The Battle Grounds of America (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. 1846 Excerpt: ...without delay, leaving only a sufficient corps with a couple of field-pieces to guard the house, the obstacles to success that afterward offered, might have been removed or prevented, and Howe's army have been totally defeated, unless the superiority of their discipline and bravery could have hindered. GENERAL WAYNE'S WAR-HORSE. At the battle of Germantown, General Wayne rode his gallant roan; and in charging the enemy, his horse received a wound in his head, and fell, as was supposed, dead. Two days after, the roan returned to the American camp, not materially injured; and was again fit for service.. BATTLE OF BENNINGTON. General Burgoyne's progress toward Albany was delayed through the want of a speedy and sufficient supply of provisions. He considered in what way the difficulty was to be surmounted. According to information, the Americans had a great deposit of corn, flour, and store cattle at Bennington, which was guarded only by militia. Every day's account confirmed the persuasion of the loyalty of one description of the inhabitants in that part of the country, and of the panic of the other. He therefore entertained the design of surprising the stores at Bennington, and of sending a very large detachment upon the expedition; but was diverted from the latter (as supposed) by Major Skeen, who assured him, " The friends to the British cause are as five to one, and they want only the appearance of a protecting power to show themselves." Relying upon their attachment, the general sent the German LieutenantColonel Baum, with only about 500 men, and 100 Indians, who carried with them two light pieces of artillery. To facilitate the operation the army moved along the east shore of Hudson river, and encamped nearly opposite to Saratoga; and a bridge ...