Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-08-11


TO separate The men Of The two regiments. The
rcnetal ofdeied Ibe officers 10 fbtm the men,
tell them of into small divisions and advance
with them; bat the soldiers could not be pre-
vailed upJh either by threats or eniroaties.-
The Virginia troops, accustomed to the Indian
mode Of fighting. scattered themselves and took
post behind trees, where they could pick dh-ihe
lurking foe. In this way, they, in some de-
gree, protected the regulars. Washington ad-
vised Gen. Draddork To adup, the same plan
with the regulars, but he presisted in forming
them intn platoons consequently they WERE
cut down from behind logs and trees as fast no
they could advance. Several attempted TO take
to the trees without orders, but the General
s,ormed at them, called them towards, and
even struck them with the fat Of his sword. -
Several Of the Vireinians who had taken post
aud were doing good service in manner, were
slain by the FIRE Of The regulars, directed wher-
ever a smoke appeared behind the trees.
The officers behaved with consummaie brav-
cry; and Washington beheld with admiration
those who, in camp or on the march, had ap.
peared 10 him to have an efeminaie regard for
personal ease and convenience, now exposing
themselves 10 imminent death, with a courage
that kndled with the ,hickening horrors. In
the vain hope Of inspirlinp the men to drive
of the enemy from the fanks and regain the
cannon, they would dash forward singly or in
groups. They were invariably shot down, for
the Indians aimed from their coveus at every
one on horseback OF who appeared 10 have com.
mand. Some tete killed by random shots
from their own men. who, crowded into masses,
fred with affIighted fspidlty, but without aim.
Soldiers in the from, ranks Were killed by those
in the rear. Between fricnd and foe the slaugh-
ter Of the officers Vas terrible. AL this while
the woods resoundej with the uncarihly ceilings
Of the savages, and now and thon one Of them
hideously painted, and Iuai;-s --s.L f..ibared
crest would rush forward to scalp m officer
who had fallen, or seite horse galloping Id
ly without a rider.
Throughout this disastrous day Washington
distinguished himself by his courage and pres.
ence Of mind. His brother aids. Orme and
Morris, were wounded and disabled early ia
the action. and the whole duty of carrying The
orders Of the General deyolyed on him. Hi,
danger was imminent and incessant lie wa,
ia every part Of the feld,-a conspicuous marl
for the murderous rifle. Two horses were sho
under him. -Four bullets passed through his
coat. His escape without wound was almos
miraculous. DR.. Craik who was on the field
attending to the wounded, watched him with
anxiety as he rode about in the most exposed
manner, and used 10 say that he expected eve
~ moment 10 see him fall. Al one time h'
was sen, to the main body TO bring it into ac
Ii. -.
for the Indians had extended themselves alonl
the ravine so as to flank the reserve, and carr!
slaughter into the ranks. Sir Peter Halke
had been shot down at the head Of his regimen
The men who should have served the gun
were paralyzed. Had they taked the ravine
with grape shot, the day might have been saw
ed. To his ardor Washington sprung from hi
horse, wheeled and pointed brass field piee
with his own hand, and directed an eHeetis
discharge into the woods; but neither his effort
nor his example were Of avail. The men uoul
not be kept to the guns.
Braddock still remained in the centre Of tn
field, in the desperate hope Of retrieving III
fortunes of the day. The Virginia ranger
who had been most efficient 10 covering his po
sition, were nearly all killed or wounded Hi
secretary, Shirly, had fallen by his side. Man
Of his officers had been slain in his sight, an
many of his guard of Virginia light horse
Five horses had been killed under him, still h
kept his ground, still enveavofing TO check III
fight of his men, or al least TO effect their rt
treat in good order. At length bullet passe
through his ieh arm, aud lodged Itself in hi
lungs. He fell from his horse, but was caugf
by Capt. Stewart, Of the Virginia guards, VIII
with The assistance of another American and
servant, placed him in tumbril. il was wit
much difficulty they got him out Of the field
In his despair he desired to be leR there.
The route now became complete. Baggage
stores, artillery. everything was abandoned:-
: The wagoners took each horse out Of his teaI
and fled. The officers were swept of wit
the men in their headlung flight 1t was rer
dcred more precipilaie by the shouts and yell
Of the szvagee, numbers Of whom rushed fort
) from their coyeris, and pursued the fueitves
the river side, killing several as they dashe
across in tumultuous confusion. Fortunaiel
for the latter, the vieiors gave up the pursu
in their eagerness 10 collect the spoil.
The shattered army continued its fight aii'
it had crossed the Monongahela, wreiche
, wreck Of the brilliant little force that had n
Gently cleaned along its banks, confident I
/, victory Out Of the eighty-siS officers, twer
: ,y-six had been killed, and thirty-six wounde'
4 The number Of rank and hle killed and woul
G ded was upwards Of seven hundred. The vi
uinia corps had suffered the most; one con
d pany had been almost ahnihilaied anuihe
: besides those killed and wounded in the rank
a had lost nearly all lie officers, even 10 the co
: poral. r aE
e Aboui one hundred men were brought to
c halt about quarter Of mile from the ford
}. the river Here was Braddock with his wdu
! ded aides -de-camps, and some Of his olicet'
S Dr. Craik dressing his wounds, and Washin
3 ton attending him with faithful assiduity. Bra
d dock was still able to give orders, and had
: faint hope Of being able to keep possession
d the ground until reinforced. Mos. Of the MI
n were placed In a very advantageous spot abo
70 two hundred yards from the road and Lieu
L Colonel Burton posted out small parties al
n sentinels Hefore an hour had elapsed most