Virginia advocate. [volume] (Charlottesville, Va.) 1827-1860, 1829-03-07
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THE LAST SHOT.


have been down the Red Bank on the jersey
side ofthe Delaware, to look at the remains OF
that little fortress, within whose rudely construct
ed walls so terrible blow was given to British
courage. Only a few remains oithat memorable
fort are now to be seen. The breast works, near
ly Ievelled to the EARTH and over some the plough
share Of the industrious farmer has already passed
Nothing but few mishapen mounds are visible
to point out to the stranger the site where 50 m, c.
blood was split, where so many gallant spirits
breathed their last The neighboring farmer how
ever, will point you to the battle ground. His
house stood within pistol shot of the fort and du-
ring the attack, the balls whistled around the roof
in shrill and frequent showers. He will tell you
all that be told Of it. He saw the battle
from his farm house-he saw foreign foes advance
he heard their shout as they entered the outer
wall, and in moment after, he saw them hurry
ing back, bearing with them the body Of their la
mented and Inflated Donop.
The fort at Red Bank was thrown up hastily by
handful Of Americans They constructed two
walls, or two forts, one within the other--the outer
one of which was not completed when the enemy
attacked it. AT the head of a chosen number of
men, Donop entered the outer wall, and thinking
the fort taken by surprise, give shout of exuta-
ton which was re-echoed by his men. They en-.
tered with shouldered arms. The feeble garrison,
commanded by the gallant Green, opened at once
d DilSh dHu HluIucIOuS IRE Knew Il JSTSeyInaD
who was in the fortress. He told every particu-
lar. The narrow limits in which the assaants
were confined and the unlocked for repulse, threw
them into irremediablc confusion
They fired few Shots and hastily retired, Just
as the Americans had fred their eight round of
amunition-and they had but nine rounds to a man.
AS the enemy turned about volunteer in the fort,
whose musket had snapped, pulled the trigger
second tme--the last shot from the fort-and the
gallant, the msgulsed, the accomplished Donop
fell among breast work Of his own dying men.
The enemy retreatcd to Philadelphia in the great
est confusion. Terrible slaughter had been in
their ranks, and they trembled for the whzzing Of
the platoon balls. Four pieces Of brass cannon,
which they had brought to the assault, were either
buried in the earth on their way home, or thrown
into the neighboring creek Searches have been
made tor them, bu: they are lost forever. Donop
was carried to the nearest farm house. his wounds
dressed, and consolation given him. 1t was then
that the gallant Hesslan first his error. He
wasa mere hIreiDg IN the enemy's rank. He
had no enmity to Americans, for he was ofanother
country, and we had never injured him. Bitterly
did heregret, in the agonies of that tremendous
and humbling moment, that he had lent his aid TO
smother the bursting flame Of freedom and deep
ly did he weep over the gnominy ofhis end. He
fetthere was none TO pity him. The British did
not-for they paid his king for his services-his
king did not for his death ensured to him a slip
ulated compensation and America could not, for
he was chosen enemy, Thus did the dying