The Arkansas banner., 1843-10-21

luncuOn to entlrc S1leHCe was 1Ot SO pcTIeCuy obeyed as before We were then marched to what was called the Meek, for the purpose of erecting a fort This point was fully within the reach of the encny's guns, hence dark night was naturally chosen for the work, and the strictest silence enoined. Ar rived on the ground, we found an abundance of dry cedar rails, and with these we pro- ceeded to build huge fires to supply the lack of daylight. Whether this originated with the soldiers or officers, know not :; 1t is cer- tain that it was not forbidden by the latter. When they were well on fire, and all around us was illuminated, we began to break ground But we were very unceremoniously interrupted by laundering volley of cannon balls from the enemy. It had not occurred to our sapient officers that the same light that was serviceable to us, would be so to the enemy's artillery. But so 1t was Orders were then given to put out tine fires. 1t was done with great promptness3 cannon ball now and then aiding Us in scattering the rails
 have Ill my latter days heard a great deal about the stimulants of industry, but 1 give it as the result of my observation, that mo- thing Is equal to cannon ball for this Men will work when cannon balls are whizzing around them in a way difficult to describe. The rails on this occasion flew as if the pow CT of gravitation were, for the occasion, to- tally suspended.
 1 recollect another occasion when the same stimulus worked admirably. It was at the battle of White Plains. We were in trench, and about ten rods in advance was stone wall. When 1t appeared that the en- emy were about to advance to storm our lines, Ga brisk fire of cannon balls being sent to clear the way,) a party were sent out to throw down the wall, that it might not prove shelter to the advancing foe. I never saw stones handled as those were. am clear in the opinion that cannon balls are the great est possible stimulants to industry. But forget my narrative.
 When the lights were extinguished, we were drawn offbehind small descent, where, by lying down, we were out of reach of the enemy's balls We had just begun to real ize that the whistling of balls was not so de- structive, 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 LOOK eIIpCI. anu lcl III IlIy NlClIl- ity Orders were given to retreat, and the ground was soon cleared, without further loss We gained the camp, and listened, with no small degree of composure, to the sound of the enemy's artillery It is surpris- ing. the difference in the sound of piece when you are, or are not, wililIn range. III the one case the sound is pleasant enough in the other 1t Is by no means the most agree able music in the world. The British con- tinued to plough up the said Neck until broad daylight showed them what they were about In fact, 1t did present the appearance of piougned land. '' My stars" said honest Job Eaton, s' if 1t has not cost the King nigh on tew hundred dollars to plough that 'ere piece I'd ploughed it with my oxen for five.'
 We were so much more courageous by daylight, that we went down to the Meek for bali, and there were picked up nine hun dred and sixty of various sizes. Occasional ly field pieces were discharged at us, but without effect.
 During the winter we lay on Dorchester heights cannot say that l was as comfort able and conented as might have been in my fathers house. l was, however, indulged II | from thence tokens of remembrance and re- gard. Still barrack is not one's fathers house, and our troops were becoming more of soldiers and less of citizens. The dis tnction between mine and thine became less distinctly marked, and a growing looseness of morals in other respects led me to look with less enthusiasm on a soldiers life.
 Still our company was in the main correct in their department, tho instructions of MT. Forbes having sunk deep into our hearts. Once or twice the old man paid us a visit, to the no small joy of our hearts and increase of his influence Oh, could see such min isters now, would be content that their salaries be raised by law; yea, that they should literally have tithes of all. The fact is. the old fashioned ministers of those days did more to make patriotic, industrious, fru- gal and honest men than all other things put together And Twill here say, that it does not become democrat to ridicule and abuse them: for they were the first supporters of the democratic principle. The puritans were the first and fast friends of the people,
 A notable parsonage in our company was "Sergeant John,o full-blooded Indian. He had served as a private among the < eight months men," but refused to enlist again till the title of sergeant was promised him. His rank was merely nominal. He received the title at roll-call, and was content. He was regular in the discharge of his duties as a soldier; but held no communion with 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 geant John. At the battle of Long Island, as we were retreating towards the famous Mill Dam, received shot in my foot that put an end to my progress. My fellow-towns- men passed me by, but Sergeant John placed me on his shoulder, and succeeded in cross ing the dam before the heat of the burning mill became so intense as to cut off further