ARTES
1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PLURIOUS UNU
TUEBOR
SI QUERIS PENINSULAM AMŒNAM
CIRCUMSPICE
VAR
GIFT OF
REGENT LL-HUBBARD
82
E34-
031
THE
FREDONIAD;
OR,
INDEPENDENCE PRESERVED.
An Epic Poem
ON
THE LATE WAR OF 1812.
BY RICHARD EMMONS, M. D.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
VOL. IV.
SECOND EDITION.
PHILADELPHIA :
PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM EMMONS.
ADAM WALDIE, PRINTER.
1830.
..
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT:
District Clerk's Office.
Be it remembered, That on the tenth day of August, A. D. 1827,
in the fifty-second year of the independence of the United States
of America, WILLIAM EMMONS, of the said district, has deposited
in this Office the title of a Book, the right whereof he claims as
proprietor in the words following, to wit:
"The FREDONIAD; or, Independence Preserved. A Poem on
the Late War. By Richard Emmons, M. D. In four volumes."
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States,
entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing
the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprie-
tors of such copies during the times therein mentioned." And also
to an act, entitled, "An act supplementary to an act, entitled, An
act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of
the maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such
copies during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the
benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching
historical and other prints."
JOHN W. DAVIS,
Clerk of the District of Massachusetts.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME IV.
CANTO XXXI.-DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
Invocation. Address to the moon. Ripley retires with the troops
to Fort Erie. Drummond, after taking possession of the Heights,
pursues the retreating army-surrounds the fort. Skirmishing.
Gaines' defence of Fort Erie.
CANTO XXXII.-SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
Storin re-inforces Drummond. Gaines being wounded, is convey-
ed to Buffalo. Davis supports Ripley. Address to slavery.
Brown having recovered from his wounds, arrives at Fort Erie.
The sortie.
CANTO XXXIII.-CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
Prevost removes from Kingston to Montreal. Blakeley puts to sea
in the Wasp. Capture of the Reindeer. The Wasp, after blow-
ing up her prize, enters the port of L'Orient to refit,-revisits
the ocean, sinks the Avon. Capture of the Atalanta. The
shipwreck.
A
CANTO XXXIV.-NAVAL VISION.
Naval actions pass in vision before the Celestials situated on the
wall of heaven.
CANTO XXXV.-MILITARY VISION.
The celestial vision passes from the ocean to the land.
CANTO XXXVI.-HAMPton.
Invocation. Cockburn's spoliations in the Chesapeake.
iv
CONTENTS.
}
CANTO XXXVII.-UNION OF THE STATES.
Cockburn sails to the mouth of the Petapsco. Union of the States.
Overthrow of the Infernals.
CANTO XXXVIII.-DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG, &C.
Prevost invades New York. Macomb is supported by volunteers.
Skirmishing. A night scene. Macdonough's victory on Lake
Champlain. Prevost defeated at Plattsburg.
CANTO XXXIX.-DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
Cochrane arrives at the mouth of the Petapsco. Stricker gives
battle to the invaders. An episode. Defence of Fort Mac Henry.
The British defeated in their attempt upon Baltimore.
CANTO XL.--BATTLE OF NEW Orleans.
The cities fortify against invasion. Fort Bowyer. Cochrane's arrival
in the Bay of Saint Louis. Jones with five gun-boats contends
with forty-five vessels of the enemy. The landing of the advance
of the English army. Jackson's night attack. The British
make several unsuccessful attempts to gain the breastworks,
The decisive battle before New Orleans. Conclusion.
{
THE
FREDONIAD;
OR,
INDEPENDENCE PRESERVED.
VOL. IV.-?
AN EPIC POEM.
M
CANTO XXXI.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
i
ARGUMENT.
Invocation. Address to the moon. Ripley retires with the troops
to Fort Erie. Drummond, after taking possession of the Heights,
pursues the retreating army-surrounds the fort. Skirmishing.
The assault.
The scene: Heights of the Niagara, Chippeway and Fort Erie.
The time is ten days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXI.
SONGS thirty have I sung,—yet ten remain,
Crude, undigested, written in the brain;
Fancy and Memory must cull the lines-
Labour immense !-to finish my designs.
Then Liberty and Peace with seraph tongue,
Will join harmonious to conclude the song;
Then, then unstrung my fretted harp shall rest-
What anxious weight will lighten from my breast!
O but the thought gives inspiration sweet!
It makes my pulse in dancing measures beat!
Vouchsafe my heart its music, heavenly Muse!
And bathe my bosom in celestial dews.
At times I faint;-but, lo! methinks I feel
A thrill divine, beyond me to reveal!
Is it thy whisperings moving on my soul,
Fanning desire, that my new verse will roll
Down the far stream of time, and aid to keep
My Country lock'd in links of Union deep?
That then the poet will his fame receive—
That though in dust, his pencill'd thoughts will live?
2*
18
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXI.
Is this the sound that gladdens in mine ear,
Crowding mine eyes delicious with a tear?
O if it be but a delusive dream,
Yet I'll enjoy the transport of the theme-
Live in neglect---care nothing to be seen,
If in the roll of years my numbers will be green!
Fill'd with this hope in clearer notes I'll sing,
For thou, O Muse! will plenteous music bring;
Yea, thou canst tune my numbers to complete
My song of Freedom with ethereal heat,
Sublime, descriptive, smooth, pathetic, sweet.
A tapestry of mist, the Queen of night
Drew round her form and sadden'd at the sight;
But now, not hearing of the battle loud,
Slow she disrobes her bosom from the cloud.
Alas! what horror doth her light reveal---
The wasted gore runs trickling down the hill !
Death pil'd on death, and broken sword-steels red,
And the pale faces of the warriors, dead.
Horse on his rider bleeding;-skull bones bare
Cast back the moonbeams with a hideous glare,
Like that reflected from a spectre's cheek,
Troubling the tombs the rotten dust to seek.
The silver-bosom'd daughter of the spheres,
Turns from the scene and veils herself in tears.
Fair Queen of heaven! doth sorrow dim thine eye
For human grief, whilst travelling through the sky?
Ah! yes, I mark affliction on thy brow,
And tear-drops coursing down thy cheeks of snow.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
19
O thou hast touch'd that something in my breast,
That makes me happy even when distress'd!
For man, alas! there's ample cause to mourn-
He falls to dust-ah, never to return!
Though now thy form is waning on decline,
Yet soon thy horns shall fill and glorious shine;
Not so with man—a flower in bloom to-day,
To-morrow faded-mouldering into clay!
And is the grave the all-the last of man---
His strength but weakness and his life a span?
Fair Mourner! tell thy bended suppliant here,
If man exist beyond thy lovely sphere?
If but to feed the grave-yard worms be all
For which he buffets on this tossing ball-
O then more close fold up thy thickening cloud-
Stain it to blackness like the coffin shroud!
But if the soul beatitude shall find,
Bless'd with the rapt fruition of the mind,
Dismuffle from thy veil-pour down thy rays,
And let me ravish'd on thy beauty gaze!
*
*
*
*
Worship the sign !---the clouds disparted fly!
She looks new burnish'd from the Deity!
*
Gaze, O ye mortals! bend your eye to heaven---
Behold the promise of a life new given !
Around thy silver robes, night's holy Queen!
Angelic natures in their bliss are seen!
The Muse feels soaring on Elijah's fire!
Propitious omen!-man shall not expire!
20
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
He like thyself a transient season dies
To shine eternal in the vital skies!
*
*
*
*
*
*
Brown's warring passions stay'd, he felt the pain
Of either wound and fil'd from off the plain.
Fast by an oak, his horse bereft of pride,
Drain'd of his blood, laid down, and groan'd, and died.
Against the oak, exhausted lean'd the chief,
Who, though in anguish, to his aid in brief,
Instructions gave:-" Bid Ripley with a wall,
Circle the Heights impervious to the ball.'
Austin obey'd—a moment he was gone—
The warrior feverish with his wounds alone.
*
*
Lo! the Protectress of Columbia's fame,
In fashion of a dreaming image came-
The lineaments of Washington assum'd,
And thus his mind persuasive she illum'd:
"Think not, my son, though gash'd with wounds
severe,
Thou art an object less of guardian care;
'Tis oft the purposes of Him above,
To chasten, when His features smile with love.
How soon these mouths will heal-and then the scars
Will deck thy name, as heaven, by yon bright stars.
"Let deep-weigh'd thoughts be thine: Stretch not
too far
Their tired nerve spent, toiling in the war.
Never was earth by mightier heroes press'd-
But call to mind, that strength depends on rest.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
21
I plac'd my country in the bower of peace,
By oft retreating when I 'd won the race.
""Twill yield but ideal honour to contend
'Gainst swarming thousands and the hill defend;
Vast multitudes are gathering from the sea
T'enslave the nation with a king's decree.
Consider now, how small thy numbers are,
But what are bleeding or in death-robes there.
Thy late command annul, and forth array
Thy fainting cohorts to the Chippeway;
From thence, the maim'd, with fever in their blood,
Can soft be glided o'er the yielding flood;
Those with their strength unbroken will proceed
To Erie-soon with splendour to succeed
To bind their temples with a verdant meed.
You at the village patiently remain
Till these rough wounds are heal'd, and you regain
Your powers enfeebled,―able to command,
And do yet larger honours for the land.
"Heed these my words to you indulgent given,
And be thy succour in the arm of heaven."
She said. And faded like a vision bright,
Or passing meteor that illumes the night;
Brown lost in reverie mark'd her as she flew,
And hid her image from his wondering view.
What time she spoke, his wounds forgot to burn,
But now the lancings of their fires return;
And every thought Fredonia left behind,
Seems but the inward workings of his mind:
22
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
It happens thus when age dries up the brain,
No action recent doth the mind retain;
But what this moment pictures on the eye,
The next, dissolves it into vacancy:
So from the cause of fever-working pain,
Her image and her voice forsook his brain.
Austin ere this had reach'd the gory ground
Where Ripley stood-his officers around:
"Facing yon star, against an oak is Brown,
With half the fountain of his heart run down;
Yet in anxiety his pains are lost-
He bids you mound against the gathering host,
That never they of these proud Heights shall boast."
Ripley solicitous to him returns:
"I joy to hear the vital lamp still burns
Warm in the hero's breast. I'd search'd the plains,
Expecting there to find his cold remains;
For those who saw him in the battle's heat,
No hope encourag'd that his life still beat.
I thought when I beheld him, of the three,
Who dwelt in fire untouch'd with injury!
"Austin, away-direct me to the chief,
For I must soothe him in his hour of grief.
"Warren, long eminent in healing skill,
Whose uncle fell at the immortal Hill---
You'll forth with us to bind his glorious wound,
And save his blood from wasting on the ground.
66
Porter, the labour of the mound commence-
Though in exhaustion, we must strive defence.
4.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
23
"Austin, the rowel to your courser ply-
We wait-we linger,- like a racer, fly."
Brown musing sat beneath the rustling tree,
His brow upon his hand, his elbow on his knee
Leaning his head. When he their coming heard,
He rais'd; they halt;-he harks to Ripley's word:
"And dost thou yet survive?-never, alas!
I apprehended to behold thy face.
We thought none mortal could the flames withstood—
But I the surgeon from your wounds exclude.
"I'll but a moment more: Both friend and foe
Toward the Chippeway are moving slow.
The dead are gather'd in a funeral pile-
But first of blood we had to drain the hill.
Though weak our means, we 'll labour to surround
Th' emblazon'd Height with trench and breasted
mound."
Brown proves his soul yet great: "This order learn,
No hand of healing serves me till my turn.
Warren, away, and to the bleeding give
Thy art divine that makes the dying live.
Trowbridge and Fuller, Everett, Allen, Gale,
Will need thy presence where the pulses fail.
The last was I upon the field that bled,
Hence, till the last, my wounds shall be delay'd.
"Th' instructions late, which I by Austin sent,
I now annul, my mind is different bent.
Recede must we our losses to repair—
The warriors ask this tenderness of care.
24
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
Brief he the march to Chippeway begun---
Wait not the rising of the absent sun.
66
"I at the village* shall remain with those
Broken in fight, till these my wounds shall close.
Early at dawn you 'll measure back the plains,
And join at Erie with the valiant Gaines."
Modest thus Ripley: Thy superior grade
Gives to thy word a power to be obey'd
Unargu'd-but rescinding the command
Will prove the life of our exhausted band.
"The captur'd guns, repeatedly I 've strove,
From off the Heights in safety to remove;
But every wain unlimber'd-horses slain,
Foil'd is our strength to bear them o'er the plain.
Hardly I know what method to propose;
To leave them here, would gratify our foes."
((
Thus he perplex'd. With promptness Brown explains:
Necessity binds all in iron chains;
Its voice must be obey'd, though it should wring
The core of life and tears of anguish bring.
Man is but man at best-he can no more
Than do his utmost to exert his power.
"If fail our means to move the trophies now,
Them plunging hurl upon the rocks below.
And if it cause a bolstering of their pride,
They must in this event be gratified.
"Let me no longer with my words detain
Your presence here; but haste with loosen'd rein
* Schlosser.
{
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
25
Back to the field. The night full half is spent,
By yonder star that lights the firmament."
With deep emotion Ripley press'd his hand,
Mounted, rejoin'd the army, at command—
Army! alas, a cohort scarce remain,
But what are scarr'd, or number'd with the slain.
The cannon chok'd with steel, their trunnions broke,
Headlong they dash them from the beetling rock.
They march in silence. Soon the Chippeway
They reach-and there their urgent wants allay.
Jones, Gardner, Austin, aids to Scott and Brown,
Slow with soft bearing, move the heroes on.
One yawl receives them o'er the wave to float-
So valu'd freight ne'er press'd a swimming boat!
Next they convey the wounded in their turn,
During their healing, thither to sojourn.
Soon as the east gave promises of light,
They march for Erie's fort and reach the same at night.
Now at the blush of the appearing morn,
By the drums' rattle and the bugle-horn,
The Albions broken in their pride elate,
From parts remote, slow moving congregate;
Silent they form, depression in their eye,
Blank'd with despair, with shame and misery :
Thus, when Vesuvius for a century round,
Had quiet slept without an angry sound-
The grape, the olive, and the fig were seen,
Exuberant blooming on its brow serene.
VOL. IV.-3
26
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXI.
The kid light leaping, and the grazing sheep-
The heavy mules slow pacing up the steep;
The rural cottage grac'd with curling smoke,
The white-chaf'd waters of the dashing brook ;
The smiling hamlets scatter'd here and there,
Breathing life's essence from the heaven-wash'd air-
Bedeck'd with beauty all the mountains bound,
While light wing'd happiness swam floating round:
At length disploding with a fiery blast,
The scene is chang'd-its loveliness is past!
The grape, the olive, and the fig-tree die-
The kid, the lambs in melting lava fry;
The mule is crush'd beneath a burning rock-
Mad fire-streams roll where late the dashing brook ;
The rural cottage where it smiling stood,
Coy to be seen beneath embowering wood,
And every hamlet breathing life from heaven,
Sad to the wasting of the flames are given;
And all the mountain that was late so fair,
Is wrapp'd in ruins desolate and bare:
Like this, the royals in their pride serene,
On tiptoe fancy plough'd the sparkling green,
Deck'd with embroider'd stars, fantastic flowers-
To strangle Freedom in their sportive hours;
But, lo! the recent slaughter of the fight,
Had wound their fancy in the shroud of night.
Their stars fantastic and their flowers, no more
Remain the emblems of their boasted power;
Broke, blighted, wither'd by the recent blast,
They stand despairing with their souls aghast.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
27
Drummond a cavern in his panic found,
Whose narrow path from the Niagara wound.
Gladly he enter'd to avoid the strife,
And from the turmoil, shelter with his life.
He laid him down,—and soon a feverish sleep
Began slow limping o'er his brain to creep.
At times he utter'd forth his dream: "I'm down!
Kill me no more! I yield the banner'd crown!
Let me swim out! I own myself subdued—
Deafen'd with groans !-a dying multitude!
See earth with flames dissolve -the hand of death !-
I faint, I die, hell-monsters rise beneath!"
Thus, a wild frenzy wrought upon his brains,
His blood at times congealing in his veins;
And then it swell'd them with the strength of fire,
Then ebbing back, he'd struggle to expire;
But soon the passion festering at his heart,
Would cause a dream the cavern vaults to start.
Thus, through the night he toss'd with his despair,
Like some defeated tiger in his lair.
Lo! the deceiver, to relieve his mind,
Approach'd disguis'd, as if to heaven resign'd;
Deep seam'd with age, in hermit's rude attire,
With faggots burden'd to produce a fire ;
Them he collected as he pass'd the wood,
Which boreal winds had o'er the path-way strew'd.
A hoary beard descends upon his breast;
A shaggy girdle compasses his waste,
In which a book of faith is artful seen
Like other hypocrites;—his cheeks are lean;
28
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
His tatter'd cloak of party-colour'd dyes,
Conceals in part the lankness of his thighs.
His knees are callous as though worn with prayer,
And stooping as he moves he mutters to the air.
Drummond awakening with an aspect wild,
Starts from the stranger: "Fear you not, my child!
Though bare by nature fed-my cavern poor,
Yet to th' afflicted open is my door.
It glads my heart to do my fellow good-
I've shunn'd deceitful man for solitude,
Where I in meditation can commune
With holy things when this rude war is done.
And Brown retreated, my faint hopes revive,
That I unknown in quietness may live."
"What language this you hold?-my nerves you thrill!
And hath that butcher vanish'd from the hill?
My bosom dances !—yet—I yet distrust,
Though thou art holy and thy looks are just.”
"Not this surprise creates-man is deceit;
From youth to age he studies but to cheat:
Hence words divine as truth we disbelieve—
Yea, not our credence to the righteous give;
Therefore illusive you my voice distrust-
It proves the frailty of our brittle dust.
99
"But come, I'll prove it to your heart's content,
That he at midnight made his vanishment.'
Drummond reluctant doubtingly complied-
They mov'd together lock'd in arm aside,
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
29
Two-thirds the distance he arose the hill,
But there he paus'd-his bosom in a chill.
With coward lips, joints trembling he began:
“Behold, what object?—their approaching van!
And see you not a marshall'd host in view?
I fear some spy have told you things untrue!
Quick from the danger let us wheel—retire▬▬
Methinks they aim in readiness to fire!"
He turn'd and strove to fly ;--but fast the fiend
Restrain'd his flight: "Deceived art thou, my friend.
The smoke hath blurr'd thine eye;-thin nothing 's
there,
Save transient vapours floating in the air,
Raised by the warming sunbeams. Rest on me,
And soon from doubt your vision shall be free.'
Drummond took heart--yet onward mov'd he slow,
Step after step-suspicion on his brow:
•
Thus had a wolf been driven from the fold,
Till scarce with panting he his breath could hold;
Exhausted, wounded, by sharp hounds beset,
Till every muscle pour'd a stream of sweat.
But soon by rumour passing by his den,
He hears the flock are led by shepherd-men
Beyond his late defeat. With cautious tread,
He ventures forth to feast upon the dead,
If any left behind: "Twixt hope and doubt,
With wildness strange he throws his eyes about.
By fangs receiv'd on the preceding day,
His feet for trembling scarce sustain his way.
3*
30
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
Yea, even from afar to view the plain,
Brings all the soreness on his flesh again.
With nostril on the ground, and eye oblique,
He pauses now-and now, a tame thing weak,
Cowering he creeps in terror to descry
The crouchant mastiffs at his throat to fly:
So Drummond fearful like the wolf proceeds-
His vacillating thoughts like shaken reeds.
At length he gain'd the summit-yet his eye
Search'd for the lurking of an enemy.
But when his guide advanc'd him to the rock,
From whence was hurl'd his massive cannon broke,
Sudden his heart was bloated into pride,
And to himself like acclamation cried:
"Mine is the triumph!—how it throbs my breast!
My thoughts come rushing-not to be express'd!
My soul was darkness for my honour stain'd--
But now have I the dubious contest gain'd!
They 've fled before me like loose chaff in wind!
What deep disgrace had I to them resign'd?
Now I a knighthood from the king shall find!
How every tongue my honours will proclaim!
I burn-I feel the element of fame!"
While vaunting thus, the hermit soft withdrew
To hold a conclave with his Stygian crew-
To aid Convention presently to meet
To rend the States-their country to defeat,
And lay their freedom at a monarch's feet!
Drummond no thought upon the stranger cast-
His mind elate, the circumstance effac'd.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
31
He met his guards-they furnish'd him a horse,
And led him on to where his gather'd force
Stood in dejection, every feeling low,
Like marble statues weeping in their wo.
Drummond approach'd with pleasurable look,
And unexpected of a victory spoke:
CC
Why stand ye thus with heavy brows cast down?
And know ye not that we the field have won ?
The crest, the Height is ours!-Brown, Scott, have fled!
Not fruitless hence our choicest veins have bled.
All, all, yea all have vanish'd like a dream,
And left to us the battle-ground supreme!
Well did I know that we such fire had dealt,
That they before us as the dew would melt!
Vincent, thy bands to memorize the feat,
For they were cover'd with a blazing sheet,
Proud on their frontlets shall NIAGARA! bear,
To tell the world that we the conquerors were !"
66
As when the surly East sweeps round the field,
And all the peasant's hopes begin to yield;
Sickening at heart he deems his harvest done—
Wasted his labours in the burning sun;
Behold the balmy South on odorous wing
Visits the earth-the birds their love-notes sing;
The swain rejoices in the vital sound-
His tightening nerves like music chords rebound:
So when the Britons heard their general speak,
They felt their hearts a new sensation strike.
By files he wheels the line; with spirits light-
Drums beating vict'ry-they ascend the Height.
32
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
Their broken engines from the cavern deep,
They tug and sweat, and labour up the steep.
They plant them round to make a martial show,
While their hearts tremble, Ripley to pursue.
With pompous circumstance they swell the theme,
But none are anxious to explore the stream
Offensively, the patriots to o'ertake-
The sleeping giants in their wrath to wake.
Now when the circle of the day was spent,
And to the east th' unwieldy shadows bent,
De Waterville with thousands rose the Height—
A man of daring, and affections bright.
Soon as his columns halted on the hill,
Drummond accosted him with borrow'd smile:
66
My heart beats happiness to hail you now—
It makes my veins with gladness overflow.
Though half my host they 've buried in the tomb,
Yet you avengingly with steel have come-
The Eagle's wing will fall with death's dark plume.
We, on pursuit, will them with bayonet thrust,
And bow their standard humble in the dust.
View, view the height—the copiousness of blood,
Fattening the earth-it seem'd at times a flood!
A wilderness on fire, is likeness faint,
Compar'd with that which fill'd the element.
As falls the summer grass, so swept we them,
Or cluster'd insects shaken from a stem.
Their globes the bearers of our cannon broke—
We steel'd the vents and gave them stroke for stroke;
For oft we slew them with the blade in hand-
Their broken fountains gushing on the sand.
}
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
33
Soon as the sun the morrow shall inflame,
We'll move upon them and strike dead their name.”
De Waterville replies: "My joy is great,
To hear your tongue the scene articulate;
And full my heart with proud emotion swells,
That final conquest in your bosom dwells.
"Prevost impressive bade me to repeat,
When Brown should fold his standards at your feet,
That from the west to Kingston you 'll descend,
And join him there the banded States to rend.
Supported with your strength--at Plattsburg first,
'Tis his design to make a royal thrust;
From thence to Albany his flag he 'll bear,
And, with his army, spend the winter there.
"During the boreal reign, New-Albion true,
Will join the Cross, Virginia to subdue;
Yea, even now Convention is at hand
At Hartford-sudden to divide the land."
Drummond with smiles gave token of assent;
They parted--each to his pavilion went.
The shades of night soon call'd them to the feast
Of sleep luxurious, till the brightening East
Should ope her gate to let the morning forth,
To give new being to the waking earth.
Time turns the circling hours with steady hand-
Soon night's oblivion shrinks at his command.
Young day with infant wings is mantling seen,
Blushing beneath the early star serene.
Sweet kissing with soft love the virgin beams
Dance hand in hand upon the misty streams.
1
34
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
I
Light snowy wreaths from the Niagara rise,
Spreading a banquet to admiring eyes.
The sun new risen touches every fold
With colours pour'd from heaven's rich urn of gold--
And, as he onward in his race careers,
Around each dewy curl a bow appears-
Another, and another, and another 's seen,
Mingling the blue, the violet and the green,
In playful circles intermingling rare,
Like wings of angels flickering in the air.
And now in splendid files th' imperial band,
The Heights descend and spread along the land.
The living multitudes successive pour,
Like ocean waves receding from the shore;
Their drums resounding while their banners high,
Flout the loose clouds in pomp of chivalry.
The path of Ripley boasting they pursue-
At day's departure Erie swells in view,
The Stars are seen upon the evening's breath,
And Eagle griping hard the shafts of death.
In fashion of a crescent deep they camp,
And spread their tents to shelter from the damp
Of falling night. For seven succeeding days,
Reeking they toil defensive works to raise.
When at far distance fil'd they on the plains,
The patriots gather'd at the voice of Gaines,
To learn their different stations of command,
To deal them ruin with unsparing hand:
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
35
Ripley and Hindman, Towson, Morgan, Hall;
Ropes, Maston, Riddle, Broughton, Aspinwall;
Jones, Belton, Zantzinger, and Cushman, Foot;
Childs, Duglass, Blake-oaks of unshaken root-
Bird, Trimble, Foster, Thomas and Fontaine,
Of polished honour without breath of stain;
Porter and Harding, Belknap, Cummings, Greene,
Brooke, Wattles, Cissney, Gleason, Bushnell, Bean;
Wood, Birdsall, Denhon, Harris, Ross, Mac Ree;
Williams, Mac Donough of artillery,
And Watmough; Larned, Bowman, Keally, Chunn—
Names to endure the brilliance of the sun,
Till man shall yield to slavery undone.
Gaines by his birth was to Virginia given,
Her fame to elevate and his, to heaven—
By his high deeds to stand above the earth,
A star to crown the constellation north.
"Ye growth of freedom springing from the soil!
With martial skill, the Drummonds we must foil,
And bend their steels in dust. With effort one,
Cemented shall we curb these tigers down.
Present, are numbers here, whose passioned blood
Hath proud the furnace of their wrath withstood.
field 've melted down their power,
you
In open
As dew is melted in the morning hour;
Yea, and I mark expression in your eye,
Which speaks your valour was but infancy!
"With promptitude at southern bulwark, stern,
Towson, keep watch the elements to burn.
36
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
The thick-wall'd battery at Erie's bank,
Duglass is yours, to guard our northern flank.
Trimble in front, and, Fanning, Biddle firm,
Level your cannon-prove a quickening germ
Of plants to flourish verdant as the wreath,
That bears immortal blossoms after death.
Hindman, whose name is terror to a host,
Make you the centre of the fort your post;
Williams and Watmough and Mac Donough fair,
Will play the engines and divide your care.
Porter and Trimble will the mound defend,
Should there the enemy with steel ascend.
Your cohorts, Aspinwall, will hold the right,
And guard the Duglass-Battery in the fight.
Ripley, combine your infantry with Wood,
Who in the face of war has smiling stood;
You'll strengthen Towson with your planted men,
When in your presence shall the foe be seen.
"Let each his name advance. You'll now repair
To do what freemen for their country dare.
When war's rough turbulence shall jar the land,
Ye like rock-pillars in your strength will stand.”
They heard-departed at the orders given,
To do such deeds as elevate to heaven.
Now while the Drummonds labouring broke the soil,
The patriots strove the rising works to spoil.
Not small the number by the cannonade,
That void of life upon the earth were laid;
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
37
Yet still the broken parts they soon replac'd,
And back the globes upon the forted cast.
Incessant thus at each the war was driven,
Till a moon's quarter had decreas'd in heaven;
But when the gladdening sun, the eighth, arose,
Gaines, with an eye that ever watch'd his foes,
Beheld their engineers new lines display,
And thus to Morgan marshall'd in array,
And Birdsall, burning for their fame severe,—
Two active warriors,-never in the rear.
"Chiefs of the rifle! opposite in view,
Behold them tracing an alignment new!
Through yonder defile, Birdsall, move with haste,
And force them back and lay their labours waste.
Morgan, reserv'd with your battalion stand
To give him power, should Drummond's strength
demand.
"When they your flames excited shall repeat,
Then with close art you 'll battle on retreat,
That from the fort our cannonry may play,
A fiery prelude to th' approaching fray."
Birdsall advances without question said-
And wars at distance with unerring lead.
Morgan reserv'd, stands jealous to descry
When to proceed his arms to testify.
Soon fall the artificers, reft of life,
The rest shrink backward and avoid the strife.
Drummond provok'd, their swift defeat beheld,
And Tucker prompt he order'd to the field:
VOL. IV.- -4
38
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
"Lead twice two hundred with the bayonet strong,
And strike the rifles in the dust along.
Teach them repentance thus to venturous dare
To leave their walls and check our bulwarks there."
Tucker with rapidness arrang'd his band-
But, lo! the Greens like rock-bound cedars stand,
Braving the whole till Morgan files his men,
And like a sweeping eagle joins the scene-
(He at Conjocta proud invasion met,
And made a host of names in bloody clouds to set.)
“Rivet the eye upon the bead with skill!
Aim at the breast that every lead may kill.
A volley centred thus is equal seven,
Which at their ranks with reckless heed is driven--
"But why this language? every flash they die--
They struggle for their breath-they turn--they fly!"
*
*
*
*
Drummond to Lethridge wheeling, briefly thus:
Why do you stand? Behold them death to us!
Around your flag the broken troops, re-form,
And then with steel against their bosoms storm.'
Lethridge supported, stays their flying course—
O'erpowering files on Morgan bend their force;
Unmov'd the warrior bids elance the fire:
"Another volley yet, another-and retire!"
Scarce had his tongue the bold expression made,
When glanc'd a death-shot burning through his head.
Quivering he sunk upon the field of strife-
But ere he touch'd the soil, was pass'd his life!
He fell a breathless eagle to the earth-
He rose-a phoenix of celestial birth !
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
39
His cohorts stand and shower with lead the plain--
Soon Lethridge pouring of his blood is slain!
Tucker recedes with his companion dead,
Who presently himself must in his shroud be laid.
With heart in mourning, Birdsall slow conveys
The corse of Morgan forth,-till time decays,
His fame in brightness will improve. With solemn wo,
He bears him o'er the lake to Buffalo;
There in earth's bosom he entombs his dust,
Wept by the soldier and the patriot just.
The sun now lingering in his chariot west,
Drummond his purpose to his chiefs express'd:
“To storm the fort, no longer must we wait,
Or they our forces will annihilate.
Our strength is failing like a river, when
The fountain-streamlets cease upon the plain.
Defeat will come of this. We melt away
Like snow that wastes beneath the solar ray.
This night we'll put our royalty to test-
No more for them the sun shall gild the west.
Fisher, your legions to the south lead forth,
And seize, and hurl their cannon to the earth.
Drummond, my brother, thou the fort assail,
And thick with shrieking ghosts oppress the gale.
Scott*, to the north in silence guide the way—
The Duglass-Battery at the lake, assay.
Tucker, in column, your divisions, stand
To give support, should failing strength demand.
* Of the British army.
40
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
"Heed every circumstance: See pikes and ball,
And nitrous dust, and scaling ladders all,
At hand and ready--Drummond*, you and Scott,
Curb your impatience till the fight grows hot
Towards the south, the hostile powers between
Yon lofty mound and Fisher's chosen men;
But when the action shall engage them there,
Then on the battery and the fortress bear.
"At second watch beyond the midnight hour,
Begin the onset with a crush of power."
Th' instructions given, his officers proceed
To arrange their armies for the midnight deed.
Scarce had they gain'd their standards, when a shell,
Red hissing from a regal mortar fell
Deep in the fort, beside a magazine,
Which sudden flam'd the quickening dust within!
A peal of thunder travell'd o'er the earth-
A volum❜d fire sprang fearful into birth
And flash'd to heaven.-King-subjects pour'd on high,
A shout which tore abrupt along the sky.
The patriots soon deliver'd back the same,
With sound which heavy jarr'd the welkin frame,
To publish to the foe no power was lost—
That death remain'd to swallow up their host.
Drummond elated to his aids around:
"Behold, we 've rent and buried them profound!
*
*
*
*
*
"But look! they kindle with ambition fir'd!
A part, it seems, are yet with life inspir'd,
* Colonel Drummond.
*
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
41
I somewhat fear'd that we 'd consum'd the whole—
That not a breathing body wrapp'd a soul.
"Exert your utmost !-engines, all explode,
And hang upon the air a burning cloud!
Swift runs the dial shade that brings your death!-
Discharge your thunders with a lightning breath!
Stifle the element !-Brief 1 decree
Your final scene-the crush of Liberty!
Time flies on cleaving wings to bring your fall—
The watch of twelve will toll your funeral !
The sand is wasting when no more ye live-
Wide yawns the grave your bodies to receive!
The fowls of heaven".
Here by his throat was sent
A heated globe which stopp'd his argument.
Night holds its solemn reign. Round nature far,
Through broken clouds, like troops in savage war,
Looks on the earth a green malignant star.
The beetle's buzz is heard-the hoarse frog sings-
The bat eccentric flits on flickering wings.
The hooting owl laments with boding screams-
In deep complaint are heard the murmuring streams.
The wild-cat screeches, wolves in chorus yell,-
The congar's voice alarms the ear of hell.
Meteors of blood glare round the pall-black night,
And through the darkness rain a drizzling light.
The stars at length bring forth th' appointed hour-
Through the deep forest Fisher leads his power;
4*
42
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
:
Beyond the voice, where Towson, Ripley stand,
He halts and gives instructions to his band:
"The period hath arriv'd our arms to test—
To seize, and wrench the Eagle from her nest.
To scale those battlements, inflame your wrath,
And, for Niagara, their standard scath.
"Nichols, proceed and break those breasted men,
That stand in wedge the battery, lake, between.
Rely upon the steel-the flying lead
They disregard the falchion strikes them dead.
I on the bulwark shall the charge make good,
Till every pike drinks plenteously of blood.
“Now—now--'tis now !-Plant, mount the climbers
strong!
Silent-till havoc thunders from the tongue."
They step with soundless feet in progress forth,
Like thistle's down, when zephyr in its mirth,
In sportive gambol glides it o'er the earth.
The fearless Nichols in a wary mood,
Leads against Ripley and the gallant Wood;
And Fisher heedful breathes along his course,
To mount the crest and seize upon its force.
The jealous Ripley waiting the alarm,
Was first to observe the congregating swarm;
And, like the shooting of a star he strode
To where the planted infantry of Wood
Were lac'd in armour, scorning a surprise-
Watching the darkness with unwinking eyes.
"Behold the squadrons that oppress the ground!
Bend the locks ready for deliberate round!
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
43
But, soft! stand dark without a moving breath-
Rolling they come !--Emit the blaze of death!”
Death flashes at the word! the weapons pour
Fire in full volley-Towson's thunders roar
Troubling the elements. A gush of blood
Fattens the earth with dying multitude:
As when a band of lusty reapers wield
Their crescent sickles in the harvest field,
A thousand golden heads at every blow,
Sink with a shivering to the dust below:
Thus fall th' assailants prone on every hand—
But those with life roll backward o'er the land.
By Fisher's daring, soon they re-unite-
He gives them courage to repeat the fight:
"Who was the coward slave, that first said—fly?
Stand in your place! We mount the bulwark high,
Or prove us worthy of the boon to die!
The column, change its front! Firm lock'd, advance,
Should heaven's blue lightnings in their anger glance !"
Their manner they revers'd. In solid form,
They move and give the promise of a storm.
Still as the midnight shades Columbians stand,
Lest they disturb th' approaching of the band ;—
They plant their ladders confident of might,
And mount them with their pikes;-but, lo! their plight!
Their length scarce twice eight cubits, vain they strive
To gain the parapet twice ten and five!
While thus suspended in the air they stood,
Fisher still urg'd the pressure of the crowd:
44
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
"Handle your pikes and beat their standard down!
Snatch at the flag! behold our object, won!
Scarce had these words found utterance from his
tongue,
When Ripley spoke, and deep the war-peals rung!
In splinter'd parts the scaling ladders fly-
On up-rais'd pikes the falling Britons die !
With waste of life they second time retire-
Slaughter pursues them on the wings of fire.
But soon they wheel and make another pass-
Again they fall in heavy swaths like grass;
Yet in their madness they again renew
The desperate strife, and perish like the dew,
When the pure burnings of the golden orb,
Break through a cloud and swift the drops absorb.
Fisher unconquerable severe again,
Collects his scatter'd legions on the plain :
"And shall we kneel in dust? renounce the prize?
Shame to the thought!—to death, or vengeance rise!
Hark! how they battle to the west and north?
Listen! how shakes the bosom of the earth!
Behold the flashes kindling up to heaven!
And are we kneeling? from our purpose driven?
Shall Scott, shall Drummond, mount upon the wall,
While we defeated in debasement fall?
Never-no, never,-magnify the dead,
And let each life-drop on the earth be shed.
We'll storm or die! Let none the column break,
For now 'tis my design to ford the lake—
?
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
45
Yes, round the compass of their works to wade,
And charge upon them with a strength new-made.
The tumult at the north their mind will bend
Back from the striving that we now intend.
Yea, while they think us driven to despair,
We'll do such deeds as none but brave men dare.
"On-follow where I lead!"
He makes the stream,
In which the sanguine meteors flashing gleam,
Prophetic of his death if he proceed,
While ghosts with recent wounds before him bleed!
But them he disregards. His squadrons pour,
Troubling the waters like the ocean's roar.
Soon Ripley kenn'd their movement in the flood,
And thus half smiling in a pleasant mood:
"Behold the enemy which late we slew!
Like Egypt's gods they 've chang'd to something new!
See, with what foam, they round the bulwark turn-
Kindle your matches! let the brass tubes burn!
If spirits of the lake they'll vanish-fly-
If not, perhaps a second time they 'll die!"
With high devotion, at the order done,
Towson and Wood, exploded every gun.
Appall'd they find o'erwhelming slaughter wide-
Erie is thicken'd with a gory tide.
A wound ends life; they faint and drink the lake,
And never more from their oblivion wake.
Fisher and Nichols, were the first that fell,
For they were near and entering with the steel;
8.
46
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
>
Ripley discern'd them by the badge they wore,-
He had them rais'd from out the lake of gore,
That when the storm should cease, with honours just,
Solemn to shroud them in their robes of dust.
Like broken billows tumbling to the shore,
The columns roll, t' escape the iron shower,
Vaulting with flame. A thousand with their breath,
Scatter like frenzy to avoid their death;
But Ripley comes impetuous on their rear—
Whole troops surrender smitten with their fear.
He leads them back-delivers them to Wood,
And joins with Hindman to maintain the feud.
The time that Fisher with his host engag'd
To strike at Towson with fierce passions edg'd,
Scott heard the tumult-led his bayonets forth.
To storm the Duglass-Battery at the north;
But the bold youth his engines bent so well,
Before their iron throats whole squadrons fell.
Broughton and Foster, Harding, Aspinwall,
Mac Ree and Biddle, aided him with ball.
The forward ranks stoop'd their tall heads to dust,——
The others fled like snow before a gust;
Or when a cloud on Holyoke's fearful height,
Gathers with blackness like the folds of night-
Rolling and deepening with a frown severe,
Threatening the instant to dissolve the sphere;
Behold, a tempest sweeps athwart the heaven—
Sudden-at once, its solidness is riven !
Its parts fly scatter'd through the empty void,
And all its terror at a blow destroy'd:
BATTLE OF FORT ERIE.
47
So Duglass rent the column on the plain,
And gave the groaning earth a sanguine stain.
Drummond* the meantime mov'd upon the fort,
Deaf to the warring thunders in report
Of Hindman's brazen mouths, which smote him dire,
Yet still his breast he bore against the fire!
As those in front with wounds unsightly bled,
An equal number crowded in their stead;
As these sunk gasping on the slippery earth,
Others the fountains of their hearts pour'd forth-
Still they advance with pike and dagger whet,
And fix their ladders at the parapet !
Drummond ascended with ambition stung,
And with this artifice he cloth'd his tongue :
66
Suppress th' eruption of the battery there!
The Drummonds yield!--they bend in their despair!"
Duglass the moment he the summons heard,
Smiling obey'd the counterfeited word;
So tender was his heart, he fear'd to wound
A soul, whose flag had kiss'd the humble ground.
By this, had Scott his broken ranks rejoin'd,
And by his eloquence inflam'd their mind.
To storm the Duglass walls, whose smoke-wrap'd fires
Had chok'd the element. With mad desires,
They burnt to scale the battlements, and Scott
Fann'd high their ardour with his accents hot:
* Col. Drummond.
48
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
66
Why stand we here inactive as the moth,
While Fisher storming, overcomes the south?
Hark! Drummond 's in the fort!—and here we stand!
Hard lock the column-fingers dent the brand!
Behold, their brass have bellow'd them to rest!
