Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1891-02-12

ana made her fast with . rope. He had
scarcely gotten under way again, how
ever, when the enemy discovered the
insignifcance of their antagonist and
began to lower and man their boats to
attack him.
They came on calamity under the fire
Of the fort and Renwick's sharpshooters
and made dash at the canoes, but Jabe
turned one Of the guns loaded with
shrapnel on the foremost boats with
such good aim as to make them pause,
while Renwick hoisted a sail and called
in the men from the canoes. Thus re-
inforced with rifles, while the distance
from the fort was rapidly diminishing,
not man dare show himself on the
decks of the nearest gunboats, so sure
was the aim Of the rangers, while Mer-
Ger spread destruction among the small
boats with showers of grape-shot. The
enemy, realizing their danger, and that
they would soon be within rifle range
from uthe shore, made last effort
to rescue the prizes. A gunboat
crowded with men succeeded in
graphing the second prize and sprang
upon its deck, confident of their ability
to drive the little band of Americans
overheard.
At signal from Jabe, the latter
dropped upon the deck, and storm of
shrapnel from his gun passed over them
and tore up the crowd of invaders, while
the rangers sprang to their feet and
charged with bayonets and the butts of
their rifles. The struggle was fierce, but
short, and the remnant of the French,
driven back pell NELL, would gladly have
escaped but Renwick dashed their YES
sci to his own and carried all three, with
the prisoners safely under the guns of
the forts while the enemy sullenly re-
tired. "Did l not tell thee, Jabe," said
Renwick. grasping the rangers hand,
"that thine opportunities to capture
guns were unlimited?"
Jabe answered with faint smile; his
left arm dangled at his side; it was
broken. The prizes were lowed up the
river, out Of range of the enemy's fire,
and the guns and ammunition trans
ferred to Fort Oswego.
Renwick received the warmest praises
for his gallantry. He came out of the
conflict with few scratches and the
loss of six men. The fire from the fleet
was kept up without intermission, and
as Steadily answered by the forts, while
a cloud of smoke hung like pail over
the combatants.
At noon the Mohawk scouts an
nounced the approach of the land forces,
and at sunset their first gun awoke the
echoes of the forest. Their fire was di-
rected chiefly on Fort Ontario, which,
being built chiefly of timber, soon
showed the effects of the Commandment,
which only ceased when night made all
things invisible.
''They will begin again in the morn
ing" observed Renwick, 'and then
would rather be out of doors, for these
timbers will not long remain in, posi-
ton, and do not wish to have my head
broken ingloriously."
s'It makes little difference which side
of the wall we are on, replied Selwyn,
"the end is drawing near. Suppose we
hurry it little, Charley. Do you
think you could prevail on Mercer to let
us storm those batteries that are knock
ing these walls about our ears? We
have the advantage of knowing the
ground, and we might accomplish some
thing" Selwyn shook his head.
I'VE might blowup the forts and fight
our way through their lines" Renwick
suggested. Mercer, making a tour of
inspection, heard these words as he en-
tered.
my brave FRIEND" said he, 1--WE will
defend this post until human skill and
courage can do no more; but we will not
run away"
II meant to fight our way, Colonel"
replied Renwick, with flush OF color
in his face; ''but you will find me at
your side whenever danger threatens"
81 know can rely upon you all, my
brave countrymen," said Mercer; "but
don't mean that you shall. be crushed
under these ruins" he added, looking
around the battered structure. "Cap-,
tain Selwyn, you will tramp your COM
mand to Fort Oswego at once. will
give orders for your admittance." so
saying, he departed.
At daylight the cannonade began
again. By ten o'clock Fort Ontario was
in ruins, and the enemy's fire, concen-
trated on Oswego, soon showed disas-
trous results. Mercer, resolute in the
midst of impending ruin, visited the
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