The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1833-02-09
WHOLE NO. 364.
forget which. The instances are innum-
cradle, and we might run without endj
but enough hereof for the present.
From the".American Tales"
HORRORS OF BATTLE.

"The battle took place on the margin
|of the Niagara River, an extensive plain
which had once been covered With fine
arms, but now, forsaken by the inhabi-
lants, and desolated by war, exhibited
only barren waste. The river at that
place begins to acquire some Of that ter
rite velocity with which it rushes over the
awful precipice three miles below, crea-
ting one Of the grandest natural curiosi-
ties in existence; the noise Of the cataract
Is heard, and the column OF foam distinct
Iy seen, from the battle ground. On the
other side, the field is bound by a thick
forest, but the plain itself presents level;
smooth surface, unbroken by ravines, and
without tree or bush to intercept tho
view, or an obstacle to impede the move-
ments of the hostile bodies, or to afford to-
either party an advantage. From this
plain the American camp was separated
BY a small creek. In the full glare of the.
summer sun on the morning OF the 9th Of
July, the British troops were seen advan-
cling towards our camp, across the des-
tined field strife; their waving plumes,
their scarlet uniforms, and gilded orna-
ments exhibited gay and gorgeous ap--
pearance. Their martial music, their frnr
and rapid step, indicating elastic hope
and high courage. The Americans, in
ferior in number, were hastily put in mo-
ton to meet the advancing foe; they cros--
sed small rude bridge, the only outlet
from the camp, under heavy fire ofthe
|enemy's artillery: and moved steadily to
the spot selected for the engagement
The scene at this moment was beautiful
and imposing. The British line glowing
with gold ana with crimson hues, was
stretched across the plain, fanked BY pie
|css of brass ordnance, whose rapid dis:
charge spread death over the field, and
filled the air with thunder: while the
clouds of smoke enveloping each extren,-'
ity Of the line, left the centre only exp6-
sed to the eye, ,and extending on to the river
on one hand, and the forest on the other.
filled the whole back ground of the land
scape. The Americans were advancing
in columns. They we're new recruits.
now led for the first time into action, and
except few officers, none Of that heroic
band had ever before seen the banner of
a foe. But they moved steadily 10 their
ground, unbroken by the calling fire; and
platoon after platoon wheeled into line
with the same graceful accuracy of move,
ment which marks the evolution eff thep
holiday parade, until the whole columt,
was deployed into one extended front; the
officers carefully dressed the line with
technical skill, and the whole brigade e.
vincing, by its deep silence, and the faith
ful precision of its movements, the subor-
dination OF strict discipline, and the s,eadv
tirmness DIFFERENTIATED courage. Now.
the musketry of the enemy began to rat.
tie, pouring bullets as thick as hail rpon
our ranks. Still not trigger was drawn.
not voice was heard on our side, save
the quick peremptory tones Of command.
Gen. Scott rode along the line cheering
and restraining his troops; then passed
from flank to flank TO sec that all was as
he wished, he wheeled his steed into the
rear Of the troops, and gave the command
to Sire" A voice was Immediately
heard in the British ranks--supposod to
be that of the comrhahder-exciaim,ng. !"
charge the Yankees! charge the Buffalo
militia! chaIge! chargew The American
general ordered his Uicn to "suppot aupsp,
The British rushed forward with, bayo.
nets charged; but they were struck with
amusement when they bcheld those whom
their commander had taun.ingly called
militia, standing motiouless us statutes;
their muskcts erect, their arms folded n
cross their breasts, gazing calmly at the
hostile ranks advancing furiorsly with lev.
eled bayonots. 1t was a refinement Of
discipline rarely exhibited, and here alto
gether unexpected. The Americans
stood until the enemy approached within q
few paccs;untn the foremen could see tho
| file fashing from each others cyes; and
each could read the expression Of his sd-.
versury's face; then, deliberately as was
the word given, the Americans lcveled
their pieces and firod-and the whole Of
the euemy's line seemed snnihiIated. Ma
ny were killed, many wounded, and some
rushing forward with powerful momeut-
um, fell over ther PROSTATE compsB,crs.
or wore thrown down by the wc;rht Of
succeeding combstants. In one instant.
the ground occupied by that gallant line.
was covered by dying Britsus; in another.
a second line had advanced to sustain the
contest, while the broken fragments oi the
tirst were rallied behind il. Thv"BufiaIo