The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-07-30


while the remainder were driven back to the
Aus.icai shore, Col. Chrystie himself being
famongst the number. Though wounded in
his first effort, Col. Chryste obtained fresh
reinforcements, and returned and made sue
cessful landing. Meantime, the column un-
der Van Rensselaer, formed and advanced un.
der murderous cannonade from the heights
Beneath it the Colonel and several of his Of
fficers fell, killed or wounded. Another por-
ton of The detachment, under fresh officers
came 10 its succor, and under Captains Wool
Ogilvie, Malcolm, and Armstrong, swept for
ward upon the, heights. They storlned the
two batteries. which protected them, and
drove the enemy under the shelter of strong
stone building near by. Here the flying 7 it
Lish wero rallied by Gen. Brock, the Governor
of Upper Canada, who had just arrived upon
the gry und with fresh reinforcements. He
| headed charge against out troops, who GAL
lantly rapulsed lad dispersed the assailants,
mortally woundissg both Gen. Brock and bis
Secrci.y, NcDz&ld. -
| Al t. poie.t sFstifnc Scott arrived on the
ground, and theHhtire command of the corps,
now about 600strong, was at once commit
| ted to him. General Wadsworth acted Sc
cond in command, and his attachment to his
Youthful leader often induced him to inter-
| pose his own person to shield Scott from the
bullets of the Indian rifles which were aimed
against his commanding person. Scott i'm
medately drew mp his forces upon n strong
and commanding position, and awaited sue
eors from the opposite shore; but, seized by
sudden fright. our men refused to move
Scots position now became eminently peril
Gus. The news of the conflict thus far had
already been carried to Fort George below,
which immediately poured forth its garrison,
and with 500 Indians advanced upon our de-
! fenceless position. The assailants were re-
/ ceivcd with frmness, and driven back in total
route: our young hero heading his troops in
person, and displaying an intrepidity and gal
iantr; never surpassed Several successive
attacks followed. In one of them the Amer
! perior numbers, and general massacre SEEM
ed inevitable. At this critical moment Scott
appeared, ind by dint of vehement exertiOns
and impetuous enthusiasm rallied his line,
which had recoiled, and was upon the point of
| giving way His brilliant example inspired
and electrified his men, and the whole line,
ringing with shouts precipitated itself upon
the enemy, scattering them in all directions,
strewing the ground with dead and wounded.
Successive reinforcements continued to ar
rive, and swell the British and Indian forces,
until their, numbers reached not less than
thirteen hundred men. The Americans had
become reduced to less than three hundred.
! No succor was to be expected for our troops
on the American shore had refused to come
to the aid Of their comrades. Retreat was
! hopeless. At this trying moment, the gallant
and intrepid Scott displayed a bearing and a
spirit df'the most lofty heroism. In nowise
! 1-sr =. .sA-s ipgainent eeril of bis positiop,
fe inotEtcc K VI Tss7e
calling areaild him his now diminished band,
spoke these thrilling words: "The enemy's
balls have ethinned our ranks His numbers
ale overwhelming. Directly the shock must
come, ard there is no retreat We.are in the
beginning Of national war. Hulls igno-
minious surrender must be retrieved. Let
us die then, arms in hand. Our country de-
mands the sacrifice The example will not
be lost. The blood Of the slain will make
heroes Of the livingl Who is ready for the
| sacrifce!" An enthusiastic cry answered this
eloquent appeal. "We are all ready" was the
reply.
The enemy, now under the command OF
Major General Sheaiie, seeing the determined
resistance Of the American leader, manpuvrcd
with great caution. They finally moved to
the attack from all points. Though sorely
pressed, TIE Americans maintained their
ground, until finding themselves utterly sur
rounded and overwhelmed by superior num-
bers, and eSposedto destruction, finally gave
way and surrendered to the inevitable neces-
sity of the occasion. Their heroic resistance,
however, redeemed the honor of our arms,
and proved BY defeat itself that victory was
close at hand.
| Tra nj coNTTNTrD