Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1819-10-19

horse was attached to the party.
g Thus accoutred, eager for battle and
painting for glory, without waiting for
considerable force that was assembling in
Rowan, neishboring county, under
general Rutherford, to join them, they
moved in haste and silence towards The
scene of action.
" The second days march brought them
into the immediate vicinity Of their OBJ
ject. They encamped for the night, de-
termined 10 strike, and hoping to surprise
the enemy in the morning. But in this
they we're disappointed.
"On advancing to the attack about
break OF day, they found the foe on the
alert, and ready to receive them. They
therefore resolved to wait until ii should
be completely light, that the aim Of their
rifles might be the more deadly.
I" The morning opened, and disclosed
TO them preparation for defence and re-
sistance. much more formidable than they
had expected TO find. The enemy we're
posted on the top of hill covered with
timber, which afforded them shelter
Their flanks we're protected on one side
by mill-dam, and on the other by a
swamp, small stream OF water flowing
in the rear. In front of their encamp-
ment was erected of stakes breastwork,
so compact as to be proof against small
arms, aud to impede, 10 great measure,
the opposition Of cavalry. A strong de-
tachment Of the foe was stationed in ad-
vance Of the breastwork, armed with ri.
fles, and concealed behind trees.
" At first sight this array Of men and
fmeans was somewhat appalling. But the
Rubicon was passed. Retreat would be
ruin accompanied with disgrace. Battle
also might be ruinous, but could not be
dishonorable. Without hesitation, there
lore, the latter was resolved OFT.
:" Al his ewn request, captain Falls,
with bis mounted infantry, led the attack.
When at the distance of about eighty
PAGES, he received the fire Of the enemy's
advance. Returning it with considerable
effect, he rushed sword in hand into the
midst of them, threw them into confusion,
and forced them to fall back. Pressing
his fortune with too much ardour, he re-
ceived ball through his breast. and fell
dead from his horse.
" His party, however, undismayed by
he loss Of their leader, continued the ac-
ton with great gallantry, until the foot
advanced to their support, when the ene-
my was driven behind his breastwork.
Here ensued a most murderous con-
lict. The wings having SO far levelled
the obstruction as to render it passable,
rushed over it, mingled with the enemy,
and in many instances grappled with
them man to man. Every Instrument and
means of death was now resorted to. The
bullet, the sword, the rifle-butt, and even
the Ratchet, with which some were pro-
vided, were abuudantly employed. Rare
ly, in any case, has blood been more in.
exorabiy, or. by the same number Of com
batants, more prodigiously shed.
" For time the issue was doubtful.
Pressed by superior numbers, the wings
were once compelled to give ground, some
Of them retreating across the breastwork.
But resolutely bent on victory or death,
they returned TO the charge with such
fierce impetuosity and decisive effect, as
bore down all resistance.
"The tories broke and fled in conru-
sion, the wings for some distance hanging
on their rear, with terrible slaughter.
"Thus terminated an affair in which
SO many gallant spirits made their first,
and too many of them, alas, their last
essay in armsi In the course OF it the
wings performed prodigies and the roy
alists manifested a degree Of resolution
and valour worthy of better cause.
/" The latter lost, in killed, wounded
and prisoners, upwards Of six hundred
men. The prisoners and wounded we're
left patrolled and liberated on the field of
battle.
"The numerical loss of the former was
exceedingly heavy, nearly half of them
being killed or wounded. But the actual
loss, which consisted 10 the character
rather than the number Of those that fell,
was incalcalable. On that fatal day some
of the choicest blood of the south was
heroically offered up on the altar Of free
dom.
"The death Of captain Falls, in par
ticular, was deeply lamented. In the
ranks Of his country heidi not leave be-
hind him purer patriot, OF more gallant
soldier.
His son, youth Of fourteen, had ac-
companied him TO the battle. When the
CAPTAIN fell, this high-minded stripping.
moved by an instructive impulse of -affec-
ton, sprung from his horse to protect him
from insult. Que of the enemy, believed
| to be the same that shot captain Falls,
advanced with view TO plumber the
corose the son suddenly snatched the