Move-mount-transfix anatomy their breast!
The night is ours!-the fame--the victory-
The glorious fame of crushing liberty!"
Strong in their strength they press in solid form,
Forgetful of the late tremendous storm,
Which buried half his host! No dread they fear
Of the damp death that hovers on them near.
To prostrate Freedom so absorbs their mind,
All thoughts beside are scatter'd to the wind.
While this was passing, Gaines fill'd every part,
And by his manner fortified the heart;
Learning the cause why Duglass action ceas'd,
While Scott was ready, with his ranks increas'd,
To leap---in plenitude of slaughter, feast—
Swift from the centre to the north he flew,
And him he question'd with expressions few:
66
Duglass! why silent ?-say ?--wherefore, my son?
Deceptious was the word! Flash every gun!
Behold, the enemy deep-lock'd in form,
Approach your works with tiger-spring to storm !”
The youthful Duglass blushes for the past-
He crowds his engines to augment the blast;
With match-rope edg'd with fire, touches the prime--
Thunders roll deafening, lightnings flash sublime;
The distant mountains echo back the roar-
The column shriek-drop dead-are heard no more!
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
49
1
During these movements, Drummond reckless stood
Amidst his dying train besmear'd with blood,
Determin'd in the fight !-A thickening lower
Smooth'd his brow, by hell's abiding power.
Deep, dark, close, blacker than the raven pall,
Which wraps the coffin for the funeral.
Grimly he stands, while hungry death devours,
Insatiate of his meal, his swarming powers,
Grinding them bloody in his icy jaws—
At length he foaming from the strife withdraws:
Thus had a greedy wolf the sheep-fold past,
But ere a blood-drop had indulg'd his taste,
The faithful mastiffs in their courage strong,
Drove back the ruffian from the bleeting throng;
Yet slow and sour he mov'd-grinding his teeth-
Foam from his mad jaws gushing every breath:
So Drummond rav'd empurpled with his ire,
To be compell'd from Hindman to retire.
66
But soon his strength he gather'd on the plain,
And brought them forward to the strife again.
By all the untomb'd spectres of the night,
His heart shall bleed who falters in the fight!
No Briton gives-should earth and heaven combine
With pestilence to sweep away the line,
And every name to greedy death resign!"
So grating was his voice, like discord hell,
It seem'd a fiend beneath had tun'd it well.
Onward he moves while blackening in his wrath-
His gloomy squadrons crowding on his path.
VOL. IV.-5
:
50
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXI.
While thus was Drummond ;-Gaines with towering
soul,
Plann'd, and directed, and inspired the whole;
Bade Fanning range his brass-Porter's volunteers,
To point deliberate, as he re-appears;
And thus to Biddle with a gun's command:
"In true position with your thunderer stand,
Ready with flame the slope to enfilade,
That life may wither every blast that's made."
Rapid the word was given; he wheel'd away,
Nor did the time admit of more delay.
Silent in mind, Biddle the order done,
While Gaines to Duglass in brief style begun :
"Your deeds this night will never see the dark!
But now in stillness their reserve you 'll mark.
Aim with fatality! Listen!-no more,
Hindman re-thunders on the storming power!
His voice was lost amid the peal of war,
Which broke upon the heavens like earthquake jar.
Hindman disgorges an o'erwhelming flame;
Fanning and Biddle, Porter, blaze the same.
A thousand deaths leap forward at a flash;
The skulls of Britons with a spattering crash.
Drunken with carnage back they reel again—
A groaning host lie gasping on the plain !
But Drummond still unconquer’d in his rage,
Once more advanc'd his squadrons to engage ;
Once more the patriots with destruction vast,
In fiery whirlwinds smote them at a blast!
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
51
The elder Drummond in his madness wept,
To see his cohorts to destruction swept ;-
He leaps to Tucker with reserve and cries:
"On with your legions! see-the column dies!
File with quick beating-lo! they melt away!
Reform the battle-stand you to delay ?"
The sword of Tucker wav'd as he was done-
He led his squadrons to the engagement on.
Like clouds they come when night is black with shades,
But Duglass marks them-kindles-enfilades
Their ranks but partial seen, obscur'd by night
Like distant fires half smother'd from the sight.
Thrice they recoil before the carnage dire-
Thrice they press on till half their chiefs expire.
While Duglass at reserve the flames roll'd forth,
The smoke in volumes, by a light breeze north,
Close wrapp'd the bulwarks like a cloud profound,
Deepening, concealing, smothering up the ground-
Shrouding the Britons waiting for the prize-
Veiling in darkness Hindman's searching eyes.
Drummond perceiv'd it favour'd him his plan,
And thus with tiger confidence began:
"See, the reserve approaches with support!
Behold, a coffin blackness wraps the fort!
Move breathless to th' assault !-Their cannon north,
Will drown our numerous feet in progress forth.
Step light as snow-fall-plant the ladders still,
Then mount with bayonets-massacreing kill."
لم
52
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXI.
They move-they reach the fort-they plant--they
rise-
And thus the ruffian on the bastion cries:
"Stand lock'd in wedge! No god shall drive us hence,
Not though that hell should rise in their defence!
Roll in their blood !---none from the sword shall live!—
Roll in their blood! we 've mercy none to give !"*
Ere this command the monster-man had said,
The war burst horrid starting up the dead.
Fredonians pour a melting flood around,
Yet stand th' assailants and maintain the ground;
Though by full hundreds with deep wounds they fall,
Hundreds ascend reckless of steel or ball;
The trench is chok'd!-blood gushes forth, a stream-
And as they yield their breaths a thousand spirits
scream!
Till this no balmy drop from Freedom's veins
Sprinkl❜d the earth-but now it shows its stains:
Foremost in gallantry was young Fontaine,
For six had he in single combat slain ;
Thrusting too far, and, by a false step made,
He met the point of an opponent's blade,
Which brought him to a foil-from bastion's height,
He fell and yielded up his soul to night;
For not with Drummond could he hope to find
Virtue to treat a bleeding captive kind.
* Damn the Yankees-give them no quarters!
Drummond.
?
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
53
Lo, where he fell the English allies stood,
Recent emerg'd from out a bordering wood;
Th' uncultur'd chief presented him his hand,
And rais'd, and bore him to a distant stand,
Remote from clash of arms-a proof severe,
That savages possess'd a character
More pure than Britons, who with high acclaim,
Boast of a Newton's and a Milton's name.
Williams amid the brightness of his youth,
Enrich'd with honour in the paths of truth,
While toiling to exalt his country's fame,
Though scarce recover'd from a fever's flame,
Felt the cold steel within his tender breast-
He sunk a wreath of snow and sigh'd his soul to rest :
Thus some fair lily in the morning blooms,
Gladdening the valley with its rich perfumes;
The trembling dew-drops on its tresses weigh,
And bend it drooping lovely to survey:
So pale upon his bosom sunk his head,
Whilst direful rung the clashing armour dread.
At length MacDonough, wounded in his side,
With yielding voice to marble Drummond cried:
My strength is failing-wasting is my life-
I ask protection to retire from strife."
66
66
Speak not of life—of life, I've none to give!
None of the name of Liberty shall live !"
5*
54
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXI.
th
2
The barbarous speech pour'd lighting through his
blood;
Grasping a weapon in despairing mood,
Fierce like a lion when incens'd with ire,
He smote whole ranks and caus'd them to retire.
While thus his vengeance terribly he dealt,
Drummond sprang forward, snatching from his belt
His ready arms, quick bent the lock-spring,--fir’d—
Mac Donough fell--but not his life expir'd;
Beneath the bastion in his gore he lies,
Death hovering near to seal his slumbering eyes.
Fast from his bosom ebbs away his life,
Whilst o'er his head tumultuous peals the strife.
Hindman beheld, and with his soul as fire,
Assail'd the tiger-man: "Wretch !-die-expire!
Inhabitant of hell, flee earth!”
He said,
And opposite his breast elanc'd the lead;
It reach'd his heart-but, lo! his heart of steel
Batter'd the ball!-by Gaines' sword he fell—
The hero rushing, cleft his skull in twain ;--
Quivering he sunk all ghastly on the slain.
So rank his purple veins-his weight so dread,
Groans seem'd to rise like sufferings from the dead.
Behold, two ministers of hell appear
To bear his soul to penal flames severe !
Like struggling moons eclips'd, their eyes look dim,
When mists from slaughter'd fields across their surface
swim.
DEFENCE OF FORT ERIE.
A coil of snakes hard bind their temples round-
Their foaming tongues drop poison on the ground.
Look! how they watch the heaving of his breath,
His soul to seize the instant of his death!
He shivers-grasps-he dies-
With horror dread-
See the fiends snatch the spirit of the dead!
Like distant flames they vanish from the eye,
Dragging his soul to damn'd eternity!
55
By this had Tucker rose: "Conquest!" he cries-
And urges on his legions to the prize.
They stand determin'd on the bastion's brow,
Though numbers fall like autumn leaves below.
Gaines, Ripley, Porter, Hindman, Biddle, Wood,
Strike at the heart and empty it of blood
But where one dies, two enter in his room,
Fix'd on their death, or Freedom to entomb.
While thus they strove-Mac Donough, where he
lay
Beneath the bastion shelter'd from the fray,
Beheld a chest of quick combustion nigh,
And match-fire smouldering to consume it by:
"I'll put it forth! O how it mounts my soul!
The foe unmerciful, in flames shall roll!
My fall shall not be vain. I'll break the strife,
And, for my country, render up my life.
“O Thou, who weigh'd the Heavens! Who breath'd
the mind!
Receive my spirit on the fiery wind!"
56
CANTO XXXI.
FREDONIAD.
His prayer was brief, but full. He touch'd the fire !
A host of Britons at the blast expire!
The sanguine meteors flashing through the night,
Turn pale and tremble at th' astounding sight.
The graves yawn wide and let their tenants forth--
The shrouded spectres travel round the earth!
CANTO XXXII.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
ARGUMENT.
Storin reinforces Drummond. Gaines being wounded, is convey-
ed to Buffalo. Davis supports Ripley. Address to Slavery. Brown
having recovered from his wounds, arrives at Erie. The sortie.
The scene is laid in and about Fort Erie. The time is ten days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXII.
BEHOLD, what object bursts upon the sight!
It takes the fashion of triang'lar light—
Like flame of melting iron the glorious thing,
Th' astonish'd eye with wonder riveting!
What music? hark!-transporting,-how divine!
Is earth made heaven?—is this the brilliant sign?
Celestial splendours marvellous unfold!
Bright from th' empyrean, lo! a ring of gold
Comes rolling down the stars-it meets the light-
Wraps it in fire-past utterance to recite!
Their vital radiance animates the sky-
The stars of heaven break forth in harmony!
The nameless wonder leaps from star to star,
Till lost in glory from the sight afar!
*
*
*
*
*
Spirit of Heaven! reveal this strange event,
Beyond the reach of thought magnificent!
I hear thy voice!-how clear-how sweet, yet strong-
I 'm chain'd in silence listening to thy tongue!
"Mac Donough's spirit was the angular light,
Which fill'd thy soul with transport exquisite,
60
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
Leaping the stars to seek its bless'd abode-
The ring of fire, no less than breath of God.
“Patriots like him who for their country die,
Are borne to Heaven on breath of Deity!"
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The stars have lost their beams. The infant morn
With tender beauty in the east is born;
As night's thin shadows from her presence fly,
Like innocence, her cheek glows blushingly.
Drummond gives orders that the bugles call
His scattered host--their feelings tragical;
Slow they advance,-he marshals them in square,
And thus endeavours to prevent despair:
"None hath his name dishonour'd in the fight--
Away these thoughts that sink us with their weight.
Say that your ranks have bled at every vein,
Is not my brother number'd with the slain?
In peace, death winds insidious round the heart—
In war, it comes and instant we depart;
Yes, and remember'd on the page of time--
A theme to melt to tears, or waken thoughts sublime.
"What though profuse have we our fountains drain'd,
Behold, what losses hath the fort sustain'd?
Dissolv'd in ruins-cast upon the air!
Hence not depress'd, to Kingston we 'll repair,
And strengthen Prevost, Plattsburg to invade,
And let division of the States be made.
"New-Albion sever'd from the southern line,
Will soon the standards of Britannia join.
1
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
61
"Some tidings full of joy hath reach'd our ear
Lo! Brown is dead and ended his career!
And nothing more have we from Scott to fear!
They fell in conflict at Niagara's Height,
Where we through scenes of fire maintain'd the fight,
As Vincent's cohorts on their frontlets bear,
Proving we held the palm of triumph there!
"Strike the pavilions-
"Stay! Behold, I see
A herald straining up the lake for me!
He comes to bring instructions from Prevost,
That we should hasten to augment his host.
"But in due order through the camp, divide,
And banquet there till I the march decide.
Our blood exhausted will require to feast,
Before we wave our standards to the east.”
The cube the summons without pause obey'd,
While the shrill fife enlivening music made.
Their choicest viands sumptuous they provide-
Abundant, now such numerous mouths had died.
Soon by replenish'd goblets they forego
The sad effects of the disastrous blow;
They shout rejoicing for the fall of Brown,
And Scott, who tore their flouting standards down-
And thrice the same for priesthood, king and crown.
Meantime with rapidness to Drummond came
The aid of Storin, foremost of the name:
"Most royal Drummond, whose dread scimitar,
In battle gleams a pestilential star!™
VOL. IV.—6
}
CANTO XXXII.
62
FREDONIAD.
My speed to thee has overleap'd the wind
To bear intelligence to cheer your mind:
My veteran chief with his command is nigh.
To wave the Cross in pride of chivalry!"
He scarce had finish'd, when, an arrow's flight,
Storin himself came forward from the right:
"Anxious in person to salute your ear,
I've followed swift upon my messenger,
That I minute each circumstance might learn,
Where on their ranks our arms of fire should burn.
I strove my utmost to advance my power
During the night, to aid that awful hour;
The scene at distance, as we hurrying came,
Seem'd the earth opening, was disgorging flame.
"When Prevost heard you at Niagara's Height,
Orders he gave my march to expedite,
Your arms to strengthen to o'erwhelm the fight."
"And needs not Prevost my swift movement there?
I thought that he-
"But officers, repair
To my pavilion where our luxuries wait-
While round the board, on measures we 'll debate.'
*
*
*
*
Soon as they 'd made an ending of their feast,
De Waterville, by Drummond honour'd least,
Began the theme: "Our ranks by Storin now
Made full, who never in the charge was slow,
Renounce would I the purpose to retreat,
Till we the victory had made complete.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
63
'
Though some may stamp the late assault with fame,
Yet, should we march, I fear the English name
Would darken with disgrace. No-let us first
Sweep yon proud bulwarks level with the dust;
With lines of complex art, the fort surround,
And enfilade, and tear it to the ground."
Thus he. And Storin thus:
“Sure none will flee,
While floats the Eagle on the loose winds free!
Behold, two heavy regiments are mine,
To execute whatever we design-
Panting to show their solid discipline-
Never appall'd-from battle, never fled,
Though oft their movements have been clogged with
dead.
None that hath blood to warm his heart will give,
Till we submission of their flag receive."
He ended. Drummond then: “ With pride I learn
Your bosoms yet with daring impulse burn.
66
"I thought, De Waterville, you understood,
That never here we own ourselves subdu’d;
Hence we in every field th' engagement claim,
By which in foreign eyes we hold our fame.
From long experience happily 1 find,
Defeat or conquest, is belief of mind-
For I so frequent have the day made ours,
Though from the conflict driven were my powers,
That I as truth my own reports believe,
And thus most soothingly my mind deceive;
This the advantage of a lofty tongue-
It keeps the head erect, though sad the heart be wrung.
64
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
"Never to Europe would it answer there,
Our deep disasters open to declare-
"Twould sink the dignity of Royal down,
And dull the jewels of the English crown.
Then might indeed the Holy League suppose
Our arms unequal with their ranks to close.
(6
My writings to the king, my speeches hence,
With acclamation of proud deeds commence—
With notes of victory, begin the strain,
And in conclusion, is the host we 've slain,
Though scarce had we perhaps unlock'd a vein.
"But this no more. With twice three thousand strong,
We soon in dust must stifle every tongue.
Their strength I learn not equals one to four,
Hence nothing saves them, though with desperate
power,
They put their bosoms to the shafts of death,
And seem unconquer'd as they yield their breath.
I find the thoughts that Rial spoke were right,
That they resemble Michael in the fight,-
Therefore should we another work design,
By which to prove superior discipline.
66
Yes, on the left extreme, bordering the lake,
A new defence with cunning hands we 'll make.
Vincent, this labour I intrust to thee,
To enfilade and break an opening free.
And you, De Waterville, with veterans bold,
The strong redoubts, will on the right wing hold.
And, Storin, potent where the bravest stand,
Your part will be, the centre to command.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
65
"Those not requir'd to execute the toil,
With battering flames the elements, embroil,
By which, perhaps, shall we effect a breach,
Ere Vincent's mortars open from the beach.
"These views accomplish'd, we shall labour down
Those haughty ramparts and exalt the crown."
His plans the different officers approve,
And forth the squadrons to their place remove
To do the warfare as his orders bade,
And cause the Stars before their strength to fade.
Drummond repair'd with Vincent to the lake-
To raise a mound Fredonian walls to break;
And as they struck the margin of the beach,
Him, Drummond thus instructed in a speech:
"Here I select, where presently you 'll raise
Bulwarks of might upon the fort to blaze.
Let the work show complexity of art,
Defended from assault in every part.
Let lines intrenching, twice six hundred feet,
Be cut deep downward till they arching meet.
The pickets place in crowded circle round,
Close set, and solid planted in the ground-
Thick, multiform, involv'd a complex maze-
Impossible to pass-immoveable to raise.”
He ended. Vincent with his engineers,
Fashions the work design'd-the stout pi'neers
Approach with trenching instruments and wound
The bosom of the earth t' erect the mound.
Now Drummond strides with stateliness along,
And bids the mortars' and the cannon's tongue
6*
66
CANTO XXX11.
FREDONIAD.
Deafen with war. The engines bellowing sound
Against the heroes in the forted ground;
The brass of Storin from the centre burst-
Far on the right De Waterville the just,
Opens with potency a thunderous flame,
Which jars the granite base of nature's frame.
Now when the glimmer of the morn was seen,
The patriots rose with brightness on their mien.
They put their hands to toil the wall to raise,
Dash'd into ruins by Mac Donough's blaze:
So at the time that Hesper gilds the west,
The weary bees on sugar beds at rest—
A swain approaches with his Indian fumes,
And drives them sicken'd from their lodging rooms—
Rifles the hive of its mellifluous sweets,
And then with whistling to his home retreats.
The bees awaken resolute at morn,
The every fibre of their strength new born-
Burning with diligence----united zeal,
And patriot ardour for the public weal,
With prompt despatch, their broken cells repair,
Each animating each with cheerful air:
Thus the defenders like the zealous bee,
Restore the breach, which broke the enemy.
Gaines by his knowledge of a leader's part,
Keeps an excitement in each soldier's heart,
Giving to those who in their toils excel,
The approbating smile of doing well;
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
67
Yet still his praise so tempers as to heat
The blood of those less willing of their sweat.
Thus were the Free employ'd, when Drummond's
band
Began at distance to inflame the land.
Gaines at the lumberings of the fiery swell,
Spoke to his cannon for their globes to tell:
"Silent no longer with the matches stand-
Advance them to the vents with rapid hand!
Hindman, scarce equall'd in the hour of flame,
And Towson, lasting as creation's frame,
Make day to imitate the shrouded night—
With battering pestilence their labours, smite;
But watch the sky-shells as they arching fall,
Or when the guards shall give th' alarming call."
Forth to the vents the brave the matches ply-
Red balls of thunder split along the sky.
From fort, from breast-mounds dire the lightnings play-
A fiery darkness muffles up the day.
Now Gaines exhausted with excess of cares,
T'acquire fresh vigour to his couch repairs.
Scarce was he seated by himself alone,
When a bomb hissing, with precision thrown,
Rush'd in his presence !-Rising from his seat-
The shell explodes tremendous at his feet!
The thick convolving, suffocating smoke
And nitrous flames, his life with smothering choke.
His burning wounds confine him to the floor-
But Ripley comes and dashes at the door--
68
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
1
The wounded in his arms he bears away-
The breath of morning brings him back to day.
His feeble voice scarce audible is heard:
"My war is done-and useless is my sword.
Now must thy soul stand forward in the strife-
I know thy honour is more dear than life.
To you the tested Brown will soon be given-
He seems if healing by the hand of heaven."
This effort partial made him swoon away.
Ripley to Jones: "Smooth o'er the lake convey
The fainting warrior-land at Buffalo,
Where skilful hands their unction will bestow.
"Till Erie's name shall moulder on the tongue,
His brilliant deeds in triumph will be sung."
Jones with emotions which bespeak the brave,
With easy oar soft glides him o'er the wave.
Th' opposing powers for nine continu'd days,
Involve the compass of the field in blaze.
Conflicting flashes burn along the ground,
While direful peals reverberating sound:
Thus when deep earthquakes startle from beneath,
Bursting their ribs of rock with sulphur breath,
While the sun labouring in eclipse is seen
Behind the moon portending death to men:
Like this the element with war is fill'd-
The sun's bright radiance darken'd on the field.
Thus they incessant toil'd, days six and three,
And unexhausted was their enmity;
But on the tenth, the Vincent-battery done,
Hush'd into silence was their every gun.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
69
:
And now the gallant Davis reach'd the fort,
And of his strength to Ripley made report-
York's daring sons-no slaves her fallows till,
But freeborn hands her horn of plenty fill-
*
*
*
*
Slavery!-thou nurse of bitterness and wo-
Thou rankest poison of this earth below!
A palsy, that the energies benumbs-
All the soft charities of life, entombs.
Thou driv'st the virtues from the bosom hence,
Scathing the soul with mental pestilence!
Behold yon breathing form, the seat of pride,
Whose craving wants by thee are satisfied-
Never--ah, no-thy sweat but feeds his fires,
And desolates his soul with hell desires.
Passion is reason-all his grovelling mind
Wallows in mire-to swinish lusts resign'd.
Fractious, capricious,-now with anger wild-
Now, foolish fond-a rattle for a child.
His time is nothingness; far worse than dead—
See how he tosses listless on his bed!
While nature blushes with inviting charms,
He, he alone is sunk in sleep's dull arms.
Mark how he gnashes in a raving mood!
Wildly he starts !—he dreams of Afric blood!
The vision wakes him-yawning, feverish now-
Vacant his eye-dejection damps his brow.
His nerves are loose, unstrung,-inactive, weak,
He feels it labour or to breathe or speak.
He cradles as he moves,-but yet remains
His strength of arm supplied with burning veins;
*
70
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
By frequent use its brawny muscles swell,
Plying with straining eye the lash of hell!
Who is this being to the sight address'd,
A moth in action, but of tiger breast?
'Tis a poor lordling-miserably poor-
Worse than a beggar fed from door to door.
Now turn thine eye and mark that object there—
His jetty limbs uncover'd from the air!
Ah, see him cast his leaden eye around,
As dull he heavy moves slow moping o'er the ground.
He marks creation bright with freedom glow,
And hears the notes of woodland music flow;
He sees their liberty and sighs more deep-
His heart is broken,-sad behold him weep!
List to his clanging chain! it chills the heart!
From father, wife, from children----see him part!
He stays to take one last, last farewell look,—
His feet are hasten'd----hark!-the iron stroke!
He bleeds!!-
The theme no more !----my pulse sinks dead----
A frenzied wildness startles through my head!
Perhaps this slave in chains-ah, who can tell,--
But that his soul would made a Hannibal!
Are his close locks and Afric-colour'd skin,
The damning marks to justify thy sin?
Because of these, thou rocky tyrant! say,
Dost thou snatch freedom from his soul away?
Blush, monster! blush!-I talk to ears of stone-
No blush e'er mantled o'er thy cheek-not one!
Tremble! eternal Justice marks within
The spotted heart, but not the jetty skin!
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
71
Slavery! thou art most pois'nous, loathsome bane—
Thou stamp'st my country with the blackest stain.
Cursed, past cursed be that cursed hour,
When Afric's children landed on our shore;
May that death-day be stricken from the years-
Heaven! be eclips'd and weep down bloody tears!
*
*
*
*
*
The Muse hath led me from my theme astray—
Trembling I feel the passion of her lay:
But when the fountains of my soul are dry,
I then again the war-song note will try.
*
*
*
*
*
These names with Davis enter'd to require
Fame----to abide till nature's funeral pyre:
Mac Donald, Shortridge, Ingersoll, O’Fling ;
Bates, Hall---youths burning where the death-leads
sing.
Churchill and Crosby, Markle, Dunham, Brant,
Crouch, Wilcox, Parker----Goodell, Brinot, Grant,
Shore, Dobbin, Beedle--souls of adamant.
Mac Burney, Kellogg, Ganson, Ballad, Lee,
And Bigger of Canadian infantry;
Burr, Lawrence, Wilson, Chatfield, Ramsey, Hale,
And aged Hubbard, though his white locks fail,
His heart is strong to bear the warrior's mail.
With strength new-sinew'd, lo, the conquering Brown
Returns---to reach the summit of renown-
Enters the fort ;----the mouth of every sore
Heal'd--as though touch'd by some superior power!
72
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
}
Arriv'd--and friendship's salutations done,
Ripley the business of the war begun :
Thy presence glads our hearts---the nine past days,
Each against each has dash'd the nitrous blaze;
Yet in defiance, yonder bulwark they
Completed, threatening on the fort to play.
As morning's harbinger made bright the east,
They, tir'd by parts, the cannonading ceas'd.
By certain movements, soon I apprehend,
That they their utmost on our walls will bend.
"A happy fortune gives thee to us now—
A saddening gloom is clouding every brow."
Brown stood in silence with a pondering look,
Weighing his thoughts—at length abrupt he spoke :
"One passage only opens to be free,
And that is this-to strike them in sortie.
This plan is all-the only that remains-
To close with steel and rush upon the plains.
To men less brave, it desperate would appear-
But well I've tested what of souls are here.
“Riddle and Frazier, of abiding worth,
From southern angle of the works move forth;
A path explore with secrecy and haste,
Through the thick beeches where the right is plac'd.
Be mindful to return in silence soon-
We strike the blow when sun shall pass high noon.
"Wood, Gibson, Davis, your divisions join,
To strengthen Porter in the bold design;
When Riddle, Frazier, shall the way complete,
They'll be your guides the enemy to meet.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
73
Miller, your cohorts in yon deep ravine,
Darken from sight-no flag or steel point seen,
Till from the left shall Porter's lines advance-
Then with slant bayonets on their centre glance ;
Trimble and Aspinwall, his cares, divide,
For oft your bosoms have with flame been tried.
Forsythe and Upham, stand with Ripley here,
Reserv'd-to move where pressure shall appear.
"Let each attentive fill his part assign'd—
Let inspiration burn upon the mind.”
Riddle and Frazier, ere the chief was done,
Had past the fortress and the trail begun ;
The others to their different lines withdrew,
To rank them off and give them feelings new.
Soon stood the columns in their steel, prepar'd
To hear the word and do the thing they dar'd.
At length the gold-hoof'd coursers of the sun,
Climbing the heavens had half their circuit run;
They there a moment stood to breathe and rest,
Ere they their flight precipitated west.
Frazier and Riddle to the fort return'd,
And from the latter, Brown their doings learn'd:
"Th' important office you on us conferr'd,
Is done so secret scarce a leaf was stirr’d—
Yes, we so circumspect a course pursu❜d,
Britannia dreams not of the path of blood.
The way within ten footsteps of their right,
Nothing impedes-yet blinded from their sight."
Thus Riddle modest. These the words of Brown:
"Your names will dwell, young warriors, in renown.
VOL. IV.-7
74
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
4&
Wide through the land your characters will spread—
You'll Porter guide along the trace you 've made.”
With willing feet to Porter they repair,
While Brown advanc'd and occupied the square,
Where stood the patriots rank'd in martial form,
Waiting command besieging powers to storm:
"Arriv'd at length hath the decisive hour,
Which breaks in fragments the Britannic power.
Now is it offer'd to the soul who dares
To place his name with those immortal heirs,
Dwellers in heaven !-whose praise till end of years,
Will yield sweet music to the listening spheres!
"How often have you met this foe the same-
Sunder'd his ranks-his standards scorch'd with flame?
At York he fled pursued with whirlwind breath,
Mingled with fire-a universe of death.
And, as was Sheffie, beaten was Prevost-
He fled the Harbour with a shiver'd host.
And at the fortress of the rock-ribb'd George,
Ye smote-o'erwhelm'd and routed them in charge.
At plains of Chippeway the Eagle tower'd,
While crouching in the dust the Lion cower'd.
Late at Niagara—the height of fame!
He fell and fear'd to think upon your name!
Lo! recent here, while curtain'd in the night,
Ye melted down to death his banded might-
Crowded grim darkness with his shrieking dead,
And roll'd him back in fiery carnage dread!
"And will ye shrink at this momentous hour?
Resign your fame and crouch beneath his power?
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
75
Resign to him whom frequent you 've withstood,
And made the earth reel drunken with his blood?
Resign to him your verdant laurels won?
Resign and sue that your free drops may run?
66
Longer not here can we with life remain—
No choice but yield, or meet them on the plain.
Lo! yonder mound is ready at the beach,
To enfilade us and effect a breach!
66
Say, which your choice? to bleed, to fight, or fly?
I pause to learn your will
*
*
*
*
"War sparkles every eye!
It glads my heart-a sacredness like heaven,
Thrills every nerve to see you valiant given!
"Heed not the sting of death! to die is gain!
How rich the boon to fall in glory slain!
An immortality proclaims his worth,
Who dies in battle for his native earth!
"Move in deep silence forth! The motto bright,
Is God, and Liberty, and Freedom's Right!
As when in summer's drought, refreshing showers,
Restore the fragrance to the drooping flowers;
Or when that spicy gales delicious rise.
On playful pinions from the southern skies,
Quickening the plants and all created things,
By winnowing odours from their dewy wings:
So words of Brown inspirited with life—
And every breast was throbbing for the strife.
They move with solemn stillness at command-
Riddle and Frazier guiding Porter's band.
1
76
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
Miller with caution leads to the ravine,
The Albion centre and the fort between.
Ripley and Upham planted at the gate,
Stand--at a signal to precipitate.
Nothing of these events did Britain dream-
But at the rampart on the left extreme,
Drummond intent his every nerve applies,
At the next sun to make the fort his prize.
When all prepar'd, he thus: "Lo! now full soon
We'll cast their star-flag to the waning moon!
When day returning lights the gate of heaven,
With battering globes their bulwarks shall be riven.
That odious token floating in the breeze,
Will lap the dust-swift death their hearts shall seize.
Then retribution for the names we 've lost!
None shall have life, lest vaunting he should boast
Of victory, as heretofore they 've done,
E'en at Niagara, where our bayonets won-
Our cannon prove that they defeated run !"
19.
While Drummond thus was lifted in his mind,
As if already were the brave enshrin'd,
Porter's division charg'd upon his right,
Cold with the steel, and put the wing to flight!
So wolves compell'd reluctant from their prey,
By mountain panthers in the midnight fray,
Retire morose and sour o'er barren heath,
Enter their den and plan new scenes of death.
While unsuspecting they their theme pursue,
Their late opponents rush upon their view;
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
77
At first in their surprise resign'd they die,
Without endeavouring or to fight or fly ;-
But soon the leader of the wolves inspires.
His panic host to wake their wonted fires.
Blood streams for blood-teeth grinding gnash on teeth,
Promiscuous slaughter shrouds the cave of death:
Thus Porter rush'd the enemy with steel-
With hearts transfix'd the foremost darkening fell;
But at De Waterville's firm voice they stand,
And wield their weapons 'gainst the charging band.
Bayonet on bayonet drove makes waste of life,
And sweat and gore are mingled in the strife.
The Albions sink upon the earth in files,
Hobensack, Kimbly, Ethelwood and Miles,,
Leaders of rank-their thread of life in twain ;
Their lifeless bodies mingled with the slain.
A lead strikes Gibson 'neath his dexter eye,
In act to wrench their standard from the sky;
Down sinks the warrior to mortality!
His life a moment lingers in his breast-
But soon his eyes are slumber'd in their rest.
Another pours his sacrificing blood-
Cold on the earth expires the gallant Wood.
Deep through his vitals was the steel-point drove—
A sigh transplants him in the soil above.
Like rising stars illustriously they shone-
But, ah! how sudden is the radiance gone!
Their starry splendour, by the clouds of death,
Is dark extinguish'd on the carnage heath---
**
{
78
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
་་་
Not so! their deeds defy the grave-they shine-
Brightening in heaven-their memories live divine!
Porter leaps forward with exciting brand:
"Mount, mount the bulwark, meet them sword in hand!
Plunge, plunge the steel-what signifies the ball?
Charge every soul, charge each, and one, and all!”
As flame is kindled by the mountain wind,
So blazes out at full the fire-wrapp'd mind.
They mount the parapet-a ridge of steel,
Before whose edge the ranks of England reel.
But, lo! De Waterville with forcing blade,
Maintain'd the ground--his faltering legions, stay'd:
"And is there none to fight? Britons, return!
Let steel clash steel-let withering lightnings burn!
Kindle your veins !-transfix the seat of life-
Let pale mortality o'erwhelm the strife!"
His legions stand immoveable-a rock,
And every charge of the Fredonians mock.
Dust mix'd with reddening blaze the field obscures;
A cloud of darkness round about them lowers.
Porter in front, like meteorous star is seen,
Guiding the violence, which mads his men.
De Waterville is partial hid in flames-
They rush together like two foaming streams;
High wield their falchions !—Parried from its course,
The regal sword-destruction in its force,
Which in its aim the guards of life had broke,
Such ruin dwelt within the levell'd stroke ;
Glancing oblique it smote the patriot's hand,—
But with the other, Porter wields his brand,
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
79
And to the hilt he drives it through his teeth--
The red steel smoking gleams his jaw beneath.
No groan is utter'd by De Waterville,
His life surrender'd, soon his forces quail-
The Eagle's pinions in the strife prevail !
Porter while bleeding, firm to Davis speaks,
For not his wound his soul's devotion checks:
"Warrior! thy column to the centre, on—
And strengthen Miller in the fight begun!
Here will I rest--indulge my soul's desire,
To mark your standard as it waves in fire!"
Without rejoining, Davis, when he spoke,
Wheel'd to aid Miller dimly seen through smoke.
Now when that Porter on their right began
The furious onset-man oppos'd to man;
Miller as sudden from his ambush proud,
Roll'd to the battle like a whirlwind loud;
But Storin stood unshaken like a tower---
And foil'd in part the rushing of his power:
As two dark clouds portentous meet in heaven,
With fire of lightning round the welkin driven,
Scorching the elements along their path,
Troubling the earth---convulsing it with wrath:
Not this unlike the heated combat rag'd,
When Miller's strength and Storin's fierce engag'd.
But Davis comes---weds Miller in the strife,
Whose scimitar strikes Storin through his life.
Again the Lion crouches to the earth---
Again the Eagle glories in her birth!
80
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
1
But Davis, mark him in the dust full low!
Life's fountains broken---from his mouth they flow,
Frothing from his lungs! Sound, sound is the sleep...
The sleep of death! his bosom friend must weep;
And children wail in tears, though thus to die,
Embalms his name with names in heaven on high!
Miller paus'd not: "Behold! one effort more
Remains---t' assail their bulwark at the shore;
To strike the last of Drummonds with the blade---
The blush of his vitality shall fade!
I'll try, Sir! is the word! the word will bear,
To break a passage through yon fastenings there !"
Immediately the brave their columns form,
And move in silence like a brewing storm.
Now during these events, Brown jealous kenn'd
Each passing movement---view'd their standards bend;
But when he Miller saw, reckless of life,
On the lake-battery to advance the strife,
He spurr'd to Ripley---utter'd these commands:
"Haste, support Miller with your flinty bands.
Now is the dubious point. With onset bold,
We war with Drummond in his strongest hold.'
The daring Ripley with a tightning nerve,
Bracing his heart, leads forward the reserve.
He joins with Miller moving o'er the field,
To do such deeds as never were excell'd.
The meantime Drummond kept his vision bent,
When Porter rush'd, to note each dire event.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
81
The time he saw his proudest troops expire,
His soul seem'd tossing in a sea of fire;
But now that Miller on his bulwark turns,
He breathes disorder'd---mad brain pulsing burns---
With tiger lungs vociferous he cries,
While drops of oozing gore distain his eyes:
"What! dare they think the thought to enter here?
In every bosom will we plant a spear!
Let them approach---in clouds of fire, approach---
Never they here upon our flag encroach!
They come like flocks to meet their sacrifice---
By all the unseen people of the skies,
I shrink not back! Let men with demons join,
To urge a pass our banners to resign ;
Here will we stand with battlements secur'd,
And search their hidden natures with the sword!
"Behold, they come! With crimson, dye the earth-
Let deeds of slaughter constitute our mirth !"
Scarce the last echo of his voice was done,
When fierce at Miller was the war begun.
Each hurrying moment made it grow more wild,
Whilst hungry death look'd on and grimly smil'd.
In vain the heroes strive the works to pass-
Numerous they fall as mowers sweep the grass:
O'Fling and Blakesley, die in their renown,
Armistead of tender years--Buel, Belknap, Brown,
Son of the general's brother-Bradford, Hall,
Are wrapp'd in gory shrouds-a warrior's pall!
While thus the conflict stood, Riddle was seen
To pass the rear to light the magazine,
82
CANTO XXXII.
FREDONIAD.
His purpose aided by the youthful Greene.
At York, at George he recently before
Had learnt the art.-Intent to hear it roar,
He spreads a hasty train,—the quick-match, plies,
And with fleet steppings from the danger hies.
The exciting flash runs flickering o'er the ground—
Th' explosion rends the vaulted heavens profound.
Instant the patriots heard the mine explode,
High beat their hearts with stimulating blood.
Ripley beheld the kindling of his band,
And while his falchion lighten'd in his hand,
Pour'd forth his voice;" With cords and axes keen,
Down, down the fastenings! let the foe be seen!
Heed not the flames, tempestuous from above—
Like spirits wrapp'd in fire, on-onward move!
Leap, leap the ramparts! climb the breasted earth!
Let none recede and bastardize his birth !"
His language fir'd the soul-they felt as heaven
Had touch'd their ears! and forth a breach was riven !
Trench after trench with rapidness they bound,
And rush the bulwark with triumphant sound:
As when the ice in Susquehannah breaks,
What time the gladdening spring with beauty streaks
The arctic sphere-a thousand streamlets pour
Their tributary waves with clamorous roar.
As down o'er rocky cataracts they bound,
The neighbouring forests echo back the sound.
Betwixt two mountain spurs, the ice, at length,
Impacted locks the river in its strength.
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
83
Behind the mound the waters congregate,
Pressing a passage with o'erwhelming weight.
At last, the frictive waves wear thin the flakes—
The barrier stirs-it bends-it groans-it breaks !
The crash tremendous, though the earth were rent
Deafens-like falling of the element:
Thus maddening rush'd they forth-broke down the
wood-
Enter'd-and drew retaliating blood.
Vincent expires,---and five times twenty more
King-worshippers lie weltering in their gore.
Of scars eternalizing, patriots fall—
Hale, Trimble, Gillet, Knapp and Aspinwall;
Clarke, Crawford, Stephenson and Frazier, Grant ;
Childs, Ramsey, Bigger-through his breast aslant
The bayonet drives. Cummings, Neely, Cobb,
Baily, hearts beating an immortal throb.
Ripley to Brooks: "Give to your steel its play
Where Miller stands encompass'd in the fray,
And let us die to live in future day!
I on the front shall strike".
The chief receives
A wound that ne'er was heal'd---and yet he lives!
Swift through the centre of his neck the lead
Graz'd the deep veins, and left them like a thread
Of finest filament, through which the blood
Ooz'd---threatening his labouring vitals to enflood.
He reel'd-he sunk-his swimming eyes grew dark,
Fainting-his senses wander'd from the mark
84
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
To which, unerring, reason's arrow flies,
When the conceiving brain the will supplies
With judgment-to perform its mysteries.
Kerby his aid conveys him from the field-
*
*
*
*
*
*
Still swells the tumult-none pretend to yield!
The daring Forsythe is a quenchless fire-
Not small the names before his steel expire.
But, lo! a bullet scorches through his frame-
How soon extinguish'd is the vital flame!
To mark his fountain broken-pealing loud
They shout-and compass Miller with a fiery cloud!
While thus the battle hangs, th' impetuous Brown
Comes bounding, maddening, dashing, thundering on:
His brand corruscates with an angry light,
Like a red meteor streaming through the night.
His soul enkindles burning as he flies,
While death's dark glance comes blasting from his eyes.
His falchion edg'd with fire, at every blow
Mows down whole files-their weapons they forego.
Scarce his inferior, Miller, pestilent,
Strikes their vitality and makes them faint.
