Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-07-01
THE LITTLE REGIMENT. /,

During the struggle for Independence, Gen
eral Greene sent ont General Morgan with one
thousand men, to cut off the tories infesting
.le western portion Of South Carolina.
Scarcely had Morgan with his band taken
Up their march, ere Corvallis dispatched the
blood thirsty Col. Tarleton in pursuit. The
interchangeable Morgan soon learned of this, ,and
accordingly halted and prepared for battle.
Among the militia were seven persons. a
father and six sons whom Gen. Morgan espe-
Cislly complimenied. These seven patriot
soldiers were ncknamed by their comrades.
1.-The Little Regiment
John Hitler, ST., some fifty-fv years of
age, stood six feet five and half inches, was
Of fine proportions, and weighed over three
hundred pounds, whilst the youngest, John
Hitler, Jr., aged twenty-five, measured six
feet three inches, and weighed two hunc red
and fifty pounds. The i've others varied in
size and weight between these two. In addl-
ton TO these gigantic proportions, the Hilliers
we're possessed of enormous physical strength
and the most dauntless courage. Though Of
ten before engaged in skirmishes, this was the
first time that they were TO take part in a Gat
tie, aai of course the rest OF the army were
anxious to know how they would behave.
"John,'' said Gen. Morgan to the elder Hill
Her, who with his sons, was eating hasty and
frugal meal from Oft a fallen tree, ssI suppose
You and your brave boys wonld rather fight
together than to be separated
ayes, General, said the patriot, 81 think
We would be Of much more service to you and
our noble Cause when united tahn when par
ted"
"Well, John, rejoined Gen. Morgan, ,swc'H
nave some warm work in the morning, and
am going TO give you and your lads here the
must dangerous position in the battle. To-
morrow you shall bear the first standard into
hght, and l know that the glorious banner of
our country can not be placed in better hands.''
"Thank you, General thank you for the
compliment, and | and my lads will prom ise
!"n this, that while. we can stand and fight, or
NHeei aud fight, you'll see them Stars aud
Stripes floating"
linen, as the time is pressing, move up to
: TIE 'front.'" answered Morgan, gathering up
ais reins and slowly riding away /; ssand re
member" he continued, as his steed pranced
along, impatient of the curb, 81 shall keep my
eye on The Little Regiment Good night
"1ood night, General, ''and thus they parted
Inc still hours of the night passed slowly,
sO'epnly on. Presently, as the sun came full
ABOVE the horizon, and streamed his glow
.'s oeams over the icy hillocks, and along the
Heid' The trumpet's shrill note sounded the
earm!'s advance, and the patriot band pre-
Jared for the onset.
l" 'front.' oi, and a little apart from the van
@oFgan's force were John Hitler and his
grant sons, the father him ssif bearing aloft
H's' while the latter ranged themselves
'1'ee on each side of him. as guard.
:" ell done, Little Regiment" exclaimed
'V GENERAL, as he rode down the line, en-
.OaFaging his men to stand firm before the
'Oe VITO we're at this time rapidly approaching
them.
vi came Tarleton and his merciless butch
swim that steady GOODNESS and veteran de-
''iHihatlon which always have such a fatal ef-
upon militia. Anxiously Morgan glanced
1pOn MS undisciplined force, which he MOTTO
"as already beginning to sway from side
''ue and back and forth. But even at this
"eh' ne was unable to repress the thrill of
"nlch passed through him as he beheld
' hiillers, at word from their father cool
"ua deliberately draw their long, heavy
swords
you'd to God that had hundred such
Regiments, !" he said between his closed
teeth; al would.,-
ae sentence was unfinished, for a; this in