. But, as the Congress desire it, I will enter on the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service and for the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept my cordial thanks for this high testimony of their approbation." Every favorable position was fortified and vigi- lantly guarded, so that the British could find no point of egress from Boston. Washington and the other generals exerted themselves to equip and discipline the army. There was no lack of courage and zeal among the officers and men ; but they were generally unaccustomed to the subordination and discipline of the camp, and destitute of the requisite arms and ammunition. In the beginning of September the army received a supply of seven thousand pounds of powder from Rhode Island, and powder-mills were erected at various places to supply the demand. Washington boldly grappled with the many difficul- ties of his situation. He perceived that the expense of maintaining an army far exceeded the estimates of Congress, and that the short term for which the men were enlisted threatened serious consequences. The new enlistments were made to serve until the 1st of December, 1776. The British troops in Boston, amounting to about 10,000 men, were reduced to a very uncomfortable condition. The country-people generally refused to sell them any provisions, and their naval supplies were intercepted by the armed vessels which the Massachusetts Assembly had fitted out for the de- fence of the coast. On the 10th of October, General Gage left Boston for England, and the command devolved on General Howe. Several vessels, con- 22 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. taining a large quantity of stores for the British army, were captured by the Massachusetts privateers, and afforded a seasonable supply to the Americans. On the 13th of December, Congress resolved to fit out thirteen ships-of-war, which formed the germ of the American navy. It had been also resolved to raise a large army, and each of the colonies had agreed to furnish a considerable number of men; but recruiting went on slowly. No bounty was offered until February ; and on the last day of De- cember, when the old army was disbanded, Wash- ington learned that but 9650 men had been enlisted for the campaign of 1776. Compelled to submit to inactivity, his means of acting on the offensive were magnified, and doubts of his ability and integrity rewarded his constant anxiety. Congress desired that the town should be attacked ; but a council of war decided against the measure. It was now deemed expedient to get possession of Dorchester Heights; and the night of the 4th of March was fixed upon for the attempt. A covering party of 800 men led the way. These were followed by the carts, with the entrenching tools, and 1200 of a working party, commanded by General Thomas. In the rear there were more than two hundred carts, loaded with fascines and hay in bundles. While the cannon were playing in other parts, the greatest silence was kept by this working party. The active zeal of the industrious provincials completed lines of defence by morning which astonished the garrison. The difference between Dorchester Heights on the evening of the 4th and the morning of the 5th seemed to realize the tales of romance. The ad- SIEGE OF BOSTON. 23 miral informed General Howe that if the Americans kept possession of these heights he would not be able to keep one of his majesty's ships in the harbor. It was therefore determined, in a council of war, to attempt to dislodge them. An engagement was hourly expected. It was intended by General Wash- ington, in that case, to force his way into Boston with 4000 men, who were to have embarked at the mouth of Cambridge River. The militia had come forward with great alertness, each bringing three days' provision, in expectation of an immediate assault. The men were in high spirits and impa- tiently waiting for the appeal. They were reminded that it was the 5th of March, and were called upon to avenge the death of their countrymen killed on that day. The many emi- nences in and near Boston which overlooked the ground on which it was expected that the contending parties would engage were crowded with numerous spectators; but General Howe did not intend to attack until the next day. In the night a most violent storm, and towards morning a heavy flood of rain, came on. A carnage was thus providentially prevented, that would probably have equalled, if not exceeded, the fatal ITtli of June at Bunker's Hill. In this situation it was agreed by the British, in a council of war, to evacuate the town as soon as possible. In a few days after, a flag came out of Boston with a paper signed by four select-men, stating "that they had applied to General Robertson, who, on an application to General Howe, was authorizod to assure them that he had no intention of burnino; 24 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. the town, unless the troops under his command were molested during their embarkation, or at their de- parture, by the armed force without." When this 23aper was presented to General Washington, he replied " that as it was an unauthenticated paper, and without an address, and not obligatory on General Howe, he could take no notice of it ;" but at the same time intimated his good wishes for the security of the town. A proclamation was issued by General Howe, ordering all woollen and linen goods to be delivered to Crean Brush, Esq. Shops were opened and stripped of their goods. A licentious plundering took place. Much was carried off, and more was wantonly destroyed. These irregularities were for- bidden in orders, and the guilty threatened with death ; but, nevertheless, great mischief was com- mitted. The British, amounting to more than 7000 men, evacuated Boston, March 17th, 1776, leaving their barracks standing, a number of pieces of cannon spiked, four large iron sea-mortars, and stores to the value of £30,000. They demolished the castle and knocked off the trunnions of the cannon. Various incidents caused a delay of nine days after the evacuation, before they left Nantasket Road. This embarkation was attended with many cir- cumstances of distress and embarrassment. On the departure of the royal army from Boston, a great number of the inhabitants, attached to the royal cause, and afraid of public resentment, chose to abandon their country. From the great multitude about to depart, there was no possibility of procur- SIEGE OF BOSTON". 25 ing purchasers for their furniture ; neither was there a sufficiency of vessels for its convenient trans- portation. Mutual jealousy subsisted between the army and navy, each charging the other as the cause of their common distress. The army was full of discontent. Reinforcements, though long promised, had not arrived. Both officers and soldiers thought themselves neglected. Five months had elapsed since they had received any advice of their destina- tion. Wants and inconveniences increased their ill- humor. Their intended voyage to Halifax sub- jected them to great dangers. The coast, at all times hazardous, was eminently so at that tempest- uous equinoctial season. They had reason to fear that they would be blown off to the West Indies, and without a sufficient stock of provisions. They were also going to a barren country. To add to their difficulties, this dangerous voyage, when com- pleted, was directly so much out of their way. Their business lay to the southward, and they were going northward. Under all these difficulties, and with all these gloomy prospects, the fleet steered for Halifax. Contrary to appearances, the voyage thither was both short and prosperous. They re- mained there for some time, waiting for reinforce- ments and instructions from England. When the royal fleet and army departed from Boston, several ships were left behind, for the pro- tection of vessels coming from England; but the American privateers were so alert that they never- theless made many prizes. Some of the vessels which they captured were laden with arms and war- like stores. Some transports, with troops on board, 26 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. were also taken. These had run into the harbor, not knowmg that the place was evacuated. The boats employed in the embarkation of the British trooj)S had scarcely completed their business, when General Washington with his army marched into Boston. He was received with marks of approba- tion more flattering than the pomps of a triumph. The inhabitants, released from the severities of a garrison life, and from the various indignities to which they were subjected, hailed him as their de- liverer. The evacuation of Boston had been j^re- viously determined upon by the British ministry, from principles of political expediency. Being re- solved to carry on the war for purposes affecting all the colonies, they conceived a central position to be preferable to Boston. Policy of this kind had in- duced the adoption of the measure; but the Ameri- can works on Roxbury expedited its execution. For his services in expelling the British from Boston, Congress passed a vote of thanks to General Washington and the army, and presented the general with a gold medal commemorating the event. EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 27 MONTGOMERV'3 MONUMENT, AT ST.PAUL'3 CHURCH, NEW TORE. EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. During these transactions in New England, events of some importance took place in other parts of America. Congress had early directed its attention towards Canada, and endeavored either to gain the co-operation or secure the neutrality of the inhabit- ants in its dispute with Britain. Addresses had been repeatedly sent to them in the French as well as the English language, representing the tendency of the new measures of Parliament ; and these had not been without some effect. The Canadians 28 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. generally were willing to remain neutral in the contest. Congress believed them to be partial to their cause, and resolved to anticipate the British by striking a decided blow in that quarter. In this purpose they were encouraged by the success of the expedition against Crown Point and Ticonderoga, as well as by the small number of troops then in Canada. They appointed General Schuyler commander of the ex- pedition, with General Montgomery to act as second in command. Early in September, 1775, these officers, with about 1000 men, made an ineffectual attack on Fort St. John, situated on the river Sorel, but found it expedient to retire to Isle-aux-Noix, at the entrance of the lake, about twelve miles above the fort, and wait for an increase ' of their effective force. Meanwhile, General Schuyler being taken ill and returning to Albany, the command devolved upon General Montgomery, who was instructed to prose- cute the enterprise on receiving reinforcements. These reinforcements soon arrived ; the attack on Fort St. John was renewed; and after a vigorous defence it surrendered, about the middle of Novem- ber. The Americans found in the fort a consider- able number of brass and iron cannon, howitzers, and mortars, a quantity of shot and small shells, about eight hundred stand of small arms, and some naval stores ; but the powder and provisions were nearly exhausted. During the seige of Fort St. John, Fort Cham- blee had been taken, which furnished General Mont- gomery with a plentiful supply of provisions, of EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA, 29 which his army stood much in need. General Carle- ton, on his way from Montreal, had been defeated and repulsed ; and Colonel Ethan Allen, who had made an unauthorized and rash attack on Montreal, had been overcome, made prisoner, and sent in irons to England. On the fall of Fort St. John, General Montgomery advanced against Montreal, which was not in a con- dition to resist him. Governor Carleton, fully sensi- ble of his inability to defend the town, quitted it. Next day General Montgomery entered Montreal. He treated the inhabitants with great lenity, re- specting their religion, property, and rights, and gained their good-will by the aflfiibility of his man- ners and the nobleness and generosity of his dis- position. A body of provincials, under Colonel Easton, had been despatched by Montgomery, and took post at the mouth of the Sorel ; and, by means of an armed vessel and floating batteries, commanded the navi- gation of the St. Lawrence. The British force which had retreated down the river from Montreal, con- sisting of 120 soldiers under General Prescott, and accompanied by Governor Carleton, seeing it im- practicable to force a passage, surrendered by capitu- lation. About midnight the day before the capitu- lation Governor Carleton escaped down the river, passing tlirough the American squadron in a boat with muffled oars, and reached Quebec in safety. It was now the 19 th of November, and the sea- son was very unfavorable to military operations. General Montgomery, a young officer of superior talent and high spirits, found himself placed in ex- 30 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. tremely unpleasant circumstances. He was at the head of a body of armed men by no means de- ficient in courage and patriotism, but totally un- accustomed to military subordination. The term of service for which many of them had enlisted was near an end ; and, heartily weary of the hardships of the campaign, they were loudly demanding their discharge. Nothing but devotion to the cause could have made the general continue the command. Hitherto his career had been marked with success ; and he was ambitious of closing the campaign with some brilliant achievement, which should elevate the spirit of the Americans and humble the pride of the British ministry. With these views, not- withstanding the advanced season of the year, he hastened towards Quebec, although he had found it necessary to weaken his army, which had never ex- ceeded 2000 men, by discharging many of them whose terms of service had expired. About the middle of September, a detachment of 1100 men, under Colonel Arnold, had been sent from the vicinity of Boston, with orders to march across the country against Quebec, by a route which had never been explored and was but little known. The party embarked at Newbury, steered for the Kennebec, and ascended that river, in order to reach Canada by penetrating the forests in the in- terior of Maine, — a most difficult and hazardous at- tempt. Their progress was impeded by rapids and by an almost impassable wilderness ; and they suf fered incredible hardships through the severity of the weather and the want of provisions. They separated into several divisions ; and the last, undei EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 31 Colonel Enos, finding itself unable to proceed, re- turned to the camp at Roxbury. But the other divisions, under Arnold, pressed forward, and tri- umphed over every obstacle. For a month they toiled through a rough and barren wilderness, with- out seeing a human habitation, or the face of an individual except of their own party; and their provisions were exhausted ; so that Arnold was obliged to push forward before the rest, with a few followers, and obtain a supply from the nearest Canadian settlement. At length, on the 9 th of November, the party, with its force much diminished, arrived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec. His appearance, says an English writer, was not unexpected ; for the lieutenant-governor had been for some time apprised of his march. In the early part of his progress Arnold had met an Indian, to whom, although a stranger, he had imprudently trusted a letter to General Schuyler, under cover, to a friend in Quebec. The Indian, instead of faith- fully delivering the letter according to the direc- tions which he had received, carried it to the lieu- tenant-governor, who, in order to prevent the Americans from passing the river, immediately re- moved all the canoes from Point Levi, and began to j)ut the city in a posture of defence, which, but for this folly and rashness of Arnold, might have been easily surprised. On discovering the arrival of Arnold at Point Levi, the British commander stationed two vessels- of-war in the river, to guard the passage; and at that interesting crisis Colonel McLean, who had re- treated before Montgomery, arrived from the Sorel, 32 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. with about one hundred and seventy newly-raised troops to assist in defence of the place. In spite of the vigilance of the British, Arnold succeeded, on the night of the 14th of November, in crossing the river with five hundred men in ca- noes, and landed near the place where the brave and enterprising Wolfe had landed sixteen years before, called, from this circumstance, Wolfe's Cove. Not being able to convey his scaling-ladders over the river with his troops, he could not immediately attack the town. Instead of concealing himself till his scaling ladders could be brought forward, and then making a sudden and unexpected attack by night, he marched part of his troops in military parade in sight of the garrison, and so put the British fully on their guard. He wished to summon them to surrender. But they fired upon his flag of truce, and refused to hold any communication with him. He therefore, on the 19th of the month, re- tired from Quebec to Point aux Trembles, about twenty miles above the city, where General Mont- gomery, with the force under his command, joined him on the 1st of December. From him the sol- diers of Arnold received a supply of winter clothing which their previous condition rendered particularly acceptable. Soon after Arnold's retreat, Governor Carleton arrived in Quebec, and exerted himself to put the place in a state of defence. General Montgomery, having brought the scaling- ladders across the river, appeared with his whole force before Quebec on the 5th of December. The garrison was then more numerous than its assailants. EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. 33 The Americans amounted to but nine hundred effective men, while Governor Carleton had about fifteen hundred, soldiers, militia, seamen, and volun- teers, under his command. General Montgomery sent a flag of truce to sum- mon the garrison to surrender; but it was fired upon, as that of Arnold had been ; and, although it was in the depth of a Canadian winter and in the most DEATH OP MONiaOMEBT. intense cold, he proceeded to the difficult task of erecting batteries ; but his artillery was too light to make any impression on the fortifications. He there- fore determined to storm the town ; and the assault was made on the morning of the 31st of December. About four o'clock in the morning, in the midst of a violent storm of snow, two feints and two real 3 34 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. attacks were simultaneously made. The real attacks were conducted by Montgomery and Arnold. Mont- gomery, advancing at the head of about two hundred men, fell by the first discharge of grape-shot from the works. Several of his best officers being killed, his division retreated. Arnold, at the head of about three hundred men, in a different quarter, maintained a fierce and obstinate conflict for some time, but was at last wounded and repulsed, leaving many of his men in the hands of the enemy. The death of Montgomery was the subject of much regret, as he had been universally loved and esteemed. On as- sembling after the assault, so large a number had been killed or taken prisoners, that the provincials could not muster many more than four hundred effective men, who chose Arnold for their com- mander, and, in the hope of receiving reinforcements, resolved to remain in the vicinity of Quebec. Sir Guy Carleton acquired much honor, not only by his gallant defence of the city, but also by the humanity with which he treated all his prisoners. The sick and wounded he caused to be taken care of, and permitted them, when recovered, to return to their homes unmolested. The Americans were not ignorant of their own inferiority in point of numbers to the garrison, and were not without ap- prehensions of being attacked ; but, although the garrison was three times more numerous than the besieging army, it was of such a mixed and pre- carious character that Carleton did not deem it prudent to march out against his enemy. A small reinforcement from Massachusetts reached the American camp, and all the troops that could EXFEDITION" AGAINST CANADA. 35 be spared from Montreal marched to join their countrymen before Quebec; but the month of February was far advanced before the army amounted to 960 men. Arnold, however, resumed the siege ; but his artillerj^ was inadequate to the undertaking, and made no impression on the works. Although unsuccessful against the town, he defeated a body of Canadians who advanced to relieve it, and succeeded so well in cutting off supplies from the country that the garrison was reduced to great distress for want of provisions. 36 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. The triumphant issue of the campaign of 1775, in the neighborhood of Boston, was a source of grati- fication to the colonists. Washington was cordially hailed as the deliverer of Massachusetts, and re- ceived a vote of thanks and a gold medal from Con- gress. But the power of Britain was yet to be felt. During the last session of Parliament, the plan for the reduction of the colonies was fixed. The Ameri- cans were declared out of the royal protection, and, by treaties concluded between Great Britain and three states of Germany, 17,000 mercenaries were hired to aid in effecting their reduction. The intelligence of these measures decided the question of independence. Protection and allegiance being considered reciprocal, the refusal of the one justified the withholding of the other. Reason and the passions were successfully appealed to by the leading patriots ; and a pamphlet, entitled " Common DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. 