USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Landmarks of Rensselaer county, New York, pt 1 > Part 7
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The people were instantly aroused to action when it was learned that Burgoyne, in order to support Col. Baum in case of necessity, had stationed Lieutenant-Colonel Breyman at Battenkill, abont twenty-two miles from Bennington, with two large cannon and a strong body of Brunswick grenadiers, German regulars, light infantry and chasseurs. In order to be himself more advantageously situated to render further support with his army, should it be needed, Burgoyne moved his main forces to a point on the Hudson river east of Saratoga, and went into camp on the east side of the river.
The country in the vicinity of Bennington was thoroughly aroused over the prospects. At a special town meeting in that town a resol- tion had been adopted to " raise ninety dollars as an encouragement to those who may enlist in the service of guarding the frontier towns in the Grants"-the northern portions of the Hampshire grants being then greatly exposed. The feeling of insecurity was augmented by the fact that the gallant Colonel Ethan Allen had been taken a prisoner by the British and Colonel Seth Warner had been defeated at Hubbardton. Great dependence had been placed on these two brave and daring patriot leaders, and the capture of Ethan Allen in particular was deemed a severe blow.
Notwithstanding the gloomy and discouraging outlook the inhab- itants of a large section of country about Bennington and in Rensselaer county made the best preparations possible to meet the enemy and try the issue as desperately as patriots alone can. All arms found in the
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LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
possession of Tories were seized without compunction or apology and their property was confiscated to the purposes of the patriots. The preparatory operations were carried on under the direction of the Ver- mont Council of Safety. Massachusetts had presented a stand of 150 rifles to the sturdy Vermonters and as many more had been purchased in Marlborough. Patriots sold the property to procure arms for de. fence, and lead and flints were purchased.
General John Stark, who had been the comrade of Israel Putnam at Bunker Hill, a brigadier with Washington at Trenton and Princeton, had retired to private life because, while other officers, his juniors and inferiors, had been promoted, his services had not been officially recog. nized. The name of Stark was to the Green Mountain Boys what the name of Schuyler was to Albany. He was their guiding star, whom they would have followed to the end of the world without questioning his wisdom or sagacity. When the New Hampshire Legislature offered him the command of the forces it had decided to raise, he cast his old grievances behind him and announced his willingness to take to the field, stipulating, however, that he was not to be bound to join the main army, but to lead the forces which volunteered to protect the borders of the country. The news of his acceptance of the commission was hailed with great joy everywhere, and volunteers rallied to his side, pledged to do or die. Almost the first thing that happened was the refusal of the doughty Yankee general to submit to orders from Gen- eral Schuyler through General Lincoln, who ordered him and his recruits to Albany. Congress censured the New Hampshire Assembly for al- lowing Stark to take command under the agreement entered into, but the matter was finally settled allowing him to remain with his recruits to defend " the people of the Grants." General Stark himself first ex- pressed the conviction that Bennington was the objective point of Burgoyne's side-expedition.
On the ninth of August General Stark and his brigade, about 750 strong, reached Bennington and encamped about two miles west of the historic meeting-house near the Dimmick place, then the residence of Colonel Herrick. The first five days were spent by him in gaining information as to the location and plans of the enemy. The Council of Safety and Colonel Warner gave him valuable advice, upon which he aeted in planning future operations. The Council issued orders, the first in the history of the war, for seizing and selling the property of Tories and sent numerous messengers in all directions for men and
55
THE SKIRMISH AT VAN SCHAICK'S MILLS.
material. One of these orders, issued August 15, 1762, the day be- fore the battle, read as follows:
Sir: You are hereby desired to forward to this place, by express, all the lead you can possibly collect in your viemity, as it is expected every minute an action will commence between our troops and the enemy within four or five miles of this place, and the lead will be positively wanted.
