The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-04-02
REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS.
DEATH OF BARON DE KALB.

| REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS.
DEATH OF BARON DE KALB.
Immediately on receiving news of his intend
ed departure, we waited OIL the good old De
!. haIh to take our leave, and to express our deer
regret at parting with him. 1T is with great re
gref, my dear Sir, that part with YOU said he
because feel presentiment thar we part &c
meet no more" We told him we hoped better
things.
oh no. he replied, 'it is mpossihle-Wa,
was kind of game that has its fixed rule
whereby, when we are all well acquainted with
| them, we can pretty well tell how the trials will
go. Tomorrow, it seems that the die is to be
cast; and in my Judgment, without the least
chance ofour side. The militia | suppose as
usna', pay the back game; that is, get out of the
battle as fast as their legs will carry them, but
that, you know, won't do for me. am an old
soldier, and cannot run; and believe | have
some brave fellows who will stand by me till the
last. So when you hear of our battle you will
probably hear that your old friend De Kalb is
at rest.
/ was never more affected in nv life: and
perceived tears in the eyes of Gen. Marion. De
kalb saw them too, and taking us by the hand,
he said, with firm tone and animated look, mo
no, gentlemen, no emotion for me, but those OF
congratulation. am happy. To die in the
irreversible decree of Him who made u.s. Then
what Joy to be able to meet death without dis
may? Thank God, this is my case The hap
plness OF man is my wish; that happiness,
deem inconsistent with slavery. And to aver
so great an evil from an innocent people. | will
gladly meet the British to morrow at any odds
whatever
AS he spoke the fire flashed from his ewes
which seemed to me TO demonstrate that d.
vnity of virtue, and the Immortality Of the
soul. We left him with feelings which I shall
never forget, while memory retains he seat in
my brains
IL was on The morning of August 18th, 1880.
that we let: the army in good position, near
RugeleyS MiIIs,tweIve miles from Camden where
the enemy lay. AT ten that night, orders were
given TO march and surprise the enemy who
had at the same time commenced a march to
surprise the Americans To their mutual aston
ishment the advance of,he two armies met NJ
two O'Clock, and began firing at each other 1t
was soon discontinued by both parties. who ap
peared willing TO leave the matter TO be decided
by Daylight A council! of war was called. in
which DE kalb advised HAT the army should |
fall back TO Rugeiey's Mills, and wait TO be at |
tackled. Gen. Gates not only rejected this
excellent council, but threw out an insinuation
mat 1t originated in fear. Upon this the brave
Old man leaped from his horse, and placing him
self at the head of his command, on foot, saving
WIN considerable warmth, "We sir. perhaps
n lew honrs will show who are the brave"
AS day. light increased the frightened militia
began TO discover the woods Redeemed all over
with the scarlet uniforms the British army.
which soon, with rafting drums and ,hunderinp
cannon, come rushing to the charge; and they
scarcely waited to give them distant fire before
they broke, and fed in every direction Gcner-
Al Gates ciapped spurs TO his horse, as he said,
to bring the rascals back" However, he did
not bring himself back, nor did he stop till he
reached Charlotte, eighty miles from the field of
lGttle. Twohlrds of the army having thus
takeH themselves off, the brave old
De kalb and his handful OF con,inentaIs were
EFT 10 Try the fortunes ofthe day. More deter
nined vaior was never displayed; for though out
NUMBERED more than two TO one, they sustained
attacks Of the whole British force for more than
lii hour. Glorying in the bravery of his cont
rentals, De Kab to wered before Them like n nil
ar of fire. But, alas what can vnIor do against +
'qnal valor aided by such fearful odds! While
'enulng forward 10 animate his troops the vete.
an received eleven wounds Painting from I
he loss of blood, he fell to the ground, while /
5rItons and Americans were killed over him as !
hey strove to destroy or to defend. In the midst !
# clashing bayones, his only surviving aid, Col. f,
}. BuryIson, stretched his arm over the fallen, .
ma called out "save the Baron De Kalb,' The .
British officer then interposed, and,prevented his
Immediate destruction.
De Kaib died as he had lived, the unconqner- y
q friend of liberty. When The English officer .
ondoied with him for his misfortune, he replied, y
thank you Tor your generous sympathy; but .
lie the death always wished Tor; the death OF %
soldier hgh;ing for the rights of man" He !,
nrvIved but few hours, aud was buried in "
he plains of Camden near which his last battle y
vas fought.
Many years after when Washington visited u
,amden, he eagerly inquired for the grave of I,
De kalb. 1t was shown to bim-Gazing upon 81
thonghttully, he exclaimed, with deep sigh, a
So here lies the brave De Kalb; the generous a.
lranger who come from distant land to fight ~
ur battles, and to water with his blood the tree =.
/ our liberty. Would to God he had lived to 81
hare its fruits
am not fond of such vantes," as the hog n
aid ven his owner put a ring in his snout VI