37 Sense," written by Thomas Paine, arguing in plain language the advantages and necessity of indepen dence, effected a complete revolution in the feelings and sentiments of the great mass of the people. The plan of the campaign formed by the British generals included three objects : — the relief of Quebec and the recovery of Canada ; the possession of New York as the centre of operations ; and the reduction of the Southern colonies. The chief command of the forces was given to Sir William Howe, a prudent rather than an enterprising general. We have seen that Sir Guy Carleton effected the complete recovery of Canada. Before the main expedition could be got ready, it was determined to send an armament to reduce the Southern colonies. A squadron under command of Sir Peter Parker, conveying 2800 troops, under Sir Henry Clinton, arrived at Cape Fear in May, and it was then deter- mined to attack Charleston, South Carolina, by sea and land. Meanwhile, the inhabitants had received intelligence of the approach of the armament, and made every exertion to put the capital in a state for defence. A fort was erected on Sullivan's Island, which is situated so near the channel leading up to the town as to be a convenient post for annoying vessels approaching it. The garrison, consisting of 375 regulars and a few militia, was placed under the command of Colonel Moultrie. On the 28tli of June, 1776, Sir Peter Parker, with his formidable squadron, appeared before the fort, and between ten and eleven o'clock on that day commenced the attack. The garrison made a gal- lant and resolute defence. Their lire was well aimed 38 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. and rapid. The ships were very much cut up, and the killed and wounded on board exceeded 200 men. The fort, being built of soft palmetto-wood, was little damaged, and the loss of the garrison only ten men killed and twenty-two wounded. IE PETER PARKER. Some time before the attack on the fort. General Clinton, with a body of troops, landed on Long Island, with the intention of crossing the narrow passage which divides the two islands and attacking the fort in the rear. But General Charles Lee, who had been sent to take command of the forces at Charleston, stationed Colonel Thompson, with 700 or 800 men, at the east end of Sullivan's Island, to oppose the crossing, and the project was abandoned. The inhabitants were fully prepared to meet the DEFENCE OF FORT MOULTRIE. 39 enemy if they should attempt to land, and dispute every inch of ground with noble resolution. In the evening the firing ceased, the ships slipped their cables, and before morning they had retired about two miles from the island. Within a few days, the whole armament sailed for New York, havins si^:- nally failed to accomplish its object. Congress passed a vote of thanks to General Lee, and Colonels Moultrie and Thompson, for their gallant conduct during the attack ; and the fort was from that time called Fort Moultrie. The unsuccessful attack upon a slightly-built fort by a powerful British armament could not but give the colonists a higher opinion of their own capability and tend to lower their estima- tion of their adversaries. The event relieved the Southern States from the apprehension of invasion for more than two years, while the Northern States were suflering the calamities of war. 40 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. RETEEAT FROM LONG ISLAND. DESCENT UPON LONG ISLAND. In the month of August, 1776, the English made a descent upon Long Ishmd, with forty pieces of can- non, and under cover of their ships. On a peninsula formed by the East Kiver and Gowanus Cove, and constituting a part of the same island, was General Putnam, strongly fortified, and aw^aiting with his detachment the approach of the king's troops. Be- tween the armies was a range of hills, the principal pass through which was near a place called Flatbush. At this place the Hessians, forming the centre of the royalists, took their station. The left wing, under the orders of General Grant, was close upon the shore ; and the right, commanded by General Clin- ton, Earl Percy, and Lord Cornwallis, and compre- DESCENT UPON LONG ISLAND. 41 bending the chief strength of the British forces, ap- proached the opposite coast of Flat Land. General Putnam had directed that all the passes should be secured by strong detachments of the provincial troops. The orders to this purpose, though not disobeyed, were not complied witli to the extent that the general required ; and one road through the hills, of the utmost importance, was entirely neglected, — an oversight which was speedily communicated to the British, and which they were too wise not to im- prove to their advantage. On the evening of the 26th, Generals Howe and Clinton drew off the right wing of the English army, in order to gain the heights. Nearly about day- break, he reached the pass undiscovered by the Americans, and immediately took possession of it. The detachment under Lord Percy followed ; and when the day appeared, the royalists advanced into the level country between the hills and Brooklyn, — a village situated on the peninsula where the Americans were encamped. Without loss of time, Howe and Clinton fell upon the rear of the provincials; and, the Hessians attack- ing them in front at the same instant, neither valor nor skill could save them from a defeat. Inspirited, however, by their generals, and by the presence of Washington, they continued the engagement for a while, and fought with the bravery of men whom the love of freedom animates to deeds of heroism ; but, pressed by superior numbers, and thrown into confusion, they gave way on every side and fled precipitately to the woods. Nor was this the only part of the army which 42 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. suffered ; the right wing, which opposed General Grant, experienced a similar fate. They fought bravely, and maintained their ground till informed of the defeat of the left wing, when they retreated in confusion ; and, in order to avoid the enemy, who were far advanced on their rear, the greater part of them attempted to escape along the dike of a mill- dam, and through a marsh, where many of them perished ; but a remnant regained the camp. Of a regiment consisting of young gentlemen from Mary- land, the greater part was cut in pieces, and not one of those who survived escaped without a wound. The British soldiers behaved with their usual courage, and it was with difficulty that they were restrained from attacking the American camp ; but General Howe checked their impetuosity, believing that he could compel the Americans to surrender or to evacuate their camp. On that day the Ameri- cans lost 2000 men in killed, wounded, and priso- ners; among the latter were Generals Sullivan, AYoodhull, and Lord Stirling. They also lost six pieces of artillery. The acknowledged British loss was 21 officers, and 346 privates, killed, wounded, and taken. A retreat from Long Island now become abso- lutely necessary ; and it was effected on the 30th of August, without the loss of a man. After the retreat from Long Island a number of indecisive actions were fought, the most remarkable of which were those of Kingsbridge and White Plains. Washington ultimately withdrew the main force from the colony of New York, and retreated across New Jersey to Philadelphia. BATTLE OF TRENTON. 43 BATTLE OF TRENTON. When General Washington crossed the Delaware, (1776,) winter was fast setting in; and it was no part of General Howe's plan to carry on military operations during that inclement season of the year. Fearless of a feeble enemy, whom he had easily driven before him, and whom he confidently ex- pected soon to annihilate, he cantoned his troops rather with a view to the convenient resumption of their march than with any regard to security against a fugitive foe. As he entertained not the slightest apprehension of an attack, he paid little attention to the arrangement of his several posts for the purpose of mutual support. He stationed a detachment of about 1500 Hessians at Trenton, under Colonel Rhalle, and about 2000 at Bordentown, farther down the river, under Count Donop; the rest of BATTLE OF TRENTON. 45 liis army was quartered over the country, between the Hackensack and the Delaware. General Howe certainly had little apparent cause of apprehension ; for his antagonist had fled beyond the Delaware at the head of only about 2000 men, while he had an army of nearly 30,000 fine troops under his command. The Congress had withdrawn from Philadelphia, and, by their retreat, had thrown that city into much confusion. Their presence had overawed the disaffected and maintained the tran- quillity of the place; but, on their removal, the friends of the British claims, to whom belonged the great body of the Quakers, a timid sect, began to bestir themselves; and General Putnam, who com- manded there, needed a considerable force to pre- serve the peace of the city. The country was de- jected ; the friends of Congress were filled with the most gloomy apprehensions ; and many of the in- habitants repaired to the British posts, expressed their allegiance to the British crown, and claimed protection : so that in those circumstances General Howe seemed perfectly secure. But in that alarming state of affiiirs the Ameri- can leaders still maintained an erect posture, and their brave and persevering commander-in-chief did not despair. Congress actively employed all the means in their power for supporting their indepen- dence, and General Washington applied in every quarter for reinforcements. He perceived the secu- rity of the British commander-in-chief, and the ad- vantages which the scattered cantonment of his troops presented to the American arms. " Now," exclaimed he, on being inibrmed of the widely-dis- 46 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. persed state of the British troops, "is the time to clip their wings, when they are so spread ;" and, ac- cordingly, he resolved to make a bold effort to check the progress of the enemy. For that purpose he planned an attack on the Hessians at Trenton. General Putnam, who was stationed in Philadelphia, might have been useful in creating a diversion on that side ; but in that city the disaffection to Con- gress was so great, and the friends of Britain so strong, that it was deemed inexpedient to withdraw, even for a short time, the troops posted there. But a small party of militia, under Colonel Griffin, passed the Delaware near Philadelphia, and ad- vanced to Mount Holly. Count Donop marched against them, but, on their retreat, he returned to Bordentown. General Washington formed his troops into three divisions, which were almost simultaneously to pass the Delaware, at three different places, on the even- ing of the 25th of December, hoping to surprise the enemy after the festivities of Christmas. One divi- sion, under General Cadwallader, was to pass the river in the vicinity of Bristol, but failed through inattention to the state of the tide and of the river, as they could not land on account of the heaps of ice accumulated on the Jersey bank. The second division, under General Irving, was to pass at Tren- ton ferry, but was unable to make its way through the ice. The third and main division, under the com- mand of General Washington in person, assisted by Generals Sullivan and Greene^, and Colonel Knox of the artillery, accomplished the passage, with great difficulty, at McKonkey's Ferry, about nine miles BATTLE OF TRENTON. 4/ above Trenton. The general had expected to have his troops on the Jersey side about midnight, and to reach Trenton about five in the morning. But the difficulties arising from the accumulation of ice in the river were so great, that it was three o'clock in the morning before the troops got across, and nearly four before they began to move forward. They were formed in two divisions, one of which proceeded towards Trenton by the lower or river road, and the other by the upper or Pennington road. Colonel Rhalle had received some intimation that an attack on his post was meditated, and probably would be made on the evening of the twenty-fifth. Captain Washington, afterwards much distinguished as an officer of cavalry, had for some days been on a scouting-party in the Jerseys with about fifty foot- soldiers; and, ignorant of the meditated attack on the evening of the twenty-fifth, had approached Trenton, exchanged a few shots with the advanced sentinels, and then retreated. The Hessians con- cluded that this was the threatened attack, and became quite secure. Captain Washington, in his retreat, met the general advancing against Trenton by the upper road, and joined him. Although some apprehensions were entertained that the alarm ex- cited by Captain Washington's appearance might have put the Hessians on their guard, yet, as there was now no room either for hesitation or delay, the Americans steadily continued their march. The night was severe : it sleeted, snowed, and was in- tensely cold, and the road slippery. But General Washington advanced firmly, and at eight o'clock in the morning reached the Hessian advanced posts. 48 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. which he instantly drove in ; and, so equal had been the progress of the columns, that in three minutes afterwards the firing on the river road announced the arrival of the other division. Colonel Rhalle, who was a courageous officer, soon had his men under arms, and prepared for a brave defence; but early in the engagement he received a mortal wound, and his men being severely galled by the American artillery, about one thousand of them threw down their arms and surrendered them- selves prisoners of war ; but a considerable body of them, chiefly light horse, retreated towards Borden- town and made their escape. In this attack not many Hessians were killed, and the Americans lost only four or five men, some of whom were frozen to death by the intense cold of the night. Some of General Washington's officers wished him to follow up his success, and he was much inclined to pursue that course ; but a coun- cil of war was averse to the measure, and he did not think it advisable to act contrary to the pre- vailing opinion. On the evening of the twenty-sixth he repassed the Delaware, carrying his prisoners along with him, and their arms, colors, and ar- tillery. This enterprise, although it failed in several of its parts, was completely successful in so far as it was under the immediate direction of the commander-in- chief; and it had a happy effect on the affiiirs of America. It was the first wave of the returning tide. It filled the British with astonishment; and the Hessians, wliose name had before inspired the people with fear, ceased to be terrible. The pri- BATTLE OF TRENTON. 49 soners were paraded through the streets of Philadel- phia to prove the reality of the victory, which the friends of the British government had denied. The hopes of the Americans were revived, and their spirits ekvated ; they had a clear proof that their enemies were not invincible, and that union, cou- rage, and perseverance, would insure success. BATTLE-OKOCND OF TEENTON. 50 BATTLE-FIELDS OF TUE REPUBLIC. GENERAL mercer's MONUMENT AT LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, PHIL^DELPffU. BATTLE OF PRINCETON. The alarm was now spread throughout the British army. A strong detachment under General Grant marched to Princeton; and Earl Cornwallis, who was on the point of sailing for England, was ordered to leave New York and resume his command in the Jerseys. On joining General Grant, Lord Cornwallis imme- diately marched against Trenton. On his approach, General Washington crossed a rivulet named the Asumpinck, and took post on some high ground, with the rivulet in his front. On the advance of the British army on the afternoon of the 2d of Janu- BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 51 ary, 1777, a smart cannonade ensued, and continued till night, Lord Cornwallis intending to renew the attack next morning; but soon after midnight Gene- ral AVashington silently decamped, leaving his fires burning,^ his sentinels advanced, and small parties to guard the fords of the rivulet, and, by a circuit- ous route through Allentown, proceeded towards Princeton. It was the most inclement season of the year; but the weather favored his movement. For two days before it had been warm, soft, and foggy, and great apprehensions were entertained lest, by the depth of the roads, it should be found impossible to trans- port the baggage and artillery with the requisite celerity; but about the time the troops began to move, one of those sudden changes of weather which are not unfrequent in America happened. The wind shifted to the northwest while the council of war which was to decide on their ulterior operations was sitting. An intense frost set in ; and, instead of being obliged to struggle through a miry road, the army marched as on solid pavement. The American soldiers considered the change of weather as an interposition of heaven in their behalf, and proceeded on their way with alacrity. Earl Cornwallis, in his rapid march towards Tren- ton, had left three regiments, under Lieutenant- Colonel Mawhood, at Princeton, with orders to advance on the third of the month to Maidenhead, a village about half-way between Princeton and Trenton. General Washington approached Prince- ton towards daybreak, and shortly before that time Colonel Mawhood's detachment had begun to ad- BATTLE OF PRINCETOi^. Oo vance towards Maidenhead, by a road- at a little distance from that on which the Americans were marching. The two armies unexpectedly met, and a smart engagement instantly ensued. At first the Americans were thrown into some confusion ; but General Washington, by great personal exertions, restored order, and renewed the battle. Colonel Mawhood, with a part of his force, broke through the American army, and continued his route to Maidenhead; the remainder of his detachment, be- ing unable to advance, retreated by different roads to Brunswick. In this rencounter a considerable number of men fell on each side. The Americans lost General Mercer, whose death was much lamented by his countrymen. Captain Leslie, son of the Earl of Leven, was among the slain on the side of the British ; and he was buried with military honours by the Americans, in testimony of respect not to himself merely, but to his family also. 54 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. WASHINGTON'S H E AD- Q H A R I EE S AT B R A N D T W I N E. BATTLE OF THE BRANDYWINE. At the opening of the campaign of 1777, the movements of General Howe greatly perplexed the American commander-in-chief, who dreaded a junc- tion of the forces under Generals Howe and Bur- goyne ; and who could scarcely believe that the former would sail to the southward and abandon the latter, who was advancing from Quebec, by way of the Lakes Champlain and George, towards Albany. He also received contradictory accounts of the course which General Howe had steered; sometimes it was said that he w^as returning to the North River, and sometimes that the Delaware was the place of his destination, which last was the true account. But at that season of the year southerly winds prevail on the coast; and it was the 30th of July before the British commander reached the capes of the Delaware. BATTLE OF THE BRANDYWINE. 65 His original intention was to sail up the river to Philadelphia; but, being informed that the Ameri- cans had obstructed the navigation, he altered his plan, and, still steering southward, entered Chesa- peake Bay. On the appearance of the British arm- ament oft' the Delaware, General Washington moved towards Philadelphia; but, being told that the fleet had again put to sea, his perplexity returned, and he held himself in readiness to march with the utmost rapidity towards the North River, if needful. But, on the 24th of August, he was relieved from his painful suspense by certain information that the British fleet had sailed up the Chesapeake Bay, and that the army was landing at the head of the Elk River. At the place of debarkation the British army was within a few days' march of Philadelphia ; no great rivers were in its way; and there was no very strong position of which the enemy could take pos- session. On landing. General Howe issued a pro- clamation, promising pardon and protection to all who should submit to him; but, as the American army was at hand, the proclamation jproduced little effect. General Washington distinctly understood the nature of the contest in which he was engaged; and, sensible of the inferiority of his raw and dis- orderly army to the veteran troops under Sir Wil- liam Howe, he wished to avoid a general engage- ment; but, aware of the effect which the fall of Philadelphia would produce on the minds of the people, he determined to make every effort in order to retard the progress and defeat the aim of the royal 56 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. army. Accordingly, he marched to meet General Howe, who, from want of horses, many of which had perished in the voyage, and from other causes, was unable to proceed from the head of the Elk before the 3d of September. On the advance of the royal army, General Washington retreated across the Brandywine, a rivulet or creek which falls into the Delaware at Wilmington. He took post, with his main body, opposite Chad's Ford, where it was ex- pected the British would attempt the passage ; and ordered General Sullivan, with a detachment, to watch the fords above. He sent General Maxwell, with about 1000 light troops, to occupy the high ground on the other side of the Brandywine, to skirmish with the British, and retard them in their progress. On the morning of the 11th of September, the British army advanced in two columns ; the right, under General Knyphausen, marched straight to Chad's Ford; the left, under Lord Cornwallis, ac- companied by the commander-in-chief and Generals Grey, Grant, and Agnew, proceeded, by a circuitous route, towards a point named the Forks, where the two branches of the Brandywine unite, with a view to turn the right of the x\mericans and gain their rear. General Knyphausen's van soon found itself opposed to the light troops under General Maxwell. A smart conflict ensued. General Knyphausen re- inforced his advanced guard and drove the Ameri- cans across the rivulet, to shelter themselves under their batteries on the north bank. General Knyp- hausen ordered some artillery to be placed on the most advantageous points, and a cannonade was BATTLE OF THE BRAND YWINE. 57 carried on with the American batteries on the heights beyond the ford. Meanwhile, the left wing of the British crossed the fords above the Forks. Of this movement General Washington had early notice. After pass- ing the fords, Lord Cornwallis took the road to Dil- worth, which led him on the American right. General Sullivan occupied the heights above Bir- mingham church, his left extending to the Brandy- wine, his artillery judiciously placed, and his right flank covered by woods. About four in the after- noon Lord Cornwallis formed the line of battle and began the attack ; for some time the Americans sus- tained it with intrepidity, but at length gave way. When General Washington heard the firing in that direction, he ordered General Greene with a brigade to support General Sullivan. General Greene marched four miles in forty-two minutes, but, on reaching the scene of action, he found General Sullivan's division defeated and fleeing in confusion. He covered the retreat; and, after some time, finding an advanta- geous position, he renewed the battle, and arrested the progress of the pursuing enemy. General Knyphausen, as soon as he heard the firing of Lord Cornwallis's division, forced the pas- sage of Chad's Ford, attacked the troops opposed to him, and compelled them to make a precipitate and disorderly retreat. General Washington, with the part of his army which he was able to keep together, retired, with his artillery and baggage, to Chester, where he halted, within eight miles of the British army, till next morning, when he retreated to Philadelphia. 