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1777]

SECOND BATTLE OF STILLWATER.

247

was the struggle that a single cannon was five times taken and retaken by the contending parties. At length the pa triots succeeded in retaining it; and Colonel Cilley [sil'-le], after having leaped upon it and dedicated it to the American cause, wheeled it round upon the enemy and fired on them with their own ammunition. Not till their best officers had fallen, were the British finally driven back.

Meanwhile Gen. Frazer's division had fallen on the American flank. They were repelled by Morgan's corps, which then furiously charged the British right. At this point, Arnold, who had been unjustly deprived of his command, and was impatiently watching the progress of the battle, could restrain himself no longer. Hastily mounting his large brown horse, he spurred towards the hottest of the fight. Gates, fearing that he would gain fresh laurels, sent Major Armstrong after him with orders to return. But Arnold was already out of reach. He was received with shouts of exultation by the men whom he had before led to victory. With a desperation akin to madness, he charged Frazer's brigade, now rallying under its intrepid commander. Perceiving that Frazer was the soul of the British army, Morgan directed several of his riflemen to make him the special object of their aim. A ball soon struck the general's saddle; another wounded his horse in the neck. Despite these warnings, he refused to retire, and in a few moments fell, mortally wounded.

Frazer's fall decided the battle. Burgoyne in vain tried to rally his men. Driven from their intrenchments by Arnold's impetuous attack, they left the Germans at their side unsupported. The latter gave one volley and fled. Arnold received a ball in the same leg which had been mangled at Quebec, and was here at last overtaken by Major Armstrong, with Gates' order to return. He did return, but not till he had achieved a glorious victory, with little aid from Gates,

place? Give an account of the engagement in front. Describe Frazer's movements. What was done by Arnold? Give an account of Frazer's fall. What effect had Frazer's fall on the fate of the battle? Describe Arnold's attack on the British intrenchments. What was the result? What befell Arnold? What did each party do on the approach

who had kept himself all day in the camp. Night set in, and the contest ceased. The Americans kept possession of the field, and Burgoyne fell back, with the intention of retreating by way of Fort Edward. In this second battle of Stillwater, he lost 700 men; the Americans, about 150.

345. Burgoyne soon found that retreat was impossible. He was hemmed in on all sides; provisions were failing him; and there was no prospect of assistance from New York. A council of war held October 13th decided to capitulate. While the officers were deliberating, grape-shot swept across the table at which they were seated. On the 16th, the terms were settled. The whole British army, consisting of 5,791 men, surrendered, with their arms and baggage, 42 cannon, and a large quantity of ammunition. The news of this brilliant victory awakened fresh hope and courage in every patriot breast.

CHAPTER XII.

MOVEMENTS OF HOWE AND WASHINGTON IN 1777.

346. WHILE the advantages just described were being gained in the north, Washington was endeavoring to preserve his army from the superior force of Howe. Having received some reinforcements, the American commander, in the latter part of May, moved from Morristown to Middlebrook, N. J. Howe, after vainly trying to bring him to an engagement, proceeded to Staten Island and thence put to sea with about 18,000 men, leaving a strong force under Clinton to defend New York. After remaining at sea over a month, he entered Chesapeake Bay, and landed at a point on the Elk River about 50 miles from Philadelphia, on which city he intended to make a descent.

of night? What was the loss on each side? 345. What was now Burgoyne's condition? On the 18th of October, what was decided on? When were the terms settled? What were surrendered to the Americans? What was the effect of this victory on the patriot cause?

846. While these events were transpiring in the north, what was Washington doing? What movement was finally made by Howe? How long did the British remain at sea?

1777]

BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE.

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British slowly approached, and on the 11th of September reached Chad's Ford on Brandywine Creek, where the Americans lay encamped. One division under Cornwallis took a circuitous route, crossed the creek higher up without opposition, and fell on the American right which had been sent to oppose them. In vain Sullivan, La Fayette, and Stirling endeavored to stem the tide. La Fayette was wounded and narrowly escaped capture. The timely arrival of Greene's division (which made a memorable march of four miles in forty-two minutes) saved this part of the American army from entire destruction. Wayne, who opposed the British in front, was also driven back. The battle of Brandywine thus resulted in a total defeat of the Americans, with a loss of 300 killed, 600 wounded, and nearly 400 prisoners. The British loss was about 90 killed, and 500 wounded and missing.