At five o'clock on the morning of August 12 Baum began his march from Saratoga to Bennington. Before he had travelled more than a mile he was overtaken by a messenger from Burgoyne who carried orders from the latter to post his eorps at Battenkill and wait further instructions. The next morning, in pursuance of further orders, he marched nearly sixteen miles to Cambridge, arriving there at four o'clock in the afternoon. On his way, and after he reached the place seleeted for his encampment, he was joined by a considerable number of Tories residing in Washington and Rensselaer counties, many of whom were under the lead of Colonel Francis Pfister, a half-pay British offieer of wealth and widespread influence, who ocenpied an imposing residenee built by him on the west bank of the Hoosick near what is now known as Hoosick Corners, or Hoosick. While en route Baum dis patched a party of provincials and savages, who took five prisoners from an American army guard, and some eattle, horses and wagons at Cambridge. General Stark was apprised of the advance as far as Cambridge of a band of hostile Indians, but did not know of the ap- proach of Baum and his little army. He thereupon sent ont two hun- dred men, under Lieutenant Colonel Gregg, to stop them. Gregg's company reached Van Schaick's Mills on the morning of the four- teenth and took possession a short time before Baum's forces ar- rived. What occurred there is best told in Baum's own words, his official report to Burgoyne:
SANCOIR, Aug. 14, 1777, 9 o'clock.
Sir: I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I arrived here at eight in the morning, having had intelligence of a party of the enemy being in possession of a mill, which they abandoned at our approach, but in their usual way fired from the the bushes, and took the road to Bennington. A savage was slightly wounded. They broke down the bridge, which has retarded our march about an hour. They left in the mill about seventy-eight barrels of very fine flour, one thousand bushels of wheat, twenty barrels of salt, and about one thousands pounds' worth of pearl and pot ashes. I have ordered thirty provincials and an officer to guard the provisions and the pass of the bridge. By five prisoners here they agree that fifteen hundred to eighteen hundred men are in Bennington, but are supposed to leave it on our ap-
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LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
proach. I will proceed so far to-day as to fall on the enemy to-morrow carly, and make such disposition as I think necessary from the intelligence 1 may receive. People are flocking in hourly and want to be armed. The savages cannot be con- trolled; they ruin and take everything they please.
1 am, ete., F. BAUM.
Beg your Excellency to pardon the hurry of this letter; it is written on the head of a barrel.
After the engagement at Van Schaick's mills Baum proceeded as far as Sancoik without serious molestation. On the way his company was fired on by the Americans from ambush and sev- eral of the advance guard of Indians fell. That night he reached "the farm of Walmscott, 1 about four miles from Saneoik, and three from Bennington," where he encamped. The farm was divided by the Walloomsac river.
Meantime General Stark, on the night of the 13th, learned more fully of the approach of the Indians, and also ascertained for the first that they preceded a larger body of regulars and provincials. The next morning he hastily rallied his brigade and the militia at Bennington; dispatched a courier to Manchester for the company of Colonel Warner, gave orders that all the militia and others bearing arms should follow him as rapidly as possible, and without further delay he and his brigade left Bennington to meet the enemy. Ilis force consisted of three regiments of New Hampshire militia respect- ively commanded by Colonels Hubbard, Stickney and Nichols; a small body of militia from the cast side of the mountains, under Colonel William Williams of Wilmington; a corps of rangers then forming under the authority of the Vermont Council of Safety, commanded by Colonel Herrick; a body of militia from Bennington and vicinity, under Colonel Nathan Brush, of which there were two companies from Ben- nington-one commanded by Captain Samuel Robinson and the other by Captain Elijah Dewey; and militia from Berkshire county under Colonel Simmons. It has been estimated that the entire foree of General Stark numbered about 1,800 men. Ile had proceeded between four or five miles when he met Colonel Gregg and his forces, who were retreating before Baum. Without further delay Stark drew up the entire force and prepared for battle. It was now the afternoon of the fourteenth. Stark was not satisfied with the field chosen for the battle, but while he was preparing to change the location of his brigade the
' Wallumscoik or Walloomsack.
3
57
STARK'S PRELIMINARY MOVEMENTS.
enemy appeared on a small hill in front of him. Stark sent ont small skirmishing parties, who killed and wounded about thirty men, with no loss on the American side. As soon as this little party returned Stark moved his entire brigade abont two miles back toward Bennington and there took his final stand. He had determined to fight the next day, but late in the night a heavy rain set in and he decided to delay general hostilities until the condition of the ground was more favorable for action. It rained nearly all day the 15th, but several small skirmish- ing parties were sent out with indifferent snecess.