58 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. A D M I R A I, LORD HOWE. BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. On receiving information of the success of the royal army under his brother at Brandj^wine, Admiral Lord Howe left the Chesapeake and steered for the Delaware, where he arrived on the 8th of October. As soon as General Howe had gained pos- session of Philadelphia, he began to clear the course of the river, in order to open a free communication with the fleet. The Americans had laboured assiduously to ob- struct the navigation of the Delaware ; and, for that purpose, had sunk three rows of chevaux-de-frise, formed of large beams of timber bolted together, with strong projecting iron spikes, across the channel, a little below the place where the Schuylkill falls into the Delaware. The upper and lower rows were commanded by fortifications on the banks and islands of the river, and by floating batteries. While the detachments employed in assisting to clear the course of the river weakened the royal BATTLE OF GERMAXTOWX. 59 army at Germantown, General Washington, who Lay encamped at Skippach Creek, on the north side of the Schuylkill, about seventeen miles from Ger- mantown, meditated an attack upon it. German- town consisted of one street about two miles long ; the line of the British encampment bisected the village almost at right angles, and had its left covered by the Schuylkill. General Washington, ATTACK ON MR. CHEW'S HOUSE. having been reinforced by 1500 troops from Peeks- kill, and 1000 Virginia militia, marched from Skip- pach Creek on the evening of the 3d of October, and at dawn of day next morning attacked the royal army. After a smart conllict, he drove in the advanced guard, which was stationed at the head of the village, and, with his army divided into five columns, prosecuted the attack; but Lieutenant- 60 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Colonel Musgrave, of the 40th regiment, which had been driven in, and who had been able to keep five companies of the regiment together, threw himself into Mr. Chew's large stone house in the village, wdiich stood in front of the main column of the Americans; and there almost a half of General Washington's army was detained for a considerable time. Instead of masking the house with a sufficient Ibrce and advancing rapidly with their main body, the Americans attacked the house, which was ob- stinately defended. This saved the British army ; for the critical moment was lost in fruitless attempts on the house ; the royal troops had time to get under arms and be in readiness to resist or attack as cir- cumstances required. General Grey came to the assistance of Colonel Musgrave. The engagement for some time was general and warm ; at length the Americans began to give way, and effected a retreat with all their artillery. The morning was very foggy^ — a circumstance which had prevented the Americans from combining and conducting their operations as they otherwise might have done, but which now favored their retreat by concealing their movements. In this engagement the British had 600 men killed or wounded ; among the slain were Brigadier-Gene- ral Agnew and Colonel Bird, officers of distin- guished reputation. The Americans lost an equal number in killed and wounded, besides 400 who were taken prisoners. General Nash, of North Carolina, was among those who were killed. After the battle, General Washington returned to his en- campment at Skippach Creek. BATTLE OF RED BANK. 61 FORT MIFFLIN. BATTLES OF RED BANK AND FORT MIFFLIN. Although the British army had been success- ful in repulsing the Americans, yet their situation was not comfortable; nor could they easily main- tain themselves in Pennsylvania unless the naviga- tion of the Delaware were opened and a free com- munication established between the fleet and army. The upper line of chevaux-de-frise was protected by a work named Fort Mifllin, erected on a marshy island in the Delaware called Mud Island, formed by an accumulation of sand and vegetable mould near the Pennsylvania bank of the river, and by a redoubt, called Red Bank, on the Jersey side. At a small distance below Mud Island, and nearly in a line with it, are two others, named Province and Hog's Islands ; between these and the Pennsylvania bank of the river was a narrow channel, of sufficient depth to admit ships of moderate draught of water. The reduction of Forts Mifflin and Red Bank, and the opening of the Delaware, were of essential importance to the British army in the occupation of Philadelphia. In order, therefore, that he might be able more con- 62 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. veniently to assist in those operations, General Howe, on the 19th of October, withdrew his army from Germantown, and encamped in the vicinity of Philadelphia. He despatched Colonel Count Donop, a German officer, with three battalions of Hessian grenadiers, the regiment of Mirbach, and some light infantry, to reduce Red Bank. This detachment crossed the Delaware at Philadelphia on the evening of the 21st of October, and next afternoon reached the place of its destination. Count Donop summoned the fort to surrender ; but Colonel Christopher Greene, of Rhode Island, who commanded in the redoubt, answered that he would defend his post to the last extremity. Count Donop immediately led his troops to the as- sault, advancing under a close fire from the fort and from the American vessels-of-war and floating batteries on the river; he forced an extensive and unfinished outwork, but could make no impression on the redoubt. The count was mortally wounded ; the second in command also was disabled; and, after a desperate conflict and severe loss, the assail- ants were compelled to retreat under a fire similar to that which had met them in their advance. Colonel Donop was made prisoner, and soon died of his wounds. The disaster did not terminate here. That part of the fleet which co-operated in the attack was equally unfortunate. The Augusta, Roebuck, Liver- pool, Pearl, and Merlin, vessels-of-war, had passed through an opening in the lower line of chevaux-de- frise, and, on the commencement of Count Donop's attack, moved up the river with the flowing tide. BATTLE OF RED BANK. 63 But the artificial obstructions had altered the course of the channel and raised sand-banks where none existed before. Hence the Augusta and Merlin grounded a little below the second row of chevaux- de-frise. At the return of the tide every exertion was made to get them off, but in vain. In the morning the Americans, perceiving tlieir condition, began to fire upon them, and sent fire-ships against them. The Augusta caught fire ; and, the flames spreading rapidly, it was with the utmost difficulty that the crew were got out of her. The second lieutenant, chaplain, gunner, and some seamen, perished in the flames ; but the greater part of the crew was saved. The Merlin was abandoned and destroyed. Notwithstanding these misfortunes, the operations requisite for reducing the forts on the river were carried on with great activity. Batteries were erected on the Pennsylvania bank opposite Mud Island ; but, from the difficulty of constructing works on marshy ground, and of transporting heavy artillery through swamps, much time was consumed before they could be got ready to act with effect. The British also took possession of Province Island, and, although it was almost wholly overflowed, erected works upon it. On the 15th of November, every thing was ready for a grand attack on Fort Mifilin. The Vigilant armed ship and a hulk, both mounted with heavy cannon, passed up the strait between Hog and Pro- vince Islands and the Pennsylvania bank, in order to take their station opposite the weakest part of the fort. The Isis, Somerset, Roebuck, and several 64 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. frigates, sailed up the main channel as far as the second line of chevaux-de-frise would permit them, and placed themselves in front of the work. The little garrison of Fort Mifflin, not exceeding 300 men, had greatly exerted themselves in oppos- ing and retarding the operations of the British fleet and army against them ; and in this desperate crisis their courage did not forsake them. A terrible can- nonade against Fort Mifflin was begun and carried on by the British batteries and shipping, and was answered by the fort, by the American galleys and floating batteries on the river, and by their works on the Jersey bank. In the course of the day, the fort was in a great measure demolished and many of the guns dismounted. The garrison, finding their post no longer tenable, retired, by means of their shipping, daring the night. Two days after- wards, the post at Red Bank was evacuated also. Lord Cornwallis marched against it ; but the gar- rison retreated before his arrival. BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. 65 GENERAL SCnUYLEE. BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. The object of the invasion of Burgoyne, under- taken in 1777, was to possess himself of all the defences from Canada to New York, cut off New England from the Middle and Southern provinces, and then conquer it. At first he was successful. In the course of a few days after the commencement of active operations, he captured Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, drove the Americans from Lakes Champlain and George, and compelled them to seek shelter behind the Hudson. General Schuy- ler resisted his advance by blocking up the roads, and retreated from Fort Edward to Saratoga. 66 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE KEFUBLIC. The invading general now found himself in want of supplies. In these circumstances, General Bur- gojne conceived the plan of procuring a supply for his army from a different quarter. It was well known that the American army received live cattle from New England, which were collected at Ben- nington, twenty-four miles east from the Hudson, where a large deposit of carriages, corn, flour, and other necessaries, had been made. For this purpose he moved down the east side of the Hudson, and encamped nearly opposite Saratoga, which place the American army left on the 15th of August, and retreated to the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. He sent his van across the river by a bridge of boats; and at the same time de- spatched Colonel Baum, a German officer, with 500 men, partly cavalry, two pieces of artillery, and 100 Indians, to surprise Bennington. General Stark, with the New Hampshire militia, 400 strong, happened to be in that vicinity, on his way to join General Schuyler. He heard first of the approach of the Indians, and soon afterwards was informed that they were supported by a regular force. He collected his brigade, sent expresses to the neighboring militia to join him, and also to Colonel Warner's regiment at Manchester. On the morning of the 14th of August he marched against the enemy at the head of 700 men, and sent Colonel Gregg, with 200 men, to skirmish in their front and retard their progress. He drew up his men in order of battle; but, on coming in sight of him, Baunie halted on advantageous ground, sent an express to General Burgoyne, informing him of his situa- BATTLE OF BENNINGTON". 67 tion, and fortified himself as well as circumstances would permit. Some small skirmishing-parties of the Americans killed several Germans and two Indian chiefs, with- out sustaining any loss; and this slight success not a little elated them. In a council of war, it was ^^■"^^-i!^^ BATTIE OP BENNINGTON. resolved to attack Baum next day; but next day it rained incessantly, and the attack could not be made, although there was some skirmishing. On the morning of the IGth, Stark, having re- 68 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. ceived some reinforcements, sent detachments by the right and left of the enemy, with orders to unite in their rear and begin the attack in that quarter. But, before they met, the Indians retreated between the columns, and, receiving a fire as they passed, sus- tained some loss. The detachments, according to orders, began to attack on the rear of the enemy, and were assisted by Stark, who instantly advanced to the charge in front. Baum made a brave de- fence. The battle lasted two hours, during which he was furiously assailed on every side by an incessant discharge of musketry. He was mortally wounded ; his troops were overpowered; a few of them escaped into the woods and tied, pursued by the Americans ; the rest were killed or taken prisoners. Thus, with- out artillery, with old rusty firelocks, and with scarcely a bayonet, these militia entirely defeated 500 veterans, well armed, provided with two pieces of artillery, and defended by breastworks. After the victory the greater part of the militia dispersed in quest of booty, and their avidity fur spoil nearly proved fatal to them; for, on receiving Baum's express. General Burgoyne ordered Colonel Brehman, who had before been sent forward to Bat- ten Hill for the purpose, to march to the assistance of his countrymen with the Brunswick grenadiers, light infantry, and chasseurs, amounting to 500 men. Colonel Brehman set out at eight in the morning of the 15th; but the roads were rendered almost impassable by incessant rains; and, although he marched with the utmost diligence, yet it was four the next afternoon before he reached the vicinity of the place where his countrymen had been de- BATTLE OF BENNINGTON". 69 feated. The first notice which he received of Baum's disaster was from the fugitives whom he met. He easil^^ repulsed the few militia who were in pursuit of them ; and from the scattered state of Stark's troops, had the prospect of being able to make himself master of the stores, which were the great object of the expedition. But, at that critical moment. Colonel Warner's regiment of continentals arrived, and instantly engaged Brehman. The firing reassembled the scattered militia, who joined in the battle as they came up. Colonel Brehman main- tained the conflict till dark ; when, abandoning his artillery and baggage, he retreated, and, escaping under cover of night, with the shattered remnant of his detachment, regained the camp. In these engagements the Americans took four brass field-pieces, alx)ut one thousand muskets, (a most seasonable supply to the ill-armed militia,) nine hundred swords, and four baggage-wagons. Exclusive of Canadians and other loyalists, the loss of the royal army could not be less than 700 men in killed, wounded, and prisoners, although General Burgoyne stated it at only about 400. The Ameri- cans admitted the loss of about 100 in killed and wounded ; but this was certainly under the truth. This was the first check which General Bur- goyne's army had met with, and it was a severe one, and had a fatal influence on the campaign. The loss of a few hundred men was nothing, com- pared with the effects which it produced upon the minds of the people ; it greatly elated them, and gave the militia, who had been much dispirited by the late defeats, confidence in themselves, and en- 70 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. couraged them to hasten to the army in great num- bers, in order to consummate the work which they had begun. Before the events in the vicinity of Bennington, dejection and alarm pervaded the North- ern provinces ; but those events dispelled the gloom, infused spirit and vigor into the militia, and gave a new aspect to affairs on the Hudson. GENEEAL SCHUYLER'S B E S I D E N C E, S C H U T L E E VI LL E. BATTLE TF BEHMUS S HEIGHTS. 71 ARNOLD AT BEHMTIS'S HEIGHTS. BATTLE OF BEHMUS'S HEIGHTS. On the 19th of August, 1777, General Schuyler was superseded, and the command of the Northern army was assumed by General Gates. General Gates, who was now joined by all the Continental troops destined for the Northern depart- ment, and reinforced by considerable bodies of mili- tia, left the strong position which Schuyler had taken at the confluence of the Mohawk with the Hudson, eight miles above Albany, proceeded sixteen miles up the river towards the enemy, and formed a strong camp near Stillwater. The two armies 72 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. were only about twelve miles distant from each other; but the bridges between them were broken down, the roads were bad, and the country was covered with woods ; consequently, the progress of the British army, encumbered by its fine train of artillery and numerous wagons was slow, and it was attended with some skirmishing. On the evening of the 17th, General Burgoyne encamped within four miles of the American army, and spent the next day in repairing the bridges be- tween the two camps, which he accomplished with some loss. About mid-day on the 19th of Septem- ber he put himself at the head of the right wing of his army, and advanced through the woods towards the left of the American camp : General Frazer and Colonel Brehman, with the grenadiers and light in- fantry, covered his right flank, and the Indians, loyalists, and Canadians, proceeded in front. The left wing and artillery, commanded by Generals Philips and Reidesel, proceeded along the great road near the river. The nature of the ground prevented the contend- ing armies from observing the movements of each other ; but General Gates, whose scouts were in con- stant activity, was soon informed of the advance of the British army. He detached Colonel Morgan, a bold and active partisan, with his riflemen, to ob- serve the motions and impede the progress of the enemy. Morgan soon met the advanced parties in front of the British right wing, and drove them back. General Burgoyne supported them by a strong detachment; and, after a severe conflict, Morgan in his turn was compelled to give way. But General BATTLE OF BEIIMUS'S HEIGHTS. 73 Gates reinforced him, and the engagement became more general. The Americans attempted to turn the right flank of the British army, with the view of attacking it in the rear ; but, being opposed by Frazer and Brehman, they made a rapid movement, and commenced a furious attack on the left of the British ricrht wing. The combatants were rein- forced ; and, between three and four in the afternoon, General Arnold, with nine Continental regiments and Morgan's riflemen, was closely engaged with the whole right wing of the British army. Both parties fought with the utmost determined courage ; and the battle ended only with the day. When it be- came dark, the Americans withdrew to their camp ; and the royal troops lay all night on their arms on the field of battle. On hearing the firing at the beginning of the engagement, General Philips, with some artillery, forced his way through the woods and rendered essential service. During the battle, General Burgoyne behaved with the utmost intre- pidity and exposed himself to every danger. In the evening, it was believed in the American camp that he was amongr the wounded ; for numbers of Americans climbed trees in the rear of their coun- trymen, and, whenever the smoke cleared away for a moment, took aim at the British officers. One of these marksmen, seeing an aide-de-camp delivering a message to General Burgoyne, being deceived by the rich furniture of his horse, fired at the aide-de-camp and wounded him, mistaking him for the general. In this battle, in which each party had nearly 3000 men actually engaged, the British lost upwards of 500 in killed and wounded, and the Americans 74 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. about 400 men. Night separated the combatants : each side claimed the victory, and each beheved that with a part only of its own force it had beaten the whole of the hostile army. But, although neither army was defeated, it was evident who had gained the advantage : General Burgoyne had failed in the attemj^t to dislodge the enemy, and his pro- gress was arrested. His communication with the lakes was cut off, and his resources were daily fail- ing ; while the Americans had the same opportunities of gaining supplies as before, and their strength was still increasing by the arrival of fresh troops. In such circumstances, to fight without a decisive vic- tory was to the British nearly equivalent to a de- feat; and to fight without being beaten was to the Americans productive of many of the consequences of victory. Accordingly, the news of the battle were received w^itli joy and exultation throughout the United States, and the ruin of the invading army was con- fidently anticipated. The militia were encouraged to take the field and assist in consummating the work so auspiciously begun. At that time the army under the command of General Gates did not much exceed 7000 men ; but it was soon considerably in- creased. BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 75 -r?^'\.v'£:&^ "'• BUEGOYNE'S CAMP ON THE HUDSON. BATTLE OF STILLWATEE. After the battle of Behmus's Heights, the safety of the British cirmy Lay only in retreat. It was un- able to advance : to fall back on the lakes and return to Canada, although difficult, was not then impossible. But every hour lessened the probability of victory and rendered retreat more impracticable. General Burgoyne, however, could not at once dismiss all the splendid visions of conquest and glory which had so long dazzled his imagination ; and he flat- tered himself with the hope of a powerful co-opera- tion on the side of New York, which had not been 76 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. concerted, and was not to happen. Under those deUisions he lingered in his strong camp from the 20th of September till the 7th of October. During tliat interval daily skirmishes happened, which ac- customed the raw troops of America to the face of an enemy. General Gates, sensible that delay was in his favor, meditated no immediate attack on the hostile camp, but diligently took measures to pre- vent the escape of the royal army from the toils in which it was entangled. General Burgoyne's difficulties were great and daily increasing. His army was reduced to 5000 regular troops ; his provisions were almost exhausted, and his men put on short allowance ; his horses were perishing for want of forage; he was so en- vironed by the enemy that he could procure no fresh supplies, and he had received no recent intelli- gence from Sir Henry Clinton. He could not long remain in the position which he then occupied, and he was not ignorant of the difficulty and danger of a retreat. In these circumstances he resolved to try the fortune of another battle, as a victory would enable him either to advance, or to retreat with safety. According!