and send to General Burgoyne for
reinforcements; but on the morning of the 16th of August, we found that
General Stark and a council of war had agreed upon a plan of attack, and
intended to execute it that day. I don't think there was a man among our
troops who was not anxious for a fight. Our skirmishes had put us in the
humour for it. I can't exactly give you an idea of the position of the
enemy, and of the real amount of skill General Stark displayed in his
plan of attack. But I'll try to do the best I can. The Germans were
posted on a rising ground near a bend in Wallomsac Creek, which is a
branch of the Hoosic River. The ground on both sides of the creek is
rolling, and the position of the Germans was on the highest of the small
hills. Peter's corps of Tories were entrenched on the other side of the
creek, nearly in front of the German battery, and on lower ground.
During the night of the 15th, Colonel Symonds with about one hundred
Berkshire militia, arrived in camp. Parson Allen, who, you may have
heard, was such a zealous whig, was with the Berkshire men, and he
wanted to fight right off. But General Stark told him if the next day
was clear, there would be fighting enough. Well, when the morning of the
16th of August came; it was clear and bright. Both armies seemed to know
that day was to decide between them. General Stark had given his orders
to all the colonels of his regiments. Colonel Nichols, with our corps of
about two hundred men, marched up the little creek just above the
bridge, to attack the rear of the enemy's left; while Colonel Herrick,
with three hundred men, marched to attack the rear of the right, with
orders to join our party before the assault was made. Colonels Hubbard
and Stickney were ordered to march down the Wallomsac, with three
hundred men, near the Tories, so as to turn Baum's attention to that
point. We started about noon, and marched through the thick woods and up
from the valley towards the enemy's entrenchments. Our march was rapid
and silent, and the enemy didn't see us until we were near. We gave the
first volley, and rushed upon them. I saw through the smoke, Colonel
Herrick was coming up. We had the Indians between us, and you should
have heard them yell, and whoop, and ring their cow-bells, but they
wouldn't stand; they fled through our detachments and left the Hessians
to shift for themselves. Soon after we commenced the attack, General
Stark made that short address you have he