Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-06-22

I OF America, tne DIlLlsH Hay WAS Huu'''N
on the sea. As OBrien trampled it on
the eek three cheers went up from The
healis of his gallant comrades, and theil
cheeks flushed with the proud hope that
this first victory on the water might be
an
OMEN or THEIR FUTURE SUCCESS.
and q herald of their coming independ'
once. Thus was the fist sea fight OF the
American Revolution fought and won by
Irish hearts and Irish arms. Cooper. in
his History of the American Navy,
calls this battle The Lexington OF the
Seas" Twenty men were killed and
wounded on both sides. Had O'Brien
not come TO close quarters as soon as he
did, his casualties would have been
more, as the enemy was superior in
everything except courage. The arma'
ment OF the MarJdretta was transferred
to the sloop, and O'Brion and his crew.
fitting her out in fighting trim, cruis ed
around the coast OF Machias. and kept it
clear of the enemy. Two English ves-
sells were sent from Halifax expressly TO
capture him. O'Brien, nothing daunled,
attacked them. and by separating them,
| defeated them both, with little loss 10
himself. and carried the prisoners TO
Watertown, where the Massachusetts,
Provincial Legislature was in session.
But he was not long permitted 10 rest on
his laurels. The English were burning
for revenge, and soon fitted oul another
expedition. determined to crush tie
o Brens, and bring the rebel.ious men OF
Machias TO submission. The following
graphic account we copy from Illsley's
Forest and Shore:
The news of the second capture Great
cd intense feeling in Halifax. And TO
wipe of The stigma of former defeats,
aud 10 punish the authors OF them, in the
course of three weeks another expedition
was fitted out from that place, consisting
OF a lrisate, twenty.gun ship, brig OF
sixteen guns and several schoOners. con-
tanning about thousand men. The
news of this formidable flotilla being on
the way caused no little apprehension in
Machias, and some OF the more timid
advised that the place should be aban-
doned. The proposition was. however,
Immediately secuted, and the OBriens,
with about one hundred and lilty volun.
teers. determined to resist the approach
OF the enemy, overwhelming Us they
were in number. About three miles be
low the town, on the eastern side OF the
river at place called SCOTS Point,
breastwork was hastily thrown up.
They had no cannon to defend 1t; all
they had to rely upon were common
muskets.
Hearing that the fleet was coming up
the bay. the brave little band, under the
command of Jeremiah OBrien and Col.
Foster, took up the line OF march Tor
SCOTS Point. resolved that il they could
not check the advance OF the enemy
they would pour out the last drop OF
blood in the attempt. All the inhabitants
had gathered in the vicinity OF the
liberty. pole 10 see them start. Mothers
and wives were there, with heavy fore
boding hearts; but there was no
shrinking ON their part-no urging oil
son or husband TO remain. On the
contrary, struggling with the emotions
that filed their hearts. they exhorted
them not to falter in their duty, and
without sign OF weakness bade them
farewell. Such were the women oil the
Revolution.
Soon after taking possession OF the
redoubt party OF observation was sent
out, which shortly returned. bringing
intelligence that the squadron had
anchored in The bay. with the exception
of the brig and a number OF boats filled
with men, who were advancing toward
the town. 1t was not long before they
came in sight, and when they were op'
posite the breastwork large body oil
men, about 500. landed. As this
formidable number drew up on the banks
their bright arms glistening in the sum-
O'Brien and Foster made their prepara-
tons. At this juncture Captain O'Brlen
addressed his men :-'You see, my lads,
what you have got to contend with.
The odds are greatly against US. there
fore. if there is one man here that is sick
of his bargain and wishes to leave IN
Heavens name, let him be off," No
man moved from the ranks.
"You WILL END no sKULKERs THIS TIME
said voice from the centre. The ligh'
laugh which passed through the ranks al
this remark was the best proof the Cap
tain could have Of the coolness OF bis
men. II gave him confidence in their
stability.
"They are stirring!" exclaimed Col
Foster. pointing toward the moving mass
coming up in a compact body "bt
careful men and don't waste your pow
DER he added. BE cool and steady
select your man and do not fire until tht
word is given" The Americans were
drawn up in double rank. O'Brien having
charge OF the front ard Foster OF th'
rear division. The front rank were Il