}^, on the 7th of October he led out 1500 men, well provided with artillery, and, accom- panied by Generals Philips, Reidesel, and Frazer, marched against the enemy, leaving his camp on the high grounds under the care of Generals Hamil- ton and Specht, and the redoubts and posts adja- cent to the river under General Gell. General Burgoyne's detachment had scarcely formed within about half a mile of the enemy's entrenchments. BATTLE OF STILLWATER. 77 when its left, where the grenadiers were posted, was furiouly assailed. The Germans, who were on the right of the grenadiers, were also soon engaged. Three regiments, under General Arnold, proceeded to attack the right of the British detachment in front, while another division endeavored to turn its flank and gain its rear. In order to frustrate this intention. General Frazer, with the light infantry and part of the 24th regiment, was ordered to cover the right; but, while he was making a movement for that purpose, the left was overpowered and gave way. To save it from destruction, Frazer hastened to its assistance, but met with an American corps of riflemen, which briskly attacked him ; and he was mortally wounded in the conflict. The whole royal detachment now gave wriy, and, with the loss of most of its artillery, retreated to the camp. The Americans closely pursued, and, under a tremendous fire of grape-shot and musketry, fiercely assaulted the works throughout their whole extent. Arnold, who conducted the assault, urged on his men, but was ultimately repulsed by the British under the immediate orders of General Burgoyne, after having had his horse shot under him and being wounded in the same leg which had been injured at Quebec. The left of the American detachment, under Colonel Brooks, was more successful. It turned the right of the royal encampment, stormed the works of the German reserve, under Colonel Brehman, who was killed, and his troops retreated, with the loss of all their artillery and camp-equipage ; while Brooks maintained the ground which he had gained. Darkness, as on the 19 th of September, put an 78 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. end to the bloody conflict ; and the Americans Lay all night on their arms, about half a mile from the lines, with the intention of renewing the assault in the morning. The advantage which they had gained was great. Without any considerable loss, they had killed many of the enemy, made upw\ards of 200 prisoners, among whom were several officers of distinction, taken nine pieces of brass artillery, all the baggage and camp-equipage of a German brigade, obtained a large supply of ammunition, of which they stood much in need, and had entered the royal lines and gained a position which tlireat- ened their rear. About midnight, General Lincoln with his division marched from the American camp to relieve the troops who had been engaged, and to occupy the ground which they had won. This was Burgoyne's last great battle. On the 16 th of October he capitulated, and his whole army became prisoners. ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 79 ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. The attack on Forts Clinton and Montgomery, wliich had been delayed till the arrival of reinforce- ments from Europe, had been successfully made. The voyage of these reinforcements was tedious ; but they arrived at New York in the end of Sep- tember, and Sir Henry Clinton, without delay, em- barked 3000 men in vessels of different descriptions, and, convoyed by some ships-of-war under Commo- dore Hotham, sailed up the Hudson. Forts Clinton and Montgomery, against which the expedition was directed, were situated on high ground of difficult access, on the western bank of the river, about fifty miles above New York. They were separated by a rivulet, which, flowing from the hills, empties itself into the Hudson. Under cover of the guns, a boom was stretched across the river from bank to bank, and strengthened by an im- mense iron chain in front, as well as supported by chevaux-de-frise sunk behind it. Above this strong barrier a frigate and galleys were moored, so as to 80 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. be able to direct a heavy fire against any vessels that might attempt to force a passage. This seemed to present an insuperable obstacle in the way of the British shipping towards Albany. Fort Indepen- dence stood four or five miles below, on a high i:>oint of land, on the opposite side of the river. Fort Constitution was six miles above the boom, on an island near the eastern bank. Peekskill, the head- BEFENCE OF FORT MONTGOMERY. quarters of the officer who commanded on the Hud- son from Kingsbridge to Albany, was just below Fort Independence, on the same side. General Putnam then held that command, and had about 2000 men under him. On the 5th of October, Sir Henry Clinton landed at Verplank's Point, a little below Peekskill, on the same side of the river. General Putnam, appre- hending that the enemy intended to attack Fort ATTACK ON" FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 81 Independence and to march through the highlands on the east of the river towards Alban}-, retired to the heights in his rear; and, entertaining no sus- picion of the real point of attack, neglected to strengthen the garrisons of the forts on the western bank. The British jfleet moved higher up the river, in order to conceal what was passing at the place where the troops had landed ; and, on the evening of the day on which he had arrived at Verplank's Point, Sir Henry Clinton embarked upwards of 2000 of his men, leaving the rest to guard that post. Early next morning he landed at Stony Point, on the west side of the river, and immediately began his march over the mountains towards the forts. The roads were difficult and the enterprise perilous; for a small body of men, properly posted, might not only have arrested his progress, but repulsed him with much loss. He, however, reached the vicinity of the forts before he was discovered ; there he fell in with a patrol, who immediately retreated and gave warning of the approaching danger. Between four and five on the afternoon of the 6th of October, the British appeared before the forts, which they summoned to surrender, and, on re- ceiving a refusal, instantly advanced under a heavy fire to the assault. Both forts, garrisoned by about 600 men, were attacked at the same time : Fort Montgomery by Colonel Campbell at the head of 900 men ; and Fort Clinton, the stronger of the two posts, by Sir Henry Clinton with 1200. Fort Mont- gomery was soon taken ; but Colonel Campbell fell in the attack. Most of the garrison, favored by 6 82 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. the darkness and by their knowledge of the passes, made their escape. At Fort Clinton the resistance was more obstinate ; but that fort also "was stormed, and a considerable number of the garrison killed or made prisoners. General Putnam had no suspicion of the real point of attack till he heard the firing, when he despatched 500 men to the assistance of the garri- sons ; but the ibrts w^ere taken before they arrived, DEFENCE OF PORT CLINTON. and consequently they returned to camp. In storm- ing the forts, the British had about 150 men killed or wounded. Besides Colonel Campbell, Captain Stewart, Major Sill, and Count Grabousky, a Polish nobleman who served as a volunteer in the royal army, were among the slain. The Americans lost 300 men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The American vessels-of-war in the river, being ATTACK ON FORTS CLINTON AND MONTGOMERY. 83 unable to escape, were burnt by their crews, in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of the British, who removed the boom and chain, and opened the navigation of the river. Fort Inde- pendence was evacuated ; and Fort Constitution, where the navigation was obstructed by a boom and chain, was also abandoned, without any attempt to defend it. The British proceeded up the river, de- stroying every thing in their power. They advanced to Esopus, which they laid in ashes, but proceeded no ftxrther. In this expedition they took or destroyed a large quantity of American stores. General Putnam retreated up the river ; informed General Gates that he was unable to arrest the pro- gress of the enemy, and advised him to prepare for the worst. But, although his rear was threatened. General Gates was eager in improving the advan- tages he had gained over the British army, which was now reduced to the most distressing circum- stances, these events having transpired just before the surrender of Burgoyne. 84 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. GENERAL LEE. BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. Feaeful for the safety of their army, the British ministers had sent orders to Howe to evacuate the city of PhiLadelphia and the river Delaware with- out dehiy, lest the French fleet, which it was pre- sumed would sail for America in the spring, might entrap him, and cause the loss of both fleet and army. Accordingly, the royal army crossed the Delaware into New Jersey, on the 18th of June. Washington had previously detached Maxwell's brigade to aid the Jersey militia in checking their march, whilst he should fall on their rear himself with the main body. The Americans crossed the Delaware in pursuit of the British, while six hundred men were BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 85 detached under Morgan, to reinforce Maxwell. The British marched to Allentown, and there chose the road to Sandy Hook, to avoid crossing the Raritan, which they must have done if they had marched direct to Amboy. They encamped, on the 27th of June, near Freehold Court-House, in Monmouth county. Washington sent General Wayne, with one thousand men, to reinforce the troops already on their lines. La Fayette was sent to command this division, which amounted to four thousand men, COUNCIL OF OFFICERS BEFORE THE BATTLE OP MONMOUTH. and Lee soon after joined them, with two addi- tional brigades, and took charge of the whole. Mor- gan hovered on the right flank of the British, with his corps, and Dickinson was on the left, with eight hundred Jersey militia. Washington was three miles in the rear, with the main body. He deter- mined to make an attack upon the British before 86 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. they should reach the strong grounds about Middle- town. Lee was ordered to maintain his dispositions for an attack, and to keep his troops constantly on their arms, so as to take advantage of the first movement of the enemy. Knyphausen led the van, wutli the baggage, and the best troops were placed in the rear, under Cornwallis. At break of day, on the 28th of June, the royal army began their march ; but the rear waited until eight o'clock in the morning. Lee followed them into the plains ; Clinton turned, with his whole rear- division, to attack the Americans, and Lee began the engagement. Owing to some misunderstanding, part of the American forces began to retreat, and the rest soon followed in great disorder. Washing- ton now came up with the main body, and, to his great astonishment and mortification, met the ad- vanced division in full retreat, Lee intending to re- new the battle on higher ground. Washington rode forward and addressed General Lee in warm terms of disapprobation. Yet his indignation could not get the better of his self-command ; and he immediately set himself to repair the error which had been com- mitted. He ordered Lee to arrest the progress of the flying soldiers, while he brought up the main body to their assistance. Lee executed his orders with his characteristic courage and skill. A sharp conflict ensued : the Americans were compelled to retreat, and were this time brought off" by Lee in good order. The British advanced, and attacked the second line of the Americans, which was strongly posted, and made such a vigorous resistance that the enemy were compelled to give way; and at BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 87 night Clinton withdrew his troops to a good position, wliere he remained till midnight, when he resumed his march, carrying most of his wounded along with him. The Americans lost in this battle 69 killed and 140 wounded; while the British, after burying some of their dead in the night, left on the field of battle 247 killed, who were buried by the Americans. They left 44 wounded, and took many others with them. Clinton continued his retreat unmolested, owing to the bad state of the roads; but, on his march through Jersey, a large number of his men, who had married in Philadelphia, deserted, and re- turned to that city. The British lost Lieutenant-Colo- ne\ Monckton, and the Americans Lieutenant-Colo- nel Bonner and Major Dickenson, all able officers. Washington moved towards the Hudson, and D'Estaing sailed up the Delaware, with twelve ships- of-the-line and three frigates, not ten days after Howe had quitted it ; when, finding his enemy gone, he sailed for New York, and blockaded the British fleet in the harbor. 88 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. COLONEL Z. BUTLER. MASSACRE OF WYOMING. In the spring of 1778, the settlers, fearing an attack, sent an express to the Board of War, to re- present the danger in which the settlement at Wyoming was of being destroyed by the Indians and tories, and to request that the men who had gone from the valley and joined the Continental army might be ordered to return and assist in the defence of their homes. Their request was granted ; and a company, commanded by Captain Spalding, composed of what remained of the two companies before mentioned as having been enlisted at Wyo- ming, set out for the valley, and were within two days' march of it on the day of the fatal battle. About the 1st of June, the same year, a scouting-party from Captain Hewitt's company discovered a num- ber of canoes, with Indians, on the river at some MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 89 distance above the settlement ; and a few days after, a party of Indians attacked, and killed or made pri- soners, nine or ten men, while at work on the bank of the river, about ten miles above the fort. Many circumstances indicated the approach of a large body of the enemy. Such was the situation of the settle- ment when Colonel Butler arrived. This was the latter part of June, and but a few days before the battle. On the 1st of July, the militia under the command of Colonel Denison, with all others who were capable and willing to bear arms, assembled at the fort in Wilkesbarre, being the principal fort. They made an excursion against the enemy, killed two Indians, and found the bodies of the men who had been murdered by them. . When they returned, each man was obliged to go to his own house and furnish himself with provisions, as there were none collected at the fort. In consequence of this disper- sion, they were not able to assemble again until the 3d of July, when their whole strength amounted to about 350 men. It probably would have been greater, but many of the settlers chose rather to remain in the other forts, for the purpose of defending their families and property, in which they naturally felt a greater in- terest than in the general welfare. Of the whole force, consisting of the militia. Captain Hewitt's company of rangers, and a few volunteers, including several officers and soldiers of the regular army who happened to be in the valley. Colonel Butler was re- quested to take the command. The whole, as before stated, amounted to about 350 men, indifferently furnished with arms and ammunition. 90 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. As the enemy had entered the valley at the ui^per end, and had advanced directly towards the fort in which the settlers were assembled, the object of the savages was supposed to be to attack them in the fort. The enemy had taken Fort Wintermote and one other small fort and burned them, and were burning and laying waste the whole country in their progress. Colonel Butler held a consultation with , ./-^^.^^^ /)ify^\pl I r MASSACRE AT WYOMING. the officers ; and it was decided to be best to go out and intercept the progress of the enemy, if possible, and put an end to the scene of devastation which they witnessed. Being perfectly acquainted with the country, they marched out some distance from the fort, and formed on the bank of a creek, in a very advantageous situation. Here they lay con- cealed, expecting that the enemy would advance to MASSACRE OF WYOMING. 91 attack the fort, and knowing that if they did so they would pass the place where the Americans were in ambush. In this situation they remained near half the day; but, no enemy appearing, a council was called, in which there was a difference of opinion as to the expediency of advancing and attacking the enemy, or of returning to the fort, there to de- fend themselves until the arrival of Captain Spald- ing's company, which was daily expected. On the one hand, the hope of succor and their uncertainty as to the strength of the enemy were urged as reasons for returning^ and on the other, the de- struction of the whole country, which would in- evitably follow such a step, together with the insuffi- ciency of the fort and the want of provisions to enable them to stand a siege, were powerful reasons in favor of risking an immediate battle. Captain Lazarus Stewart, a brave man, famous in the country for his exploits among the Indians, and whose opi- nion had much weight, urged an immediate attack ; declaring that if they did not march forward that day and attack the enemy he would withdraw with his whole company. This left them no alternative, and they advanced accordingly. They had not gone above a mile before the ad- vance-guard fired upon some Indians who were in the act of plundering and burning a house. These fled to their camp and gave the alarm that the Americans were approaching. Fort Wintermote was at this time the head-quarters of the enemy. Their whole force, consisting of Indians, British, and tories, was, as near as could afterwards be ascer- tained, about 1000 men, and was commanded by 92 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Colonel John Butler, an officer of the British army, and an Indian chief called Brandt. They were ap- parently unapprised of the movements of the Ameri- cans until the return to the main body of those Indians who had been fired on. They inmiediately extended themselves in a line from the fort across a plain covered with pine-trees and underbrush. When formed, the right of the enemy rested on a swamp, and their left on Fort Wintermote. The Americans marched to the attack also in a line, Colonel Zebulon Butler leading on the right wing, opposed by Colonel John Butler, at the head of the British troops, painted to resemble Indians ; Colonel Denison was on the left, and opposed by Brandt and the Indians. In this position the parties engaged, and each supported its ground for some time with much firmness. At length the Americans on the right hand had the advantage of the fight, having forced the enemy's left wing to retire some distance. But on the left the battle soon wore a different as- pect. The Indians, having penetrated the swamp, were discovered attempting to get into their rear. Colonel Denison immediately gave orders for the left to fall back and meet them as they came out of the swamp. This order was misunderstood, and some of the men or officers cried out, "The colonel orders a retreat !" The left immediately gave way ; and, before they could be undeceived as to the object of the order, the line broke, and the Indians rushed on with hideous yells. Colonel Zebulon Butler, who had continued on horseback throughout the day, finding that the right wing was doing well, rode to- wards the left. When he got a little more than MASSACRE OF ^'YOMIXG. 