Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-10-03

tempest far down IR. the gloom. The tramp
Of the men--the low orders of the officers
1.-The occasional rattle of musket were
almost lost in the shrill voice of the gale,
or the deep, sullen roar of the forest. Even
these sounds al length ceased, and we con-
tinued TO march in profound silence, in
creasiug as we drew near the outposts Of
1.-The enemy. The redoubled violence of
the gale, trough it added 10 the sufTerings
of our brave continentals, was even hailed
with Joy, as il decreased the chances of
our discovery, and made us once more
hope for. a successful surprise. Nor were
those suferings light. Through that dread
full night, nothing but the lofty patriotism
of lreemen could have sustained them
Half clothed, many without shoes, whole
companies without blankets, they yet press
ed heavily on against the storm, though
drenclled to the skin, shiyering at every
blast. and too often marking their footsteps
with blood. Old as am, the recollection
is still vivid in my mind. God forbid that
such sufferings should ever have to be en-
dured again.
The dawn at last came; but the storm
still ragged. The trees were borne down
with the sleet, and the slush was ancle deep
in the roads. The fields that we passed
were covered with wet spongy snow, and
the half buried houses looked bleak and
desolate in the uncertain morning light
1t has been my lot to witness but few such
(oreboding scenes. At this instant mes
senger dashed luriously up to announce
that the outposts of the British were driven
in.
Forward = cried Washington
himself galloping up to the head Of the col
umns, push on, my brave lellows-on."
The men started like hunters at the cry
kof the pack, as their Generals voice, Sc
conded by hasty fire from the rlAemen in
the van, aud forgetting every thing but the
foe, marched rapidly in silent eagerness,
towards the sound Of the conflict. AS they
emerged from the woods the scene burst
upon them.
The town lay but short distance ahead,
Just observable through the twilight, and
; seemed buliedin repose.
The streets were wholly deserted, and
as yet the alarm had not reached the main
= body of the enemy. A single horseman
-, was seen however, fleeing a moment
through the mist-he was lost behind a
clump of trees, and then 'teappeard, dash
: mo wildly down the main street of they vii
. Iage | had no doubt but that he was a
messenger from the outposts for reinforce
- ment, and if suffered to rally once we knew
all hope was gone. TO the forces he left
; we now turned our attention.
The first charge Of our gallant continen
tails had driven the outposts in like the
= shock Of an avalanche. Just aroused from
:, sleep, and taken completely by surprise,
they did not at first pretend to make stand
but retreated rapidly in disorder before GU
e vanguard. A few moments, however, hat
- sufliced to recall their Keeling faculties; am
perceiving the Insignificant force opposed
: to them. they halted, hesitated, rallied
e poured in heavy fire, and even advanced
: cheering to the onset. But at this momen
- our main body emerged from the wood
~ and when my eye first fell upon the Hes
~ sian grenadiers, they were beg ginning agai
% 10 stagger.
~ .On-on-push on continentals of tn
- - shouted the officer in command.
The men with admirable discipline sill
- forebore :hesr shouts, and Ste e,lly presse
on against the now flying ouiposts. !
u another instant the Hesslans were IN III
:, retreat upon the town.
:" BY Heaven!' calculated an aid-de-caE.
-, at my side aa rolling fire of musketry W;
=, all at once heard at the distance of half
!" mile across the village, 'there goes Sui
~ vans brigade-the Gay is our own
=" charge that artillery from detachme
~ from the eastern regiment shouted Il
General as the battery of the enemy W
y seen little TO the right.
~ The men levelled their bayonets, marc
no ed steadily to,he mouth of the cannon, al
~. ~ before the artillery could bring their piec
'0 to bear, carried them with a cheer. Ju
'e then the surprised enemy were seen ende
'o' voring to form in the main street ahea
we and the rapidly increasing fire on the 81
ho of Sullivan, told that the day in that gu;
IL ter was fercely maintained. A lew N
ments of indecision would ruin all.
~ Press on-press on there, shouted t
.Commanler-in-C hef--.charge them belc
- they can form-follow me- The effect W
,aS electric. Gallant as they had been belo
:, our brave troops now seemed carried aw
- with perfect enthusiasm. The men bu
= into cheer at the sight of their Comm;