National Republican., 1877-08-16


the strategical movements he contem-
plated making upon his responsibility. The
event fully proved the wisdom of his plans
and soundncss of his judgment. When
Congress heard Of his disobcdience II CEN
sured him, but when the news of his de-
cisive victory was received they gladly re-
rcrsed their action and commended his
patriotism and independent iirmness.
The advance of the army Of Gen. Bur-
GOYNE from Canada to the South, in 1777,
created great CONSERVATION throughout New
England. The objective point of his march
was supposed to he Boston. The abandon
mcnt of Ticondcroga by Gen. Sr. CLAIR
caused the gravcst apprehcnsons to be felt
for the future by Congress. Gen. STARK
having been Joined by the Green Mountain
Boys, cncnmpcd ut Bennington on the 18th
ol August. watching for nm opportunity to
strike some detachment of BURUOYNE's
army. lie did not have to wait long for an
opportunity.
On the 18th Of August he received infor-
nation that force of Indians in the British
service was approaching his camp, and on
the night of the same day he learned
through scouts that Col. BAUM, with II
strong detachment of troops and train of
artillery, wns advancing toward him in
Searh of supplies. On the morning of Au-
gust II Gen. STARK marched ont of his
camp to meet the forces under BAUM but
had only gone short distance when he met
Col. GRECO, with force of two hundred
men. in full retreat before the Indians and
the German troops under the command of
BArM.
Upon being confronted by the American
forces under STARK. the enemy halted and
entrcnChcd themselves. II was confidently
expected that battle would he fought on
the 18th of August, but furious rain storm
ragged all day and compelled both parties to
suspend operations During the night of
the 18th STARK received some reinforce
ments
On the morning of the 10th Gen. STARK
quietly sent out u considerable body OF
skirmishers on each flank OF the enemy,
with instructions to meet in the rear.
When the Indians saw the uniting hanking
parties in their rear they fed without
striking blow. STARK attacked the
enemy in front with such vigor that after n
fight of two hours he drove them from their
Entertainments and forced them to fee,
leaving their artillery and baggage on the
field.
The Americans, surprising that the con-
test was over, dispersed over the battle
field for the purpose Of gathering plunder
and securing their prisoners, when they
were astonished by the reappearance Of the
enemy, who having received large reinforce
mcuts from BURGoYNE, now returned to re-
new the contest and recover the lost ground.
STARK had fortunately been reinforced by
u regiment under the command of Colonel
WARNER, 80 he put his men in line of bat
tie for second time,and cheeriully renewed
the fight. His forces behaved with such
spirit aud bravery that he soon put the
enemy to fight q second time and pursued
them until he was compelled by darkness
to draw of his men. Thus he won two
victories in one day.
The moral effect of SrARK'S triumph was
immense. 1t saved our Northern army. II
was the beginning of chain of events
which led to BURGoyNE's surrender. Al.
though the details of the engagements al
Bennington have not the dramatic interest
which attaches to great European battles
like Austerlitz and jena, they have never
been surpassed in historical Importance, fol
STARK's victory was turning point in the
revolutionary contest, and thencciorth tn,
faith of the people in the ultimate success
of the cause grew frmer, until ut lengtl
their efforts were rewarded by the indie
pendence Of their country. For these rea
sons all American citizens should to-tla
revcrently and gratefully speak the praise
81 of JOHN STARK.