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
Upon the next page are given a group of localities about Bemis's Heights
and a miniature map of the engagements there. The picture at the top of
the page represents the mansion of Mr. Neilson, as seen from the
opposite side of the road, looking eastward. It stands upon the east
side of the highway leading to Quaker Springs, about one hundred rods
north of the road from Bemis's Heights to the watering places of
Ballston and Saratoga. It is a frame house, and the part next to the
road is modern compared with the other and smaller portion, which is the
original dwelling. The room in the old part (a sketch of which is given
in the third picture from the top) is quite large, and was occupied by
Brigadier-general Poor and Colonel Morgan as quarters at the time of the
encampments there. It was in this room that Major Ackland, the brave
commander of the British Grenadiers, who was severely wounded in the
battle of the 7th of October, was kindly received by the American
officers, and visited and nursed by his heroic wife, Lady Harriet
Ackland, of whom, and the event in question, I shall hereafter speak.
The bed of the wounded officer was beneath
* It is said that the smoke of the battle of Bennington, thirty miles
distant, was distinctly seen from Bemis's Heights. 046
Localities about Bemis's Heights.--Gates's Quarters.--Willard's
Mountain.--Condition of the Northern Army.
047
the window on the left. The door in the center opens into a small bed-
room; and this as well as every thing else about the room, is carefully
preserved in its original condition. Where the smaller poplar tree
stands was a building which General Arnold occupied; and further to the
left the small buildings are upon the spot where the fortified log barn
stood, which was at the northwest angle of the American works. In
compliment to the owner, the rude fortification was called Fort Neilson.
Between the smaller poplar tree and the house is seen Willard's
Mountain, five miles distant, on the east side of the Hudson. This
eminence commands a fine view of the valley for many miles. From its
summit a Mr. Willard and a few others, with a good spy-glass, watched
all the movements of Burgoyne, and made regular reports to General
Gates. This service was exceedingly valuable, for a fair estimate of the
number of troops, their baggage, stores, artillery, &c., was made from
his observations. His name is immortalized by a gigantic monument, which
has borne it ever since.
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