Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-08-20
BLOOMINGTON IOWA, FRIDAY, AUGUST 90 ls4l

approaching struggle. The pause, however
which afforded this prospect was but momen-
tary. The General had already reconnoitered
the approaches to the still silent promontory
and waving his sword on high, he gave the
order. In another instant the dark massive
column was moving steadily to the attack.
1t was thrilling moment, during which the
devoted band had crossed rapidly over the
marsh. As yet the enemy had not discovered
them. Even the hearts of the oldest veter-
ans trembled with the eagerness of that mo-
ment Of suspense. Already had the foremost OF
the pioneers reached the abattis, and the quick,
rapid blows Of their axes ruug upon the night,
when suddenlYsa shout of alarm burst from
the fort, the gun of the sentry flashed through
.sshe gloom, and in an instant all was uproar
and confusion within the astsnished forti6ca-
ton. Not moment was to be lost.
"Advance! ADVANCE shouted Wayne, as
he pressed rapidly on towards the abattis, fol.
lowed in death-like silence by tho indomitable
troops.
"To arms:' came borne along the night
breeze from the fort-"to arms to armsv
and then following the quick roll of the drum.
In an instant the enemy were at their posts,
and as the gallant continentals still maintain
ed their silent and steady march, fire, such
only as desperation could produce, burst from
every embrasure Of the fort. The incessant
rattle Of the musketry, the roar Of artillery,
the crashing Of grape shot, and the lurid light
flung over the scene by the explosion of shells,
and the streams of fire pouring from the fort,
formed picture which no pen can describe.
Yet, amid it all, the daring assailants steadily
ed in their ranks. Faithful to the command
Of their general, though trembling in every
limb with eagesness, they kept up their silent
march amid that fiery tempest, as if impelled
by some god.like power. On-on they pass
ed. The whirlwind Of fire from the fort ceas-
ed not, yet they dashed along, charged at the
point of the bayonet, over abat,is and bulwark,
until the enemy, borne back by their mpetu-
GUS onset, qualed before them. The works
were forced. Then, and not till then, was the
death-like silence broken.
A sound rung from the victorious troops over
all the thunder Of the battle. 1t was heard by
the head of the column behind, it passed down
their line, was caught up by the rear, and a
wild shout, making the very welkin tremble,
rang out as they dashed on 10 the attack.
The contest was short, but terrific. Over
buwark, battery, and PROSTATE foes, the gal
liant con.inentals, headed by Wayne, pressed
on, driving all before them, met the column Of
their little army, with an enthusiastic cheer,
in the very centre Of the enemy's works IN
another moment the starry flag of America
waved triumplrantly over the bat,lements.
The enthusiasm Of the victors cannot be des-
cribed. But though the contest had been so
bloody, not man of the enemy fell, after re.
kistance ceased. The prisoners were disarm-
ed, guard placed over them, and sentries post
ed on all the commanding positions around the
work. The morning gun announced TO the
British feet in the river, that Stony Point was
lost and won.