It seems despair and crimson havoc wait
Attendants on their swords!-hell-Drummond meets
his fate!
The Britons shrink-they scatter o'er the heath,—
Yet Brown pursues them on the wing of death,
Fix'd in his purpose to consume the whole-
But, lo! a voice celestial, calms his soul:
SORTIE FROM FORT ERIE.
85
"Justice is satisfied !---no longer scath
Their withering life! let mercy stay thy wrath !”
This seem'd to speak within. Brown reverent heard
The hallow'd impulse that his bosom stirr'd,
And in its place return'd his reeking sword.
Thus when by storms the ocean heaves to heaven,
By which the battlements of earth are riven;
The Power that rules the tempest bids it cease,
And, lo! at once its turbulence is peace:
So when Fredonia the commandment said,
Brown calm'd his soul and sheath'd his slaughtering
blade.
VOL. IV.—8
!
CANTO XXXIII.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
ARGUMENT.
Prevost removes from Kingston to Montreal. Blakeley puts to sea
in the Wasp. Capture of the Reindeer. The Wasp, after blow-
ing up her prize, enters the port of L'Orient to refit :-revisits
the ocean :-sinks the Avon. Capture of the Atalanta. The
shipwreck.
The principal part of the scene is laid on the Atlantic ocean. The
time is one hundred and forty-two days-commencing in October
and ending in March.
:
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXIII.
WHILE Drummond strove with Erie ;-to enthral
The State of York, Prevost to Montreal
From Kingston led his troops with streamers gay,
Prepar'd to move, his squadrons in array,
To sweep the nation's liberties away,
When Drummond should return with conquer'd Brown,
Green with his laurels to adorn the Crown:-
But when he learnt the truth of the reverse,
That Drummond pale was stretch'd upon his hearse-
His pride was shipwreck'd 'gainst the rock despair,
Which quell'd his passion for invading there,
Till from th' imperial Island should be sent,
In splendid robes, a regal armament.
Summer hath faded: Ripe fruits are gathering,
Produc'd from hopeful blossoms of the spring.
The sun obliquely from the Scorpion shines,
And slowly wheeling to the south declines.
The breath of Autumn powders white the earth,
While dancing Health comes blooming from the north.
:
8*
90
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
The stately forest shows innumerous dyes-
The frost-touch'd leaves, like wings of butterflies,
Flutter in the breeze. Some retain their
Some retain their green,
But yet a sameness in no two are seen.
Speckled are some like brilliant tortoise bright,
Diaphonous-others with edges white,
Green at the stem. Yellow, deep crimson, blue,
Mingle their shades in circle ever new,
Like glossy silk expos'd before the sun,
When thousand colours combinating run.
Some hang like tulips, roses. Others show
Like oranges half seen upon the bough,
Conceal'd beneath the verdure of the tree
By clustering leaves; while others like a bee,
Or flickering humming-bird in honey bowers-
Endless the hues-a wilderness of flowers.
The leaves are now with gentle breezes stirr'd,
And nature's concert is delightful heard;
They seem while moving in their harmonies,
Like angel fingers playing on the keys.
Behold a zephyr comes with deeper tone,
And like an organ is the music known;
Lo, presently innumerable are seen
The leaves like dancing with a lucid sheen
In the free element like young birds rare,
When first with gladdening wings they cleave the air.
The sky in such bright purity appears,
As though a seraph's wing had brush'd the spheres
Of every vapour, that the eye might see
The sapphir'd threshold of the Deity.
i
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
91
Now the keen Wasp in starry beauty dress'd,
At Portsmouth sits upon the wave at rest,
Ready to loose her pinions on the air,
When the mild Blakeley should the word declare.
*
*
*
*
This is thy child-O take him to thy breast!
Yes, he is thine, Green Island of the West!
Erin! 'twas thou his infant being gave,
But thy oppressors drove him o'er the wave.
Columbia nurs'd him in his infancy,
That he in manhood, might with spirit free,
Award stern justice to that cruel hand
That smote his father from his native land.
Erin! the poet sighs to mark the chain
Which cramps thy bosom till it bleeds with pain.
May future Blakeleys, Gerralds, Emmetts rise,
And proud restore thine ancient liberties!
At Chapel-Hill, the Muses' hallow'd seat,
Fair Science taught him how to guide the fleet-
Or by the sun self-balanc'd at its height,
Or by the star that shines with changeless light.
With him to rule, are Berry, Tillinghast,
Whose knowledge of the ocean none surpass'd;
Martin and Langdon, Reily, Staples, Carr,
Young in their years, but ripe for deeds of war;
'Toscan, Geisinger ;-th' anguish-soothing Clarke,
The surgeon skilful to redeem the spark
Flickering in life's brief socket to expire,
Unless sustain❜d by vitalizing fire.
92
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
Now as the dappled east preludes the sun,
Thus to his crew the mariner begun :
"Proud sons of Neptune, born with valour true,
The time is now, our glory to pursue;
Listed for liberty, our all, forsake-
The tyrant's chain upon the ocean, break.
Yes, loud our country calls us to the sea,
That of the foe we seek indemnity
For injuries committed on the main,
Which bleeds the heart and maddens in the brain-
Our brothers starv'd in chains, or scourg'd till blood
Ooz'd from their flesh and trickled in the flood!
46
Heavens! how sublime-how righteous is the
cause!
Our rights, our liberties-primeval laws,
Cry justice-vengeance 'gainst the Albion name,
And wing us forward to the deeds of fame.
Yea, every throbbing of your heart I feel-
It beats for restitution or to seal
With its best drops the freedom of the wave-
We conquer there, or in it find a grave!
Where duty calls, there man should ever be,
And leave the issue with the Deity.
'Tis not for us the future hour to scan-
To act with honour is the sphere of man.
"Loosen the anchor, and the sheets, display,
And dash the vessel through the watery way.
That gales to us propitious may be given,
Humble we 'll trust the guardianship of heaven."
1
THE CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
93
Slow turns the fluke with labour from the sand,
While anxious bosoms in deep silence stand.
As swings the vessel with a sideling turn,
The mariners collected on the stern,
Shout to their brothers on the beach-farewell!
Which bears a solemn sweetness in its swell;
The gazing shores the parting shout return,
With eyes that show their soul's affections yearn;
Back comes the farewell echo from the crew.
The shores reply their last----last—long adieu,
Which the receding vessel answers loud,
Then waves farewell!!
The sea-boys climb the shroud,
And spread the Wasp's white wings upon the breeze,
That gently curls the bosom of the seas.
A solemn music through the azure floats,
As if an angel measur'd out the notes—
Far more exquisite than Æolian lays,
When kissing zephyr on the silver plays;
More sweet than this, the deities of heaven,.
Hymn to the vessel-to the billows given.
While curtain'd in a cloud the music sings,
Smooth glides the ship upon expanding wings;
But soon her every pinion looming forth,
She shows like beauty to the eye of earth.
While thus serene she moves,----a long pent sigh
Breathes from the shore ;----in holy piety
They raise their eyes, that heaven vouchsafe might give
Its guardian care, and cause his name to live;—
That when a star, his character should burn,
That they might joyous hail him on return.
94
CANTO XXXIII.
FREDONIAD.
But half their supplication, favour met,
The rest exhal'd like dew on lilies, set.
Blakeley will have his fame----but never more
With mortal ken, behold Columbia's shore;
But in the sequel will a scene be shown,
Which to his country will his loss atone.
Lo, now the Wasp more large the air inhales,
And cleaves the ocean with expansive sails:
An eagle thus to propagate her young,
Bosoms her eggs, nor thinks the period long.
But when her offspring are produc'd at large,
She prunes her wings to feed her tender charge;
At first, with effort hard, tardy she moves
With heavy motion labouring through the groves.
At length she clears the thick obstructing trees,
And meets serene in heaven th' inspiring breeze;
With joy she claps her pinions-buoyant sails
Sublime aloft before the winged gales :
Not otherwise the Wasp on ocean's breast,
Flies like the eagle from her callow nest.
Her native hills in azure mist recede,
Slow sinking on the sight-the wind her speed.
A flame ethereal animates the crew,
As earth retires and firmamental blue,
And watery depths immeasurable around,
Exalt th' affections of the soul profound:
Their feeling in similitude, like those,
Who gain Blanc's fearful summit, where deep snows
For sumless ages have untrodden slept―
Where no soft dew a tender tear hath wept.
THE CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
95
1
The mountain travellers stand upon the height,
Where stars are mingled with the sun's pure light.
Prone at their feet the elements are bow'd—
The rainbow curls beneath them on a cloud.
They feel as though not earth they stand upon-
As if terrestrial circumstance were done!
Their mind is touch'd with an elastic spring,
To launch through nature on celestial wing!
The mariners feel thoughts allied to these,
As cleaves the ship th' illimitable seas.
Blakeley commands, and south by east they sail,
Shifting the canvass with the shifting gale ;
And while the vessel as with instinct flies,
They ken the waste to mark their enemies:
A hunter thus o'er Laurel-Mountain roves,
In quest of game that bound the deepening groves.
This way and that he bends his listening ear,
With mouth half open distant sounds to hear;
His eye quick glancing at each passing shade,
Jealous they leap unseen along the glade:
Thus like the hunter, as they plough the main,
To spy the foe, their nerves of vision strain.
For days twice three and two, no flag appears,
And north by east the bounding vessel veers;
But when eight glasses on this compass driven,
Prizes surrender till they count to seven.
Now Blakeley to the north directs his views—
True to the pole the Wasp her course pursues:
When plough'd the sea twice fifteen five and one,*
As from his bed of waves arose the sun-
* Days.
..
96
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
"A sail on weather-beam!" a ship-boy cried-
Obscure, remote, a speck upon the tide.
"A sail! a sail!" resounded through the ship,
As on she darted in a flying sweep.
Blakeley commanded: "Vast! the helm alee!
Luff, tack the ship!-the fore and gib-sheets, free!
She bears the sign of war upon her deck-
We'll give her chase her flight to overtake.
Wide stretch the canvass-dart along the flood--
Enchafe your hearts with stimulating blood."
The Wasp veer'd round upon the azure seas,
While loose the canvass shiver'd in the breeze;
Rustling it fills the vessel feels the force,
But drags with labour sluggish in her course;
New bent, each moment she augments her way—
She leaps, she flies, she dashes up the spray,
In which three rainbows like her flag display.
The royal battle-ship, Reindeer her name,
Is rul'd by Manners worthy of the fame.
*
*
*
*
*
It throbs my heart-how grateful to my mind,
A generous foe upon the wave to find!
It sheds around me a peculiar charm,
Touching my bosom with sensations warm!
So while in journeying from my place of birth,
Boston-the loveliest city of the earth,
To where the buffalo and mammoth trod,
Kentucky-now man's civiliz'd abode-
Travellers uncouth o 'ertook me on the way,
Who by their rudeness lengthen'd out the day.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
97
But soon we parted on a several road-
My heart reliev'd with new sensations glow'd.
Not long I wore the path, when, lo! I met
The poet Percival sublime and sweet-
With words of music we his village won,
Nor felt the languor of the melting sun:
With equal joy I meet with Manners now,
Touching the heart like music's tender flow.
*
*
*
*
*
He kenn'd the anger'd Wasp intent for war-
Her weight deceiv'd him: "Booming from afar,
Behold the Constitution rul'd by Hull---
Cleave, leap the billows, spread the canvass full !"
With every pinion rais'd the Albion flew,
But Blakeley near'd him on the dark wave blue ;
The scudding labours of the foe are vain-
No ship outsails him on the tossing main.
Soon Manners judg'd the Wasp of equal force,
And, with a blush, he check'd his flying course—
Indignant thus: "For hours twice four and one,
A path disgraceful through the deep we 've run!
High on the fore, the white and blue display;
With deeds of brightness wipe the stain away!
The pennant raise---th' imperial ensign show!
Brace, brace the fibres for the battle now!
And is the prowess of Britannia gone?
Are all her triumphs---her achievements done?
I thought her strength twice fifteen, ten and four,
But, see! she measures but an equal power!
VOL. IV.-9
98
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
!
Blush at the run!-Britain hath seen the day,
A ship like ours would glad have sought the fray
With twice its balanc'd weight. Her spirit breaks!
Where, where her Duncans, Jarvis, and her Blakes!
And does her valour sleep in Nelson's grave?
Is he the last of all our seamen brave?
Lo! at Trafalgar was our glory done?
And was his death the setting of our sun?
And never-never will our fame return?
Yes, lift our souls and let our heart-streams burn!
His spirit will return! I feel the flame
Glow at my heart to match our ancient fame!
Each on his knee make oath to never kneel-
Die first, and with our blood our courage seal!
Ere stoops our flag, we 'll sink in glory's bed-
A wreath of honour crowns the valiant dead!
"Down, down upon the starry banner run-
At thirty fathom, blaze the shifting gun.
High on the mizzen-gaff the Lion show-
We fight, we conquer, or we sink below!"
His kindled passion lit their breast with fire,
They rise--and as they rise they feel desire,
By lofty bearing to efface the stain,
Disgraceful scudding o 'er the rolling main.
On mizzen-gaff the Lion mad is seen,
And then the pennant in the sky serene;
The crosslet waves defying in its height-
Thus in her robes she comes to wage the fight.
What time she mov'd obliquely with the wind,
Six mariners impress'd, with broken mind,
1
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
99
To Manners rose, affliction in their mien,
Ayres, Russell, Gleason, Woodfall, Rockway, Keene;
A righteous feeling quicken'd in their breast,
And Ayres the subject of their grief express'd:
"Pride of the regal banner!-known to thee
Is our impressment on the open sea-
From the ship Commerce by the Montague;
Ten years and past we 've serv'd with England's crew!
"Behold that flag of stars of brilliants bright!
We plead the indulgence to avoid the fight.
Let us below. Our heart's best drops are chill'd,
Against our friends death's furniture to wield.
We give thee gratitude for favours past,
But now we plead to shun th' impending blast.
Think of our wrongful bondage on the flood,
And thou wilt free us from our brothers' blood."
Manners gave answer: "Often have I bled
Deep at my heart to see you captive made.
Impressment, what ?--I blush to name the thing—
Its very thought is like a serpent's sting.
A monster nátch'd in hell!-It brings disgrace
On prince and subject of the Albion race.
The greatest plea that ever I could find,
Was, that we fought the battles of mankind.
"I grant your will. It never shall be said,
That I unworthy had perform'd a deed,
The thought of which coagulates my veins,
'Gainst law, 'gainst justice---crime itself it stains!
Shelter below,--for I your souls approve,-
That man's a wretch who feels no patriot love."
•
100
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
-
The sufferers grateful thank him with a breast,
Weighted with that, which never was express'd;
They pray for Blakeley---but their generous foe
Weakens their orizons as they pass below.
The meantime Blakeley gain'd upon the chase-
He gives command with a peculiar grace;
46
Out, out the stud-sails! winds begin to fail-
Our gallant ship will bear increase of sail.
Employ the engine, make the canvass moist,
And high in heaven the star-crown'd Eagle hoist.
"The foe wears round !---the outward sails take in-
Be ready, lads! the onset to begin.
Explode a windward gun to let him know
Our hearts are beating to exchange the blow.
*
*
*
*
*
"Behold, our brass, he answers in reply!
He veers-he comes offensive on us nigh!
Reef, reef the stay-sails, and the royals furl;
With matches stand prepar'd, the globes to hurl.
Words are but vapour---mark! we win or die,
There comes the foe, and here our thunders lie!"
His accents burnt-inflam'd. Each with a breast
Thrill'd with his spirit, answer'd his behest.
To die or conquer was the favourite word,
Of youth, of manhood-every heart on board.
The English vessel wore while this was done-
And now she opens with her shifting gun.
Blakeley endeavours with a skilful mind,
Triangling on the deep to gain the wind ;
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
101
But Manners artful keeps his vessel trim,
Intent to wound his sails and cripple him;
While not the Wasp a gun can bring to bear,
Manners so far oblique, avoids to square.
But when his fourth displosion flam'd the sea,
Which scarce to Blakeley was an injury,
Backward he cast the motive from his mind,
Longer to strive th' advantage of the wind:
"Alee the helm! The foe place on the beam!
Aft cannonades on starboard battery stream!
Let pointed flames upon the vessel bear,
And make her feel the promise of despair!"
They touch'd the match-fire ere his voice was done,
And forth the combat in its rage begun :
Two shapes of serpent form in northern flood,
Where Norway monsters cast their hideous brood,
Thus dark approach to strike the other slain,
By the advantage of a gripe to gain.
They madden as they move. Lashing the waves---
Rushing together, each the other braves.
With hearts though bath'd in flames they deafening yell,
Th' unfathom'd sea is toss'd in mountain swell.
Their heads dart in the clouds! Their eyes of fire
Shoot lightning sparks, while streams of poison dire
Drule from their jaws! their teeth hard gnash on teeth---
Their forky tongues drop cold the blood of death :
Not less terrific is the naval fight---
A cloud of horrors veils the sea in night.
Flame in broad sheets the angry Briton pours---
The far-off ocean with the conflict roars;
9*
102
CANTO XXXIIL
FREDONIAD.
But from the cause of elevating high,
Her balls with lightning glimpse pass harmless by.
Not so the blazing Wasp---her foe she stings;
Each bolt sure driven a desolation brings.
Splinter'd, the parts fly crashing every peal---
Her spars, her masts, her decks, the injury tell.
Through gaping chinks the drowning waters rush,
While sails and shrouds fall sunder'd with a crush;
Yet not a thought to Manners' brain is sent,
To yield the strife upon the element !
By various turns and evolutions now,
Columbia's vessel strikes upon the bow
Of Albion's ship-and Manners cries aloud:
"Board! grapple the Wasp !"
Passionate they crowd-
Steels leaning forward with keen anger dread,
Threatening a havoc through the Wasp to spread;
But soon their purpose the Fredonians check—
And, in his turn, springs Blakeley on their deck:
"Leap, leap the quarter!" to the brave he cries.
"With sword in hand we wrestle for the prize!
Beat back the boarding! plunge, deep plunge the pikes--
And, lo! their standard in submission strikes!"
His gesture, voice, electrified his crew-
Ere half was utter'd, to his aid they flew.
Man battles man, and falchions falchions clash—
Swift as they glance they seem the lightning's flash.
Proud names of royal bearing end in death—
Thro' bleeding mouths they breathe away their breath.
In single combat Manners, Langdon thrust,
But soon the Briton proves his mortal dust.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
103
So true the levell'd stroke it halv'd his brain—
His life departs insensible of pain.
Toscan beheld !-he rushes with his pike-
Darken'd with anger each at other strike.
The Albion bending parries off the blow,
And rising quick, smites Toscan on the brow.
Craz'd with the wound, he leaps the vessel o'er-
Down as he sinks he leaves a train of gore.
Blakeley, the meantime, labour'd in the fight-
His falchion six had overspread with night,
While twice that number wounded own'd his might ;
On Manners now he brandishes his sword,
But checks the pass to utter forth a word:
"Briton! on me hard bend thy scowling brow!
Strike yon proud standard from its summit low!
Thy soul is valiant-but thou canst no more—
Resign the Lion to the Eagle power."
"I never yet surrender'd to a foe,
Nor will I now that woman weakness show!
My body first in wat'ry depths shall lie-
The Lion standard till the last shall fly !"
This said. At once their smother'd wrath arose-
With dark resolve in dubious toil they close.
Their burnish'd swords like living lightnings gleam,
And flash and glitter in the ocean stream.
Betwixt the two suspended is the strife,
The others stand as though appall'd of life;
Or rather-all had yielded to the free,
Save Manners bent on death or mastery:
104
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
Blakeley at length with desolating blow,
Disjoints oblique the shoulder of his foe.
The sever'd arm falls bleeding on the ship-
The piteous blood comes starting with a leap,
Like cascade gushing from a huge rock steep.
The dying fingers of the slaughter'd hand,
Lock with convulsive grasp upon the brand.
The cheek of Manners pales-he faints in blood,
Which as it cools thick curdles in the flood.
The Cross falls droopingly--the Stripes ascend,
Round which the Stars in shining circle bend.
His virtue Blakeley proves: "Though now, ye brave,
Through carnage dire we 've conquer'd on the wave,
Yet ill should we the victory deserve,
Were we to fail to brace the fainting nerve.
Let mercy's hand in tenderness bestow
A healing unction to the suffering foe.
Gently remove them to the Wasp on board,
And give all succour that our means afford.
"The prize fast drinks the sea-instant provide
To ply the suctions--stay the rushing tide.
This, Berry, be your care; whilst, Reily, you
Will aid the wounded of the Albion crew.
Swift at the word the suctions lift the wave,
While Berry strives the sinking bark to save.
Reily the bleeding from the wreck conveys—
Those spent, exhausted, he inspires with praise.
In the star-banner Blakeley wraps the clay
Of Langdon, and commits it to the sea-
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
105
To sleep in ocean's caves till time shall die,
And a new sun shall gild eternity.
By this had Clarke with healing hands suppress'd
The blood of Manners swoon'd. Small in his breast,
Fluttering the pulse returns. Blakeley stands near-
His joy is seen to glisten through a tear:
"He wakens into life!-he yet will live!
Look! in his eye his being I perceive.
A blush is mantling on the wan of death!
His head up-raise and give him all the breath."
Manners faint waves his hand, and strives to say-
But his cold tongue refuses to obey:
Another effort fevers in his cheek--
His tongue is loosen'd-he begins to speak:
"Vain is thy wish-1 feel myself decay--
My life a shadow vanisheth away.
Death's icy touch upon my heart I feel--
But, heaven indulgent, I to thee will tell
Th' emotions of my soul: To thee is due,
And every member that compose thy crew,
A gratitude that never I can pay,
To mark your eyes made damp with holy spray--
The fight was mortal, but this scene sublime,
Will smile upon you till the end of time.
A crown of honour to your name be given—
Bright angels wrapp'd in fire will light thy path to
66
heaven!
My breathing fails. I faint-I can no more-
I soon shall reach th' irremeable shore.
!
106
CANTO XXXIII.
FREDONIAD.
Yet one request remains: Earnest I beg
That thou wilt shroud me in my nation's flag;
Where this my broken ship must drink the wave,
And many a worthy Briton found his grave,
There let my body settle to its rest,
Till the cold ocean shall dissolve my breast."
Here his tongue falter'd, yet his fading eye
On Blakeley bent, who made this soft reply:
“Talk not of shrouds--the pallid robes of death--
Vain my desire-convulsive heaves thy breath!
Thy flag shall be thy shroud. O were it in my power,
How soon I'd chase the darkness of this hour!
Ah, fruitless thought! How brief the thread of life.
To those who mingle in the dubious strife!
But if their days be few, with light they shine,
Like stars that gem the firmament divine.
“Lo! I perceive that thou art verging nigh
The bounds of life ;---strive---struggle to reply.
Perhaps some friend that 's tender to thy life---
Offspring, or parent, or a bosom wife,
Might wish a parting word! Repeat to me---
I'll bear the message to the English sea.
Twill be a hallow'd theme to dwell upon-
O strive to give it breath-
Alas! he 's gone!"
Oppress'd with sorrow, Blakeley sighing stood---
Two tears unconscious from his eyelids flow'd;
Silent two others gather'd on his sight,
Like dew drops trembling on the lily white.
These fell---and others wander'd o'er his cheek--.
At length full bosom'd he began to speak :
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
107
"The soul that weeps not for the virtuous dead,
Is but a tiger with a heart of lead.
"In Albion's richest banner, Reily, now,
His relics shroud, becoming of the foe.
Let every honour to his dust be given-
Peace to his spirit as it wafts to heaven!"
In solemn form his mandate is obey'd-
In England's flag the breathless chief is laid.
Deep from the Wasp the guns of death resound
As slow the corse descends to ocean's depths profound.
While this was passing, Berry strove to save
The shatter'd prize from drowning in the wave.
The seamen plied the suctions bath'd with toil,
Fruitless so swift the rushing waters boil.
Blakeley discovering to preserve the ship,
Would but retard him on the treacherous deep,
These words to Berry gave: "We toil in vain
The bark to rescue sinking in the main,
Hence to the Wasp the shifting gun convey,
And then explode the vessel from the sea.
Some haven we must seek; the maim'd require
From off the tossing billows to retire ;
To save the prize, would hinder the event-
Hasten the match-We sail for L'Orient."
Prompt when the order to destroy was done,
To Freedom's ship was roll'd the captur'd gun;
And Berry having lit the match below,
Sought safety in the Wasp. And rapid now,
She leaps from wave to wave with active spring,
As though her movement were a living thing:
108
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
So when a whale impatient of the seas,
Where frost on frost enormous mountains freeze,
Makes to the south, swift as a sea-gull's flight,
Tossing the billows foaming in his might:
So round the flying Wasp the waters roll,
And foam and tumble as she leaves the pole.
While thus she cleaves her way-the sailors turn
Their eyes to mark the fated vessel burn.
Fast lock'd is every tongue-a sigh, a breath-
Nothing is heard-behold, the match beneath,
Touches with fire the chamber'd vault of death!
The ship leaps from the sea! the deafening jar
Sunders the ocean from the scene afar;
The flames mount up to heaven!—the sun o'ercast,
Sinks in the main; night gathers on the blast.
The spirits of the deep are heard to wail,
Alarm'd-their watery element would fail.
*
•
*
*
*
*
In thirty suns the Wasp in harbour moors
At L'Orient. The Franks oppress the shores
To catch a glimpse of her commander brave,
Who, the proud cross had buried in the wave.
With prying gaze they every feature scan,
As if he held some virtue more than man
To have the daring chivalry and art
To strike Britania through a vital part—
Who late had broke their navy on the sea,
And left them fenceless like frail infancy.
To Blakeley, friendship's offering they afford,
And every mariner his ship on board.
.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
109
The wounded Britons are convey'd to shore
By the light motion of a gentle oar--
To see the Albions' grief, their ancient foe,
The Gauls, express a sorrow for their wo.
By adverse winds, for forty days and two,
The Wasp is bound—unable to pursue
Her venturous cruise. At length with morning now,
Sweet from the land the gales inviting blow,
She spreads her canvass to the kissing wind,
And leaves the harbour with salute behind.
The ever-watchful Blakeley captur'd soon
Two valued prizes, ere the hour of noon-
But when upon the billows, five and three,
He spied a squadron deck'd in royalty,
The huge Armada of the battle line——
Of brass three tier'd, to guard them through the brine.
Blakeley their course with jealousy beheld---
And now direct, and now triangling sail'd.
At length with sudden turn he slips between---
And, lo! a flag is in submission seen!
The vessel burden'd with armigerous stores,
Ample supply for the Canadian shores,
And savage gifts, which civil man abhors.
On board the conquering Wasp, the crew convey'd,
A fire consuming on her deck is laid.
Again his art he practises the same,
T'encircle others and apply the flame.
Just in the act to seize another ship,
Th' Armada roll her thunders o'er the deep;
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1
110
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
Vain the endeavour,---with a gallant mind,
He spreads his wings and leaves her flames behind.
Now the sun lingers on the ocean's brim,
While silver dolphins on its bosom swim,
Loose sporting in the beams with wanton play,
Rippling the waters as they glide away,
Which as they meet the sun, sparkle with gold,
And all the beauties that in heaven unfold.
Calm is the element; the Wasp at rest,
Sits like a swan upon its yielding breast,
The sailors pass their time in happy glee,
Singing their former exploits on the sea.
As evening shadows o'er the waters creep,
The slumbering zephyrs waken from their sleep;
Their silken breathings soon produce a gale---
It comes and kisses at the bended sail,
Gliding the vessel with soft impulse through
The floating ripples, in her bride-dress new,
As brightning Hesper trembles into view.
While thus the mariners their shrill notes sung,
And robes of evening on the smooth sea hung,
Four hostile flags upon the waters show---
Two on the larboard---two on starboard bow.
At once they hush the music of the song,
Their hearts sublim'd with expectation strong.
Blakeley's commands are heard: "Heroes bold!
Enlarge the canvass! for the war-ship, hold,
Which to the wind-and separated lies--
Another glass we sweep another prize!"
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
111
Scarce was the glass exhausted of its sand,
When by the zeal of his determin'd band,
Blakeley perceiv'd within the twilight deep,
The foe in strength was equal to his ship.
New from the builders' hands these vessels came,
The Wasp to capture, sink, or burn in flame-
Castilian, Tartarus, Rapid, Avon-these
The names they bear to conquer on the seas.
The last the Avon, on the billows free,
Had luckless wander'd from her consorts three;
Arbuthnot thoughtless of the danger nigh,
While Blakeley mark'd him with determin'd eye;
But soon he kenn'd the Wasp approaching near,
And in their joy his crew these mandates hear;
"The ship of Blakeley we 've descried at last!
Brief her existence on the main is past!
But let the signals elevated fly
To bring the others in confederacy;
For should we even with our strength combin'd,
Shiver her haughty standard in the wind,
'Twould be a splendid feat! I even feel,
That we alone could make her courage kneel--
But let the speaking signals deck the mast,
That they, at least, may see us pour the blast."
Arbuthnot ended. Forth the tokens high,
Wave in the clouds to bring her consorts nigh;
But they neglectful in their calmness there,
Dream not their sister needs their every care,
112
fredoniad. CANTO XXXIII.
They mark no signals in the twilight gray,
Nor think of battle, till they hear the fray,
Which distant lumbers now. The captur'd gun,
(The same the Wasp had late from Manners won,)
Blakeley repeated flam'd upon the foe,
While the proud Briton answer'd blow for blow;
But when three peals had o'er the waters run,
He gave command the pressing fight to shun.
"Sufficient these. Spread, croud the sail and fly
Till these alarms shall draw our consorts nigh;
But when their heavy cannonry shall ring,
Swift we'll return and disregard her sting."
The sheets are set for sailing. Avon wears,
And with endeavour from the action bears;
But Blakeley jealous with unwinking ken,
Observ'd her motives and bespoke his men:
Behold, she wears to fly! On her lee-bow,
The ship bear down, and make her feel a blow,
Never she felt!-None of the ocean, none,
Can the quick Wasp her rapidness outrun,
Soon through her life we 'll drive the rapid ball-
The pride of Britain once again must fall!"
Set is the chasing canvass by the brave--
High foams the dashing Wasp from wave to wave.
She seems to leap instinctive through the sea-
She gains, she winds upon the Avon's lee,
And as she winds, her heavy globes of war,
Pierce her dark womb and shatter many a spar.
Arbuthnot seeing 'twas in vain to fly,
Gives to his crew instructions to reply:
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
113
"Round, round the helm! the brass in broadside,
light!-
And able are we to contest the fight.
Let not a fear upon your heart be known-
Great is the honour to contend alone,
Sink--perish-far more honourable to die,
Than yield the boon, the palm of victory!"
Loud at his voice the answering cannon peal,
Yet few in number at their object tell-
But Marston and the generous Staples bleed,
The only names that gain the glorious meed.
At times the Avon's shot the sail-wings wound,
While of the Wasp, death follows every round.
Mad flashes glance upon the waters dire,
Which line the ripples with a welt of fire.
The Avon shivers-bleeds at every blow-
Her second officer in blood is low.
Through gaping chinks the waves resistless pour-
Five feet are pressing on her keel or more!
At length she pauses to remove the dead-
And sparing Blakeley to the Briton said:
"Does Albion's ship surrender in the fight?"
*
*
*
*
No answer is return'd,--but dark in night,
Pausing the vessels lay.----But soon the flame
Kindles the darkness of the ocean stream.
For minutes, twelve, the bolts unsparing fly,
Like threads of lightning burning rapidly.
Again the Avon pauses: Blakeley stay'd
The battle's violence-this question made:
10*
114
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIII.
"Is England's banner furled? We wish to spare
Those who in fight surrender to our care!"
Arbuthnot wasting of his vital heat--
(The splashing billows had receiv'd his feet,)
Return'd this answer: "Sad our flag is down-
Britannia yields in sorrow for her crown.
Our ship is in distress! We fail----we sink!
Death crowds us in the deep! On fate's dark brink
Tottering we stand! Lo, scarce the Avon floats!
Thy soul is mercy----save us with thy boats!"
The heart of Blakeley mov'd. "My heroes brave,
Leap to the barges----launch them in the wave!
They call in their distress! From death, redeem-
Behold, the vessel buries in the stream!"
Ere that his tongue had echo'd through the night,
The boats were tilting on the waters light,
And every heart was yearning to convey
The bleeding captives from the wreck away.
The Avon's consorts when they heard the fight,
Impatient'spread their wings----but breezes light
Scarce bore them sluggish on----Castilian now,
Begins to make her swelling sails to show.
Blakeley observes her shadow in the wave:
"To board with boats !----another ship to brave!
Behold, a sister of the foe is near!
Lay to the vessel---we 'll reduce her here!
In the late strife but two have fled to heaven,
Whilst we to darkness have the Avon driven.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
115
Proud let her come! Our fame will never die-
Dread are our thunders wing'd with liberty!
*
*
*
*
*
"But mark! two others on her stern 1 see!
Never successful can we meet the three.
"Tis but as murder, without hope to win,
Reckless of life the battle to begin.
"Spread a light sail. Perhaps as we recede,
One may pursue and dare us to the deed.
With rapid hand repair the injury done,
And every man stand pillar'd at his gun."
The order is obey'd. The sails are bent,
And smooth the vessel o'er the main is sent;
But of the foe, none single handed dare
Pursue the hero to engage him there.
By every nerve put forth, Castilian saves
The Avon's crew, yet living, from the waves;
Lo! as the last were in the barges plac'd,
She sunk for ever in the watery waste,
With fifty names on death's dark tablet trac'd!
*
Blakeley his course towards Madeira Isles,
With happy breezes in his pleasure sails.
For days nineteen no speck minute he spies,
But Atalanta on the next, descries;
With pinions bent the Wasp her progress wings,
And soon the leeward gun surrendering rings.
Of Atalanta, Blakeley gave command
To Geisinger, that his adopted land
116
CANTO XXXIII.
FREDONIAD.
Might learn the manner he the foe had met,
And bow'd their haughty standards to his feet.
These were his parting words: "Young ocean-chief!
To make for Newbern, thy full sails unreef;
Though all the ports of freedom are my love,
Yet this most tender seems my heart to move.
Disguise it as we will, there's something here,
That makes us love one spot of earth most dear.
Though that her streams are shallow, and her sand
Scorches the stranger from a distant land-
Yet to my soul the richest spot on earth,
Softening my heart, is Carolina North--
Here lisps my infant-here abides my wife,
And here I first was sensible of life.
"But should the enemy, or adverse wind,
Bar you the harbour ever in my mind,
For Georgia's capital, or Charleston hie-
Or where a port is made conveniently.
"O when thy foot shall touch upon the beach,
Make no delay till you my home shall reach,
Say to that bosom sighing with alarms,
I soon shall come and clasp her in my arms;
Soon as the coast of Africa I trace,
To seize on those who traffic in our race;
Than which, except impressment on the sea,
Nothing can hold with blood-bought slavery!
This when she hears, her soul will patient wait,
For oft her bosom for the Afric state
Hath heav'd with sorrow press'd
"My thoughts are sad-
But O't will make the meeting hour more glad!
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
117
"Come-we must part-thy hand. Alas! these
tears!-
A something tells my heart, for me no shore appears!
*
*
*
*
"But to my wife consoling prospects tell—
And should-it may not be-farewell! farewell!"
This in retirement to the youth was said,
But when he rose the deck, a smile was laid
Mild on each cheek, that nothing might subdue
The buoyant feelings that possess'd his crew.
With shouts the Wasp and Atalanta part,
The latter guided by the western chart.
The shoutings done, the brazen guns repeat
A distant farewell should they never meet.
Blakeley soon crowds his vessel under way
To trace the shores of bleeding Africa.
The mean time Lucifer disguis'd—the foe
To freedom-in the sphere of earth below,
Summon'd his agency in full divan,
And thus elated in his hope began:
"Earls, peers, lords, princes, nobles of the Crown!
Let none distrust but soon We 'll cast them down.
No doubt remains but all New-Albion now,
Will place a circle on a monarch's brow!
At ancient Hartford, in Convention, all
The gravest of the land in senate hall,
Are soul-engaged in eloquent debate,
Devising measures to divide the State!
Nor are Our prospects at the south so low,
For Maryland of late is Royal too!
118
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXII.
Hence when that Cockburn, Our lov'd child shall come
With fire and sword, he 'll strike opposers dumb.
"But now to guard the worst, hear Our command!
Fashion'd must be an earthquake at Our hand;
Should Cockburn fail in his endeavours there
To fill the southern borders with despair,
We with explosion".
Lo! an agent came,
His deep eye burning with infernal flame,
Yet pale his haggard cheek: "Dread Sovereign! bend,
Gracious thine ear! Momentous scenes impend!
The Wasp, a miniature of naval force,
Triumphant sways the ocean in her course!
Ships ten and three hath Blakeley captur'd late,
And two were more than equal to his weight!"
Without emotion answer'd thus the fiend:
"Thy words are light as gossamer in wind.
Forth We'll proceed, and, at an effort bend
This insect at Our feet. The earthquake, form,
Whilst We Ourself shall raise a shipwreck storm,
And strike with lightning fire this Blakeley down,
And in the hurricane the vessel drown.”
This said. He leaves his princely train behind
To form materials as his will design'd.
His shape more hideous in his progress grows
More hot with flame his boiling bosom glows.
He gains the sea ;-down from a beetling height,
He plunges, equal to a mountain-weight
Rent by an earthquake. Billows seem on fire,
So fast the burnings from his heart aspire,
Like a torpedo in eruption dire.
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
119
Should Hecla when it rages in its might,
Casting its flames beyond the reach of sight,
Be loos'd tremendous from its rocky bed,
And plung'd o'erwhelming like a furnace dread-
Not a less turbulence of boiling floods,
And fire, and foam ascending to the clouds,
Would rise in consequence of such a break,
Causing the earth at either pole to shake,
Than that which beats against the breast of Hell-
The huge leviathans in caverns yell.
The deep not cools his rage-his passion grows-
His heat increases as he onward goes.
The fighting elements obscure the sea,
And from creation hide the orb of day.
The piling waves in heaving mountains swell-
But far above them towers the wrath of hell.
In dizzy clouds he half conceals his head,
Whilst his broad feet the rocks of ocean tread,
Crashing at every step. His voice he rolls
In heavy thunders to the distant poles.
His eyes two open furnaces of fire,
Flash vollied lightnings through the welkin dire.
Black from his nostrils rushing whirlwinds fly,
Tossing the foam tumultuous to the sky.
Loud roars the deep. The earth from axle reels,
And groaning nature a convulsion feels!
The Wasp a feather on the storm is cast-
Her ribs are loos'd at each redoubling blast.
The seamen's guiding arts are all in vain—
She runs with frenzy whirling o'er the main.
120
CANTO XXXIII.
FREDONIAD.
Now down a reeling billow she descends,
Whilst every spar with the concussion bends.
A fearful song the tight-strain'd cordage sings,
Like spirits of the damn'd,—the music strings
Shrieking give way. Adown each creaking mast
Gleam the blue lightnings--every soul aghast!
The floods in torrents on the sailors stream;
And now the gale flat lays her on her beam.
Her keel trembles from its place. Now she flies
On foaming mountains to the thundering skies ;
Then down she plunges by the whirlwinds driven,
Then up she's dash'd against the stormy heaven!
"O thou Supreme! who roughens up the sea,
Or calms it when enrag'd, we look to Thee!
On Thee alone our anchor'd hopes rely-
O give our souls redeeming power to fly
To join in heaven the bless'd society!"
A white-rob'd angel, whose it was to bear
To the Invisible the breath of prayer,
Convey'd the voice of Blakeley to the Throne—
Whose smile a sunbeam on the hero shone!
The gazing seraph knew the hallow'd sign,
That he translated should be made divine.
Fredonia on the wall of heaven he finds
In grief to see her son the sport of winds,
Toss'd on the ocean: "Loom with joy thy breast!
His righteous deeds hath won a glorious rest!
To thee 'tis given, Elijah-like, to raise
Entire the vessel from the storm-vex'd seas.
Fredonia heard----it thrill'd her to the heart-
She strikes her spear!----the walls celestial, part!
CRUISE OF CAPTAIN BLAKELEY.
121
And, as they open, lo! a flood of day
Breaks with such splendour through the vacancy,
The eye of mortals is surcharg'd with light,
Which for the moment makes the world seem night.
Two silvery rivers, like soft music flow
Smooth through the pass, and wed the deep below.
A rainbow cloud supports th' empyreal streams,-
A starry radiance on their surface beams.
No mind earth-wrapp'd the beauty can conceive—
No eye behold the brilliancy and live!
Now when the Wasp was hurl'd midway to heaven,
Brief in a moment backward to be driven
Beneath th' ingulphing waves----Fredonia nigh,
Comes in a cloud of fragrance from the sky,
And with her breath ambrosial, sweet, yet strong,
Propels the vessel on the stream along!