93 half-waj down the line he discovered that his men were retreating, and that he was between the two fires, and near the advancing line of the enemy. The right had no notice of the retreat until the firing on the left had ceased and the yelling of the savages indicated their success. This wing, no longer able to maintain its ground, was forced to retreat, and the route soon became general. The officers were principally killed in their ineffectual attempts to rally the men. The defeat was total, and the loss in killed was variously estimated at from two to three hundred of the settlers. Of Captain Hewitt's company but fifteen escaped. The loss of the enemy was also considerable. Colonels Butler and Denison, although nmch exposed to the enemy's fire, escaped. Colonel Butler collected four or five men together in their flight, directed them to retain their arms, and when any of the Indians, who were scattered over the plain hunting for their victims, approached the little party, they fired upon them, and by this means they secured their retreat to Forty Fort. Many of the settlers, at the commence- ment of their flight, had thrown away their arms, that they might be better able to escape. But this was of no avail, for the Indians overtook and killed them with their tomahawks. The few that escaped assembled at Forty Fort ; but the inhaljitants were so nuicli disheartened by their defeat that they were ready to submit upon any terms that might be oflered. The enemy refused to treat with Colonel Butler, or to give quarter to any Continental officer or soldier. Indeed, it had been determined, if they were taken, to deliver them into the hands of 94 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. the Indians. Colonel Butler then left the valley and proceeded to a place on the Lehigh, called Gnadenhutten. On the 4th of July, Colonel Deni- son and Colonel John Butler entered into articles of capitulation for the surrender of the settlement. By these articles it was stipulated, among other things, that "the lives of the inhabitants should be pre- served," and that they should " occupy their farms peaceably;" that "the Continental stores should be given up ;" and that " the private property of the in- habitants should be preserved entire and unhurt." The enemy then marched into the fort ; but the con- ditions of the capitulation were entirely disregarded on their part. The Indians plundered the inhabitants indiscriminately, and stripped them even of such of their wearing-apparel as they chose to take. Com- plaint was made to Colonel John Butler, who turned his back upon them, saying he could not control the Indians, and walked out of the fort. The peojole, finding that they were left to the mercy of the tories and savages, fled from the valley, and made the best of their way, about fifty miles, through the wilder- ness, to the nearest settlement of their friends, leaving their property a prey to the enemy. All the houses on the northwest side of the Susquehanna were plundered and burned. They afterwards plun- dered and burned the town of Wilkesbarre. Ha,ving accomplished their hellish purpose of destruction and desolation, the main body of the enemy returned to Niagara, taking with them all the horses, cattle, and other property which they did not think proper to destroy. SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 95 ^ir^ DEATH OF PULASKI. SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. The summer of 1779 was occupied by the British in strenc;theninir themselves in Georgia and endeavoring to extend their conquests to the Caro- linas. General Lincoln attacked them unsuccessfully at Stono Ferry, and then retired to Sheldon, near Beaufort, while Prevost retreated to Savannah, (June, 1779.) The military aspect of things remained unal- tered here until September, when Count D'Estaing, who had been prevailed on by General Lincoln, and President Lowndes, of South Carolina, to aid in the Southern campaign, appeared off the coast and roused the whole country to action. After having victualled and repaired his fleet at Boston, he had sailed to the West Indies, where he 96 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. had taken St. Vincent and Grenada. About the beginning of the year he had retired to Cape Fran- 9ais, and he afterwards sailed for the American con- tinent. His fleet consisted of twenty sail-of-the- line, two fifty-gun ships, and eleven frigates. As soon as his arrival was known, Lincoln marched for Savannah. The British, to prepare for their defence, had nearly their whole army employed, day and night, in strengthening and extending their lines; while the American militia, sanguine in the hope of expelling the enemy from their Southern pos- sessions, joined the army with unusual alacrity. D'Estaing had demanded a surrender, and allowed a suspension of hostilities for twenty-four hours, during which interv^al Colonel Maitland, with about 800 men, from Beaufort, succeeded in joining the gar- rison. Prevost at length answered that he would defend the place to the last extremity. On the 4th of October, the batteries of the besiegers were opened, with nine mortars and fifty-two cannon. Finding that a long time would be required to take the place by regular approaches, it was determined to assault the town. In pursuance of this design, on the 9th of October, while two feints were made with the militia, a real attack was made on Spring Hill battery, just as daylight appeared, with two columns, consisting of 3500 French troops, 600 Con- tinentals, and 350 of the inhabitants of Charleston. The allies marched boldly to the assault; but a very heavy and well-directed fire from tlie battery threw their front columns into confusion. They still pressed forward to a redoubt, where the conflict became fierce and desperate. A French and an SIEGE OF SAVANNAH. 97 American standard were for a time on the parapet ; but the assailants, after sustaining the enemy's fire fifty-five minutes, were ordered to retreat. Of the French 537, and of the Continentals and militia 241, were killed or wounded. Among those who fell, none was more deeply lamented than the gallant Count Pulaski, a Polish officer in the American service. Immediately after this unsuccessful assault the militia almost universally went to their homes, and Count D'Estaing, re-embarking his troops and artillery, left the continent. While the siege of Savannah was pending, a remarkable enterprise was effected by Colonel John White, of Georgia. Previous to D'Estaing's arrival, about 100 tory regulars had taken post near the Ogeechee Kiver, twenty-five miles from Savannah. There were at the same place five British vessels, four of which were manned with forty sailors and armed with eighteen guns. Colonel White, with six volunteers, captured all this force. On the 30th of September, at eleven o'clock at night, he kindled a number of fires in different places, adopted the parade of a large encampment, practised a variety of other stratagems, and finally concluded his demon- strations by summoning the captain of the tories to surrender. The latter was so fully impressed with the opinion that nothing but instant compliance could save his men from being cut to pieces by a superior force that he made no defence. White managed his bold enterprise with such address that all the prisoners, amounting to 141, were secured, and conducted by their captors to the town of Sunbury, twenty-five miles distant. 7 98 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. GENERAL ■WAYNE. STORMING OF STONY POINT. Meantime, Washington was posted at West Point ; and while the British were sending parties of plun- derers into Connecticut and Virginia, under General Matthews and the infamous Governor Tryon, Wayne performed one of his most brilliant feats. Stony Point and Fort La Fayette, on opposite sides of the Hudson, some miles below the Ameri- can camp, afforded two posts which might prac- ticably be attacked. They had been taken from the Americans in the spring, when the works were incomplete, and Clinton had garrisoned them and put the fortifications in the best state of repair. After reconnoitring the works in person, Washing- ton determined to surprise them. The attempt was hazardous; for Stony Point is a commanding hill. STORMING OF STONY POINT. 99 projecting far into the Hudson, which washes three- fourths of its base. The remaining fourth is in a great measure covered by a deep marsh, commenc- ing near the river, on the upper side, and continuing till it joins it below the fort. The marsh was pas- sable only at one place ; but at its junction with the river there is a sandy beach, which may be crossed at ebb-tide. The fort stood on the summit of the hill, and was well provided with artillery. Several breastworks and strong batteries were raised in front of the principal fortification, and there were two rows of abattis half-way down the hill. The fort was garrisoned by about 600 men, under Lieutenant- Colonel Johnson ; and several ships-of-w^ar were stationed in the river, so as to command the foot of the hill. On the 15tli of July, 1779, General Wayne marched from Sandy Beach, fourteen miles distant from Stony Point, at the head of the detachment of troops, which were chiefly New Englanders. The road was mountainous, rugged, and difficult; the heat was intense, and it was eight in the evening before the van of the party reached Spring Heels, a mile and a half from the fort, where the detach- ment halted and formed, while General Wayne and some of his officers proceeded to take a view of the works. At half-past eleven, the party, in two co- lumns, advanced towards the garrison. One hundred and fifty volunteers, under Colonel Fleury, formed the van of the right, and 100 volunteers, under Major Stewart, composed the van of the left. Both advanced with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, and each was preceded by a forlorn hope of 20 men, 100 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. led by Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, to remove the obstructions and abattis, and to open a passage for the columns, which followed close in the rear. Having taken care to secure every person on the route who could give information of their approach, the columns reached the marsh undiscovered. In crossing it, unexpected difficulties occurred, and it was twenty minutes past twelve when the attack W t S T POINT. commenced, A tremendous discharge of musketry and grape-shot opened on the assailants ; but both columns rushed forward with fixed bayonets, and soon gained possession of the fort. This was a brilliant exploit, and the assailants gained more noble and permanent honors by their humanity than by their bravery; for, although the STORMING OF STONY POINT. 101 place was taken by storm, and the American troops "were greatly exasperated by the merciless ravages and devastations committed by the enemy on the coast of Connecticut, yet not one individual of the garrison suffered after resistance ceased. The garri- son lost 20 men killed in the conflict, and 74 wound- ed, including six officers. The Americans had 63 killed, two of whom were officers ; but the wounded did not exceed 40. Seventeen out of 20 of Lieu- tenant Gibbon's forlorn hope were either killed or wounded. The prisoners amounted to 543, includ- ing officers; and the military stores, ordnance, and standards, which fell into the hands of the victors, were considerable. Owing to the defenceless state of the works on the river-side, wliich would now be exposed to attacks from the British shipping in the river, it was estimated that it would require a garrison of 1500 men to defend the place; and General Wash- ington could not spare that number from his little army, which amounted in all to scarcely 9000 men. He therefore deemed it expedient to evacuate the place, after having, to a certain extent, demolished the works. Clinton soon after again took possession of Stony Point, ordered the fortifications to be repaired, and stationed a strong garrison in the fort ; but, fiiiling in his attempts to draw Washington from his strong position in the Highlands, he again sailed down the river to New York. 102 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. PAUL JONES. CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. The French ministry, to testify their good-will to the United States, had promised to furnish Paul Jones with a ship, in which, however, he was to display the American flag ; but, after various written memorials, no progress seemed to have been made towards the fulfilment of this engagement. At length he determined to apply in person, and, hav- ing gone to Paris, he soon obtained the command of the Due de Duras, of forty guns. The name, how- ever, he changed to Le Bon-Homme Richard, in com- pliment to the wise saying of Poor Richard : — " If you would have your business done, come yourself; if not, send." In this vessel, badly manned and not much better furnished, Paul Jones sailed as commo- dore of a little squadron, consisting, besides his own ship, of the Alliance, of thirty-six guns, the Pallas, of thirty-two, the Serf, of eighteen^ the Vengeance, of twelve, and two privateers, which requested leave to share the commodore's fortunes. After taking several prizes, the Serf, the privateers, and at length CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. 103 the Alliance, deserted the squadron. The commo- dore's good fortune, however, did not desert him. On the 15th of September, he was, with his own ship, the Pallas, the Vengeance, and several prizes, at the entrance into the Firth of Forth, where they made every necessary disposition to seize the guard- ship and two cutters that rode at anchor in the roads, and to lay Leith, and perhaps Edinburgh, under contribution. The wind, which was fair in the night, opposed them in the morning. However, on the 16th, the little squadron continued all day to work up the Firth. At this time a member of the British Parliament, observing them from the coast of Fife, and mistaking them for the king's ships, sent off a boat to inform the commodore that he was greatly afraid of Paul Jones, and to beg some powder and shot. Our hero, much amused with the message, sent him a barrel of gunpowder, with a civil answer to quiet his fears and an apology for not including shot in, the present. Next morning, at daybreak, every thing was in perfect readiness to commence the engagement, and two tacks more would have brought the strangers alongside their enemies, when, at that critical mo- ment, a sudden gale of wind swept down the Firth, raging with such violence as completely to over- power them, to sink one of the prizes and drive all the rest of the squadron fairly out to sea. By this failure the captains of the Pallas and Vengeance were so much disheartened that they could not be prevailed on to renew the attempt. Continuing their cruise, after various adventures, the squadron suddenly discovered the homeward- (Ifllly;' ;i^ii,'':!|f CAPTURE OF THE SERAPIS. 105 bound British Baltic fleet, off Scarborough Castle, escorted by the frigate Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough. After a long engagement, in Mdiich Paul Jones displayed the most astonishing skill, in- trepidity, and presence of mind, the Countess of Scar- borough struck to the Pallas, and the Serapis to the Bon-Homme Richard, which latter ship was reduced to so shattered a state that next morning, after all hands had left her, she went to the bottom. The Serapis was not in much better condition, the com- modore having, with his own hands, lashed the two ships together, to prevent the enemy from availing himself of his superiority in weight of metal. 106 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. conNT d'estaino. CAPTURE OF CHARLESTON. During the year 1780, the contest between Great Britain and her ancient colonies was carried on chiefly in the Southern States. As soon as Sir Henry Chnton ascertained that Count D'Estaing had left the American coast, he hastened to de- spatch an expedition against South Carolina, leav- ing the garrison at New York under the command of General Knyphausen. Early in February the troops landed within thirty miles of the capital. Go- vernor Rutledge, to whom the Assembly of South Carolina had recently given extraordinary powers, ordered the militia to rendezvous ; but the repulse at Savannah at the close of the preceding campaign had produced such a dispiriting effect that but few complied. The defences of Charleston consisted of CAPTURE OF CnARLESTON". 107 a chain of redoubts, lines, and batteries, extending from Asliley to Cooper River, on which were mounted upwards of eighty pieces of artillery ; and on all sides of the town, where a landing was practicable, bat- teries were erected and covered with artillery. General Lincoln, trusting to these defences, and expecting large reinforcements, remained in Charles- ton at the earnest request of the inhabitants, and, with the force under his command, resolved to de- fend the place. On the 21st of March the British fleet crossed the bar, and anchored in Five Fathom Hole. Commodore Whipple, who commanded the American vessels, finding it impracticable to prevent the enemy from passing over the bar, fell back to Fort Moultrie, and afterwards to Charleston. In a few days the town was invested by sea and land, and the British commanders summoned General Lincoln to surrender : the demand was, however, met by a firm refusal. The batteries of the first parallel were now opened upon the town, and soon made a visible impression ; and, to prevent the recep- tion of the reinforcements which General Lincoln expected, Sir Henry Clinton detached Lieutenant- Colonel Webster, with 1400 men, by the advanced guard of which detachment the American cavalry, with the militia attached to them, were surprised in the night of the 14th of April, and completely routed and dispersed. The British now extended themselves to the eastward of Cooper River; and about this time Sir Henry Clinton received a re- inforcement of 3000 men from New York. The garrison having no reasonable hope of effecting a re- treat, an offer was made of surrendering the town ; 108 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. but the proposed conditions were rejected by the British commanders. The besiegers in the mean time were daily advancing their works, and had now com- pleted their third parallel. The garrison of Fort Moultrie surrendered; and the broken remains of the American cavalry under Colonel White were again surprised by Colonel Tarleton, and the whole either killed, taken, or dispersed. Sir Henry Clin- ton, thus successful in every operation, renewed his former offers to the garrison in case of their sur- render ; but, the terms so far as they respected the citizens not being satisfactory, hostilities recom- menced. The batteries of the third parallel now opened on the town, and did great execution. Several houses were burned, numbers of the besieged were killed at their guns, and the British prepared to make a general assault by land and water. At length a great number of citizens of Charleston ad- dressed General Lincoln in a petition, requesting his acceptance of the terms which had been previously offered. A capitulation was consequently signed on the 12th of May, and the next day Major-General Leslie took possession of the town. The capital .having surrendered, measures were adopted to overawe the inhabitants of the country and induce them to return to their allegiance to the king. Garrisons were placed in different parts of the state ; and 2000 men were despatched towards North Carolina, to repel several parties of militia who were hastening to the relief of Charleston. BATTLE OF WAXHAWS. 109 BATTLE OF WAXHAAYS. The fiill of Charleston was a matter of much exul- tation to the British, and spread a deep gloom over the aspect of American affairs. The whole Southern army was lost, which, although small, could not soon be replaced. The number of tories had always been considerable in the South ; and, though they had been previously deterred from entering the field by the superior force of their opponents, yet the recent British successes roused all their lurking partialities, decided the wavering, and encouraged the timid. Clinton was well aware of the advantage he had gained, and immediately adopted measures to over- awe the inhabitants and induce them to return to their former allegiance, by the rapidity of his move- ments and the sudden appearance of his troops in different parts of the country. For this purpose he despatched a body of 2000 men towards North Caro- no BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. lina, to repel the small parties of militia who were hastening to the relief of Charleston. Tarleton, with 700 horse and foot, by marching one hundred and five miles in fifty-four hours, met and defeated Colonel Buford, at the Waxhaws. Buford was ad- vancing towards Charleston at the head of a body of 400 Continental infantry and a few horsemen. Tarleton easily defeated them by his superior forces, and the Americans were compelled to throw down their arms and implore quarter ; but, by Tarleton's orders, the work of butchery was continued and nearly all of the regiment were killed, or so badly wounded that they could not be removed from the field. This sanguinary proceeding spread dismay and indignation throughout the State, and the re- membrance of " Tarleton's quarters" imparted a similar character to future conflicts. TARLETON'S QDARTEE. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. Ill GENERA I. GATES. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. In the hope of relieving Charleston, Congress had ordered the Maryland and Delaware troops to march to South Carolina ; but they were delaj-ed so much that they did not reach the Head of Elk until April 16, when they marched directly towards South Carolina. The Baron De Kalb commanded this detachment ; but, as he was a foreigner, unac- quainted with the country and not accustomed to undisciplined troops. Congress thought it advisable to give the command of the Southern army to General Gates. It was hoped that his fame and his 112 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. presence as commander of the Southern army would animate the friends of independence. A council of war had advised De Kalb to file off from the direct road to Camden, through the well- cultivated settlements in the district of the Wax- haws; but when, on the 27th of July, Gates joined the army and took the command, he determined to go by the shortest road to the British encampments. This route led through a country of pine-barrens, sand-hills, and swamps, infested by a host of fugitive tories, whose poverty afforded no subsistence to the army and whose politics prevented any secret en- terprises. Soon after they began their march, they were joined by Colonel Porterfield, with 100 Virginia militia. The array soon felt the want of provisions ; and fatigue, fasting, and disappoint- ments as to supplies, exasperated them to a high degree. Starvation became a cant term among both officers and soldiers ; and the whole army subsisted on a few lean cattle found in the woods, and green corn and peaches, which unwholesome diet naturally produced dysenteries. The army at length reached Clermont, thirteen miles from Camden, on the loth of August. On the next day General Stephens joined them with' a large body of the Virginia militia, making the whole number of the army 3663, of which 900 were regu- lars and 70 cavalry. Cornwallis had now joined his army, which was concentrated at Camden. It had been somewhat reduced by sickness, and the whole number at Camden amounted to no more than 2000 men. Gates had issued a proclamation on entering the BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 113 State, inviting the patriotic citizens to join in at- tempting to rescue their State from its conquerors. Although this proclamation brought many into the field, the number did not equal Gates's expecta- tions. The whole country, however, appeared to be rising, and Cornwallis found that he must either re- treat to Charleston or risk a battle. He chose the latter; and, as his position in Camden was unfavor- able for repelling an attack, he moved out on the night of the loth, intending to assault the Ame- rican camp at Clermont. Gates had sent his sick, wounded, and baggage, to the Waxhaws, and was advancing to a more eligible situation about eight miles from Camden. The advance of both armies met in the night, and an engagement ensued. Some of Armand's cavalry, who led the American van, being wounded, fell back on others, who suddenly recoiled; by which movement the first Maryland resriment was broken and the whole line of the army thrown into confusion. This first impression struck deep, and dispirited the militia; but the Americans soon recovered their order, and both armies retained their positions during the night. In the morning a severe and general engagement took place. At the first onset General Stevens led forward his men within fifty paces of the enemy, who were also advancing, under Lieutenant-Colonel Webster. Stevens then cried out, " Now, my brave fellows, we have bayonets as well as they : we will charge them !" Cornwallis, who had mistaken Stevens's movement for a change of position, gave orders to Webster to begin the attack, and the British advanced with a loud shout. The courage 8 114 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. of the Virginia militia failed, and they immediately threw down their arms and fled with precipitation, communicating their panic to the greater part of the North Carolina militia. The Continentals, who formed the right wing of the army, stood their ground, and, notwithstanding the inequality of num- bers, behaved with great resolution. For some time BATTLE OP CAMDEN, AND DEATH OF BARON DE KALB. they had the advantage of the enemy, and were in possession of a number of prisoners ; but, owing to their want of cavalry and to the cowardly deser- tion of the militia, they were surrounded and over- powered by numbers. Tarleton charged them as they broke, and pursued them as far as Hanging Rock, twenty-two miles from the scene of action. BATTLE OF CAMDEN. 