Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-07-21


not at all deferred by the fate of his COM
rade, commenced the race and got over
in safety. In like manner most of our
heroic band succeeded, and one honest
fellow as he bowed to the word Of COM
mand, thus addressed me:-"Captain, |
see it is close lodging, but let me once
get fairly over, and I'll spend my hearts
last drop for you, and bring you off again,
dead or alive, that will"
II "This honest fellow was native of
/ Ireland, and about six months previous
was confined for debt in the prison at Sa-
lem, whence released him on condition
that he would enlist-and never man was
blcst with more devoted friend than
Murphy Mccullough proved to me.
II "l was the last to make the advcntur-
Gus attempt, and though the balls whiz-
zed about my head, none was permitted
to touch me, and we gained the entrench-
mcnt, and passed into the line of battle.
"On this spot, as nearly as | can re-
collect, l stood, and endeavored to do
my duty, as soldier of liberty. re-
ccived ball through the calf of my leg,
and another through my left shoulder,
but these were mere triflcs, and l stood
my ground in spite ofthcm.
"Thc gallant and generous Warren
was on horseback, passing from one end
of the line to the other, animating the
troops to vigorous defence, and every
heart hailed him with love and gratitude.
/ ale had ever distinguished me with
peculiar marks ofiriendship, as he pass
cd the spot where | stood, he condescend-
cd to address me with words of cordial
recognition. | know not whether any
historian has ever recorded the last words
of that hero, but believe they were ad-
dressed to myself. ".My young .tIiend,"
said he, as he turned to leave me, edo
your duty, for The salvation Of our country
depends on this days action.
\ ale had not moved ten PAGES when l
saw him fall. At that moment a shell
burst by my side, and | was thrown sew
eral feet into the air, and then prccipitat-
ed violently to the ground.
"a fragment ofthe broken shell struck
me in the breast, and caused a confusion
of the sternum, and the violent shook my
u whole system sustained, took from me
the power of motion.
! "Blood burst from my mouth, nose,
and ears, and lay covered with dust,
unable to speak or move, but for some
| time perfectly conscious.
II 81 remember to have heard Col. b.
who was my fathers friend, eXclaim
"Willam is dead, then well, he died
like soldier"
| 81 felt the pressure os' his hand upon
my forehead, as he leaned over me, and
added in softer tone, "He's gone! poor
fellow! but l'll take his sword-the
lreg'iars shall never get that"
II "This sword was present from War
rem, and though in that awful moment,
ofmy soul seemed lluttering on the verge
eternity, it gave me inexpressible pleas
ure to find that this gift of friendship was
! likely to be preserved.
II GA faintness came over me, and
heard no more, and for what succeeded
am indebted to Col. B.
/ "The Americans fought with determi-
nation and bravery, until their last round
of ammunition was expended, and they
were reluctantly compelled to retreat.
II "My poor Irish soldier, actuatcd by a
sentiment that should immortalize his
name, now declared the British should
nerer haze his Captain, alire or dead
II He sought among the slain for the breath
less form of one he loved, and at last re-
cognized the object of his search, among
i a head of human bodies, which some res
olute soldier, where the breast-work hap
pened to be too high, had piled up to
stand on.
II eHe bore the inanimatc body upon
his shoulder, from the scene of carnage;
bnt being unable, thus loaded, to keep
up with his companions, shot from the
pursuers terminated his life, when the
main body Of the retreating army were
out of danger.
II "Some friends who knew us, passing
Immediately after, thought they discov-
cred in me signs of returning life, and by
their means l was conveyed to the hos
pital."
\ BY this time the little auditors were in
tears, and even Warren was for while
forgotten in admiration Of the fidelity OF
the Irish soldier. g.
II My father, though brave man and a
soldier, wept; and though the lapse OF
twenty years has presented new eSd varl-
ed objects objects to my mind, l am not
\ ashamed that a kindred tear has blotted
the page that records his story.
II Recovering his usual composure, and
ddrcssing himself particularly to me,
| my father thus continucd:-
"What follows is an example Of female
Ihcrosm and tenderness, il recorded on
the page of history, might form coun-