Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-03-22

Hive old hills, oaks and rocks or more elevated
calmly surveying the present rapid much OF til
locomotives of his chosen war path, while tn
shril whistle echoes from the near mountain
and no fearful voice SAYING who come
there p
Pursuing their way almost as stcathily a
night walkers, the bound of deer or the pla,
of fish in the still waters of the creek was al
ways distinctly heard by ;he well practced cal
OF the rangers. Arriving al Fort Ann the clear
ing here with its small but friendly Fort pre-
sencd pleasing contrast while the valley o
the creek, now navigablc for can1es, was re-
Yeacd for some miIes.A little beyond their mo-
mentary halt was seen battle hill at the sight
OF which, the Highlander, an ameteur in this
scout, while he saw too in close proximity he
border mountains of Lake George, declared. 'le
view like the approach TO his own Grampau
t.lIS. 1t is worthy of remark that the soldiers
and officers of the Highland Regiment were ex-
ceedingly fond of the romance and novelty of
the service OF the American scout. One from
the Regiment had been allowed to Join Put.
nam.
Up to the third day of the march not a gun
had been discharged although it now became
apparent that the scent might be protrac,cd and
like opportunities for the deer might not be
/ presented. One unerring shot brought down
fine buck, and Durkee humbly apologized for
this breach of discipline. Here fifteen of the
party, who, Putnam now thought we're insult
liclent, as well from their present situation as
the coming fatigues OF the service, commenced
their return, and the main scout picked dsci-
plined and hardy men, equal to any service, ar.
rived at this singular Battle rock, though then
the mouth Of Wood Creek, nov the head of
Lake Champlain.
1t is one mile from the present village of
Whitehall, and near the termination of the
Railroad on the Lake, that fear some day the
rock itself may be covered bv its great depots
or warehouses, and this primitive natural fort
ress be lost to the view. 1t had the most sin
guar advantages for such site-disnctIy
within the hearing of the great waterfall, the
usual orders and noise incidental to the crea-
ton Of the parapet would have been unnoticed
by the invading enemies however quietly they
were gliding along in their bark canoes. The
rock extends 65 feet along on the narrow neck
OF the Lake, and here the very narrowest part,
with five times sufficient depth of water 10
moore the largest of the Lake steamers closely
and conveniently for loading or unloading as at
the Wharf. The distance to the bcld opposite
shore, is scarcely sufficient for two ordinary
steamers abreast, the surface Of the rock fiat.
inclined at an angle Of 2G degrees, the lower
edge seven feet above the water
Such was the position chosen by Put TO head
the enemy IN ms scont, now lhat ne has not
yet met them. In the Whole range OF the north
erh country, 'here was 10 other point possess
ing equal advantages Tor surprise not even
thrpugh Tie whoe leng'h OF the Lake or the
!tIchelleu. nave called 1t the neck OF the
Lake-t was me worry Jaws OF DEAN, this mar
row pass, and the grave of the dead.
While erecting the parapet Durkcc, with
five well chosen for their e2rle siplt was
Watching lew rous beyond at the confluence
OF the Lake with South Bay and had IN tact.
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