What wondrous scenes magnificent unfold!
Her pitchy hulk becomes transform'd to gold;
Ivory her spars, diaphanous as light,-
Her shrouds to silver cords divinely bright;
Her sails, to silk reflecting every dye,
Like infant clouds when Beauty paints the sky.
Beyond the crystal battlements she moves,
Where souls translated interchange their loves.
Fredonia shuts the pass. With thrilling song,
Infantile spirits charm the ship along.
Smooth up the stream of life in gorgeous dress,
She floats--a thing of heaven in loveliness.
Now on the bosom of the lake she glides.
1
With all her beauty imag'd in the tides.
VOL. IV.-11
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122
CANTO XXXIII.
FREDONIAD.
Th' empyreals stand with wonder in their eye,
And gaze, and gaze to view the novelty.
Blakeley in robes immortal, and his crew,
Feel inexpressible their feelings new ;
To every sense an ecstasy is given,
Fill'd with the fulness of the joys of heaven!
CANTO XXXIV.
NAVAL VISION.
.....
ARGUMENT.
Naval actions pass in vision before the Celestials situated on the
wall of heaven.
The scene changes to different parts of the world. The time of this
vision is about six hours.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXIV.
WHEN from the splendour shrunk the dubious Form,
The North call'd back the whirlwinds of the storm.
The wearied billows rock themselves to rest,
And white-wing'd zephyrs smooth the ocean's breast.
The clouds disparted from the welkin fly,
And heaven unfolds its splendid imagery.
Lo, now the Essence, from whence sprang the light,
Quickening creation in the womb of night,
Withdraws his dazzling brilliance from the sight;
The blue and orange mingling, grace the hour,
While dews of evening visit every flower.
Th' immortals hymn their holy songs of love,
While ever-listening Echo from her grove,
Repeats the numbers in melodious strain,
Touching the soul exquisitely again.
At length the shades recede,----and day appears-
The light of Deity sublimes the spheres!
A brightness that is dark around him dwells,
Which, e'en from seraphim his form, conceals.
:.
11*
126
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Fredonia now in all her beauty came
With phoenix Victory and eagle Fame,
And, on the shining battlements of heaven
Stood--while this music from her tongue was given:
"Fame! sister of my heart---on wings of light,
The born of Liberty to this, invite,
T'observe in vision, passing on the earth,
Deeds to immortalize Columbia's birth.”
Fame, while her trumpet through elysium rings,
Fans the pure element with silver wings.
Her motion leaves the speed of light behind-
Rapid as thought when burning from the mind:
"Ye born of Freedom! listen to the call!
I come to bid you to the diamond wall.
Behold. this day upon the earthly sphere,
Actions to test the nation's character,
Will pass in vision in a style that's new,
Bringing the past and present into view.
"Where Blakeley enter'd the preceding even,
There forth assemble, ye divine of heaven!"
Sweet as she clos'd she blew her trump so clear,
'Twas harmony that thrill'd upon the ear.
The host arise----millions on millions round,
And full assemble at the clarion's sound-
From heaven's extremest verge, in vast extent,
As earth, the sun and starry firmament;
But as their movement travels with the mind,
An instant finds them at the spot design'd!
So bright their forms with the celestial ray
The diamond splendour vanishes away.
NAVAL VISION.
127
Where Hesper shines, Fredonia takes her stand-
Justice and Washington on either hand:
Knox, Laurens, Ledyard, crown'd with laurel high,
Pulaski, Jasper, Nash, Montgomery:
De Kalb and Mercer, with the brave who fell
In fields-to never find their parallel.
Greene, Franklin, Warren, Putnam, on the right,
With all who bar'd the steel in righteous fight--
The world, to re-inspire with freedom's light!
Spencer and Davis,-Hull with youth's bright air,
Who died a martyr for his character.
Graves, Allen, Hickman, Woolfork, Simpson, Hart;
Swift, Whitley, Stoddard, Backus, Lent, Hobart;
Mac Farnal, Morris, Gibson, Bigelow,
Whose temples garland-wreath'd proud honours show.
Wood, Campbell, Pike-illustrious name! Ritchie,
Who spent their blood their country might be free-
And all the pilgrim train that worshipp'd liberty.
Columbus, Truxton, Preble, names of worth,
File on the left to mark the vision'd earth.
And Nicholson beside his brothers stood,
And Hopkins, Robinson and Hazlewood.
Laube, Brooks and Clarke, who fell on Erie's wave,
Their birth-right soil from crushing power to save.
White, Hopewell, Ballard, Livermore and Broome-
Barry, in dying found a glorious tomb--
And Ludlow, Blakeley, Allen, Lawrence, all,
Who strove for right on the terraqueous ball---
Who stood the faithful guardians to sustain
The weak against the tyrannizing reign
128
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Of stern usurpers, who, with fell control,
Pluck the bright gem of freedom from the soul.
Th' expanding ocean curls beneath their view---
The rivers gushing from the fountains new,
Tumbling in cat'racts o'er the mountain's brow,
Chafing the waters into wreaths of snow;
But soon they smooth their bosoms to the sun,
And, in loose mazes to the vallies run.
The lakes like silver seas, or mirrors fair,
In which the things of heaven appear more rare,
Unfold in peerless beauty to their eye,
Reflecting back their own bright imagery.
The wonderous multitude feel new delight,
As loom their mountains and the streams in sight.
A tender passion moves upon their breast
To mark the spot where they in childhood press'd
The swelling bosom of maternal love---
Or jocund carroll'd to the echoing grove;
But when they gaze upon the martial plains,
Where they victorious broke the tyrant's chains,
They feel the former kindling of their flame---
The phoenix fire of never-dying fame.
Where Charles pours down his tribute to the sea,
Bunker's proud summit rises into day;
The spires of Trenton tipt with golden light;
The Muses' seat at Princeton glads the sight.
Stark's Bennington beneath the Mountains Green,
And Saratoga to the north are seen.
The plains of Monmouth in their verdure rise,
And Guilford wakens holy sympathies.
NAVAL VISION.
129
The Spring of Eutaw glitters to the sun,
Whose silver waves o'er golden pebbles run;
The field of York, where Tyranny expir'd,
And Freedom rose, by Virtue's self inspir'd:
These scenes and others sanctified by fame-
(No mortal tongue could number them by name,)
Roll into view before th' admiring sight
Of gazing millions on the diamond height.
Now two dark battle-ships with hostile mien,
East of the Island State are threatening seen;
The larger bears the ensign of the throne,
The Stars emergent make the other known.
The royal vessel kindles into war—
But, lo! the Eagle' seems to edge afar,
As if to shun the conflict on the deep---
Her bolted thunders dead their silence keep.
Truxton breaks forth to mark her failing blood,
Whilst heaven suspended at her conduct stood:
"My heart feels earthly. What! and can it be
Our ship will prove a dastard on the sea?
Her chief in naval robes looks firm in soul---
His eyes two meteors in their casements roll.
Never---ah, no!---I comprehend his art---
I scan the secret purpose of his heart;
He rounds the helm---he gains his object now
Hark! how he thunders on the Albion's prow!
Their brass they seem with spirit hands to ply---
Scarce six to three is heard the enemy.
What nimble fires put death upon the balls?
See! the mast creens--it topples---see, it falls!
130
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIV.
Another! and another!---Hark! the gun!
The foe has yielded and Columbia won!
64
Bright Goddess, say what different names they bear,
And who commands them on the ocean there?"
Thus he. Fredonia then: "The ship that 's bent,
Her standards buried in the element,
Is the Guerriere---lo! Dacres vain through pride,
Challeng'd the brave to meet him on the tide!
He held a stern defiance in his eye,
But now he feels what strength is liberty.
Yet generous feeling dwelt within his breast---
T'avoid the fight, he suffer'd the Impress'd
To leave the deck, and not their hands imbru'd
In brothers' blood---a theme of gratitude.
"The victor ship, from freedom's charter nam'd,*
Long on the element for prowess fam'd
Is rul'd by Hull---within whose ample heart,
Honour resides, guided by virtue's chart.
His rising worth magnificent will shine,
Till yonder orbs in darkness shall decline.
Bush, Hoffman, Morris, for their wounds will be
A theme of praise in future history.
Life will they gain in death!
""
"Now each his sight,
Bend to the south and note the gathering fight.
To southern latitudes they glance their eye,
And there the elder Wasp and Frolic spy
Rolling and tumbling on a tempest sea---
Whinyates, the last,---Jones spreads the Eagle free;
* The Constitution.
NAVAL VISION.
131
The foe beneath Iberia's standard rides---
Jones nears and hails him on the boisterous tides:
"What ship with neutral banners in the air?"
Whinyates rejoins. "The Frolic, thee, to dare!
"Down, Albions, down, bring down the dark disguise,
And let the crosslet of Britannia rise!
Mark, as we mount upon the heaving swell,
Let full explosions at the object tell."
Brief was the order. Firm the English stood
With matches lighted---as they rise the flood,
They put them forth,---elance the flames afar,
Which kindle nothing save the whirling air---
Their balls o'ertop the Wasp, and Jones exclaims:
"Ye prime of ocean! let them flash the flames!
Down as we sink be ready to let fly,
And touch the sparkle to the cannonry.
The wave recedes! flame, carry to each gun
יין
The Wasp flash'd death, ere the brief word was
done!
Her every effort stings the Frolic through,
Searching the life of her determin'd crew;
Each several time she settles in the wave,
King-subjects fall and find a watery grave;
But though the very life of England fails,
Yet to resistance none submissive quails.
At times the pinions of the Wasp she wounds,
And sunder'd cordage on the deck resounds.
But, lo! the anger'd Wasp heeds not the blast,
That wounds a pulley, sail, or shroud, or mast;
Down as she settles on the tossing flood,
She draws in smoking streams the Frolic's blood.
132
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
The billows madden as the conflict roars-
At times the yawning ocean half devours
The Wasp in blaze,----her guns oft drink the deep,
But when they strike, the Briton seems to leap
In torment from the sea, so dread they bore
Her hollow womb,----blushing the waters o'er
With crimson foam, which makes the emerald main
Change its green robe for one of sanguine stain.
At length the Wasp of Frolic shoots ahead,
While numbers hot with life, fall instant dead.
Near and more near she edges down in pride-
Soon the bold seamen touch the Frolic's side,
As they their sponges draw,----sweating a stream--
Crowding the brazen jaws to vomit flame.
Behold, two engines through the port-lights frown-
They pour destruction forth----the Albion life is done!
Now through the Wasp in emulation ran,
Who should first board and be the happy man.
One draws the other back and then crowds on-
But he is ousted from his place as soon.
Biddle and Baker are the favour'd two,
Who, struggling forward, breaking from the crew,
Leap upon the prize!
How direful the scene!
The deck is cover'd with the skulls of men,
And hearts rent piecemeal----broken brains,----and hair
Matted in blood, and scatter'd here and there.
Groans of the dying load the funeral gale,
Which sounds more death-cold as their pulses fail.
NAVAL VISION.
133
The broken shrouds lie tangled with the slain,
While a thick gore runs trickling in the main.
Biddle, the shiver'd standard from on high,
Strikes----none had life to sink it from the sky!
*
*
*
*
*
The bright assembly gaze upon the scene-
But Justice speaks with firm, unalter'd mien:
"For Albion this a melancholy hour-
At length she feels the weakness of her power.
For slave impressment----she receives full dear,
For which her Howard daily sheds a tear-
I met his spirit as I pass'd along,
Mourning in anguish this soul-eating wrong.
*
As Justice clos'd,----Lawrence bending his eyes
Toward the north, two home-bound ships descries;
The one, with canvass, masts and cordage torn,
The other o'er the wave in triumph borne-
And thus the man of heaven: "What vessels these,
Cleaving the Island Sound with infant breeze?
But now methinks the foremost ship* I know-
Decatur rul'd her when I dwelt below.
The stranger awkward limping at her stern,
Looks though she 'd seen her hidden lightnings burn."
He scarce had spoken, when a chariot roll'd
Smooth from the ocean in a flame of gold—
Its wheels fashion'd of rainbows,-hubs, four stars,
More sweet than Venus, and more bright than Mars.
VOL. IV.-12
* United States.
134
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIV.
:
The spokes, the sunbeams that bedeck the sky,
When fresh they glitter in their infancy.
Its seat, a silver cloud, soft as the breath,
That breathes vitality to dust beneath,
Lac'd round with gold and amber-melting rays,
Divine as heaven to draw an angel's gaze.
Its radiant traces were of star-beams wove
By infant fingers in their spheres above.
Two seraphim commission'd from on high,
With wings adapted for immensity,
Cleave it from earth-an exhalation rare,
As if a present deity were there!
"Mark-mark the wonder!-Lo, what bounds from
earth!"
Thus breaks the Goddess in a transport forth:
"Behold the car!----the workmanship of heaven!
Through the void universe by seraphs driven!
Methinks familiar is the stranger's mien-
'Tis Funk-his smile of virtue.have I seen.
His mortal dust is in the deep dark wave-
But lo, he comes!
66-
My son, my offspring brave!
I joy to greet thee in the realms of bliss
To drink th' unfailing streams of happiness.
"But now the naval circumstance recite
Before th' Immortals crown'd with starry light."
He stood transported, in his sky-robes new,
Pausing his bliss---then spoke the battle through:
"In nine degrees and twenty north, we spied
The Macedonian in her banner'd pride.
NAVAL VISION.
135
Full in her favour blew the swelling wind,
And hence she chose what distance she design'd.
We answer'd not at first----till edging nigh,
We veil'd the deep in fiery canopy-
For, lo! so fierce, incessant was the blaze,
They thought our vessel burning on the seas!
They shouted-Victory!!----their joy was short-
For whole divisions bled by our report.
Such was the scene of havoc and despair,
It seem'd that death had us'd his sickle there.
66
My breast was broken as declin'd the fray,
Through which my spirit burst its prisoning clay.
Tranc'd, circumfus'd in light, I clomb the sphere-
Of which I nothing know----but now I find me here!"
He ended. Forth the ravish'd listeners strung
Their golden harps, which o'er their shoulders hung.
Prelusive, sweet, in symphony they play-
At length they join their voices to the lay:
"Hail to the rising of Columbia's land!
Hail to the heroes of the naval band!
Hail to Decatur! let his name rebound,
Till earth from heaven shall hear the echo'd sound!”
Silence attended when the hymn was sung,
And thus Fredonia with descriptive tongue:
"Beneath the star, immoveable, behold
The royal Boxer in her robes of gold;
Her glittering streamers fix'd upon the mast,
In lofty token never to be cast."
The Goddess motion'd with her hand serene,
And north they bend their eyes to note the scene.
136
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
:
In gaudy dress the Boxer they descry,
Like a proud coquette bent on victory;
And soon in vision on the sea they mark
In simple vestments a Columbian bark.
Blakeley exclaims with pleasure in his eyes:
“The Freedom vessel is the Enterprize!
Her once I rul'd. The war-ship is the same,
Which at Tripoli glorified her name---
A host she slaughter'd of the Barbary foe,
While not one drop from her bright veins did flow;
This, this was Sterrett's feat, a feat to give
The hero fame while valour's acts shall live.
"When of the Wasp, I rose in my command,
I gave the vessel into Burrows' hand,
Than whom, none ever flew before the wind,
With more illustrious sentiments of mind.
But wait the issue !"
Fierce the Boxer flies
With brass in flame upon the Enterprize;
Burrows advancing, silent bears the shot—
But now at hand,-he streams the lightning hot.
The haughty foe is melted by the blast-
He cries for mercy with his banners fast,
Floating above! A yielding word is all
The patriots need to stay the slaughtering ball.
But who is that reclining on his arm,
His bosom crimson'd from his vitals warm?
'Tis Burrows, ah! 'tis he! the only blood
Columbia sheds that mingles with the flood-
But this is richer-rich beyond compare,
And makes the purchase of the conquest dear!
NAVAL VISION.
137
Mac Call the second of the ship draws nigh
With England's yielded blade,-heaving a sigh,
He thus to Burrows dying: "Lo, I bear
The sword of Blythe shrouded in death-robes there.
But ah, too late!-thy hand is icy cold-
Thine eye too dark the trophy to behold!"
The words are music to his fainting heart,
And a flush'd rose to either cheek impart :
"Reach me the steel!" he clasp'd it to his breast,
And the last passion of his soul express'd:
"With joy I slumber crown'd with vict'ry's wreath-
I smile upon thy spear, thou tyrant Death!
Methinks I feel my spirit loose to fly-
Beatitude! Contented now I die !”
He breath'd no more. Fredonia from the height,
Dropp'd like a star that glories in its light.
Handed she guides his new fledg'd soul on high,
While harps in chorus to the song reply:
"Come, Burrows, come! martyr of Freedom, come!
We greet thee welcome to thy joyous home!
Come, feast on nectar, drink of heaven, and live!
Come, son of fame! eternal life receive !"
He comes transported 'mid the shouting host,
And lands with wonder on the diamond coast.
A second time the ship of Hull is seen,
Bainbridge her chief, with dignity of mien-
Lock'd in fierce conflict with the Java's pride,
Streaming the flashes glancing o'er the tide.
12*
138
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
So vast at each they pour the sulphurous blaze,
They show like islands burning on the seas.
Near and more near they terrible advance,
While globes like thunder balls at either glance;
But, lo! the Briton withers every blast-
At times, down crashing falls a sunder'd mast.
Lambert her officer in blood is roll'd-
Yet the fray magnifies,-fold after fold
Curls the blue smoke, concealing half from sight
The ships, the ocean and the maddening fight.
Bainbridge impatient: "Board! grapple, ye brave!
The foe surrenders or we drink the wave!"
Prompt at command they rush with pike and sword
To lay the Java violent on board.
What daring chief is that who leads the band?
Showing his purpose with extended hand?
"Tis the fair Aylwin-of supérior soul,
Who oft had heard the naval thunders roll.
Alas! he reels-he faints! Delany sprung,
A brother youth, the time the bullet sung,
And held him to his breast-rescu'd his fall—
But while he strove to bear him from the ball,
The bleeding hero thus: "Here by the mast,
Let me remain to breathe away my last!
No, never—never will I pass below,
Till I behold the conquering of the foe.
"We range upon her bow-her ribs we tear!
We strike her heart!-she kneels in her despair!
"Life is no value now! fly-fly, my soul!
Of mortal sinews, scorn the vile controul.
NAVAL VISION.
139
The things of earth retire! heaven fills my sight!
I breathe no more! I bound on wings of light!"
The word last utter'd--half was spoke on earth,
And half where virtue finds a second birth!
And now the Peacock and the Epervier
In mad contention, dealing death, appear.
The Bird of Beauty, Warrington commands,
And Wales the foremost of the Briton stands.
Peals answering peals like heaven's artillery roll-
Th' elancing fire seems lightning from the pole.
Pillars of rising smoke the ships involve-
The boiling waves beneath the flames dissolve.
The strife at length subsides---the lumberings cease,
And the wild tumult settles into peace.
On the light breeze the nitrous cloud rolls by---
The Albion shows her dying agony.
Her spars, her sails, her shrouds, her every stay,
Wide scattering o'er the deck in ruins lay.
Her forward mast is shiver'd---half in twain,
Threatening each breath---a plunging in the main.
With nine times five her womb is broken through---
In blood dissolving lie her pulseless crew.
Lo! every feather of the Bird is seen
Spread in the breeze upon the wave serene;
No crimson drop her glittering breast distains,
But rich with life she cleaves the watery plains!
*
*
*
*
In rapt astonishment th' immortals gaze
To mark the glorious conquests of the seas;
140
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Columbus fill'd with his celestial birth,
The gladdening impulse of his soul pours forth:
"Fame's quenchless halo to the brave belong---
Yea, earth and heaven will join in choral song.
Freedom! thy triumphs never will expire---
But when the universe is wrapp'd in fire;
When all material substances are lost,
And the mix'd virtue of the earth is dross'd;
When Time shall fail, and Space shall wind the whole,
And all the burning lights forsake the pole---
Then, then in heaven, new,---thy deeds will sound,
In hallow'd accents through the vast profound!
*
*
*
*
"Not yet the vision clos'd !---new scenes unfold!---
Conquest on conquest, heaven in wonder hold!
Mark, mark the Eagle in her pride of state!
Behold the Lion crouching to his fate!
The Stars so brilliant in their glory shine,
My soul seems fainting though of mould divine!
66
Empyreal Goddess! O, in brief explain,
Who now is crown'd with laurels on the main ?"
Fredónia artless with her sweetest note :
"The Hornet, Penguin, on the azure float.
Biddle, whose name is honour, rules the first-
But Dickerson the Albion, sleeps in dust.
Brief was the conflict burning on the sea,
But once again Britannia bow'd the knee!
*
*
*
*
*
"Be not your souls in admiration lost,
Or yet the vision will your powers exhaust.
*
NAVAL VISION.
141
"Now turn your eyes-observe two vessels bent
To strike Columbia from the element;
Cyane, Levant-determin'd in the strife-
To humble Stewart, liberal of his life.
The ship he holds uninjur'd has withstood
Their proudest battles on the hostile flood;
Bainbridge and Hull beneath her flag have fought,
And to the enemy, submisssion taught.
"The three contending hurl their flames on high,
Mingling with lightnings leaping from the sky.
Lo, nothing is discern'd, with war o'ercast,
And all the air is tortur'd with the blast."
The Goddess paus'd th' event. The stirring breeze
Bears off the smoke along the troubled seas.
Stewart veers round upon Cyane astern-
Her Cross is down-her thunders cease to burn.
But, lo! the other struggles through the deep,
Striving in vain t' avoid the conquering ship:
In manner of a wounded snake she moves,
Leaving the harvest, creeping to the groves.
He wreaths his scaly folds, darts out his tongue,
And drags with labour slow his deep-bruis'd length
along :
The Briton thus hard struggles on the sea,
Turning and twisting from the strife to flee-
But Stewart soon beholds her limping slow,
While blood is seen adown her waist to flow,
To strike her flag--that humbling act to shun-
Thinking his mind was occupied with one;
But Stewart's mind was ever vig`lant
To mark the wary movements of Levant;
142
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Cyane secur'd, her tilting, he pursues,
And every thought t' escape his power subdues.
She fails-surrenders to his guns abow-
The laurels fade that deck'd the Albion brow!
The gallant Hoffman, foremost in the fray,
Receives the honour joyous to convey
The conquer'd Cyane to his native shore—
To cause the soul on Vict'ry's plumes to soar.
*
*
*
*
Behold another regal ship full soon,
*
With standards glittering in the sun at noon,
Comes booming down with cannon on a poise,
Ready to open with exploding noise;
Stewart by management and artful turn,
Soon marks-Britannia written on her stern.
Maitland observes his danger, and rescinds
The purpos'd fight;-collecting all the winds
With outspread sails, he strives to run the ship-
The order given with quivering of his lip.
Stewart beheld her flying with regret—
He yearn'd to place another coronet
Of honour round his temples, and exalt
The Eagle's pinions to the starry vault.
“Behold th' Impressing enemy!—At length,—
Mates! see-she flies, though equal is her strength!
Is this the nation that defied the world?
Give chase with all the canvass-sheets unfurl'd.
Not without struggling shall she fly our aim,
And feel the terrors of our pointed flame."
The voice of Stewart was obey'd with life--
The vessel leaps impatient for the strife;
NAVAL VISION.
143
But, lo! the royal quicken'd by her fears,
Bears swift away to hide beneath the spheres.
Hurl'd in the deep is all her cumbering freight,
Freed from the burden of retarding weight:
But Stewart keeps his eye upon her bent—
Rapid he cleaves the foaming element.
And now he nears upon the chase, and now,
His guns are heard to lumber from the bow.
Beyond the striking distance of the balls,
Again his ship by th' obstructing billows, falls.
But soon again he hovers on her stern-
Again with deafenings his exploders burn.
Thus he the chase pursues with different speed
To reach her flag and do the signal deed;
But all his skill and energies are vain-
Three times he drives her round the Atlantic main!
*
*
*
*
In admiration stood the brilliant host
To mark the dignity of Albion lost;
To see her quail and fly upon the sea
Before the banners of Columbia, free-
Scar'd like a feeble infant on the knee!
At length their silence bursted into song,
Stewart the theme that dwelt on every tongue:
*
"The fame of Stewart is a quenchless light-
He gilds his country with a radiance bright.
Loud and more loud let peans sound through heaven,
Till to the earth the music shall be given !"
During four moons Floyd, with Plantagenet,
The deep but narrow pass to York beset-
144
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Save tilting barks that glide beyond her reach,
Keeping the rippling waves that wash the beach.
To stop this ingress, which the city, fed,
Floyd sent his Shark, whose keel was narrow laid;
Her weight two mortars-cannon, five and three,
To drive the scudding vessels from the sea.
Some flew her power, but others on the stream,
Surrender'd, sluggish-laden to the brim.
This caus'd a vanity to swell his heart-
But Percival is seen to coy with art
The British prowler with a fisher's bark,
Freighted with luxuries to allure the Shark.
Bent on deception, Percival appears
A simple fisher and the one who steers;
These only open to the day are seen,
But, lo! beneath the deck are twice fifteen
Belted with arms to leap upon their prey,
When the word-Lawrence-Percival should say.
Soon as the Shark th' attempting boat descried,
She trimm'd her sails to seize her on the tide.
The artful vessel imitating fear,
Took every turn to shun the danger near-
Such was her seeming,--while a clog she drew,
Her speed restrain'd and favour'd well her view;
By which the greedy Shark soon gain'd her side,
And brought her to with a commanding pride.
With false reluctance Percival obey'd,
And close to board his fishing vessel laid;
But while with pleasure flush'd the Briton's cheek,
Lawrence! he cries and stamps upon the deck!
!
7
NAVAL VISION.
145
His secret band burst upward like a flame-
Cold, icy on the foe their weapons gleam!
Thus while the dew is fresh, a shepherd roves
With lingering step to taste the summer groves;
Serene his bosom-thoughts remote from fears-
Behold, a serpent at his feet appears!
Its shining crest erect, its eyes on fire,
Darting its tongue all wet with poisons dire,"
Changing its colours-panting as for breath,
Coil'd in the act to leap the leap of death!
His veins coagulate, while his spasm'd eyes.
Stare from their casements,-fetter'd with surprise:
Not otherwise alarm'd the sharkers stood,
When rush'd the band of Percival for blood.
Down sunk the Cross-the Eagle mounted high,
And clapp'd her wings rejoicing in the sky.
From the bright waters of Ontario's sea,
Osgood invested with divinity,
Rose by the attraction which his virtues held
With purity, by inspiration seal'd.
Like a new harp, his voice had music sweet-
He spoke the achievements of the Chauncey fleet:
"How wonderful is heaven!-
*
*
But I must tell
Of passing deeds to cause the heart to swell:
"We through the day had labour'd to assail
The Yeo squadron and its standards quail—
In vain-the breezes with a shifting wing,
Veer'd round and drove us to our anchoring.
VOL. IV.-13
146
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
With clouds, the midnight lower'd in angry group,
Blighting the stars. I felt the vessel* stoop-
I heard the cable part-the seamen's prayer-
A billow came-I ceas'd to breathe the air,
Yet still appear'd to live! At dawn I saw
The ships of Chauncey from their deep beds draw
Their sleeping anchors; soon the sails were set-
I follow'd to behold the proud flag met.
So lucid, pure the crystal element,
It caus'd my soul in happy trance to faint!
Soft I reviv'd; it seem'd new life I had,
While rapt on buoyancy with thrillings glad,
The navy I pursued. Three times with speed,
Round the bright lake to do the brilliant deed,
Chauncey the Albion drove his forces less,
By Scourge and Tompkins founder'd in distress.
He gain'd at times in distance of his aim,
And o'er the wave he stream'd the nitrous flame.
Through the clear mirror sunk the regal slain,
Their paths empurpled with a gory stain.
So near were lost their vessels, that my hand
Could reach the keels, while walking on the sand,
Mingled with pearls! At length at Kingston they
Enter'd to shun the desolating fray.
But Chauncey in defiance of their mounds
Vomiting fire, boom'd on with blazing rounds.
I mark'd him strike their haughty spirit low-
I saw their standards totter every blow!
* The Scourge.
NAVAL VISION.
147
"Here Winter found me, in the Tompkins wreck'd,
His touch, my vision of the navy check'd.
A soothing impulse seem'd to bear us hence,
When, lo! we reach'd this glorious residence!"
The high assembly hail'd to Chauncey's name,
And in full chorus rung the trump of fame.
Forth a new battle violent begun
Betwixt the President, Endymion;
The ships emerge from out a bath of fire,
Showing the marks of conflagration dire.
Loose in the breeze the sulphur cloud is seen,
Slowly receding o'er the watery green.
The blood of bravery from the vessels run-
But shatter'd, conquer'd the Endymion !
Her masts are broken--cordage rent in twain,
With scarce the power to float upon the main;
While, lo! Decatur's flags proud shadows fling,
Save a few cords hang loosen'd on the swing!
But now a squadron with the Cross in air,
Down on the victor in their darkness bear;
Involving mists from off the deep arise,
And veil the sequel from the pausing skies.
The vital streams of Babbit, Hamilton
And Howell-through their bosom-wounds had run:
On spirit-wings they join'd th' illustrious throng;
And Lawrence thus to Hamilton the young:
"I saw thine eyes once flooded to the brim,
And heard thee whisper: O that I were him!
66
1
Thy wish is granted. Here no grade is known-
Though numbers numberless, one soul alone,
148
CANTO XXXIV.
FREDONIAD.
Pervades this sumless multitude-whose gaze
Hath been transported to behold the blaze
Of naval actions brightening on the sea,
Never to darken through eternity.
“But tell me if my dust on British clay
Slumbers or near the tombs where freemen lay?"
Thus he. Thus Hamilton: "To speak the change
Of immortality-translation, strange !
Exceeds the rapt expression of my tongue,
Though every fibre is with heaven new strung!
Vain-vain is the desire !-But hear me speak
Of things of earth, to brighten on thy cheek:
“A white flagg'd vessel pass'd the narrow wave,
And rais'd thy buried dust from Albion's grave,
And homeward bore it to its native earth-
To be entomb'd where it receiv'd its birth.
'Twas wash'd in copious fountains of the heart,
Till death's deep stain was bleach'd from every part.
Thy wife approach'd half smiling through her tear,
To see the honours heap'd upon thy bier."
Her, to hear nam'd, Lawrence a something felt,
Though bless'd with heaven, that made his bosom melt.
The Armstrong now, the smallest ship that rides
In hostile attitude, the boundless tides,
Guided by Reid in vision next appears,
And draws the high attention of the spheres.
Tagus, Plantagenet, Carnation fair,
In neutral haven* on the patriot bear.
But Reid invincible with daring crew,
Shivers their barges as they crowd in view.
* Fayal.
NAVAL VISION.
149
The proud Carnation withers-droops her head-
Britannia grieves for twelve times fifty dead!
Others pass rapidly before the sight:
Barney and Miller hold a glorious fight,
Where Warner falls and bathes his soul in light.
Moffat, Champlin, Twiggs, Clair and Endicott,
Whose names will live till ocean is forgot.
Tarbell and Lewis with their shallops bore
Their lofty ships and strike them from the shore.
Charybdis seeks the battle with Blockade,
But soon upon her deck the Cross is laid.
The Council-Orders with five engines small,
Strikes the Opossum with unsparing ball;
Nor was there time allow'd to mock at death,
So fast the Orders drew away her breath.
Bold Wilson with the Townsend seeks applause,
Which soon surrenders to the conquering cause.
The Dolphin rul'd by Stafford next is seen,"
Whose features designate a hero's mien-
Gaining two others, each superior power,
With scarce a sail-thread of the Dolphin tore.
Boyd foils a squadron by himself alone—
Than him, more brave, not valour e'er hath shown;
While stars shall travel heaven, the Comet's rays,
Will gild his memory with effulgent blaze.
The light-wing'd Hazard on the curling sea,
Subdues two regal flags, her brass but three.
Le Chatler's splendid feats will ever be
A brilliant page in future history.
13*
150
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIV.
?.
Next potent Rodgers with full gales is sent
Through the broad ocean in the President.
He thunders now upon the Belvidere―
But, lo! she shelters in her harbour near.
Round wears the hero with affliction deep-
To lose the prize, constrain'd his eye to weep.
Four times he measures th' Atlantic wave,
But none durst meet him and his anger brave;
Soon as they mark the whitening of his sail,
They spread their wings and vanish with the gale.
At length to enter York he venturous steers,
And Franklin thus expressive of his fears:
"Now must he bend his flag, for sad I mark
A line-of-battle to consume his bark.
"Rodgers, retire-the dangerous pass, avoid-
Thy Stars must sink-thy vessel be destroy'd.
*
*
*
*
*
"But, see! he furls his wings, and seems to dare
The triple enemy to combat there!”
While thus the sainted man with soul regret,
Near Rodgers had approach'd Plantagenet.
He notes the danger pausing;—instant, lo!
His feelings mount and these expressions flow:
"Behold a three-tier'd battle-ship in sight!
What breathe your thoughts?--to tremble from her
might?
No---die before her! say---what say you?---speak!
What beat your bosoms?---are their pulses weak?
They beat eternal life! never to fly,
But for the cause triumphantly to die!
NAVAL VISION.
151
Be but resolv'd and we her flag shall down,
And be the last forgotten in renown!
"Ready for action let the ship be clear-
Begone each pallid thought--each coward fear.
What death more glorious can our souls acquire?
We die to live---to shine like stars of fire!
*
*
*
*
*
"What stays her coming forth? It cannot be
That she declines to meet us on the sea!
Give her a challenge gun-her flag, invite
To bear upon us and contest the fight!
*
*
*
*
*
"What---what detains her?---challenge her again!
And let your valour sparkle o'er the main!
*
*
*
*
*
"Her anchors hold her yet! And does she fear
Three powers to one, in strife to meet us here?
"Expand the woven wings!--we 'll pass the foe-
Never she 'll dare a hostile act to show."
The nimble mariners the white wings spread---
Rustling they fill and boom the ship ahead.
Lo! as the Eagle flaps the Lion near,
He shrinks, he settles 'neath the wave for fear!
Scarce breathe the dastards while their hearts beat
dead---
Their joints trembling relax---their teeth chatter in
their head.
As Rodgers pass'd in hailing distance by,
He caus'd a shout to peal along the sky:
152
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIV.
"Proud Albion! hear!---where 's slave impressment
now?
The winds refuse thy pirate-flag to show---
'Tis thus that tyranny is made to bow!"
Plantagenet to hear their voices pour,
Parted her cables short and vanish'd from the shore!
*
*
*
*
*
*
The host of heaven stood pausing with surprise,
And scarce believ'd their ever-truthful eyes.
Justice the silence breaks: "Britannia, lo!
Thy crimes have made thee an example now!
Deep is the stain infix'd upon thy brow!
Thy spirit fails---for ever gone---'tis broke---
Thou find'st it death on freedom's power to look!
Thy thousand ships no longer can prevail-
For lack of virtue, will their standards quail.
Dear is the price for slaving on the main---
Thy power is broken for this crimson stain!
The Gauls ere long redeem'd upon the tide,
With new-lit thunders will reduce thy pride,-
Above the wave, Iberia lift her head,
And Russia from the north thy naval joints unthread!
"Whom I support, opposers lap the dust---
Columbia, hail !---thy battle-cause is just!"
Raptur'd they listen'd to his language sweet,
And in full choir his closing words, repeat:
"Whom Justice aids, opposers lap the dust---
Columbia, hail !---thy battle-cause is just,---
Wide o'er the world thy flag shall wave the first!”
A
CANTO XXXV.
MILITARY VISION.
i
ARGUMENT.
The celestial vision passes from the ocean to the land. The
scene is laid in different parts of the United States.
The time is about six hours.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXV.
WHEN the shrill echo of their voice was done,
Fredonia blushing with a smile begun:
"This for the ocean. Now, ye bless'd of heaven,
Exploits on land in vision will be given;
There the bright radiance of your eyes extend,
And see your sons their liberties defend."
Th' Immortals heard and bent their sight divine
To where the streams between the mountains shine.
Near where Tecumseh in the carnage fell,
Contending warriors, other, each, repel.
Holmes in the front of the Fredonian bands,
With bayonet-weapons glittering in their hands,
Is dimly notic'd from the wall on high,
Compass'd with Britons, fighting gallantly.
Close and more close they hem the patriots round---
Warm purple streams intoxicate the ground.
In vain th' assailants struggle for the wreath
That quickens, blooms and flourishes in death.
156
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXV.
Wasted of strength they shelter in the wood,
Leaving their footsteps sprinkled o'er with blood.
On plains of Florida is Newnan seen
In combat lock'd with savage-bosom'd men.
Soon they recede and leave their king behind-
But, lo! their second chief, unbent in mind,
His grim host congregates. With madness stung,
They drive to battle with a howling tongue,
Deafening the hills. Against the Georgians dire,
They shower the flames to melt them down with fire;
But Newnan stands unshaken with his few,
And steady wastes them of their strength like dew.
Three several times they give;-but, lo! once more
They crowd the valley with augmented power.
Their wounds they disregard-to seize their King,
Storming they come-swords, bayonets, rifles ring:
So when fierce lions had a tiger slain,
And ground him breathless on the sandy plain-
T'
I' avenge his loss, the tigers fierce unite,
And hem the lions circling them in fight.
Each grapples each-they gnash, they gash, they growl;
The mountains echo with the suffering howl.
In others' blood they bathe their foaming jaws;
Nor this will yield, nor that resign the cause.
From bristling manes electric sparkles rise,
Death's fiery arrows shooting from their eyes:
Thus they the conflict held. Their chieftain now,
Seizes the king with a defying brow;
MILITARY VISION.
157
But Newnan levels-swift the burning death
Sings on—and strikes their leader through his breath.
Their second champion slain-the wild men fly,
But in their flight they find mortality.
The monster nation of the Creeks appears
Rough in their arms to flood their land in tears-
But Coffee firm at Tallahatchie meets
The cannibals, and soon their life completes.
And Jackson terrible his arm makes bare,
Whose name to savage palsies like despair;
A Talladega slaughter rent the field-
At Tallapoosa was their war-whoop quell'd.
An Indian mother fought upon the plain—
Jackson endeavour'd, but, alas! in vain,
To bear his rifles as to shun her life-
But wild with rage she mingled in the strife.
The tumult o'er;-with hush'd emotions sad,
He saw her looks death's ghastly visage had,
Her infant clinging to her breast!—no more
The milky fountain would the warm drops pour-
Its little hands all matted in the gore!
Its tears, its plaints, his energies o'ercome-
He stood he spoke not-paus'd-his nerves were
numb.
At length, unconscious of the act he sprang-
(So keen his bosom felt the bleeding pang,)
Seiz'd-loos'd the infant's strong convulsive grasp,
Clung to its mother with a dying clasp.
VOL. IV.-14
158
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
Its shriekings seem'd as if its heart were rent-
But soon he sooth'd it with kind blandishment.
He nam❜d it for himself, deep, solemn, mild,
His eye to heaven-his thoughts from earth exil'd,
And gave a father's blessing to the child!
The scene a new beatitude impress'd-
Th' immortals kneeling, hail the action bless'd!
Yet still a horde with passions unsubdu'd,
Darken an isle in Alabama's flood,
Fix'd in resolve to find their death-beds there,
Like jealous tigers watching in their lair.
Benton, the stream descending, soon descriest
Conceal'd-half, hid, his cluster'd enemies.
Benton, a name the people will revere--
He pleads their cause-maintains their character--
Missouri's star of promise which displays
A light to gladden through remotest days.
The senate listen to his voice as one,
Whom none surpasseth in comparison.
Opposite the isle on either bank,
His band he marshall'd-and, in solid rank,
Ready they stand to point their weapons forth,
And cause the hostile blood to stain the earth;
No hope-no succour, should the sign but wave
T'elance the flame to strike them to the grave.
The ambush'd dreamn no mercy is at hand,
Hence with close art they crouch upon the land,
Their rifles bent and sighted on the bead,
To do for death till number'd with the dead.
Lo! a white banner to the breeze is given!
The wild-men hail it as a sign from heaven.
1
MILITARY VISION.
159
In a light pinnace, Benton cleaves the flood-
An aged chief comes forward from the wood;
They meet with their attendance on the beach,
And Benton thus salutes him with a speech:
"Behold this token of thy peace I bear!
Give but your friendship, and your lives we 'll spare.
Yea, to thy children we 'll a father be,
And make them flourish like a water'd tree,
On which the sun delights his beams to throw,
To cause it lovely in its form to grow.
"Cruel advisers must have fill'd your ear,
That you might fall beneath our lifted spear.
Have we not all our promises made good?
Why then the hatchet raise to shed our blood?
We 've cloth'd, we 've shelter'd, yea, we 've bounteous
fed
Your wives and children with sustaining bread.
"I see thine eyes are tearful-come, we 'll join
Our hands in peace-and, as from yonder vine
Thick hang the clustering grapes-so thick shall be
Our future acts of leagu'd confederacy."
