The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-06-22

those Qualities Tor Wllcn ne was so dlSiln-
guished, mingled with stern courage those
softer virtues OF compassion and piry. Every
moment he could spare from duty was devoi-
ed 10 The sick and wounded who surrounded
him, where he gained the love Of the whole
regiment.
From July. 1914, on which month the
Chippewa battle was waged, until the 25th OF
the same month of the greaiBridg ewater CON-
iict, so famous in the annals Of the last war.
events occurred of great interest. As many
are yet living who were actors in these
scenes, they will be interested in a shor
sketch, from the pen Of gallant soldier:
General Ripley's brigade was formed for
action when orders came for it 10 advance to
the support Of General Scott, against whom
a fire was directed which he could not long
Withstand. Ripley, With the quick discern
ment of a real commander, seeing that too
much time would be lost before he could
make his way through the woods in the dark
ness Of the night, adopted at once the only
measure from which he saw a ray of hope.
The enemy's artillery occupied hill which
was key 10 the whole position, and it was
vain TO hope for victory while they were per
mitted 10 retain it. Addressing himself TO
Col. Miller, said he, Can you storm that bat
teryr while he himself would support him
at the head of his own men. To this the ill.,
trepid Miller replied, in the unaffected phrase.
Il r5W try sir words which were afterwards
given as the motto OF his regiment.
The two regiments moved on TO one Of the
most perilous charges ever attempted. The
whole artillery Of the enemy opened upon
them as they advanced, supported by pow
erful line of infantry. But steadily our ranks
advanced TO fulfil their purpose.
When within hundred yards OF the sum-
nit, they received another dreadful discharge
which killed Major Brooks. To the amaze
mont Of the English, the valiant Miller firmly
advanced until within a few PAGES Of the Brit
lsh troops, when he impetuously charged on
the artillery which. after short and desper-
ale resistance yielded their whole battery.
and the American line was in a moment
formed on the ground just occupied by the
British infantry. But This brilliant exploit
seemed 10 spur the enemy TO redoubled ex-
er;ions. Being reinforced, the British march
ed with Quick step on the Americans who re-
served their fire until it could become more
deadly, When the whole division came with
in twenty PAGES, we'll directed fire put them
into confusion. They rallied TO the attack,
the enemy yielded and retired down the hill.
Disheartened, the British were on the point
Of giving up the contest, but fresh reinforce
menis from Fort Niagara revived their spirits,
aud induced them make another and still
more desperate struggle. Soon they advanc-
ed with confident hopes of being able 10 over
come the Americans. who had thus far been
denied all refreshment and repose. All this
~, b1H nur ~.
their canieens exhausted. and fainting with
thirst, but on discovering the approach Of the
English. their courageous spirit again reyiv
ed, and they resolved never to yield the glo-
rous trophies Of their victory until they could
contend no longer. A conflict dreadful be-
youd description ensued the lines closed, aud
they contested with terrific violence at the
points of the bayonet.
The contending parties became mingled
with each other. But General Ripley now
passing upon the enemy's flank, compelled
them TO give way, and the centre soon fol
lowed their example, the whole British line
fled thiId time, and Ito efforts would restrain
them until they were far beyond the reach OF
the musketry and artillery.
The loss on this occasion was in proper
lion TO the Obslinacy ofihe conflict, the W hole
Being seventeen hundred and twenty nine, Of
hich the British amounted TO twenty seven
more than the Americansl
From this tremendous conflict all our
mOuDtaineers escaped unframed! They met
at its close aud rejoiced in their delivCrance
and glorious victory. But this was the last
interview they all ever had together! So
many brave soldiers were wounded and suf-
fering, that general hospital was immediate
ly established in Buffalo. Thiihe, they were
conveyed and remained under the care of the
surgeons Of the army. and Philo Blanchard.
whose tender care of the sick and wounded
made him necessary attendant. Many were
the narrowing scenes he daily witnessed.
but with unfliDching foriitude he sustained
the dying-pointing them to the Savior OF
sinners, and receiving their last messages.
The last event Of peculiar interest on the
northern frontier was the sanguinary battle
OF Fort Understanding a siege moro than
pitched battle, which commenced few
days after the great Bridgewater conflict. A
friend of Philo, who was in this terrible siege
has furnished the following for the writer's
use which will be given in his own words:
Soon after the Bridgewater battle we pro-
ceeded up tho liver to Fort Erie, This fort
is directly across from Buffalo on the Canada
shore, and stands thirty rods from the lake.
Ii was surrendered to our men by the British
on the last month, and contained large stone
building two stories high. We fortified our
little fort by every means in ourpower throw
ing up strong breast work to The lake, and
planting heavy peices OF cannon along the
whole lines. Around the whole we dug
wide, deep ditch, and outside Of this placed
rows Of pickets bound closely together. which
would greatly retard the progress of the enc
my should an attack be made. Having in
in this way fortified the north east and west
ern side Of our fort, and having the lake on
the south. we had nothing to fear from that
quarter, as the noble Perry had swept the
enemy from its surface the proceeding year
The enemy had now repaired all their losses
and advanced within half mile Of our en-
campnent. A council Of war was held to
decide whether we should surrender ourselves
as prisoners OF war to bis Majesty's forces. or
run the risk Of being taken By storm and de-
livered up 10 the savage fury Of the Indians.