ST. LEGER AND THE INDIANS FRIGHTENED
At the time when Fort Stanwix, commanded by Colonel Gansevoort, was attacked by a party of British and Indian allies under the St. Leger, General Arnold was dispatched with a body of troops to assist the colonel in his defence. As he was advancing up the Mohawk, he captured a tory by the name of How-yost Schuyler, who, being a spy, was condemned to death. How-yost was one of the coarsest and most ignorant men in the valley, appearing scarce half removed from idiocy; and yet there was no small share of shrewdness in his character.
He was promised his life if he would go to the enemy, particularly the Indians, and alarm them by announcing that a large army of the Americans was in full march to destroy them, etc. How-yost, being acquainted with many of the Indians, gladly accepted the offer; one of his brothers being detained as a hostage for his fidelity, who was to be hung if he provoked treacherous.
A friendly Oneida Indian was let into the secret, and cheerfully embarked in the design. Upon How-yost's arrival, he told a lamentable story of his being taken by Arnold, and of his escape from being hanged. He showed them, also, several shot-holes in his coat, which he said were made by bullets fired at him when making his escape. Knowing the character of the Indians, he communicated his intelligence to them in a mysterious and imposing manner. When asked the number of men which Arnold had, he shook his head mysteriously, and pointed upward to the leaves of the trees.
These reports spread rapidly through the camps. Meantime the friendly Oneida, arrived with a belt, and confirmed what How-yost had said, hinting that a bird had brought him information of great moment. On his way he had met with two or three Indians of his acquaintance, who readily engaged in furthering his plans. The sagacious fellows dropped into the camp as if by accident; they spoke of warriors in great numbers, rapidly advancing against them.
The Americans, it was stated, did not wish to injure the Indians, but if they continued with the British, they must all share one common fate. The savages were thoroughly alarmed, and determined on an immediate flight, being already disgusted with the British service. Col. St. Leger exhorted, argued, and made enticing efforts to the Indians to remain, but it was all in vain. He endeavored to get them drunk, but they refused drink. When he found them determined to go, he urged them to move to the rear of his army, but they charged him with a design to sacrifice them to his safety.
In a mixture of rage and despair, he broke up his encampment with such haste, that he left his stores, cannon, and tents to the besieged. The friendly Oneida accompanied the flying army, and being naturally a wag, he engaged his companions who were in the secret, to repeat at proper intervals the cry, "They are coming, they are coming !" this appalling cry quickened the flight of the fugitives wherever it was heard. The soldiers threw away their packs, and the commanders took care not to be in the rear. After much fatigue and mortification, they finally reached Oneida Lake, and there probably for the first time felt secure from the pursuit of their enemies. From this place St. Leger hastened with his scattered forces back to Oswego, and thence to Montreal.
How-yost, after accompanying the flying army as far as the estuary of Wood creek, left them and returned to fort Schuyler, and gave the first information to Gansevoort of the approach of Arnold. From thence he proceeded to German Flats, and on presenting himself at Fort Dayton his brother was discharged. He soon after rejoined the British standard, attaching himself to the forces under the command of Sir John Johnson.
P143
AN INCIDENT OF THE REVOLUTION
The following history of William Bancroft in the days of the revolution may be read by some with satisfaction, and is worthy to be kept in remembrance among the noble deeds o f those times. It was related some years since by Mr. Bancroft, a slight notice of which is in Gordon's History of the American Revolution.
"When on a tour to the west, I met with the subject of this treatise at New York. The grateful remembrance of the soldiers of the revolution by our country, became the subject of conversation. After there had been an interchange of opinion among us, Mr. Bancroft observed that he had applied to Congress for a pension, but, owing to the circumstance that his name was stricken off the roll before he had served nine months, to serve General Washington in a more hazardous relation, he could not obtain it; though he thought his circumstances and his claims for consideration were as great as any soldier's. He then related the following history of his life.
"I was born in Woburn, north of Boston. At the age of 14, I was sent to Boston, and put behind the counter. I was warmly attached to the whig cause, and at the age of sixteen was obliged to leave town. I then enlisted in the army as a soldier for three years. I studiously endeavored to understand my duty in my relation, and thought I was a proficient --at least, as much so as other soldiers. One day, immediately after Washington's arrival at Brooklyn, I was detached, by the officer of the day, among the guard. It so happened that I was placed as a sentinel before the general's quarters at 9 o'clock. About 10 o'clock the general's carriage drove up, which I knew as a soldier, but not as a sentinel. I hailed the driver --
"Who comes there?"
