Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-28
VISIT TO RED BANK.
by PETER SINGLE.

BY PETER SINGLE.
l delight 10 visit the battle ground of
the Revolution, not because it is stained
with the blood of friends or foes, but
because the germs Of Liberty were
nurtured there. The wounded, the bleed
ing patriot, received there the oil to heal
the scars obtained in freedoms cause; /;
that oil was the gladdening anticipation
Of our country's future glory, and her
future greatness. Twas here (and /
cast my eyes around the hallowed scene)
the weary aud exhausted soldier reposed,
and here the tree Of Liberty grew, to
diffuse her gigantic blessings throughout
the western world. enjoyed many
pleasing reflections on a-late visit to the
Red Banks on the river Delaware; al
though this spot is not famed, as many,
for bloody battles, or the loss of jealous
patriots in our country's cause, yet it
tells the same tale, whispers the endear-
ing facts, that the shackles of tyranny
where removed by the heroic exertions
Of our fathers
"And breathes the language of our land,
4 Here fought chosen little band.''
This spot is about six miles below the
city Of Philadelphia, on the Jersey side,
and fifteen minutes ride from the pleas
ant village of Woodbury..
At that gloomy period Of the revolu-
ton, when the British army occupied
Philadelphia, part of the American
army were here encamped; the ground
presents a beautiful eminence, rising
about one hundred feet above the bed Of
the river; the trenches, or breast works,
are Of circular form, enclosing near
three acres of land, Of which many ira
ces are seen Of deeds performed half
century ago, such as the entertainments
spoken of, and the appearance Of little
mounds Of earth, raised over the body
Of some near and dear friend, by those
who remained to tell their melancholy
fate, but, alas! where are they? A large
field piece still remains (or did at the
time / visited the spot,) which is sup
posed to have bursted.* One rude stone
is also seen, on whose unhewn front is
marked the rude traces Of friendship,
recording the fate of martyr in our
country's cause, who fell no doubt upon
that very spot; the letters appear to have
been done with bayonet or toma-
hawk, which are these, "Count De
Knap, died IL" the other part of
the stone being much disfgured by time
and abuse, could decypher no more.
Many incidents have occurred here
worth recording, but l have not been
able to obtain them correctly; one, how
party Of Hessians were sent out to re-
connoitre the American camp; they were
discovered by party Of heroes, who
Immediately attacked them; skirmish
ensued; the Americans finally retreated
---the Hessians,t believing they had cut
off their retreat, rushed with all possible
speed to take the encampment; the
Americans had, however, by circuit
GUS route, regained their fortification,
and lay silent aud breatbless on their
arms, like the fierce tiger ready to bound
upon the enemy; the Hessians rushed
towards the ramparts, the air resounding
with theiI shouts of supposed victory
twas the scream, the shout of death!---
The Americans raised from their lurl.-
ing places, and, 10! their foes fell like
grass before the scythe, scarce knowing
from whom they received their death.
About fifty years ago, scenes like these
were acted here; now, traces Of such
scenes alone are left-some fifty years
ago, the noble stream that washes the
base of this bank, bore on its bosom the
light canvass, but now, ships with swell
ling sails, glide along, laden with the
riches of the east, the north, and SOUTH
the west hath presented her open ports
for the luxuries Of every cline. From
the extreme height Of the bank, we have
a full view of Philadelphia on one hand;
while on the other, a short distance below
are the means Of its defence, "a fort, }
from whose encircled point, encircled by
the waters of the Delaware, rises the ma
tional flag of our country, presenting the
emblem Of her liberty, and the pride of
the FIRST and greatest FREE republic in
the world!
They who can appreciate the recollec-
tions of such deeds, and while they drop
a. tear over the sacred tombs Of departed
heroes, consider their blood sealed our
country's charter Of freedom; the bones
that whiten here, and enrich the soil, are
the remains of those. who pledged their
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred hon
ours, in its cause upon whose fallen bod
les, from whose mouldering graves, the
goddess Liberty arose in all her natal
purity, a being from the skies---thcv who