General Stark's plan of battle was as follows: Colonel Nichols, with 200 men, was to make a circuit northward through the woods and was to reach the rear of Baum's left without discovery until the last possible moment. Colonel Herrick, with 300 men, was to perform exactly the same service to the southward. The attack was to be commenced by these two forces of 500 men, leaving 1,300 for the main work in front. In order to divert the attention of the enemy from that proceeding Colonels Hubbard and Stickney were ordered to get before the breast- works which protected the tory volunteers and 100 men were to march toward Baum's front. At the proper time General Stark and the re- mainder of his army, about half the entire force, was to charge Baum's intrenchments in front. low faithfully the plan was carried out is told in General Stark's account of the battle.
During Stark's preliminary movements on the 15th, Baum spent the time in strengthening his position. On a small hill to the left of the farm of Walmscott he posted his dragoons and threw up small breast- works. Bodies of Canadians were sent to occupy a few detached houses near by, and these were supported by detachments of grena- diers and chasseurs, behind intrenchments of their own construction. His main army he kept on the north side of the river, "holding the woods upon his flanks, in his front and rear by the Indians." Both armies held the positions described when the night of the 15th caused the suspension of further operations. Baum had not counted on such strong opposition as confronted him, and he had been com- pelled to make his position as strong as possible. Stark, likewise sur- prised by the force of the enemy, had strengthened his position in the best manner possible.
As General Stark gave his orders, which have been outlined, and the several companies were about to take the positions assigned them, he rose in his saddle and, pointing toward the hill occupied by the enemy,
8
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LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
the bold warrior exclaimed: "There are the red-coats, and they are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow." This laconic address has become one of the best known in history.
The battle which followed on the 16th has been variously described, but the accounts given by General Stark himself and Lieutenant Glick, one of Baum's officers, giving as they do the two sides of the story from totally different standpoints, may be considered the most authentic ac- counts extant. Gen. Stark's graphic story is contained in a letter which he transmitted to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety two days after the battle, August 18. This letter was as follows:
BENNINGTON, August 18, 1977.
Gentlemen: I congratulate you on the late success of your troops under my com- mand, by express. I purposed to give you a brief account of my proceedings since I wrote to you last. I left Manchester on Sunday the 8th inst., and arrived here the 9th. The 13th I was informed that a party of Inchians was at Cambridge, which is twelve miles distant from this place, on their march thither. I detached Col. Gregg, with two hundred men under his command, to stop their march, In the evening I had information by express that there was a large body of the enemy on their way with their field-pieces in order to march through the country commanded by Gover- nor Skene. The 14th I marched with my brigade and a few of this State's militia to oppose them, and to cover Gregg's retreat, who found himself unable to withstand their superior number. About four miles from this town I accordingly met him on his return, and the enemy in close pursuit of him, within half a mile of his rear. But when they discovered me, they presently halted on a very advantageous piece of ground. I drew up my little army on an eminence in open view of their encamp- ments, but could not bring them to an engagement. I marched back about a mile and there encamped. I sent out a few men to skirmish with them, killed thirty of them, with two Indian chiefs. The 15th it rained all day. 1 sent out parties to har- ass them. The 16th I was joined by this State's tulitia and those of Berkshire county,' I divided my armty into three divisions, and sent Col. Nichols with two hundred and fifty men on the rear of their left wing, Col. Herrick in the rear of their right with three hundred men. . In the mean time I sent three hundred men to oppose the enemy's front to draw their attention that way. Soon after I de- tached the Cols. Hubbert and Stickney on their right wing, with two hundred men to attack that part, all which plans had their desired effect. Col. Nichols sent me word that he stood in need of remforcements, which I readily granted, consisting of one hundred men, at which time he commenced the attack, precisely at three o'clock in the afternoon, which was followed by all the rest. I pushed forward the re- mainder with all speed, Our people behaved with the greatest spirit and bravery imaginable. Hlad they been Alexanders or Charles of Sweden they could not have behaved better. The action lasted two hours, at the expiration of which time we forced their breastworks at the muzzles of their guns, took two pieces of brass can- non, with a number of prisoners, but before I could get them into proper form again I received intelligence that there was a large reinforcement within two miles of us,
59
THE BATTLE AT HOOSICK.