He answered, "General Washington."
He replied, "The commander of the American army."
"I don't know him; advance and give the countersign."
The driver put his head within the carriage, and then came and gave the countersign.
"The countersign is right," I replied, "General Washington can now pass."
The next morning the officer of the guard came to me and said, "General Washington has commanded me to notify you to appear at his quarters precisely at 9 o'clock."
"What does he want of me?"
"I don't know," replied the officer.
In obedience to this order, I went to the quarters at the time appointed, by my mind was greatly harassed to know whether I had discharged my duty aright the night previous. I gave the alarm at the door and a servant appeared.
"Inform General Washington," said I, 'that the person whom he ordered to his quarters at 9 ']clock is now at the door."
The servant made the report, and immediately bade him come in, and conducted me to the general's room. When I entered he addressed me --
"Are you the sentinel who stood at my door at 9 o'clock last night?"
"Yes, sir, and I endeavored to do my duty."
"I wish all the army understood it as well as you do," said the general. This relieved the burden on my mind.
The general then continued, "Can you keep a secret?"
"I can try."
"Are you willing to have your name struck from the roll of the army, and engage in a secret service at the hazard of your life, for which I promise you forty dollars a month?"
"I am willing to serve my country in an way you may think best."
"Call here precisely at seven o'clock this evening, and I will give you further instruction."
I then retired, and precisely at seven o'clock I returned. The general presented me with a sealed letter with any superscription. He asked me if I had ever been on Roxbury Heights. I told him I had, and at his request I described the level ground on the top. He gave me the countersign, lest I should not be able to return before the sentinels received it; diverted me to converse with no one on the way, and if I should observe any person who appeared to notice me particularly, not to go on the height, until out of his sight. And when I had ascended to the height, I must look round carefully, and if I discovered any person, I must keep at a distance from him, and suffer no one to take me. If every thing appeared quiet, I must go to the west side of the plain, where I should see a flat rock which I could raise by one hand, and a round stone about four feet from it; I must take the round stone and place it under the edge of the flag rock, which would raise it high enough to put my hand under it. "You must then feel under the rock," said the general, "till you find a second hollow; if there is a letter in it, bring it to me, and put this in the same place."
Having received my instructions, I made my way for the height, and nothing occurred worthy of not, except that I found the rock and the stone described, and in the hollow a letter, sealed, without any superscription. I then adjusted the rock and placed the stone as I found it. I returned to the genera's quarters, and delivered the letter I found under the rock. He then said --You may retire, and appear at seven o'clock to-morrow evening."
This I did for some time, carrying and bringing letters, without being annoyed in any respect. At length I observed a person at some distance travelling the same way I was going, and he eyed me with more attention than was leasing to me.. I took rather a circuitous route, and when I came on the height, I was confident I saw two persons, if not more, descend the hill on the opposite side, among the savins. I went even to make the discovery, but could see no one. This I told the general on my return.
He reprimanded me for my presumption. He said, "They might have sprung on you and taken you. Never do the like again."
When I returned the next evening, he gave me stricter charge than before. --There was nothing occurred until I ascended the height; I then plainly saw three persons dodge behind the savins. I hesitated what to do. I placed my head to the ground to obtain a clearer view of the opposite side. In an instant three men rushed from behind the savins on the other side in full run to take me. I rose and ran with all my speed. No Grecian in their celebrated games exerted himself more than I did. I found one of the three was a near match for me.
When I came to the sentinel, he was not more than six rods from me. I gave the countersign without much ceremony. The sentinel then hailed my pursuer, who turned upon his heels and fled. I went to the general's quarters, and on presenting this letter, I said --
"Here is the letter you gave me" and then related the above story to him.
He told me I might retire, and need not call on him again till he should give me notice. He strictly charged me when in company or in camp to make myself a stranger to the movements of friends or foes, not to enter into any dispute about the war or the army, but always to be an inquirer.