Here Benton gave his hand. The forest child
To his deliverer with emotion smil'd-
The smile was like a rainbow in the west,
The thunder silenc'd in the cloud's deep breast.
Th' Empyreals hung upon the scene:—and soon,
With harps for ever in harmonious tune,
They sung the name of him, whose tongue sincere,
Melted the savage heart till fell the soften'd tear.
160
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXV.
And now a royal Knight,* eager to seek
Inglorious plunder in the Chesapeake,
Anchors the navy-lands upon the beach,
Intent the luxuries of the soil to reach,
And crowd his longing vessels with the same,
Reckless what passes with his future name.
Boasting he moves impatient to succeed-
But, lo! he meets obstruction from a Reed-
No feeble, pliant shrub-in heart an oak,
Who on the felon band lets fall a stroke
Which crushes them to earth-they fly the plain,
Save those who quiver with a crimson stain.
Behold, the cheek of knighthood waxes pale-
His longing appetites for luxuries fail.
For him the surgeon's art can do no good—
The wretched man is folded in his blood.
His body sweats with death's cadaverous dews-
A theme for Byron to disgrace his Muse.
At the Rock-Stream, † the moon retiring slow,
Vaunting of conquest, rushes in the foe.
The sword of Vincent lighted by a star,
Glimmering directs th' invasion of the war.
They break the centre-think the victory won--
But, lo! they hear the peal of Towson's gun,
Archer's and Leonard's! yet with reckless hand
They seize upon a brass by rash command
To bear it forth---Mac Chesney charging soon,
Makes the presumptuous leader ghastly swoon,
Sir Peter Parker. + Stony Creek.
MILITARY VISION.
161
•
His steel plung'd in his breast---rescues the prize,
And, at a blast, a whole battalion dies!
Hindman and Armstrong, Biddle, Nicholas,
With levell'd infantry, bow heads like grass
When smitten by the scythe. Rout and despair
Panic the heart. Vincent, with temples bare,
Wanders the wilderness till hunger wakes
His dormant reason, and the scene forsakes
His brain o'ercharg'd with the disaster sad,
Which for three days had made his thoughts run mad !
Now, Ball, the hero on Sandusky's bank,
And ten twice told---while scouting loose in rank,
Hear the dire yell of savages---and, lo!
A moment having pass'd, their features show!
Impetuous on the horde the patriots wheel-
Swift from the smothering scabbard leaps the steel.
Each singles out his man his life to foil—
Now these, now those lie gasping on the soil.
Their dripping falchions smite with battering crash,
Whilst angry sparkles round about them flash.
Ball, soul-enrag'd, down thunders from his horse
And closes with the chief of sinewy force.
They toil, they sweat, they tug, they pant, they strain
To cast each other on the gory plain.
With arms o'er shoulders glu'd, their binding hands
Crowd breast to breast as fix'd with iron bands;
Each neck to neck hard lock'd-heads bending o'er
With brow convuls'd and eye surcharg'd with gore;
14*
162
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
With writhing effort tight their muscles swell,
While sanguine sweats adown their limbs distil:
So once a hunter on Missouri's plain,
Where flowers neglected bud and bloom in vain,
Wounded an elk with branching horns on high-
It leap'd an arrow ere it fell to die,
Losing the anxious hunter with its wound-
But soon it fainting sunk upon the ground.
Two hungry bears advanc'd to seize the prey;
Each claim'd the carcass,-fierce began the fray,
Blood boiling in their hearts,their whelps stood by
To urge them on and fever to supply.
Erect in air theycarried on the broil,
Forcing each other backward from the spoil.
Their jaws foam'd crimson, while their gnashing teeth
Struck glancing fire to give the wounds of death:
Thus they contending struggle on the field;
Nor this gives back-the other scorns to yield.
At length the patriot took the monster's heel-
An up-whirl'd oak upon the earth he fell.
A pointed rock receiv'd him in his fall,
Which crush'd the bones that arch'd the mental wall.
His shatter'd brains came floating on the ground—
Yet still his eye with savage fierceness frown'd.
To mark their leader slain, th' insatiate crew,
T' avenge his death, more wild the strife renew.
Mad like a swell'd up stream they foaming come-
But soon, their fountains drain'd, they sink into the
tomb.
MILITARY VISION.
163
The voice of bleeding Covington is heard
With dying accent, leaning on his sword:
“Grateful I bleed upon the lap of earth-
The hour of death is sweeter than of birth!
Then is the time of grief,-but O, to die
A martyr in the cause of Liberty,
Such strange impulsions to the soul are given,
Tears damp the eye, as angels shed in heaven.
O may my blood a rich oblation prove
To shower the land with blessings from above!
"Too long I've held th' ascension of the Mind-
Take thy departure on the wings of wind!"
The seraph-chariot cleav'd the liquid sky,
And instant rais'd him to sublimity.
Th' Empyreals hail'd him with a song that thrill'd
With ecstasy-and all the regions fill'd
With music, such as elevates the eye
To gaze—as though it felt divinity.
66
Fredonia greets him mid the raptur'd skies:
Say on what plain thy mortal casket lies?
Behold, we listen with impatient ear
To learn what conflict brought thy spirit here;
We heard thy voice, and partial thee beheld
Through the vast turbulence that wrapp'd the field ;*
But nothing farther could the eye remark,
So thick the storms hung round the welkin dark."
She thus. And in return thus Covington:
"Yes, wat❜ry clouds involv'd the blessed sun
While thrice he circled heaven. Though drench'd and
chill'd,
* Christler's Field.
164
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXV.
Each breast the lowering elements repell'd-
Never by adverse trials to be quell'd.
Boyd prov'd his courage never to be bent,
And none with his example e'er could faint.
Sudden our rear-their ranks more deep than ours,
They smote with enginery to crush our powers;
Planted in ravines, guarded by the wood,
They pour'd on every side a fiery flood
O'erwhelming all our arms! But Boyd made large
His soul, and led the patriots to the charge!
Then steel hard clashing steel was deafening heard,
And names on honour's page were register❜d.
The foe gave way;-but presently he stood-
And Boyd advanc'd and made his promise good.
Again they falter'd back— but, lo! again,
Solid they form'd resistless on the plain.
Desperate the toil!-Soon I to earth was fell'd-
Still kept I bent mine eye upon the field,
Watching their strugglings. Notic'd I how Boyd,
Ever in front their proudest names destroy'd.
At length the column of Britannia shook—
Its standard trembled ;-lo, it reel'd, it broke !
"Here clos'd mine eyes upon the things of earth-
They open'd-and I found in heaven my birth!"
He ceased. Boyd's name with approbation rung
Wide through the empyrean by their every tongue.
Spencer, the warrior's virtues to redeem
From envy's hate, continu'd thus the theme:
And I admiring in the conflict stood*
T'observe his sword in night's deep solitude,
* At Tippacanoe.
MILITARY VISION.
165
:
Flash like a beam of heaven's dissolving fire,
Causing the murky savage to expire!
"Prudent his tongue advis'd us to regard
The wily foe-for sudden break, prepar'd,
And never by their counterfeits ensnar'd.
Though smiles were seen to play upon their cheek,
He knew they inward yearn'd hot blood to seek.
But, ah! his prudent counsel met with scorn,
Till rush'd they dreadful in our sleep forlorn!
All save the eye of Boyd were clos'd and dark,
But his was brilliant as the northern spark,
Burning in heaven, unalter'd in its sphere,
Since first the stars began their bright career.
66
Virgins of Indiana grateful wreath'd
His brow with flowers, and sweetest anthems breath'd
To him whose valour rescu'd them from tears,
Expos'd to torture in their tender years."
Spencer concluded, pointing to the scar,
Through which his spirit fled from earth afar,
Convey'd to heaven in the celestial car.
The synod felt the impulse of the sign,
And touch'd their harps with tenderness divine;
Then chang'd the key-their loftiest notes employ'd
To hail th' achievements of th' illustrious Boyd.
At length sweet silence came. And now they mark
A thousand sable ships with purpose dark-
Norfolk to sack-its temples, conflagrate,
And crush the country with o'erwhelming weight.
Griev'd Washington accosts the heavenly Maid-
Like these the words the sainted patriot said :
166
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
''
My soul hath felt a sacred jubilee,
T'observe my children conquer on the sea;
Sublime their deeds upon the field survey'd—
But now I fear th' effulgency must fade.
"But say, bright Goddess, who conducts the band
With dark intent to desolate the land;
And who upon the Island* looks so fair,
To guard his country from invasion there."
Thus spoke the man of heaven. Fredonia thus:
"Alas! to speak his namet-too infamous-
He joys to wring the grief from widows' eyes,-
To hear the bitterness of orphan cries,
And veil with spoiling flames the glorious skies.
"The youth of gallant bearing clad in steel,
Guarding the Island----is the valiant Neale ;
His heart the seat of honour, and his eye
Brightens with beams of starry liberty.
99
"But look! Britannia moves upon the wave-
Now mark of thine, th' inheritance you gave."
As artless thus the Goddess clos'd her speech,
A band of spoilers struck upon the beach,
And hurried on with proud intentions press'd
To plunge their weapons in the Eagle's breast;
But Howell, Faulkner----planted at the pass,
Soon foil their purpose with exploding brass.
Not small the lives they forfeit on retreat-
The heroes melt them with pursuing heat.
And now the vessels in a dark array,
Advance to sweep the Island-flag away,
* Craney Island.
+ Cockburn.
MILITARY VISION.
167
Not apprehending to receive a check,
Till spoils of Norfolk freighted every deck;
But as successive on the wave they show--
From the bold Neale these high emotions flow:
"Behold, the darkening of the host appears!
Forget the earth, and mount upon the spheres !-
Yea, where our sires abide, there wing the soul,
And place our names upon immortal scroll!
What though the enemy the tide obscures,
Be these our thoughts, and then our fame endures.
We guard our bosom infants at the breast,
And aged mothers waiting for their rest!
Be this our theme, and let invaders pour-
Our brass will talk of death, when near the shore!
Never we yield, till in our blood they tread,
Our bodies drain, join'd bosoms with the dead!
“But mark, like victors on the wave they come!
Touch the quick sparkle---luxury the tomb!"
Dread is the talk of death! yea, equal loud,
As when grim spectres from their dungeons crowd,
And hold deep converse on the skirts of heaven,
While thunders rolling round their brows are driven.
Again, again, explode the brazen jaws-
Lo, Death himself comes forward in the cause.
The spoiling ranks are scatter'd on the flood,
Which soon turns sickly with their poisoning blood:
So when innumerous sea-birds crowd the wave,
Their glossy plumage delicate to lave;
An artful fowler sluggish leaves the shore,
Cover'd with sea-weed, in his light skiff o'er.
*
168
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
X
1
Sporting, the flocks no hidden danger dream,
Till the quick flash comes brightening o'er the stream!
Alarm'd, at once they dart upon the wind,
Leaving the wounded and their dead behind :
Thus break the Britons in disorder lost,
Like Egypt's throne upon the Red Sea toss'd.
Numbers to shatter'd bark with gripe of death,
Grapple for life-hard labouring for their breath,
Calling for succour !-Lo, the patriots hear,
And bend their eyes, not absent with a tear.
The generous Neale, assisted by his band,
Rescues their lives from washing with the sand!
The act divine is register'd in heaven-
Fredonia thus, to thrill'd affections given:
"Neale lives eternal!
"Now I'll cause to pass
In vision, names more durable than brass,
Which time o'erwhelms-but never these will fail,
So long as Virtue shall her children hail."
Thus spoke the Goddess with her features dress'd
In smiles that show'd her bosom-feelings blest;
Exulting to display a train so bright-
A pride maternal gave her soul delight.
The first, is he, their eyes in radiance mark,
Who strove with Taylor, undespairing Clarke,
At Harrison,*-not skilful loss to heal
The broken warrior then to bare the steel.
Fair Hamilton his fort† maintain'd so well,
He won the boon in memory to dwell-
Not fire, or murder's shriek his courage could repel.
* Fort Harrison.
+ Fort Madison.
MILITARY VISION.
169
Heald, at Chicago, bleeds--his bridal wife,
By wolfish men. Wells, Voorhis, yield their life,
And Roan. Lina and the youthful Helm,
Sink like two lilies that the winds o'erwhelm.
At Regis, Young and Lyon, Dilden, Neil,
Smote the first standard with their arms of steel
And by their daring, testified their zeal.
Marrs, Edwards, Murry near the Wabash bled,
While in the act to solemnize the dead;
And Dunn, the savages in piecemeal gash'd,
And the fair Webb with skull in fractures crash'd.
At Mississineway these names stood bright:
Campbell, Alexander, Gerrard and Hite;
Mac Dowell, Trotter, Simral, Thorp and Ball,
Waltz, Piat, Riddle, found a glorious fall,
Brown, Elliot, Pearce and Lousong, Bedford, fell,
Long on the column of renown to dwell.
Lee, Warren, Hickman, Basy, Hopkins, Greer,
Payne and Montgomery. Markle, his spear,
Thrust in the painted chief. Harrison and Guynne,
By actions prov'd their hidden souls within.
With shallow vessels Cassin bold assails
The Junon war-ship till her anger quails;
Gardner and Hendley, Tarbell, prov'd they held
A spirit never on the deep excell'd.
Allison sunk illustrious in his fame,
His life exchanging for an endless name.
Angus* and Mitchell in the vision show,
And the bold Shead, who grappled with the foe,
* With the flotilla in the Delaware.
VOL. IV.-15
170
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
And made the blood like fountain-streams to flow.
These names are they who at the Tensaw fell,
Where loud and piercing shriek'd the barbarous yell:
Beasley and Middleton, Bailey, Chamblis, Jack,
Who in their exit left a brilliant track
Of radiant light, showing the path of heaven,
While to fair Osborn equal bliss was given.
At Chazy, Clarke and Finch by action bold,
Soon caus'd the enemy his flag to fold,
By which their names stand prominent in gold.
At Tallushatcha, Coffee bar'd his steel,
Cannon and Allcorn, whose determin'd zeal,
And Hammon's, Patterson's, was ne'er surpass'd,
Till every cannibal expir'd his last.
These long will gain the plaudits of the free:
The Follets, Bennet, Campbell, Mansfield, Dee;
Gadscomb and Dodge, and Northway, Clarke and
Wood,
Patriots devoted to the public good;
The Dixons, Birge and Grout, Brush, Fallington,
Never by traitors from their country won;
Post, Beals, Hill, Waterman-the prime of men,
Who stern defied the factious Chittenden.*
On the Chataugay, Purdy nobly fought,
And this bright lesson to the soldier taught-
Never through adverse trials to despair,
Till death shall lay the pulseless bosom bare.
*Gov. Chittenden of Vermont endeavoured by proclamation to re-
call the above-named patriots from serving their country under the
banner of the Republic.
MILITARY VISION.
171
When all from Lewistown disaster'd fled,
Firm Mallory stood-elanc'd the sighted lead,
And many a spoiler darken'd with the dead.
At the Emucfau numbers rise to view,
Where Jackson tested that his soul was true,-
Coffee and Carroll-of high feelings made,
In dangerous hour to wield the battle-blade;
And Higgins, Ferrell, Perkins, Russel-proud
To have the honour on their ranks to crowd;
Mac Gavock, Armstrong, Bradford, Hamilton,
Died while exhorting to the combat on.
Bassett* contending with the sword in hand,
Soon made the grappling enemy disband,
Shatter'd and bleeding. Hatch his life resign 'd,
Leaving the treasures of his soul behind-
His hapless little ones, his bosom's love,
Generous the nation's gratitude to prove.
These names like ancient heroes at La Cole,
Dwelt in the midst of flame with granite soul,
Never to melt: Smith, Macomb, Bassett, Kerr,
Mac Pherson, Larrabee-whose character
Will flourish like the cedar; Parker, Greene,
And Sheldon bled with countenance serene.
Mitchell defensive at the Oswego stood,
And scatter'd hence the Britons on the flood,
Purpling Ontario's bosom with their blood:
Romayne and Melvin, Newkirk, Amart, Boyle;
Legate, Macomb, advanc'd the glorious toil,
And Robbs, and King, and Earl, and Mac Clintock-
Blaney expir'd, whose numerous virtues mock
* Commanding the Alligator.
172
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
The poet's art to paint them as to tell
They bore the marks of the original.
Thorton and Cassin drove, with numbers slain,
Invaders darkening on the bright Champlain.
The youthful Gregory on the Lawrence stream,
And Dixen, Vaughan-their memories to redeem
From Time's decay, sprang dauntless on their prow
And brought the flag of a superior low.
The prize secur'd, with Gregory to lead,
They at Presque Isle achiev'd a brilliant deed-
With artful caution, to a vessel, new,
They plied the torch,-made captives of her crew!
At the Patuxent, Barney* with the aid.
Of Andrews, Wadsworth, Blake and Asquith,-laid
The ruffian spoilers in the dust, who strove
To mar the chosen temples of our love.
Morgan at Conjocta nobly stood,
Against aggressors nerv'd with fortitude.
Scarce one to twelve, them glorious he repell'd!
Their chiefs left pale and bleeding on the field.
These worthies claim an honourable boon-
Cobbs, Armstrong, Smith and Hamilton, Calhoun;
Typton, Mac Intosh, Davidson and Page,
And Ryan, Shortridge—to abide' till age
Shall wrinkle up the earth, that even now,
Appears as lovely as a virgin's brow.
The bold Massias, Georgia's honour'd son,
Will be renown'd while mortal sands shall run.
* Commanding the flotilla.
MILITARY VISION.
173
With four times ten and eight, twice told, sublime,
Swift he erases from the book of time
Names of high import. Backward they recoil,
Broken-their bosoms gushing on the soil.
As one oppos'd to twenty, proud he stands,
And holds the defile with his Spartan bands!
Holt, Stallings, Farnal, Benson, Harlee, show
A spirit-pestilence that blights the foe.
Around their temples curls a bow like heaven,
When immortality to man is given !
*
*
*
The souls translated wonderful beheld
Their sons achieve what never was excell'd,
Save when themselves in panoply severe,
Grappled oppression-broke the tyrant's spear.
Fredonia thus, transported into song,
Pour'd the divine emotion from her tongue :
"Number the sands pure bleach'd by chafing tide--
Yea, count the starry deities that ride
In flaming chariots through the liquid sky,
Loose on the ocean of immensity;
Speak the full numbers of this host of heaven-
Sum the live sparkles from the diamond given ;
When these are number'd, then-but not till then,
Can I their deeds by flood and field explain-
Night would close upon the day--day would rise,
And night return and darken round the skies,
Ere that in vision would their actions roll
From east to west-from each divided pole !"
15*
174
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
:
This sung, she paus'd.--And Washington on high,
To northern latitudes extends his eye,
To where in mourning Hartford sad appears,
Wrapp'd in deep sable-weeping sorrow's tears :
tr
Why moves this solemn train in silence dumb?—
What sage, what patriot to his dust hath come?
Mark how the banners sigh upon the breeze,
The sight of which would make a mortal freeze.
Anxious my bosom throbs. Celestial Maid,
O! say what hero on his bier is laid?
How brief the longest date that mortals know!
But death relieves the virtuous from their wo.
Wolcott, perhaps hath render'd up his clay--
But why on earth his spirit doth delay?
Well is he worthy to be rank'd the first
With those who form the synod of the just."
"Alas, the theme !" Fredonia soft replies,
While two rich tears hang trembling in her eyes.
"Grief weighs my bosom down the truth to tell-
These scenes, my heart with bitterness reveal.
"The drooping retinue thine eyes behold,
Are patriots purified as seven-times gold;
But, ah! a leaden sorrow stoops their head-
They mourn the charter of their freedom dead!
Fractur'd, alas !--Ambition struck the blow-
And faction follow'd to its overthrow.
eye
within
"Celestial man! now cast thine
The Hall of State and see where feuds begin,
Devising measures with corruptive pride
To loose the chain-the Union to divide !"
MILITARY VISION.
175
!
"Not fractur'd?-possible !-can it be so?"
Thus, Washington alarm'd. "Alas, the wo!
Methinks my mortal lineaments I see—
But, oh! how foreign are these thoughts from me!
I feel regret my features should be there,
Lest they should catch some poison from the air."
"Not so, my son !" th' Empyreal Fair replies,
With beauty kindling in her rolling eyes:
"No act of others can thy deeds defame-
Not e'en pollution can besoil thy name.
When mad ambition holds unbridled sway,
Virtue herself may darken for a day:
So when the face of heaven is cast with clouds,
The sun his splendour for a moment shrouds;
But soon---the vapours gone--how pure, how bright,
Shows he more lovely his unspotted light!
So shall thy deeds forever live and shine,
Like lamps replenish'd with an oil divine.
"To Boston, blushing like a virgin dress'd
In bridal robes, seated on ocean's breast,
Now cast thy vision forth--and there behold
The passing scenes successive to unfold.”
He bends his heaven-wash'd eye. And Boston sweet,
Comes dancing into view on silver feet.
Her temples kiss the azure-vaulted sky,
Tasting the sunbeams as they frolic by.
The dome of state is arch'd the clouds above,
As Chimborazo tops the mountain grove—
The zephyr'd Mall adorn'd with stately trees,
Which soothing murmur to the passing breeze,
i
176
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
Where hand in hand the swain and virgin move,
And tender whisper holy things of love.
Now at the murderous spot,* where Albion's band
First drew forth blood which rous'd a suffering land,
Gazing from heaven, lo! Washington descries
A gorgeous train that wakens his surprise:
With nodding plumes the infantry advance,
Their banners floating in a waving dance.
A thousand blushing youths in light robes new,
With steps unequal on their rear pursue;
Their brows with garlands twin'd, and, on their breast,
His farewell-legacy is seen to rest.
Baskets of wicker-work their soft hands hold,
Fill'd with selected flowers bedeck'd with gold,
Breathing perfumes. Beyond this retinue,
With flags of emblems glittering on the view,
Their sires appear, bedeck'd with roses white,
And like devotion, bearing him† in sight.
*
*
*
In silence Washington the scene beheld—
At length his tongue his rising thoughts reveal'd :
"Lo! for the earth this wonderful appears!
*
These honours to my name transport to tears!
Were all my sons like these,-how soon would cease
Discord's mad voice-the nation bless'd with peace!"
Thus he. Fredonia then: "Nothing but show-
This is the fountain of the stream of wo.
* State street-5th March, 1770.
+ Washington.
MILITARY VISION.
177
Yea, these who seem the worshippers of thee,
Exalt the foe-degrade their liberty—
Her titles they extol-revile their laws-
Loan Albion wealth to aid her in the cause!
They deem the act as infamous to aid
The nation's energies to wield the blade!
Yes, the Convention is upheld by those;
They every effort of the land oppose.
By Stygian rites they swear*-a recreant band,
Who for vile gold would barter off the land;
Hypocrites, dissemblers, slavish, base-
The cause of all the war-a factious race.
When victory elevates Columbia's power,
They droop their traitor heads-look sad and sour;
But when the Eagle from the Lion flies,
A smile of pleasure brightens in their eyes!
"To thee how vain-how useless to declare,
That simple virtue needs no tinsel glare;
But false hypocrisy will strive to hide,
His bosom dark with ornaments of pride.
"Now elevate thine eye-observe Castine,
And all the eastern shores of northern Maine,
Bent in subjection by the kingly band
To awe the bleeding patriots of the land,
Till this Convention shall the hour decide
How, when and where the Union to divide!"
*
*
*
*
*
Deep silence reign'd through heaven to mark the deed:
Yet still their greatest griefs far, far exceed
* The secret Washington Benevolent Society.
178
CANTO XXXV.
FREDONIAD.
The purest bliss that mortal life can feel,
Or the rapt mind in holy thought reveal.
*
*
*
*
Justice at length the solemn pausing broke---
Astonish'd heaven stood listening while he spoke:
"Days twice fifteen, I yield this treacherous host
To bind the Union---once their proudest boast;
But should they yet, when grace expires, defend
The cause of Britain and her arms befriend,
They to her tyranny shall bend the knee-
Bound in the chains of iron slavery.
"During this period thou wilt here remain,
Fredonia---and retaste th' ambrosial plain;
For while these suns shall roll, before their eye,
Will pass such scenes as wring with agony.
"But Fame, 'tis thine to leave the courts of heaven,
To bear the tidings as their souls are given---
Or treacherous to oppose the righteous fight,
Or be restor❜d to liberty and light."
Fame like a sunbeam passes down to earth,
While the celestials to their bowers glide forth;
Silent their voices-but their plumes of gold
Echo sweet music as they rise and fold.
Soft on the breath of Deity they roll,
Fill'd with the joys that satisfy the soul!
CANTO XXXVI.
HAMPTON.-COCKBURN'S SPOLI-
ATIONS IN THE CHESAPEAKE
BAY.
ARGUMENT.
Invocation. Cockburn's spoliations in the Chesapeake Bay.
The scene is laid in sight of Norfolk,-at Lewis, George and
Frederick towns-at Havre De Grace and Hampton. The time is
eight days.
1
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXVI.
THOU seraph Genius of the epic song,
Flaming with hallowed fire the poet's tongue---
Who giv'st his fainting heart new strength to feel
The soul's deep passion, nature to reveal,
Vouchsafe thy droppings on my breast to pour,
As dew that cherishes the withering flower.
Large let me drink of thy abundant spring-
Sweet to my lips the vital waters bring;
My thirsty soul stands longing to receive
The crystal fount to make her thoughts to live.
A weeping mother longs to clasp her boy,
Torn from her arms in Albion's slave employ;
A hunter lost amid Missouri's waste,
Longs for the star to brighten in the east;
A traveller fainting in the desert sand,
Longs for the lux'ry of a stream at hand---
But all their longings not with mine compare---
They weigh as gossamer in empty air.
My flesh is wasting---and my hollow eye
Proclaims my blood in secret channels dry;
VOL. IV.-16
182
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVI.
Come with thy fountain and relieve my soul,
Or these faint orbs no more in bliss will roll.
Alas! what bliss is now in store for me?
What bleeding clouds---what midnight misery,
Cataract my sight! Hampton---O 'tis thou,
That binds death's fillet icy round my brow.
Thou spirit of my song! the bandage tight,
Loose--freedom my soul and give me light!
*
1
What time the youthful Neale drove Cockburn back,
His tortur'd soul was broken on a rack;
He rav'd, then held his voice, then gnash'd his teeth,
T'observe the sinking of his flags beneath.
During two suns he wist not what to do-
Perplex'd what circumstance to next pursue;
Like a craz'd billow in the sport of wind
So passion fever'd and disturb'd his mind.
Thus Cockburn toss'd and foam'd till day was
tomb'd,
And stars of blood the scatter'd clouds illum'd
With crimson stain of dubious character,
Which made them look though murderers' hands they
were!
Lo! now the counterfeit appears again—
In a light skiff he cleaves it o'er the main
To visit Cockburn and relieve his care,
To speak of things his losses to repair.
Reaching the vessel, suddenly he finds
Himself surrounded by his former friends.
HAMPTON.
183
Cockburn salutes him with a smiling brow;
And, while conversing, they proceed below,
Where Beckwith sat in agony of pain
To meet disaster for expected gain.
Why stoop ye thus with boding thoughts depress'd?
Give to the winds your griefs-let Norfolk rest.
Brood not o'er hapless scenes-new plans, devise,
And soon the Eagle of the city dies.
"Now to my voice give heed: Your anchors, weigh,
And, for the Chesapeake your sails display.
I a safe pilot will the squadron bear
To all its villages to riot there.
Consent to my designs, and not your fleet
Will have the power to swim the valu'd freight.
No Neale with heavy brass your plans will mar,
For now propitious shines th' imperial star.”
Sir Sidney smiles, and Cockburn pleas'd appear s,
For every word was music to their ears.
A flush of gladness passes o'er their cheek
To burn and ravage in the Chesapeake.
Him Cockburn answers: "Elliot, take control,
And lead where plunder may enrich my soul.
Bitter despair my boding heart depress'd,
But rais'd have you this burden from my breast.
Direct us but to wealth, and, lo! your name
Will soon be mantled with a regal fame.
“But mark, the hours of night apace consume ;
The time demands to seize upon its gloom."
To either ship he these instructions gave:
"With silence heave the anchor from the wave;
184
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
And let each vessel in its sailing, turn
By the live lamp upon the Marlborough's stern."
These brief instructions pass from ship to ship—
And soon the squadron cleaves the sable deep.
Their spoiling standards flicker on the bay,
As fade the stars insensible away.
The village honouring France* their view delights,
And Cockburn presently his thoughts recites:
66
Through choice from Norfolk have we bent our
course,
And not that we were overcome by force;
But that their watchmen there should be on guard,
Whilst unmolested here we draw the sword.
"Anchor-drop barges-wing them to the beach-
Ravage and seize the precious things in reach-
Lo, this the favour'd moment to acquire
Wealth-ply the torch and brighten heaven with fire!"
Forth at the license given, th' unbridled band
Dash through the waters-bound upon the land—
Ransack the village with relentless sway,
And to their ships the plunder'd boon convey,—
Enter the fields-the cultivater's all,
Hurl to the winds,-the oxen in the stall,
Welter in blood,-the bleating flocks expire---
The treasur'd grain consumes with smouldering fire.
Having at length a besom spread around,
Smiling like fiends they vanish from the ground.
The morning next, to Sassafras they steer,
Where George and Frederick opposite appear.
* Frenchtown.
HAMPTON.
185
The wretched Cockburn, as he 'd done before,
Disbarks his legions to pollute the shore.
But the bold Veasy with but twice fifteen,
Checks for a time the progress of the scene;
Full twice their number of the Vandals bleed---
But others crowding to their place succeed.
Back from o'erwhelming ranks retire the brave,
Yet frequent wheeling they the foremost grave.
Frederick becomes a theatre of wo---
Mothers with infants, virgins to and fro,
Run pale and frantic with dishevell'd hair,
While screams of horror shriek along the air.
The dwellings plunder'd,---the despoiling band,
Whetted with rage, apply the kindling brand.
The bickering flames mid darkening smoke arise---
Religion's Bulwark hails the sacrifice!
Cockburn inglorious now the stream* glides o'er,
And lands his spoilers on the adverse shore,
Where smiling George upon its bank is seen.
All bright reflected in the wave serene.
But, lo! the hell-inspir'd, the flames excite,
Which as they kindle, fill them with delight.
Of either village, cinders whirling rise,
And roll together in the burning skies.
Deep night returns and dreary darkness reigns,
Shrouding the sky, the ocean and the plains;
Spectres are seen like meteors in the air,
Riding the waters with their blazing hair.
*The Sassafras.
16*
186
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
By the red gleam the Navigator steers,
While each by him with cautious bearing veers.
At length on Susquehanna's flood they ride,
Where glad she ripples with the azure tide.
Scarce had they touch'd the stream, when sounds
of wo
Were heard to labour from the depths below;
The joints of Cockburn shook the groans to hear,
And all his navy trembled with their fear.
And what, alas! doth this dread sound forebode?
Thus to his pilot--Cockburn with a load-
A weight oppressing of his heart, as though
To warn him--death had smote him with a blow.
"I fear some dire convulsion is at hand
To gulf, or wreck our vessels on the strand!
Perhaps some Crany Island gathering head
To mix our skulls with rocks of ocean's bed!
I'll speak to round the helm nor farther go-
Listen! what means it ?---ominous of wo!"
Cold his teeth chatter'd in his shivering jaws--
But soon deceptious was explain'd the cause:
66
Away this heartless thought,--this terror weak--
And learn how obvious is the theme you seek:
"Know, by this bank my mother brought me forth;
At opening Spring such noises from the earth,
Frequent are heard:---But where the waters here
Mingle, they strike more doleful on the ear.
The ignorant apprehend, that, from beneath
Th' infernals rise, of air more pure to breathe;
But we philosophers by wisdom taught,
Never regard such vacancy of thought.
HAMPTON.
187
1
"Pent air collected in the womb of earth
By winter's cold, at warming spring bursts forth.
Easy explain'd by philosophic laws-
Sounds th' effect, expansion is the cause."
Erring he spoke. The deities around
Of Susquehanna rais'd the mournful sound,
What time they felt the navy's strangling weight,
Burden'd with fiends the shores to desolate.
The fears of Cockburn in his bosom died,
When hell's philosopher with art replied-
Who thus continu'd on: "Here on the west,
Lies proud De Grace to be by flames depress'd.
When day shall glimmer in the east, begin,
Assail the village and its treasures win;
But when your soul is sated with desire,
Then let the cinders to the heavens aspire—
And Hampton next must be reduc'd with fire."
Thus he. And Cockburn, thus: "My heart's close
friend,
As you advise, so I my views shall bend.
And fear me not that I shall prove a child,
To spare the village from destruction wild.
"Generous with you shall I a share divide—
A star will glitter on your breast beside.
Never without your guidance could I find
The booty rich, to paradise my mind-
Paradise! I thought it never.----In sooth,
My simple mother taught it me-a youth—
I went as happy as the Tempter felt,
When Eve before him for an apple knelt.
188
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
!
To me, invaluable of price thou art-
My guiding compass, and directing chart."
Having address'd this flattery to his ear,
This, to each ship, he sent by messenger:
"Let untongu'd silence every Briton keep,
Whilst he with weapons freights the barges deep.
When day shall glimmer on the eastern cloud,
Explode the cannon and the mortars loud,
Secure the treasures, then a besom spread,
Till one wide ruin shall the land pervade,
Yea, let the flames be mounted to the sky-
Lo, now 's the favour'd time for Royalty!"
Swift at instructions given, his ruffian crew,
The fell command with eagerness pursue;
Crowding with implements of war, the barge,
Mortars and rockets on the town to charge,
When on the skirted clouds the shreds of light
Should gleam and chase the shadows of the night.
Hush'd is the village in their silence deep,
Soft on the bosom of care-soothing sleep,
All, save O'Neil-he, zealous, and alone-
A man of years-keeps watch against the throne :
Not otherwise a lion leaves his den,
To guard in darkness the approach of men;
His whelps and lioness in peace behind,
Rich in their dreams-bosoms to bosoms join'd.
This way and that he searches to descry
The lurking dangers in obscurity.
HAMPTON.
189
His senses on th' alarm-he scorns surprise,
Generous prepar'd his life to sacrifice:
So Neil the veteran, with unwinking ken,
Watch'd like the lion jealous of his den.
At length the infancy of day appears-
Eruptive thunders deafen through the spheres,
Rockets the clouds, tinge sanguine-shells and ball
In burning circles on the hamlet fall!
*
*
*
As when a flock upon the dew-bright lawn,
Press the soft flowers, to lose themselves till dawn;
Beside the ewes the tender lambkins lie,
While gentle sleep pours slumber on their eye.
The hovering deities that rule the hour,
Touch the life-brain with fancy-working power—
They dream of pastures deck'd with clover-white,
And seem to smile, as grazing with delight.
While dreaming thus-behold, a dismal yell
Of ravenous wolves, loud, horrible as hell,
Astounds their ears!-Alarm'd, frenzied from rest,
Wild they awake with death upon their breast!
So matrons, tender infants, virgins fair,
Waken distracted, wilder'd with despair.
They scream, wringing their hands in soul distress!
Rending their hair in aching bitterness.
Mothers, delirious with their offspring fly,
Clasp❜d to their bosoms rack'd with agony.
Meantime O'Neil with five who volunteer'd,
Planted a gun, and, with it, numbers clear'd.
:
190
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVI.
But Cockburn landing,-soon their cheeks wax'd pale,
And left the sage the foe to countervail.
Yet full of heart he crowds the ball-and then
Plies the hot match, and thins whole ranks of men;
But, lo! recoiling, it unpowers his thigh,
Yet still he lingers on the enemy-
With quenchless zeal he snatches in his hand
The cowards' weapons-streams them at the band:
Thus when a thousand tigers bent on death,
Assail a lion with convulsive teeth—
Behold, th' unconquer'd monarch of the wood,
Bristles his rage-inflames with fire his blood.
Some groan their last, but press'd with numbers
round,
Sour he gives back-slow, darkening o'er the ground:
Thus Neil gave way. With patriotic tears,
He strives to rouse the timid villagers :
"And is there none inherited with mind-
None that their hearts the chords of valour bind
To bow them to the dust? O, lost to shame!
And shall thick infamy enshrine your name?
Let me entreat you by your fathers' worth,
Who now cold slumber in their beds of earth!
By these thin hairs which silver o'er my head,
Stand in your strength, and nobly join the dead,
Or make the brutalizing fiends recede!
"List, to the shrieking of infantile cries!
Harken!-what anguish screams along the skies!
Your virgins, wives, they beat their bosoms bare!
Seize-snatch arms-rush-rescue from despair!”
HAMPTON.
191
Vain his endeavours! fears-cold fears benumb-
They stand like sculptur'd stone, half breathless dumb.
But, lo! they mark the violators nigh,
And swift as wild things from resistance fly!
Fierce like a whirlwind comes the spoiling crew,
And drunk with hell their cursed work pursue.
They burst th' abodes of peace with demon's tread,
Like murder'd ghosts ascended from the dead.
Th' unhallow'd booty to their ships convey'd,
The whole in ashes by the torch is laid.
A consecrated church where kneeling saints
Pour'd with repentant tears their sorrowing plaints,
Is swept in ruins by the fell command
Of Cockburn to his desolating band!
"Up-turn".
But hold!-Why should the muse repeat
Language to cause the soul with blood to sweat!
Language more rude than fiends in hell employ,
When they the damn'd with horrid speech destroy?
*
*
**
As when the Stygian monarch once a year,
To keep in memory his proud career,
When he in secret enter'd Eden's bower,
And stole from thence the amarynthine flower—
Grants his chain'd subjects freedom to array,
And spend the time in general holyday.
With joust and tournament the rout begins-
And after which, exploding magazines
192
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVI.
Convulse the battlements; then whirlwinds dire,
Made visible with flickering wreaths of fire,
Are from their rocky prison house unpent,
Which onward dash with outrage violent,
While on their fiery skirts they screaming fly
Loud though the shriek were hell's last agony:
Like this the ruffian agents of the Crown,
Rush on and overthrow the hapless town-
Ravage the country--arches, tear away—
Pillage the traveller-
*
-disarray-
*
*
Who?-why is it blank ?—that let England speak—
She dares not!---hell is burning in her cheek!
Never a blush was seen to mantle there,
Save that of guilt, when prov'd its character!
Thus while the sun three revolutions made,
They through the land a Vandal-besom spread ;
But on the fourth they launch away their keels,
For Smith and Stricker, brandishing their steels,
Were close advanc'd with vengeance in their breast,
And Stephenson, their farther riot to arrest.
Swift through the waters of the bay they glide--
At eve, devoted Hampton is descried.
As smooth the vessels tilted o'er the wave,
Cockburn this welcome information gave
To officers around: "Behold, in sight
Hampton appears to conflagrate at light,
And with its spoils our labours to requite.
HAMPTON.
193
Soon as shall we yon bulwark overcome,
And strip the Eagle of her lofty plume,
Norfolk is ours !---hunger will bend it down,
And make it plead for mercy from the Crown;
Then, then a second time its flames shall rise-
Your admiral's name and Dunmore's equalize.
"Sir Beckwith, you upon the rear will land,
That more convenient we their force disband;
Whilst with the floating batteries shall I
Unsphere the Stars and blot them from the sky.
"But should they dare a reckless strife to hold,
Then promise that which maddens more than gold--
Beauty and booty! let that theme be yours ;——
For, lo! a certain triumph it secures.
66
Yes, I intend the ancient mode to try-
The love-knot wreath of garlands to untie.
"What say your thoughts? do you the plan approve?
Love conquers all, and they must yield to love ?"
Here ceas'd he damnable with meaning look—
And Beckwith willing to his purpose spoke:
"Approve !---why long I 've entertain'd the thought,
That you 've delay'd this measure to a fault!
'Tis true that Europe in her wars of late,
The fair, enfranchise from a bondage state.
"But did not Agamemnon wage the strife---
With stern Achilles, for a captive wife?
And was not Greece with polish'd arts refin'd,
Stamp'd with the virtues that adorn the mind?
VOL. IV.—17
194
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
Hence modern laws that disannul the right
Of such high honours to reward the fight,
Is nothing binding on a warrior now,
As every noble Briton will allow.
"But, see! the squadron gains its anchorage-
Swift glides the time in combat to engage,
At the first tokens of returning day ;
Hence we no longer can with speech delay."
While Beckwith artful to the theme rejoin'd,
In Cockburn's cheek a flush infernal shin'd.
At times at each they cast a burning eye,
Which flash'd more meaning than the tongue's reply.
In pride of heart the ravagers retire,
T'arrange their plans and glut their fell desire;
Then to their rest they hied. But fancied bliss,
Heating their thoughts with fiery happiness,
Affrighten'd slumber from their feverish brains-
Or if they doz'd, they dream'd of ravag'd plains,
Of violations---all the hateful brood
Of hellish passions, plundering, murderous, lewd.
