THE FARMER'S

MONTHLY VISITOR

VOL. XII. MANCHESTER, N. H. AUGUST, 1852. NO. 8..

upon Mount Independence on the opposite shore, were improvidently set on fire, on the same night, and notified the enemy of the movement.

THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. The cause of American Independence was never exposed to a more doubtful crisis, than in the eventful Campaign of 1777. That, of The retreating army was immediately purthe year preceeding, had been disastrous in sued by the enemy's light infantry Brigade, the extreme; but when the affairs of the and part of Reidesels German Yagers, both states appeared to be irretrievably ruined, two by land and water, with such diligence, that brilliant actions towards its close, at Trenton the rear guard of 1000 men under Col. Warand Princeton, threw a sudden ray of hope ner, was overtaken next day, near Hubbardsupon the surrounding gloom. The winter town, and brought to action, by Frazer's corps was passed in raising men and means for an- of Light infantry. The action was well fought, other and more desperate struggle. The if we can imply any thing from the circumedicts of royal indignation had gone forth, stance that the Earl Balcarras, second in comthreatening vengeance upon the devoted mand to General Frazer, received 37 bullet heads of the leaders of this unnatural rebel-holes in his jacket. The assailants would have lion; and new armies of veteran troops were organizing to execute their mandates.

been routed by Warner; but the Germans came up in time to save them; and the gal-Ticonderoga was at this period, occupied by lant Warner, after performing all that an in-the whole force of the states' army in the telligent and fearless soldier could do, was North. It was the key stone of the north; compelled to give way before superior numand deemed of sufficient strength, to oppose bers. Col. Francis, a brave and valuable offi-an effectual barrier to any advance of the ene-cer, (father of the distinguished financier of my from Canada. The country in its vicini- Boston) with others of less note, fell in this ty, in consequence, reposed in confident se- action."

curity. The victorious career of the invader One of the most unfortunate results of this soon dispelled the delusion. He made him-affair, was felt by the Americans, in the loss self master of the heights of Mount Defiance, of all their baggage; few of the officers or with the utmost secrecy, in a single night;-men, having any clothing left, except that upand drew up by large brass tackles, a few piec-on their persons. es of heavy ordnance, which being placed in The army continued their disorderly retreat battery, by a discharge at some vessels on the towards the Hudson, breaking down bridges lake, in the morning, gave notice to the Amer- and felling timber to block up the streams, and ican General that his post was no longer ten- finally crossed over the river; considering able. Nothing now could save the army but themselves not in safety, until this noble a precipitate retreat. Preparations were im-stream was in their rear. The news of the mediately made for that purpose. The bag- fall of Ticonderoga, spread rapidly through gage was embarked in boats and the retreat the country, giving rise to the most fearful commenced. The stores in the Fort and those forebodings. The people in general, appeared

paralyzed with terror and astonishment-all with as ample powers, as he could have desirappeared to be lost. But there were men ed.

whose nerves had not been unstrung by the Recruiting officers were immediately emmisfortunes of two unlucky campaigns;-ployed under his orders, in beating up for whose warrior spirits arose with the dangers volunteers. His popularity, military reputawhich surrounded them, who could look up- tion, his previous suecesses, and his long exon this dreary night of disaster, as the har- perience (for he had seen more actual service binger of a more glorious day; who could than most of the officers of the continental foresee that the invader, notwithstanding his army,) were strong inducements with the yeohitherto triumphant advance, would not be manry of New Hampshire. able to retrace his steps should he be so inclined. Around such men, the hopes and strength of the country gathered.

