Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-07-02
their shivering chargers and awaited the pro-
crocc &c Tho hrok an linn


Tho wild blast from the hills swept down tho
roaring stream-tho water froze to our tat
Tered clothes, and our feet were blistered
and peeled by treading upon the icy way.
The snow like feathers borne on the gale,
whirled around us-at every step we were
in danger. Now precipitated into the stream
and now forced to climb the rugged sides Of
tho drift-icc, still we advanced. 1T length
the cannon and tumbrils wcrelanded, and tho
last soldier stood upon the opposite Shore"
Shivering with cold, and pale with hunger
and fatigue, our column formed and waited
for the word. Washington and his staff were
at hand. "Briskly, men, briskly," said he,
as he rode 10 the head of the line and then
the captains gave the word from company to
company, and the army marched on in ST. |
lence. A secret movement Of an army at
night keeps the drowsy awake, and tho hum
cry from complaining. Man isan inquisitive
animal, and the only way to make him per-
form apparent impossibilities, IS to lead him
after he knows not what. Columbus discov-
cred America in cruise after Solomon's
gold mine and the vast field of chemistry was
laid open to human ken, in a search for the
elixir of life, and the philosophers stono.
All night our troops moved down on tho
west bank Of the river, and as morning spread
her grey mantle over tho eastern hills, VIC
reached Trenton.
The llessians, under Rawlc, slept.-No
one feared Washington,-and the moustacf-
cd soldier dreamed Of the Rhine and the Elbe,
and the captain slept carclessly at his inn.
But suddenly the cry was raised,-"lIc
comes he comes !" Our frosty drums beat
the charge tho shrill flies mingled in with
merry strain and our hungry army, with bare
feet, entered the city. Like the Scandina-
Wan hordc--in impctuosity and necessity
before the eternal city, VIC rushed up the
streets, and attacked the surprised enemy at
every turn. The startled foe cndcavored to
defend themselves; but before any body
could collect, charge Of our infantry cut
them to pieces. Their colors also were alb
solutely hacked of their standard-staif, while
they advanced in line. by..a scrgeant'' sword,
and their officers were cut down or taken
prisoners. Our victorywas complete. Ono
thousand men were killed and made pri-
soners. and the artillery, consisting Of nine
pieces, was lcaptured.-Such was the effect
Of the battle of Trenton upon the enemy !;
but to us the consequences were the reverse.
Our hungry men were fed, our naked were
clothed, the rank and file were armed, and
officers promoted.
The same evening we re-crossed the river,
but it was not the terrible stream of tho pre-
vious night. The footprints Of boots and
shoes were left on our trail, and the drums
beat merry call, while the buglos answered
sweet and clear.
In few hours the Hcssan tents shrouded
the captors on the site Of our old cncamp-
ment; and Rawle's officers had the pleasure
Of drinking their owA winc in their own tents,
with General Washington, and his subalterns
as prisoners Of war. So we'll planned was
this attack that we lost but nine men, and
two Of them were frozen to death after being
wounded. On the 29lh Of December, 1776
we again crossed tho Delaware, and a! l
O'Clock, p. NJ, our eagle Aoated over
Trenton.
The "merry Christmas Of our evening
party astonished and aroused the kings &C.
junction with General Grant at Princeton
and on the I'd of January 1777, the British
army marched against Trenton.
Ii was late in the afternoon when the ad.
vance guard Of the enemy appeared in
sight, their red coats forming stricking
contrast with the winters snow. Our drum.
now heat to arms, and General Washington
with 5000 of US, crossed the rivulct Assum'
pink and took post upon the high ground ia
cling the rivulot. A heavy cannonade speed
lily commenced, and when night canlo on
both armies had a breathing spell.
Fresh fuel was now piled upon tho camI
frcs-the sentinels were posted in advance
small parties were stationed at each ford
; the cry, sails well" the quick challenge, ant
the prompt answer the tramplng Of retur
ming vidcttc-and the occasional tapping Q
drum in the guardroon,, were heard in GU
camp. The British General rejoced in tn
belief that the morning sun would behold hin
conqueror of our leader and ourselves. Sc
cure Of his prey, tho enemy made prepare
tons 10 attack our camp on tho first blush Q
!, morning. The noiso OF hammcrs-th
, heavy rumbling Of cannon wheels-thc clash
Y ing Of the armorer's hammer, and the laug
{ of the artizan and pioneer, came over upO
!, the night-wind, and grated l,arshly upon on
= sensitive ears.
All OHlCcSs inouutCus anu "IdPPOu III
S military cloak, was now seen silently az
: preaching the commanders Of regiments !
It quick succession. He whispered his order
n in a low tone-the colonies stared with as
: constituent, they looked, lit was their gen
d eraI, and they Immediately sent for their car
tains. Each officer heard the new orde
: with surprise, bnt TO hear was 10 obey. Th
,. captains whispered it to their orderlics, an
n in 20 minutes after it was communicated I
e commanders Of regiments, the whole arm
y stood npon their feet in battle array. o.
'e tents were struck, and our baggage Wagon
r. were ready for march.
re The scntinels paced their rounds as thong
If nothing were about TO happen. The laug
Of the relieved guard was heard above til
IN din ofboth armies, and "all's well" rang
W bovc the night.
r, We now stood ready in open column
1t march. Gen. Hugh Mercer had commaI
ar of the van guard in few moments our cal
IL tans whispered, "forward and be SILENT
te our living mass Immediately moved onwar