USA > Vermont > History of the state of Vermont; for the use of families and schools > Part 8
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8. Notwithstanding the apparent strength of the posts occupied by the Americans, their works were all effectually overlooked and commanded by a neighboring eminence called Sugar Hill, or Mount Defiance. This circumstance was well known to the American officers, and they had a consultation for the express purpose of considering the propriety of fortifying this mountain; but it was declined because they believed the British would not think it practi- cable to plant, cannon upon it, and because their works were already so extensive, that they could
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not be properly manmed, the whole garrison consist- ing of only 2516 continental troops, and 900 militia ; the latter very badly armed and equipped.
9. St Clair was sensible that he could not sus- tain a regular siege ; still he hoped that the confi- dence of Burgoyne would induce him to attempt to carry the American works by assault, against which he was resolved to defend himself to the last ex- tremity. But to the surprise and consternation of the Americans, on the 5th of July, the enemy ap- peared upon Mount Defiance, and immediately com- menced the construction of a battery. This battery, when completed, would effectually command all the American works on both sides of the lake and the line of communication between them ; and, as there was no prospect of being able to dislodge the enemy from this post, a council of war was called, by which it was unanimously agreed that a retreat should be attempted that very night, as the only means of sa- ving the army.
10. Accordingly, about two o'clock in the morn- ing of the 6th of July, Gen. St Clair, with the gar- rison, left Ticonderoga, and about three o'clock the troops on Mount Independence were put in motion. The baggage, provisions and stores were, as far as practicable, embarked on board 200 batteaux, and dispatched, under convoy of five armed gallies, to Skeensborough, while the main body of the army proceeded by land on the route through Hubbard- ton and Castleton. These affairs were conducted with secrecy and silence, and unobserved by the enemy, till a French officer, imprudently and contra- ry to orders, set fire to his house. The flames im- imediately illuminated the whole of Mount Inde- pendence and revealed to the enemy at once, the movements and designs of the Americans. It at the same time impressed the Americans with such an idea of discovery and danger, as to throw them into the utmost disorder and confusion.
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RETREAT-BATTLE AT HUBBARDTON.
11. About four o clock the rear guard of the Americans left Mount Independence, and were brought off by Col Francis in good order; and the regiments, which had preceded him, were soon re- covered from their confusion. When the troops ar- rived at Hubbardton, they were halted for nearly two hours. Here the rear guard was put under the command of Col Seth Warner, with orders to fol- low the army, as soon as those, who had been left behind, came up, and to halt about a mile and a half in the rear of the main body. St Clair then pro- ceeded to Castleton, about six miles further, leaving Warner with the rear guard and stragglers, at Hub- bardton.
12. The retreat of the Americans from Ticondero- ga no was sooner perceived by the British, than an eager pursuit was begun by Gen. Fraser with the light troops, who was soon followed by Gen. Reid- sel with the greater part of the Brunswick regiments. Fraser continued the pursuit during the day, and having learned that the rear of the American ar- my was not far off; ordered his men to lie that night upon their arms. Early on the morning of the 7th, he renewed the pursuit, and about 7 o'clock, com- menced an attack upon the Americans under War- ner. Warner's force consisted of his own regiment, and the regiments of Col Francis and Hale. Hale, fearful of being overpowered by superior numbers, retired from the field with his regiment, leaving Warner and Francis, with only seven or eight hun- dred men, to dispute the progress of the enemy.
13. The conflict was fierce and bloody. Francis fell at the head of his regiment, fighting with great resolution and bravery. Warner, well supported by his officers and men, charged the enemy with such impetuosity that they were thrown into disorder and at first gave way. They, however, soon recovered, formed anew, and advanced upon the Americans, who in their turn fell back. At this critical mno- 9*
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ment, a re-enforcement under Gen. Reidsel arrived, which was immediately led into action, and the for- tune of the day was soon decided. The Americans, overpowered by numbers, and exhausted by fatigue, fled from the field in every direction.
