Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1845-05-29
BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.

BAL LIZ OF' BENNINGTON. !.
General Burgoyne's progress towards
Albany was delayed through the want
of speedy and sufficient supply of
provisions. He considered in what
way the difficulty was to be surmoun-
ted. According to information, the
Americans had a great deposit ofcorn,
flour, and store cattle at Bennington,
which was guarded only by the militia.
Every days account confirmed the
persuasion of the loyalty ofone dascrip-
ton of inhabitants in that part of the
country, and of the panic of the other.
He therefore entertained the design of
surprising the stores at Bennington,
and ofsending a very large detachment
upon the expedition; but was diverted
from the latter (as supposedly by Ma
jor Skeen, who assured him, sThe
friends to the British cause are as five
to one, and they want only the appear
ance Of protecting power to show
themselves. Relying upon their at
tachment, the general sent the German
Lieutenant Colonel Baum; with only
about 500 men and 100 Indians, who
carried with them two light pieces Of
artillery. To facilitate the operation,
the army moved along the east shore
of Hudson river, and encamped nearly
opposite to Saratoga; and bridge of
RATS being thrown over, the advanced
corps passed to that place. Lieuten-
antColonel Breyman's corps, consis-
ting Of the Brunswick grenadiers, light
infantry, and chasseurs, were posted at
Batten-kill, in order if necessary to
support Baum. Stark, hearing that a
party of Indians We're al Cambridge,
sent Lieutenant Colonel Gregg with
200 men to stop their progress. To-
wards night he was informed by an ex-
press that there was large body of
regulars in the rear of the Indians
On that he drew together his brigade,
and the militia who were on hand; in
order to stop their march; sent to Man
chester for Colonel Warmers regiment,
and forwarded expresses to the neigh
boring militia to join him with all
speed. He then marched, on the
morning of the 18th, with Colonies
Warner, Williams, and Brush, and the
men present, and in about seven miles
met Gregg retreating, and the enemy
within mile of him. The troops drew
up in order of battle; and the enemy
upon coming in sight, halted upon a
very advantageous piece Of ground.
Baum, perceivlng that the Americans
were too strong TO be attacked by his
present force sent an express to Bur-
goyne with an account of his situation;
and Breyman was Immediately des-
patched to reinforce him. Meanwhile
small parties of the Americans Skin
mished with the enemy, killed and
wounded 80 of them, with two Indian
chiefs, without any loss to themselves,
which had good effect upon their
courage. The ground Stark occupied
not being suitable for general action,
he retreated about mile and encamp-
ed. In council of war,it was agreed
to send two attachments into the enc
my's rear, while the rest of the troops
attacked IN front.
On the 10th of August it rained all
day, which retarded the intended as
sault; however there were frequent
skirmishings in small parties. The
heavy rain, together with the badness
ofthe roads, prevented also Breyman' s
advancing to Baum's assistance with
despatch. The next day, August 10th
Stark being joined in the morning by
Colonel Seymonds, from Berkshire,
pursued his plan. Baum,in the mean
while, had entrenched and rendered his
post as defensibe as time and its ma
ture would permit. Gen. Stark de-
tached Nichols with his force to the
rear of his left; Col. Henrick, with 800
men, was sent to the rear of his right:
they were to join and then attack
Warner, HUBBARD, and Stickney, with
200, were posted still further on his
right. A hundred men were also adj
vanced towards his front, to draw his
attention that way. About 3 o'clock
in the afternoon all were ready for the
attack. Before Nichols and Henrick
could join, the Indians pushed off be-
tween the two corps, but receiving a
fire as they passed, had three killed
and two wounded. Nichols then be-
gan the assault upon Baum, and was
followed by the rest; those in front
pushing forward. In few moments
the action became general, and lasted
about two hours, with one continued
noise like the rufiling of drum.-