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138 A NEW WAR SONG. |
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4 Bold Clinton by land. General Clinton, some time before tbe engagement, landed with a number of troops on Long Island, and it was expected he would have co-operated with Sir Peter Parker, by crossing the narrow passage which divides the two islands; but Colonel Thompson with eight hundred men, stationed to oppose him, iuduced him to decline the perilous attempt.
& And the cowardly dogs. The garrison under the command of Colonel Moultrie, although composed entirely of raw troops, showed determination and coolness that would have done honor to the oldest men in the service. They fired deliberately, for the most part took aim, and seldom missed their object. On the day after tills gallant action, Moultrie cheered his officers and men in the following spirited and singular language: " My brave companions, you see the advantage of courage and fortitude. You have fought and have conquered, and the gallant fellows who fell in the cannonade of yesterday, are now in Heaven, riding in their chariots like the devil."
New Jersey Journal, 1779.
6 /proceed to New York. A few days after the engagement, the troops re-embarked and the whole sailed for New York.
7 If'the cowardly Yankees. During the hottest fire of Sir Peter Parker's squadron, the flag of the fort was shot down. Sergeant William Jasper immediately stood upon the ramparts, with the flag in his hand, until another staff was handed to him, when he planted it and retired. |
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