14. The loss of the Americans in this encounter was very considerable. Hale, in his cowardly at- tempt to escape by flight, fell in with a party of the British and surrendered himself and a number of his men, prisoners of war. The whole American loss in killed wounded and prisoners, was 324. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded, was 183. Gen. St Clair, with the main body of the Ameri- can army, was at Castleton, only six miles distant, during this engagement, but sent no assistance to Warner. After the battle Warner, with his usual per- severance and intrepidity, collected his scattered troops and conducted them safely to Fort Edward, to which place St Clair had retired with the army.
15. While Gen. Fraser and Reidsel were pursuing the Americans by land, Gen. Burgoyne himself con- ducted the pursuit by water. The boom and bridge between Ticonderoga and Mount Independence not being completed were soon cut through, and by nine o'clock in the morning of the 6th, the British frig- ates and gun boats had passed the works. Several regiments were immediately embarked on board the boats and the chase commenced. By three in the afternoon the foremost boats overtook and attacked the American gallies near Skeensborough, (now Whitehall ;, and upon the approach of the frigates, the Americans abandoned their gallies, blew up three of them and escaped to the shore. The oth- er two fell into the hands of the British.
16. As the American force was not sufficient to make an effectual stand at Skeensborough, they set fire to the works, mills and batteaux and retreated up Wood Creek to fort Ann. Being pursued by the ninth British regiment under Colonel Hill, the
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FORT EDWARD ABANDONED.
Americans turned upon him and gave him battle with such spirit as to cause him to retire to the top of a hill, where he would have been soon over- powered had not a re-enforcement arrived at that critical moment, to his assistance. The Americans, upon this, relinquished the attack, and having set fire to fort Ann, retreated to fort Edward and joined the main army under Schuyler.
17. The retreat from Ticonderoga was very dis- astrous to the Americans. Their cannon, amounting to 128 pieces,-their shipping and batteaux and their provisions, stores and magazines, fell into the hands of the enemy. By this event Burgoyne obtained no less 1748 barrels of flour and more than 70 tons of salt provisions ; and, in addition to these, a large drove of cattle, which had arrived in the American camp a few days previous to their retreat, fell into his hands. After St Clair had joined Schuyler at fort Edward, and all he scattered troops had come in, the whole American force at that place did not ex- ceed 4400 men. Sensible that with this force, it would be impossible to make an effectual stand, it became the chief object of the American generals to impede as much as possible the progress of the enemy by cutting down trees, blocking up the roads and destroying the bridges.
17. The works at fort Edward being in no con- dition to afford protection to the Amercan army, Gen. Schuyler abandoned them on the 22d of July, and retired with his whole force to Moses Creek, a position on the Hudson, about four miles below fort Edward. At this place the hills approach very near the river on both sides, and this was selected as a favorable position to make a stand and dispute the progress of the enemy. But the army was found to be so much reduced by defeat and disertion, and the disaffection to the American cause was found to be so general in this section of the country, that it was judged best to retire to Saratoga, and subse-
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quently, to Stillwater, at which place the army ar- rived on the Ist day of August.
19. The British were in the mean time bringing forward their artillery and stores, and opening the way from Skeensborough to fort Edward. But so effectually had the Americans blocked up and ob- structed the road, that the British army was frequent- ly 24 hours in advancing one mile. It was not till the 30th of July that Burgoyne arrived and fixed his head quarters at fort Edward. Nothing could ex- ceed the joy of the British army on its arrival at the Hudson. They flattered themselves that their difficulties and toils were now ended; and that there was nothing before them but a safe and easy march to Albany, and thence to a junction with the British . army at New York.
20. The British had supposed that a large pro- portion of the inhabitants on the New Hampshire grants and in the nothern parts of New York, were opposed to the revolution and that it was necessary only to march an army into their country, and fur- nish them with arms to bring them all around the royal standard. Arms had therefore been forwarded by Burgoyne, a proclamation was issued, addressed to the inhabitants of the country, and Burgoyne was now waiting for their submission, and for the arrival of his tents and baggage. But notwithstanding the darkness and gloom which enveloped the Ameri- can affairs, very few were found, who were disposed to abandon the cause of their country for that of their king.
