North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1839-09-18

ty. And so hoty were they pursued that
Capt. Gregoire soon found himself at the
Provincial line, beyond which a great
number of the loyalists had taken refuge.
As soon as the main body of the patriot
band had arrived, they encamped on
British ground near the line, expecting
that during the night the principal object
in view would be accomplished, and that
they should next morning, with consider
able acquisition of men and arms, take up
their line of march 10 join the main body
Of the patriot army, - "a was at Napier
vile. But the vigilance OF the enemy had
been awakened, the AMERICAN SPIES
were on the move. The notorious DAN
FORD MOTT and his crew of despica
BILE wretches, were using and mis-using
every means in their power TO prevent
arms and ammunition from being sent TO
the patriots, and a sloop loaded with these
necessaries was seized by this tory, this
pretended Democrat, this republican Off
Ger. All impediments possible were thrown
in the way of the patriots, and it was
under such circumstances that day light
overlook them while they were yet on the
line. By this rascay maneuverng on
the part of American officers, the enemy
had gained time to collect their forces and
prepare for battle. They received renforce~
ments from the counties Of Beauharnais and
Mssiskou, and when their numbers had
increased to 600 men, they again attacked
the patriots, who, although they had been
reinforced, could muster only lei undisci-
plned men. These had however a six
FOUNDER which was discharged or times
with deadly precision, managed by Gen.
Bryant, when the ammunition fell short;
the remainder of the ammunition being on
board the sloop above referred to, the gun
was necessarily silenced, and soon fell
into the hands Of the enemy.
1t was during this desperate struggle
between small body of determined men
with but a small quantity Of ammunition
and all supplies cut off, who were fighting
for freedom, and large body Of slaves,
wearing the badges Of British subsection,
who were we'll armed, well equipped
and well disciplined, that many acts OF hero
ism were displayed on the part Of the Pat
al mann tho Haroac ri tho o,r tho
name of Captain Gregoire stands high.
His position was very much exposed, he
knew it; he felt that the conflict was
desperate one but honor and patriotism
were dearer to him than life. My life"
said he to friend near him, " is nothing
in the scales Of freedom; am ready to spill
my life blood fighting against the enemies
of my country" 1t was not long while
after he had pronounced these remarkable
and patriotic words, when ball struck
him in the chest and he fell to the ground
MORALLY wounded, but yet he encouraged
his men not to yield. A friend came i'm
mediately to he p him, and raised him from
the ground. A dreadful hemorrhage from
the lungs greatly impeded his speech, but
he was distinctly heard to ask" How do
we stand? Oh, my unfortunate country!
are you again unsuccessful in repelling
your tyrannical foe' | am dying, God
have mercy upon me! am gone" These
were the last words he uttered, and few
seconds after he was a corpse. Such was
the death of a brave hero who in the polit.
ical struggles of his country had shown
himself real lover and admrer of true
Republican liberty and who, when the
time arrived TO fight for it, did not fear to
expose and sacrifice his life on the battle
field in support OF those principles which he
had so sincerely professed when there was
no appearance Of danger. How many
great men and patriots there were, who,
when there was no danger to be apprehend-
ed, were very loud and eloquent in their
Recommendations of British despotism, but
who are now reduced TO contemplate
silence, either in their own country or in a
foreign land. But the names of true patriots
viii live for ages TO come, whilst the names