The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-01-07
BATTLE OF BRIDGEWATER.

DA vi "a u Lh
'The battle took place on the margin of the Nj
agara river, on an extensive PLAIN, which had once
been covered with fine farms, but now forsaken by
its inhabitants, desoated by war, it exhibited only
barren waste The river at that place begins to ac
quire some of that terrific velocity, with which Il
reaches over that awful precipce three miles below
creating one of the grandest natural curiostes III
existence the noise of the cataract is heard, and
the column of foam distinctly seen from the battle
ground. On the other side, the field is bounded by
thick forest, but the plain presented level smooth
surface unbroken by ravlnes and without a tree OF
a bush to intercept the view, obstacle to inn
pede the movement of the hostile bodies to afford
either party advantage. From this plain the A
mercan camp separated by small creek. In
the awful glare of a summer sun ON the morning ol
the 9th July, the British troops were advan-
cing towards camp, across the destined field OF
strife; their waving plumes, their scarlet uniforms
and gilded ornaments exhibited a gay and gorgeous
appearance. Their martial music, their firm and
rapid step, indicated elastic hopes and high courage.
The Americans, inferior in number, were hastily
put in motion to meet the advancing foe they
crossed a small rude bridge, the outlet from the
camp, under heavy fire of the enemy's artillery
and moved steadily to the spot selected for the
gagement.-The scene at this moment was beauti-
full and imposing. The British line, glowing with
gold and crimson hues, was stretched across the
plain, hanked by pieces of brass ordnance, whose
discharge spread death over the field and filled the
air with thunder while the clouds of smoke envel-
oping each extremity of the linc left the centre only
exposed to the eye, and extending on the river OF
one hand and the forest the other, filled tin,
whole back-g ground of the landscape. The Ameri-
cans were advancing in a column. They new
recruits, now led for the first time into action anC
except few officers, none of all that heroic banc
had ever before seen the banner of foe. But they
moved steadily to their ground, unbroken by the
calling fire and platoon after platoon wheeled in
to the line with the graceful accuracy of move
ments which mark the cvoutions the holiday par
ade until the whole column was displayed into an
extended front; the officers carefully dressing the
line with technical skill, and the whole brigade eyin-
eng, by its deep silence, and the faithful precision
of movements, the subordinaon of strict discipline
and the steady frmncss of determined courage.
Now the musketry of the enemy began to rattle
pouring bullets as hail upon our ranks Still not a
trigger was drawn, not a voice was heard oul
side save the quick, peremptory tones of command
Gen. Scott rode along the line, cheering and re-
straining his troops; then passing from flank tc
flank to see that all was he wished, he wheeled
his steed in the of his troops, and gave the COM
niand To hre.' A voice was Immediately heard i'll
the British ranks-supposed to be that of their
mander-exclaming, charge the Yankees charge
the Buffalo militia charge CHARGE The Amer.
lean General ordered his men to support arms !!
The British rush forward with bayonets charged
but they were struck with amazement when they be-
held those whom their commander had tauntingl,
called militia, standing motionless as statues the
arms folded across their breasts gazing at the hos
tile ranks advancing turiously with levelled bayon
cts Ii was a refinement of discipline rarely exhib
tied. and here altogether unexpected. The Amer
cans stood until the enemy approached within a few
Ipaces-until the foemen could see the fire flash il
each others eyes and each could read the express
sion of his adversary face then deliberately as tn,
word was given, the Americans lcvelled their pieces
and hred-& the whole of the enemys line seemed
annihilated Many were killed, many wounded
t, and many rushed forward with powerful momen.
tum, tell over their PROSTATE companions, and
thrown by the weight of the succeeding combatants
In one instant, the ground lately occupied by tha
gallant line, covered with flying Britons il
another, second had advanced To sustain the con-
test while the broken fragment of the first was raj
lied behind it, The Buffalo militia were how tn,
assailans, advancing with charged bayonets. Their,
it was that the young American chiefs who led tina
gallant host displayed the skill of veterans, and tn,
names of Scott, Jessup, Leayenworth, MNeal anC
llnman, were given To their country, TO adorn tn,
lproudcst pages of It's history. Five and thirty min
ues decided the contest. and the retiring foe wa
pursued and driven to his fortress. None who saw
will forget the terrific beauty of that scene-the no
blc appearance of the troop--the dread precision
of every moyement--the awful fury of the battle
ITS brief coutinuance--its triumphant close.
As the victors returned from the pursuit of th,
rereating enemy, scene of interest was presented
They traversed the field which few minutes befor
had sparkled with the proudest equippagc of war
There had been gallant men, and gay uniforms an,
waving banners aud there had been drums an,
trumpets, and the wild notes of the buglc strrin.
the soulinto action. There hadbee noddng plume
49, l.
with valor aud ambition. There too had been tenn