In about a week the general sent for me and I repaired to his quarters at the usual hour. He inquired if I was ever down on what was then called Cambridge Neck. I told him I had been there twice. He then handed me a letter, as usual, and said--
"Go to the lower house and enter the front door, and when you enter the room, if there be more than one person present, sit down and make yourself a stranger; when all have gone out of the room but one, then get up and walk across the room repeatedly; after you have passed and re-passed, he will take a letter out of his pocket and present it to you, and as he is doing this you must take this letter out of your pocket and present it to him. I charge you not to speak a word to him on the peril of your life. It is important you observe this."
I went to the house, and on entering the room, I found but one man in it, and he was at the corner of the room. He rose at my entering. I immediately commenced my travel across the room and eyeing him attentively. The third time I passed he put his hand into his pocket, took out a letter, and extended it towards me, and I took out my letter, and extended it towards him. With his other he took hold of my letter, and I did the same with his. I then retired with a bow, and returned to the general. We two could well recognize each other, though we were not allowed to speak. This mode of communication continued for some time.
One evening, as this man was presenting his letter, he whispered to me --
"Tell General Washington the British are coming out on the Neck to-morrow morning at two o'clock."
When I delivered the letter to General Washington, I addressed him thus --
"General, the person who delivered this letter to me whispered and said --'Tell General Washington the British are coming out on the neck to-morrow morning at two o'clock.'
The General started and inquired --
"Was it the same person you received letters from before>"
"Yes, sir."
He then broke the letter and read it, after which he asked --
"Did you speak to him?"
"No, sir."
Then saying, "Stop here until I return," he took his hat and cane and locked the door after him. He was gone nearly an hour and a half.
When he returned he said, "I do not know that I shall need your services any more; you will continue about the encampment, and I will allow you the same pay you now have."
Having nothing to do, I h ad the curiosity to ramble about the army and vicinity to find the man who whispered to me, but I never saw him. Whether that whisper was fatal to him I know not. The injunction to me was tantamount to it in case of disobedience. I continued with the army till they left Cambridge, when I was discharged.
P150
C0LONEL BROWN AND GENERAL ARNOLD
Col. Stone, in his Life of Joseph Brant, states that Col. Brown detected, or believed he detected, a design on the part of Gen. Arnold to play the traitor when the American army was in Sorel, by an attempt to run off with the American flotilla and sell out to Sir Guy Carleton. During the winter of 1776-7, while Arnold, and many other officer were quartered in St. Albany, a difficulty arose between him and Brown. The latter published a handbill, severely reflecting on Arnold, and concluding with these remarkable words; "Money is this man's God, and to get enough of it, he would sacrifice his country."
Arnold was greatly excited, and applied a variety of coarse and harsh, epithets to Col. Brown, calling him a scoundrel and threatened to kick him whenever he should meet him. This coming to the ears of the latter, he proceeded to the dining place of Arnold, where a number of officers were assembled; going directly up to Arnold he stopped, and looked him full in the eye.
After a pause of a moment, he observed --"I understand, sir that you said that you would kick me; I now present myself to give you an opportunity to put your threat into execution!" Another brief pause ensued. Arnold opened not his lips. Brown then said to him, "You are a dirty scoundrel!" Arnold still remained silent. Col. Brown, after apologizing to the gentlemen present for his intrusion, left the room. Arnold seems to have kept an unbroken silence on the occasion, which may be accounted for by the supposition that he feared to provoke inquiry on the charges of Col. Brown.
P152
YANKEE MISTAKE
Upon the flight of the British from Lexington, a major of their army received a wound in the cheek with a goose shot. Gen. Robinson observed that the Yankees must certainly have mistaken him for a goose, or they would not have treated him with so much disrespect.
P152
THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER
Some time in the course of the year 1775, about the month of November, Congress was informed that a foreigner who was then in Philadelphia, was desirous of making to them an important and confidential communication. This intimation having been several times repeated, a committee, consisting of Mr. Jay, Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson, was appointed to hear what the foreigner had to say. These gentlemen agreed to meet him in one of the committee rooms in Carpenter's Hall. At the time appointed they went there, and found already arrived an elderly lame gentleman, having the appearance of an old wounded French officer. They told him that they were authorized to receive his communication, upon which he said, his Most Christian Majesty had heard with pleasure of the exertions made by the American colonies in defence of their rights and privileges: that his majesty wished them success, and would, whenever it should be necessary, manifest more openly his friendly sentiments towards them.
