Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1843-03-16
From the Knickerbocker.
A Reminiscence of the Late War.

Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen,
the inhabitants Of little village not far from the
mouth of the Genesee river were thrown into
tumult of alarm by the appearance of the British
fleet under Sir J. L. Yeo, off their shore. In
the general CONSERVATION and confusion, various
cxpedlents were proposed, rejected, suggested
again, for Kidding themselves of their unwelcome
visitors. Some were in favor of an immediate
fortfcaton of their dwellings,; others thought it
more easy TO keep them off shore and prevent
their landing, than to defend their families after
they had landed. The proposition was at last
suggested, by timid citizen, "to retire" and
save what they could in a hurried flight. But
stoutfully and manfulIy the good people rejected
this shameful proposition, and put their heads to-
gether TO concoct plan more agreeable 10 their
sturdy patriotism.
During this time Of doubt and uncertainty, it
was moving spectacle TO see the trembling of
distress which many of the good people exhibit
ed as the ships of the fleet slowly neared the
shore. Mothers shreked and clasped their in
fants to their bosoms in fearful anxiety; the little
girls cried, while the larger ones looked TO their
sweethearts for protection in this hour of peril
These latter again blunty declared that they
would not run, but would stick by and see fair
play. "Let the red coats on we'll
'em!" One young gallant, eXasperated at seeing
the affection of his lady love, swore that the
British were ga set of rascay, heathenish rag
mullins, good for nothing under Gods heavens
but to scare women and chldren" The more
sagacious saw in this move the destruction of
their stores, and feared for the result.
Determined at last not to yield without a show
of fight, the militia were assembled, men and
boys in all three hundred strong and occupied
an elevated position near the lake whence they
could see all the manGuvres Of the fleet. Pre-
flo boo of crop tbo ~,
modore's ship. Now let the valiant soldiers
nerve themselves for the contest. But stop. 1t
is flag of truce. Now our friends are in a
worse dilemma than before, being entirely guilt
less Of any knowledge of military or naval Ell
quette, or indeed of military affairs in general
save the regular militia drill. Nobody seemed to
know what to do, but every body was of opinion
that something must be done. After some deiib-
Grafton, FASTENED undoubtedly by the rapid ap-
; proach of the boat, Lieutenant B was del
egated to lead file of men down to the water S
edge, and 'fnd out what was wanted"
As this Lieutenant is conspicuous character
= in this "reminiscences, it may not be amss TO give
the reader description of his person, in the
words of back-woodsman: "He was great
favorite among the girls in the village, and had
; enjoyed great name in the military line, having
commanded a company of volunteers in New
I Hampshire, before he emigrated to the West
A shrewd yet reckless disposition marked all hi
t actions. man couldn't get round him no NOR,
. than he could choke lion, and vet he was al
! free and open hearted chap as ever kissed
) pretty girl aiore she knew it. Pve seen him ma
{ nGuverlng the sogers too when Captain Shut
i used to be at the widows Saturday evening, ant
T. couldn't attend to the military exercises" Ii
y short the gallant Lieutenant was a universal ia
e vorte particularly among the ladies', who regard
y ed him as their especial guardian and champio
u in those troublesome times
J. Putting himself at the head of his men, tn
~ worthy Lieutenant marched rapidly down the hill
u aud forming line near the waters edge, avail
'e ed the next movement in stern silence. Indeed
re he aiterward said "that he wasn't so very sur
ia but the fellows in the boat wanted TO play 'em
al trick, and if there was time when he fe
'e great responsibility on him. it was then" ii
&c did not wait long before he was hailed by tn
) British messenger as that the way you receiy
III flag of truce! 1t is generally the custom
meet without arms on such occasions"
u "Wall," said the Lieutenant, still maintainin
s. his soldier-lke position, without turning his hea
III 81 didn't know but you might cut up some de
try or other with our people: how-sumever,
aS you seem to be pretty peaceable, well-dispose
- well-behaved sort of fellow, my men may rig
~ about face little ways" So turning on h
heel, IN military style, he ordered his men 10 r
oi tire few rods, and hold themselves in readine
nc for further action, BY this time, the boat W
ie' close in shore, and the messenger, an officer
IL appeared from his uniform, was about steppii
rs ashore, when the Yankee interrupted him:
"' 81 say, hello, mister you don't come on Il
'Pc ground, till know what you're after. So, jc
o' stay in the boat, and say your say out"
~ The Englishman, perceiving that it would
Ill useless to oppose this appeal, resumed his pc
", ton in the boat, and declared his mission, viii
=" was to demand surrender of the stores ii
w. were concealed there or thereabout, on pena
~ ~ of instant destruction in case of refusal. O
ho officer replied
"a 81 don't know about that ERE last part Of I
~ business: but will consult my superiors, a
~ get their opinion on the subject"
49, Turning to his men, he ordered them TO wa
oo and not ''let that chap come ashore till he Ca
a.e back when" added he addressing the oflic
90 "I'll report progress, and let you know how
-! y, conclude to act" So saying, he marched
W., .od the HILL and disappeared among the crowd
'eu ter some minutes conversation with the older
p eu habiants, and a few young leaders in the Iii
ope army, he resumed his march down the hill, {
'eI placing himself in front of his men, who
10 awaited his return, agreeably to his orders,