Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-06-11
THE t1rTf.t REGIMENT

The retreat Of the tories then infestir
the western portion of South CsroIin
Scarcely had Morgan with his ban
taken up their march. ere Cornwall
despatched the bloody Colonel Tsrle
ton in hot pursuit. The indefstigabl
Morgan soon learned Of this. and ae
cordingly halted and prepared for bal
de. Among the militia we're seVel
persons, father and six sons, whom
Gen. Morgan especially romplimented
Those seven patriot soldiers were nick
named BY their comrades, 1.-THE it'll
Regiment"
John Hitler, senior, some 6fty-fv'
years of age, stood six feet FIVE inches
and q bali, was of fine proportions
and weighed over three hundred
pounds, while the youngest. John Hill
Ter, junior, aged twenty-five. measured
six ieet three inches. and weighed two
hundred and fifty pounds. The five
others varied in size and weighed be-
tween these two. In addition to these
gigantic proportions. the Killers were
possessed of the most dauntless courage.
Though often before engaged in
skirmishes. this was the first time they
were to tsltTep part in battle, and Of
course the rest Of the army were
anxious to know how they would be-
have.
"John." said Gen. Morgan to the
elder Hitler, who, with his sons. was
eating hasty and frugal meal from of
a fallen tree, al suppose you and your
brave boys would rather fight together
than be separated"
Eyes. General" SAID the patriot,
81 think we would be Of much more
service to you and our noble cause
when united than when parted"
"Well, JOHN" rejoined Gen. Nor
gan, "we'll have some warm work in
the morning and l an going to give
you and your lads the most dangerous
position in the battle. Tomorrow you
shall bear the first standard into the
fight and l know that the glorious ban
ner Of our country cannot be placed in
better hands,"
"Tbank you, General. thank you for
the compliment. and ! and my lads
will promise you this. that while we
stand and fight, or kneeI and 6gbt,
you'll see them Stars and Stripes float
ing"
"TbeD, as time is passing, move up
to the 'front.'" answered Morgan, gath
eripg up his reins and slowly riding
away; "snd remember" he continued,
as bis steed pranced along. impatient
Of the curb. 81 shall keep eyes on
The Little Regiment Good night. I"
"Good night, General" and thus
they parted.
The still hours Of the night passed
slowly, solemnly on. Presently, as the
sun came fully above the horison, and
streamed his glowing beams over the
icy billock, and along the field, the
trumpet's sbrill notes sounded the
enemy's advance. and the patriot band
prepared for the onset.
In front Of, and little apart from the
van of Morgan's force. were John Hill
Ter and his six giant sons, the father
himself bearing aloft the flag, while the
latter ranged themselves, three on each
side of him as guard.
"Well done, Little Regiment" ex-
claimed the General, as he rode down
the line, encouraging his men to stand
firm before the foe. who were at this
time rapidly approaching them.
On came Tarleton and his merciless
butchers with that steady GOODNESS
and veteran determination which
always have such fatal effect upon
militia. Anxiously Morgan glanced
upon his undisciplined force, which he
noticed was already beginning to sway
from side to side, and sway back and
forth. But even at this moment, he
was unable to repress the thrill Of Joy
which passed through him as be be-
held the Killers, at word from their
father, coolly and deliberately draw
their long heavy swords.
would to God that had hun.
dred such Little Regiments" he said.
between his closed teeth; Il would"
This sentence was unfinished. for at
this instant. at signal. TarIeton's
troops. e'apPing spurs to their steeds.
charged with fearful fury.
For a moment or so the militia totter.
ed and surged and struggled, and then
breaking fed in wild confusion, thus
leaving the devoted Killers wholly un-
supported. Morgan expected to see
the latter swept 10 the earth and ridden
down like reeds before the tempest;
but even he did not know the Little
Regiment. 10 voice that was clearly
heard above the din OF battle. the elder
Hitler, as he raised himself to bis full
height shouted out:
.'CIose up. lads, close up! Our fagl
Our flag foreverI'
Instantly he was encircled by bis
sons, the herculean exertions Of whom
actually kept the whole force at bay
Determined, however, to take the
rebels stand, Tarleton's men ragged
wildly shout their intended vietims.-
Man snd horse sank to the earth till at
last their bodies formed rampant be-
hind which the little regiment wounded
and bleeding, fought ike lions. See-
ing at last that their sabres were use-
less. British draggoon now drew 9
pistol. and leveling it at young John