The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 1 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
For a long time the conflict was severe, for Reidesel still did not make
his appearance. The British grenadiers occupied the Castleton road, and
prevented the Americans from retreating in that direction; but the
republicans poured in such a galling fire upon them, that they gave way
and victory was almost within the grasp of the patriots. At that moment
Riodesel with his companions appeared, his drums beating and banners
flying. The firing reaching his ears, he had pressed on as rapidly as
the rough forest road would allow. His Chasseurs, under Major Barner,
were immediately brought into action in support of Fraser's left flank.
At that moment the whole British line made a bayonet charge upon the
Americans with terrible effect. The latter, supposing that the Germans
in full force were coming upon them, broke and fled with great
precipitation, some over the Pittsford Mountains toward Rutland, and
others down the valley toward Castleton. * The Americans lost three
hundred and twenty-four in killed, wounded, and The brave Colonel
Francis was slain while gallantly fighting at the head of his regiment,
and twelve officers were made prisoners. The British loss was one
hundred and eighty-three, among whom were Major Pratt and about twenty
inferior officers. ** The British also captured about two hundred stand
of arms.
When General St. Clair heard the firing at Hubbardton, he attempted to
send a force to the relief of Warner, but the militia absolutely refused
to go, and the regulars and others were too far on their way to Fort
Edward to be recalled. St. Clair had just learned, too, that Burgoyne
was at Skenesborough, and he hastened forward to join General Schuyler,
which he did on the 12th, with his troops worn down by fatigue and lack
of provisions. The loss to the Americans by the evacuation of these
posts on the lake was one hundred and twenty-eight pieces of cannon and
a considerable quantity of ammu-
July, 1777.
* Explanation of the Map.--A, advanced corps of General Fraser, attacked
at B; C, position of the corps while it was forming; D, Earl of
Balcarras detached to cover the right wing; E, the van-guard and
Brunswick company of Chasseurs coming up with General Reidesel; F,
position of the Americans after Riedesel arrived. The lines extending
downward show the course of the retreat of the Americans over the
Pittsford Mountains. H, position of the British after the action; I,
house where the wounded were carried, mentioned in the description of
the picture on page 144; 0, position of the Americans previous to the
action. This map is a reduced copy of one drawn by P. Gerlach,
Burgoyne's deputy quartermaster general.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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