Day dawns---and Beckwith's multitudes debark,
Creation lowering with sad omens dark---
The sun slow labours through a field of blood,
Whilst the unwieldy monsters of the flood
Rise to the surface with a dubious roar,
Which start the shrinking waters from the shore.
Bleatings distressful from the flocks rebound-
The cattle bellow with a dismal sound.
HAMPTON.
195
:
Bears, wolves and panthers in their caverns howl---
With solemn boding screams the mournful owl.
The hideous spectres, murder'd on the wave,
Ascend in gory shrouds and walk upon their grave!
Alas! the reckless Britons disregard
The ominous signs, so fir'd with the reward ;—
Booty and Beauty! Hell incites them on-
They cast no thought upon the shrouded sun!
Warriors four hundred of Columbian mould,
The profile fortress of the village hold.
Crutchfield sustains the principal command-
James, Pryor, Lively, of artillery band ;
Servant, of infantry; Cooper, of horse,
Compose the leaders of the infant force.
Now when the enemy appear'd in view,
Crutchfield these words deliver'd to the few :
tr
Servant, with secrecy your cohorts move,
To intercept their movements in the grove;
Keep thou in ambush till they crowd so near,
That every feature shall distinct appear.
Cooper, their left, your cavalry will charge,
While, Pryor, be it yours to sink their barge.
"We'll weld our souls in one to hold the ground,
Till or we die, or spend our every round:
Rivet the thought---that not for fame alone,
We now resist the violating Throne;
'Tis to defend our Hampton from the brand
Of these despoilers that pollute the land.
Strengthen'd by justice, strong our hearts will beat,
When breast to breast the miscreants we meet.
196
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
3
-
Brace every nerve, and each his ten will brave,
And fit them ready for the opening grave.
"Did not at Craney-Island, youthful Neale,
With single brass their life-deliverance seal?
Five barges buried! and the Centipede
A wreck!-three hundred number'd with the dead!
And is not each of us a Neale at heart?
We are !-we'll prove at least a counterpart!
"The time admits no more!-Behold the foe
Darkens the waters! Deeds of brightness show!"
Servant and Cooper with unsounding feet,
Advance,----their warriors near the path, secrete;
Their rifles, musketry, with triple shot,
Obscur'd-till death-fire should reveal the spot.
While plann'd was this defence, th' insatiate crew,
With chain of barges rounded into view.
Of Pryor's battery, at the water's edge,
Each crowding each, though press'd in solid wedge.
Superior vessels gave the barge support,
To desolate the village and the fort.
Behold, at signal given, the ruffians pour
Balls, bombs and rockets, to consume the shore.
Crutchfield with caution thus: "Fredonians, brave,
Our globes are number'd, hence with prudence save,
Nor open on them till yon point they gain,
Then touch the sparkle to the flashing grain.
"They come they round the point!-with judg
ment aim!
Scatter the host-like Pharoah's on the stream!"
HAMPTON.
197
The vents receiv'd the match, and burnt with death-
Eight barges struggle for their life beneath.
With eyes stretch'd wide, on ocean's bed they lie,
Their vital bubbles rising as they die.
Cockburn endeavours to proceed,-in vain-
His barge-boats shiver'd, settle in the main.
His broken squadron from the explosions hie-
Secur'd,----once more their heavy brass they ply;
The rockets hiss aloft----their mortars burst,
Fighting the air, or ploughing up the dust.
Deep on the rear the ranks of Beckwith crowd,
With flaunting standards, choking up the road,
Reckless they come! Lo, Servant gives the sign!
A fire up-flashing, kindles through the line
The horse of Cooper rush upon their flank-
They pause---they give---they falter in their rank.
But soon relock'd, they press with numbers strong-
Still Servant, Cooper, brave the numerous throng!
Now at the battery when the patriots heard
The pealing musket and the clashing sword,
Crutchfield to Prior thus: "With three times ten,
Labour the cannon-chosen-hearted men.
I must away. Not Cockburn moves again,
Till that his rear shall occupy the plain;
Hence, the reserve, must I to Servant lead-
And our defence let human not exceed."
He wheel'd the instant he express'd his mind,
Leaving with Pryor thirty names behind;
17*
198
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVI.
With Servant soon, and Cooper's horse he joins-
Wedded they stand, and check th' advancing lines!
Beckwith beheld and kindled in his rage,
That thus a remnant should his powers engage,
And block the pass, and hold him at a bay,
While many a lofty head was bow'd to clay :
"What! does the pulsing of your passions fail,
That you thus willing in submission quail?
Behold the spoils !-how tempting to the sight!
Then why this dastard cowering from the fight?
'Beauty and Booty!-What! renounce the prize
To which your very souls should idolize?
Beauty! Ah, listen! hear you not the word?
Then rush and win the garland with the sword!"
Hell ton'd his voice. Like powder cast in fire,
It flam'd excitement to a mad desire.
They rush'd a whirlwind on the righteous band,
Who like a pyramid of brass withstand
The fierce assault! From Britons, life-streams gush-
They fall-and tramping feet their bodies crush.
But, lo! the patriots' flaming dust is spent!
They rush with steel, and plunge it violent-
And while the foe stands check'd-they slow retire-
A cloud exhausted of its tempest fire.
When wretched Cockburn from his shelter kenn'd
Beckwith's division in full blaze contend,
He made his second move: "Dash barges now!
And presently their flaunting standards bow!
Fresh is the rose just opening to the sun-
Does not your blood in dancing measures run?
HAMPTON.
199
Plant but th' imperial token on the beach,
And, lo! their charms will be within your reach !"
His language burnt upon their hearts: The oar
They snatch'd-and dash'd their barges from the shore;
But when expos'd beyond the point again,
The brass of Pryor drove them in the main.
The number ocean-wreck'd was three and seven,
And still th' explosions o'er the deep were driven.
But who is seen progressing on his rear?
Beckwith, high brandishing a glittering spear!
The Pryor-band are ready to resign,
And yield as captives to the pressing line.
But Pryor's soul is strength: "The cannon, spike!
No--never to the incendiaries strike!
Bare---bare the sword! charge through the thick array,
And do an act to live in future day!”
The vents are chok'd with steel. With corded
heart,
Wielding their falchions on their foes they dart.
Blood gushes from the breast. They carve their way,
While a proud flag defying they display!
The royals scarce the circumstance believe---
For thirty weltering in their ranks they grieve!
So, when a boy, at Hadley-Falls I've stood,
To mark the fishers circle on the flood,
Casting their net to take the silver shad-
Their every bosom palpitating glad.
Gathering the toils they find a numerous shoal,
And all are eager to secure them whole.
Lo! in the act to toss them on the beach!
Through the stretch'd seine a salmon darts a breach!
200
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
The captive shad rejoicing crowd the pass,
And leave the fishers to bemoan their loss:
So Pryor led the way-his band pursu'd-
So in despair the gloomy Britons stood.
Now Cockburn landing riots every house-
And on the spoils his hell-loos'd fiends carouse.
The demons seize upon the trembling fair-
Hark! to the scream! the dying shriek! the prayer!
They pray upon their knees! Sun-darkening scene!
They pray to devils in the shape of men!
Their snowy bosoms pant upon the dust!
Hell would turn back-
What ails my sight? 'tis dark!-Eternal God!
Loose my heart's bondage, and give vent the blood!
*
*
*
What felt the Muse? the tooth? the pang of death?
Darkness breaks off-partial she feels her breath.
Where hath she wander'd? where? O ghastly dream!
To think the thought would blind the solar beam!
She thought rank devils from hot hell were seen
Staining the earth with violation's mien!
*
*
*
*
*
The vision vanisheth-strike blind mine eye!
The dream 's no dream-a damning certainty!
O Albion! where 's thy blush?-not one-Ah! no-
Not one, an attribute of virtue show—
Their veins corroded with a poisonous flow!
A thousand different ways our virgins moan-
Our anguish'd matrons utter groan for groan.
HAMPTON.
201
With their scar'd infants shrieking on their breast,
They plunge into the wave to find their rest;
Alas! to them that luxury is denied-
For worse than death they snatch them from the tide!
And is there none-no lofty Briton nigh,
To check the outrage, heave one pitying sigh?
No Brock, no Gray, no humane Reynolds near,
To frown upon the shame, and shed one generous tear?
Not one!!-O could there one, but one be found,
How would the Muse delight his name to sound!
O she would call on those immortal given,
T' inspire her soul with something rich from heaven,
That a new rapture might inflame her tongue,
To shout his praise in a celestial song!
None-none appears! the highest, lowest, all
Partake alike the hellish festival!
Cockburn had enter'd Kerby's sad abode,
While fainting, dying, ebb'd away his blood.
His weeping wife bent o'er him press'd with years,
And his fair daughter, lovely in her tears.
The tiger seiz'd the virgin as she stood
Weeping her sire! She screams-she prays to God!
*
*
*
*
The dying Kerby waken'd from the dead,
Wild, like a ghost, and in his frenzy, said:
*
"What fiend hath burst his prison-house?-hence,
wretch !
Hell opens to receive thee! Could I stretch.
202
CANTO XXXVI.
FREDONIAD.
This arm
I faint-I feel my death-
Thy look-how fell!
Thy features prove thee risen out of hell!
Life rushes on my soul !-My heart!
No more!"
The voice of Cockburn through the dwelling tore.
Harsh as he spoke, deliberate, cool he drew
His belted arms, and flam'd the aged through!
But death in pity one kind act bestow'd
Just as his bosom lodg'd the fiery load!
*
*
*
*
His wife in wild distraction beat her breast,
And tore her hoary locks---the fiend, address'd:
"Who hell unbarr'd and gave thee power to rise
To bring upon the earth new agonies?
My husband---Oh! it is---it is his blood!
Daughter---where am I?----where? Give help, O God!"
Cockburn the other planted to her breast-
Shivering she fell and gasp'd herself to rest!
Their faithful mastiff with a lonesome cry
Grieves for their fate, tears trickling from his eye.
With solemn mien he moves around the dead,
And makes vain efforts to support their head.
He licks their bleeding wounds, and strives to stay
Life's crimson fountain oozing cold away.
The dog, to finish the catastrophe, is laid,
Sever'd in parts, by Cockburn's murderous blade!
*
*
*
*
*
*
Where runs my thought ?---a madness tears my brain!
My stifled heart is bursting with its pain!
HAMPTON.
203
;
1
And do I breathe and live?-Heart! break and die-
Not death more firm will ever chain mine eye.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Cockburn--avaunt!-a fiend from hell must rise.
Of blackest----vilest----damn'dest infamies,
Thy soul to equal!-Soul! no soul hast thou-
The work of hell is written on thy brow!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
:
CANTO XXXVII.
UNION OF THE STATES.
VOL IV.-18
..
:
ARGUMENT.
Cockburn sails to the mouth of the Patapsco. Union of the
States. Overthrow of the Infernals.
The scene-New England, the Centre of the Earth-Heaven.
The time is supposed to be about thirty days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXVII.
i
DURING the dismal period that the sun
Thrice o'er the firmament his chariot run,
Cockburn his desolating work pursu'd,
To which no scene can bear similitude-
But on the third, a peal of thunder roll'd,
Which to his heart like voice of judgment told;
And Stricker's flag and Smith's were seen to wave
Like pestilence to open them the grave.
And Stephenson*,-whose voice but spoke the word,
And all Virginia grasp'd th' avenging sword.
Cockburn recover'd from the wrath of heaven-
(A punishment severe for discord given,)
Fled headlong plunging to the ocean driven.
On the same eve he anchor'd at the shore
Near the Patapsco, stream of Baltimore;
* On the arrival of an express from Norfolk, it was proposed by
Col. Pope in the Virginia legislature, that a committee should be ap-
pointed to repair to the seat of war, and make report thereon. Mr.
Stephenson, the speaker, suggested that it should consist of a com-
mittee of the whole. It was carried!
208
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVII.
.
:
Ready when Cochrane's navy should arrive
From the Bermudas, on the town to drive.
The second character of Cockburn's host
Beckwith-conveys the tidings to Prevost,
Who down from Montreal began to guide
His thousands forth in military pride
To humble York-his object being first,
Plattsburg to bend a victim in the dust.
While this was passing, Hardy left Castine
In confidence Connecticut to gain;
For its Convention gave him hope to think,
Sunder'd had they the Union's golden link;
And now off Stonington for war complete,
He apprehends the Eagle at his feet.
Th' unholy Conclave had their purpose laid,
Where the New-Albion Empire should be made-
Alas! the stabbing treason of the stroke!
Linking the fetters which their fathers broke!
Their fell intentions on the parchment seal'd,
They rise and loose the massive bars that held
The prisoning door, which hid their workings dark,
That none their secret doings might remark.
Lo! as the hinges open with a creak,
They hear of Cockburn in the Chesapeake;
Of Ross approaching with a cloud at hand
In Cochrane's navy to o'erspread the land;
Of Prevost's movements to reduce the State
Of York and sweep its cities desolate;
UNION OF THE STATES.
209
With features turning pale, they hear the gun
Calling to arms-Hardy at Stonington!
*
*
*
*
They close again the door.-A solemn pause
Shuts every tongue,-their plotting treason thaws;
Their veins run backward at th' appalling news,
That on themselves their friends* should bend their
views!
Thus of a home-bound vessel on the sea,
Bearing the flag and name of Unity;
Part of her crew with envious hearts possess'd,
Fell mutiny rankling in their selfish breast-
Lurking, retire in secret to devise
Unlawful means to make the ship their prize.
In a close covert at the vessel's keel,
From every eye their purpose they conceal.
A sickly taper in a lantern dark,
Shows on the face of each a murderer's mark;
Their haggard features glar'd with light look dread,
Like lowering ghosts that hover round the dead.
From ear to ear in stifled whispers low,
The plan is laid to strike the butchering blow.
They prick their bosoms at the heart-with blood
They print their names to make their promise good.
Behold, they hear the crashing of a mast,
And feel the vessel breaking with the blast!
Th' ingulphing storm dissolves their treasons dark-
They rise the deck to save the sinking bark:
* Britons.
18*
210
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVII.
So had the Conclave plann'd with bolted door
To make their country bleed at every pore;
But when the danger to themselves was brought,
They felt the tempest and renounc'd their fault;
They rose to save their ark-the Ship of State,
Ready to bilge upon the rock of fate.
No faith, no justice can they hope from those,
Who the best virtues of the heart oppose;
In whose fair smiles deceitful passions lurk-
In friendship's borrow'd guise plunging a hidden dirk.
Their blindness o'er, their dangerous feud they see,
To strike themselves and root their liberty;
Ah! and the chains of slavery, behold,
Forg'd out by Discord with Britannic gold.
They hurl the written parchment—their disgrace,
In flames oblivious, and their deeds, retrace;
Humbled, repentant of their treacheries past,
Virtuous they rise to quench the civil blast.
With this intent they publish far and near
Their motives undisguis'd that all might hear:
"Friends, fathers, brothers-born of Freedom's soil!
Listen in meekness-hush contentious broil!
Well nigh have we our liberties destroy'd-
In foulest deeds our guilty hands employ'd.
No secret sin disguis'd will we conceal,
But all the darkness openly reveal,
That the full nation may believe us just,
That we of wickedness repent in dust:
UNION OF THE STATES.
211
"For years twice seven we 've rail'd with slan-
derous voice
Against the Rulers of the People's choice;
Assum'd the hypocrite-brought religion in
To aid our factious and rebellious sin—
Britain, the Bulwark of our Faith proclaim!
The simple virtues of the land defam'd;
Yea, with our wealth, supported Albion's cause,
And pled injustice to these righteous wars--
Declar'd that no disgrace—no injury
By her was done by slaving on the sea!
Smil'd with fell joy when she the vict'ry gain'd,
E 'en when that Hull the nation's honour stain'd!
Abus'd the shade of Washington-his name
Join'd with Benevolence t' increase the flame.
Lawrence-O cruel thought!-we branded vile
With murder-ah! and spoke it with a smile!
But still the crime, the worst that bleeds the heart-
The frenzied crime to rend the States apart!
"These sins and others of a crimson dye,
We've mad committed with impunity;
But now repentant in the dust we bend,
Never more our country to offend.
Patriots! New Albions! cast your eyes abroad!
Behold, suspended a consuming sword!
The shores invaded by a ruthless band
To wrap in fire the cities round the land!
Dark from the north a swarming army pours
To chase the light of freedom from our shores,
And tread our necks beneath their tyrant powers!
!
212
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVII,
Maine-Maine, behold! in their possession lies,
From this dead lethargy arise, arise!
Unite! to arms !-the sword, the helmet, on,
With which your fathers in their glory shone!
Their hallow'd bones lie restless in their graves
To mark their children slanderers, traitors, slaves!
The voice of Warren cries from Bunker's Height:
'Forbear contentions-for the cause unite!"
Hark, listen and obey! Disunion, cease—
Heart lock'd to heart, we win a glorious peace!
Deep with our richest blood we fix our seal--
Arms! rouse to arms! Your father's worth reveal,
When they their all renounc'd and girded on the steel!"
Here each of the Convention set his name
To quench th' intenseness of the civil flame,
Which they themselves had kindled in the land,
And made each bosom like a lighted brand:
They quench'd the discord which their madness flam'd;
The States New Albion to their rank reclaim'd:
As, or by accident, or from the flint
Fretted to life, sparkles on flax imprint
The kindling rudiments which o'er it streak,
Like hair-thread lightnings in a wanton freak;
And now in circle runs the nimble fire-
And now the flashes quicken and retire.
In frolic thus the flame a moment plays,
But soon in volume rushes to a blaze:
Like this their language burnt from breast to breast;
New Albion rises with new thoughts impress'd-
UNION OF THE STATES.
213
Marshals her host in bristling armour strong,
And strikes the standard of the foe along.
Back from her presence Britain flies the shores,
Fearing to meet the rising of her powers.
Hardy from Stonington in shatter'd plight
Retires-his bosom in a cloud at night;
His ships are burning by the balls made red---
The waves are crimson'd with his sinking dead.
Meantime hell-agents in the central earth,
Ambitious toil'd to bring their engine forth;
Iron and sulphur from deep pits, pil'd round,
Which with their feet impalpable they ground;
Nitre bitumen, to the mass they join'd,
As the Contriver artful had design'd;
Next they collected many a lightning chain,
And them reduc'd more fine than pulver'd grain;
This done, they fashion'd thunderbolts to make
The land of freedom from its basement shake.
While thus employ'd were numbers in brigade,
Others a furnace of vast compass made,
Distant beneath the opening at the pole,
Through which the smoke in many a spongy roll,
Fire-ting'd like folds of midnight clouds, pour'd forth,
Which in close darkness settled round the earth.
Now Lucifer in his gigantic might,
As when he, Gabriel, challeng'd to the fight-
The forge, approaches, frowning like a storm,
To prove his art, labours immense to form.
214
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVII.
His hands resemble those machines that scoop
The bars from rivers that the stately sloop
May find an ample channel to convey
To villages the treasures of the sea,-
His fingers-like the clamps that vigorous seize
The rods of rough-forg'd iron, by degrees
To draw the ductile metal into wire
With clattering noise which jars the hearing dire.
A cauldron hangs suspended from a crane
A vast ledge beetling o'er,-in which amain
Melt th' ingredients. Hard of granite rock,
He forms a tube, cemented block by block,
Drill'd through the centre that his breath might pass
To raise an earthquake of the liquid mass.
The tube in ore he bathes its nether end,
His lips applied-his forceful lungs distend--
Swelling his cheeks, a hurricane he blows,
And soon a globule of small compass shows;
Slow it increases, till at length its size.
Of wide extent is subject of surprise,
Huge in circumference as a mountain peak-
Round which th' infernals in their gambols shriek,
Cheering the Fiend. At length an impulse cold
!
Sudden applied, the tube forsakes its hold,
Which in the centre leaves a ready vent
To fill the engine to its full extent.
When for the match prepar'd he boastful thus
Explains his future purpose emulous:
UNION OF THE STATES.
215
"Full brief Our labours on the earth are done,
For soon the States are either lost or won.
Should other means prove vain, this earthquake vast
Will into ruins the Republic cast.
"But late Our purposes so brilliant speed,
Strong is our hope without it to succeed.
The acts of Cockburn, Proctor's far excel-
He wastes the earth more dire than fiend from hell.
But jealous prudence cautions Us to guard
Lest future circumstance should press Us hard,
Hence to the centre, roll the engine forth,
At given signal to convulse the earth."
They heard the summons, and with ghastly grin,
Commenc'd with breathing toil to roll the huge ma-
chine-
But, lo! an agent through the pit descends,
And wild with terror on his knee he bends:
"Monarch-high priest !--the proudest name in hell!
Forbear thine anger at the news I tell!
To stay their falling off was past control---
Spare me thy rage, nor scorpion tear my soul !”
66
Speak out! Proclaim it loud! Why dream of
harm?
Lo! We stand breasted for the worst alarm
Which earth or heaven can raise! What, has the South
Been wrench'd from Cockburn's grasp ?---Ere that thy
mouth
Utter'd the sound, did We the same forbode---
Straighten thy knee! The magazine explode !"
:
216
CANTO XXXVII.
FREDONIAD.
"Not so---yet O forbear! Alas, for us!
As slight disease to pestilential curse!
All---all---yea all---our every friend, is gone...
Renounc'd their purpose to erect a throne!
Our brilliant hopes like fallen meteors done!
The false Convention hath our all deceiv'd
Which I impossible at first believ'd.
New Albion weds Virginia"
"Stay---
Muffle your tongue or crumble into clay!
Rather had We this sceptre from our hand
Had been despoil'd---hurl'd from Our high command!
New Albion weds
"She gave our cause its birth!
What! lost a kingdom on the ball of earth?
"Sink---bury with the earthquake !---match-fire light,
And let creation darken into night!
Put forth!
"But hold! smother the match till We
Shall learn the vileness of their treachery.
"Is this our wisdom? O, We might have known,
That they to kings this treason would have shown!
Lo, in the war of Revolution past,
By false allurements was Britannia cast!
Yes, well might We have understood-
"No more--
Stand with the match till We the cause explore."
He spread his midnight wings-nor time delay'd,
But nice in air his cumbrous balance weigh'd.
UNION OF THE STATES.
217
Broad as he swept the heavy airs around,
They groan'd like anguish though they felt a wound.
Swift through the pit above the mount he rose,
And saw New Albion marshall'd to oppose
The royal legions whom they late adored,
Ready to own the British King their lord!
Dismay'd, he kenn'd them in their armour bright,
Resolv'd unshaken in the righteous fight—
Yet a faint glimmering flicker'd in his soul,
When Prevost he beheld, like darkness roll
His thousands to the south.-Rapid he spread
His sable wings, and round the army sped
To scan what succour he could give the force,
The States to sunder from the Hudson's source.
Such vast of numbers listed to his will,
Not small his hopes his purpose to fulfil.
While this transpir'd,-in golden clouds array'd,
Fame to the sphere of heaven the news convey'd.
She met Fredonia on the wall, and near,
Justice and Vict 'ry with inclining ear:
"Let anthem melody seraphic ring!
Tidings of music to your ears I bring!
Rescu'd is Freedom from Infernal wiles !
Bedeck'd with garland robes bless'd Union smiles!
The monster Discord strangles in the dust!
On wings of Liberty ascend the just!"
Her trumpet ravish'd heaven! from all the host,
Innumerable as sands on ocean's coast,
VOL. IV.-19
218
CANTO XXXVII.
FREDONIAD.
A shout resounded so divine and shrill,
That Echo answer'd from each heavenly hill:
"Columbia rises from her crouching knee-
Virtue, bless'd Freedom,-Union, proud Liberty !"
The full creation heard the rapturous strain-
The stars of heaven repeated it again!
Justice at length unfolds his knitted brow—
And these reflections from his bosom flow:
"Pleasure like wine intoxicates the brain,
And binds proud Reason in a slavish chain,
Which, if its links be gold, her votaries feel,
And groan beneath its weight though fashion'd hard of
steel.
Pleasure 's an adder of a glossy shine
To lure and sting the essence soul divine;
But when Adversity weighs down the breast,
Sinking the heart with anguish-load depress'd,
Lo, truant man to Virtue swift returns,
And Reason's lamp within his bosom burns.
Adversity refines the soul from dross,
As gold from fire receives a brighter gloss:
"Thus the Columbians at the north and east,
Drank the full cup and eat of Pleasure's feast-
Soft Luxury fed by Commerce bow'd them low,
And made them kneel obsequious to the foe;
But through Adversity refin'd they rise
And wed with Union, grateful to the skies!
"Fame, brief unfold where dwells the hidden Power,
For I proclaim that this his final hour.
UNION OF THE STATES.
219
"Thus when that man shall bend his wandering eye
To Virtue's light, the Attributes on high
Will give him succour to forsake his mire,
And form his heart to newness of desire;-
Such is the state of all with earth imbu'd,
That they must feel a passion to be good,
Ere messengers descend unseen, to raise
Their souls made callous by their hardening ways.
Fame answers Justice: "In the central sphere
Of earth abides the gloomy character;
Late hath he fashion'd by his hellish art,
Machinery dire to rend the States apart!"
Forth when the Goddess of the trump was done,
Justice to Freedom's guardian Fair begun:
"Now is it thine, Fredonia, to descend,
And roll destruction back upon the Fiend.
Fame, Victory,—to guard the threaten'd land,
On the bright circle of the equator stand.
Your influence fresh from heaven, will save entire,
The earth uninjur'd 'gainst his utmost ire,
With adamant; Fredonia, shut the pole
On which the north-star shines,-then swift his soul,
Keen with thy spear pursue, whose point of fire
Will drive him to the pit, or cause him to expire."
Fame, Victory, meteorous to th' equator flew,
Swifter than eye could glance an object new.
The earth in homage kiss'd their angel feet,
When light they touch'd her verdant bosom sweet.
At the same instant, with her vital spear,
Fredonia stood upon the northern sphere;
220
CANTO XXXVII.
FREDONIAD.
She circled with its point the opening wide,
And to the earth with voice commanding cried:
"Close up! and be thou clos'd!" The Earth obey'd;
(Such was the virtue of the heavenly Maid.)
Reeling it shook and would its balance lost,
And loose from star to star been tumult toss'd,
Had not the Goddess with her spear upheld
The sinking pole;-smooth on again it wheel'd
Round its vast orbit to return the year,
And bring the seasons in their proud career.
Now when the Empyreals from the wall sublime,
Descended swift to the terrestrial clime,
The cloud-wrapp'd Terror saw their bright descent,
And to the mountain back his progress bent—
A moment hover'd o'er the pit—and then
Darted beneath, and join'd his hell within.
"Thunder the earthquake!-let the flames arise!
The Powers celestial have forsook the skies!
And felt you not a jarring of the earth?
Some dread event is hastening into birth!
Ruin, revenge is Ours!-the dull match, ply,
And while it burns beyond the mountain fly!"
The match by gnashing of their teeth they light,
Then wheeling upward with a rushing flight
Dart for the pit t' escape th' eruption dire,
While slow and smouldering creeps the lazy fire.
Fredonia having shut the pole,-flew south-
She mark'd the traitor hovering o'er the mouth
UNION Of the states.
221
Of earth's infernal chasm. Like heaven she stands
On its rough edge as wild the hellish bands
Flaming arise! The brilliance of the Fair
Makes their strength rottenness,-struck with despair,
Back they recoil and down the dungeon roll,
Like broken clouds of midnight from the pole.
Now he t' adjust the fire was last behind-
Not had he rose-and thus with startling mind:
"Wherefore is this?-explain the frenzy! why
Thus look ye thunderstruck, and blinded lie?
Waken, arise! soon will the engine burst!
Bestir, be up! in Me your Sovereign trust.
Arm for the combat, arm! Not hell, not earth,
Not heaven itself,-when mail'd to issue forth,
Can stay Our might! The moment is the last!
Arm and storm heaven, or die beneath the blast!"
They rise they arm, as he in thunder said—
So terrible the sight they start the dead.
Some grasp the crooked lightning in their hands-
Some, rocks rough torn and huge, some, flaming
brands;
Others snatch globes of kindled brimstone dire
And some through madness spit hell-flashing fire.
Himself a new-forg'd thunderbolt wields high,
Vast like a hill with all its oaks sing'd dry.
His eye caves bend on death. Cold round each ball,
Brown adders druling poison wreathing crawl;
Thus in his terror clad he upward wheels
With hell in arms ascending at his heels.
19*
222
CANTO XXXVII.
FREDONIAD.
Fredonia held the pass! when near at hand,
She wav'd her spear and utter'd this command:
"Thou gloomy author of Columbia's wo,
Thine hour hath come!-smother thy head below!
Lost is thy power to longer taste the air-
Go-plunge to hell and reign and triumph there!"
His breast fomenting kindles to a blaze-
His growing statue terrible displays
A shape without a form. His iron tongue,
In peals of thunder to the Goddess rung:
"Who bids Us triumph in the midst of fire?
Thy threats are wind, and heaven's excited ire!
Thy head prepare to smother it below!
To bear thee from Our wrath thy wings are slow!"
Stern as he clos'd, the thunderbolt he hurl'd,
But, lo! obliquely from her feet it whirl'd.
"Sink t'oblivion shades!".
Keen her glancing spear
Enters his breast!-a dying pang severe
Rent his proud heart! He groans like falling wood,
When tempests sweep the boundless solitude.
His snaky hairs erect themselves with ire,
Mad like the sparkles of electric fire.
He bites in agony the flinty rock,
Grinds it to dust-the mountain feels the shock.
His hard-strain'd eyeballs ooze a Stygian gore—
A freezing blood-drop stands on every pore.
His boiling brains are mix'd with scorpions full,
Which burst his head and twine about his skull.
He breathes a cloud of death. The sun turns dark-
Quench'd are the beams of planetary spark.
UNION OF THE STATES.
223
Night closes on the scene, as if had come
The hour to rouse the tenants of the tomb.
The pain at last makes weakness of his strength-
Headlong he plunges--his enormous length,
Crushing his subject powers beneath his weight.
In vain they strive to shun th' impending fate!
Explodes the earthquake with convulsion dire!
Hell fills the earth! A solidness of fire
Pours through the opening south. The slumbering dead
Turn in their graves, as starting up with dread!
The anguish'd bosom of the earth sweats blood-
But Fame and Vict'ry on its circle stood
And kept the groans within. The infernals fly,
Broken in parts to hell-eternity!
The pit clos'd up; each rock its fellow join'd,
As if its place it never had resign'd;
And on the mountain nothing is there seen
To trace th' eruption of the huge machine,
Or where the agency at toil had been.
The turbulence pass'd off,-fair shines the sun-
Like lovers, hand in hand the planets run
Rejoicing round his beams. Sweet on the mountains'
brow,
Bends with delight the many-colour'd bow.
Th' empyreal Virtues on the glorious even,
With songs of triumph wing their way to heaven.
CANTO XXXVIII.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG,
AND
MACDONOUGH'S VICTORY.
!
ARGUMENT.
Prevost invades New York. Macomb is supported by volunteers.
Skirmishing. A night scene. Macdonough's victory on Lake
Champlain. Prevost defeated at Plattsburg.
The scene is laid on the borders of Lake Champlain, in Plattsburg
and the river Saranac. The time is seven days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXVIII.
THE time that Cockburn ravag’d on the coast,
T' invade the State of York, slow mov'd Prevost;
A train innumerous to his rule was given,
Dread deep and vast like crimson'd clouds in heaven.
Six chiefs of lofty port direct the band-
De Rottenburg the second in command;
Banes, Kemp and Brisbane, Robertson and Powers-
Bedeck'd with plumes and artificial flowers.
Their banners glittering to the sun unfold,
As ranks succeeding ranks the lake-path hold.
Soft on the bosom of Champlain, the fleet
Follows the army with its strength complete ;
Now in the foliage hid, and now, the sun
Brightens the sails and glads its journey on.
Downie commands its movements through the wave
At Cape Trafalgar honour'd with the brave.
Confiance bears his flag,----nine, twice fifteen;
Pring rules the Linnet, mounting six and ten;
Chub with Mac Ghee, and Finch----eleven each,
And thirteen barges glide along the beach:
228
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
Nine tens and five the hollow'd brass they bear,
And sounding mortars to inflame the air.
Now at the village of Champlain they halt,
None doubting victory at the word: Assault!
Oblique disdain disfigures every eye,
As though by looks they 'd summon from on high
The Eagle and despoil her liberty.
When day in clouds return'd,----Sir Beckwith came
From the Patapsco, infamous in fame,
And thus to Prevost he----inferiors near,
Inclining forward riveted to hear:
"Proud shield of Royalty! Columbia's grave!
We've done the purpose at the southern wave!
Cockburn made able by my conquering train,
Has scath'd with fire the borders of the main-
Swept desolate the fields-their wealth, secur'd,
And bent the whole obedient to the sword.
Their towns, their villages, the torch devour'd—
The fire-scorch'd Eagle in his presence cower'd.
“I left him late, at the Patapsco shore,
Below, five leagues, the city Baltimore.
When from Bermudas Cochrane shall arrive,
Then forth will they a demonstration drive.
Ross will conduct the veteran legions on,
And dash their star-gemm'd standards from the sun.
"When that proud city burns in royal state,
Then York and all its wealth they 'll demonstrate-· ·
Ascend the Hudson stream----your banners, join—
Sunder New Albion from the southern line."
DEFENCE OF FLATTSBURG.
229
Prevost approv'd with pleasure in his eye,
And in half whisper utter'd this reply:
"Beckwith, thy words my heart with gladness fill-
But for the present let your thoughts be still;
Here at the north we promise smooth and fair,
Nor our intentions breathe upon the air.
Easy at leisure have I mov'd my powers,
To hear of Cockburn ravaging the shores.
Soon-in the compass. of an hour-a blow
Reduces Macomb to conditions low;
And, of Macdonough's fleet, if truth I learn,
Resign it must, or in explosion burn.
Downie in strength is equal five to three,
With chosen sailors tried on every sea.”
This said, they part: And Prevost issues forth
This proclamation through the east and north :
"Give ear, O York! attend, New Albion! round-
And yield due credence to my words profound!
"To those who pant for peace no dread I bring—
Rest, rest shall they beneath my hovering wing,
Such the protection promis'd by my King!
Cast back your fears at my invasion now-
Remain at home-your happy vallies plough.
Behold, I've come these vales in peace to guard
From wicked men whose tongues for war cry hard—
Yea, from your frenzied government unjust-
From Madison, Monroe, with sins accurs'd--
And Macon, Loundes, Calhoun, crimson'd with blood
the worst---
VOL. IV.—20
230
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
From all who aid this most unnatural fight,
To rob Britannia of her ancient right
{
To sway the ocean---those, and only those,
Whom we invade, the cause of all your woes!
(6
Expand thine arms, New Albion! glorious name!
Receive thy parent---she will nurse thy fame!
'Tis forty summers since you scorn'd her grace,
But, O return---she 'll nurture you with peace!
The simple manners of Democracy,
Have long been grating to a soul like thee.
The scarfs, the garters, and the ribands blue,
Will show your distance from the grovelling crew!
The rich and well-born should distinctions know,
To mark their names from herding numbers low!
"Be bound no longer by these equal laws---
I've come to make you noble in the cause!
Come to protect you in your titles blest,
Against the war States of the South and West.
"I've heard your voice---crying for Moses' hand
To lead you happy to the Promis'd Land!
Lo! I to you will now a Moses prove---
These vile Egyptians and their yoke remove!
Your land shall flow with honey, wine and milk---
In fine-spun garments of the softest silk,
Your wives, your virgins in their pride shall dress---
Your vines and fig-trees yield you happiness.
An Aaron priesthood future shall be thine,
To make you holy as the stars that shine!
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
231
f
"These honours shall be yours---of royal boast---
But join the banners of my splendid host---
Your Moses calls, protector, friend-
*
*
"Prevost."
*
This manifesto flew the country round---
It op'd afresh the nation's closing wound.
New Albion saw her feuds had lur'd the foe
T'invade the country with deceptious show---
By one part rag'd, the other to subdue,
Till bleeding Freedom bade the land adieu.
Their eyes, with tears of gratitude, to heaven
They rais'd---that Union to the land was given.
While these events were passing, Macomb's power
Prepar'd defensives for th' impending hour.
Three mounds* for heavy brass by patient toil
Were rais'd---th' ambition of the foe to foil.
Plattsburg providing for the soon attack,
Filial removes beyond the Saranac,
Its silver-headed sires, its infants small,
Its mothers, virgins, and its sacred all.
Each day revolving the Fredonians pour
From different States, with Macomb's fame to soar-
Their bosoms beating vital in the cause,
The land to rescue from the Lion's jaws:
Strong of the Mountain State,† and Mooers of York,
In armour brighten for the glorious work-
* Forts Scott, Monroe and Brown.
+ Vermont.
232
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
"
:
Not Strong who smil'd to mark his country bleed,
And wept to see the British flag recede.
Stark's daring offspring gather from afar,
Proud as bold eagles to the scene of war:
Thus bees when clustering in the time of May,
Hang round the hive beneath the sunny ray,
Waiting the token of the queen to rise,
To seek new shelter from inclement skies-
Behold, she darts upon a sightless wing!
With sudden rush, hoarse-sounding, buzzing sing
Her subjects as they fly, blackening the day
With crowding millions in their swarming way-
Or as wild doves in flocks of numbers vast,
Migrate in autumn in pursuit of mast;
Broad compassing the heavens, in arch they bend
From east to west, as far as eyes extend.
Scarce these like rushing winds pass flickering by.
When others rising blacken o'er the sky-
These soon in distance vanish less and less,
And other multitudes the sight oppress;
Another flock appears-and others rise--
To gaze the whole would blind the strongest eyes:
So from the hills the sons of patriots throng,
To guard their birthright and redress their wrong.
*
*
*.
*
*
Macomb beheld with inspiration's glow,
The warriors gathering like the ocean's flow;
But presently he mark'd their gathering far
T'exceed all compass of his works of war-
And thus his thoughts come forth: "With-joy I see
The inborn valour of my country free!
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
233
No power, the sun gives life, will hope to gain
Our liberty when bound in Union's chain!
Only when discord storms from State to State,
They 'll think t' oppress us with enslaving weight.
We stand united, or divided, fall,
Kissing the dust beneath a tyrant's call!
(6
My bosom swells sublime to mark you now,
Harness'd defensive to resist the foe-
But hundreds ten twice told and five-no more
I ask to wither the ingressing power.
"A patriot born with freedom in his soul,
Is equal twenty of a king's control---
For what's a subject of a titled king?
A worshipper in chains---a grovelling thing---
Earthly in mind ;---a grain of Freedom's dust
Outweighs a banded host with slavery curs'd.
"Take to your hearts my gratitude of soul-
Soon may you hear the spirit-calling roll
Inviting to the field---where oft have stood
Our veteran fathers prodigal of blood;
Should future there be cause, speedful shall I
Send to the mountains fam'd for liberty.
"Sad I regret to speak you to the plough---
But your vast names would clog our movements now."
Prompt at his voice the multitude retire,
Save but the number of the chief 's desire,
With these to lead them through the walks of fire:
Mac Glassen, Taylor, Harrison and Root,
From his bold ancestors a vital shoot;
20*
2.
234
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
De Russy, Tressott, Totten, engineers;
Smith, Mountford, Cromwell, to outlive their years.
Wool, by deeds of chivalry :---Appling, Vincent, Runk,
Who never from the edge of danger shrunk.
Turner, Dunkin, Grosvenor, born to give.
Their names a title with the brave to live.
Sproul, Leonard, Brooks and Mooers, enroll'd with
those,
Willing to die to overcome their foes.
The god of day now cools his fiery steeds
In the blue ocean, and the light recedes ;
Water'd---refresh'd, their rapid race they hold
To gain the east; lo! soon they touch with gold
The fleecy curtains of the orient sky,
Breathing effulgence---climbing heaven on high.
When like young beauty morn's soft blushes spread,
Macomb instructive to his chieftains said:
By flying messengers I learn the host
Are at Champlain. commanded by Prevost.
We heed them not! We stand prepar❜d to grave
The dark assailants, or by land or wave!
But we'll anticipate the action first-
By skirted war, roll many into dust.
"Your band advance, two hundred warriors, Sproul,
And let true courage sparkle from your soul.
Firm at the bridge that overspans the creek,*
Your cannon plant their forward ranks to check.
With five times twenty, Appling move before-
Block every avenue-their scouts explore;
* Dead Creek.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
235
But when o'erpowering they your line shall press,
With fire receding, make their numbers less.
"And Wool, immortaliz'd with Scott-where bled
Brock, whom the earth will honour with the dead-
Lead on the Beckmantown* your squadron forth,
Their bosoms rich with patriotic worth.
Leonard, your brass will give their aid to Wool,
To thin their ranks and make their proud hearts cool.
"Haste-to the field repair! language is lost
On those who never felt a coward's frost !”
His gallant officers, the foe to scath,
Advance their files on west and southern path:
Appling and Sproul adown the lake proceed,
And plant their cannon with destruction's seed
At bridge of fatal name. And Appling, then,
Passes the stream to scout with eagle ken.
