THE CAMP-FIRE AT SKIPPACK CREEK. (continued)
It was certain that we could not stay long in Jersey, without at least one more brush with the enemy; and those who knew the strength of Howe, concluded that it would be hotter and heavier that it was at Trenton. But our officers were confident of victory; and all the militia who had lately arrived, rejoiced at the prospect of being able to do something as great and honorable as had been done the week before.
"But, just at this time the camp was filled with confusion and alarm. For some time, none of our battalion knew what was the matter. Officers stood ready to receive orders, and the men looked one at another, not knowing what to do or say. It was not that the enemy was near; for none but our own men could be seen; and even if an army had been marching toward us, there was time to retreat, if necessary. At last, an aid to one of the officers passed along by the tents, and left orders for us to be ready to move at the shortest notice. He had scarcely passed the house where we were cantoned, when one who seemed to be a straggler, whispered, as he hurried by, that the veterans were in revolt. This was news indeed; yet only a few believed it. We couldn't think that the men who had suffered so much, and fought so well for freedom, would now desert the cause. Still the confusion seemed to increase; and many officers rode backward and forward in the streets; but so fast, that we could learn nothing from them of the state of affairs. After a long and anxious watch, we were allowed to retire to our quarters again; but we did not hear the true cause of the alarm till the following day."
"Wasn't that the time they wanted to be disbanded? Enquired Walden.
"Yes," was the reply; "for their time had expired. It wasn't a revolt; but it was almost as bad for the army, as though it had been. They had a right to go home on the last day of the year, according to their bargain with Congress; and this they asked to be allowed to do. But you remember what a blow that would give to our cause; in Jersey, too, where the British were preparing to attack us. The general and his officers saw what would be the result, and determined to keep them a little longer, if it could be done. But all remonstrances seemed in vain. They said they were no longer soldiers, and would go off in a body. When mention was made of Congress, they cursed the members, and thanked Heaven they had got free from them. They told the general that they honored and loved him; but asked what use it was to depend on promises any longer, when they received no pay, no clothing, no food fit to eat, and no real encouragement for the future. When they were preparing to move, and there had bee, for some minutes deep silence, Washington walked toward them, with some of his officers following, and made no stirring an appeal to them, that some paused, and put down their down their bundles. Seeing this, half-a-dozen low fellows began to swear; but the others made them be quiet. Several of the officers also addressed them; and, at last, a bounty of ten dollars was offered to every one who would remain six weeks longer. About half of them agreed to accept the offer.
"It was well for our army, that this affair was settled so easily. Next day, we heard that a large army was moving toward us; and some said it was commanded by Lord Cornwallis. Colonel Reed was out all day, examining the ground, and picking up information; and Cadwalader, with his men, was ordered up from below. That night, the camp was in a bustle; and, early next morning, we took post in Trenton. Here we remained till the scouts brought the intelligence that the British were approaching. The marching and turning of the troops bewildered me very much; and I'm most ashamed to say that, at last, when we did stop, I couldn't tell whether we were facing north or south. I whispered to Samuel Cresson, who stood next ot me, if he knew where the enemy were; but he was as ignorant as myself. Still, most of the men were in high spirits; for they imagined they would get another victory easily as they had the day after Christmas; besides, as the weather was cold, the excitement warmed them.
"By this time, some British cavalry had been discovered coming down from Princeton. A large party followed them, but, on seeing our scouts, turned back. We could do nothing till we heard from our advanced guard, who were in a wood, some miles further up, behind Shabbocunk Creek. Parties of riflemen were there, to harass the enemy; and it was thought that, if they gained any advantage, the main body could improve it, either by defeating the enemy, or keeping them back till night, when Washington would be able to cross the river. Our officers were all on horseback, talking with great earnestness, and they appeared to be much perplexed. A number of aids rode one by one to his excellency, and, after saying something in a hurry, and receiving orders, galloped away. At last, general Greene, with a few men, hurried forward in double-quick time, to join the party in the woods. The battle had begun; for we heard sharp firing ahead, long before Greene was out of sight. It was now twelve o'clock. Our whole army was in motion, crossing the little bridge over the Assanpink; for the ground on the other side was higher and better than that we were on; besides which, we would then have the creek in our front. About half were across, when we saw the riflemen, and the rest of the advance-party, retreating as fast as they could; and, soon after, the enemy commenced firing on that part of the army which still remained in Trenton. At first, they were disposed to run; but the officers maintained order, and hurried the march over the bridge. Now, for the first time, I saw a large army in motion; for the British had got into the road, and were marching on toward our front and left. Their bayonets, as the sun shone on them, seemed like a forest on fire; and they stepped so smooth and regular, that if I hadn't been busy with our own concerns, I could have gazed at them all day. But when the artillery began to thunder, a great deal of the beauty wore away; and our men quickened their movements across the bridge. Both armies were now firing musketry and cannon-shot; and we expected that it would continue the whole afternoon.
"It was then that a comrade, next to me, was shot dead. You know, soldiers, we don't mind such things now, because we've seen them so often. But it wasn't so with me, then; for you know I had only been at Trenton, where there was little bloodshed. Besides, I hadn't got over some of uncle Isaac's notions about war. But, not to run before the story, John Andrews, a young soldier, about my own age was next to me. We had been in camp together from the time we left Philadelphia, and generally marched in company. He was always talking of his mother; and he sent her nearly all his money. She was poor, and made her living by sewing; yet her great comfort was to have a son like this young man. It was a dreadful day for her, when he joined the army; yet she told him that, since he was going, he must fight bravely. In the camp, he used to tell me all the plans he had formed to help her, after he should get home; for he never seemed to think there was a chance of being killed.
"But the poor lad was not to see his home again. The skirmishing, as I told you, was now going on very sharply, and some had fallen on both sides. I was looking toward General Greene, who had brought off the advance party safely, when a terrible scram caused me to turn suddenly. John had been shot through the forehead. His eyes turned upward toward me, and stretched wide open; sending a shudder through me, that I felt for many days. How gladly would I have stooped to help him! But we hurried on, over his body, leaving him to die. I was sick enough of the battle, though it had just begun; for I thought of nothing but poor Andrew and his mother, and the misery his death would cause her, during the whole day."
"Did the battle stop, when you were over the bridge?" enquired a soldier.
"No; it had just begun. His excellency formed us on the hills and high ground, where we had the advantage over the enemy. All our artillery was ranged along the creek; and it kept the British at bay till night. Still, the firing wasn't regular. Sometimes it stopped altogether; when we would be alarmed with reports that Cornwallis, or some of his officers, were crossing above, so as to march down and attack our rear. Then the firing of musketry would begin again, and continue, briskly enough, for a good while, assisted occasionally by the artillery. At times, the creek seemed to foam with the shot which fell into it. Our men kept their ground bravely; though we could see plainly enough, that the enemy's force was much greater than ours. Nor were they, like many of us, militia; but the best troops of Brunswick and other garrisons. Yet, seeing that they didn't attempt to cross the creek, our officers began to think that the real battle was to be on the next day. And this we were sure of, as the afternoon wore away; for, about sunset, the firing ceased. We had hoped, all day, that the river would freeze strong enough to allow us to cross; but, instead of this, the weather became so warm, that whoever moved, sank in mud at every step.
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