on their march, which occasioned us to renew our attack. But, lucky for us, Col. Warner's regiment came up, which put a stop to their career. We soon rallied, and in a few minutes the action begun very warm and desperate, which lasted till night. We used their own cannon against them, which proved of great service to us. At sunset we obliged them to retreat a second time. We pursued them till dark, when I was obliged to halt for fear of killing my own men. We recovered two pieces more of their cannon, together with all their baggage, a number of horses, carriages, etc., killed upwards of two hundred of the enemy in the field of battle. The num- ber of the wounded is not yet known, as they are scattered about in many places. I have one lieutenant-colonel, since dead, one major, seven captains, fourteen lieuten- ants, four ensigns, two cornets, one judge-advocate, one baron, two Canadian ofli- cers, six sergeants, one aide de-camp, and seven hundred prisoners. I almost forgot one Hessian chaplain. I enclose yon a copy of Gen. Burgoyne's instructions to Col. Baum, who commanded the detachment that engaged us. Our wounded are forty- two. Ten privates and four officers belonging to my brigade are dead. The dead and wounded in the other corps I do not know, as they have not brought in their returns as yet. I am, gentlemen, with the greatest regard and respect, your most obedient, humble servant. JOHN STAKK.
The account written by Lieutenant Gliek, Colonel Baum having been mortally wounded by a rifle ball which penetrated his body, is deemed an impartial story of the battle. As will be observed he was very complimentary to the skill and sagacity of General Stark and the bravery of his troops. In his letter Lieutenant Glick wrote:
It has been stated that during the last day's march our little corps was joined by many of the country people, most of whom demanded and obtained arms, as persons friendly to the royal canse. How Col. Baum became so completely duped as to place reliance on these men, I know not; but having listened with complacency to their previous assurances that in Bennington a large majority of the populace were our friends, he was somehow or other persuaded to believe that the armed bands of whose approach he was wanted were loyalists on their way to make a tender of their services to the leader of the king's troops. . . We might have stood about half an hour under arms, watching the proceedings of a column of four or five hundred men, who, after dislodging the pickets, had halted just at the edge of the open coun- try, when a sudden tramping of feet in the forest on our right, followed by the re- port of several muskets, attracted our attention. . A loud shout, followed by a rapid though straggling fire of musketry, warned us to prepare for a meeting the reverse of friendly. Instantly the Indians came pouring in, carrying dismay and confusion in their countenances and gestures. We were surrounded on all sides; columns were advancing everywhere against us, and those whom we had hitherto treated as friends had only waited till the arrival of their support might justify them in advancing. The columm in our front no sooner heard the shout than they replied cordially and loudly to it; then, firing a volley with deliberate and murderous aim, rushed furiously towards us. Now, then, at length our leader's dreams of security were dispelled. Ile found himself attacked in front and flank by thrice his
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LANDMARKS OF RENSSELAER COUNTY.
numbers, who pressed forward with the confidence which our late proceedings were calculated to produce, whilst the very persons in whom we had trusted, and to whom we had given arms, lost no time in turning them against him. These fellows no sooner heard their comrades' ery than they deliberately discharged their muskets amongst Riedesel's dragoons, and dispersing before any steps could be taken to seize them, escaped, with the exception of one or two, to their friends.
If Col. Baum had permitted himself to be duped into a great error, it is no more than justice to confess that he exerted himself manfully to remedy the evil and avert its consequences. Our little band, which had hitherto remained in column, was in- stantly ordered to extend, and the troops lining the breastworks replied to the fire of the Americans with extreme celerity and considerable effect. So close and destrue- tive, indeed, was onr first volley that the assailants recoiled before it, and would have retreated, ju all probability within the woods; but ere we could take advantage of the confusion produced, fresh attacks developed themselves, and we were warmly engaged in every side, and from all quarters. It became evident that each of our detached posts was about to be assailed in the same instant. Not one of our dis- positions had been concealed from the enemy, who, on the contrary, seemed to be aware of the exact number of men stationed at each point, and they were one and all threatened by a force perfectly adequate to bear down opposition, and yet by no means disproportionately large, or such as to render the main body inefficient. All, moreover, was done with the sagacity and coolness of veterans who perfectly under- stood the nature of the resistance to be expected and the difficulties to be overcome, and who, having well considered and matured their plans, were resolved to carry them into execution at all hazards, and at every expense of life.
