Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1863-05-29
The Little Regiment.

During the struggle tor lndependenc
General Green sent out General Morga
with one thousand men, to cut off tn
retreat Of the tories then infesting tn
western portion Of South Carolina.
Scarcely had Morgan with his BAN
taken up their march, ere CORVALLIS dis
patched the blood-thirsty Colonel Tarle
ton in hot pursuit. Morgan soon learnc'
of this, halted and prepared for battle.
Among the militia were a father ant
six sons, nicknamed by their comrades
g The Little Regiment"
John Hitler, senior, some ftty-fv(
years Of age, stood six feet five and q
half inches, was Of fine proportions, anc
weighed over three hundred pounds, Will,
the youngest, John Hitler Junior, aget
twenty two, measured six feet three inch
es, and weighed two hundred and fifty
pounds The others varied in size anc
weighed between these two. In addition
to these gigantic proportions, the Killers
were possessed OF enormous physica
strength and the most dauntless courage
John" said General Morgan to the
elder Hitler, who, with his sons, was
eating hasty and frugal meal from of
fallen tree, suppose you and youl
brave boys would rather fight together
than be separated
Ycs, General, think we would be
of much more service to you AMI our
noble cause when united than when part.
e l."
Well, John, we'll have some warm
work in the morning, and | am going tc
give you and your lads here the most
dangerous position in the battle. To.
morrow you shall bear the first standard
into the fight, and i know that the gori-
Gus banner Of cur country cannot be
placed in better hands"
Thank you, General, thank. you for
the compliment, and | and my lads will
promise you this, ;hat while we stand ani
fight, or kneel and fight, you'll see them
Stars and Stripes floating"
Then, as time is passing. move up to
the 'front.'" answered Morgan, gathering
up his reins and slowly riding away
= aud remember he C ntinuci, as his
steed pranced along, impatient of the
curb, " shall keep my eyes on The Little
Regiment ~
The still hours of the night passed
slowly, solemny on. Presently as the
sun came above the horizon, the trumpet 5
shrll note sounded the enemy's advance,
and the patriot band prepared for the
onset.
In front of, and little apart from the
van Of Morgln's force, were John Hill.
Ter anl his SIX giant sons, the father HIM
self belrin, alott the flag. while the lat
ter RANGED them selves, three on each side
OF him, as guard.
"WeI done, Little Regiment" cx-
claimed the General, as he todc down the
line, encouraging his men to stand firm
before the foe, who were at this tune
rapidly approaching them.
Ga came TarIeton with his morcilcss
butchers with steady coolncs5 and veteran
determination which always have sach Il
fatal effect u2en militia. Anxously
Morgan glanced upon his undiscipined
torce, which he noticed was already be-
ginning 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 whlch passed through him as
he bcheid the lIlIlers, at word from
their father, cooIly anl deliberately draw
their long heavy swords.
At this instaat, Tar!ctou's troops, clap.
ping spurs to their steeds, charged with
fearful fury.
For i moment or so the militia tot
tered, surgcl AMI strurglea; then break
iug, n.l in Wild confusion, leaving the
devoted llllcrs wholly unsupport2l. Nor
gan expected to see the latter swept to
the earth aud ridden down like rec Is be-
/ fore the tempest; but even he dill not
know the Little Regiment. In voice
that was clearly heard above the din of
battle the elder Hitler, as he raised him.
self to his full height, shouted:
Close up, lads, close up. Oar flag
Our flag forever -
Instantly he was cncirclel by his sons,
the hcrcacan cxertions of whom actually
kept the whole force at bIy. Determined
however, to take the rebels stand, Tar
!cton's men ragel wildly about their in-
tended victims. Men and horses slGi IL
the earth, till at last their bodies formed
rampant behind waich the little rcg-
meat, wouadel and bleeding, fought like
lions. Seem. at last that sl5res w2rl
useless, a British Dragon now dreY .
pistol, and levellng it at young John
Hitler, he SHOT him through the heart.
Close up, lads close up! Oar flag
Oar flag foraver' - again thunleroi the
father, and the fearful circle was once
more serriel and unbroken.
b. this time Morgan had succeeded in
bringing up his regulars, and heading
them himself, rushed to the rescue of the
noble Killers. Bat too late. A second
of the Little Regiment feI-then a third
and fourth-qua 9th.
"Back to back, Ned. Car flag for
ever "-hoarsely commanded the elder
Hitler as he saw his fifth son sink at his
feet.
For a willie Morgan's fierce assault at
tracted Tareton's men. Like tigers did
the patriotic commander with his handful
Of men strive to cut their way 10 the en-
vironed heroes, and save them but fate
mad ordered it otherwise, and the last sor
falling, the father was left alone in the
midst Of his relentless assailants.
! Still, the flag foated proudly above the