115 Two hundred and ninety American prisoners were carried into Camden, of which number 206 were Continentals, 82 North Carolina militia, and two Virginians. The Americans lost the whole of their artillery, eight field-pieces, and nearly all their bag- gage. Their loss in killed and wounded in the battle could not well be ascertained. That of the British was stated at 69 killed, 245 wounded, and 11 missing. The Baron De Kalb, while making a vigorous charge at the head of the regiment of inflintry, fell under eleven wounds. His aide-de-camp, Lieutenant- Colonel Du Buysson, received him in his arms, and endeavored to save him from the fury of the foe by announcing his name and nation. He was wounded wdiile attempting to shield his friend ; but a British officer, coming up, ordered every attention to be paid to the unfortunate De Kalb. He was a German by birth, and had formerly been long in the French service. He was second in command in this action, and gave new proofs of his bravery and experience. When he made his last charge, he was still ignorant of the flight of the left wing and centre, as the fogginess of the morning prevented him from seeing what was passing ; and, when wounded and taken, he would scarcely believe that Gates was defeated. He expired in a few hours, spending his last breath in dictating a letter expressing the warmest afiection for the officers and men of his division and the most exalted admiration of their courage and good conduct. 116 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. COLONEL SHELBY. BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. A SPIRIT of enterprise beginning to revive among the American militia about this time, (Oct. 7, 1780,) prompted Colonel Clark to make an attempt on the British post at Augusta, in Georgia ; but in this he failed, and was obliged to retreat. Major Ferguson, with the hope of intercepting his party, kept near the mountains, and at a considerable distance from support. These circumstances, together with the BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. 117 depredations of the loyalists, induced those hardy republicans who reside on the west side of the Alle- ghany Mountains to form an enterprise for reducing that distinguished partisan. This was done of their own motion, without any direction from the govern- ment of America or from the officers of the Con- tinental army. There was, without any apparent design, a power- ful combination of several detached commanders of the adjacent States, with their respective commands of militia. Colonel Campbell, of Virginia, Colonels Cleveland, Shelby, Sevier, and McDowel, of North Carolina, together with Colonels Lacey, Hawthorn, and Hill, of South Carolina, all rendezvoused to- gether, with a number of men amounting to 1600 ; though they were under no general command, and though they were not called upon to embody by any common authority, or indeed by any authority at all, but that of a general impulse of their own minds. They had so little of the mechanism of a regular army, that the colonels, by common consent, com- manded each day alternately. The hardships these volunteers underwent were very great. Some of them subsisted, for weeks together, without tasting bread or salt or spirituous liquors, and slept in the woods without blankets. The running stream quenched their thirst. At night the earth afforded them a bed, and the heavens, or, at most, the limbs of trees, were their only covering. Ears of corn or pumpkins thrown into the fire, with occasional sup- plies of beef or venison, killed and roasted in the woods, were the chief articles of their provisions. They had neither commissaries, quarter-masters, nor 118 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. stores of any kind. They selected about 1000 of their best men and mounted them on their fleetest horses. These attacked Major Ferguson (7th Octo- ber) on the top of King's Mountain, near the con- fines of North and South Carolina. The Americans formed three parties. Colonel Lacey, of South Caro- lina, led one, which attacked on the west. The two others were commanded by Colonels Campbell and Cleveland, — one of which attacked on the east, and the other in the centre. On this occasion, Colonel Cleveland addressed his party in the following plain, unvarnished language : — ''My brave fellows! — We have beat the tories, 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 independence of their country. When engaged, you are not to wait for the word of command from me. I will show you by my example how to fight. I can undertake no more. Every man must consider himself as an officer, and act from his own judgment. Fire as quick as you can, and stand 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 be 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 be afraid, such have leave to retire ; and they are requested immediately to take them- selves off." Ferguson, with great boldness, attacked the assail- ants with fixed bayonets, and compelled them suc- cessively to retire ; but they only fell back a little 120 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. way, and, getting behind trees and rocks, renewed their fire in almost ever}^ direction. The British, being uncovered, were aimed at by the American marksmen, and many of them were slain. An un- usual number of the killed were found shot in the head. Eiflemen took off riflemen with such exact- ness that they killed each other when taking sight, so effectually that their eyes remained, after they were dead, one shut and the other open, in the usual manner of marksmen when levelling at their object. Major Ferguson displayed as much bravery as was possible in his situation; but his encamp- ment on the top of the mountain was not well chosen, as it gave the Americans an opportunity of covering themselves in their approaches. Had he pursued his march, on charging and driving the first part of the militia which gave way, he might have got off with the most of his men ; but his un- conquerable spirit disdained either to flee or to sur- render. After a severe conflict, he received a mortal wound. No chance of escape being left, and all prospect of successful resistance being at an end, the contest was ended by the submission of the survivors. Upwards of 800 became prisoners, and 225 were killed and wounded. Very few of the assailants fell ; but in their number was Colonel Williams, a distinguished militia officer in Ninety- Six district, who had been very active in opposing the re-establishment of British government. Ten of the royal militia who had surrendered were hanged by their conquerors, in retaliation for similar acts of the tories. BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 121 GENERAL PICKENi BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. Iisr January, 1781, Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton was sent by Cornwallis in pursuit of General Mor- gan, who desired rather to avoid an engagement for the moment, but at last determined to await his approach and give him battle. On the morning of the 17th he was apprised of the proximity of Tarleton, and made preparations to receive him. Morgan was posted at the Cowpens, near the boundary-line of the Carolinas. He threw out an advanced guard under Colonel Cunningham and Major McDowell, 122 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. who were directed, upon the approach of the enemy, to skirmish, and fall back upon the first line, which was formed of militia under command of Gene- ral Pickens. The second line, stationed at a distance of two hundred yards in the rear of the first, con- sisted of the Continentals and Captains Triplet's and Taite's companies of Virginia militia, together with Captain Beattie's Georgians, the whole under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Howard. The cavalry, under Lieu- tenant-Colonel Washington, formed the reserve. Previous to the engagement, Morgan addressed his men, and, in order that no confusion might be oc- casioned by the breaking of the militia should they be overcome by the superior force and discipline of the enemy, he directed their officers, in case they were compelled to retire, inmiediately to form upon the flank of the second line. Tarleton's advanced guard consisted of a legion of infantry, together with three companies of light infantry; the centre of the first battalion of the 71st, the entire 7th regiment, and the field-pieces; and the rear of inflmtry and cavalry. After passing Thickell Creek, he ordered a portion of his cavalry to the advance, when, com- ing up with the American light troops, the latter skirmished and gave way. Tarleton formed his line of battle of three bodies of infantry, separated by the field-pieces, — each flank supported by cavalry. One hundred and fifty yards in the rear of the left flank was jDlaced the reserve of one battalion of infantry and 200 dragoons. His force advanced until they came up with Pickens's line, which delivered its fire with deadly effect when they were within fifty yards. This held them in BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 123 check for a short time ; but they began again to ad- vance, and forced the militia to give way. The latter, however, were rallied, and formed on the right and left of Howard's position. The enemy still con- tinued to push up, and were received in a most gal- lant manner by Howard, who stood perfectly firm, BATTLE OF THE COW PEN 8. and a terrible contest ensued. Tarleton was here obliged to bring up his reserve, the presence of which gave new spirits to his troops. Howard, in giving an order for the protection of his right flank, was misunderstood ; and confusion was thus caused, when the line commenced breaking. Washington, on the left, after the giving way of the first line, gallantly charged the enemy's cavalry, wdio were coming down upon them, and was of the great- 124 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. est assistance in protecting Pickens while his com- mand was rallied. As Howard's line was falling back, that officer received a message from Washing- ton, desiring him to fire and he would at the same moment charge. Morgan now gave the word of command, when the troops faced about, fired, charged, and the enemy was overcome in front. Washington w^as still engaged on the left with the artillery and a portion of the cavalry opposed to him. Howard's right was now menaced by the 71st, and a portion of the cavalry advanced to the support of that regiment. Morgan sent one company to the support of Washington, and ordered the right bat- talion to fall upon the 71st, while three companies held secure the prisoners who had already been taken. These dispositions had the desired effect, and, after severe fighting, the entire British army was over- come, and Tarleton left the field, carrying with him a few dragoons, and was for some distance pursued by Washington. Towards the close of the engage- ment, Washington, while charging, wellnigh lost his life. Being far in advance of his command, and before he was aware of his dangerous position, he was surrounded by a number of the enemy, and, but for the timely intervention of some of his men, must have been killed. The loss of the British in this battle may be stated as follows : — killed, 60 ; wounded, 124; prisoners, 600: besides which, there fell into the hands of Morgan one hundred dragoon- horses, two four-pounder field-pieces, eight hundred muskets, thirty-five baggage-wagons, and two stand of colors. On the other hand, our army lost 11 10 BATTLE OF THE COWPENS. 125 killed and 61 wounded. Thus, in fifty minutes, did 800 soldiers, many of them raw, overcome 1000 thoroughly-disciplined British troops, permitting but a handful to escape. It may be readily supposed that so complete a vic- tory had a great effect on the spirits of the army. Congress passed resolutions highly complimentary to the ofiicers engaged, and voted medals to Morgan, Howard, and Washington, with swords to Pickens and Triplet. General Washington issued an '*' order" to the army in which he accorded great praise to the victors. 126 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. COLONEL LEE. BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. Almost immediately after the battle of the Cow- pens, General Morgan effected a junction with Gene- ral Greene, then in command of the Southern De- partment, and who deemed it necessary for the time to avoid an action with Cornwallis. Requiring a corps of light troops to act as a covering-party during his retreat and to hang about and harass the enemy in his movements. General Greene selected for this purpose the troops under Lieutenant-Colonels Howard, Washington, and Lee, and the command of this body was given to Colonel 0. H. Williams, of Maryland. Its duties, which were of the most arduous nature, were performed in a gallant manner; and on the 15th of February the army had posted itself upon BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 127 the opposite side of the river Dan. Here General Greene remained until he received reinforcements and completed his arrangements, when he recrossed the Dan and took up the line of march for Guilford Court-House, South Carolina, where he arrived on the loth of March. The enemy being now close at hand, Lieutenant- Colonel Lee was thrown forward to feel his move- ments, when he engaged a detachment and secured a few prisoners; but upon advancing farther he found them in too great numbers, and was obliged to retire. Greene made disjDOsition of his troops in the fol- lowing order. The first line was composed of North Carolina mihtia, the right under General Eaton and the left under General Butler, with two pieces of artillery under Captain Singleton. The right flanii was sujDported by Kirkwood's Delawareans, Lynch's riflemen, and the cavalry, all under Lieutenant-Colo- nel Washington ; the left, in like manner, by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Campbell's riflemen and the infantry of the legion, all under Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. The second line, which was formed three hundred 3\ards in the rear of the first, consisted of two brigades of Virginia militia, the right under General Lawson and the left under General Stevens. The third, four hundred yards in reserve, was formed upon the brow of the hill near the court-house. The right of this line was composed of Hawes's and Green's Virginia regiments, under General linger, — the left of the 1st and 2d Maryland regiments, the former under Gunby, the latter under Ford; — the whole commanded by Colonel Williams. In the centre 128 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. of the last line was placed the remainder of the artillery. Captain Singleton commenced his fire, which was returned by the enemy, who had formed their line of battle, — the right wing under General Leslie and the left under Lieutenant-Colonel Webster, with the artillery in the centre under Lieutenant McLeod. The first battalion of the guards, under Lieutenant- Colonel Norton, served as a support for the right; and the second, with one company of grenadiers, under General O'Hara, for the left wing. Tarleton's dra- goons were held in reserve. The British commander, having made all his dispositions, advanced, fired one round, and charged bayonets. Our militia, having given a few shots while the enemy was at a distance, were seized by a panic when they saw him coming down upon them. Many of them threw away their muskets; and the entreaties of Butler, Eaton, and Davie, with the threats of Lee, were of no avail. Almost the entire body fled. The artillery now retired to the left of the Marylanders. At this crisis the enemy considered victory as already within his grasp, and continued to push on, when he was attacked on his right and left by Lee and Wash- ington. Cornwallis, perceiving this, threw one regi- ment out to engage Lee, and one regiment, together with his light infantry and yagers, to resist Washing- ton, filling up the breach thus created by advancing the grenadiers with two battalions of tlie guards, which had formed the supports to the flanks. Lee and Washington fell back in good order, delivering their fire until they came up with the second line, which gave battle in good earnest. The right flank was BATTLE OF GUILFORD COURT-HOUSE. 129 supported by Washington, who ordered Lynch's riflemen to fiiU upon the left of Webster, who had to be supported by O'Hara. Here Webster ordered the 33d regiment to attack Lynch, and was thereby in a measure relieved. O'Hara charged the Virginia right wing, which was obliged to yield ground. Lee, on the left, nobly did his duty, and firmly held his position. When the militia on the right gave way, those on the left fell back, and were not rallied until they came up on the left of the third line. Campbell's riflemen and Lee's legion stood perfectly firm, and continued the contest against one regiment, one battalion, and a body of infantry and riflemen. The American reserve, with the artillery, posted in a most favorable position, was fresh and ready for the word of command. Webster, having overcome the Americans of the second line in his front, advanced upon the third, and was received by Gunby's Marjdand regiment with a most galling fire, which made his troops falter. Gunby advanced, charging bayonets, when the enemy was completely routed. Leslie, after the left of the Virginia militia gave wa}^, advanced to the support of O'Hara, who had forced the American right wing ; and the combined commands of these generals charged the 2d Maryland regiment of the third line. This regiment, panic- stricken, fled. Gunby, coming up at the time, Iield the enemy in check, and a deadly conflict ensued. Gunby having his horse shot under him, Lieutei.ant- Colonel Howard assumed the command. Washing- ton, seeing how hot was the battle at this point, pushed forward and charged the enemy; and, 9 130 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Howard advancing with his bayonets levelled, the British were completely routed. The pursuit was continued for some distance, when Cornwallis came up and determined to gain the victory at any cost. He opened the fire of his artillery alike on friend and foe, causing an indis- criminate slaughter of British and Americans. The British were rallied at all points ; and Greene, considering it better to preserve the advantages he had gained, withdrew his forces. This was done in good order, and Cornwallis continued the pursuit but a short distance. The loss of the Americans was about 400 in killed and wounded; that of the British, about 800. The enemy retained the field, but his victory was both empty and disastrous. In our own day the same measures as those taken by Cornwalhs for the recovery of the lost field of Guilford have been pursued by the Russians in the defence of Sebastopol. The following extract from a description of the battle of Balaklava, October 25, 1854, will illustrate our remark : — " When there took place an act of atrocity, without parallel in the modern warfare of civilized nations They [the Russians] saw their own cavalry mingled with the troopers who had just ridden over them; and, to the eternal disgrace of the Russian name, the miscreants poured a murderous volley of grape and canister on the mass of struggling men and horses, mingling friend and foe in one common ruin."* * ''The War, from the Landing at Gallipoli to the Death of Lord Raglan.'^ By W. H. Russell, London, 1855. (P. 232.) BATTLE OF IIOBKIRK S HILL. 131 GENERAL GREENE. BATTLE OF HOBKIRK'S HILL. On the morning of the 25th of April, 1781, Gene- ral Greene, being then in the neighborhood of Cam- den, South Carolina, received information that the British of the command of Lord Rawdon were ad- vancino;. His line of battle was soon formed on Hobkirk's Hill, in the following manner. The right, under General Huger, was composed of Hawes's and Campbell's Virginians ; the left, under Colonel Wil- liams, consisted of Gunby's and Ford's Marylanders, with two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Harrison, in the centre. The reserve was formed of 250 North 132 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Carolina militia, under Colonel Eeid, together with Lieutenant-Colonel Washington's cavalry. Kirk- wood's gallant Delawareans, who had been stationed in front, together with Captain Smith's company, skirmished with the enemy for some time, and then fell back in good order as they approached. Raw- don advanced in one narrow line, formed in the fol- lowing manner. On the right was placed the 63d regiment, in the centre a body of volunteers, and on the left a corps called the King's American regi- ment. The Irish volunteers supported the right and Colonel Robinson the left flank. The British line was scarcely more than one-half the width of the American, and at once General Greene made dispositions to outflank it. For this purpose he ordered Campbell to advance on the right, while Ford made a similar movement on the left, Hawes and Gunby to charge bayonets in the centre, and Washington to fall upon the rear. All seemed to promise well ; when Ford, gallantly pushing forward, received a mortal wound, by which some disorder was created ; but on they pressed. Bat, almost im- mediately after, Gunby's regiment recoiled and fell back; whereby Ford's men were unsupported, and gave way in like manner. Campbell's regiment, engaged on the right, stood firm for some time, and at last began to falter, — was rallied, but again re- treated. Hawes's Virginia regiment was now the only one to stand ; and this body Greene headed in person. But all his efforts to regain the battle were useless : the enemy passed on, and nothing could hold him in check. During all of this time Washington had been BATTLE OF HOBKIRK'S HILL. 133 actively emplo3'ed. After" receiving orders to ad- vance, he charged and turned the enemy's left flank, and then pushed on, that he might fall upon his rear. He had now secured many prisoners, when he found that the main body of the army was in confusion, and, coming up in time, he saved the artillery by charging the enemy, who were just about capturing it, and brought it off' the field. He also served as a protection to the retreating army while Greene drew off his forces. The Americans were halted at a distance of two miles from the field of battle, where Washington retraced his steps in order to gain information relative to the position of the enemy. He succeeded in drawing Major Coffin, the commander of the British cavalry, into ambush, and, charging upon his squadron, it fled before him, losing very heavily in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The day following, the American general fell back to Rigley's Mills, — five miles. General Greene's loss in the battle of Hobkirk's Hill amounted to 268, and that of the enemy to 258. Lord Rawdon, finding that his position had become somewhat critical by the commands of Marion and Sumter being comparatively disen- gaged, from the fact of the garrisons of Orangeburg, Fort Motte, and Fort Watson, having given way, determined to evacuate Camden, which he did on the 10th day of May, after destroying a considerable amount of baggage and setting fire to many of the buildings of the town. 134 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. BATTLE OF EUTAW SPRINGS. At an early hour in the morning of the 8th of September, 1781, General Greene advanced upon Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, who was posted in a strong position on the left bank of Eutaw Creek, near the springs of that name, in South Carolina, with a British force amounting to 2300 men. Pre- paratory to moving, Greene drew up his men in two lines, in the following manner: — The first was formed of North Carolina militia, under Colonel Malmedy, in the centre, with the 4th Carolina militia on the right and left. Of this line the right was com- manded by General Marion and the left by General Pickens. The second was composed of Continentals ; the Virginia line, under Colonel Campbell, in the centre, with that of North Carolina, under Lieuten- I'l;,h // BATTLE OF EQTATT SPRINGS. 