New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-12-29

uary, at the Assanpnk Bridge, however, Jass WS'~
after that Of the 18th December, 76, was BY fAf u
most important in it's results. At the capture Of The
Hessans all the enemy's force did not amornt 10 100
men. CORVALLIS, on the Cd January, l777, started
from Princeton with 5000 of the best British troops.
and ordered 900 to follow him. when be should
have entrapped our skeleton forces at Trenton. But
Washington, and his brave officers and men, kept Corn
wallis back all day, until O'Clock, p. m. on their
march toward thsown and then had another encosner
with him on the hghs here, before he could proceed
TO the bridge where was posted ready 10 give
him warm reception be rushed down through nsr-
row street. and attempted TO cross narrower bridge.
Cannon balls and musket shot were poured on us
troops there TO purpose three times ss at Bunker
Hill the attack made by the British, but they did
not succeed, neither there, at the fords below
CORVALLIS called off his troops without cutchng the
prey he thought he was sure Of and the camp fires OF
the two armies were kinded the opposite banks Of
the river 20 near that the sentinels in hearing
of each other until the morning watch when the thun
der of the cannon at Princeton awoke the British Gen.
era and convinced him of his delusion. Surely this
little combat 90 wilkinson calls it, worthy Of
more notice in authentic histories than it has 70
ceived. Until 1856, people even here did not know
much about it, and when ventured in January Of that
year TO emtody in address, delivered BY me, and
sfterward published on Washington and his Army,
what particulars had collected about this battle, IL
was thought myth About the same time, however,
Washington Irving and LOSING, in bis Field-Book,
alluded TO it partially and it begDs 10 DO thought
something Of At all events, Washingtons strategy
and prudence called out more effectively,
and his modesty and caution in speaking Of them, and
Of the dark abyss out of which he then rescued our
plunging fortunes the real causes probably OF
30 little being officially told then and of the perils and
reaeheres which at that Period hung him and the
cause he periled all to save.
Capt. Anderson the Majors fsher, was in ali these
battles have alluded to. But the gallant achevemens
wish now for the first time 10 bring to public notice
is as follows: The particulars may be known TO 9TH
ers but | sn not aware Of their having ever been
published. My account il received direct from Mr.
Anderson, OF Cincinnati, they were related to him
by his father.
1t is well known that Gen. Washington, prior to bis
surprise Of the Hessans at Trenton on the morning
after Christmas l76 had more difficulties TO encoun-
ter than in transporting bis brave, fororn troops across
tie Delaware through the floating ice-crags OF rapid
current and marshsling and marching them amid the
Winters on their way to Trenton. He had been
deserted by supposed friends and closely watched
anticipated his movements, and had warned Col.
Rail from Princeton that his Hessan corps would
| be attacked on Christmas evening. Sec Gordons
| and other histories.) Col. Rail was accordingly
en- the lookout but while thus prepared he was anus
| ing himself with game of fox and geese with hA
Quaker friend Mr.. Potts, at whose house ne had his
headquarters and died sfterward While 90 engaged,
there was about dusk, q report of firearms at the
4 IT.. 10 os,d ho tnt.
one quitting bis game, marched with largo force 70
the scene of action. There be found six Of his men
had been wounded and disarmed, but the asssilng
party had fed. He made thorough search for them,
but in vain and supposing this was the assault no was
warned Of, and that nothing more was to DO appre-
hended he dismissed his troops, and as the night was
cold and stormy he told them to 90 TO their quarters
II was Christmas night and they loved their brave
| commander and he q German, loved mirth, munc'
and good cheer, it is said they enjoyed the
night merrily, and were not little stupid next
morning. Old Gordon, who Is capital authority
says Some got drunk" The Colonel, according
to tradition in tho family of Mr.. Potts. did not return to
his quarters that night The report 10 be joined party
at whist in company with Tory companions, and
enjoyed the night in playing cards and drinking whisky
punch Orders were given the guard at his quarters,
should not be disturbed LOSING sudes to this account
in part, and 80 does Mr.. Irving. But no one has yet
told who was the gallant scout that shot the picket
guard at the outpost although there have been several
erroneous surmses on the subject. Nor who was the
brave officer who planned and executed such surprise
and deception of the enemy as gave Washington the
advantage and success he had on the morning follow
ing That officer WAS Capt Richard c. Anderson, and
his company, about fifty men, of Col SCOTS Virginia
| regiment
The brief report received ss stated before from biz
son brother of Maj Anderson now shamefuly exposed
to be bravely sacrificed at Fort Moutrie) is a. follows:
| He had permission from Gen. Stevens, then with
Washington, to try ruse de guerTs on the enemy.
thinking they would be off their guard Christmas
night He shot six men and took their muskets, and
then although pursued made good his retreat. Gen.
Washington, not knowing of this movement, when
Joined By Capt. Anderson's scout their retreat, was
much surprised and ipcensed fearing il might keep
| Col Rail on the lookout, and demanded of Capt
Anderson who gave him permission. He replied Gen.
Stevens. That officer was then questioned sharply.
and suffered some rebuke. But Capt. Anderson and
his brave comrades were ordered into line with the
Continentas, and the storm went on until victory
| crowned tina. memorable day with undying glory.
Capt Anderson was complimented for his exploit.
This was one Of the events which distinguished
historian calls wonderful" Washington called il,
and Others like him, "Providential." Let me tell Of
two more of these, hoping they will be Opportune In
these gloomy times, and teach Us fidelity in duty, -
well as trust in the Almighty.
While Col Rail was willing away the merry Christ
ss Eight a, Trenton with his boon compAnions An ex.
press came by messenger, supposed to be sent By
tory, to inform him of Washingtons approach. Tho
guard and the porter both refused TO call out or dis
turb the Colonel but the latter finally 10 han,