More troops than had been called for by his orders, were soon engaged; and marched to Charleston on the Connecticut River, as The men of New Hampshire had furnished a general rendezvous. Thence, they were orall, that it was supposed they could do.- dered to proceed to Bennington as fast as they Credit was at a low ebb, and the ability to could be equiped with arms, ammunition and support a single regiment was doubted, even, supplies. A portion of them reached their if one could be raised. They had been noti- destination, while the General was still befied by the authorities of Vermont, that unless hind hastening the march of the remainder.— speedy assistance of troops, and a General, For the following statement, I rely upon the were sent them, they must yield to circum-information of my late friend the venerable stances, and submit to the enemy; which Capt. Jonathan Eastman. would leave New Hampshire a frontier state. In this emergency, shone forth the spirit and patriotism of that man of his country, John Langdon. Ever honored be his name and his virtues.

He was then presiding officer of the Council; which he assembled on the receipt of the news from the north; and thus in substance addressed them.

"I have three thousand dollars in hard money-My plate will pledge for three thousand more-I have 70 hogsheads of Tobago rum, which shall be sold for the most they will bring. These are at the service of the state; if we succed I shall be remunerated; if not, they will be of no use to me. We can raise a Brigade and our old friend Stark who so nobly sustained the honor of our state, at Bunker's Hill, may safely be entrusted with the command, and we will check Burgoyne."

The troops in advance, had scarcely established themselves in their new quarters when an officer arrived from the Continental army with orders to conduct them to Head Quarters. Those in command did not feell kelisputing an order from the Commander of the Northern department; and the troops were paraded. The march had commenced, and proceeded a short distance, when a deep stern voice from the rear gave the command-Halt. It was obeyed; the men recognized the voice of one who had been their leader on other occasions. The person who had thus suddenly interrupted the march, was a man of middle stature, well proportioned for strength and activity; with broad shoulders. He was thick set and stout, but not at all inclined to corpulency. The features of his face were bold and prominent, indicating ready decision and a spirit of determination, his eyes were This noble proposal infused new life into blue and deeply sunk under projecting the Council; and arrangements were immedi- brows, the nose prominent and well formately commenced for carrying it into effect.-ed; he had a slight ronndness about the A messenger was despatched to Col. Stark, shoulders, caused by the exposures of the who, stung with the ingratitude, and injustice of Congress, in promoting juniors over him, had resigned his commission, declaring that an "officer who would not assert his rank, and maintain his rights, was unworthy to serve his country." He had left the army three months before, and was now living in retirement upon his farm, from whence he had fitted out all his family capable of being in arms, and sent them to join the army. He returned with the messenger, and waited upon the council. He listened to their proposal;— told them he had no confidence in the then commander of the Northern Army, (St. Clair) but if they would raise a brigade to hang upon the Left Wing, and rear of the enemy, with liberty to direct their operations as his own judgment should suggest, without being responsible to any other authority, than that of their own body, he would again take the field. The Council closed with the terms; and gave him a Commission investing him

winter expeditions of the seven years war.— He was nearly fifty years of age, and his whole appearance denoted courage, coolness, and confidence, and activity; whether called upon to perform the part of an enterprising partizan, or that of a calculating, and considerate general; for in the course of his military career, he had been employed in both positions. He had acted as Brigadier General before his present appointment. He rode a spirited horse, and wore the Continental uniform.

Without a moment's delay, he spurred to the head of the column, and demanded of the Continental officer, what he was doing with his troops. "I don't know General Stark, how they can be your troops, when all the men in service from New Hampshire are embraced in Poor's command." "The men shall not move a step further; I never was, and never will be commanded by Enoch Poor; I am here as the representative of New Hampshire;"

rejoined the other. He then turned to the troops, ordered his commission to be read, and directed the officers to conduct the men back to their quarters, which they did, leaving their commander to discuss the matter with the disappointed continental.

of 500 German regulars, infantry and dismounted dragoons, a detachment of British light troops, a considerable force of Tories, two hundred Indians, and two pieces of light field artillery, the whole commanded by Lieut. Col. Baume, accompanied by Col. Skeene, a The latter urged the necessity of their im-valorous Royalist, who being well acquainted mediate junction with the army, representing with the country, and its inhabitants, was to their distress and lowness of spirit, and their act as Col. Baume's assistant, and adviser.want of reinforcements and supplies; but all Another detatchment of 600 men, under Col to no purpose; the General was inexorable.- Breyman was also ordered to be in readiness He was told by the officer, that he was assum-to march at a moment's warning, to support ing a fearful responsibility; to which Gen. Baume's force if necessary.