It wasat this moment, when the heads of columns began to show themselves in the rear of our right and left, that the Indians, who had hitherto acted with spirit and something like order, lost all confidence and fled. . . This vacancy, which the retreat of the savages had occasioned, was promptly filled up by one of our two field-pieces, whilst the other poured destruction among the enemy in front as often as they showed themselves in the open country or threatened to advance.
In this state things continued upwards of three-quarters of an hour Though re- peatedly assailed in front, flanks, and rear, we maintained ourselves with so much obstmacy as to inspire a hope that the enemy might even yet be kept at bay till the arrival of Breymann's corps, now momentarily expected, when an accident occurred, which at once put an end to this expectation, and exposed us, almost defenseless, to our fate. The solitary tumbril which contained the whole of our spare ammunition became ignited, and blew up with a violence which shook the very ground under our feet and cansed a momentary cessation in firing, both on our side and that of the enemy. But the cessation was only for a moment. The American officers, guessing the extent of our calamity, cheered their men on to fresh exertions. They rushed up the ascent with redoubled ardor, in spite of the heavy volley which we poured in to check them; and, finding our guns silent, they sprung over the parapet and dashed within our works. For a few seconds the scene which ensued defies all power of language to describe. The bayonet, the butt of the rifle, the sabre, the pike were in full play, and men fell, as they rarely fall in modern war, under the direct blows of their enemies. But such a struggle could not, in the nature of things, be of long
Henry, S. Ludlow
61
THE SECOND BATTLE.
continuance. Outnumbered, broken, and somewhat disheartened by late events, our people wavered and fell back, or fought singly and unconnectedly, till they were either cut down at their posts, obstinately defending themselves, or compelled to surrender. Of Riedesel's dismounted dragoons few survived to tell how nobly they had behaved, Col. Baum, shot through the body by a rifle ball, fell mortally wounded; and, all order and discipline being lost, fhght or submission was alone thought of. For my own part, whether the feeling arose from desperation or acci- dent I cannot tell, but I resolved not to be taken. As yet I had escaped almost un- hurt, a slight flesh wound in the left arm having alone fallen to my share, and, gathering around me about thirty of my comrades, we made a rush where the enemy's ranks appeared weakest, and burst through. This done, each man made haste to shift for himself, without pausing to consider the fall of his neighbor, and, losing one-third of our number from the enemy's fire, the remainder took refuge, in groups of two or three, within the forest.
Neither of these gives a complete description of all the fighting that occurred, for a second battle, though not a severe one, ocenrred. Baum and the remnant of his army were still exchanging shots with the Ameri- cans when Col. Breyman, who had been dispatched by Burgoyne, through Sir Francis Clark, to relieve Baum, arrived at Sancoik. He was delayed by bad roads and did not reach his objective point until about 4.30 p. m. Very soon after he was fired on by a small body of Americans. General Stark's forces had fought desperately and were in no condition to meet the reserve forces of Breyman, The latter immediately opened a steady fire. Stark was at the point of retreating, but he heeded the appeals of Colonel Warner and resisted Breyman. But they could not hold out for long against the fresh foe and soon began slowly to retreat, keeping up a steady fire meantime. Colonel Warner's reinforcements soon appeared, in command of Lieutenant Colonel Safford, and the day was saved to the Americans, But not without hard work. Brey- man's cannon was taken and retaken and finally remained in possession of the Americans. Little by little Stark's forees made gains and Brey- man retreated, gradually at first and then with increasing rapidity. The British forces were completely routed. General Stark wrote: "Our martial courage proved too hard for them." And again: " We pursued them until dark, but, had daylight lasted one hour longer, we should have taken the whole body of them." The battle ended prac- tically where it began, at the Sancoik mill. Breyman's forces reached Cambridge that night, and the next day, Sunday, August 17, arrived at Burgoyne's camp at Saratoga.
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