Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1874-01-30


press-gang, and take away a man from tho
American vessel. Just before the beat
with the impressed man reached the Brit
ish ship, Macdonough rescued the man,
and bore him to his own vessel. The Brit
ish captain in great anger came on board
the Syrcn, and asked Mcdonough how a
young man like him dared TO take man
from the boat his Majesty's vessel. lie re-
piled, "lIc is AN American, and have only
done my duty" The British captain threat
ened to bring the man-of-war alongside,
and sink the Syren, which had but sixteen
guns. Macdonough said, az suppose you
would sink her, but as long as she floats,
the man shall no. be surrendered" "Dut
ir / had been on the boat when you rescued
the man what would you have done?" II
would have taken the man, or lost my life.''
"What, sir, would you attempt TO stop me
if l were now 10 impress men from that
brig?' 81 would, and TO convince you
that would do it, you have only to make
the attempt"
The captain left the vessel, and was soon
with his press-gang making in the direc-
tion Of the American vessel. At once Mac
douough was in pursuit in boat of armed
men. The British captain seeing his bold
ness aud firmhoss, returned to his ship.
When Captain Smith came on board, be ap-
! proved most highly Of the conduct Of his
young lieutenant.
There were other noble acts of his BRAY
| cry, prudence and patriotism, which lifted
him higher and higher in the estimation of
al He continued TO rise, by his worth and
patriotism, by his peiy and purity, until
he was appointed, in July, 1913, to ono of
The most important posts at that period of
the war. He was appointed to superintend
the construction, and 10 command the ma
val force on Lake Champlain. 1t was a
post memorable in the French War, and al
so in our Revolutionary conflict.
In the American Portrait Gallery il is
said that the soldiers under Sir George Pro.
vost were the flower of Wellington's army.
| and that the men under Captain Downie
were the best of Nelsnn's '-."rines. Inc
design Of the British was TO get the com
mand Of the lake, and then penetrate into
the interior of the State Of New York.
Their superior numbers and the facilities
Of approach, by land and lake, were so IA
vorable that they were flushed with the
hope Of certain victory. The land forces
Of Sir George Provost were from ten to
twelve thousand, while General Macombc,
at Pittsburgh, had but fifteen hundred
regulars, who were joined by consdera-
bic number Of volunteers from the States
Of New York and Vermont.
The plan Of the British commanders was
TO unite Il land and water attack. The
fleet on the Lake was to support the army
on the shore.
Tic British squadron was commanded
by Capt Downlc, and the American. by
Capt. Macdonough. Great anxiety was felt
rs Sir George Provost was seen approach
ing with his land forces rs their fleet came
sight. l, was iearoc that the British fleet,
50 superior TO ours, would conquer. and
then the superior land force of Sir George
Provost would force the entertainments OF
General Macdonough. take Pialtsburgh,
and thon invade tho heart Of tho state
The battle on the Lake was fought in the
sight Of the two hostile armies, and they
felt that the success on the land depended
on the success of the feet on the Lake, and
50 it proved. Not only the two armies, but
the inhabitants OF the adjoining towns lin
ing the shores, watched with deepest anX-
icy the engagement; for the battle was to
determine whether they would he driven
from their homes in want, or remain in
their homes in peace and safety. ,;ot
only the shores, but the projecting points
OF land and neiehboring hills were filed
with anxious spectators.
Just As the sun arose over the eastern
hills on the Sabbath morning, September
IL, 1914, the guard boat rounded into the
harbor, and informed MacdonouEh that the
British fleet, in the distance, was approach
ing for battle. As the enemy hove in sight,
the vessels were cleared for action; then
Macdonoush assembled his men on the
quarterback of the Saratoga, the flagship,
when he Eneeled down, and in humble fer
vent prayers, commended himself, his
men, and his cause 10 the God OF nations.
General skinner said, "he rose from the
posture with a serenity and cllmness on
his brow which showed that he had receiv-
ed comfort and assurance from above"
One writer said il was a solemn aud
thrilling spectacle, one probably never be-
fore witnessed on "a ship cleared for action.
As the British feet was approaching, the
commander asked the man at the masthead
what "he saw 9' ~ see on their flagship,
what appear TO be men at prayer" Downie
replied, "that is no good omen for us"
Was :his remark prophetic, as he elrly fell
at his post in the deadly conflict?
On the one side was the hostile fleet COM
ing down at the sound of music. on the
other side stood tie armies on land in the
order of battle with their banners dying;
and between them Macdonough's fleet lay
at anchor, awaiting the coming conflict.
The English fleet under easy sail, came on,
rounding Cumberland point, prepared for
battle.
As the battle commenced, the great effort
of the enemy appeared to he 10 disable and
conquer the Saratoga therefore, they open
cd again aud again their broadsides, and
poured on our flagship their iron hail.
Soon amer the battle begun, hen-coop was
shot away, and one of the fowls flew into
the rigging, and crowed with his shrill clar-
ion voice. The sailors taking IL as good
omen, sent up cheer after cheer as they
"lou9ht like brave men, long and WELL"
Twice was the Saratoga on fire by the hot
shots from the enemy. Though crippled,
anda slaughter house, as one said-though
Macdonough was knocked down-and the
cry was heard, our commander is killed !;
yet soon he arose, and was at his post.
Again in a short time afterwards, the cry
was heard, he is killed, and every eye was
turned toward Macdonough as he lay be-
tween two guns covered with his blood
But soon he revived, and limping to his
| gun, continued TO sight it carefully and
| hull the enemy. Both the British and