Among those who did good service at Brandywine was

Where did they land? What city was threatened? What course did Washington take? When did the hostile armies meet? Where? [See Map.-Into what does Brandywine Creek empty? Mention some other creeks that run nearly parallel with it. Between what two rivers is Philadelphia?] Give an account of Cornwallis's attack on the American right. What was the result in front of the line? State the loss on each side. Who

Count Pulaski [pu-las'-ke], a Polish noble, who had tried to liberate his country from the Russian yoke. Failing in the attempt, he had sought a new field on which to battle for freedom. For his gallantry in this action Congress made him a brigadier-general.

347. His defeat at Brandywine, did not prevent Washington from resolving on another battle; but a violent and protracted storm so injured his arms and ammunition that he was obliged to give up the idea and retreat. Slowly and wearily his men toiled over the miry roads, many of them having no shoes to protect their feet. A movement on the part of the British, which threatened Reading [red'-ding], where the American stores were deposited, forced Washington to take a new position and leave the road to Philadelphia open to the enemy. Gen. Wayne was stationed with 1,500 men to check their advance, but he was surprised by a midnight attack and driven back with the loss of nearly 300 men. Philadelphia was thus left at the mercy of the British, and on the 26th they entered the city in triumph. Eight days before, Congress had adjourned to meet at Lancaster. They soon after removed to York, where they continued to hold their sessions till the recovery of Philadelphia the following year.

The British were now in pleasant quarters; but otherwise they gained little by the capture of Philadelphia. The country was still unsubdued, and, as long as Howe was stationary, was likely so to remain. Franklin in his usual witty way remarked, that instead of Howe's having taken Philadelphia, Philadelphia had taken Howe.

348. In the mean time, Washington was not idle. Having received a reinforcement of 2,500 men, on the 4th of October he surprised the British troops stationed at Germantown, six miles from Philadelphia [see Map, p. 249]. The Americans at

is mentioned as having done good service at Brandywine? What was Pulaski's previous history? How was he rewarded? 347. Notwithstanding his defeat, on what did Washington resolve? What prevented another engagement? What obliged Washington to leave the road to Philadelphia open? What befell Wayne? When did Howe enter Philadelphia? Where had Congress removed? What did the British gain by taking Philadelphia? Repeat Franklin's remark. 848. What was done by Washington on the

1777] HOWE OBTAINS COMMAND OF THE DELAWARE. 251

first gained important advantages, and would have achieved a victory had not some of the militia failed to perform the part assigned them. A thick fog arose; the British rallied, and finally repelled the assault. The American loss was es timated at 1,000 men, including Gen. Nash, of North Carolina; that of the British was not far from 600. Shortly after this repulse, Washington retired with his army to White Marsh, 14 miles from Philadelphia [see Map, p. 249]. The sufferings of his men increased with the coldness of the weather.

349. The navigation of the Delaware was still in the hands of the patriots. Several miles below Philadelphia, Fort Mifflin, on Mud Island [see Map], commanded the channel; and opposite to it, on the Jersey shore, was a strong fort at Red Bank. Heavy timbers armed with iron bars pointing down the river had been sunk near Fort Mifflin, to prevent the passage of vessels. To open communication between his army and fleet, it was necessary for Howe to destroy these defences. Batteries were erected on the Pennsylvania shore opposite Mud Island, and a party was sent down on the Jersey side to storm the works at Red Bank. They entered the fort without opposition, and supposed that it was theirs, but were soon apprised of their mistake by a well-directed fire, which mortally wounded their leader and disabled 400 of his men. The American commandant, unable to defend the whole of the extensive works, had abandoned part of them, and with this warm reception repulsed the enemy. The attack on Fort Mifflin was at first equally unsuccessful. Two British vessels ran aground, one of which was abandoned by its crew, while the other was set on fire by the Americans. At length, however, the enemy reached such a position that both garrisons were obliged to retire and relinquish to them the command of the river.

4th of October? [See Map, p. 249.-In what direction is Germantown from Philadelphia? Near what stream is it?] Give an account of the battle of Germantown. State the loss on each side. To what place did Washington then retire? [Near what stream is White Marsh? What hill near it?] 349. Which party held possession of the Delaware? What works gave the Americans possession of the river? What hostile movements against these works were made by Howe? Give an account of the attack at Rod

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