Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-05-28

"REMINISCENCES OF THE BATTLE OF PLATTs-
BURGH.-Mr. Samuel p. Moore, soldier of
Capt. James b. Spencer's Co., 18th Regt.
Infantry, now a well-known and highly es-
teemed citizen of Peru, who served through
the stirring times just preceding and in the
battle of Plattsourgh, relates many inter-
esting facts connected with the battle not
before in print. Among others, he relates
the following On Monday, September ),
1914. previous to the battle, the gallant
Wool, with several daring companies of in
fantry and artillery met the British column
at Culver's Hill, and from that point to
Plattsburgh harrassed them by running
fire. only halting in the street at the north
of the hill now occupied as a residence by
). F. Villas, Esq. Mr.. Moore says the finest
sight he ever saw was the advancing
column of British regulars, as they proudly
deployed in solid phaanx around Bailey
corner, on what was then called the Beck
mantown road" their brilliant red uni
forms and glittering arms shining brightly
in the morning sun as they gallantly
marched on to certain victory over the "das-
tardly Yankees Mr. Moore says their lit
tie band could not withstand the temptation
presented them. and at once sent two raking
shots from their two little six FOUNDERS, which
seemed to cut a clean path through them,
which was again Immediately closed, while
the little band retreated down across the
bridge-tearing up all its planking as they
crossed. The bridge stood then very nearly
where it now stands. but perhaps a little
lower or nearer the water, and consisted of
only one length of plank. with no railing.
and its flmsy covering was quickly sent by
the brave boys floating down the Saranac
No sooner were they safely across than
raid was made upon the mill yard, saw
mill then standing near the site of Colonel
Norton present mill on the east side of the
river. and hasty breast work was speed
lily erected from the plank and debris of the
yard, no doubt thus saving behind its shell
ter the life OF many a brave Yankee boy in
that memorable fight. Soon after the breast
works were erected-the British main col
umn having halted in the upper part of the
village an incident occurred which illus
trates not only the reckless daring that rum
always gives, and its sad results, but also
exhibits the uLerrlng skill of the American
rltiemen even in thar early day. 4 British
grenadier, evidently intoxicated. was seen
to sally out from small grocery store stu
ated on the south side of the street, some
little distance west of the bridge, and
there made all sorts of unseemly and defiant
gestures to our men, and then return 10
twice-with most insulting and drunken
brayado-and in plain sight of gallant
company of Rifles, under the command of
Capt. Akin, then drawn up in front Of
Tylee's store, near the eastern bank. Can't.
Akin, Mr.. Moore says. turned to one OF his
riaemen and nervOusly enquired if he could
not pick that fellow off. to which he re-
ceiyed the quick reply, I'm try it. sir
and at once placing himself flat upon the
ground with his cap by his side and the end
OF his trusty rifle between the ends of the
plank breast work. he quietly waited the
return of the insulting Dritisher. In a mo-
ment he was seen to reel forth from the gro
cery-and repeating his cefant gestures,
turn his back insultingly toward his foe and
STOPPING forward-thc sharp crack OF the
rifle rings out, and he bounds forward to
the earth-dead-with his last imprecatIOn
undoubtedly unfnished-as two OF his com
rades at once dragged his limpid form out
Of sIght-behind the grocery.
An exciting week that must have been in
the few scattered homes then standing on
either shore of the river-thus commenced
by that Mondays fight, and ending with
the gallant victory on land and water on
the succeeding Sabbath.-PiafsJurgh S.R-
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