22. At this period settlements had been com- menced in most of the towns in the present coun- ties of Bennington and Rutland, and in several towns to the northward of Rutland county. But upon the advance of Burgoyne along the lake, the settlers retired towards the south, and at the time Burgoyne was upon the Hudson, very few sett.ers remained upon their farms to the northward of the
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PROCEEDINGS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
present country of Bennington. But that the set- ters were true to the American cause we are assur- ed by the testimony of Burgoyne himself. In his private letter to Lord Germain dated Saratoga, Ang. 20th, 1777, he says " The Hamshire grants in par- ticular, a country impeopled and ahnost unknown in the last war, now abounds in the most active and most rebellious race on the continent, and hangs like a gathering storm on my left."
22. On the 15th of July, the committee of safety of Vermont assembled at Manchester, where they agreed to raise all the men they could, to oppose, the enemy, who were then advancing towards fort Edward. They at the same time wrote in the most urgent terms to New Hampshire and Massachusetts, to send on a body of troops to their assistance. The Legislature of New Hampshire, immediately formed their militia into two brigades, and placed one under the command of Gen. William Whipple, and the other under Gen. John Stark. One fourth of his own brigade, and a portion of the other was then ordered to march immediately under the command of Gen. Stark. to stop the progress of the enemy upon the north western frontier.
23. Stark had been an officer of some reputation in the French war, and had also distinguished himself at the battle of Bunker Hill ; but considering himself neglected by Congress in not being promoted, he had left the continental service, and would not accept the present command, unless left at liberty to serve, or not, under a continental officer, as he should think proper. As there was no time for delay, the assembly of New Hampshire invested him with a separate command, with orders to repair without delay to the New Hampshire grants, and act either in conjunction with the troops of the grants, or of the other states, or separately, as he should judge best for the protec- tion of the people and the annoyance of the enemy.
24. Agreeably to his orders, Stark hastened forward
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with about 800 men, and joined the Vermont troops, who were collected at Manchester under the com- mand of Colonel Seth Warner, to the number of about 600, making the united force under Stark, about 1400 men. Gen Schuyler, wishing to collect all the American troops in front of the British army to prevent its approach to Albany, wrote repeatedly to Stark to join him with the men under his command. But Stark believed that the most effectual way of - checking the advance of Burgoyne, was to hang upon his rear and embrace every favorable opportunity to cut off his supplies and annoy him from that quarter, and therefore neglected to obey the orders of Schuyler. Schuyler complained to Congress of this want of subordination, and Congress proceeded, Au- gust 19th, to adopt a resolution censurning the course pursued by the New Hampshire assembly in giving to Stark a separate command, and requesting them "to instruct Gen. Stark to conform himself to the same rules, to which other general officers of the militia are subject, whenever called out at the expense of the United States."
25. In the mean time Stark wrote to Schuyler that he was willing to unite in any measures which would promote the public good-that he wished to avoid whatever was inconsistent with his own honor-and that private resentment should not prevent his marching to his camp, if it was deemed necessary. He was at the same time watching for an opportunity to manifest his courage and patriotism by an attack upon some part of the British army. Nor was he obliged to wait long for the opportunity to present itself. Nearly at the same time when Congress was censuring his conduct by a public resolution, Stark and his brave followers were acquiring unfading lau- els, and rendering that service to the American cause, which soon after procured for him, from the same Congress, a vote of thanks, and promotion to the rank of brigadier general in the army of the United States.
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BENNINGTON BATTLE.
26. From the 28th of July, to near the middle of August, the British army was constantly employed in bringing forward their batteaux and stores from lake George, to the first navigable part of Hudson river. But with all his efforts and diligence, Bur- guoyne was unable to bring forward, with his other stores, a sufficient quantity of provisions for daily consumption, and the establishment of the necessary magazines. It was this circumstance which induced him to attempt to replenish his own stores at the ex- pense of the Americans. Having learned that a large quantity of provisions were collected together at Ben- nington, and designed for the American army, and that they were guarded only by miltia ; and, moreover, being made to believe that a majority of the people in that quarter were friendly to the royal cause, and were ready to join it, whenever an opportunity should permit, Burgoyne determined to surprise the place and secure the stores to his own army.