The committee requested to know his authority for giving these assurances. He answered only by drawing his hand across his throat, and saying, "Gentlemen, I shall take care of my head." They then asked what demonstrations of friendship they might expect from the King of France. "Gentlemen," answered the foreigner, "if you want arms, you shall have them; if you want ammunition, you shall have it; if you want money, you shall have it." The committee observed that these assurances were indeed important, but again desired to know by what authority they were made. "Gentlemen," said he, repeating his former gesture, "I shall take care of my head," and this was the only answer they could obtain from him.
He was seen in Philadelphia no more. It was the opinion of the committee that he was a secret agent of the French court, directed to give these indirect assurances, but in such a manner that he might be disavowed if necessary. Mr. Jay stated that his communications were not without their effect on the proceedings of this Congress. This remark probably related to the appointment, on the 29th of November, of a secret committee, including Mr. Jay, for corresponding "with the friends of America in Great Britain, Ireland, and other parts of the world."
P154
GEORGE ROBERTS
George Roberts and myself (says a correspondent of the Natchez Ariel) were fellow sailors with Paul Jones, in his expedition against the British in 1778, when he terrified the commerce of that country, by constantly hovering about the coasts of Scotland and Ireland though having only a ship of eighteen guns. When Jones landed on the coast of Scotland, and took away all the family plate of the Earl of Selkirk, Roberts was one of the sailors who marched into the castle while that strange deed was done; I remaining on board the ship. The plate was all brought on board, and safely disposed of, though, as it turned out, much to the commodore's loss, as he had afterwards to buy it up in Paris, to return it to the owner. He intended to capture the earl, and detain him as a hostage; but being absent from home at the time we landed, it was prevented.
In the next year, 1779, Roberts and I sailed again with our brave commander from Best, in France, in the frigate Good Man Richard, carrying forty guns, and four hundred and twenty men, or thereabouts, as near as I can recollect. She was an old ship, not fit for the hard service we put her to, as it afterwards came out. On the 22d September, off Flamborough Head, which is a high rock that overlooks the sea, we fell ion with the Baltic fleet, under the convoy of the frigate Scrapis, of fifty-eight guns, and the sloop countess of Scarborough, a heavy ship, but I do not recollect having heard how many guns she carried.
Just as the moon rose, at eight in the evening, the enemy fired his first broadside, when within pistol shot of us. And now a most murderous scene began. The action raged with horrid violence, and the blood ran ankle deep out of the ship's scruppers. Our rigging was cut up to atoms, and finally both ships took fire --so that friend and foe were obliged to rest from fighting, that they might extinguish the flames. The Richard being old, was soon shot through and began to sink.
In this awful condition, Jones's voice, like the roaring of a lion, was heard above the din of the battle, ordering to "grapple with the enemy." We accordingly made our ship fast to the Scrapis; and it was easily done, as the two were so near to each other, that when I drew out the rammer of the gun I belonged to, the end of it touched the side of the Scrapis! Being thus fast and safe, we fought without any resting, until nearly all our guns were burst or dismounted --the ship nearly full of water --our first lieutenant, Grubb, shot dead by Jones's own pistol, for hauling down the colors without orders, and which happened only at my elbow --our decks covered with dead and dying, and the ship cut up into splinters.
While in this awful and desperate situation, my friend Roberts, seeing how near spent we were, jumped on the main yard of our vessel, which projected directly over the decks of the Scrapis, with a bundle of hand grenades. These he contrived to throw down upon the Scrapis's deck, and succeeded in blowing up two or three of their powder chests; the explosion of which killed and wounded a great many men.
The captain of the Scrapis, perceiving his activity, ordered some shot to be fired at Roberts. One of them struck a rope by which he supported himself, and caused him to fall upon the gunwale of the enemy's ship, which I observing, caught hold of him and pulled him aboard. He immediately got upon the same yard-arm again, with a fresh supply of hand grenades, and made such dreadful havoc on the enemy's deck, that in a few minutes they surrendered. For this great bravery, Paul Jones publicly thanked him on the quarter deck of the Scrapis the next afternoon, giving him double the allowance of grog for the week afterwards.
