Part 16 (1/2)

GEN. LEE. Let's be good natur'd, General--let us see a little more of it first----

GEN. PUTNAM. I think we have seen enough of it already for this twelve-months past. Methinks the behaviour of Lord Boston, the ill treatment of poor Allen, to be thrown into a loathsome dungeon like a murderer, be loaded with irons, and transported like a convict, would sufficiently rouse us to a just retaliation--that imperious red coat, Carleton, should be taught good manners--I hope to see him ere long in our College at Cambridge----

GEN. LEE. I doubt; he'll be too cunning, and play truant--he has no notion of learning American manners; ev'ry dog must have his day (as the saying is); it may be our time by and by--the event of war is uncertain----

GEN. PUTNAM. Very true, sir; but don't let us be laugh'd at forever.

_Enter an OFFICER in haste._

OFFICER. Sir, a messenger this moment from Quebec waits to be admitted.

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. Let him enter.

[_Exit OFFICER._

_Enter MESSENGER._

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. What news bring you?

MESSENGER. I am sorry, sir, to be the bearer of an unpleasing tale----

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. Bad news have you?--have you letters?

MESSENGER. None, sir--I came off at a moment's warning--my message is verbal.

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. Then relate what you know.

MESSENGER. After the arrival and junction of General Montgomery's troops with Colonel Arnold's, Carleton was summoned to surrender; he disdaining any answer, fir'd on the flag of truce----

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. That we have heard--go on.

MESSENGER. The General finding no breach could be effected in any reasonable time, their walls being vastly strong, and his cannon rather light, determined to attempt it by storm--The enemy were apprized of it--however, he pa.s.sed the first barrier, and was attempting the second, where he was unfortunately killed, with several other brave officers----

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. Is General Montgomery killed?

MESSENGER. He is certainly, sir.

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. I am sorry for it--a brave man--I could wish him a better fate!----

GEN. LEE. I lament the loss of him--a resolute soldier----

GEN. PUTNAM. Pity such bravery should prove unsuccessful, such merit unrewarded;--but the irreversible decree of Providence!--who can gainsay?--we may lament the loss of a friend, but 'tis irreligious to murmur at pre-ordination. What happ'ned afterwards?

MESSENGER. The officer next in command, finding their attacks at that time unsuccessful, retired in good order.

GEN. WAs.h.i.+NGTON. What became of Colonel Arnold?

MESSENGER. Colonel Arnold, at the head of about three hundred and fifty brave troops, and Captain Lamb's company of artillery, having in the mean time pa.s.sed through St. Rocques, attacked a battery, and carried it, tho' well defended, with the loss of some men--

GEN. PUTNAM. I hope they proved more successful.