THE MILITIA AND THE WAR OF 1812. 34.7 



ing order for review and inspection. This day was the Sabbath : 

 no church bell rang. This day, companies of artillery, infantry 

 and riflemen were constantly coming in from the neighboring 

 towns. The hills and high rocks around were covered with anx- 

 ious spectators, both male and female. The inhabitants were 

 busily employed cooking for the soldiers and packing up their 

 valuables in readiness in case the enemy should land to destroy 

 the town, which he had threatened in case of resistance. 



At 9 A.M., upwards of twelve hundred men were stationed at 

 different points of defense near the Cove. It was now high 

 water. The enemy in eleven barges and a sloop tender, hove in 

 sight off the Glades. When they had obtained a position so as 

 to look into the Cove, they lay on their oars for observation. 

 They dispatched the tender to the westward to reconnoiter the 

 shore j several officers landed at the Glades from a barge, also to 

 reconnoiter. All was now perfect stillness and anxiety. The 

 officers of each company were encouraging the men to fight man- 

 fully, and in case any should desert in time of action, they were 

 told they would be immediately shot down. The American flag 

 was displayed from various posts where the troops were stationed. 

 At 1 1 A.M. a signal was made from the Bulwark for the barges to 

 return to the ships. The attack was withdrawn in consequence 

 of their observing such a superior force to oppose them. 



The troops remained at their respective posts through the day, 

 expecting the barges to return the next high water. A strong 

 guard was again posted at different points. A strong boom had 

 been placed across from Hominy Point to the Bassing Beach and 

 every preparation for defensfe was complete. The town presented 

 the appearance of a military camp. Several bands of music were 

 occasionally playing, relieved by the drum and fife. The plain 

 around the meeting-house was occupied as the grand parade. 



On the morning of the 20th the ships weighed anchor and 

 stood to the eastward. All the troops, excepting one Hingham 

 and one Weymouth company, returned to their respective homes. 

 Capt. Lothrop was ordered to select from his company, twenty 

 seafaring men to be stationed at the Cove in charge of the six- 

 pounder ; to select their own ofificers and be subject to his orders. 

 The company paraded on the plain and the men were called from 

 the ranks, myself being of the number. We marched to the 