It was near midnight when the action terminated. The top of Flamborough Head was covered with people watching the engagement, and no doubt the sight must have been grand. The next day our ship sunk, being fairly battered to pieces by the enemy's shot, as they poured a shockingly murderous fire into us all the while. Commodore Dale, who died in this city about two years ago, was Jones's second lieutenant, and was badly wounded about the middle of the battle. He was ordered to go below. Though he still wished to fight upon deck. After he went down, he was very useful in taking care of a large number of English prisoners we had on board. We had 174 men killed, and nearly as many wounded and missing. The Srapis had 135 men killed, and about 80 wounded.
Captain Parsons, the English commander, fought nobly, and defended his ship to the last. He had nailed his flag to the mast, and was afraid to haul it down when he surrendered, as none of his men would go up to tear it away, because they dreaded the sharp-shooters in our round-tops. So when he concluded to give up, he mounted the gunwale just by where I was standing, and called out in loud voice, "We surrender, we surrender." Capt. Jones not hearing this, I left my gun and ran to him and told him of it. He instantly ordered the firing to cease, and the flag hauled down --but no Englishman would do it, as musket shots were still exchanged between the two vessels. On hearing this George Roberts jumped aboard the enemy's ship, mounted the tottering shrouds, and hacked down the British ensign from its proud height. As it fell, what I considered as very remarkable, a capful of wind took it, and laid it directly at Jones's feet, at the same time spreading it nearly over the dead body of Lieut. Grubb, who, in the heat of the fight, was still lying dead on the deck. When the crew of the Richard saw the flag fall, they gave thirteen tremendous cheers, at which Captain Parsons shrunk back from his high stand into the shadow of his mizen mast.
When we returned from this cruise, being affected in my hearing by a splinter, which struck me under the ear, I left the service, and saw and heard no more of my friend Roberts, from that time until I saw his death inserted in your paper. He was a true, honest man, and bold to a degree not to be daunted. He was younger than I --and yet he has closed his eyes in that sleep to which all of us, soldiers or not, must one day give up.
P158
YANKEEE SEA CAPATAIN IN LONDON
A sea captain, who chanced to be in London during our revolutionary war, met several British officers in a tavern who were busily discussing American affairs. "We should have conquered them long ago," said one, "had it not been for that arch rebel, Washington." "With all his skilful manoeuvres, they are the same as conquered, already," observed another. The American said nothing, but his countenance bore strong marks of honest indignation. "What, Jonathan, are you from the rebel colonies?" asked the officers. "I am from New England, gentlemen." "Well, what news do you bring? Will your crops be heavy enough to feed the regulars?" "My countrymen tell me," replied he, "that British blood is the best manure they have ever had. Turnips larger than a peck measure are raised on Bunker Hill."
P159
ACKNOWLEDGING A FAULT, THE MARK OF A GREAT MIND
Were we to form an estimate of Mr. Jay's character only from the language in which he denounced those who were hostile, or indifferent to the liberties of his country, and from the measure he proposed against them, we should be ready to believe that a stern and devoted patriotism had absorbed the most delicate and amiable feelings of his breast. But his public as well as private conduct was governed by a strict send of moral obligation; and while he never permitted his friendship or sympathy for individuals to interfere with the paramount claims of his country, he delighted to indulge the kind and generous sensibilities of his nature, whenever circumstances would allow him. He invariably discountenanced all inhumanity and unnecessary rigor towards the enemy, or the tories.
On one occasion, having reason to believe that a zealous committee-man in Westchester county, had exercised his power with unjustifiable severity, he complained of his conduct and procured a vote of censure against him from the convention. Some time after, this person met him, and assured him that he was innocent of the alleged charge, and complained that he had been condemned without having an opportunity of vindicating himself. Mr. Jay, struck with the justice of this remonstrance, instantly replied, "You are right, and I was wrong, and I ask your pardon." This frank acknowledgment disarmed the committee-man of his resentment, and grasping Mr. Jay's hand, he exclaimed --"I have often heard that John Jay was a great man, and now I know it."
P160
A SPECIMEN OF HARD FIGHTING
It had been the policy of the British, since the general submission of the inhabitants of South Carolina, to increase the royal force by embodying the people of the country as British militia. In the district of Ninety-six, Major Ferguson, a partisan of distinguished merit, had been employed to train the most loyal inhabitants, and to attach them to his own corps. That officer was now directed by Lord Cornwallis to enter the western part of North Carolina near the mountains, and to embody the loyalists in that quarter for co-operation with his army. Cornwallis, in the mean time, commenced his march with the main army from Camden, through the settlement of the Waxhaw to Carlottesville, in North Carolina.
