Siege of Newport (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1888. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CANTO VII. SAVANNAH. ALM seas and fickle winds the French delay, The tropic reached had many a spell to charm, Its spicy odors, venom to betray, The stanchest, of their vigor to disarm. Scourged by disease, ships shattered by the gale, The period wasted for the project planned, Their Admiral, if true as told the tale, Jealous of De Grasse he left in his command, Perhaps to redeem his pledge, preserve his men In healthier climes, on whom the scurvy preyed, Or for himself some added glory gain, The orders of his monarch disobeyed; Home with his crippled ships forthwith return, Informed Savannah undefended lay Upon his homeward path and near at hand; Vain-glorious hopes within his bosom burn, Sanguine of victory he pursued his way, His prows directed to the promised land. Great the delight that thrilled along the shore, With tidings that our allies come once more With fleets and armies to our drooping hope; Sumter and Marion, Laurens, Huger Glow with the faith that we might yet be free, With England's forty thousand veterans cope. Lincoln at Charleston sends, by sail and oar, Transports to bring the troops more near the place, Fresh food and drugs from his own scanty store The sick to cure, the slackened sinews brace; The sister flags through land-locked Ossibaw Speed through its shoals the gallant men of France, Not many less than when, the year before, The Newport breeze their kindred banners flaunt; Weak and surprised, the place at once assailed Been forced to yield, superior force prevailed. From ships that rocked exposed, ten leagues away, With sluggish toil they dragged their heavy guns; Events beyond control their progress stay, As midst the sands they work their weary way Through bog and marsh, beneath the scorching suns; And when at length the str...