The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1846-06-23

| VI ucO VI oDJCSt "Ou'N
shelter to their enemies, would rush upon II
with shout, discharging their muskets, 10
drive at distance any lying in ambush.
George could see the, British soldiers drop
ping in their ranks in great numbers.
As he took his position at an under win
dow of the house, he felt that TO fire on an
enemy SO harassed and driven was almost
unmaDly but moments reflection upon the
character of the enemy, confirmed him IN the
fearless discharge of his duty. As 1.-THE COL
umn came near, those in the van fired upon
the house, but did not stop, for at this mo
ment they were more closely pressed by the
Americans than they had been since the COM
mencement Of their retreat. They went by
at long, heavy trot. evidently greatly ia
tgued. The faces of the soldiers looked
stern and haggard, and many an eye was
turned warily from side to side OF the perilous
road for from unexpected quarters, the
deaih-shot had often fallen into their ranks
and ,essened their number.
Poor fellows. said George, as he observed
them through crevice in the window, Il
shall not fire upon, them but upon their Chiefs
These men are but brelings. Their leaders
most deserve TO become the targets Of our H.
hes.'
Secure in his position, which concealed
him from view, while he could see clearly The
disordered march by, OF the scarlet columns
of the flying enemy. he waited till he should
discover an officer of rank.
The whole body of the enemy had nearly
passed, no one of them stopping near the
house, save a single wounded soldier, who
seated himself upon The curb-stone OF the
well, wishfully looking down, calling pain
fully the swaterl' His comrades were in too
great peril to heed him. The whole body
of the British to a man, felt that unless re-
lief came from Boston, not one of Them
would ever reach the city. Z One third o!
their number was already killed or wounded
and while they were diminishing, their Amer
lean assaiants we've increasing. The whole
country was pouring forth IFS strong men,
who were rushing to the scene of battle and
death with whatever weapons they could lay
their hands on. Each instant the situation
of the foe became more desperate; and from
march the retreat was fast taking the char
acter of flight. No man therefore could
give heed to his fellow.
The rear the column which was most
exposed TO the terrible fire of the ambuscaded
Americans, just as it came in Ight Of the
position which George had takenup, wheeled
and poured in by platoons fierce and des
trnclive fire upon their foes. The Ameri-
cans drew back for few minutes, and the
British soldiers, encouraged, gave a loud huz
zah and pressed on past the house. Nearly
in the rear rode a British Colonel, whose
voice aud courage had contributed mainly
20 keep the column in marching trler, and
save it from general rout. He was gallop-
ing at one moment from the head of the col
umn 10 the rear, and the next II pment in the
center, and then i'll the van, encouraging,
commanding his men To take courage and
hope for succor.
a little longer hold out my brave fellows.
he cried, and we shall meet Lord Percy with
artillery and cavalry 10 succor us. Express
rs have been three hours gone ahead TO in
form him of our condition. Keep up hearth
AS he spoke these words, George raised
his rifle TO his shoulder. and lowered thai
officers heart with the barrel. A flash-a
report! and the British Colonel clapped his
hand TO bis breast. threw back his head, and
reeing in his saddle, tumbled headong to
the ground. His fall. however, was broken
by two grenadiers, who placed him upon the
roadside neal the WE'LL At the same moment
'hSiO vac a SCuCidi IuSil VI cOiuNaS tC""'NS
the house, TO avenge the fall of their leader.
Munroe, however, was already IN his saddle
and securing the path leading 10 the forest
| uplands. volley was fired after him with
out effect. The British soldiers prepared to
set the house in flames, when the pursuing
Americans, pressing closely upon them
compelled them TO continue their retreat,
which now became flight. The fall Of their
leader, though not the highest in command,
yet the most active and brave, threw them
into dispair, and all discipline was at an end.
They thought not of their wounded Colonel,
who was left with only one Of their grena-
diers, lying on the grass near the door OF
the farm house.
George had not gone quarter Of mile
whed he met Catharine.
Whittier are you goingl' he asked sur
prised at meeting her.
To share your fate. could not remain
away and hear the firing. and not know how
nor where you was.-Has the enemy passed
byr
Yes, but their Colonel has fallen by my
handr
ooh, George! Have you slain mani
Do you confess it, Oh, what fearful
thought But it is war, and we must look
on things with different eyes. But shudder
az look at your
Indeed, you ought not BUTT is dread
full thought TO take human life.-I hesiiated
to fire, but thought Of my country, and how
he was her invader. and that his fall would
greatly aid us, and fred
Did he fall dead ?
Il do not know, indeed, if he be dead.
| am now going 10 ride back. The enemy
have passed on, and must join in pursuit.
Look around. and see the people running
across The fields from hill to hill, following on
tho track of the foel'
The very hedges and walls seem alive with
men and boys with guns
Yes, boys feel themselves men today.
| must go. Retnin to your uncle's dear
Kate Tonight will see you again..
The maid would have spoken, but he was
out of hearing. She turned back few
steps until he had passed out Of sight,
when she took the path towards her dwell
ling. She approached cautiously and with
fear. The noise of the firing was full mile
distant from her, and only here and there