Wool on the west sustain'd by Leonard's band,
With eye of jealousy surveys the land,
Falling the stately monarchs of the wood
T'obstruct th' invasion darkening up the road.
Now Wellington (a brother to the same,
Who fought Ambition's idol-bow'd his name,)
While bounding through the forest with a scout,
Spying the defiles and country out,
Observ'd the patriots on the north and west,
Blocking the paths their progress to arrest.
He wheel'd his charger; coursing for Champlain,
He bent his compass, urging spur and rein.
Where stood the Prevost-flag he curb'd his horse,
And with quick accent, utter'd this discourse:
* Road.
236
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
“Chief of a hundred banners! lo, they toil,
Choking the passes our advance to foil.
Is it not prudent that we now should strike?—
We wait for you th' important word to speak."
"Can it be so!" thus Prevost in reply:
"No thought was ours they'd dare to bend an eye
To glance at our approach.-Music! the tune,
Beat-that gives notice of a movement soon.
Yet, not in hurry, anxious we 'll proceed-
To force their walls, will be but half a deed."
Forth at the summons given, the drummers play
The well-known air to furl the tents away.
The heavy thousands move with motion slow,
Measuring their paces in a martial show.
So tardy was their march, the sun was laid
On ocean's lap when they a league had made ;
But when the second orb the waves had damp'd,
Near Wool's position in vast depths they camp'd.
When day returning brighten'd o'er the land,
To Powers and Brisbane, Prevost gave command:
Brisbane to press on Wool with movement fleet,
Till he at Plattsburg in proud style should meet
With Powers, whom he instructed slow to move
Up the lake-path-on either hand a grove—
That Sproul and Appling nothing might mistrust,
Till they enclos'd should kneel upon the dust,
Their standards in disgrace. And Brisbane's guide—
Was Wellington, for Wool had he descried.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
237
Brisbane and Wellington with promptness lead
To meet with Wool and do the rapid deed,
While Powers with equal strength advances slow
Along the lake, till Brisbane strikes the blow.
As Wellington beside his general rode,
Thus he the throbbing of his bosom show'd:
"I crave the onset ;-thou hast had thy fame-
And now I long to give my sword a name."
Brisbane consenting thus: "Select your band,
And prove the temper of your fire-edg'd brand."
He waited not for more---but done with haste
The order given. And now, where Wool had plac'd
Rifles to guard the pass, his flag shows bright---
Cool aim the patriots with a deadly sight---
At every flash expires a royal knight.
Thrice they repeat the flames-then join with Wool,
Whose cup of fame is foaming to the full.
His Spartan tongue is hard: "Behold the foe
Comes swell'd with pride to crush us at a blow!
A ripe-gold harvest on your deeds await-
Look! they draw near!-Quicken the spark of fate!"
He held his peace. On Wellington they pour
Lead searching for life-th' Albions spill their gore.
Leonard, his engines, manages with skill,
So nice adjusted, his explosions kill,
And the best blood of the invaders spill.
The heart of Wellington afflicted sigh'd
To mark the streaming of the vital tide;
Tangled, beset with interwoven boughs,
While still from new-made wounds the crimson flows.
238
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
He brandishes his sword-in front, proceeds:
“O blot the shame, and brighten in your deeds!
What! do the cords that bind your heart give way,
That but a scout your ranks should disarray?
Pursue my guidance in the path of fame—
Though brave they meet us, we the field must claim,
Or trembling cowardice will write our name!"
As the last utterance died upon his tongue,
A sighted bullet from a rifle sung,
And darted through his neck---the artery tore,
Which held the stream of life; the rushing gore
Purples his polish'd limbs--he sinks to earth-
His bosom heaves----he dies a man of worth.
As gush'd his veins, lo, Brisbane hurrying came-
Strength violent, and roll'd redoubled flame;
Brooks, Leonard with artillery, and Wool,
Stood in their place till death the path made full,
Then with slow inching they resign'd the ground,
Pouring at intervals a withering round.
The meantime Macomb jealously awake,
Scann'd Prevost, artful, why along the lake
Tardy he mov'd, while Brisbane from the west
With urgency on Wool and Leonard press'd—
To Root he gave the purpose of his soul:
"Bound the lake-path to Appling and to Sproul-
Bid them recede,-for, lo! on Beckman road,
To cut them off, with speed th' invaders crowd!
Bid them with Wool in unity to form,
And pass the Saranac to brave the storm.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
239
"Mac Glassen, prompt, with thy battalion meet
Wool-and his cohorts, cover on retreat."
Root and Mac Glassen at the word retire,
Warm'd with the glow of patriotic fire;
Root leaping made the bridge with arrowy force,
And void of etiquette, began discourse:
"I bear instructions rapidly to thee-
Kindle the arch, and for thy safety flee!
Lock with the ranks of Wool, for even now,
To bar you from retreat, hard press the foe !"
Forth at the notice given, Sproul, Appling, waste
With fire the arch, and up the lake-path haste.
Lo, as the borders of the town they gain,
Th' advance of Brisbane meet them on the plain!
The heroes beat them back, and pressing on,
Reach without loss the centre of the town;
But here the enemy their lines assail-
To take them captive, once again they fail.
Wool and Mac Glassen fly to their relief—
With ranks combin'd they plunge with bayonets brief;
And while their foemen pause,----behind a wall
They crouch secure to speed the sighted ball,
Causing whole files with gory brows to fall.
Six fatal rounds from this position aim'd,
Worthy in lofty numbers to be named,
Slow o'er the Saranac the brave retire,
Flashing the vollies of retreating fire.
From Macomb, Harrison receives commands:
Assist the bridge to move with nimble hands;
And of its parts close-pil'd, defensives raise,
Where secret rifles may emit the blaze.
240
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
"Taylor, proceed, and, Turner, to the bank,
And ambush'd there their heavy lines disrank.”
By swift obedience they the soldier prov'd-
Sudden the arch is from its place remov'd;
And Turner, Taylor, Harrison, unite
With Wool, Brooks, Leonard, and maintain the fight.
His each explosion Leonard serves for death,
While many a rifle steals away their breath.
At length, the burning musketry, to shun,
Which beat like tempest-fire their lives upon,
The temples they defile and climb on high
The steeples-whence their sighted vollies fly.
One draws the veins of Harrison, and soon,
Turner and Taylor on the cold earth swoon.
But Mountford, Smith, deliberate in Monroe,
Levell❜d their engines--balls in fiery glow,
By which the balconies in flames burst forth-
Again the rifles draw them to the earth!
Yet stand the Britons and the combat hold,
Though Wool and Leonard slay them manifold.
While at the river thus-Prevost, his power,
Mov'd with slow time the country to devour;
But in his fording of the streamlet,--Dead*__
Prophetic name! Macdonough's gallies dread
Slaughter'd their ranks-the waters stain'd with blood;
Down roll'd the bodies to the Champlain flood.
At length this fearful passage overcome,
He enters Plattsburg with his soul in plume!
* Dead Creek.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
241
Though down from burning terraces on high,
The shelter'd Britons were compell'd to fly,
Yet obstinate they strove the bridge to form,
Lost in the whirlwind of th' opposing storm.
When Prevost saw the manner that they bled,
He in his caution this commandment said:
"Forbear this idle effort-bootless toil!
Why know ye not that leisurely we 'll spoil
Their bulwarks of defence? Yes, when we please
To raise our arm, we conquer at our ease!
An idiot madness for a bridge to bleed—
Not worth the ball should we effect the deed.
Away,-defensive implements, apply,
Till we with mounds our lines shall fortify.
Soon,-when secur'd we bring our brass to bear,
Ruin'd, we'll cast their labours in the air."
Hush'd is the strife immediate at the word-
Sheath'd in its scabbard sleeps the smother'd sword.
No spot stains ether-all is pure, serene,
Save in the west,—there a pil'd cloud is seen
Vast like the Andes towering on the eye,
Fixing the soul in proud sublimity.
It stands upon the earth!-of leaden hue-
A solemn contrast to the living blue.
Though dark, yet not sufficient deep to blind
The vital sun burning with gold behind
Like something that is heaven !—the beams of light
Stream through the cloud to fill an angel's sight.
VOL. IV.-21
242
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII,
Beyond description beautiful the fringe,
Touch'd with ethereal gold and amber tinge,
Pure as the courtly robes that seraphs wear,
When they in presence of their God appear!
Soon as still Night pour'd darkness from his urn,
And rubic lamps hegan in heaven to burn,
Macomb conven'd his officers,and gave
These prompt commands his enemies to grave:
"Mooers, to the pass superior, of the stream,
And, Strong, advance,-your country to redeem.
Your front division in the works display,
Should Prevost there attempt to force his way;
Your rear conceal within th' embowering wood
To ope the secret fountains of their blood.
Prone crouch in silence on the earth full low,
That none a mark of fatal aim may show,
Lest it appal the daring of the foe.
"When every let is made secure, I then
Shall aid you there to do the deeds of men,
Worthy description of a Homer's pen.
(6
Sproul, Grosvenor, Leonard, with your brass, and,
Rank,
Who nobly war in open boldness frank,
Defend the passage of the Saranac
Fronting the town, and beat their columns back.
(6
Smith, Mountford at Monroe,-Appling at Scott,
Stand with lit matches to inflame the shot.
The fort of Brown, Mac Glassen, will be yours
To teach the foe that liberty endures:
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
243
Dunkin and Brooks, the upper arch defend—
Let none a standard in submission bend.
"Wool, ford with veteran spies the Saranac,
Their different scouts with caution to attack.
Suffer no period of the war to pass,
Their lines reserv'd with rifles to harass.
I need not warn you of the perils round-
Thy soul delights where dangerous scenes abound.
"Let every heart be strong as though the hour
Alone depended on his single power.
Let all be one and and every one be all,
Then never, never will the Eagle fall."
His plans defensive laid, the chiefs proceed
To take their posts, and glory in the deed.
During three days' continuance-the arms
Of either flag by scouts excite alarms;
The royalists engag'd their mounds to form-
Firm stand the brave to meet th' impending storm.
At the third resting of the wearied sun,
To Macomb's ear Mac Glassen soft begun:
"For three preceding days with prying eye,
Jealous I 've mark'd the labouring enemy.
By their sly art believingly I feel,
That they a battery opposite conceal.
By thy indulgence will I ford the wave
And learn the truth with fifty warriors brave."
Macomb made answer: " Yes, thy soul is stout-
You'll trace with vigilance the secret out.
244
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
A battery mask'd so near your fort to break,
Would prove disastrous when the storms awake.”
Without delay Mac Glassen sought his hold--
Spoke for the number,-instant they enrolled.
Though small his strength, yet every heart was large
To pass the current and the battery charge.
Soon they in silence gain the adverse bank,
And in due order join in double rank.
With feet of down, scarce breathing as they pass,
They wake no tell-tale rustling of the grass.
While thus with heedful step they trace the night,
A hostile legion glimmers on their sight-
Mac Glassen whispers. "List! bend eye and ear!
And mark you not the enemy that's near?
Like deepening shades in yonder growth conceal'd-
Thither we 'll feel our way and make them yield.'
""
With lungs scarce moving soft their way they groupe
To gain the copse and make the royals stoop.
As crouchant lions watch to seize their prey,
So watch the patriots to begin the fray.
Reckless the Britons of no danger dream-
Mac Glassen gives the sign!-mad flashes gleam
And kindle up the night! The quick leads dart
With fiery impulse at the quivering heart:
As when at evening on the daisied grass,
Near the lake-waters smooth'd to liquid glass,
A herd of careless deer chew sweet their cud,
Marking the moon-beams sailing on the flood.
What time they thus on verdant couches rest
And floating images delight their breast,
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
245
3
A band of panthers from their ambush nigh,
Leap in their rage--fire kindling every eye---
The herd stand paralys'd with dread o'ercome,
Nor know that flight would save them from the tomb;
But thought returning, they outstrip the wind,
Leaving companions to pale death consign'd:
So from the fiery charge, the outpost fled,
Save those who dying on the damp earth bled.
Mac Glassen rising with determin'd zeal:
"Lock into column and make bare the steel!
Lo, it remains to rush their battery now---
The feat will place a laurel on our brow.
Pause not, but onward ere that time have they
To loose their hearts, made palsied by dismay.”
The scout of night attended to each word,
And with nerv'd motion seiz'd upon their sword.
Napier the chief who rul'd the cover'd post,
By this, defensive had array'd his host.
He speaks with threatening voice: "The man that
flies,
A swift destruction ends his perjuries!
Fredonians, mark! they come !---elance the lead!
Defend the flag! cast flames upon their head!"
His language brac'd their strength---they glow--they
feel
As if their hearts were polish'd new with steel.
But, lo! the heroes mount the bulwark strong--
And soon in death is smother'd Napier's tongue,
+
21*
246
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
The Albions scatter from the brave in mind,
The mask in weakness at their feet resign'd.
Mac Glassen with emotion: "Speed-haste-
Your hands put forth to ruin-sweep it waste.
Their ranks alarm'd by hundreds will arise,
And force us back-undone the enterprise !"
While yet he spoke they do the spoiling deed-
The mound is ruin'd in a moment's speed.
Rapid they wheel-retrace their footsteps back,
And safe reford the dashing Saranac.
The daring exploit all the brave admir’d—
'To wrestle with the foe, their souls desir'd.
A host within his heart, each warrior felt--
A rising fire to make the invaders melt.
Thus to Mac Glassen, Macomb warm express'd:
"By you, this night will have its interest.
The fort of your command would felt its fire,
Causing the lives of virtue to expire.
The deed hath rous'd the army into flame,
T' achieve such actions as descend to fame.
And I forebode this charging of his host,
Will make the blood run madden'd of Prevost.'
Like dew soft dropping on parch'd flowers at night,
So his expressions cheer'd their bosoms light;
And when that they their hunger had redress'd,
To couches they repair'd to lose themselves in rest.
Meanwhile within a spacious hall apart,
Th' imperial chiefs gave pleasure to their heart;
Boasting their country was the prime of earth,
Though slav'd by priesthood and by kings from birth!
1
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG,
247
While in these thoughts, they startle at a sound,
And look with wildness on the others round!-
Another volley breaks upon their ear--
And in their eye surprise is mix'd with fear.
They pause---they question--answer---stop---they stare,
The growing wonder touching every hair.
Downey alarm'd had landed on the shore,
And now he hurrying enter'd at the door.
While in amazement thus---Peachell, like death,
Pale---rush'd in the hall, panting for his breath-
(Peachell, the officer of second grade
To him Mac Glassen slaughter'd with his blade.)
"Behold our mask has met with overthrow!
Napier is mix'd with rotting earth below!"
*
*
*
*
*
As when the Stygian powers in depth of hell,
Heard the result of Cockburn's doing well-
They in their pride proclaim'd a day of grace,
To celebrate the fall of Freedom's race;
Some for their pastime bent the streams aside,
And some rode whirlwinds in their joy astride.
Some split the mountains---others turn'd them round,
And some danc'd frenzied to a maniac sound-
While in their sports---behold the earthquake blast,
Broken to hell their conquer'd monarch cast!
Struck with despair their levities were done--
Their hearts congealing harden'd into stone:
So in surprise the Britons ghastly stood
When Peachell spoke of Napier in his blood.
*
*
*
248
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
At length with haggard features of a ghost,
And breath convulsive heaving, broke Prevost:
66
My heart seems cramp'd and frozen in my breast!
Not possible their arms our works arrest!
And is it truth, that past the stream they dare
T' invade our lines and brave the tiger's lair?
"Why, be it so. And have we dastard grown?
Never !---at light our terrors shall be known!
Wait we no longer than the rising sun-
Another day, their breathing life is done!
No longer here inactive we remain-
At dawn we 'll rise and sweep them o'er the plain.
Then will New Albion with our strength unite,
And raise the Cross sublime on every height !
"We simultaneous will the effort make
To pass the river and o'erwhelm the lake.
"De Rottenburg, with your divisions move,
And, ford the shallow pass the stream above;
When firmly rooted on the shore, descend
Bristling in steel and cause their flag to bend.
Kemp, at the arch superior you 'll abide
To force a passage and the day decide.
And, Brisbane, born to arms, your squadrons play
At arch inferior to divide the fray..
Banes, Powers and Robertson, the bulwarks man,
And let your sky-shells overleap the van.
"The battle, Downie, on the land will wait
Till we shall hear the signal of the fleet,
The thunders bursting from the naval power,
Will be the token for the strife on shore.
:
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG,
249
"Soon to the south triumphant we 'll proceed-
The life of liberty in dust shall bleed.
Six days from this in Albany we stand,
Where Cochrane meets us with his ocean band.'
Each to his post with hurried step withdrew,
In purpose fix'd Columbia to subdue,
And cause her prayerful for her life to sue.
The golden day-beams wake from dewy rest
The lark, sweet rising from her low-built nest.
To kiss the melting clouds she prunes her wings,
While like the notes of heaven her music rings;
The thrush, the linnet-bird of every tongue,
Fill the expansive firmament with song
Forth at the appearing dawn the Albions rise,
The pride of conquest rolling in their eyes.
To force the arches, Kemp and Brisbane move-
De Rottenburg, to pass the ford above.
The works by Robertson and Powers are mann'd
To blaze, as Prevost had the action plann'd.
They wait to hear the navy
*
*
*
*
Hark! the gun!
Behold, already do the blood-streams run-
For, lo! the conflict violent begun!
As when two chains of deepening clouds arise
From north to south, slow blackening up the skies;
Grim opposite they stand with scowlings dark-
At length excited by an anger'd spark,
250
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
They flash combustion forth, and deafening roll
Thunders in peals that lumber to the pole:
So when the fleet proclaim'd the ominous sound,
The earth shook, reeling with the war profound.
Mad bombs careering at each host were driven—
The brass guns peal'd artilleries of heaven.
While thus the excitement rag'd upon the shores,
The hostile squadrons join'd their naval powers:
For many a weary sun, Macdonough lay
Anchor'd-arrang'd for battle in the bay,
Pulse throbbing lightning to decide the fray.
The Saratoga, twenty-two and four,
Supports his standard-whom the brave adore.
Never a mariner e'er left the strand,
Of purer heart, or executing hand,
Than Gamble, second of the ship's command.
Beale, Justin, Graham, Williamson, Monteath,
Thwing and Montgomery bound with glory's wreath;
And Youngs and Baldwin, Platt and Brum, Vallette,
Sublimely stand on honour's parapet,
The Eagle, Henley rules, of nine eleven-
Ticonderoga, bearing ten and seven.
The gallant Cassin guides upon the wave,
His cares assisted by young Stanbury brave.
The Preble, seven; ten gallies, brass tubes, eight,
And others four, a single gun their weight.
Of Macomb's works, Macdonough, opposite
Arrang'd his fleet, when Albion loom'd in sight;
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
251
Flank'd each extreme with cannon-barges five,
Deep through their chambers the hot globes to drive.
In this position moor'd Macdonough lay,
When Downie's banner flicker'd on the bay,
Who, as around the Cumberland* he wore,
Gave the dread signal, which the concave tore.
Confiance rul'd by Downie, thirty-nine,
Wars with Macdonough, while he waves a sign
His other ships to springing cables set
In following order, and the flames emit:
The Linnet, Henley's Eagle to assail,
And cause the freedom of her plumes to quail;
The Finch and gallies on his right to move,
And there the fruits of Nelson's valour prove--
With Cassin's ship and Preble, and the five
Barges-Macdonough's left with bolts to drive.
The angry Chub against his right to bend
Her fiery force, and make their flags descend:
After this fashion, they their anchors cast-
And each at each,-their smoky guns in blast,
Appear terrific as the lightning's flame,
When thunders shake the elemental frame;
Or when pent earthquakes open to receive
The solid mountains, and the things that live!
Scarce less commotion characters the fray-
The battle's vastness takes the sun away.
To land and fleet a rising wrath is given-
A darkening horror shuts the face of heaven.
* Cumberland Head.
t
252
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
Lo, now the Eagle not a brass can bear-
And Henley gives command with dauntless air:
"Heroes! the cable sunder from the bow!
Our bravery here is vain against the foe.
Macdonough's ship and Cassin's, moor between,
And there partake the glory of the scene."
Prompt the removal at his voice was done-
On Chub the Eagle breaks her every gun;
But by the change compell'd, Macdonough brave,
In Saratoga, on the troubled wave,
Repels a treble power-Confiance, thirty-nine,
And Linnet second of the English line!
Yet stands he firm, of soul invincible,
Whilst every side his crew their bright veins spill!
Ticonderoga bears an equal part—
The haughty Finch she searches to the heart.
Young Stanbury mounts the net-work to descry,
Where more effective that the globes might fly.
"Give to the bow-guns fire !"-
His voice is done-
The gold-sand moments of his life are run!
Swift streaming from the tops, a sighted lead
Drank his sweet life--he fades with death o'erspread!
So a fair daisy in the morn is seen,
Besprinkled with the drops of heaven serene;
A cruel ploughshare passes reckless by,
And wraps its beauties in mortality:
Thus Stanbury wither'd ere his hour of noon-
A lily paleness marks his fatal swoon!
MACDONOUGH'S VICTORY.
253
Fierce flames th' engagement in its madness dire-
The Linnet, Downie, hurls the sheeted fire.
Against the Saratoga, bleeding dread,
With many a hero number'd with the dead.
The guns are shatter'd on her dexter side,
Broken in fragments scatter'd far and wide.
Th' imperial fleet the shout of triumph raise,
To see Macdonough's wasting in a blaze!
But, lo! the mariners unruffled, cool
The hungry flames that feast upon her hull.
The patriots pour their sacrificing blood-
The silver changes to a purple flood.
Spencer, the bright-hair'd youth, Smith, Balding, lay
Weltering in gore-but scorn to leave the fray!
Now the bold Gamble to Macdonough came,
His eyes enkindled with the light of fame:
"Alas! brave chief! how desperate is the strife!
Each peal of fire consumes us of our life!
Our strength grows faint; our starboard cannon all
Are laid in ruins by th' unsparing ball.
We fail at each explosion-bleed-expire-
Alas! unable to return the fire!
"Shall I the cable sever from the bow,
And swing the ship, and then".
Behold a lead
Enter'd his brain, and struck him with the dead!
He fell, a cedar by tornado rent-
His spirit reach'd the glorious element!
Young Williamson the next to Gamble stood,
To fix the springing cables on the flood;
VOL. IV.-22
254
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
To none more worthy, could the birth be given-
His soul was polish'd like a gem from heaven.
While Gamble gasp'd for breath, Macdonough sigh'd;
But ah! no time for sorrow!-thus he cried:
"Cast, Williamson, an anchor from the stern!
Cleave the bow cable!-let the larboard burn!
Bring th' uninjur'd brass upon the foe!—
Be hearts immortal, and immortal show!"
To turn the vessel, was a fearful act,
While shower'd the flames a pouring cataract;
But this the only prospect left him now—
The cable instant parted from the bow.
Round swung the ship, the crew resolv'd to die,
And register their names on tablets high.
But soon the spring was sever'd—and again
Made the endeavours of the patriots vain,
While Downie caus'd his every gun to burn,
Which dreadful rak'd the vessel through the stern!
Again the mariners with uncurb'd hearts,
Provide another;-lo, again it parts!
Despair began their ardour to subdue,
When proud the cock with vict'ry's clarion crew!
Thrice, thrice he wav'd his wing, and thrice proclaim'd
That Freedom's Star would glow with light sublim'd!
They hail'd the circumstance from heaven! and made
A last, last effort-larboard engines, laid
Opposite the foe with levell'd mark,
And blaz'd them forth as with a lightning spark.
“Omen propitious!" thrill'd Macdonough cries.
"Be hearts of adamant! We grasp the prize!
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
255
Behold their smaller flags! they sink-resign!
But two remain to wave the regal sign!
And these half wreck'd are struggling on the deep,—
Now prime the larboard-let the cannon leap!
Each bosom be as fire-ethereal flame!
The war-bird speaks, we fight the fight of fame!"
The seamen worship-hail the omen bright
With shouts redoubling, and augment the fight.
The Confiance shrinks-she withers every blast-
The fluttering Linnet seems to sigh her last.
Numbers expiring on their decks are laid-
Downie blood-stifled sleeps in death's damp shade.
Down sinks the Lion groaning with despair-
Proud sails the Eagle on triumphant air!
The brightening Stars with hallow'd influence shine,
And crown Macdonough with a light divine!
The time the fleets the hollow concave tore,
The conflict rag'd impetuous on the shore.
Earth felt her pillars shake! At either bridge,
Pil'd are the Albions, slain—a ghastly ridge!
The cannonry deep charg'd with heavy shot,
Incessant pour the riving lightnings hot.
Smith, Mountford, Appling, and Mac Glassen, burn
The deafening elements, and crowd death's urn
With mortal ashes of the English dead,
While with thick gore the earth is overspread.
With fire-with rushing steel thrice, thrice they toil
A pass to gain-thrice, thrice the patriots foil
256
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXVIII.
Their solid depths! Kemp, Brisbane, tremble back,
Their hosts dissolving in the Saranac!
As when the sun forsakes the northern sphere,
And tyrant frost begins its reign severe,
All wrapp'd in darkness, save the boreal flame,
Streaking with flickering light the vaulted frame;
The frost congeals the ocean at the pole,
Which strives to free its billows from control,
In vain; the icy crystals shoot and spread,
And soon the watery empire is o'erlaid
With solid freezing like a diamond rock,
As if that nature's utmost ne'er could shock
The arch immoveable. But, lo! at length,
The curve no longer can maintain its strength-
Like struggling earthquakes starting from their bed,
Sunders the barrier with commotion dread,
The loosen'd ocean like a giant raves,
And drives resistless on its ridgy waves.
Huge blocks of ice hurl'd edgeways dash and break,
Which cause creation's axle dire to shake;
They seem like grave-stones of the buried carth
Heaving--as though the dead were bursting forth:
So was the voice of battle trembling heard,
As if the tenants of the tombs were stirr'd-
So in confusion were their squadrons rent,
Their armour broken and their standards bent.
Each crowding each augments the tumult dread,
While numbers falling join the stiffening dead.
What youth is that upon the dust low laid?
Alas! 'tis Runk!-in death his eye-beams fade.
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
257
Farewell in brightness from this ball of earth!
Hark! seraphs call thee to celestial birth!
The car of heaven descends! I mark thee climb,
Seated on clouds, the wonderous path sublime!
While thus below-De Rottenburg above,
His banner'd legions to destruction drove.
Again the fording of the stream they crowd,
While soft the patriots crouching in the wood,
Ken Macomb's brand. It waves! With bended eye
They draw the bead that every mark should die.
The flint hammers the steel! Ranks drink the flood,
Struggling for life, made brinish with their flood!
The living shrink and fly the Saranac---
But Macomb judg'd they 'd soon renew th' attack:
"Like worship bend on earth,---for, lo!
Brief they 'll return with madness on their brow.
Never---no, never will their lines recoil,
Till we repeatedly their madness foil.
They come resolv'd to portion out our lands---
To till our fields with their unhallow'd hands.
Their hirelings will seize our children's bread,
And all our holiest sanctities invade!
Prevail should they, we bow our necks as slaves---
No, rather here we 'll dig ourselves our graves!
(6
Behold, in solid multitudes they come!
With steady nerve point fatal to the tomb!"
Fredonians crouching on the earth drew aim---
Th' up-starting blaze appear'd the woods in flame.
22*
258
CANTO XXXVIII.
FREDONIAD.
The foremost columns with a wildness shrunk,
Then clinch'd their hands and in the river sunk!
It seem'd a fiery pestilence from heaven,
Had for their sin-deeds on their heads been driven.
Again the living multitudes gave way-
But, lo! De Rottenburg to mad the fray,
Rent his proud robes-expos'd his bosom bare,
And bade his army plant their bayonets there!
This wrought a desperate feeling, maniac--
Again they crowd upon the Saranac.
A peal of fearful accent from their tongue,
Like screams preceding death delirious, rung.
The patriots open'd with a flame so dread,
Twelve fifties sunk at the explosion dead!
Thus when that Pharaoh with th' Egyptian host,
Pursu'd the Hebrews to the Red Sea coast,
With shouts like earthquake peals, tearing the sky,
He led his legions on its base made dry,
Which gave a pass to Israel's offspring nigh-
But, lo! the waters vengeful of the deed,
Clos'd up! thousands on thousands magnified the dead!
So with a shout the host of Albion now,
Oppress'd the stream-delirium on their brow,
But Macomb stood and with a fiery shower,
Smote them with death and made the waves run gore!
At first the river bore the slain away—
But soon-so vast th' annihilating fray,
Th' obstructed current chokes,--high foams the flood,
Crimson'd and thicken'd with the gush of blood.
A voice is heard like thunder from a cloud,
Searching the hearts of the despairing crowd--
DEFENCE OF PLATTSBURG.
259
As when on Sinai th' Eternal came
And spoke to Moses with the words of flame.
A crimson mist is scatter'd from on high-
Pillar'd they stand and pause their destiny!
*
*
*
*
*
*
When nature's last-her final scene shall come,
Rattling the dry bones, mouldering in the tomb;
Stars drop from their orbits-when darkness crowds
The struggling moon-the sun wears coffin shrouds-
Man will stand dumb, his knocking knees give way,
To mark the fastenings of the world decay:
So stood the Britons when the thunders peal'd,
And saw the blood thick scatter'd o'er the field.
But soon they fled like clouds by lightnings rent,
Pursu❜d by whirlwinds through the element.
The enemy o'erwhelm'd-the waves sunk back-
The dead wash'd off, smooth glides the Saranac.
Fredonia comes! Harken! her voice serene :
"Glory immortal to th' immortal men---
Names register'd on high! Macdonough, live!
A ring of hallow'd light thy brows receive!
Clustering thy temples, Macomb! fadeless twine
The sprigs of laurel from the soil divine!
"Hail! Freedom! Hail! be thou to virtue given,
And thou shalt be the chosen name of heaven!"
CANTO XXXIX.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE,
AND
DEATH OF GENERAL ROSS.
1
ARGUMENT.
Cochrane arrives at the mouth of the Patapsco. Stricker gives
battle to the invaders. An episode. Defence of Fort Mac Henry.
The British defeated.
The scene is generally below Baltimore, and at Fort Mac Henry.
The time is five days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XXXIX.
WHILE these events were passing, Cochrane set
His compass from Bermuda with his fleet,
Whitening the waves; his floating bulwarks stow'd
With arms-to bend the land to servitude.
Ross in command-Brooks, Rainey, Thornton plac'd,
With potent names that never were disgrac’d.
Soon their deep keels oppress the Chesapeake,
Intent the wealth of Baltimore to seek ;
And then apply the torch with recklessness,
And all the temples of the arts deface.
Such hate of Freedom rankled in their breast,
Their hearts were ripe its progress to arrest―
E'en to effect it, should their hands be stain'd
With damning crimes that hell itself profan'd.
Their anchors they at the Patapsco lock'd
As by the waves the evening clouds were mock❜d.
Warren embrac'd the same inviting gale,
That favour'd Cochrane from the tropic Isle,
Freighted with Packenham-a countless host
To sack Orleans and desolate the coast.
264
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
1
When at Patapsco, Cockburn anchors cast,
With bloody banner streaming from his mast,
Waiting for Cochrane from the southern wave,
Thirsting-impatient, Baltimore to grave-
The dark imbrewing storm the city scann'd,
And rose to guard their altars from the brand-
Their mothers, virgins, infants, bosom wives,
And all the charities for which man lives.
Along the heights, stretching from north to east,
Ramparts they raise th' invasion to arrest ;
The only pass that offers to the foe,
By land to enter and the town subdue.
The trust to Smith is given, who toils had seen
For liberty-with Washington and Greene.
At Mifflin Fort refulgently he stood,
A bright example to his brotherhood-
Lee, Varnum, Fleury, Russel, Treat, and Thayer,
Resolv'd to pour their life's rich fountains there.
Six days involv'd in flaming pestilence,
The royals strove to drive the patriots hence.
At length each vestige of the fortress rent,
Lo! Washington commanded to relent
Their desperate valour-useful now no more,
Except to die and sanctify the shore-
But not till Smith was bruis'd for Freedom's sake-
A glorious theme in some free bard to wake,
Inspir'd of heaven, to sing the lofty praise
Of those who shed their blood in ancient days,
And wrench'd the sceptre from the tyrant's hand,
That strove unhallow'd to enslave the land.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
265
よ
​The city hail'd the veteran when he rose
To gird his arms the spoilers to oppose.
They gaz'd upon his scars of holy time,
And felt the God of Battles had sublime
Lengthen'd the number of his years to save
Their dearest all from darkness and the grave.
Stricker is next, with scatter'd locks of snow
Oft had he battled in the days of wo,
With Morgan, Howard-others great and good,
To whom is due a nation's gratitude.
Those of the city to his voice give ear,
And bow with reverence to his character.
The listed troops and volunteers of Penn,
Are Winder's-while Virginia's sorted men
Douglas obey-their free, adopted will,
And Singleton-their high resolve to fill.
Rodgers, than whom no honour can excel,
With stout marines stands breasted on a hill,
Waiting the strife-his cannon stretch their jaws,
Ready with eloquence to plead the cause.
Of liberty and violated laws.
The daring Armistead at Mac Henry stands
To guard the channel from the pirate bands;
Than him, more brave, none ever smil❜d to hear
The shock of armies roll along the sphere:
Webster and Newcomb, Stewart, Evans, Lane,
Clagget, and Bingey, worthy Homer's strain;
VOL IV.-23.
266
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
Bunbury, Redman, Addison and Clemm,
And Berry, Howland, Pennington, than them,
None more deserving ever won the
gem
From honour's coronet. Russel adorn'd the bar,
And Nicholson renown'd for justice far-
Superior names to aid him in the war.
Toiling incessant, presently they form
Two mounds of small extent to breast the storm;
Twelve guns they place within their bosoms each,
Should British prowlers there attempt a breach
Rear of the town: The City Battery one,
The other bears the name of Covington-
A name the soldier ever will revere,
And o'er his grave let fall a generous tear.
The youthful Webster gives the first support,-
Newcomb commands with mariners the fort-
Seamen by Rodgers and by Barney train'd
To fight like madness till the strife is gain'd.
On Fort Mac Henry and the breasted height,
Where Smith and Stricker in their age unite,
Alone the city for defence rely
To foil the standards of the enemy;
For should th' invaders sweep the lines away,
Armistead in vain would guard the narrow sea;
Or should the Fort surrender to the Crown,
The lines could nothing to defend the town.
Now when that Cochrane had his anchors cast,
And saw his navy at their moorings fast,
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
267
Accompanied with Brooks and Thornton, Ross,
(Their bosoms tinsell'd with a star and cross,)
He to the Marlborough in a yawl repair'd
To learn of Cockburn how his fleet had far'd;
And what resistance they might calculate,
Ere Baltimore would yield in captive state,
And plume their names with regal titles great.
They found the man half devil, at his ease-
He rose to greet his brother of the seas.
When they their questions had to him address'd,
His Vandal feats like triumphs he express'd:
"Most royal Cochrane----honourable Ross,
Free from the poisoning bane of vulgar dross!
Of my success 'tis needless to enquire—
Behold my vessels laden with desire!
As were the mandates by our sovereign given,
This sword a ruin through the land has driven.
By granting large of booty to my force,
Each hostile arm was shiver'd in our course.
Beckwith deserves an honour equal mine-
I've sent him northward to the Prevost line
T'inform the Governor-chief, we soon shall meet
His strength at Albany with all our fleet.
"But sad at Hampton where we toil'd of late—
(My mind grows sick at what I now relate,)
The sons of Erin nothing could restrain—
I'll pass it o'er---the subject gives me pain!
"Had Emmett, Rowan, on rebellion bent-
Alas! succeeded in their fell intent,
How all the virtues sighing, would have fled!
The warm affections of the bosom dead;—
है.
268
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
'Twould been a land where devils would have roam'd,
And hydra passions with tooth-madness foam'd-
But England for their peace laborious delves,
And, by her armies, saves them from themselves!"
*
*
*
*
*
They paus'd. To hear of violence, depress'd
Was every brow-deep feeling sunk their breast,-
Cockburn afflictive: "Never could you give
A harbour to such crimes; of crimes that live,
The blackest is to this, as noontide light
Compar'd with darkness of the pall-black night.
66
Though we instructed were to waste the soil,
And make our navy wealthy with the spoil;
Yet nothing farther was his high desire,
Except at times to light a public fire.
"When this proud city we shall demonstrate,
Orleans is next that bends beneath our weight;
Warren and Packenham expect us now
At Lewis-Bay, when Baltimore shall bow.
"To us minute each circumstance declare,
What strength presum'd, against our flag will dare.
Ross the victorious, will the troops debark,
When morning star shall wake the springing lark.”
Cockburn this answer like indifference said:
"Certain I feel we 've nothing here to dread.
To guard the channel stands a recent fort,
Mac Henry nam'd, so faithful spies report.
Ross can advance whenever he shall please,
And reach the city with deliberate ease.
Some hasty volunteers from States around,
Fenc'd with light works are station'd on the ground;
1
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
269
But when approaching they shall hear his feet,
They'll fly before him in a wild retreat.”
He ended flush'd with smiles. And Cochrane last:
"If such their power they 'll soon resign the cast.
Our veteran arms will crowd the shores at light-
That Ross may gloriously, ere closing night,
Enter the city and our toils requite.
Cockburn, display your wonted energy,
And you the Knight of Baltimore will be,
For with the fleet you 'll storm Mac Henry.
Let each his post with promptitude maintain,
When doubtful day shall glimmer on the main."
They having thus their demonstration plann'd,
Each chief departed to arrange his band
'T' invade the shore and scath with fire the land.
When Cockburn anchor'd at the Point* below,
Bird with close eye kept notice of the foe.
Soon as the sails appear'd of Cochrane's fleet,
Back to the lines he dash'd away with heat;
And as the sun was stepping down the west,
He made th' encampment, and to Smith express'd
The tidings big with fate-his chiefs around,
Bent every ear to catch th' important sound:
"Warrior of ancient years! behold I bear
Intelligence, demanding all your care!
So vast a sail with Cockburn has combin'd,
It seem'd a labouring burden for the wind
*North Point.
;
23*
270
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
To boom it up the wave. With anchors deep,
They ride the flood that bathes the beetling steep.
The crowded decks with burnish'd armour bright,
Cast back a fearful splendour on the sight."
The herald ended with an anxious look,
And thus in turn the hoary veteran spoke:
"Let them advance! each heart for fame beats strong,
Yea, let them pour innumerous along-
We ask for their approach in pomp of pride-
They 'll find their safety but on ocean's tide."
He paus'd. And Stricker took the passing word:
"I feel to meet them and unsheathe the sword.
Wait not their coming-never! I'd propose
Forth to proceed and with their standards close.
When dawn's bright gem shall kindle in the skies,
Let me and mine press forward for the prize.
We'll check their progress if we can no more,
Ere they approach to melt beneath your power.
Smith this rejoinder gave: "Brother in arms!
My pulse throbs joy to see the battle warms
Thine aged veins! Thy sparkling eye looks young.
A warrior's impulse moves upon your tongue.
"Friend of my heart! we verily must prove
The valour of our years-the stain, remove,
Produc'd by Hull, who, when in youth, you know,
Bore a full tide of death against the foe.
The fame has gone abroad, his heart was old,
Hence avarice urg'd him to accept the gold,
Or terror froze his blood-therefore disgrace
Has indirectly darken'd all the race
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
271
Of silver-headed Grays-but Rensselear,
King's-Mountain Shelby, venerable Adair,
And Whitley,-murder'd Swift--a hoary train—–
In part have wip'd away the odious stain.
"To us it now belongs to show the young,
We greet no music like the cannon's tongue;
Howard with scatter'd locks, Mac Colloch brave,
Have girded on their arms the town to save,
Press'd with the weight of seventy years and ten!
They boys inspire to do the deeds of men.
Shall we not more than beat the spoilers hence,
While such in honour stand for our defence?
"Ardent your purpose, Stricker, I approve,
That your battalions presently should move;
Bold at the shore, their first divisions, meet,
And then with caution to the lines retreat."
He ended, pressing his hand. Stricker wheel'd'
And join'd his warriors on the tented field.
The wearied sun now takes himself to rest-
The earth still clad as with embroider'd vest;
Step after step delay'd he travels down
The steep of heaven to kiss the mountain's crown.
Reluctant, lingering, slow he veils his face,
Blushing the western clouds with bridal grace.
With tender cast he bends a farewell eye,
Then weeps bright tears of gold and passes down the
sky.
At length the orient star makes glad the east,
And the quick drummers their brief visions ceas'd.
272
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
Rapid the hammers tremble on the drums,
Drumbling the roll; they rise---the column comes.