135 • E R A 1 E A X X. CAPTURE OF DERNE. While these operations were in progress on the sea, General Eaton had made a successful campaign on the land, and, at the time the treaty was signed, actually threatened to drive the reigning bashaw from the throne. Upon his return to the Mediter- ranean he learned that Hamet Bashaw, the exile, was at Alexandria, protected by an Egyptian bey. After spending some time in the Mediterranean, he sailed in the United States brig Argus, Captain Hull, for Alexandria, where he arrived on the 25 th of 174 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. November, 1804. On the last day of November he sailed for Eosetta, from Alexandria, where he arrived on the following day. On the 7th of December he reached Cairo, and, in several conferences with the viceroy, that functionary was prevailed upon to grant a letter of amnesty, and permission to pass the Turkish army, which was besieging the Mame- lukes, whom the exiled bashaw had joined in the village of Minuet, in Upper Egypt. Despatches were sent to Hamet Bashaw, and Eaton busied him- self in the mean time with looking for exiles from Tripoli who would be inclined to join the expedition. From one of them he learned that Joseph Bashaw had circulated the report that his brother had been assassinated. After much difficulty in meeting the bashaw, General Eaton prepared to march from Alexandria to Derne, across the Libyan Desert, with 500 men, 100 of whom were Christians, recruited in Egypt. Leaving Alexandria on the 3d of March, this little army travelled through the desert to Bomba, where it arrived on the 15th of April. During the march, the Arab chiefs who had sided with Hamet Bashaw, and who were but little better than bands of robbers, frequently deserted from the main body on account of the refusal of General Eaton to satisfy their exorbitant demands for money over their stipu- lated reward. They generally, however, returned to the encampment within a day or two, hoping perhaps to make up the loss they sustained from General Eaton's firmness by the spoils they expected from their enemies. For fifteen days previously to their arrival at Bomba, they had been destitute of CAPTURE OF DERNE. 1<0 bread, subsisting upon rice collected in the line of march. On the 22d the Argus and Hornet ap- peared in sight, saw and answered the signals of Eaton, and supplied his army with bread and other provisions. Upon receipt of these, the Arab sheiks found no difficulty in moving forward ; and on the 25th of March the army took post on an eminence in the rear of Derne. Several chiefs came out of the town to Hamet Bashaw to convince him of their fealty; and from them they learned that of three factions in the town, one, well armed and in poses- sion of a strong fortification, was in the interest of Hamet. On the 26th, terms of amity were offered the Governor of Derne, by a letter from Eaton, which he simply answered by the words, "My head, or yours." On the morning of the 27th the battle was com- menced by the Tripolitans firing upon the Argus, Hornet, and Nautilus, which had stood in to second the attack. The Hornet and Nautilus stationed themselves so as to fire upon the batteries, while the Argus advanced until she was able to throw her twenty-four-pound shot into the town. In a little while the batteries were silenced, the Tripolitan cannoneers leaving their guns to join their country- men in the attack upon the American part of Hamet's troops. One field-piece only was here worked by the Christians against a battery of the barbarians. This was disabled by the rammer be- ing shot away; and the enemy were manifestly gain- ing the advantage, when Eaton resolved to charge with the 50 men under his command. Though the Tripolitans numbered seven to one of their oppo- 176 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. nents, they fled, and their battery was soon sur- mounted by the American flag and turned against its Late possessors. In this charge Eaton was wounded in the wrist, but Lieutenant O'Bannon gallantly led on the troops. This success was soon followed by the capture of the bey's palace, and the town was in possession of the Americans. The bey took refuge in a Mo- hammedan sanctuary; he, however, managed to escape to the Turkish force which had marched from Tripoli to the relief of Derne, and which was but fourteen hours' march from that town when the Americans fortunately gained possession of it. This army numbered about 1000 men, exclusive of the fu-itives from Derne, and a battle took place be- tween it and Hamet's army on the loth of May. They commenced the action by an attack on about 100 of Ilamet's cavalry, who warmly disputed the ground but were compelled to give way to superior numbers. The enemy succeeded in forcing their way to the bey's palace, when a fire was opened upon them from the batteries, and they retreated. Hamet's forces now came forward and annoyed them, and they also suffered much from the fire of the shipping, to which they became exposed. The enemy lost about 85 in killed and wounded, and the bashaw 12. Several of the Arab chiefs in the enemy's camp were much dissatisfied, and two of them deserted to the army of Hamet Bashaw. From this time until the 10th of June the enemy lay en- camped within sight of Derne, frequently making feints of attack and skirmishing with the bashaw's troops. On that day the enemy attempted to drive CAPTURE OF DERNE. 177 a party of Hamet's cavalry from a j^ass they occu- pied in the heights near Derne, and, upon resistance, reinforcements were successively added to both sides. In the end the exiled sovereign gained a decisive victory without any other aid than his own troops afforded. The battle was fought in the Barbary fashion, the Americans and Europeans being but little more than spectators of the fight. The enemy lost about 50 killed and 70 wounded. Hamet had about 60 killed and wounded in all ; and, had his men been provided with bayonets, the cavalry of his brother's army would have been severely handled. 12 378 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. GEN. W. H. HARRISON. BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. In the autumn of 1811, the murders and other outrages committed by the savages determmed the government to adopt measures for the protection of the exposed citizens against further molestation. A small force of regulars and militia was assembled at Vincennes, and placed under the command of William Henrj Harrison, Esq., Governor of the In- diana Territory, with instructions to march to the Prophet's town and demand a restoration of the pro- perty carried off by his partisans. He was author- ized also to obtain redress by coercive measures, if necessary. BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 179 On the 6 th of November Governor Harrison ar- rived before the town. Messengers from the Pro- phet were sent out to meet him ; and, after an in- terview, in which it was mutually agreed that no hostilities should take place before the next morning, when amicable conferences were to be held, the army proceeded to a creek northwest of the village and bivouacked on a bank of dry oak land, consider- ably elevated, and situated between two prairies. The infantry, in two columns, occupied the front and rear, separated on the left one hundred and eighty yards, and on the right about half that dis- tance. The left flank was covered by two companies of mounted riflemen, containing 150 rank-and-file, commanded by Major-General Wells, of Kentucky, and the right flank by Spencer's troop of mounted riflemen, to the number of 80. The front line was composed of one battalion of the 4th regiment of the United States infantry, under the command of Ma- jor Floyd, flanked on the right by two companies of militia and on the left by one. The rear line was formed of another battalion of the 4th United States infantry, under Captain Baen, acting major, flanked by four companies of militia, under Lieutenant- Colonel Decker. Two troops of dragoons, GO strong, took post in the rear of the left flank, and another, somewhat stronger, in the rear of the front line. To guard against a night attack, the order of encamp- ment was appointed the order of battle ; and each man rested upon his arms. One flank was protected by two captain's guards, each of 4 non-commissioned officers and 42 privates; and the other by two subaltern's guards, each of 20 180 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. non-commissioned officers and privates. Just before reveille on the morning of the 7th of November, 1811, an attack commenced on the left flank, and the pickets were driven in. The first notice of the approach of the enemy was the usual yells of the savages, within a short distance of the line. They had violated the armistice agreed upon to subsist until the ensuing day; which, it would seem, they had proposed with a view to gain an opportunity of surprising their adversaries in their usual manner. Nothing but the precaution of encamping in order of battle, and the deliberate firmness of the officers in counteracting the effects of a surprise, saved the army from total defeat. The storm first fell upon Captain Barton's regulars and Captain Geiger's mounted riflemen, forming the left angle on the rear line. Some Indians forced themselves through the line and penetrated into the encampment, where they were killed. The companies thus suddenly and severely attacked were reinforced with all pos- sible speed. A heavy fire then opened to the left of the front, immediately on the regular companies of Captains Baen, Snelling, and Prescot. A gallant charge by the cavalry, from the rear of the front line, under Major Davies, was ordered for the pur- pose of breaking the Indians, who appeared in great force among some trees a few yards distant in front. The major received a mortal wound, and his men were driven back by superior numbers of the enemy. Captain Snelling's company then charged with fixed bayonets, and the enemy were dislodged. The enemy's fire now extended along the left flank, the whole of the front, the right flank, and part of the BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 181 rear line. Upon Spencer's mounted riflemen and the right of Warwick's company it was excessively heavy. Captain Spencer and his first and second lieutenants were killed ; and Captain Warwick fell, mortally wounded. The troops, notwithstanding the fall of their officers, bravely maintained their posts until reinforced. Day approached ; when Ma- jor Wells, reconnoitring the position of the enemy BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. on the left, charged and broke them. At this favor- ing moment, a small detachment from the cavalry dashed furiously upon the retreating Indians and precipitated them into the marsh. Simultaneously with these successful efforts on the left, the enemy were charged on the right by the companies of Cap- tain Cook and Lieutenant Larabie, supported by the 182 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. mounted riflemen, who pursued and killed a num- ber of Indians in their flight. Driven now at all points, and pursued as far as the ground would per- mit, the Indians dispersed in every direction. They were handled so severely in the end that they were compelled to abandon many of their killed and wounded on the field, which is, with them, evidence of positive defeat. Forty Indians were found dead on the field. Numbers were carried off", some of whom were found the next day in holes contain- ing two, three, and four bodies, covered to conceal them from the victorious army. The general esti- mated their loss, in killed and wounded, at 150. THE WAR OF 1812. ' 183 EACBARY TATLOB. COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR OF 1812 —DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. Many causes of mutual hostility between the United States and Great Britain had existed since the Revolution ; but these did not lead to actual hostilities until the 18th of June, 1812, when war was declared by the United States. The chief reasons of war with Britain, as stated in the President's message, were : — Impressment of American seamen, British cruisers violating the peace of our coasts, pretended blockades of the enemy's coast without an adequate force, and the orders in council whereby our commerce with her enemies was entirely prohibited and a vast amount of property captured while on its way to their ports. 184 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. The war on land was at first disadvantageous to tlie United States. Michilimakinac, with the ter- ritory of Michigan, fell into the hands of the Bri- tish. General Hull, who invaded Canada, August 1, 1812, was captured, with his whole army; and the territory on our northwestern frontier was thus laid open to the attacks of the enemy, aided by hostile Indians. Previous to Hull's surrender, which took place on the IGth of August, 1812, there had been an action at Brownstown, twenty-six miles below Detroit, between Major Vanhorne with 200 Ohio volunteers, and an ambuscade of Indians, in which our loss was 17 killed and 8 wounded, (August 4.) Another action took place, August 9, at Maguago, fourteen miles below Detroit, in which Colonel Miller, with 600 militia, defeated 700 British and Indians, under Major Muir and Tecumseh. Our loss was 18 killed and 64 wounded; their loss was 15 regulars killed and 40 Indians found dead on the field. Near Chicago, August 15, Captain Heald, with 54 regulars and 12 militia, encountered between 400 and 500 Indians, and, after a severe contest, was defeated with the loss of 39 men, with two women and 12 children who were with the party. Captain Taylor in defending Fort Harrison met with better success. This post, which was situated on the river Wabash, in the Indian Territory, was garrisoned by about 50 men, one-third of whom were sick, under Captain Zachary Taylor, of the regular army. On the evening of the 3d of September, 1812, two young men were shot and scalped in the vicinity of the fort ; and on the succeeding night the attack was commenced by the conflagration of a block- DEFENCE OF FORT HARRISON. 185 house, in which the provisions were contained ; and, at the same time, a brisk fire was opened by a large body of the Indians who had lain in am- bush. The fire was returned with great spirit by the garrison ; and, as the destruction of the block- house had caused an opening in his line of defence. Captain Taylor, with great presence of mind, pulled down a cabin, and with its materials constructed DEFENCE OP FORT HARRISON. a breastwork across- the aperture. The situation of this small but gallant party became, however, very critical, as the attempts of the enemy to enter by the breach produced by the fire were of a most desperate nature. Two of the garrison, preferring the risk of capture by the enemy to the prospect of massacre in the fort, endeavored to make their escape. One of them was immediately killed ; the 186 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. other returned to the walls, and remained concealed until morning. The enemy, finding their attempts to gain possession ineffectual, retreated about day- light, but remained in the vicinity of the fort for several days. Their loss was supposed to have been considerable; that of the garrison was only three killed and three wounded; but the destruc- tion of the block-house was a serious disadvantage, as it contained the whole of the provisions. For his gallant conduct on this occasion Captain Taylor was shortly after brevetted a major. BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 187 BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT NIAGARA, AND QUEENSTOWN. In the beginning of October, 1812, there were as- sembled at Black Rock and Buffalo 1300 newly- enlisted recruits, under General Smyth, 500 militia at the same place, 2900 militia near Lewistown, six companies of field and light artillery, amounting to 300 men, and 800 infantry, at Fort Niagara, mak- ing an aggregate of 5800, and composing what Gene- ral Smyth in his proclamations denominates the army of the centre, extending the length of the Niagara frontier. The whole of this force was un- der the command of Major-General Van Rensselaer, of the Albany militia. On the opposite side of the river was General Brock, with a force at Fort George, and other posts extending to and including 188 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Fort Erie, of 2400 men, consisting of the veterans of the 41st and 49th regiments and Canadian flank- companies, and 400 Indians. On the 8th of October, two British armed brigs, the Detroit and Caledonia, came down the lake from Maiden and anchored under the guns of Fort Erie. Lieutenant Elliott, of the navy, had then just ar- rived at Black Rock, with 50 seamen, to superin- tend the naval operations in that quarter. On the evening of the 9th, with his seamen and a detach- ment of 50 volunteers from General Smyth's brigade, he passed over from Black Rock, boarded and took the brigs. But, the wind not favoring, they drifted down the current and grounded. The Detroit, which Avas formerly the American brig Adams and sur- rendered by Hull at Detroit, after being divested of most of her military stores, was abandoned and burned. The Caledonia, being near enough to be protected by the guns at Black Rock, was saved ; she was laden with furs to the value of $150,000. This brilliant achievement was effected with the loss of only two killed and four wounded. The general tenor of the Congressional debates and the joublications and the conversation of the day had induced a settled belief that the Canadas would be a certain, easy, and almost a bloodless, conquest ; that, upon the appearance of a respectable force at any point on the frontier, the Canadians in great numbers would flock to the American standard and assist in the object. Impressed with these ideas, the militia and volunteers, who had come out but for a short period, were impatient to make a descent on Canada. They insisted on being permitted to attack BATTLES OF OGDENSBUEG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 189 and drive the British from the Niagara peninsula and then to return to their homes ; and many threatened to leave the camp unless led to immediate action. The success of Lieutenant Elliott had induced them to believe that the conquest was an easy one, and that they had only to show themselves to the enemy in order to conquer them. In compliance with their wishes, General Van Rensselaer decided on making the attempt. The principal British force was at Fort George ; but they had made an establishment and erected batteries on the heights above Queens- town : against these batteries the efibrts of the American troops were to be first directed. Batteries were erected on the American shore to protect the passage and landing of the troops. The regular forces, under Colonel Fenwick and Major Mallary, were ordered up to Lewistown ; and thirteen boats, being all that could be procured at the time, were provided for crossing. The van of the troops destined for the attack consisted of militia, under the command of Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, aid to the general, a part of the loth infantry, under Colonel Christie, a detachment of the Cth and 9th, under Major Mal- lary, — the whole amounting to 400 men. At three o'clock on the morning of the 13th they proceeded from the camp at Lewistown to the place of embark- ation. Colonel Van Rensselaer, to whom the chief command of the expedition was intrusted, with 100 men, crossed over and effected a landing. A grape- shot, from a battery below Queenstown which en- filaded the passage, wounded Colonel Christie in the hand ; his pilot became confused, his boatmen frightened, and he was obliged to return. The boats 190 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. with Major Mallary were carried by the violence of the current below the landing-place; two of theni were taken, and the others returned. In ascending the bank, Colonel Van Rensselaer received four wounds. Captains Armstrong, Wool, and Malcolm, were also wounded; and Lieutenant Valleau and Ensign Morris killed. A party of British troops. BATTLE OF QUEENSTOWN. having issued from an old fort below Queenstown, were fired upon by the Americans and comj)elled to retreat. The firing from the batteries on the heights soon obliged the Americans to take shelter under the bank. To Colonel Van Rensselaer, who lay on the bank severely wounded, application was made for orders. He directed the batteries to be immediately BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FOKT NIAGARA, ETC. 191 stormed. The men were rallied, and 160, under the command of Captain Wool, mounted the rocks on the right of the batteries and took them. The guns were ordered to be turned upon the enemy, but were found to be spiked. The remainder of the detach- ment now joined Captain Wool. Both parties were considerably reinforced, and the conflict grew severe at various points. Many of the British took shelter behind a guard-house, from whence a piece of ord- nance was briskly served ; but the fire from the