The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-07-17
From the Boston, Courier

|
MoRE REcoLLEcrIoNs OF THE REyoLurIoN.--Look
ing over yesterday, some loose papers on our table
we noticed the letter which follows which was one
among many others transmitted TO u.s. Just before the
GeieIraton o. the sixty-eighth anniversary of the
Battle OF Bunker Hill, but which had been over.
looked when the others were arranged for publica-
ton. II IS printed agreeabIy to the manuscript OF
the writer
BRUNSWICK, MAINE, June IA, I843
j. 4. buckingham, Esq, President Of the Bunker Hill
| Monument association
Dear Sir Being prevented by reason of the in
frmities of age, from being present with my former
comPauios IN arms, TO join in the celebration of the
anniversary OF the memorable battle of Bunker Hill
on the l7ih inst, rendered doubly interesting from
the completion of the monument to perpetliate the
memory Of hat eventful struggle am induced to
ouer TINS testimonial of my cordial interest in the
great OBJECT Tor which you about to assemble
And am persuaded, sir, that it is with no ordinary
emotions that the completion of this patriotic design
| IS regarded by US, who have borne the burden and
neat OF the struggle, and now, in the evening of our
are permitted TO witness this tribute of graft
tude and respect thus offered by the present 10 the
past generation. During the brief remnant of our
,ives, II VIII DC source Of grateful reflection that
the services of those who engaged in our revolution
airy connect are not undervaued by their descendants
brief sketch of my own connection with The
events which marked that period maynot be unac-
ceptable was born in the month Of February 1856
and am now in my 18Th year. In May, I777, being
a nen y years Of age, went with the army 10 Fort
ficonderoga, and was there when Gen, Burgoyne
came up the lake. Our army, 5000 in number re- |
treated from this post to Hubbardston distance of
"a miles. When Gen. Frazer came up in pursuit. |
was IN the engagement for quarter of an hour at /
close quarters and when our army obliged then
70 retreat win loss OF $50 men, Col Francis, of
beverly, was shot, close behind me, after "a gallant
defence was also present at the battle Of Still
water, when Gen. Frazer attacked COL Morean.-I
me latter was reinforced by our soldiers and the
night then became general, from O'Clock till dark
me surrender OF Burgoyne took place three days
alter this, on the 18th of October. also guarded
Inc army's stores at Monmouth N. j., in I778, and
when the British Colonel, Monkton, was killed bis
body was left in my care.
was also witness of the memorable execution
o. MAJOR andre, on the ID October, 1880. Our ar
my under General Patterson, was then stationed at
west rolnt Having obtained leave of absence /
ieii IN with the guard no were appointed 10 attend
MAJOR Andre on that occasion, and thus had an ex-
ceiient opportunity for witnessing the scene. The
even's o. the DAY are still as fresh in my memory as
those OF yesterday. saw him remove his stock,
and prepare himself for his final scene with as much
composure as though attending to his usual employ
ments
! cannot conclude without offering my congratula-
LIONS 70 those oil ths actors in those stirring times
VINO may meet with you this interesting occasion.
congratulate them that they are permitted to see
with their own eyes the monuments their descendants
have erected. May the impre ssions of the day and
the occasion serve to cheer them in the decline Of
me- and as one after another called away to
eternity, may 1t be source of pleasure that our land
and people left in the secure endowment of the |
blessings OF peace. AS long as this monument shall
sand let us hope that this bssful peace will be the
heritage of our offspring! Let never cease to inn
piore heavens richest blessings upon the institutions
OF our country, and let it be last and highest |
wish that her prosperity may be enduring as time
PHILIP OWEN.