Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-17
The Battle Of Bennington.

Inc bCuhhStuh.
To the Editor Of the Free Press and Times.
1t is fair to presume that all incidents,
from whatever source collected. concerning
the great event of the year 1877. the Yer
mont Centennial at Bennington, will be in
teresting to all Vermonters.
In this view take the liberty of copying
few extracts from book which has just
come into my possession, entitled IAN
original. compiled and corrected account oil
Burgoyne's campaign, and the memorable
battles of Bemis Heights. September 18th
and October 18th, III: by Charles Nelson,
Esq" printed in 1874. The writer says
"On the approach of Col. Baum. he had
forces enough. had he continued his march,
to have taken all the stores that had been
for some time accumulating at Bennington,
as there were but few militia there at the
time but Yankee trick land what are the
Yankees not up to? p was played off upon
him, as follows: Three men, true
to the CORE in whom Gen. Stark placed
the most implicit confidence, offered
themselves as volunteers to go to Colonel
Baum, and represent themselves as loyal
lists, and ask to be taken under his protec-
ton, and even offered to take up arms with
him and fight against the Americans; and
at the same time represented the Americans
to be in strong force at that place. Ben
nington), and that if he attempted to pro-
coed, his troops would all be cut to pieces.
Upon this information, and placing great
confidence in the honest looks of those
men, Col. Baum made halt near the west
- IN tho af HnnSIak
and sent to Burgoyne for achievements.
Gen. Stark, taking advantage OF the delay,
collected together from the surrounding
country considerable number of militia.
and having sent an express to Manchester
for Col. Warner to come on with the troops
under his command, went out to meet Col.
Baum about five miles from Bennington /;
and having approached to within about a
mile and half of the Hessian camp, he
made halt at Matthew s, where be remain
ed with his troops during the night.
In the meantime, the Hessians fortified
themselves on quite an elevated hill on the
north side OF the river. and directly east of
the Barnet house. This hill is of quite
steep ascent from the river to the top, but
of a more gentle slope in every other dlree-
ton. On the top, in sort of timber fort.
they placed one of their field pieces, and
the other on level patch of ground at the
foot of the bill. and near the margin OF the
river for the purpose of covering the Tories,
who were posted on small rise of ground,
on the opposite side OF the river. and who
hastily fortified themselves by placing two
tiers of rails horizontally and filing the
space with fax that grew in the same field
Between the battery at the foot OF the hill
and the Tories breastwork, stood log cabin
well slowed with women attached to the
Hessian army. one Of which, in attempting
to flee across the bridge to the Hessian hill,
was killed by musket ball.
Along the road on the margin of the
river, and leading from Bennington to
Hoosick, ten. Stark ordered part of his
troops TO advance, and in order to make as
much show as possible, he directed a num-
Der who had no arms TO fall in with them,
to draw the attention Of the Hessians that
way, while two regiments were directed by
circuitous route through the woods, to
gain the enemy's rear. The plan was well
concocted and promptly executed. The
Hessians, being now attacked in front and
rear, foug hi for some time with desperation,
till at length, being too holly pressed, they
threw down their arms and fed, but were
Immediately pursued by the Americans.
and nearly all killed or taken prisoners.
The battle lasted about two hours, and was
like one continued peal Of thunder. Their
works were carried on all sides, their two
pieces of cannon were taken, Col. Baum
was mortally wounded and taken prisoner.
The work being completed the militia began
to disperse in search of plumber, but on the
approach of Col. Breymsn with reinforce
ments they rallied as soon as circumstan-
UnulA rpeumad tho
with the ADDITION of Col. Warmers
regiment, and crowned the day with victory
complete. As the result Of both these ac-
tions about 700 prisoners were taken. 307
were found dead on the field, and four brass
field pieces were captured, with loss to
the Americans Of 30 killed and 40 wounded"
In note the author gives brief history
If the four pieces of artillery; They are
French cast. and were brought from Quebec |
With the army Of Burgoyne. They we're sf- |
erwards inscribed, Taken at Bennington |
Aug. 10th l777' were retaken at Detroit,
Aug. IL, 1872. from Gen. Hull's army by |
he British, carried by them to Fort George
t the mouth of Niagara river. when they
gain fell into the hands of the Americans
t the capture of that fortress. Gen Dear
orn had them transported to Sacketts Har-
or, at which time were fired the salutes in
honor of Hsrrison's victory over Proctor at
be river Thames, in upper Canada. The
uns are now (lsi4) at the city of Wash
lgton, where it is hoped they may remain
, peace" Lob.
Essen, VT, Aug 1877.