The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-07-16
THE BLUES
VS.. BROWNS
Celebrate the Glorious Fourth
bya Sham Battle IN Forest
and on Mountain Top.
VALIANT VETS yICISSITUDES

battle on the wooded hills, back Of
Mills ponds.
i The company was divided into two
platoons, one of which was designated
as the Blues and the other as the
Browns. The Blues were commanded
by Colonial @. A. Dennis, and first
Sergeant Lane; and the Browns by
Captain &. FL. Sherman, and ex-Ser-
geant G.. o. Butler, late of the U. S.
regular army.
The Browns we're the first to arrive
on the field of battle, and took posi-
tion in Bufnham's woods. Their
plan of defence was as follows: A
squad of the Browns was stationed
along short lane leading out of the
main road passing through Burnham s
woods; this squad acted as the adj
vance guard. About two hundred
feet farther up the lane, another squad
of the Browns was placed, as a sup
port to the advace guard. The main
body of the Browns was then formed
into skirmish line under Captain
Sherman, and at right angles to the
lines of the advance, and it's support.
The browns had thus formed very
strong position, and in actual warfare
would have been able to resist the at
tack of a force of twice their numbers,
as they would have been able to pour
a murderous cross-tire upon their as
Sailants.
The Blues arrived on the field of ac-
tion about fifteen minutes later than
the Browns, and, after accommodating
along the main road for about five
minutes, sent their advance guard in
to the woods to try to locate the
enemy. They ran across the Browns
advance guard, and, after a sharp
skirmish the Browns fell back upon
their support. The Blues then re-
treated to their main force to report
the result of their observations. Col
onel Dennis, not being satisfied with
results, and fearing trap was being
laid for the Blues, as the fire from the
Browns indicated to him that they
were in very strong position, would
not allow the blues to enter the woods,
but after sending out scouts for infor-
nation he established the remainder
of his company along the main road in
skirmish line, and waited for the
Browns to make some demonstration.
Meanwhile the advance guard OF the
Browns, under Sergeant Butler, had
formed skirmish line at right angles
to the road where the Blues were
stationed, and the rest of the Browns
formed another line under Captain
Sherman, parallel to the road; thus
the Browns were formed into line
corresponding to the letter L. By all
military authority this line is consid-
cred a very difficult defence to dis
lodge, as the attacking army is ex-
posed to fire on their front and
flank.
The Browns opened fire on the blues,
which was returned with spirit.
The Browns then resorted to tactics
used by the Americans in Cuba, which
was to advance on the Blues by PUSHES;
that is to say, they would, on signal
from their commanders, advance about
ten yards, lie down. fire a couple of
rounds, and advance again, until they
were about fifty feet from the enemy.
About this time Captain Sherman
discovered squad of the Blues at
tempting to get in the Browns rear;
so after quick consultation with Ser
geant Butler, it was decided to move
across the road.
Colonel Dennis, perceiving the move
ment of the Browns, drew the Blues
in line so as to face the Browns, and
waited for their approach. and when
they were near enough he ordered a
charge upon them. AS result of
this charge one Of the Browns was
captured.
The Browns then fell back, formed
in line, and about two-thirds of them
charged the Blues, but were repulsed
They Immediately charged again, but
with serious results, losing two men
by capture, and one was injured. The
Blues lost but-one man.
| In this charge the Blues formed a
very pretty rally around their com
manding officer and the colors, thus
preventing their capture.
AS one Of the Browns was slightly
injured by a pistol being fired in hi:
face, Sergeant Butler advanced to the
Blues lines with flag of truce, anC
the injured man was cared for, ant
prisoners were also exchanged.
After truce Of some five minutes
: hostilities were resumed, and tn,
same tactics were used as earlier ii
the engagement. The Browns would
advance slowly, while the Blues would
} hold back awaiting a chance to strik,
a decisive blow soon, however, tn,
: Browns were in position to charge
and, with blood-curldling yells the.
: leaped upon the Blues. During thi
charge, Captain Sherman, with on
private, stole slowly around the flanl
of the Blues and made a fearless dasl
4 for the colors of the enemy. He ha,
a firm hold upon the enemy's colors