Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 6, June 1841Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 6, June 1841
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
The line moved on in quick time, and soon we entered the town. Our visit
was as unexpected here as at Trenton. A portion of the enemy had taken
shelter in the college. Our general, as at Trenton, headed the charge in
gallant style, while the troops, animated by his fearlessness, nobly
seconded him. The artillery thundered against the garrisoned college,
and the musketry rung wildly from every corner. Surrounded by a superior
force, and not knowing but what Cornwallis had been routed, for they had
heard the midnight cannon at Maidenhead, most of the enemy surrendered.
A few, however, escaped by a precipitate flight along an unguarded
street at the commencement of the attack. In this affair one hundred of
the enemy were killed, and three hundred taken prisoners. Lord
Cornwallis, as he lay on his camp bed, was roused by the roar of cannon.
He started—the sound came from Princeton—he immediately ordered his
troops under arms, and hastened to the scene of action. When he arrived
the battle was won, and we were on our return march in triumph. As we
crossed the Milestone river, we were halted to destroy the bridge at
Kingston. I ordered a file of men to assist me, and hastily buried my
companion in arms by the water-side, while the enemy’s cannon answered
for minute-guns for the brave. Having shed a tear of sympathy over his
lonely grave, we joined the main-body. At sun-set we trod upon the bleak
hills of Morristown, and when the camp-fires were lighted the campaign
of ’76 was over.
* * * * *
As the old man finished his tale, the widow turned away her head, and
the grand-children hid their faces and wept. At length when they raised
their eyes to their guest, his face was pallid—a wildness was manifest
in his eyes; and his frame appeared to be stiffening in death. They
sprang to him.
“Forward—on—to—Princeton!” said he, in a cold whisper; and then the
last Life Guardsman joined his companions in Heaven.
The next day a numerous body of strangers followed the old veteran to
the tomb; and the widow Greely placed a plain marble slab at the head of
it, and inscribed upon it—
HERE LIES
THE LAST OF WASHINGTON’S
LIFE GUARD.
* * * * *
SONNET WRITTEN IN APRIL.
BY MRS. E. C. STEDMAN.
“My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of those
that weep.”—_Job. 30, 31._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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