27. For this purpose he detached a select body of about 500 regular troops, some Canadians and more than 100 Indians, with two light pieces of artillery, and placed the whole under the command of Colonel Baume. To facilitate their operations, and to take advantage of their success, a detachment of the Brit- ish army was posted upon the east bank of the Hud- son, opposite to Saratoga, and another detachment under Colonel Breymen was stationed at Battenkill. This disposition being made, Baume set out with his detachment for Bennington, on the morning of the 12th of August, and arrived that day at Cambridge.
28. Gen. Stark, who was now at Bennington with his whole force, except Warrer's regiment, receiving intelligence that a party of In lians were at Cambridge, despatched Col Greg with 200 men to stop their pro- gress, but before night it was ascertained that a large body of regulars were in the roar of the Indians and that they were advancing towards Bennington. Stark sent an express to Warner to hasten to Bennington
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with his regiment, and he also sent to the neighbor- ing militia to join him with all possible despatch. On the morning of the 14th, he directed his march to- wards Cambridge, and at the distance of seven miles, he met Greg, retreating before the enemy who were at that time, only one mile in his rear.
29. Stark immediately drew up his men in order of battle, and Baume, perceiving the Americans to be too strong to be attacked with his present force, halted upon a commanding piece of ground, and sent an ex- press to Colonel Breymen to march immediately to his support. In the mean time small parties of the Americans, had frequent skirmishes with the enemy, in which they killed and wounded 30 of them, two of whom were Indian chiefs, without any loss to themselves. The ground occupied by the Americans being unfavorable for a general action, Stark retreated about a mile and encamped. Here a council of war was held by which it was resolved that an attack should be made upon the enemy before they should receive any re-enforcements. Two detachments were therefore ordered to be in readiness, the next morning to pass round and fall upon the rear of the enemy, while the rest of the troops attacked them in front. The next day, however, proved rainy, which prevented a general engagement, but there were fre- quent skirmishes between small parties, which resulted in such a manner as to afford encouragement to the Americans.
30. Being joined by a small party of militia from Berkshire, Massachusetts, under Colonel Symonds, Stark proceeded on the morning of the 16th of August, to make a general attack upon the enemy, agreeably to the plans which had been concerted two days before. Baume had in the mean time, entrenched his camp, which was situated near the Waloomsuc a branch of the Hoosuc, and had rendered his port as strong as circumstances would permit. Colonel Nich- ols was detached with 200 men, to the rear of the
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BENNINGTON BATTLE.
left wing of the enemy, and Colonel Herrick, with 300 men, to the rear of their right. Colonels Hubbard and Stickney, with 200 men were ordered on the right, and 100 men were advanced in front to draw the at- tention of the enemy that way. The several divisions having taken their positions, abont three o'clock the action commenced. As the divisions of Nichols and Herrick approached each other in the rear of the ene- my, the Indians, apprehensive of being surrounded, made their escape between the two corps, excepting three killed and two wounded by the fire of the Amer- cans as they passed.
31. Nichols began the attack and was immediately followed by the other divisions. The onset was furious and determined, and the sound of the conflict has been likened to one continued peal of thunder. The German dragoons made a brave resistance, and when their ammunition was expended, they were led on by Colonel Baume, and charged the Americans sword in hand. But their bravery was unavailing. After about two hours hard fighting, the enemy were overpowered, their works carried on all points, and their two pieces of cannon taken. Colonel Banme was mortally wounded and fell into the hands of the Americans, and all his men, excepting a few, who escaped to the woods, were either killed or taken prisoners.
32. This victory was but just completed when Stark received intelligence that the re-enforcement under Colonel Breymen was rapidly approaching and only two miles distant. Fortunately at this moment Colo- nel. Warner arrived with his regiment of Green Moun- tain Boys. Disappointed that he had not arrived in season to take part in the first engagement and share in its glories, Warner immediately led forward his men and attacked the re-enforcement under Breymen with great spirit and resolution. Stark collected the mili- tia and hastened to his assistance, and the action soon became general. The combat was maintained with
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great bravery on both sides till sunset when the enemy gave way and were pursned till dark.
