Barnes' Popular History of the United States of America Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 Excerpt: ...and against the cutting hail and deep-driving snow. They tried to protect their guns as best they could, but they soon became useless. Montgomery, advancing along the river at the foot of Cape Diamond Cliff, helped with his own hands to push aside the huge blocks of ice, and, struggling through the drifts, cheered on his panting men. As they rushed forward, a rude block-house appeared through the blinding storm. "Men of New York," he shouted, " you will not fear to follow where your general leads." Charging upon it, he fell at the first fire. His followers, disheartened, fled. Arnold, in the meantime, approached the opposite side of the city. While bravely fighting he was severely wounded and borne to the rear. Morgan, his successor, pressed on the attack with his riflemen; but at last, unable to retreat or advance against the tremendous odds, now that Montgomery's assault had failed, he took refuge in the neighboring houses, where he was finally forced to surrender. The remainder of the army, crouching behind mounds of snow and ice, maintained a blockade of the city until spring. Congress, blindly bent on keeping up the useless struggle, ordered Washington to send his best men and officers, and to divide his scanty supply of powder, for the siege of Quebec. It was in vain. The garrison laughed outright as they saw General Wooster, the new commander, in his big wig, spying out their weak points. They knew they were invincible. May 1st, General Thomas assumed control of the blockading army. He decided to retreat. It was already too late. Reinforcements from England were fast arriving in Quebec. Before he could remove his sick the garrison sallied out from the gates and drove his men in confusion. Many of the sick, amid the hurry, crept of...