Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-03-26
cd TO what was called the Neck, for the pur.

pose Of erecting fort. This point was full
ly within the reach of the cnemy's guns hence
dark night was naturally chosen for the
work, and the silence cnoincd. arrived on
the ground, we found an abundance of dry
cedar rails, and with these we proceeded to
build huge fires to supply the lack ofdayight
Whether this originated with the soldiers or
officers know not; it is certain that il was
not forbidden by the latter. When they
were all on fire, and all around us was illum-
mated, we began to break ground. But VIC
were very unceremoniously interrupted by
laundering vollcy of cannon-balls from the
enemy. 1t had not occurred 10 our sapient
officers that the same light that was servicca-
bic to us, would be so to the enemy's artle-
ry. But so il was. Orders were then given
to put out the fires. 1t was done with great
promptncss a cannon-ball now and then
aiding us in scattering the rails.
4 have in my latter days heard great
deal about the slmulants Of industry, but |
give it as the result Of my observation, that
nothing is equal to a cannon ball for this
Men will work when cannon balls are wliz-
zing around them in way difficult to de-
r scribe. The rails on this occasion flew as if
the power of gravitation were for the occa-
sion, totally suspended.
| reco!cct another occasion when the
same stimulus worked admirably. 1t was at
the battle of White Plains. We were in a
trench, and about ten rods in advance was a
stone wall. When it appeared the enemy
were about to advance to storm our lines, ia
brisk fire Of cannon balls beng sent to clear
the way,) a party were sent out to throw
down the wall that it might not proves shelter
to the advancing foe. never saw stones ham
died as those were. am clear in the opn-
ion that cannon balls are the greatest possible
stimulants to industry But l forget my
narrative.
When the lights were extinguished, we
were drawn ollbe.inl a small descent, where
by lying down, we were out of reach of the
enemy's balls. We had just begun to real
zc that the whislling of balls was not so
destructive, after all, and to make ourselves
merry at the enemy's waste of ammunition,
, when cross fire that swept the bottom of the
hill was opened upon us. The first shot took
effect, and killed four men in my vicinity
Orders were given to retreat, and tho ground
was soon cleared, without further loss. We
gained the camp, and listened, with no small
degree of composurc, to the sound of the
encmy's artillery. |, is surprising, the diff
crcncc in the sound of piece when you are
not, within range. In the one case the sound
is pleasant enough {; in the othe it is by no
means the most agreeable music in the world.
The British continued to plough u, the said
Neck until broad day light showed them
what they were about. In fact, it did pre-
sent the appearance ofploughed land. "My
stars" said honest Job Eoton, ''if it has not
cost the King nigh on tow hundred dollars to
plough that ere piece Id ploughcd it with
my oxen for fivc.'
We were so much more courageous by
daylight, that we went down to the Neck for
ball, and there were picked up nine hundred
and sixty, of various sizes. Occasionally
field pieces were discharged at us, without
effect.
Daring the winter We lay on Dorchester.
heights | cannot say that was as Comfort
able and as contcnted as might have beer
in my fathers house. | was, however, IN
dulgcd with frequent visits home, and often
received from thence tokens of remember
nnce and regard. Still barrack is not
ones father house. and our troops were
becoming more of soldiers and less ofcitzens
The distinction between mine and thine be-
came less distinctly marked, and a growing
Iooscncss of morals IN other respects led me
to LOOK with less enthusiasm on a soldier
life.
Still our company was in tic main correct
in their department, the instructions of Mr.
Forbes having sunk deep into our hearts,
Once or twice the old man paid us a visit, to
the small Joy of our hearts and increase Of
his influence. Oh, could | see such minis
tiers now, would be content that their sal
aries be raised by law; yea, tl,at,hcy should
! literally have ,hithcs Of all. The fact is, the
old fashioned ministers Of those days did
more to make patriotic, industrious, frugal
and honest men than all other things put to-
gc,her. And will here say, that it does not
become a democrat to rdicule and abuse
them: for they were the first supporters
of the democratic principle. The puritans
were tire first and fast friends Oft the People
, A notable parsonage in our company was
Sergeant John," full-blooded Indian
He served as a private amorg tho "eight
months men, but refused to enlist again till
the title OF Sergeant was promised him.
f His rank was merely nominal. He received
the title at rol call, and was content. He
was regular IN the discharge of his duties as
a soldier; but held no communion with a
soul in the company. In summer he never
slept IN the tent with his mess, but in the
open air and in winter he chose retired
though cold corner of the barrack. The
tenor OF his thoughts neither nor any body
: else could ever learn.
On two occasions owed my life to Ser
: gcant John. AT the battle Of Long Island
r as we were rctrcating towards the famous
Mill Dam, received a shot in my foot that
!: put an end to my progress. My fellow
d townsman passed me by, but Sergeant John
placed me on his shoulder, and succeeded in
|. crossing the dam before the heat of the burn
q ing mill became so intencc as to cut of
II further passage. The mill had been fired
= to prevent the enemy from crossing.