HISTORY OF VERMONT. 1^7^ 



become extremely critical, but the danger to^ 

 which their lines were exposed, was still more' 

 serious and alarming. Phillips and Reidesel 

 were ordered to cover the retreat, and those' 

 troops which were nearest, or most disengaged/ 

 returned as fast as they could for their defence. 

 They were obliged howerer to abandon six 

 pieces of cannon, most of the artillery men being 

 siain, and the horses entirely destroyed. • . 



The British troops in general retreated in 

 good order, though hard pressed. In their re- 

 treat th«y had been chased for nearly two miles, 

 and they had scarcely entered their camp,' when 

 the Americans stormed it with great fury ; 

 rushing on through a severe fire of grape shot 

 and small arms, with the most desperate valor. 

 Arnold led on the attack with his usual impetu- 

 osity, but met With a spiiited resistance from the 

 light infantry, under lord Balearras, who had 

 been ordered to defend that part of the line. 

 The engagement continued with the utmost 

 obstinacy on both sides, till Arnold was wound- 

 ed and forced to retire. His troops continued 

 the attack witli the greatest bravery and perse- 

 verance, but found the British grenadiers so 

 strongly posted, that they finally succeeded in 

 defending their lines. But in another quarter, 

 where the Germans were posted, the Americans, 

 led on by colonel Brooks, carried the entrench- 

 ments, sword in hand ; totally routing the enemy, 

 with the loss of their baggage, tents, and artille- 

 ry ; nor could the post be regained, though 

 Burgoyne, extremely anxious to recover it, em- 

 ployed some of the best of the British troops 

 io eifect that purpose. In this attack, colonel 



