The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-06-07
NHis ella m q us.
BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
LAYGDoN AND sTARKE.

Antiquarian Society," cannot fail TO interest our rea'
ders and the public-the descendants OF Allen and
Warner, Langdon and Starke. They serve 10
keep in remembrance the heroic achievements and
patriotic sacrifices Of our hardy and chivarons an
cestors
The following anecdote Of john LANGnoN af-
lords noble example of the patriotism of that de-
roted friend Of American Independence, at this
hour of trial and danger. The Provincial Leglsla'
ture session at Exeter when tho appalling
news of the fall of Tlconderoga arrived The
members Of that body were disheartened ; the pub
lie credit was exhausted there was no means TO
subsist even a single regiment, provided one could
be raised. The men Of New Hampshire had al
ready credited themselves 10 the extent Of their
ability. John Langdon was at that time, Speaker
of the Assembly and addressed the llonse as fol-
ows:-
ssI have three thousand dollars in hard money;
will pledge my plate for three thousand more !
have seventy hogsbeads Of Tobago rum, which
shall be sold for the most it will bring These
are at the service OF the State. If we succeed in
defending our sides and homes, | may be remu
nerateo if we do not the property will be of no
value to me. Our old friend Siarke, who no
bly, maintained the honor ofour Stale at Bunker
Hill, may safely be trusted with the conduct of the
enterprise and we will check the progress of
Burgoyno."
This noble proposal infused new life INTO the as
! semby and in few days, by means OF private
funds furnished by John Langdon, Brigade was
assembled and on its march for the frontiers. To
John Langdon, do the raising and sus.
tanning of this gallant Amy of freemen; aud, to
John Starke, who knew personal fear, who was
cool and deliberate amid the hurry and confu-
sion Of the combat, as when ploughng his acres
at home, do we the achievement of one ofthe
most brilliant exploits which grace tho pages Of
American history.
Tho following letter, from Gen. Starkes to Gen.
Gates, contains the best account Of the battle we
have ever seen: -
Bennington August %, A. ID. l777.
| Dear General Yours of the 10Th was received
with pleasure, and | should have answered il soon
err, but have been very unwell ever since Genei al
Lincoln las written you upon the subject, with
whom most cordially concur in opinion.
| / will now give you short account Of the action
near this place the 18th of Aug Being inform
ed that party OF Indians were at Cambridge, on
their way to this place, detached Lieut.. Col.
Gregg, with 200 men, to oppose them and in the
hight informed that large body of the enemy
were advancing in their i rallied my Brig
ade, sent orders 10 Col. Warner, whose regiment
lay at Manchester, and also, an express TO the mi
litia to come in with all speed 10 assistance,
which orders promptly obeyed We then
marched with our collected force in quest of the
| enemy, and after proceeding i've miles, we met
Gregg in full retreat, the enemy being within a
mile of him. Our little army Immediately
drawn up in order for battle, upon sight of which,
the British halted and commenced intrenching
themselves on very advantageous ground A par
ty of skrmshers sent out their front had good
effect, and Killed 80 of them without loss on our
side The ground where then was, not being fix
for general action I'VE retired one mile encamped
and called council Of war; when it was determn
ed to sc nd attachments to the rear, while the
remainder attacked in front The 18th proving
rainy afforded the enemy an opportunity to sur
round his camp with a log breast work inform Gen
Burgoyne OF his situatIon and request reinforce
ment On the morning of the 10th, Col. Snions
joined us with party OF Berkshire militia. In pur
suance of our plan, detached Col. Nicholas with
200 on the left, and Col. Herrick, with 300 TO The
right, with orders TO turn the enemys hanks,uni'e
their force and attack his Coils. Hubbard &
sslickney, with 200 men, were posted upon MS
eht nd one hundred stationed In front to attract
their attention to that quarter. About . O'Clock,
Col. Nicholas began the attack when was ioio"ou
up by the remainder Of nv little army pushed
up in front with the reserve, and in a few minutes
the action became general. 1t lasted about two
hours and was the hottest engagement have ever
Witnessed, resembling continual thunder The
enemy were at last compelled to abandon their
field pieces and baggage, and surrender themselves
az prisoners of war. They were well enclosed by
breast works. with artillery but the superior cour'
are and conduct Of our people proved too much for
them In few minutes we were informed that n
large rein lorcement of the enemy were WITHIN TWO
miles of u.s. AT this lucky moment Col. warner S
regiment came up fresh, who was directed 10 ad'
vance and commence an attack. pushed up as
MANY men as could be collected to his support and
the action continued obsnately on both sides until
sunset, when the enemy gave way AID was pursu-
+! cd until dark With one hour more OF day light
we should have captured the whole detachment.
We obtained four pieces of brass cannon, looo
stands of arme several Hessian swords, eight brass
I ,uz. 15O r.;eopa,s O07 killed on the spot, W0un