The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1851-04-19
BATTLE OF SALTWATER.

"On the morning Of the 7th Of Ogtober,
Burgoyuc. at ,ht head ofGnecn hundred reg
ular troops, with two twelve pounders, two
howiuors aud six six pounders, moved towarl
the American len, 10 the northern portion OF
a low ridge of laud, about three -iourths oi a
mile northwest from the American camp,
whcrc they formed line in doublo ranks
,r-a s,r.-,,.l.,.l- pAilliiaa, -illn4rl md
Fraser. The guaHi ot the camp upon the
high grounds was committed TO Brigadiers
Hamilton aud Specht,a that ot the redoubts
amt pam uuTr rhu rTvur to f3rIgudIrr 6uuurut
Cali This movement was Tor "A two.o.d pur-
pose, 10 c0ycr roFaging party sent out 10
supply the pressing wants OF the camp, and,
it the prospect was favorable, to turn the ieIt
oil the American army, aud tail upon its flank
and rear. Small parties OF loyaiIsts and ln-
dans were sent around through uy=PdThs, TO
hang upon the American rear aud keep them
ia check.
Before this movement was known to Gen
eral Gates, he had ordered out dcta ,hment
of three hundred men under Colonel DrooSs,
to gain the rear OF the enemy anl fall upon
his outposts. While Brooks WIS at head
quarters, receiving his instructions, SER
geant arrived with intelligence ol the move
mrnt Of the British army. The Brrlcr to Co
! lionel Brooks was revok cd the Off Eers in camp
were summoned to their posts, arfl an aid was
sont out by the commander-in-cifef to ascer-
tain the exact position and probal Ile intentions
OF the enemy. lie proceeded to n rise Of
ground covered with woods, half IA mile troul
tort Nel5on (ncar the house OF A4a Chatficld)
wherr hc discovered the British in u wheat
field cutting straw, and several officers on the
top of a cabin (Joecph MungcrrJ with spy
glass, cudeavoring to ascertain iho condition
OF the A merican lett. The a,d Il turned; anc
had just reached head quarters With his in
telligcnct, when party Of Canadians, Indian.
and loyslists, who had been sent forward tC
seour thA woods, attae ked 3hn American pick
cts near the middle rayine. They were soor
joined by-a dctachGicnt of grenadicrs, drove
the Americans before them, and pressed for
ward until within muskCt-stIot Of the rupuhii
can lines. For half an hour n hot engage
mcnt cnsued at the breaSt-work, q little soutl
of the fort. Morgan, with his riilemen, sup
ported by corps of infantry, at length charg
ed the assailants with such deadly effect tba
they rctrcated in confusion to the British line
which was forming g'upon newly cleared felt
preparatory 10 marching into action.
1t was now two o'clock, about the sam,
hour at which the two armies summoned theii
strength for combat on the 18th of Septem
her. The grenadiers, under Major Acklant
and the artillery, under Major Williams, were
stHtiuned on the igft, upon a gentle etninenet
on the borders of woodland covered in from
lby Mill Greek or Middle RaXine, Near tn,
cabin ef Mr. Munger, and in advance OF the
fright wing, General Fraser had command of
1 4 rirt7rhT11e4rt- Rse -handred picked men
destined, to fall upon the American flank IA
! soor ms thy action in ffons,sheald- commence;
The design was at once perceived, and, nj
the suggestion Of Morgan, Gates despatched
that sagacious officer, witt hig rifto corps and
other troops amounting to Glcou hundred