come to the determination to save the country, and means to transact
that piece of business without fail.

I never saw that quiet, iron look change but once. I will tell you
about it. It was one of those days after the battle of Trenton, when
he tried to concentrate the troops that he had scattered over the
country, to bring them to bear upon the British. His object was to
show the enemy that they could not keep their foothold.

Between Trenton and Princeton he ordered the assault. The Virginians
were broken at the enemy's first charge, and could not be rallied a
second time against the British bayonets. General Washington
commanded and threatened and entreated in vain.

We of New England saw the crisis, marched rapidly up, and poured in
our fire at the exact moment, Judah Loring and I in the very front.

The British could not stand the fire. We gave it to them plenty, I
tell you. Judah Loring loaded, and I fired over and over and over
again, till it seemed as if he and I were one creature.

A musket, I should explain to you, feels nothing of itself, but only
receives a double share of the nature of the man who carries it.

I felt ALIVE that day. Judah was hot, but I was hotter; and, before
the cartridge box was empty, he pulled down his homespun blue and
white frock sleeve over his wrist, and rested me upon it when he
took aim. He was a gentle-hearted fellow, though as brave as his
musket.