bat- teries on the American side soon silenced it. The British then retired behind a large stone house, but were soon routed and driven from the hill in every direction. General Brock rallied the troops at Queenstown, and, with reinforcements, led them round the hill in rear of the batteries. Captain Wool, discerning this, detached 160 men to meet them; these were driven back. Being reinforced, they returned to the attack, and were again driven by the British to the precipice wdiich forms the bank of the Niagara above Queenstown. Here, the British pressing upon them with double their numbers, and no opportunity of retreating, an officer placed a white handkerchief upon the point of a bayonet, and raised it as a flag, with intention to surrender; Captain Wool immediately tore it off, rallied his men, and returned to the charge. The British troops were in turn routed. General Brock, in endeavoring to rally them, was struck by three balls and instantly killed. His aid, Colonel McDonald, the attorney-general of Upper Canada, was mortally wounded by his side. By ten o'clock the British were completely driven from the 192 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. heights. The American hne reformed, and flank- ing-parties were sent out. The victory now ap- peared complete, and General Van Rensselaer pro- ceeded to take measures to secure the conquest. At two o'clock. General Wadsworth, of the militia, with Colonels Scott, Christie, and Major Mallary, crossed over and took the command. Caj^tain Wool was directed to retire and have his wounds dressed. He crossed the river for that purpose, and soon returned to the field. About three o'clock a large party of Indians appeared, pouring out of Chippewa, and, with their savage, yells, commenced a furious attack. The Americans at first gave way, but were soon rallied, and charged the savages, who directly fled to the woods, leaving one of their chiefs a prisoner and several dead on the ground. Scarcely had this battle ended, when a large reinforcement with artil- lery arrived from Fort George, and the' battle was renewed with increased severity. Most of the events of the day were in view of Lewistown. The militia who had not crossed over had now seen enough of war. Their zeal for the Canadian conquest had abated. They had dis- covered that the Constitution did not require them to go beyond the limits of the United States. Seve- ral boatloads which had embarked returned, and no more could be induced to go. General Van Rens- selaer returned to the American side, and, by every means of persuasion and authority, promising and threatening, endeavored to bring them over to secure the victory; but to no efiect. Twelve hun- dred, whose presence only on the opposite bank would have decided the fortune of the day, stood BATTLES OF OGDENSBURG, FORT NIAGARA, ETC. 193 on the American shore, inactive spectators of the slaughter and capture of their brethren. The regu- lar troops, under General Smyth, who had been ordered down from Black Rock, had not arrived; and the Americans on the heights were left to pro- tect themselves. At this time General Van Rens- selaer addressed a note to General Wadsworth, in- forming him that it was out of his power to send him succors, and advising him to retreat to the river, where boats should be provided to take them over. The gallant band fought their way to the river against thrice their numbers, but on arriving there no boats were to be found. The same panic had struck the boatmen : not a boat could be manned to bring them off, and the whole were obliged to surrender. Three hundred and eighty-six regulars, and 368 militia, were made prisoners : the number killed was not exactly ascertained, but supposed to be about 90. The whole loss in killed, wounded, prisoners, and missing, was estimated at 1000. General Brock was conveyed to Fort George, and interred on the 15th with military honors, the guns of Fort Niagara, as well as those of Fort George, firing during the ceremony. 13 19'4 BATTLE-FIELDS OF TUE REPUBLIC. CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. On the 2d of August, 1812, the Constitution, of forty-four guns, Captain Hull, sailed from Boston on a cruise which will long be memorable in the Re- public as the first of a series of exploits which ele- vated the character of the nation and strongly illustrated the importance of her navy. On the 19th of August he fell in with His Bri- tannic Majesty's ship Guerriere, rated at thirty-eight guns but carrying fifty, commanded by Captain Dacres, who, some time before, had politely en- dorsed on the register of an American ship an invi- tation to Captain Hull to give him a meeting of this kind. At half-past three p.m.. Captain Hull made out his antagonist to be a frigate, and continued the chase till he was within about three miles, when he CONSTITUTION AND GUERRIERE. 195 cleared for action ; the chase backed her maintopsail 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 gunshot, the Guerriere gave a broad- side and filled away and wore, giving a broadside on the other tack, but without effect, her shot falling short. She then continued wearing and manoeuv- ring for about three-quarters of an hour to get a raking position ; but, finding she could not, she bore up and ran under her topsails and jib, with 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 discipline could have re- strained them. Hull, however, was preparing to decide the contest in a summary method of his own. He now made sail to bring the Constitution up with her antagonist, and, at five minutes before six, p.m., heing alongside loWiin half ^n^tol-shot, he commenced a heavy fire from all his guns, douhle-sliotted loltli round and gra])e; and so well directed and so well kept up was the fire that in sixteen minutes the mizzenmast of the Guerriere went by the board, and her mainyard 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 foremast went, taking with them every spar ex- cept the bowsprit, and leaving the Guerriere a com- plete wreck. On seeing this, Hull ordered the firing to cease, having brought his enemy in thirty minutes after he was fiiirly alongside to such a condition that a few more broadsides must have carried her down. 196 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. The prize being so shattered that she was not worth bringing into port, after removing the pri- soners to the Constitution she was set on fire and blown up. In the action the Constitution lost 7 killed and 7 wounded; the Giierriere, 15 killed, 62 wounded, — including the captain and several officers, — and 24 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 Hull and his gallant officers and crew. BUR BENDER OF THE QUERRIERE. CRUISE OF COMMODORE RODGERS. 197 UNITED STATES AND MACEDONIAN- WASP AND FROLIC— CONSTITUTION AND JAVA. On the 8th of October, 1812, the squadron under the command of Commodore Rodgers, consisting of the President, United States, and Congress frigates, and the Argus sloop-of-war, sailed from Boston on a cruise. On the 13 th, in a gale of wind, they parted from the United States and Argus. On the loth, the President and Congress captured a British packet, with specie amounting to nearly two hundred thou- sand dollars. On the 30th of December the two frigates arrived at Boston, without having had the 198 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. good fortune to bring an armed vessel of the enemy to action. The Argus arrived soon afterwards at New York, from a very successful cruise of ninety- six days, during which she made captures of British merchant-men to the value of two hundred thousand dollnxs, and displayed the swiftness of her sailing, as well as the skill of her officers, by an escape from a squadron of the enemy, consisting of six sail, by which she was chased for three days. But the cruise of the United States was by far the most fortunate, as it gave her distinguished com- mander an opportunity of adding another leaf to the laurels he had already acquired, and of shedding additional glory on the Republic. On the 25th of October, being off the Western Islands, she fell in with the British frigate Macedonian, of forty-nine guns and 300 men, — a vessel newly built and of superior equipment. Being to windward, the latter had the advantage of choosing her distance, which, as the United States was in great part armed with carronades, prevented her from availing herself of them. In consequence of this the action occupied an hour and a half. As soon, however, as the United States was able to bring her enemy to close action, the superiority of the Americans in gunnery was manifestly displayed. The enemy's mizzenmast and most of his spars and rigging being shot away, he deemed it expedient to surrender, with the loss of 36 killed and 68 wounded. That of the Ame- ricans was only four killed and seven wounded : among the former was Lieutenant John Musser Funk. This great disproportion in the loss of lives, which was remarkably displayed in all the naval 200 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. actions during the war, while it afforded a striking proof of the precision of the Americans in the art of firing, rendered their victories doubly grateful, by depriving them in a great measure of the alloy of individual grief with which such events are too often intermixed. The damage sustained by the United States was not so great as to render necessary her return to port. It was deemed proper, however, to accom- pany the prize in; and both frigates arrived in safety at New York on the 4th of December, where Captain Decatur was received with a similar degree of rejoicing and gratitude to that the Republic had heretofore so liberally bestowed upon Captain Hull. The victories, however, of the Constitution and United States, brilliant as they were, were obtained over antagonists somewhat inferior in the number of their guns as well as of their men. We have now to record one in which the enemy was un- doubtedly superior in the number of his cannon and not inferior in the amount of his seamen. The United States sloop-of-war Wasp, Captain Jacob Jones, sailed from the Delaware on the 13th of October. On the 16th she experienced a heavy gale, in which two men were lost, together with her jib-boom. At midnight on the succeeding day several sail were descried, to which chase was given. On the 18th, at daylight, they were dis- covered to be a convoy of six merchant-men, under the protection of a sloop-of-War, four of them being armed vessels. At half-past eleven in the morning the action commenced between the two national vessels, at the distance of about fifty yards. So WASP AND FROLIC. 201 near, indeed, did they arrive, that the rammers of the Wasp's cannon were, in one instance, struck against the side of her enemy. The fire of the Enghsh vessel soon slackened; and after a most sanguinary action of forty-three minutes it was determined to board her. This was immediately effected. Lieutenant Biddle, of the Wasp, particularly distinguishing himself among the boarders. When they reached the deck of the enemy, they found no person upon it, except three officers and the seaman at the wheel. The colors were hauled down by Lieutenant Biddle, there being no one of the enemy's seamen left to perform that office. The vessel thus gallantly captured proved to be his Britannic majesty's brig-of-war, the Frolic, of twenty-two guns, commanded by Captain Whin- yates. The Wasp mounting but eighteen guns, the enemy was thus superior by four cannon. The annals of naval warfare have, perhaps, seldom con- tained the narration of a more sanguinary conflict than this. The decks of the Frolic were crowded with the dead and wounded, many of whom were crushed by the falling of her spars. Not less than 30 are said to have been killed, and about 50 wounded : both of her masts were shot away ; and she lay on the water, an unmanageable wreck. The Wasp also suffered severely in her spars and rigging from the enemy's fire : her loss of men, however, was trivial, compared with that of her opponent, four only being killed and four wounded. The brave officers and crew of the Wasp were unfor- tunately deprived, shortly afterwards, of their hard- earned prize. No sooner had the engagement ceased 202 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. than a sail was seen, which soon approached near enough for them to discover that she was an enemy's seventy-four-gun-ship. From the disabled state of both vessels, an escape was impracticable : they were therefore obliged to surrender to the British ship Poictiers, by which they were carried into Bermuda. The honors conferred upon Captain Jones, his officers and crew, on their return to the United States, were not less flattering than those received on the former occasions. Many of the State legis- latures voted them their thanks; and the substan- tial recompense of twenty-five thousand dollars was appropriated by Congress as a compensation for the loss of the vessel they had so gallantly acquired. Captain Jones was soon afterwards appointed to the command of the Macedonian frigate, which had been purchased by the government from the cap- tors and added to the navy of the United States. Nor was this the last of those gallant achieve- ments which raised so high the character of the American navy. The frigate Constitution was des- tined to receive a brilliant addition to the fame she had acquired in her combat with the Guerriere, and to render the name of the Rej)ublic celebrated in remote seas. After his capture of the British frigate. Captain Hull resigned the command of the Constitu- tion, for the purpose of attending to his private aftliirs, and was succeeded by Captain William Bainbridge. Accompanied by the Hornet sloop-of-war, the Constitution sailed from Boston, on a cruise to the Pacific Ocean, towards the end of October. In run- CONSTITUTION AND HORNET. 203 ning down the coast of Brazil, they discovered the Bonne Citojenne, a British vessel-of-war, of greater force than the Hornet, lying in the port of St. Sal- vador. Captain Lawrence, of the Hornet, sent a challenge, however, to the commander of the enemy's vessel, pledging himself that Captain Bainbridge should not interfere. The British captain did not think proper to accept the offer, although the Con- stitution had sailed on another cruise, and the Hor- net was left to blockade the enemy's vessel. After leaving St. Salvador, Captain Bainbridge steered along the coast of Brazil until the 29 th of December, when two sail were discovered, one of which stood in for the land and the other towards the Constitution. The latter was soon perceived to be a British frigate, when Captain Bainbridge tacked ship and stood for her. At two p.m., the enemy being to windward and having hauled down all her colors except the union, Captain Bainbridge ordered a gun to be fired ahead of her, upon which she hoisted her colors and returned the fire. The action now commenced with great vigor on both sides ; the British frigate keeping at long shot, and the Constitution not being able to close with her without exposing herself to the danger of being raked. The wheel of the latter, however, being shot away, Captain Bainbridge now determined to bring his antagonist to close action. He accordingly luffed up and took a position near to her. Soon after four o'clock, the fire of the enemy being com- pletely silenced, the Constitution passed ahead for the purpose of repairing her rigging. Finding, how- ever, that the British fiag was still flying, Captjiin 204 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. Bainbridge took a raking position on her bows, and was at the moment about to commence a destruc- tive fire, when the enemy hauled down his colors and surrendered his ship. Possession was soon after taken of her, when she proved to be the British frigate Java, carrying forty-nine guns and manned with upwards of 400 men. She was commanded by Captain Lambert, a very distinguished officer, who was mortally wounded, and was on her way to the East Indies, with a number of British land and naval officers. Among them was Lieutenant-General Hislop and his staff. One hundred supernumerary seamen were also on board. Her loss was exceed- ingly severe, 60 having been killed and considerably more than 100 wounded. The Americans, as usual, suffered much less, only 9 being killed and 25 wounded. Finding that the Java was so much injured by the fire of the Constitution as to forbid the hope of getting her safe into the United States, she was set on fire on the 31st, the crew and passengers and their baggage having been previously removed. The prisoners, to the number of 361, including officers, were landed at St. Salvador, on their parole. The damage the Constitution received in tlie action, and her decayed state, made it necessary to return to the United States for repairs. She left St. Salvador on the 6th of January, and arrived at Boston on the 8th of the succeeding month. In all the victories of the American navy the skill and valor of the officers and crews were not less conspicuous than their humanity and generosity to their vanquished enemy. The truth of the old TRIUMPHS OF THE AMERICAN NAVY. 205 observation, that the brave are peculiarly susceptible of the kindly and gentler feelings of our nature, was never more strongly manifested than on these occasions. Every thing that the most active humanity as well as the most refined delicacy could suggest was displayed towards the officers and crews of the Guerriere, the Macedonian, the Frolic, and the Java. Private property was scrupulously respected ; and the acknowledgments of the enemy evinced their high sense of the liberality with which the conduct of the Americans had been marked. It was not to be expected, however, that the con- flict on the ocean, covered as it was by the ships of the enemy, could be carried on without some loss to the American navy. It was boldly anticipated by the British orators at the commencement of the war that the infant marine of the Republic would be swept from the ocean, while the commerce of the British isles would be carried on as usual, without interruption. Even the best friends of America feared that, after a sanguinary opposition and per- haps useless victories, the national vessels would be hunted from the ocean or be compelled to sur- render to an overpowering superiority. The con- trast between these anticipations, however, and the actual result, was of the most striking nature, and must have afforded occasion to many mortifying reflections on the part of the British cabinet. Six months had now elapsed from the commencement of hostilities, during which time the national ves- sels of the Republic had carried its flag into almost every ocean. Three of them only had fallen into 206 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE EEPUBLIC. tlie hands of the enemy, and those under such cir- cumstances of rehative force as to reflect no discredit on the captured. The Wasp sloop-of-war was taken, as we have seen, by a seventy-four-gun ship ; the schooner Nautilus, of twelve guns, commanded by Lieutenant Crane, surrendered, after a long chase, to a squadron of the enemy's frigates ; and the Vixen gun-brig was captured on the 22d of Novem- ber by the frigate Southampton, and carried into the West Indies, where her commander, Captain Bead, subsequently died. On the other hand, the havoc made upon the commerce of the enemy was beyond all previous calculation. It has been stated, upon good authorit\-, that, previous to the meeting of Congress in Novem- ber, nearly two hundred and fifty vessels had been captured by the American cruisers, and more than 3000 prisoners taken, while of the American mer- chant-men comparatively few had fallen into the power of the enemy. The injury thus inflicted on the British commerce was produced only in a partial degree by the public vessels. The American priva- teers swarmed in every sea, and the enterprise so conspicuous in the character of the nation rendered them most formidable opponents. Being mostly built with a view to expeditious sailing, they were in general able to overtake the merchant vessels and to escape from the fastest frigates of the enemy. These advantages were never sullied by inhumanity; and the generosity with which they, in many in- stances, acted in opposition to the love of profit, reflects credit on the national character. BATTLE OF FREXCllTOWX. 207 MASSACRE OJJ THE KITER RAISIN. BATTLE OF FRENCHTOWN. In the West and Northwest the American arms were unfortunate. The left wing of the North- western army was commanded by General James Winchester. Receiving intelligence that the British and Indians were posted at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin, Harrison ordered this detachment to proceed against them, if its commander thought it practicable. Winchester immediately detached an efficient force, under Colonel Lewis, which made a rapid march and reached the vicinity of Frenchtown on the 18th of January. The enemy were prepared to receive them ; but the Americans advanced with such impetuosity that the enemy were dislodged from their works and driven to the distance of two miles. The battle lasted from three o'clock in the 208 BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REPUBLIC. afternoon until dark. The American detachment then encamped on the spot from which it had driven the enemy. The loss of the British and Indians was very severe. That of the Americans was 12 killed and 55 wounded. General Winchester, with about 300, arrived at Frenchtown on the 20th. On the morning of the 22d the Americans were surprised and attacked by a greatly superior force of British and Indians, commanded by Colonel Proctor. The action was warmly contested for about a half hour, when, the enemy's fire becoming too galling, Winchester ordered his men to form on the north bank of the river; but they gave way, and could not be rallied. The Indians gained their rear, and, thus borne down by numbers, General Winchester, 35 officers, and 487 non-commissioned officers and privates, surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Before the troops surrendered, the British com- mander promised them protection from the ferocity of tile Indians ; but the promise was made to be broken. At break of day the next morning the savages were sufiered to commit every depredation they jDleased. An indiscriminate slaughter of all who were unable to walk ensued ; many were toma- hawked, and many were burned alive in their houses. Every species of private property remaining in the tents was appropriated by the Indians. The whole detachment was captured or destroyed. The loss of the British and Indians was not ascertained, but must have been severe, since, for a time, the Ameri- cans fought with the fury of desperation. There is no doubt that this disaster was owing to Winchester's want of caution. SIEGE OF FORT MEIGS. 209 --■