The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1861-09-11

forward COL Gregg with small force to re-
connci,re, but that officer soon returned with
information that strong force of British,
Hessians, and Indians were rapidly approach
ing. Upon this intelligence Stark resolved
to stand his ground and give battle. Mes
sengers were sent at once to the Berkshire
militia to hurry on, and the patriots were di.
rccted to see that their weapons were in good
order. This was on the 4th of August, 1777.
During the day, Baume and his army ap-
peared, and learning that the militia were
collecting in front Of his route, the comman-
der ordered his army to halt and throw up iu-
trenchmonts. An express was also sent to
Gen. Burgoyne for reintorcements.
Tle 18th was dull and rainy. Both armies
continued their preparations while waiting for
roinforcements Skirmishipg was kept up
all day and night between the militia and
the Indians, and the latter suffered so severely
that great portion Of the savage force left
the field, saying that the woods wee full Of
Yankees.
About II o'clock on the night of the 10Th,
a party Of Berkshire militia came into the
American camp. At the head Of one compa-
ny was the Rev. Mr. Alen, of Pittsfcld, and
that worthy gentleman appeared full of zeal
to meet the enemy Some time before day
light he called on Gen Stark, and said:
General the people of Berk shire county
have often been called out without being al
lowed to fight, and if you don't give them
chance they have resolved never to turn out
again
Very WE'LL replied Stark, do you want
to 60 at it now ~hile it is dark and rainy ?,
No, not just this moment, said the war;
like minister.
Then said the General, " if the Lord
shall once more give us sunshine, and l DO
not give you fighting enough, III never ask
you to come out again."
This satisfied lhe preacher, and he went out
to cheer up his flock with the good news
Day dawned bright and warm on the 10th.
All nature, nvigorated by the mild August
rain, shone with beauty and freshness. Be-
fore sunrise the Americans were in motion,
while from the British intrencenents the
sound of bugles and the roll Of drums told
that Baumes forces were ready for action,
Stark early arranged for attack. COL.
Nichols, with hundred men, was sent out
to attack the British rear. Col. Herrick
with three hundred men marched against the
right flank, but was ordered to join Nichols
before making his assault general. With about
three hundred men, Coils. Hubbard and Stick.
ney were sent against the entrenched front,
while Stark, with small reserve waited to
operate whenever occasion offered. 1t must
be remembered that the American forces were
militia, while Baumes army was made up Of
well disciplined, well.armed, and experienced
soldiers. Many of the patriots were armed
with towling-pieces, and there were whole
companies without bayonot. They had no
art cry.
Gen. Stark waited impationtly till the Eoar
of musketry proclaimed that the different de-
tachments had commenced their attack, and
then forming his battalion, he made his MEM
orable Speech BoyS' there's the enemy,
and avs must beat them, or holly Stark
sleeps q widoaO to-night--lorHard = His
soldiers with enthusiastic shouts, rushed for
ward upon the Hessan defeuces and the bat
tie became general. The Hessian dragoons
dismountel, met the Americans with stern
! bravery. The two cannODS loaded with
grape and canister, swept the hillside with
terrible effect
Stark's white horse fell in less than ten min
utes after bis gallant rider came under fire.
but on foot, with his hat in one hand and his
sabre in the other, he kept at the head of his
men, who, without f1inching sing lie foot,
urged their way up the little hill. Brave
Parson Allen, with dubbed musket, was
seen amid the smoke, fighting in the front
platoon of his company. The whole field was
volcano Of fire. Stark, in his official re-
port, says that the two forces were within
few yards of each other and the roaring Of
their guns was like continuous clap of thun-
der !
The Hcssian and British regulars, accus-
toned to hard fought fields, held their ground
stubborny and bravely. For more than two
hours the battle hung in even scale. AT
length Baume ordered IA charge; at hat in
stant he fell, mortally wounded, and his men,
charging forward, broke their ranks in such a
ma nner that the Americans succeeded, after
fierce handto-hand fight, in entering the in
trenchlnents.
Stark shouted to his men, Forward, boys
charge them home ! and his troops, maddened
by the conflict, swept the hill with irresistible
vaor. They pushed forward without discip-
line or order, seized the artillery and gave
chase to the flying enemy. The field being
won, plumber became the object Of the militia.