udson's river to assist in taking Canada from the British.

"A short time before this, Ticonderoga, a fortress on lake Champlain,
had been surprised by Col. Ethan Allen and his troops, and to them it
had surrendered. This was an important post. Great rejoicings took
place among the Americans, when it was known that this fort had fallen
into their hands.

"The troop to which Crosby was attached, passed this fort, and
proceeded to St. Johns, a British fort 115 miles north of Ticonderoga.

"This fort it was determined to attack. The troops were therefore
landed, and preparations were made. Their number was one thousand--all
young men,--brave--ardent--resolute.

"Being formed in order of battle, the intrepid officers led them to
the attack. As they advanced, the guns of the fort poured in upon them
a tremendous fire. This they met manfully, and, though some fell, the
others seemed the more determined. But, just as they were beginning
the attack in good earnest, a concealed body of Indians rose upon
them, and the appalling war whoop broke upon their ears."

[Illustration]

"This savage yell they had never before heard--such a sight they had
never before witnessed. For a moment, alarm spread through the ranks.
But courage--action was now necessary. Death or victory was before
them. The officers called them to rally--to stand their ground--and
they did so. They opened a well directed fire upon their savage foes,
and only a short time passed before the latter were glad to retreat.

"The savages having retired, the men were ordered to throw up a breast
work, near the place, to shelter themselves from the guns of the fort.
This was done expeditiously. Trees were felled, and drawn to the spot
by some; while others were employed in throwing up earth.

"During these labours of the Americans, the enemy continued to annoy
them, by throwing shells from the fort."

_William_. "Pray, father, what are shells? I have read of them; but I
do not know more than that they are a kind of shot."

_Gen. P_. "Shells are often called _bombs_, a word which signifies
_great noise_; because, when they burst, they make a great noise. They
consist of a large shell of cast iron, which is round and hollow. A
hole is made through the shell to receive a _fusee_, as it is called;
this is a small pipe, or hollow piece of wood, which is filled with
some combustible matter. When a bomb is about to be fired, it is
filled with powder, after which the fu