Military Memoirs of Capt. George Carleton by Daniel Defoe
page 78 of 250 (31%)
page 78 of 250 (31%)
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Hills, or the Houses possess'd by the _Miquelets_. Officers and
Soldiers, under this prevailing Terror, quitted their Posts; and in one united Body (the Lord _Charlemont_ at the Head of them) march'd, or rather hurry'd out of the Fort; and were come halfway down the Hill before the Earl of _Peterborow_ came up to them. Though on my acquainting him with the shameful and surprizing Accident he made no Stay, but answering, with a good deal of Vehemence, _Good God, is it possible?_ hastened back as fast as he could. I never thought my self happier than in this Piece of Service to my Country. I confess I could not but value it, as having been therein more than a little instrumental in the glorious Successes which succeeded; since immediately upon this Notice from me, the Earl gallop'd up the Hill, and lighting when he came to Lord _Charlemont_, he took his Half-pike out of his Hand; and turning to the Officers and Soldiers, told them, if they would not face about and follow him, they should have the Scandal and eternal Infamy upon them of having deserted their Posts, and abandon'd their General. It was surprizing to see with what Alacrity and new Courage they fac'd about and follow'd the Earl of _Peterborow_. In a Moment they had forgot their Apprehensions; and, without doubt, had they met with any Opposition, they would have behav'd themselves with the greatest Bravery. But as these Motions were unperceiv'd by the Enemy, all the Posts were regain'd, and anew possess'd in less than half an Hour, without any Loss: Though, had our Forces march'd half Musket-shot farther, their Retreat would have been perceiv'd, and all the Success attendant on this glorious Attempt must have been intirely blasted. Another Incident which attended this happy Enterprize was this: The two |
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