The Washingtonian., 1845-06-28
FIFTEEN CENTS PER MONTH.

ternoon all were ready for the attack. Before
Nichols and Henrick could join, the Indians
pushed off between the two corps, but receiv-
ing a fire as they passed, had three killed and
two wounded. Nichols then began the assault
upon Baum, and was followed by the rest;
those in front pushing forward. In few mo-
ments the action became general, and lasted
about two hours, with one continued noise like
the ruffling of a drum. Baum made brave de.
fence; and the German dragons kept togsther
after having expended their ammunition, and,
led by their colonel, charged with their swords,
but were soon overpowered. The whole de-
tachment, though we'll closed by two breast
works, were forced to give way to the superior
number and courage of the Americans, who,
with their brown frelocks, scarce bayonet,
little discipline, and not single piece of can
non, ventured to attack 500 well-trained regu-
lars, furnished with the best and completest
arms and accoutrements, having two pieces Of
artillery, being advantageously posted, and ac-
companied by 100 Indians. When the militia
had gained the victory, they dispersed to col
lect plunder, which they were very desirous Of
securing. This nearly proved fatal to them.
While thus busted, Stark received information
that the reinforcement under Breyman was
within two miles of him. Happily, at that in
stant, Warmers continental regiment, which
had been sent for from Manchester, came up
fresh, marched on, and began to engage; mean
while the militia collected as fast as possible,
and pushed on to it's assistance. The battle be-
came general, and continued obstinate on both
sides till sunset, when the Germans gave way,
partly through failure Of ammunition, leaving
their two pieces Of artillery behind them, and
number Of prisoners. They retreated in the
best manner they could, improving the advan-
tage Of the evening, and'of the night
The Americans took four brass field pieces,
twelve brass drums, $50 dragoon swords, four
ammunition wagons. and about 700 prisoners,
among whom was Lieutenant Colonel Baum.
Three hundred dead are said to have been
found upon the spot; but if so, surely the slain
on each side must have been included The
Americans lost hut about 100 killed and
wounded The ecourage of the men was sharp.
ened by the prospect Of advantage, for in Gen.
Stark's orders they were promised all the plum
der that should be taken in the enemy's camp.
The royal officers were astonished to see how
undauntedly they rushed on the mouths of the
cannon. Both men and officers are entitled to
much honor for their gallant behavior. Colo
nels Warner and Henrick's superior skill in
military matters was Of service to the general,
who was less conversant with them than they,
but his rank in the army Of the United States
was afterwards given him by Congress, on the
4th of October, when they Resolved, That
the thanks Of Congress be presented to General
Stark, Of the New Hampshire militia, and the
officers and troops under his command, for their
brave and successful attack upon, and signal
victory over the enemy, in their lines at Ben
nington; and that Brigadier Stark be appointed
Brigadier General in the army Of the United
States" Never were thanks more deservedly
bestowed. This was the first turn of affairs in
favor Of the Americans in the northern depart
ment after the death Of General Montgomery.
1t raised the spirits of the country, and made
the militia willing to turn out, beyond what
would otherwise have been done.