The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-08-24

ern wilds, when the Indian Prophet deliver-
ed the oracles of fate in 1772--compatriots
in the struggle for lberty-friends in the re-
tirement of private lifc-in word, tor near
| ly half century, and in times the most pro-
ductive of great events, they were united by
warm and affectionate attachments, from
their first meeting at the Palace of the Colo
NAL Governor at Williamsburg, in 1854 to
| their last adieu, at the death-bedsde Of the
father of his country, at Mount Vernon, in
1899.
Craik survived his friend and commander
not many years, dying at the patriarchal age
of eighty tour, and preserving his faculties
to the last in so eminent degree, as to re-
late the events of times long passed, With
freshness which belonged to those of yester-
day. From his venerable lips, have beende
rived many Of the most interesting recollec-
tions OF this work.
On the morning of the 9Th of July, Cclo-
mel Washington assured the Commander-in-
chiet that the enemy would fight him on that
day--and gave, as his reasons, that the
French were not sufficiently strong OF them
selves to await his attack within their works;
and that their Indian allies, on whom a prin-
cipal dependence was to be placed, would
never consent, for moment, to be cooped
up within the walls of fortress: .,rs.
This iudicious advice was received by the
brave, but pertinacious Braddock, with in
difference. He spoke of the number, and
discipline of his European troops, his own
prowess in war, and the certainty that his
bayonets would glitter above the vanquish-
| ed walls of Fort du Quesne before sunset,
rather regretting that the rangers could take
but little share in the grand escalcade, oy
which he meant to storm the fortress and
end the campaign at blow.
| The Provincial Colonel, finding his saiu-
tary counsel SO little regarded, retired to his
friends and remarked, "this confident man
will either be greatly mistaken, or l know
but little of the Indian character"
The ambuscade was so contrived, as to
permit the English to get we'll out OF the riv
er before the attack commenced. The reguS
lars fell in their ranks, for time, but were
soon thrown into confusion-thelr officers
mostly killed, and themselves demolished,
without ever seeing their enemy, for not an
Indian was seen by them until their shattcr-
ed remains were re-crossing the river; then
the savages we're seen dispatching the wcun-
ded, whose shrieks could be distinctly heard
by their retiring comrades.
Sixty four, out of eighty-hve officers, and
one half the privates, were Killed or woun-
ded. Col. Washington debilitated by pre-
vious severe illness, from his great and he
| rOlC CXefIlOUS OH lilIS UCiiOid doiN oo1 "
came so exhausted, that when Bishop rush.
cd through the fire of the enemy, and bro't
him another horse, it was only by the exer-
tions of this faithful follower, that he was re-
mounted. His hat was shot through in two
places, and to use Bishops own words, the
| skirts of his coat were cut in ribbands.
II The Rangers animated by the presence
and example Of the Provincial Colonel, made
| gallant fight; practising the savage mode
of warfare; they held the enemy at bay, and
enabled the remains of the regulars to es-
cape This fine band of woodsmen suffered
so severely that of three or four hundred
men who went into action, scarcely tenth
survived.
Braddock, with stern, unyielding aspect,
beheld the ruin his rashness had made
Col Sir Peter Halket came up to him, and
observed, that the regular troops after firing
upon an invisible enemy, were in great con-
fusion, and suffering a dreadful carnage; that
most of his officers were wounded, and pray7
ing that the General would be pleased to
change the order of the battle, and permit
him to fight the enemy in their own way.
The veteran tactician Indignantly growled
out, "What, Sir Peter. are you turning
coward in your old age" Halket bowling,
replied, alt is rather late in the day, may it
please your exec llency, for me to turn COW
ard; he then retired to the wreck OF his re-
ginent, and was soon after mortally wound
ed. Looking round for spot 'where he
! might lay him down to die," he espied his
nurse, who had followed the regiment from
Ireland, under the shade of a tree, engaged
in relieving the wounded; to her he crawl
ed, and resting his gray head upon the a.
ged knees which had pillowed his infancy
expired.
From female skelton being found under
the aforementioned tree, by persons, who
had been sent from Europe. to search tor
the remains of Sir Peter, it became evil
dent that the nurse did not abandon her
foster child. even when life had He'd, and
!, must bave been engaged in her solemn and
maternal duty, when the fatal tomahawks
summoned her to worlds unknown.
Not long after his interview with Sir -.
ter. Braddock fell; while H- .r,;L mos ~,
deavourns to Inch his wound, he called
iontt. "A ii know how to give it to them next
time'' clenching his fist toward the enemy.
D His critical military ear readily distinguish
$ ed between the deep sounds of the musket-
ry, and the sharper report of the rangers
rifles; and "a Captain Stewart, of the staff,
: coming up at the same time, the General
observed that the musquetry had ceased.
Il r.