Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-02-09

enemy nad wen acquainted himself WIN
the ground about Sackett Harbor, land it
could not be supposed that he would over
look the advantages which this spot Of
fered for descent. Here, therefore, the
General made his arrangements for the
principal defence, and with the facilities
which the site afforded, he was not with
out hopes, even with the insufficient force
he commanded, ofrendering the enemy's
attempt completely abortve. The ground
along the front of the four acre Clearing
was very low, but ust at the edge Of the
water, bank of gravel, like breast
work, had been thrown up by the action
of the waves, to Il height sufficient to
protect men lying behind it from the fire
Of an enemy's fleet. In clearing the
field, there had been left along this bank
a line of small trees and bushes, extend
ing for small distance to the rear also,
as the soil was not suitable for cultlya-
ton. Here the General posted about
400 militia men, and six FOUNDER, un-
der Col. Mills, with orders to lie close
when the enemy should appear, and re-
serve their fire until he had approached
within pistol shot. The remainder of the
militia, under Col. Tuttle, were posted
just within the woods on the Western
side Of the clearing. Col. Backus, with
his 200 Dragons, dismounted, were sta
toned between the clearing S Sackctt's
Harbor, on the skirts of the woods to-
wards the village, with orders to advance
through the woods towards Horse Island,
the moment it was known that the enemy
had landed. Col. Aspinwall and his
troops, took post on Backus' left, with III
structions to cooperate with him. The
Artillerists, under 1t. Ketcham, were
stationed in Fort Tompkins, with no 9TH
er armament than 80 FOUNDER, mounted
on pivot, with which, however, they
could reach Horse Island, and might Sc
riousy annoy the enemy on his approach.
Orders were given to the troops posted
behind the bank on the shores of the
Bay, that in the event of their being
driven from their station, they should fall
back to the skirts of the woods immedi
ately in their rear,-there reform, and
throw themselves on the enemy's right
flank, as he advanced towards the town.
Col Tuttle and his men were directed,
in the same event, to issue from the
woods where they were posted, fall upon
the enemy's rear-and destroy his boats;
and as the regular troops would at the
same time oppose him in front, his de-
struction, if all did their duty, was looked
upon as inevitable.
The night was taken up in completing
these arrangements and in explaining
them to the officers and men;-as far as
professions could be relied upon, all un-
derstood what was expected of them, and
were anxious to meet the enemy.
At early dawn on the 29th, the Amer
ican General being on horseback at the
Western end of Horse Island, anxiously
looking round the Bay for some signs of
the enemy, to his great JOY perceived
them approaching in their boats near
Snake Island, which lies at some distance
to the West of the place where he stood.
He Immediately sent information Of the
fact to Col. Backus and to the militia, y
having repeated the caution not to fire
too soon, waited in silence for the ene-
my's approach. He came on in excel
lent order in thirty-thrcc boats, and as
he rounded Horse Island, the 80 FOUNDER
from Fort Tompkins, opened upon hlm
with considerable effect. As he neared
the shore, the militia from behind the em-
bankmcnt gave him well directed vol
ley, which being poured upon the masses
of troops clustered together in the boats,
was not without its effect. The fire how
ever was briskly returned from the cne-
my's muskets, and one or two small can
non loaded with grape shot, and he con-
tlnucd rapidly to approach the beach
Col. Mills, who was standing up behind
his men, was shot dead at the first dis
charge, but of the rank and file scarcely
a man was touched; the sound Of the
enemy's bullets however, whistling thro'
the bushes over their heads, seemed to
strike the whole line of militia with an IN
cxprcssible panic, and before they had
time to give second fire, they rose from
their cover and fled with the utmost pre-
cpitation This sudden and disgracciul
retreat, was most unexpected event 10
Gen Brown, who had anticipated that
the militia would at least have remained
firm until the enemy had landed, and
thus have had time for two or three dls-
charges. The movement however was
so sudden, that before he could well as
certain the extent of the panic, he found
himself standing completely alone, not a
man being left within several rods Of him.
Indignant at this shameful conduct, he
followed the fugtivcs, and endcayorcd
by every personal effort TO rally them
All his cndcavors, however, were