, 1858-10-01
ROMANCE OF AMERICAN HISTORY.

On the 25th Of April, 1777, Gen Tryon, at the
head Of two thousand men, effected landing at
Campo Point in the western part of the town Of
Fairfield, Conn, and on the day following pro
ceeded inland to Danbury, destroying large
quantity Of military stores collected there, COM
mitted numerous acts Of outrage and atrocity
against the unohending inhabitants, burned the
town, and then commenced their retreat to their
boats But this they were not allowed to effect
without some severe chastisement from BODY
of militia, which had been hastily collected under
the command Of Generals Arnold, Silliman and
Wooster. Pursuing and constantly harrassing
the English, by sort of running or irregular fire,
the latter were not able to reach their ships with
out loss Of nearly three hundred men, in killed,
wounded and prisoners; while that Of the Amer
leans was very inconsiderable, with the exception
Of the venerable Gen. Wooster, then in his seven
tieth year.
The British, at this period, held possession Of
Long Island; and Sag HarbOr, among other
places, was selected by them as q depot for pro-
visions for their army. This post was defended
by detachment Of infantry. Therefore, in re-
taliatiOn for the attack upon and destruction Of
Danbury, an expedition was planned against this
place by General Parsons, and entrusted to the
command Of Lieut. Col. Meigs, who, at the head
Of two hundred and thirty four men, embarked
on the 21st Of May following from New Haven
in thirteen whalebOats, and proceeded to Gull
ford, where he was detained by storm until the
2Sd, when leaving behind him portion of his
men, he embarked with one hundred and seventy
only, under convoy Of two armed slOOps, and
crossed the Sound to Southold, town occupying
the northern branch Of Long Island. Finding
that the encmy's troops at this place had LEFT for
New York two or three days previously, he had
his boats transported across the beach, distance
Of about fifty rods, and launched again on the
inner bay, and thence proceeded without impede
ment to within four miles Of Sag Harbor, where
they arrived about twelve O'Clock at night. Here
the boats were hauled ashore and concealed in a
wood, protected by suitable guard.
Col Meigs now called together his men, and
in q few words impressed upon them the import
ance Of acting with prOmptness, and in concert,
and at the same time to proceed with such eau
ton that the enemy may have no time to give
the note Of preparation, or raise the alarm.
They now pushed forward, and. so well managed
was the whole affair, that by two O'Clock in the
morning the party arrived within two rods Of
sentry, when halt was ordered, and few mo-
ments obtained for consultation Within sight
Of them, so that they could just mark her out
line, lay the armed schooner. At this juncture
Col Meigs called forward one Of bis men, and
thus addressed hlms 3 Wv eGgA
Sergeant Gennipgs wish to dctach you,
with twenty-five men, to proceed to the shipping
at the wharf, aud while occupy the enemy from
this quarter, to secure as many Of their vessels
as possible. By the time you are pushed, Il
that is possible (ior know your indomitablc
courage shall be able, in ace Of the fire from the
schooner to carry the guard, and force the enc.
mys post here"
Eyes Colonel; but it seems to me you are
loading my shoulders with q task that would be
more befitting some Of my superiors. make
this remark, not in remOnstrance, but through
fear that you have too much confidence in my
abilities"
"NOt whit my boy have often admired
your courage on similar occasions, and take plea.