Year: 1859

lAothcrs that might be met with OF the faet,
and ask their cooperation. In this way the
troops that fought this battle were brought
together, and when 50 united, pressed for.
ward to do that which has rendered the spot,
and the names of those that were engaged
therein, sacred in the memory of their coun-
trymen. Green forever be that memory!


To succeed in the noble undertaking,
there must be no misunderstanding; no ILL
feeling occasioned by jealousy. To avoid
this-each officer being independent Of the
other-it was resolved. that the troops should
be as equally divided as possible, in to three
divisions, and division givento to each Of the
three Colonels present, holding the Oldest
commission, and these were to command
The other officers taking position with Ell
ther one or the other, as inclination led.
Williams, Shelby and Campbell were thus
the commanders. Col. Hammond united
with Williams. The arrangements were few,
simple and soon completed, and it was de-
termined to ascend the mountain in as many
directions as there were divisions, in order
the more certainty to guard against Fergu-
sons escape, who they determined to kill or
capture; for with them on that day there
was to abe no such word as fall" and nobly
did they accomplish this high resolve. Col.
Williams line occupied the centre, Colonel
Shelby's the right, and Col. Campbelrs the
left. The ascent was commenced at once by
Williams party, whilst Campbell and Shell
by moved towards the base of the line of
their respective routes. Ferguson in the
meantime formed for action, and moved
downwards to meet the Americans at their
coming, and the conflict commenced about
midway of the slope. Never was harder
fighting done, or more gallantry and daring
displayed than on this occasion.


The patriots fought every inch of their
way up the steep and rugged ascent, driving
the enemy before them and to more con-
tracted position. Step after step up the rug
ged surface was marked with blood, and the
whole mountain side kept enveloped in fame
by the constant and rapid firing of the patri-
OTIS below, and enemy above; who fell back
towards the summit after every volley, whilst
the Americans sprang upwards and upwards
after them, as they became more and more
heated and maddened by the fight. Balls
now few thick and fast, and whistled over
and around in every direction, tearing
through the trees and under brushwood. ike
the out-pouring of the driving hail storm
cutting off limbs and leaves, and scattering
them as a Fall on the ground-scaling up
the rougbened bark from the larger growth,
and sending the splinters like locusts flying
through the air. AS ball after ball would
strike and enter the same time, it was peal
ed up and made to resemble the scatching
marks of the lightning bolt hurled from the
thunder cloud. On and on the patriot lines
moved, mountingupwaras along the slippery
slope like some huge euvenomed serpent
in its winding after its prey, Kissing fire
and death. Ferguson saw his fate as the
lines approached faster and faster, and near
er and nearer, and fought like an infuriated
demon. He rode here and there, urging his
men to the fight in tones of angry passion,
enforced by violent gestures.


The centre line under Williams and
Hammond were now within less than thirty
yards of the British front, pouring in ter
rible and deadly fire, before which the enemy
fell back in confusion. At this moment
Ferguson rushed in front of his men, sitting
with bare head on his horse, his hair stream
ing in the wind, and his countenance bloat-
ed with rage, as he turned in his saddle to.
wards his men; who now hesitated to ad-
vance. Just then, Williams horse, wound
ed and snorting with foam and blood at every
bound, dashed forward. Ferguson turned
to receive him their swords crossed, nothing
more, for at that instant deadly volley
came from both sides, and the two combat
ants fell mortally wounded. At the same
moment, the enemy broke ground and fled
up the mountain, the Americans rushing af-
ter them with yell of concentrated rage
Col. Hammond dsmounted and fastened to
the side of his wounded friend, received his
commands (never to give up the hilD and
farewell, then gave orders for his safe and
careful removal to the cot in the valley be-
low, and stopping just long enoug b to see
him off, fastened after his men. AS he pas
sed where Ferguson fell, he saw that he was
not dead; and STOPPING down, took him
gently under the arms and raised him to
sitting posture, placing his back against
tree, by the side of which he had fallen, re-
ceived the dying mans thanks for his atteu-
tion, and hastened forward after the flying
enemy.


The conflict was soon terminated, and re-
turning down the mountain on his way with
the glorious intelligence to Williams, Col.
Hammond passed where Ferguson had been
left and found him fallen over on his face
and dead. The ball that robbed him of life
had entered the breast, directly on the me-
dian line, passing entirely through the body.
On reaching the hamlet where Williamsl lay,
Col. H. found him unable to speak, but con-
scious, and told him the battle was over and
the victory won-saw his dying smile, re-
ceived the pressure of his icy hand, and then
departed. Soon thereafter the gallant spirit
quite forever the fields of carnage and blood
below, for realms Of peace and life above
The American arms had been successful, but
it had cost them another "Joshua in the