Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-01-09

The battle of Saratoga. fought in De-
tober 11II, has its place in history as
one of the fifteen decisive battles of the
world from Marathon to Waterloo. 50
wrote the English historian. Greasy, and
thus far nearly half century has
elapsed, ana his word has never been
questioned.
Let us look at two characters who
shared in this battle, Col Daniel Nor
gan. aftcrward general, ever the stanch
friend of Washington, and at the date
OF which we write, the leader of 100
sharpshooterS: and Timothy Murphy.
the crack shot of Morgan's corps
Morgan was far-sighted and clear
headed soldier; he had observed in the
action of October noble looki ag
British officer, who, mounted on a mag
nihccnt charger, dashed from one end
OF the line TO the other. While this of
ticer lived, Morgan considered the issue
OF the contest a doubtful one: he there,
fore selected twelve of his best marks
men, among whom was Timothy Muir
ply, and, leading them to Il suitable posi-
don, he pointed out 10 them the doomed
officer, who was dressed in full uniform,
and said 10 them: That gallant officer
yonder is Gen. Frazer. admire and
respect him. but it is necessary for our
good that he shonld die. Take your
stations and do your duty
Within few minutes a rifle ball cut
the crupper of Frazer's horse, Il second
passed through his horses name. Calling
his attention to this. his aide said 10
him: 1T is evident you are marked out
for particular aim; would it not be
prudent for you to retire from this
place. Frazer replied My duty for
bids me TO fly from danger" The third
shot was from the rifle of Murphy, and
Frazer fell, MORALLY wounded.
His death so disheartened the British
that the moment he fell the tide of bat
tie turned against Burgoyne He had
lost his best subordinate, the only one
of his officers who had the slightest in-
tiuence with him.
At the close of the Revolution Murphy
married and settled in Schoharie as a
fafmeTs but his old habits still chung to
him.
1 > bis last slay lie maintained tlie,repu.
tatlon he had Won as SIlarpshoofer il!
Alorgans corps. It was 4 custom in
! hose days for rihemen to shoot Cor Il
prize. generally a gallon OF rum for Old
Medford was the standing tipple On
one occasion a large oak tree had been
DlaZed near the ground and in the circle
small piece of white paper was fast
ened by ii brass nail. The distance to
be hred was over 100 yards. Several
/ close shots had been made, and it be-
came Murphy's turn to fire. He lay
down on the ground at full length, resi-
/ ing his rifle on his hat, as the others had
done. and, after glanciDg over the bar
rel he was heard to say: Sure. and |
| believe | can see that nail" Again he
sighted his piece-fred, and the paper
tell An examln ton showed center
shot; the ball had driven the nail ex-
actly in.
In person, Murphy was stout and well
made. handsome in face, with jet black
hair and an eye that would kiudle ana
| flash. like the lightning when excited
quick ms Il cat in all his movements and
possessing an iron frame that nothing
apparently could affect. What. more.
over. is very remarkable. is that in the
most dangerous duty that war could pos
Sibly entail upon him. in which he passed
seven years of army life his body was
never wounded or even SCARED. limited
/ Service Review