The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-18

tn chief were embittered by the reflection that he
had been hit In the back by an accidental shot, Il
worried him. as he feared his reputation az war
ros would % sacrificed Colonel Whiting who
Williams, br ut ht OF safely the survivors of the de-
tachment Sir William, who was lying at the head
OF the Lake, hes I'd the firing and sent of small re-
enforcement to the assistance Of Colonel Williams;
but when tley met their flying companions they
cut stick" Il rned about and also ran away. Sir
William thus aiken in the rear by Dieskau, had no
alternative but to prepare for fight himself or sur
render there was no escape to the north, for the
French held Ticonderoga and Crown Point. During
the fight at the brook and the Bloody Pond, he be-
gan TO cut down trees and form breastwork for his
own protection. Dieskau, whose first object
had been to take Fort Edward, was persuaded to
as he learned from his spies, was q sort of free
and easy one. He had defeated Colonel Will
liams, and now advanced upon Sir William
Here he met a defeat. johnson had prepared a
to the rear of Fort George this battle was fought
The French regulars came up boldly to the assault
but were moved down by the reserved fire. The In
dams fell back when they found the grape shot of
two well served pieces cutting down their warriors
shell thrown from howitzer burst among them,
and they were very much afraid in those days OF
bombs, they did not wait for any more shot from
gun which they said "spoke twice." The English
seeing the effect of their fire, jumped over the breast
works and pursued the enemy for some distance.
Dieskau was wounded and taken prisoner. The
whole story is told in Lossing's book, and he took
many of its details from the Gentlemau's Magazines
but believe ! can tell him something he does not
know. Dieskau was much censured for his defeat,
particularly as he had won battle on his advance
He had served under the great Marshal Sake, and
was sent to Canada in consequence Of his expert
ence. Among the papers of the French Canadian
Colonies preserved in Paris found by Mr.. Brodhead,
our historical agent, was dialogue between
Marshal SAKE and Baron Dfeskau, sort Of dia-
logue of the dead, in which the master de-
m al
defeated. The replies to the various questions are
Deskaus vindcation of his conduct 1t is a curious
document, and certainly thus far has escaped the
attention of our book makers and magazinists. The
HERALD, then, is the first paper which "has the
news" Sir William improved his success, not by
following up the blow at Ticonderoga, as it is be-
lieyed he should have done, but by erecting Fort
William Henry, which work occupied the remainder
of the year. We cannot now judge so well of the
propriety of this proceeding. Certain it is that the
post commanded the approaches to Albany by the
way of the lake, and overawed the Indians in the
vicinity. The memorable events connected with it
are the two attacks made upon it by the Marquis de
Montcalm, the last of which was successful. 1t is
said his approach was magnificent spectacle. Nine
thousand men came down the lake In boats and
batteaux, among them some OF the most famous re-
giments of the French army, which had sgasiized
themselves on many bloody field in Europe, and
were led by officers of distinction. The sun shone
on their banners and gistensd on their bayonets
and spears Military music was re-echoed from
the surrounding hills. The troops landed near
the site Of the present Lake House, and the
seige was conducted in the most scientific manner.
Colonel Munroe, brave officer, deported himself
with great Callantry, but was shamefully deserted
by General Webb. Montcalm was ia fact about to
withdraw when, having intercepted letter from
Webb TO the Colonel, informing him he should not
and could not assist him. he sent it into the fort with
flag Its commander felt il useless to protract his
defence any further and capitulated The famous
massacre of the prisoners by the Indians followed
the surrender and has been the subject of execraton
ever since. The French destroyed the Notifications,
and they were never rebuilt. Fort George vas sub
sequeny constructed in its stead. The next year the
expedition under Lord Howe and General Abercrom-
bic sailed from this place TO attack the enemy posts
at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. very large
force was collected for the purpose, consisting of
nine thousand regulars and nine thousand provin-
eias-the largest army ever before collected on this
continent or perhaps ever -splendidly equipped
in all particulars. As you well know, the expedi-
ton failed disastrously foed by inferior force.
The death of Lord Howe dispirited rather than ex.
cited his men, and they returned TO the head OF
the lake. Alongside him, as he fell, was Lieutenant
Colonel Van Schack OF the provincias, Albanian,
and afterwards the commander OF the First regi
ment of the New York Conriuentals in the Revolu-
ton, during which he distinguished himself by a
successful operation against the 0nondagas, and by
his personal bravery al the battle of Monmouth at
the head of a brigade. He received wound in his
face at the attack on rconderoga from the butt end
of musket the effects Of which he felt to the day OF
his death. Bat this letter Is getting To be too long
IL is now more than hundred years since these
great events occurred but their monuments remain,
and the most remarkable of any Of that period
left us in this country Now the curious traveller
wanders over their remains with q melancholy plea
sure. Youth and beauty lnger around their graves,
pluck the wild flowers from their grassy tombs, and
then rush back to the hore-to dance the Lancers."