33. In these two engagements the Americans took four brass field pieces, 12 brass drums, four ammu- nition waggons, and about 700 prisoners with their arms and accoutrements. The number of the enemy found dead on the field was 207: their number of wounded not ascertained. The loss of the Americans was trifling in comparison with that of the enemy. They had only 30 killed and about 40 wounded. This action took place near the west line of Benning- ton, and hence it is called " the battle of Bennington."
34. Nothing could be more encouraging to the Americans, or disheartening to the cuemy than this splended victory of Stark, achieved principally by undisciplined militia over veteran regular troops. Since the fall of Montgomery an uninterrupted series of defeats had attended the American arms in the northern department, and many of the most ardent in the cause of freedom had begun to despond. But by this event, they discovered that their enemy was not invincible,-their hopes and their courage were revived, and volunteers from every quarter flocked to the American standard. It also enabled Stark to vindicate his attachment to the cause of his bleeding country, and to render that cause a service far more important than he could have done by joining the main army on the Hudson.
35. After their disasters at Bennington the British army remained quietly at their camp opposite to Fara- toga for some time, awaiting the approach of Colonel St Ledger, who had been sent round bythe way of lake Ontario, for the reduction of fort Stanwix on the upper part of the Mohawk river. But they waited in vain. That officer, after encountering many dif- ficulties, was obliged, through the detection of the Indians belonging to his corps, to retreat without accomplishing the object of the expedition. These events had not only retarded the advance of Bur-
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goyne, but they served to depress the spirits of the royal army, while they at the same time encouraged the Americans, and afforded Gates, who had now superceded Schuyler, time to strengthen and fortify his camp.
36. In the mean time General Lincoln, who com- manded a body of New England militia, determined to make a diversion in the rear of the enemy. He accordingly proceeded from Manchester to Pawlet, and from thence on the 13th of September, despatched Colonel Brown with 500 men to destroy the British stores and release the American prisoners, which were collected at lake George. At the same time he ordered Colonel Johnson with an equal number of men to proceed towards Ticonderoga to divert the attention of the enemy, while Brown was ac- complishing his object. In addition to these he detached Colonel Woodbridge with 500 men by the way of Skeensborough and fort Ann to fort Ed- ward. The design of these expeditions was to alarm and divide the British forces and to cut off their supplies.
37. Brown proceeded with such secrecy and ce- lerity, that by the 18th of September he had surprised all the out posts between the landing place at the north end of lake George and the main fortress at Ticonderoga. The Americans had likewise recover- ed Mount Hope, Mount Defiance, 200 batteaux, one armed sloop and a number of gun boats ; and they had taken 293 prisoners and had liberated more than 100 Americans. Encouraged by this success, they summoned General Powel, the British commander of Ticonderoga, to surrender that fortress; but not being in a condition to make any effectual attempt against it, they returned in safety, and with scarcely any loss, to Lincoln's camp.
38. General Burgoyne crossed the Hudson on the 13th and 14th of September and advanced towards the American army, which was posted at Stillwater.
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On the 18th, 3000 Americans marched out with a view of attacking the enemy, but finding that the at- tempt would be too hazardous, they remained during the day in full view of the royal army, without com- mencing the attack. On the 19th, General Burgoyne put himself at the head of the right wing of the British army and advanced towards the left of the Americans. Generals, Phillips and Reidsel, at the same time advanced along the river towards the right. About one o'clock some of the American scouts fell in with those of the British, and attacked them with great boldness.
39. The firing was no sooner heard than the ad- vanced parties of both armies pressed forward to battle. Re-enforcements were continually sent on upon both sides and the contest soon became obstin- ate and general. The first attempt of the Americans was to turn the right wing of the British army and flank their line. Failing in this, they moved in regu- lar order to the left and there made a fimrious assault. Both armies were determined to congner, and the battle raged without intermission for three hours. Any advantage upon one side was soon counter- balanced by an equal advamage on the other .- Cannon and favorable positions were taken, lost and re ·taken in quick succession; and the two armies might be compared to the two scales of a mighty balance, trembling with equal burdens in doubtful oscillation, and, had not night put an end to the struggle, it is extremely doubtful which would have preponderated.
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