The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-08-13

AaAihohlCnt VIC oPPohu hio eSSOuub Va AhS
battle:
Saturday, August is, was memorable
day, on account Of signal victory which
the militia, under the command of Gen.
Stark, obtained over body of the kings
troops, commanded by Gov. Skeene, some
account of which is here given by one who
was himself In the action. 1t seems that
Gen. Burgoyne had detached this corps,
consisting of fifteen hundred men, chiefly
Waldeckers and Brunswickers, intermixed
with some British troops and tories--a
medly compound-to penetrate as far as
Bennington and farther, If it should be
found practicable, with view to increase
the number Of his friends, to dispense his
projections" in the country, to procure for
his army provisions, and to wreak his wrath
and vengeance on those who had disregard
ed his calls Of mercy and sighted with in
dignity his profered protection. Gov.
Skeene had sdvantageously posted this
corps within about five miles of Bennington
meeting house, where, In different places,
they made breastworks for their own secu-
rity. This depression was of such i'll ten
dency aud savored so much of presump-
ton, that Gen. Stark, who was at this time
providentially at Bennington, with his bri-
gade of militia from New Hampshire state,
determined to give him battle. Col. Sim
onds' regiment of militia in Berkshire
county was invited to his assistance, and
part Of Col. Browns arrived seasonably to
attend on the action and some volunteers
from different towns; and Col. Warren,
with a part Of his own regiment, joined him
the same day. The general, it seems, wisely
laid his plan of operation, and Divine Prov
idence blessing US with good weather, be-
tween and o'clock p. m, he attacked
them in front and flank in three or four diff
ferent places at the same instant, with ire
sistible impetuosity.
The action was extremely hot for between
one and two hours. The fanking divls-
ions had carried their point with great sue
cess when the front pressed on 10 their
breastworks with an ardor and patience be-
yond expectation. The blaze of the guns
of the contending parties reached each
other. The fire was 80 extremely hot
and Our men easily surmounting their
breastwoIks amid peals of thunder and
flashes Of lightning from their guns, with
out regarding the rear of their field-peeces
that the enemy at once deserted their
cover and ran and in about five minutes
their whole camp was in confusion and
disorder. All their battalions were broken
in pieces and fed most preclpitately at
which instant our whole army pressed after
with redoubled ardor pursued them for a
mile, made considerable slaughter among
them, and made many prisoners. One
field-piece had already fallen into our
hands. At this point our men stopped the
pursuit to gain breath when the enemy, be-
ing REINFORCED, our front fell back few
rods for convenience of ground, and being
directed and collected by Col. Rossiter and
REINFORCED by Major Stratton, renewed the
fight with redoubled ardor, and fell in up
on them with great impetuosity, put them
to confusion and flight, and pursued them
about mile, making many prisoners. Two
or three more brass field-pieces fell into
our hands and are supposed to be the whole
of what they brought with them. At this
time darkness came upon us and prevented
our swallowing up the whole Of this body.
The enemy fled precipitately the succeed
| ing night toward the North river, and IN.
less they should be met by party of Our
army may have reached there without fur
Their molestation. Gov. Skeene in surprise
and CONSERVATION took horse and fled.
This action which rebounds 80 much to the
glory of the great Lord Of the heavens and
God Of armies affords the Americans q
lasting monument Of the divine power and
goodness, and most powerful argument
of love TO, and trust in God.
Our loss is about forty or fifty killed and
more wounded. Their baggage fell into
our hands. The number of prisoners taken
is said to be about six hundred. Two OF
their colonies were among the prisoners and
| hhOAsoiiy WObhdSus N Vi thOi lis
ferior oficers have also fallen into oul
hands, and in particular the generals aid.
de-camp. A good number deserted and
Joined US. This victory 10 thought by
some to equal any that has happened during
the present controversy, and as long al
prudence, moderation, sobriety and valol
are of any estimation among these United
States will not fail to endear Gen. Stark t
them. 1t is the opinion OF some that if {
large body Of militia was now called to ac
In conjunction with our northern army, the
enemy might be entirely overthrown. May
all be concerned to give God the glory
whilst we commend the good conduct o.
the officers and soldiers in general on 80 i'm
portant an occasion. The best account o.
the number Of prisoners taken in the abov,
action Is as follows
Two colonies, lieutenant colonel, ma
jor, 8 captains, 10 lieutenants, 4 ensigns,
Canadian officers, judge advocate,
baron, 8 surgeons, 81 British and s9s Ger