About the same time, Colonel Clark of Georgia, at the head of a small body of men which he had collected in the frontiers of North and South Carolina, advanced against Augusta, and laid siege to that place. Colonel Brown, who with a few loyal provincials held that post for the British, made a vigorous defence; and on the approach of Colonel Cruger, with a re-enforcement from Ninety-six, Clark relinquished the enterprise, and made a rapid retreat through the country along which he had marched in the attack. Major Ferguson receiving intelligence of his movements, prepared to intercept him. The hardy mountaineers of Virginian and North Carolina, collecting at this time from various quarters, constituted a formidable force, and advanced by a rapid movement towards Ferguson.
At the same time, Colonel Williams, from the neighborhood of Ninety-six, and Colonels Tracy and Banan, also of South Carolina, conducted parties of men towards the same points. Ferguson having notice of their approach, commenced his march for Charlottesville. The several corps of militia, amounting to near three thousand men, met at Gilbert-town, lately occupied by Ferguson. About one thousand six hundred riflemen were immediately selected, and mounted on their fleetest horses, for the purpose of following the retreating army. The came up with the enemy at King's mountain, October 7th, 1780, when Ferguson, on finding he should be overtaken had chosen his ground, and waited for an attack.
The Americans formed themselves into three divisions, led by Colonels Campbell, Shelby, and Cleaveland, and began to ascend the mountain in three different and opposite directions. Cleaveland, with his division, was the first to gain sight of the enemy's piquet, and halting his men, he addressed them in the following simple, affecting, and animating terms. "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 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 how to fight, by my example. 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. When you can do no better, get behind trees or retreat, but I beg you not to run quite off. If we are repulsed, let us make a point to return, and renew the fight; perhaps we may have better luck in the second attempt than in the first. If any of you are afraid, such have leave to retire, and they are requested immediately to take themselves off."
This address, which would have done honor to the hero of Agincourt, being ended, the men rushed upon the enemy's piquets, and forced them to retire; but returning again to the charge with the bayonets, Cleaveland's men gave way in their turn. In the mean time, Colonel Shelby advanced with his division, and was in like manner driven back by the bayonets of the enemy; but there was yet another body of assailants to be received: Colonel Campbell moved up at the moment of Shelby's repulse, but was equally unable to stand against the British bayonets; and Ferguson still kept possession of his mountain. The whole of the division being separately baffled, determined to make an other effort in co-operation, and the conflict became terrible.
Ferguson still depended upon the bayonet; but this brave and undaunted officer, after gallantly sustaining the attack for nearly an hour was killed by a musket ball, and his troops soon after surrendered at discretion.
The enemy's loss on this occasion was 366 killed and wounded, 800 prisoners, and 1,500 stand of arms. Our loss in killed was about 20, among whom was colonel Williams, one of our most active and enterprising officers; our number of wounded was very considerable.
P164
MORGAN AT THE BATTLE OF THE COWPENS
In the autumn of 1780, Gen. Greene was appointed to the command of the forces in Carolina. He was accompanied by Col. Morgan, a brave and active officer, who commanded a body of riflemen.
On the entrance of Morgan into the district of Ninety-six, Lord Cornwallis detached Lieut. Col. Tarleton to drive him from his station, and to "push him to the utmost."
Tarleton's force consisted of about 1000 choice infantry, and 250 horse, with two field-pieces. To oppose this force, Morgan had but 500 militia, 300 regulars, and 75 horse under the command of colonel Washington. The two detachments met on the 17th of Jan. 1781, at the Cowpens.
The ground on which this memorable battle was fought, was an open pine-barren. The militia were drawn up about 280 yards in front of the regulars, and the horse some small distance in the rear. Just after day-break, the British came in sight,; and halting within about a quarter of a mile from the militia, began to prepare for battle. The sun had just risen, as the enemy, with loud shots, advanced to the charge. The militia hardly waiting to give them a distant fire, broke, and fled for their horses, which were tied at some distance. Tarleton's cavalry pushed hard after them, and coming up just as they reached their horses, began to cut them down. On seeing this, Col. Washington with his cavalry rushed to their rescue, as if certain of victory. Tarleton's men were all scattered in the chase.
