Part 26 (1/2)
CHAPTER XXIV
THE RANGERS SENT AGAINST BURGOYNE
England proposed to snuff out the rebellion that summer of 1777: so she sent all the troops she could spare and hire, also bribes to secure the services of the Indians. England must win, though the savages kill and torture every man, woman and child on the frontier.
General Burgoyne must leave the writing of plays for a time and lead an army from Canada down to New York, and then Philadelphia was to be captured and the Continental Congress sent a-packing.
Howe is said to have thought the Burgoyne plan unwise, for he knew something about war, though frequently too indolent to put his knowledge into practice. This beautiful month of June he had his army down in New Jersey, watching for a chance to outwit Was.h.i.+ngton and seize Philadelphia.
After the first failure, he abandoned New Brunswick and marched his troops back to New York. Here was an opportunity for Morgan's Rangers.
They followed Howe's army like a swarm of angry hornets. When too annoying, the British would turn and drive them back, but, as soon as the march was resumed, they would return and again sting the rear of the column into desperation.
When the Rangers first came in contact with the retreating British the latter were crossing a bridge. Here was a fine opportunity for Morgan's men, and they used it to the fullest extent. Their bullets laid many a poor Hessian in the dust, for the aim of the riflemen was quick and accurate, whereas that of the British was mechanical.
”Ah! Another bee has stung that arm. The redcoats intend to get it, I believe,” suddenly cried Rodney.
”Does yer arm feel numb?” asked Zeb.
”No, I guess it's just a scratch. Anyhow I'm going to use it while I may.”
No, our two comrades lost no time examining trifling wounds, while British bullets whistled about their ears. On the contrary, they were loading and firing as rapidly as possible, and the perspiration was streaming down their powder-blackened faces, for the day was hot.
”They are going to support the column; look out for a volley. Git down here, lie low,” and, suiting action to word, Zeb threw himself on the gra.s.s.
A body of Hessians had wheeled about and posted themselves behind some temporary breastworks, which had been thrown up that morning. ”Up and at 'em,” was the word, and the Rangers ran forward and threw themselves on the ground so that most of the volley from the enemy pa.s.sed over their heads.
”Up and at 'em” again, each time nearer, while flanking parties were working around toward the rear of the redoubts. The enemy behind the breastworks had the advantage both in number and position, and held back the Rangers, who had no bayonets and could not charge successfully.
”Here comes General Wayne's brigade, now we'll dislodge 'em,” shouted Zeb in his excitement, and Bunster stood up and cheered.
”We'll teach 'em that they have to earn their money when they hire out to lick Americans,” cried Rodney.
”What's the matter with Bunster!” exclaimed Zeb, for their companion staggered and pitched forward in a heap, his hands convulsively clutching the gra.s.s.
”They run, they run, at 'em, boys!” and, with this cry in their ears, Rodney and Zeb charged down on the flying enemy.
Bunster lay face down in the field. How he would have yelled and run after the retreating Hessians! He had made his last charge, poor Bunster! Such a genial fellow; such a kindly, helpful soul, with no fear in your heart! You have done as much as the best and bravest of them, and your country can never do as much for you.
At the first opportunity his companions sought him out from among the slain, and laid him in a hastily constructed grave. Zeb's eyes were wet and tears made furrows among the powder stains on Rodney's face.
Their hearts would be hardened in the days of war to come, for that is one of war's penalties. What sympathy they might have would be rather with those writhing and waiting for death.
”Thar's a heap o' walkin' ahead of the Rangers,” was Zeb's greeting as he returned from a talk with their colonel several days later.
”What is it now?”
”Schuyler an' Gates are howlin' fer more men an' expect Was.h.i.+ngton to furnish 'em whether he has 'em or not. Burgoyne's comin' down Lake Champlain with a horde of red devils at his heels, an' the country people up that way don't feel easy about their hair, with the lovely flag of England wavin' over 'em.”
”I just heard a report that the farmers were taking the field. If they do as well as they did at Bunker Hill, Burgoyne may not have an altogether pleasant summer.”
”Thar's too many people in this country who want to be independent of everything, even to fightin' whenever and how they please. It's time they did something.”