S. replied, that he had assumed many respon- While encamped at Battenkill, awaiting orsibilities before and was not then to be fright-ders, Col. Baume addressed the following note ened from doing the same again, or whenever to Gen. Bnrgoyne. the good of his country required. Here for BATTENKILL, 12 Aug. 1777. a time the affair rested. The officer reported Sir-I had the honor of acquainting your the result to Head Quarters, and the comman- Excellency by a man sent yesterday by Col der of the Northern army complained to con- Skeene to Head Quarters, of the several corps gress, urging the necessity of men and sup-under my command being encamped at Saraplies; as he had been compelled by the advance of Burgoyne. to take post south of the Mohawk.

toga, as well as my intention to proceed next morning at 5 o'clock. The corps moved at that time and marched a mile, when I received a Congress passed a vote of censure, upon the letter from Brig. Gen. Frazer, signifying your state of New Hampshire, for giving their Gen- Excellency's order to post the corps advantag eral such an independent command, which eously on Battenkill until I should receive neither they nor General Stark considered of fresh instructions. The corps is now encampmuch account. He knew no other authority ed at that place and waits your order. I will than the state Council, and had he hesitatad not trouble you with the various reports which and submitted to the demand of General St. spread, as they seem rather to be founded on Clair, or Schuyler, the campaign would have the different feelings of the people who occaterminated with the total ruin of the north-sion them. I have the honor to be &c. &c. ern army; Burgoyne would have succeeded, and reached Albany. After the Northern had been crushed, Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne would have found it an easy task to have subdued the others.

F. BAUME

The reinforcement of 50 chasseurs which

your Excellency was pleased to order, joined
me last night.

this occasion were as follows:
Gen. Burgoyne's orders to Col. Baume on

Gen. S. next proceeded with all diligence, to organize and discipline his forces, collect supplies, and prepare them for active duty, as soon as occasion should offer. General Gates Instructions for Lieut. Col. Baume on a Secret had now assumed the command of the North. expedition to Connecticut River. He opened a correspondence with Gen. Stark, The object of your expedition is to try the who detailed his plan of operations, which affections of the country, to disconcert the was to intercept and cut off the enemies sup-councils of the enemy, to mount the Reidesel's plies, remove beyond his reach all the stores Dragoons, to complete Peter's corps, and to of the country, harrass his rear, and attack obtain large supplies of cattle, horses and carany of his detachments, which should afford riages. him the opportunity. Gates approved of the the plan; and while arrangements were going on to carry it out, Burgoyne himself furnished the desired opportunity.

While these matters were transpiring, Gen. Burgoyne had advanced towards the North River, after experiencing much delay from the impediments, which the Americans had thrown in his path, during their retreat.

The several corps, of which the enclosed is a list, are to be under your command. The troops must take no tents; and what little baggage is carried by officers, must be on their own bat horses.

You are to proceed by the route from Batten kill to Arlington, and take post there, so as to secure the pass from Manchester. You are to remain at Arlington until the detachment of Provincials under Capt. Sherwood, shall join you from the southward.

He had learned of the arrival of the Militia at Bennington, and while he was waiting to hear of the success of Col. St. Leger, who You are then to proceed to Manchester, had been ordered to proceed by a different where you will take post, so as to secure the route, from that taken by his main army, and pass of the mountains on the road from Manreduce Fort Stanwix on his way, he determin-chester to Rockingham; from hence you will ed to detach a force which he deemed suffi-detach the Indians and light troops, to the cient to look down all opposition, to disperse northward towards Otter Creek on their rethe enemy on his left, and secure the stores turn, and also receiving intelligence that no collected in the vicinity. The force consisted enemy is in force in the neighborhood of Rock