The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-01-22

lion was startling, and Ellen did not hesitate
a ihvorie pony, which she WINS accustomed
TO ride, aflordeda convenient mode of travel
a I'd means were readily fould for the trans.
portation of her domestic aud their necessary
'haggage. Happier and prouder than mon
nrch, Dudley rode at the .beauteous Ellen's
side, encouraging her by his confident aud
cheerful men, and building for himself many
gorgeous air-caste, whose flmy foundn-
tons seemed firmer than the rock. The
Rnme evening beheld the whole party, inclu-
ding Rogers, who had enlisted as private
safely within the walls oftho fort.
CHAPTER VII
1t was but few days subsequent TO these
events that Col. Gansevoort had the InorIiticu-
zion to find his slightly garrsoned fort inves-
ed by force Of seventeen hundred men,
composed of British regulars, roynlists and
Andians. His repeated calls for reinforce
menis from the regular army lad met, thus
far, with nothing but promises, aud unless
some ctlGctual MD should arrive, there was
every reason TO believe that in few weeks
at turiherest he would he compelled TO capt
ulate. Col ST. Leger, Sir John Johnson, and
tho renowned ludinn chieiiain, Braut, were
nmong his beseigers names which were OF
themselves well calculated to inspire terror
among his indisciplIned troops. They did not
however, deter the gallent Gen. lIeIkimcr
the garrison. BY earnest appeals to the pa
triotsm OF his fellow citizens, that gallant
officer succeeded in raising an army of about
eight hundred men, among whom were many
of the first citizens of Tryon county, With
these he fastened forward by rapid marches,
md pausing few miles from the fort de-
spa'ched couriers 10 notify the commandment
, OF his approach. The discharge of artilI cry
from the works was to announce the arrival
of his messengers, and TO he the signal for his
advance, ut which time also Col. Gansevoort
10y SoritG from thc fort was expected to as
slst IN making good the entrance of his ally.
Such was The well concocted scheme of the
sagacous and vaient lIerI<imer. But some
accident having delayed the arrival OF his
embassy ut the fort several hours longer than
was anticipated, his officers and men became
inpatient of delay and demanded to be led
forward. llerkimer declined to advance un.
I'll the nnxiously expected signal was heard,
hut CALLED by the opportunities and taunts of
his officers, who did not hesitate openly 20
dnnOunce him rs II coward, he gave the fatal
order to march. The ambuscudc, the sur
prise, and the bloody battle which ensued in
'he forest Of Oriskuny are among the most
memorable events ofhstory. On this field
the indGmittable courage of IIerkimer, and
the lusilanimily ofhis traducers were both
nXemplied. The latter fed at almost the first
onset, while their leader, although severely
wounded continued upon the field issuing his
orders aud calmly smoking his mcerschrunl
nmidst the most sanguinary hatte ofihe Rev
stsluioh. Although the result of this engage
rient was one in wi;ch :! is difficult TO decide
abe question of victory, YET the man object
ofthe expedition was defeated. NJ portion Of
l!erkimor's forces reached the garrison, anu
Col. Gansavoort remained ia a more hope
less condition than before. lie fulfilled nl
hat was required on his part. The Sortie of
N0'. WilletLwho guned and held possession
OF Sir John Johnsons camp long enough to
transfer seven wagon loads of spoil, each
.Erice told to the fort, was brilliant exploit,
Cor which Congress voted him nations
thanks and q sword
a}ut their are some minor incidents connect
ed with these important events of which it is
necessary to speak, Captain Wells had eff
tected his object ofjoining the loynists at /
Fort StanWiX, and it was there that he first
learned from Walden of The flight of Ellen.
Deeply incensed at her conduct, and enraged
beyond measure at Dudley, he Immediately
applied to his commanding officer for permits
sion to despatch a flag to Colonel Gansevoort
requesting safe conduct for his daughter to
the British camp. This was granted, and it
was only on the third morning after Ellen's
arrival at Fort StanwiX that she found her
selfthns summoned to DIN her father. Had
it not been for Walden she would not have
aesltnted moment to yield obedience to the
parental authority, but her dread of her sutton
had become so great as TO be quite insuper.
able. She returned respectful and dutiful
answer, in which she dwelt at length upon
her recent perils and her present safety, adj !
ding that she felt unable to bear any new eX-
element or alarm, and begging to be al ;
lowed TO remain quiet in her present abode.
If she ingenuusly concluded, ifyour forces
are repnlsed, | shall certainly be safer here
than in travelling camp but it, as you so
perdict, you will be in possession {
OF the fort within three days, you will then t
nlso be in possession of your affectionate (
daughter Ellen
But although thus buffled for time, Capt.
Welles rs will be seen, was not disposed to
3n:ermit his efforts. '
Dudley in the mean time had found no
small favor in the eyes of Col. Gansevoort, to t
whom as indeed the whole garrison the af. ,
fairs ofFor Lee Ind become known. In the :
am 0us attack ofCol. Wilet on the British =
camp he bore conspicuous part, and receiv-
I'd the highest encomiums from that officer Ii
md his reputation for GOODNESS and courage p
soon became such that whenever any deed of q
unusual daring was contemplated his name Il
was among the first to be mentioned in con- r
lection with il. He had received leu,en-
Int's commission, with the promise ofspeedy tt
promotion, while his worthy and valiant h
Rogers had also been raised to the n
ank of II Sergeant. But in the mean time the
prospects of the garrison grew daily more
,loomy; and Col. WiIIett and Dudley I'M
Ier!ooil the perilous task of making their es-
ape from the fort, travelling thirty miles te
trough The forest on foot, and making fin v
i desperate effort to rally the militia of Try d.
n county, where each of them were well II
nown and were highly popular. They sue rc