Washington's men, on the contrary, advanced closely and compactly, and gave the British cavalry such a fatal charge, that they fled in the utmost precipitation. The British infantry now came up; and having crossed a little valley, just as they ascended the hill, they found themselves within twenty paces of the regular Americans, under Col. Howard, who at this moment poured upon them a general and deadly fire. This threw them into confusion. The militia, seeing this change in the battle, recovered their spirits, and began to form upon the right of the regulars.
Morgan, waving his sword, instantly rode up, exclaiming with a loud voice, "Hurrah! My brave fellow! --Form! Form! --Old Morgan was never beat in his life! One fire more, my heroes and the day is our own!" With answering shouts, both regulars and militia then advanced upon the enemy; and following their fire with the bayonet, instantly decided the conflict.
The British lost in this engagement upwards of 300 killed and wounded, and more than 500 prisoners. The loss of the Americans was but 12 killed and 60 wounded.
P166
HUMOR OF PATRICK HENRY
The versatility of talent for which Patrick Henry, the American orator and patriot, was distinguished, was happily illustrated in a trial which took place soon after the war of independence. During the distress of the republican army, conquest on the invasion of Cornwallis and Philips, in 1781, Mr. Venable, an army commissary, took two steers for the use of the troops, from Mr. Hook, a Scotchman, and a man of wealth, who was suspected of being unfriendly to the American cause. The act had not been strictly legal; and on the establishment of peace, Hook, under the advice of Cowan, a gentleman of some distinction in the law, thought proper to being an action of trespass against Mr. Venable, in the District Court of New-London.
Mr. Henry appeared for the defendant; and is said to have conducted himself in a manner much to the enjoyment of his hearers, the unfortunate Hook always excepted. After Mr. Henry became animated in the cause, he appeared to have complete control over the passions of his audience: at one time he excited their indignation against Hook --vengeance was visible in every countenance; again, when he chose to relax and ridicule him, the whole audience was in a roar of laughter. He painted the distress of the American army, exposed, almost naked, to the rigor of a winter's sky; and marking the frozen ground over which they marched, with the blood of their unshod feet.
"Where was the man," e said, "who had an American heart in his bosom, who would not have thrown open his field, his barns, his cellars, the doors of his house, the portals of his breast, to have received with open arms the meanest soldier in that little band of famished patriots? Where is the man? --There he stands; but whether the heart of an American beats in his bosom, you, gentlemen, are to judge.
He then carried the jury, by the power of his imagination, to the plains around York, the surrender of which had followed shortly after the act complained of. He depicted the surrender of the most glowing and noble colors of his eloquence; the audience saw before their eyes the humiliation and dejection of the British, as they marched out of their trenches; they saw the triumph which lighted up every patriot's face; they heard the shouts of victory, the cry of Washington and liberty, as it rang and echoed through the American ranks and was reverberated from the hills and shores of the neighboring river; "but, hark!" continued Henry, "what notes of discord are those which disturb the general joy, and silence the acclamations of victory? They are the notes of John Hook, hoarsely bawling through the American camp, 'Beef ! beef! Beef!'"
The court was convulsed with laughter; --when Hook, turning to the clerk, said --"Never mind you mon; wait till Billy Cowan gets up and he'll show him the la." But Mr. Cowan was so completely overwhelmed by the torrent which bore upon his client, that when he rose to reply to Mr. Henry, he was scarcely able to make an intelligible or audible remark. The cause was decided almost by acclamation. The jury retired for form's sake, and instantly returned with a verdict for the defendant.
P168
EFFECTS OF TEA
In the time of the American revolutionary war, while the army was encamped at West Point, a party of soldiers discovered an eagle's nest, half way down a precipice, adjacent to the fort. To get at the nest, a soldier was let down by a rope, fastened round his middle. When he had descended near the nest, the eagle came upon him with hideous screams, aiming at his head. He had no way of defending himself, but by taking out his knife, with which he kept her off by striking at her. In one of the passes he made at her, he had the misfortune to strike the rope, and cut one of the strands entirely off. The other strand began to untwist, while his companions drew him up as soon as possible.
In this situation, he every moment expected the rope to part, when he must have fallen from the tremendous height among the rocks. However, he was drawn up to the top of the precipice, when the remaining strand of the rope was nearly reduced to a wisp of tow. He was only 25 years old; but in the course of a few hours, his raven black hair was changed to the whiteness of wool.
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