The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-07-05
The War i'm Rhode island.


to dispense with law, will be found below, col
lected from the Boston and Providence Journals;
Dorr, with some 800 or 900 men, fortified him
self at Chepacbet, ell armed with cannon aud
firearms. The military of the State came out in
body at the call of Governor King:
The force of Dorr is entrenchcd upon Acot's
Hill, u few hundred yards from tho village. The
Hill is about 80 feet high and the position com
mands the Providence turnSke, for the whole
range of the cannon. 1t is separated from lower
hill on the East by sandy, rocky ravne, and from
still higher hill on tho West by tablo-nnd,
which rises gradn ally from Acot's Hill To about the
same heighth. We believe there is no water on
tho hill unless II well has been dug; but there is
fine stream within 200 yards. Independent of any
! re-enforcements received or any desertons made
yesterday, we estimate the nsurgent force at about
700 men not all armed. We are OF opinion how
ever, that there are plenty Of muskets If the men
| are willing 10 them Provisions are plenty
the neighborng firms furnishing abundance of
1--we stock for the marauding parties. Ammun''
ton must also be plenty, as large quantities have
| been stolen. They have from ten to twenty PIE
of artillery, of good construction, but prn
| cipally ship cannon, indIferently mounted, gen
orally six Founders, but they may have one or TWO
mines, and perhaps twelve FOUNDER. They
| have four large marquees and they use barn to
quarter some OF their men in. Dorr arrived Satnr'
day morning, before day light. He made furious
speech to his metl, and avowed his determination
upon victory or death.
| In obedience orders from Ma Gen. Nc
| Neil, commander of the State forces, the troops
under arms in tho city of Providence, assembled at
three clock Saturday afternoon. AT that hour,
the whole force in the city, except that detailed
on patrol and other special services, were ordered
TO muster benefit street. The line extended
| from above College to below William streets, and
when it was formed, it took up the march for
Smith Hill, where it reviewed The whole
number on the Hill was about 1900, and from 200
to 300 wera on duty in the city, or not ordered
out This was before the arrival of theiThird and
! Fourth Brigades, Major General McNel expressed
| him self highly gratifed with the number and con
don, and especially the character of the men.
1t is apparent that the war is 10 be carried on in
| the most vigorous manner, and that It's duration
| will be very short The utmost enthusiasm pre-
walls amongst the officers and men, whom the
| preparation, consequent upon the alarming state
of discipline excellent IN most of them and respec
table in all Their whole conduct has been order
" and in the hig hest degree creditabe. The most
unbounded confidence is placed IN the authorities,
civil and military. and tho men are ready and vii
hing TO go forward 10 the execution of the orders,
and only ask thing, which is the universal cry
lei us keep our arms till the traitor and his adher
onts are put down. Their gallant wish shall be
granted.
A ridiculous story has been circulated that the
government was pressing men into the service OF
| the State. The State Of Rhode Island asks none
orhe, citizens to fight in her case, those who
deem it privilege and an honor. So far from
| pressing men, the government is only embarrassed
ia providing for the hundreds that flocking to
the standard of the laws.
| The whole number oftroops in the city yesterday
was about 5000 This does include portion
! of the Fourth Brigade, from Kent County. which
is ordered direct TO Foster.
| Providence, June 81, 1542
A large portion of the military force Of the State
is already on the march for Chepachet. The de
tachments go by different routs. and will occupy
successfully the important post between this city
and the insurgent camp.-W oonsocket, Greenville
and the Poud Factory, will be occupied tonight
and the advance will probably be made tomorrow
strong force will be in the rear tonight 10 cut of
a retreat 10 Connecticut, and the various detacl
men,s W i'll gradually draw in towards the centre
A Paixham gun has arrived from Boston, and will
be taken up by the Sea Fencibes, company new
y formed, and consisting of seamen
! Volunteers continue to flock in from all parts Of
the State. Some are without arms, but soon
| provided with them. 1t is impossible 10 describe
the enthusiasm which animates every bosom. All
demand to be led on, and those who ordered TO
remain for the defence Of the city, look upon them
| selves as most un fortunate, The on estoh who
is Governor of Rhode Island is now TO be set
tied,
Several arrests have been made today, and
tial law is rgidly enforced. The videttes push
ed for FIVE six miles, and in the direction Of
the nsurgeht camp they have approached Dorr S
| outer picquets
The intelligence from the enemy is, that they
are from 700 to 1000 strong, with some very desper
ate fellows. Dorr is completely reckless. lie is
determined, if we may credit the accounts we have
from him, to die in the last ditch.
! The Kentsh Guards, sent to Paw,ucket last
evening, were attacked by mob OF insurgents
near the bridge and two of their number injured
by missiles thrown by the mob. The Guards
fred first oversthe heads OF the insurgents but find
| ing they bent upon mischief, they fired for
| effect and killed one and wounded several others,
when they dispersed
The Providence Jour nal of the 23th contains the
following intelligence of proceedings in relation 10
the rebellion ..... ... e. ..-. ........
We understand that letter was received last
evening by Walter S. Burgess from Thomas W.
Dorr stating he had now become convinced thai
majority OF the people Of the State were opposed
to the Peoples Constitution and he should there
fore abandon all further attempts to enforce 1t and
| bopad IN mon ascenhIed nj CheDaChet would be