American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-06-30
BATTLE OF GRoToN HEIGHTS.


On the 9th of September, 1881, Arnold. the maj
for whom our language possesses no sufficiently
appropriate name Of reproach, alter having spreat
destruction and ruin along the shores of the Chesa
peake, devised an expedition against New Lon
don, TO add 10 his infamous merits. A strong de
tachment OF troops passed over from Long Isant
in the night, and landed in two divisions on eacf
side Of the harbor. Arnold himself led on the col
umn destined 10 attack New London, and Col Erie
commanded that ordered to act against the rude
notifications. The redoubt erected Tor the defence
of the harbour not being ,enablc was abandoned OF
the approach Of the assailans, and the little band
its defenders rereaied to Fort Griswold on Grotor
Heights. The militia, to the number of 1877, col
lected, were but scantily provided with aims and
munitions Of war. But with desperate bravery they
had resolved 10 maintain their position against the
superior force of disciplined troops. The English
advanced, and when the firing commenced, the flag
shot from lis staff, and the spectators imagined
that the place was surrendered The fash OF the
ea.h-sho bursting from the rampar,s convin-
ced friends and foes OF their error. Col. Erie was
Sc ereIy wounded, Major Montgomery fell and the
British force wayered for a time under the well
aimed hire which cost them so dear. But urged by
heir officers, they rushed on; and the ruinous fort
was carried by storm at the point OF the bayone.
Fhe command had devoved on Colonel Bloomfield,
ue Of the msgnanimiiy that teachestespect for the
brave and the unfortunate. All resistance ceased.
when the enemy entered the fort, but like wild
beasts eager Tor blood, the work Of carnage cnntn
ued, and the little band of those who had so nobly
opposed themselves TO the overwhelming numbers
OF their foes, were slaughtered without, mercy
On entering the works, the British officer in
CURED who commanded; Col. Ledyard their gal
liant defender, stepped forward and presented his
sword to the stern butcher, with graceful speech
g did, sir, but you do now" lie was Instantly cut
down. The action had continued but 40 minutes,
and at its termination, Of the Americans six men
only had been killed. After the massacre was finish
ed and the vengeance othe high minded soldlery was
satIated by the blood of the defenecess prisoners
he numbers OF the slam were rs, Of the wounded
nearly 40, and OF the captured 40. The wanton
ourages and the cruel barbares suffered by our
III lated countrymen, well illustrated by one fact
Alter reducing the fort the British soldiers as it is
SAID by order OF the officers filled wagon with the
wounded 10 the fray, and setting from the brow
OF the hill permitted il to roll down the steep decyiy
with its taint and bleeding burden, till it struck
against tree and the agonies OF many were ermu-
mated by the vioIen, and sudden shock. The town
and the adjacent buildings were burnt. and the ma
val stores md magazines oil provisions were destroy
et and the invaders refined. The loss OF the British
was ny no means me Notwithstanding TO 10
Offices and $50 subalterns and prystes killed and
wounded.
Such are the facts of this transaction as given bv
Gordon, the diligent chroncler of The Revolution.
e'Y war'sre but the partial historian and preiudiced
ap"losis' tor the enormtes produced by the troops
of The King.
10 commemorate these events public celebrs.
ton took place on Tuesday the 9th Of September.
1928 An Grafton was delivered by WIN. F. BRAIN
ARD, Esq whose reputation as fine writer az
prose and verse, and accomplished Editor, ia
widely extended. The solemn and impressive an
niVersary was held with military parade and civic
ceremonies. Committee previously appointed
reported resolutions recommending the erection OF
q monument, and designating number Of respecta-
ole gentlemen TO devise the necessary means and
take the proper measures to carry the proposed
work into effect.
we have referred to this celebration, now so far
passed by US as to deserve place among the fleet
ing transactions, which day are fresh in interest
and tomorrow are forgotten because little attention
has been paid to the connection wherein it stands 10
ether similar commemorative meetings, and that it
deserves no small share of notice from its own
merits. Ii furnishes another omen that the spir;,
OF gratitude which has been awakened by the visit
OF Lafayette will continue to exert its influence long
alter his departure, and gratifying evidence Of
the respect in which the memory of the departed
IS held by their countrymen. We look on This, as
one link in that chain OF festivals which are 10 SEN
arate the days marked by important events. from
those undisineuished by remarkable occurrences !;
and the proposed structure, one of the series Of
monuments destined to transmit to posterity the
.ecofd OF the virtues, the gallanry and the unhappy
tate OF their ancestors.
he state OF improvement, OF people is marked
oy The slys: Of execution and number Of their pub