Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-04-08


the stock Of ammunition was distributed mote
equally. Their slight successes had inspirited the
men they began now TO talk OF foiling the enemy
and when notice was given Of his approaching they
repaired 10 their posts with aacrty and exaliaiion
The Tories seemed to have resolved trying
combined attack on all parts Of the house. One
party advanced towards the hall door in 'front.'
another made the circuit Of the mansion TO assai
the door in the rear--and third remained at one
angle, as il contemplating m assault on the side
when the rest should be fully engaged Mr. Now
bray's heart forewmned him Of the result when he
saw these preparations.
They are breaking into the parlors, exclaimed
one Of the men, rushing up the staircase, at the
very instant that volley was discharged on
the house from the assailanis.
Mr. Mowbray listened aud heard the dull crash
Of an axe, followed by the breaking Of glass. The
parlor shutters had merely been barred, and the
parlors once gained il was only necessary TO break
down The doors leading to the entry, which were
comparatively weak, and slightly barricaded To
desert the hall up stairs would seduce the Tories
in front and rear from their cover and throw open
an entrance to them by the way they had first
essayed. II became necessary. therefore, TO divide
his already small force, aud leaving few to main.
tain the old positions, defend the threatened door
with two or three trusty arms.
We must sell our lives dearly he said, as he
took his station behind the door, posting man on
each side.
The enemy was now heard leapng into the par
Tor, and simultaneously a general attack began on
all sides The bullets ratified against the walls
shouts and cries Of encouragement rose on both
sides From the quick fight overhead Mr. Now
bray knew that his men in that quarrel active
ly engaged. The axe was now heard against the
parlor door before him, and the frail wood CULVER
ed under every blow. Another stroke aud the PAN
mel gave way. Instantly the musket OF Mr. Now
bray was aimed through the aperture at the man
who welded the axe. who fell dead at the explosion
But another promptly seized the instrument, and
posting himself with caution at the side Of the
opening dealt such vigorous strokes that the door
speedily fell in. As the panks crashed to the floor
there was general rush on The part Of the Tories
in the parlor, toward the aperture.
Meet them brayely T shouted Mr. Mowbray.--
Strike home and we drive them back
He fired pistol as he spoke al the foremost as
sailant; but the Tory knocked up the weapon. and
the ball lodged in the ceiling.
'Hurrah we have them now shouted this man
who was their leader. Revenge your comrades
For few seconds the melee was terrific. Nov
that the foe bad effected entrance, the delenc'
Of the other posts longer necessary, and III,
followers OF Mr. Mowbray crowded 10 his assistance
| On the other hand the Tories poured into the par
lor and thence struggled to make their way int,
the hall. Inch by inch they fought their ros,
with overpowering numbers and inch by inch
with desperate but unavailing courage, the Wing
| gave ground. The clash OF swords, The explosion
| Of pistols, the shouts Of either party were mingled
in wild disorder with the oaihs and shrieks of III
wounded and dying. Swaying 10 and fro. now on
| party. now the other giving ground the combat rag
ed with increasing fury. But numbers al last pre-
| vailed When most Of his followers had fallen, NJ
| Mowbray however still remained wounded We