Glowing with zeal,---their bosoms as with fire
Burning to check the foe or in th' attempt expire:
Thus worn with wan disease a suffering soul,
Chain'd to the dust, fetter'd to earth's control,
Struggles for heaven. At length, invisible,
An angel comes and breaks life's citadel!
The spirit freed, travels th' immortal road
Sublim'd with glory to her new abode:
Something like this, the patriots as in charm
Rise to the music of the drums to arm.
They form, they wheel, they step the martial beat,
Each bosom rapt and throbbing with its heat.
These the bright names who feel their feeling young,
Leading the band: The horse prance slow along,
Champing the bit while Biays in manhood's prime,
Measures the path as strikes the music's time;
Their burnish'd trappings dazzle on the eye,
Effulgent as the sun's bright jewelry.
Next the sage Stricker by himself is seen
Reining his charger, touch'd with lightning keen.
He looks a pillar of a cloud by day
To guide the column in its bright array.
As round he bends his eye, each chief---the whole,
Catch the quick glance which enters to the soul.
Mac Donald, Sterret, Barry, Fowler, Long,
Demand the numbers of harmonious song.
Wilmot and Taylor, Barney---free to pour
Their blood, or strike the ruffians from the shore.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
273
Chester and Harper,---Stevenson at hand.
Of Stricker, prompt to execute command.
Robertson, Spangler, searching for the wreath
That blooms;---Delaney trails the steps of Heath,
Levering and Frailey, Steiger, Aisquith, Moore---
Sweeting and Foster---the artillery, corps,
Rul'd by Montgomery, whose honour'd name
With years will brighten on the page of fame.
And Metzgar, Quantril, Donaldson, the tune,
Beat-Saddler's rifles-Brewer and Calhoun.
Three leagues they halt and at the sun's decline-
His chariot wheels descending in the brine,
The tents whiten the field; the guards around,
Are plac'd to catch the whisper of a sound,
Which might proceed in darkness from a foe
Lurking their strength and circumstance to know.
The time the column was engaged at this,
Stricker the horse sent forward on express:
"Biays, loose the curb-bound rapid to the sea,
And mark them well with eye of jealousy,
Till from the beach they move-then instant back,
That I may plan the method of attack."
Scarce had the order echo'd from the chief,
When with a ready scout Biays fil'd in brief;
An arrow's motion leaping he withdrew,
Twelve furlongs distant from the Point and two.
Now as the Albions previous had devis'd,
At day they arm with thoughts unciviliz'd
274
CANTO XXXIX,
FREDONIAD.
The city to consume. Proud they debark,
Each bosom glittering with a royal mark-
The Lion standing on the eagle's head-
Graven in brass, boasting her strength was dead.
Vast as they crowd in martial robes complete,
They seem like flames disgorging from the fleet.
Thousands on thousands crimson all the strand-
To riot, spoil, and conflagrate the land.
They camp'd for night. When day illum'd the east,
Ross mounted and his regiments address'd:
“Behold this day is day of festival!
Soon waves the Crosslet in the capital!
Only have we our bayonets to put forth,
And, lo! their Eagles will be quails of earth!
Three days commencing on the coming even,
Will to the indulgence of the soul be given!
Behold the glittering of these lofty spires!
How will they guide to heaven the flickering fires!
The public roofs, strike level with the ground-
No work of taste shall on our rear be found!
Libraries feed the flames !-monuments of art,
Crumble to dust to bring them low at heart.
The pen of history* break-historians bribe,
That none hereafter may the war describe-
Should this be written, Europe might arise.
To take deep vengeance for the injuries.
“Forward! let each his circumstance make good-
The Eagle's bosom shall be stain'd with blood!"
* Broken at Washington.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
275
The martial music at the word begun,
Their gorgeous streamers brightening in the sun.
Soon as their banners wav'd upon the sphere,
Biays wheel'd--rebounded-thus to Stricker's ear:
"Lo, they approach! for earth a groaning load-
Crowding beyond the sight, the reaching road.
Loose to the southern gales their flags are given,
Like infant clouds that float along in heaven."
He stay❜d for no reply, but backward flew,
Jealous to keep them ever in his view.
The veteran chief, to Stevenson his aid,
Turn'd—and this order with expression said:
"Rowel thy charger--to the centre here,
Command the leading warriors to appear."
The youth attended to the accents few,
And past the line with arrowy motion flew ;
He gave the summons to the highest grade,
Who with emotion in true style obey'd.
Stricker his orders thus: "Lo! now hath come
The time to guard our altars and our home!
"This is the place of each: Montgomery, Long,
And, Sterret, with your bosoms beating strong,
Move in advance; when you the defile* pass,
Thus stand immoveable with feet of brass-
Sterret, your left upon the path will rest,
Your dexter wing upon the streamlett west.
*Long-Log-Lane.
+ At the junction of the roads leading
from Baltimore to North Point.
Bear Creek.
276
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
Long, from the foundering marsh, display your men-
Montgomery, your thunder-brass between.
And Fowler, sixty strides on Sterret's rear,
Let your battalions in a line appear.
And you, Mac Donald, in reserve will hold—
Your cohorts tested as refin'd of gold.
99
"But first your columns marshal in a wedge-
Warm throbs my heart to give their souls an edge.'
The chieftains heard; with promptitude they wheel,
Their every fibre like electric steel;
Th' alignment presently in column squar'd,
As Stricker's mandate had express declar'd.
The aged, mounted on his foaming steed,
Cools his chaf'd ardour to a gentle speed.
Lofty and short he prances o'er the ground,
Thickening his steps-he hears the bugle sound!
His passion kindles-eye shows fire !—again
The warrior curbs him with a gentle rein.
On as the return moves with motion slow,
The passing zephyrs lift his locks of snow.
Soon as he opposite the music comes,
A shrill salute redoubles from the drums.
Thrice swell the peals unbroken in a roll,
Then silent at a beat;-he breathes his soul:
"Defenders of the soil! Behold this day,
To you 'tis given your virtue to display,
And be remember'd till the stars decay!
A ruthless enemy the land pollutes,
Who by their numbers your defeat computes.
Think but of Hampton and your strength must rise!
The nameless scene was darkness to the skies!
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
277
To spoil our city ravishing they come—
Their Vandal torch is kindled to consume !
Your wives, your mothers, and your virgins fair,
Trembling await to learn what souls ye are!
Their charms alluring tempt the wolf-like foe
To seize our lambs and lay their beauty low!
66
Indignant rouse the soul! A righteous Power
Will plate our hearts in the conflicting hour.
Death will our wounds make good-o'erwhelm the
race,
Which multiply their crimes---stamp'd with disgrace
Beneath the savage name! What feel you now?
O, feel you not resolv'd their flag to bow?
Yes, I behold the quickening fire within-
The angry flush, indignant----hot, 'tis 'seen,
Yea, broiling on your cheek! Feel not your veins.
Burn to advance and meet them on the plains,
And mark their bosoms with deep crimson stains?
“Each chief his band in battle-line array—
The glorious impulse of your sires display,
And let your deeds immortalize the day!"
*
*
*
Dumb in their place the patriots gazing stood,
Listening to hear his voice ;---at length the blood
Reliev'd their crowded hearts---cool reason shone-
Then they perceiv'd his eloquence was done!
Sensations new their every bosom fir'd—
Ethereal touch, each throbbing heart inspir'd.
Strong in the faith of liberty they move,
Their strength, their valour plac'd on heaven above,
That to the spoiling host a judgment they might prove.
VOL. IV.-24
278
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
By this th' advance that bore the standard-Cross,
Had reach'd a cultur'd valley, led by Ross,
Whose orders scath'd the promise of the field-
Biays rein'd his charger-back to Stricker wheel'd:
"Soon on my scout I met the royal van,
Blighting the harvest-future hopes of man;
And, as my courser on return I bent,
I mark'd the torch of fiery element !"
Numbers indignant, with strong feelings rose,
Burning their hearts, with myrmidons to close.
The veteran's bosom throbb'd a youthful beat-
T'observe the kindling of the warriors' heat.
He testifies their virtue: "Pride I feel,
To see your nerves with keen sensations thrill;
But, from the lines, six only can descend,
And, with due caution, with their van contend:
"Levering and Howard, Aisquith, your rifles,---
Stiles,
With artillery, take the centre files.
Biays, lead them to the foe, and scour the plain,
That none in secret may their path profane.
Heath, to your guidance, I the band submit,
That you a name of honour may beget."
Their feet with rapidness the way devour,
Feeling each footstep an increase of power.
The harvest wrapp'd in fire,-th' imperials now,
Their march resume, dark passions on their brow.
Full to the city they their course pursue—
But, lo! the Eagle bends upon their view!
달
​DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
279
Ross, when he mark'd her wing upon the wind,
Show'd with a leer the workings of his mind:
"Is that the bird whose eye defies the sun,
This earth too gross for her to gaze upon?
But giddy pride is frequent made to fall,
And crave permission in the dust to crawl.
What! does she think the motto of her beak,
Will cause our blood to chill with tameness weak?
She threatens us with arrows! what of them?
Blunted their points;-her starry diadem,
We'll cause to darken in our presence soon-
"Strike, Britons, strike the battle-kindling tune!
Break,-scath her wings with fire !"
Heath gave the sign-
Prompt at the motion of the sword, his line
Of rifles open'd with a bended eye,
And Stiles commanded his artillery-
Deep wounds are seen, and pale mortality!
From Aisquith's troop, two youths of feelings high,
Wells and Macomis--martyrs free to die,
Advanc'd with caution, by the shrubberry hid,
To sight with deadly aim upon the bead.
They ken the star upon the breast of Ross,
And the vain bauble of th' imperial cross-
They stoop behind the shadow of a rock,
And loose the death-spring of th' impetuous lock.
Both at the instant struck the fiery spark-
Both leads flew burning at a fatal mark:
280
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
*
Wells struck the bosom's bone, and bruis'd the spine-
Macomis pierc'd the vitals in a line,
Entering oblique, near where the melt is laid—
It found its exit 'neath the shoulder-blade.
Death's seal is fix'd upon the brow of Ross-
His gilded metal fritters into dross.
He falls and mingles with the vulgar dead,
While still unsparing drives the whizzing lead.
The forward legions of the foe stand dumb-
To mark their chief a subject for the tomb.
Swift spread the panic--but th' undaunted Brook
Rush'd with sword brandishing the air, and spoke:
66
Why stand ye thus to die? Rise, and the loss
Avenge--Albion's starr'd honour-valiant Ross!
Though the Columbians in the field are bold,
Yet ere night's curtain shall the earth infold,
Our flag shall wave victoriously! The ball,
Wing with the speed of fire their ranks to fall.
Beneath a knitted brow, hard bend the eye--
Proud wave the cross in style of chivalry."
They rallied, clos'd in heavy phalanx strong,
To whelm the patriots on the plains along.
Scarce liv'd the youths* their bold exploit to view-
The royal chieftain wrapp'd in icy dew;
Revenge soon bent them lowly in the dust-
Ten glittering bayonets through their hearts were
thrust.
Long, long the nation will their names revere,
And o'er their grave, a monument will rear,
Softening the anguish of their mother's tear,—
* Wells and Macomis.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
281
At first, 'twill burn like drops of molten lead;
But soon the honours render'd to the dead,
Will cause their perturbated souls to yield
Their lovely boys upon the battle-field-
A glorious offering to their country given-
Oblation worthy the regard of heaven.
The words of Heath are fire: "Thrice, thrice ex-
plode,
Then on retreat, the vacant tubes reload.
I saw a stately chief bestain'd with gore—
"Twas Ross! I knew him by the badge he wore;
The ranks recoil'd the moment that he fell!
"Aim with precision every ball to tell.
Let the bead shine deliberate on the mark,
Ere from the flint ye strike the secret spark."
As the last accent from his tongue came forth,
His lofty charger sunk upon the earth.
He scarce another mounted, when a ball
Glanc'd his left shoulder, brought him to a fall-
But soon the noble animal arose,
And bore his gallant rider to oppose
The strife,--neighing defiance at his foes.
Like planted oaks, Stiles, Aisquith, Levering stand,
And Howard-fearless of the hostile band,
Till thrice their vollies stream'd along the land—
But when the royalists were lock'd again,
The heroes wheel'd, retreating o'er the plain.
The fall of Ross was heard from tongue to tongue,
Their bosoms throbbing with pulsations strong.
24*
*
}
282
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
Too long Mac Colloch linger'd on the rear,-
Wounded he fell, as Brook was passing near.
A bullet glancing snapped his aged thigh,
Yet still was seen a firmness in his eye,
That show'd he willing on the field would die !
The Briton, struck with reverence for his years,
Had him conducted by his grenadiers,
Beyond the lines, till leisure should afford
To bind his wound, and he to health restor❜d.
As Heath receded back, courageous Brook
Heated his arms with battle in his look:
"Flight gives them life!
“Now on their left wing pour
The brazen tubes, and let the mortars roar;
Distant with these we 'll break their solid men-
With rifles fatal aim'd, and muskets, then,
Shower the field. Their left we first shall turn-
Inflame the chamber'd dust-th' exploders burn!"
The deep-mouth'd engines answer with a peal,
Which makes the bosom of the earth to reel.
Montgomery's spirit quickens as with fire-
With burning lips he bade the brass expire:
"Brighten the match!-be ready to put forth!
Level to strike and bow them to the earth.
Behold in air their wild combustion dies!
Not so with us-let death-fire blind their eyes.
Sight, sight the cannon with an eagle watch,
Then let it feel the sparkle of the match."
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
283
Scarce the firm mandate echo'd on the ear,
When flames disgorging dash'd along the sphere;
Nor empty flames alone, each peal that rung,
Bore the dread note of death upon its tongue.
A path was open'd through the columns wide--
But soon the multitude the void supplied:
Thus when a ship majestic in her pride,
Dashes impetuous through the tumult tide;
On either hand the waves disparting swell,
And chafe, and foam, and madden round her keel.
Before her prow the billows are destroy'd,
But straight the rushing waters fill the void:
So close they up their files and hide the slain
Cramp'd and distorted on the gory plain.
So deep the wound it checks their bold career
Restiff they stand and burn the hollow sphere.
Stricker the pausing of their flag beheld,
And to the thunder-chief his courser wheel'd:
"Cease, cease, Montgomery, from eruption cease-
Yield to their standards momentary peace.
Let them approach within the musket fire-
To aid your brass the infantry desire.
Your skill and coolness in the day of strife
Will give your name to dwell in future life."
The sage concluded; the command was done—
In dubious peace was smother'd every gun.
The meantime Stricker with a judgment clear,
Bounded to Fowler station'd on the rear:
284
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
'
"This day must reach high destiny! With haste,
File to the left extreme where Long is plac'd.
Well can we scan th' intentions of the foe-
His purpose this-the left to overthrow."
Scarce had the accents sounded from his tongue,
When Fowler led his solid strength along.
The same time Stricker to the right wing hied,
And thus to Saddler without preface cried:
"To yonder cottage with swift trail advance,
And there effect their souls' deliverance."
Saddler leaps forward with his rifles green-.
The veteran chief is with the artillery seen,
And Stiles he orders thus: "Two guns, detach-
File to the left and ply the quickening match.
Fowler, support."
Lo, ere his word was done,
Stiles with the cannon had his march begun.
Now to Montgomery the sage exclaims:
"The right, give succour with artillery flames.
I to the left in person must repair-
The proudest efforts of the Cross are there.
Thy soul is adamant, thy heart is steel'd
With honour's breast-plate to defend the field.”
This said; the lines he passes slow along-
Brief and abrupt the language of his tongue:
"Be firm, stand fast,-be confident in might;
Fear not, shrink not-watch close the shining sight;
Be pillars, pyramids,-be mountain oaks;
Be steel,-be monuments,-be flint,-be rocks!"
The veteran's look, his gesture, voice and form,
Wake a new feeling to abide the storm-
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
285
Kindling the field, their every eye strikes fire,
Flashing to day the hidden soul's desire.
And now in regal pomp the Britons come
In two divisions, madden'd with the drum;
Their left with Thornton to oppose the right-
With Brook their dexter wing-the opposite.
Brook waves the flag!his infantry displays-
And presently the element is blaze;-
But Stiles' cannonry--Fowler, Stricker, Long,
Deluge with pouring fire the moving throng,
And many a proud name falls with palsied tongue.
Meantime his cohorts, Thornton, heavy, slow
Moves in vast depth to strike a conquering blow.
But soon Montgomery his defenders peals,
Opening the streams of life!-the column reels!
Behind the cottage standing on the right,
Thornton obliques to shelter from the fight—
But death is in the screen! lo, Saddler brave,
With sighted bullets strikes them to the grave:
So when on Mississippi's flood of late,
The Tennessee struck, bilg'd and sunk to fate;
The face of heaven was overcast with night,
Save here and there a star of doubtful light.
Uttering a death-scream numbers drank the deep,
Whilst others struggled on the wave to keep;
Some clung to willows-life a dying spark,
While others failing, dropp'd into the dark.
Some with herculean nerve approach'd the shore,
When, lo! the shadow of a plank an oar,
286
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
:
Deceiv'd their grasp they catch upon the shade,
And sink, and struggle where cold death is laid:
Like this the close-lock'd Britons, to avoid
Montgomery's engines which their life destroy'd,
Obliquely fil'd behind the cottage small
To gain a cover from the driving ball,
But wo-deceiv'd! they find a shadow there,
Which fails and sinks them in a chill despair.
Still obstinate they press, though every wound
Draws in full streams their life upon the ground.
And Saddler must recede. Plying the brand,
He burns the cottage and withdraws his band-
Re-forms on Sterret's right, and there with eye
Bent on the silver, strikes the enemy.
And now the war extensive through the lines,
Rages-each power its energies combines.
Th' excited field becomes a liquid flood-
Of pestilence that scaths and burns the blood.
As when imprison'd earthquakes from beneath,
Burst on the elements with kindling breath,
The solid mountains tremble as they rise,
And the vast ocean breaks upon the skies:
Thus terrible the strife. The patriot band,
Firm as the pyramids of Egypt stand
Wrapp'd in a cloud of fire. Death fans the blast,
While numbers pale with dying sigh their last.
The holy drops of Freedom stain the earth,
But fame shall light them to immortal birth:
The generous Donaldson with polish'd mind,
In science learn'd, with poesy refin'd;
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
287
While eloquent encouraging the strife
To guard a bosom'd infant and a wife
Free from the stain of the polluting power-
A lead in secret through his vitals tore.
He fell upon the battle-field and found
His rest-a martyr in the cause profound.
A cedar thus pre-eminent had stood
Above its stateliest brothers of the wood;
A thousand cubits from Kentucky's stream,
It spread its dewy honours in the beam
Of morn new-wak'd in heaven. Deep in the wave
The waters back its soften'd image gave.
Behold the beetling rock by sudden jar
Gives way! it plunges from its height afar.
Its verdant tresses on the rocks are strew'd,
And all its former loveliness subdu'd;
Yet still the odorous oil embalms the tree,
Nor mouldering time can wear it to decay:
So in the dust the warrior's head is seen,
Yet will his virtues be for ever green,
Which like the cedar's oil will bear his name
To distant years with undiminish'd fame.
Chester receives a wound to show till death
Blots the proud scar. A bullet drove at Heath
Bruis'd to the skull,
he sunk a moment's time,
But soon he rose with energies sublime.
Others immortalising marks receive,
While numbers anxious for the honour grieve.
S
i
288
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
For two half hours the brave unbending few
Stand in their place wasting the foe like dew;
But, lo! on either flank the royals crowd,
And this the veteran proclamates aloud:
"Your arm is thunder-strength! your searching eye
Is lightning burning through a tempest sky!
Your deeds have testified your fathers' nerve
Lives in each fibre! Now with the reserve
Wed and make strong. We've paralys'd their might
With consternation aw'd! Mac Donald waits the fight;
With him we'll weld our ranks a chain of quenchless
light!"
Firm, solid, heavy, slow they give the ground,
Blazing at times a heart-expiring round:
So when a cloud of hail has grimly lower'd,
And lovely nature in its path deflower'd;
Behold the northwind dies! The storm retires,
Flashing at intervals its angry fires,
Pealing its thunders with a lumbering note,
Deep grumbling sullen as it rolls remote:
Thus move the warriors in their glory proud,
Like the dark rolling of the fiery cloud.
They join Mac Donald, and in martial form
Wheel-and like rocks stand planted for the storm.
Meantime indignant the assailants stood,
Muttering revenge to satisfy their blood:
As when excited mastiffs tooth a bear,
The shaggy veteran rising from his lair,
Mad riots in their gore. Still the fierce pack
By numbers strengthen'd, slow compel him back.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
289
Sour, grim-scowling; yet they so torn with fight,
Fear to pursue, but growling in their spite,
Stand licking of their wounds:
So stand at bay
Th' imperial names, not daring to the fray.
*
*
*
*
*
Stricker perceiving that their pride was done,
In the rich feeling of his heart begun:
“Columbia ever, ever will be free!
Never, no, never will she bend the knee!
With infant strength we 've tam'd the Lion down-
He stands at distance with a reckless frown.
"Back we'll recede upon the breasted line,
That Smith and Rodgers may the laurel twine;
And Duglass, Stanbury, Foreman and Cohean,
Winder and Findley-waiting to be seen.
Crown'd with the garland of immortal green.
"Twill be ungenerous to receive the whole--
No-give the ground and prove the nobler soul!"
They file for marching; at the signal beat,
They wave their banners and sublime retreat.
During the battle Cochrane on the beach,
To Percy gave in charge this anxious speech-
(Percy, a man whose bosom never felt
Those tender touches that the feelings melt.)
"Lo, two full hours the din of conflict vast,
Hath dubious lumber'd an augmenting blast.
I'm lost in doubt-in wonder at the sound-
I'd thought ere this the city had been crown'd.
VOL. IV.-25
290
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
Not small must be the bleeding of our loss-
Leap burning o'er the plain to meet with Ross:
Bid him, his strength no longer to exhaust,
Till Cockburn's navy on the fort shall burst,
Early at morrow's dawn;-by dull delay,
It was not possible the present day-
But when the sounding mortars he shall hear,
And see with fiery trains the bombs career,
Then in the city with a sudden rush
Enter their standards in submission, crush."
Percy was mounted ere the word was done-
He reins his courser with the message on.
*
*
*
*
*
He checks his speed! why does his eye look fear?
A stately corse is stretch'd upon its bier!
A troop detach'd,—bent laden with their wo,
Down to the shore are moving of it slow.
"What noted chief you bear away in death?”
"Alas! the general fell upon the heath
Leading the standards! Sad, most sad the loss-
No, never shall we find another Ross !"
"Ross! not possible? you meant not so?
What, Ross our arm in war in grave-dust low!
Open-show me the wound!-
The battle's done-I must away to Brook.
His name was half a host!""
"Time fails, for look;
This said, he rein'd
With sinking heart-and soon the horror gain'd.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
291
He stood in silence cramp'd to mark the field-
At length, pride humbled, he his thoughts reveal'd:
"Alas, what dreadful scenes of havoc round!
What potent warriors glu'd upon the ground!
Our brightest star in bloody clouds hath set-
Ross the invincible-the bravest yet
Ever a crosslet grac'd!
"These thoughts are cold-
I bear to Ross-Ross !-alas no more!--but hold,
Whilst I the purposes of Cochrane show
To act in concert for a final blow:
66
Through want of anchors, cable-springs to form,
It was not possible the fort to storm,
As was the plan devis'd; but when with light
Glimmers the day-star, all things requisite,
Cockburn will wrap Mac Henry in flame,
And soon reduce it to the royal name;
Then will your army with ambition rise,
And make a finish of the enterprise."
Brook in his grief rejoins: "Most sad indeed!
1 fear ten hundred dead and wounded bleed!
Not a less number on the plains are strew'd,
And many a stately chief in death-robes glu'd!
Alas! to speak the carnage of the strife,
Pains to the centre feeling of my life!
"Numbers o'erwhelming must their ranks have
been,
Though one brigade the only that was seen.
And how they liv'd, is past me to explain--
We fill'd the element with fiery rain.
292
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
But all who fell were hurried from the field,
Hence in our hands we not a captive held—
None, save this veteran with a hoary brow;
Early his fractur'd thigh reduc'd him low—
It moves me to the heart; his frosted hairs
Should been his vouchers from a warrior's cares.'
"Away that woman's thought!-I'll make him tell
What brought him here, and how in fight he fell."
Percy approach'd the sage: "Say, silver head!
What news are stirring with the millions dead?
Your looks bespeak you from the tomb of late—
On what dark subjects do the dead debate?"
"No bosom that has heart,----no heart that 's brave
Will e'er insult the tenants of the grave;
It proves a character devoid of worth
To speak irreverent of the low in earth.
"I your expressions but regard as air-
Not worthy notice he who mocks the hair
Bleach'd by hard wintry years. In days gone by,
I with your sires have seen the valiant die.
With Wolfe on Abram's Plain I stretch'd this arm-
His smile was peace, his bosom, friendship warm.
By his example in the fight I stood—
6
Yea, and mine eyes beheld him sink in blood!
"Often to me in tenderness he said:
• Mac Colloch, treat the veteran's hoary head
With kind regard, and, to a bleeding foe,
Extend a helping hand and every aid bestow.'
"Such were thy sires! how fallen! how"
i
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
293
A flag of white,
Suppress'd the thought which swell'd his bosom tight.
It bears the sign of peace----behold, his son!
An Esculapian----who to Brook begun:
"Chief of the Albion banner! lo, I bear
This flag to search my father in your care.
His name Mac Colloch----deeply furrow'd, old,
And far beyond his strength, his heart is bold.
In peace he sums the riches of the port*-
But too, too feeble for this last effort.
I fear his locks are matted in his gore-
His hoary years are eighty-one and four !"
*
*
*
Thunder exploding from the stars in heaven,
Would not a greater, colder wonder given ;
It struck e'en Percy with a cowering look—
But after pausing, thus the generous Brook:
"That ancient man, fair youth, must be the same
Description answers both in years and name."
While speaking thus, he pointed to the sage,
Showing repectful reverence to his age.
The son with doubting eye beholds his sire,
While Brook and Percy from the scene retire.
"To Cochrane, state, I'll do,----I'll urge my best,
When Cockburn storms the Eagle in her nest.
But what may we expect when silver'd men
Like this sage pilgrim in their ranks are seen?
My soul it withers in despairing deep
Beyond this field, where prime of England sleep.
* Collector.
25*
294
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
If bayonets can prevail, the town is mine,
When gold-lac'd sunbeams on the waves shall shine.'
The foul-tongu'd Percy mounted at the word;
Arriv'd---repeats it to the chief on board;
Cochrane held hard his brows with angry lower,
Like a grim cloud before a midnight shower.
Mean time the youth alighted from his horse,
And with heart-feeling, open'd the discourse:
66
My honour'd father! keen my heart throbs pain
To see thee bleeding on the sanguine plain.
You would not hearken to my mother's tear,
Urging thy stay from scenes of bloodshed here.
Thine arm is young no more. Thy locks of snow
Excuse thy service for thy country now."
"My son," (the sire rejoins) "talk not of pain--
To be thus wounded is superior gain.
Yea, every pang that lances from the part,
Binds my lov'd country closer to my heart!
99
""Tis true, thy mother weeping smote her breast—
Hung on my neck in piteous grief distress'd;
Yet loosen'd I her grasp, though bent with year s,
While my soul melted in a shower of tears.
"Woman was made in peace-her heart is kind,
And soft and flexible her yielding mind;
When man is tortur'd, in his soul oppress'd,
Pity in tears sits hovering on her breast;
But mark, my son, where judgment leads the way,
Let not her tenderness thine actions stay-
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
295
For should you yield, though sunk with grief o'ercast,
She 'll sure despise you when the danger 's past.
"No man to meet the enemy is old,
While his dimm'd vision can their dark behold;
Yes, while his eye can trace their murky shade,
Never too old the nation's strength to aid,
Though at the time his aged head were bare,
With scarce a lonely, widow'd, scatter'd hair--
Were his lax'd hand too feeble to sustain
The lightest weapon wielded on the plain,
Yet his sage presence would the young revive,
And prompt them to effect the deeds that live.
66
Bandage my wound. And well this heart, you
know,
While it beats life will beat against a foe.
**
The youth with tender hand and skilful art,
And soft emollient soothes the burning smart.
The generous Brook acquits him on parole,
For which the son returns a grateful soul.
They place the veteran on a litter-slow,
A chosen guard conveys him from the foe,
Resting at times to wipe his anguish'd brow.
The son with sympathy oft damps his eye--
They reach the camp as night rolls down the sky.
At length the morning gleams through half-form'd
clouds-
A robe of mist the rising sun enshrouds.
Pale in the west a dingy bow is bent,
Of rain prelusive ere the day be spent.
As growing twilight hovers doubtful round,
The bombs of Cockburn at the fort rebound.
296
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
The rockets tinge, careering as they fly,
The breast of ocean with a crimson dye.
Fierce when the thunders lumber'd from the fleet,
The Albions grappl'd their arms-the drummers beat
Spirit from the tune, rising with the fife,
Leading the drums, they breath'd a freshen❜d life.
They file, they march-their terrors cast behind,
Their flags redundant floating on the wind.
Soon in full prospect of the lines they come-
They halt-they mark the strength;-in silence dumb,
Doubting they stand. Brook, forward with his glass,
Bends to behold a defile, let, or pass
To rush his troops; he notes where Rodgers stands
With lighted matches to consume his bands,
And Foreman, Stanbury, Duglass and Cohean,
Findley-cool valour pictur'd in their mien.
The ridgy bayonets o'er the mound appear,
Like ice, which frosted up his heart with fear.
Stricker and Winder hovering on his right,
By Smith's command to watch his moving might,
Ready, should he upon the lines commence,
T'assail his flank with plunging violence;
Or wheel their Eagle-standards on his rear,
And break his columns with the bayonet-spear.
They look'd like brewing clouds of thunder nigh,
T'explode the instant he should dare to vie
With Smith's defence, where stand the brightest names
Of Freedom, yearning to elance the flames,
And smother him with fire, or sacrifice
Their hearts' best drops, should he in madness rise,
And reckless urge th' adventurous enterprise.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
297
Brook scans the perils, every hand beset-
And by degrees his storming thoughts abate.
The mettled ardour of his soul gives back-
His heart dies in him thinking of attack:
Not otherwise a wolf with hunger bold,
Comes rushing forth to leap into the fold;
Each step progressing, sharpens his desire
To bathe his jaws in blood-but, lo! a fire
Glares on his eye!-he snuffs, he stops, he starts,
While terror through his vitals hurls her darts.
Half he recoils, sparks flashing from his teeth-
Hunger half drives him to the flame of death.
He foams with passion, while his lurid eye
Betrays the struggling of his agony:
So Brook stands doubting to approach the fight,
Till humid darkness draws the veil of night.
While thus the adverse banners on the land-
Firm the defenders in Mac Henry stand
Buried sublime in silence to behold
The war of Cockburn in broad flames unfold-
They stand unmov'd like monumental oaks,
With roots hard grappled to the bolted rocks;
The flam'd artillery of an anger'd heaven,
To rend the oaks with pointed blaze is driven;
The mountain plants unyielding brave its wrath,
Their heads majestic in a fiery bath:
So the Fredonians daringly maintain
An eye unwinking at the burning main.
The voice of Armistead flows: "This, this the hour
To test the soul-the strength of mental power.
298
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
When man is lost in turbulence of fight,
Th' expiring thought is driven from his sight;
But when serene he stands and smiles at death,
It proves him more than worthy of the wreath,
Which fame delights to place upon the brow
Of him whose breast is offer'd to the foe!
(6
Beyond the measure of our reach are they,
Hence, vain our flash; should we the globes assay.
Soon may our silence near them on the tide—
How my heart palpitates with kindling pride,
To see you stand like pillars on the heath,
When loud the thunder speaks with lightning breath.
Ah, think-O think how honourable to die!
Remember'd ever with a tearful eye--
Holy embalm'd in every virtuous soul,
While earth revolves, or sun thro' heaven shall roll !”
He scarce had finish'd when a bomb-globe burst
Near a charg'd engine-broke it into dust;
Clagget and Clemm sad perish by the blow,
For whom is shed the melting tear of wo:
Thus on the borders of Petapsco's flood,
Two lofty elms in primal grandeur stood.
The silver stream their thirsty roots supplied
With living waters in their downward glide.
Their sweet buds open'd in the infant spring,
When first the swallow twitter'd on the wing.
New rob'd in loveliness they wav'd serene,
The clouds alluring with their foliage green.
DEFENCE OF BALTimore.
299
The sun's pure gold, when first he gave the day,
Was rich reflected from their leaves at play-
Thus cloth'd in beauty-lo! a sudden flash
Leap'd from a storm in heaven!-with ruin crash,
Bow'd were their heads to earth!-
Thus fell the brave,
And sunk with all their honours in the grave.
Fragment of shell smote Russell on the heel-
The keen sharp anguish caus'd his sight to reel,
And made his bosom like damp marble feel.
The bone was laid all naked to the eye,
Which reach'd the heart, and mov'd its sympathy.
Soon was a bandage skilfully applied-
Armistead advis'd him, but he stern denied
To leave his post, he stood his gun to prove,
Should Cockburn's navy in its distance move;
And by example to inspire his band,
To fall like martyrs, or like patriots stand.
Th' incendiary thinking his report
At length had bent the vigour of the fort,
A token set, the navy to unmoor.
They weigh-sail,-slacken,-anchor near the shore!
The forted heroes with a smother'd pride,
Beheld their movements, nearing on the tide-
Armistead with anxious speech: "See! mark-be-
hold,
Their loosen'd sheets before the breeze unfold!
300
CANTO XXXIX.
FREDONIAD.
No whisper stir-breathless--be hush'd--be calm,
Or they perhaps may curdle with alarm!
They think, perchance, they 've buried us with dread,
But soon we 'll show the rising of the dead!
"They come--they anchor;---touch!-level---no
more !"
The cannon peal'd like heaven's artillery roar.
The flames flash'd upward like volcanic fires-
The fleet creen'd on the sea!-blood flows, and man
expires:
Thus was Vesuvius muffled for a time,
Accumulating power to roll sublime
A blast to jar the universe. At length,
Its prison'd thunders rose with deepening strength.
A flooding cataract of flame pour'd forth,
Rending the elements, breaking up the earth:
Scarce with less violence the circles gleam,
With dire explosions lumbering o'er the stream.
*
*
*
*
*
The fleet half broken to their place retire,
And shower the fortress with huge balls of fire.
A sad forebodement hovers o'er the earth-
The water-swollen clouds pour torrents forth.
Impervious night seals up the scroll of heaven,
Save the red rockets at Mac Henry driven;
The trains careering as they upward sweep,
Are dire reflected in the dark black deep,
Malignant, fearful like the comet's blaze,
Fixing the eye of mortals with amaze.
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
301
The tender bosoms of the city break,
Whilst the big mortars the deep ocean shake.
A fate uncertain magnifies the vast,
And gives each peal an earthquake-swallowing blast.
Hark! whence this terrible, tremendous sound?
The heavens seem falling to the delug'd ground!
And is the foe at hand?-Mac Henry lost?
Or is the rampart into ruins toss'd?
A sheet of flame mounts dreadful through the night,
Tinging the city with a doubtful light,
Resembling that which glimmers from the moon,
When struggling in eclipse at midnight noon,
Touching the forehead with a dubious gleam,
Like ghastly spectres of a madman's dream.
Th' affrighted virgins with distraction fly,
Their shrieks ascending to the suffering sky.
They rend their bosoms to the darkness bare,
And scatter to the wind their loosen'd hair.
The floods unpitying drench their tender limbs--
The whole creation with the deluge swims!
At length to Smith the troublous scene was known,
Which made black midnight startle from her throne;
He sent for Howard, stooping with his age,
And bade him forth their terrors to assuage.
The gray-hair'd warrior, friend to Washington,
And Morgan, reach'd the city, and begun :
"Cast back, my children, these appalling fears!
Calm, calm your bosoms-stay these. anguish'd tears.
VOL. IV.-26
L
;
1
302
FREDONIAD. CANTO XXXIX.
Th' invaders strove to violate the shore,
Where Webster, Newcomb stand,-but floods of gore
Compell'd them to retire !-This wildness calm-
Your brothers guard you from offensive harm.
"Yon fiery rockets burning through the sky,
Show the sublime, without mortality;
Though to the shrinking sight, it seems that death
At every blast would burn us with his breath,
Yet in Mac Henry, only four with fame
Have fled to heaven upon the circling flame!
"The foe must seek his safety on the main-
My children, shelter, shelter from the rain!
No Vandal torch will e'er the city burn-
The High Supreme defends us!---To your homes re-
turn!"
As when the polar storms, tempestuous driven,
Dash chafing billows, foaming up to heaven-
Grinding to powder'd dust the granite shores,
Whilst loud the firmament like deafening roars.
At length outspent the howling of the North,
The tempest dies!-the South comes gliding forth,
Borne on the chariot of a silver breeze,
And smooths the surface of the ruffled seas:
So hush'd the tumults of the tender breast,
When Howard gave the promise of their rest.
Cochrane perceiving that the strife was vain,
Bounded to Brook, and thus with hurrying pain:
((
England's defence! behold we 've come too late,
The capital with flame to demonstrate,
DEFENCE OF BALTIMORE.
303
Hence wheel the army rapid as a flight,
Whilst every star is blinded with the night.
Cockburn is order'd to inflame the air,
To keep engag'd the soil-defenders there."
Brook felt his language true, and, at the word,
Wheel'd,—made the beach,-embark'd his troops on
board,
While Cockburn shook the sphere;-at early beam,
He left Mac Henry----floated down the stream.
Soon were the clouds dissolv'd,-the mantling red
Hover'd with beauty round the mountain's head.
The plains slow open'd, and expos'd to sight
The foe departed with the shades of night!
A holy transport swells from tongue to tongue-
Tears of warm rapture stream from old and young;
Wives, husbands, mothers, sisters, brothers press,
Each to his bosom, lost in happiness!
1
CANTO XL.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
26*
i
ARGUMENT.
The cities fortify against invasion. Fort Bowyer. Cochrane's arrival
in the Bay of Saint Louis. Jones with five gun-boats contends
with forty-five vessels of the enemy. The landing of the advance
of the English army. Jackson's night attack. The British
make several unsuccessful attempts to gain the breastworks.
The decisive battle before New Orleans. Conclusion.
The scene is laid at the places above mentioned and on the plains
below the city. The time is nineteen days.
FREDONIAD.
CANTO XL.
Now when the States with soul-abhorrence scann'd
England's design to conflagrate the land;
That spoils and rapine fill'd her heart with joy—
That all her thoughts were loosen'd to destroy—
One voice from Florida to Maine was heard
To rise----defend their altars with the sword.
Norfolk, Washington, Baltimore of late,
And Hampton, urg'd them with unbroken weight
To guard their cities smiling on the sea,
From the rude grasp of spoiling Royalty.
On those immortal Heights* where Washington
Planted his flag----a bloodless triumph, won,
The firm Bostonians raise an ample fort,
And arm their islands to secure the port.
Portland is quicken'd with an equal flame;
And Portsmouth kindles to preserve her name.
A lofty bearing fires th' emporium, York—
And Philadelphia labours at the work.
*Dorchester Heights.
:
*
308
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
Richmond, Savannah, Charleston, all and each,
Combine to bar th' invaders from the beach;
One hand, one heart, one ardour fires the whole,
United, bound, each wedded to each soul:
As when a circle of fair sisterhood,
Through jealousy excited to a feud
By a clok'd villain with deceptious air
T'allure the most inviting to his snare.
But soon unwittingly he shows his art-
His damning motive to affect her heart.
In tears, the virgins of their feuds repent,
Their bosoins bound in friendship's ligament-
Or at Bogota ere the earthquake burst,
Which bow'd their lofty palaces to dust;
The wealthy proud ones spurn'd the honest poor,
And, with brute feeling, bade them from their door--
But, lo! the dreadful visitation comes
Crushing their gaudy palaces to tombs !
The proud ones bow upon their keees and pray-
Affliction takes their stony hearts away;
The poor are hail'd with salutations kind,
And foes embrace, their enmities resign'd:
So the deceiving Britons had express'd
The fell seduction lurking in their breast;
Their conflagrations like the earthquake bound
The querulous in unity profound-
The sneer of pride was lost in brotherhood,-
All thoughts concentred in the public good.
Jackson, when he the savages had press'd
Till they in meekness bent to his behest,
KËN
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
309
To the bright city of the western Nile
Repair'd-that no polluter might despoil
Her palaces of beauty that express
All that the soul can ask of loveliness.
To Carolina* his high birth was given—
There he inhal'd the softening airs of heaven.
Proud in his youth he heard the martial beat,
And kindled at the sound with patriot heat—
Join'd the Star-banner in its waving high,
Bearing the promise of his liberty.
When the hard struggle of the fight was done,
By the stern virtues of a Washington-
He trac'd the compass of the western sun.
Where the broad Cumberland with downward sweep,
Majestic rolls to wed Ohio deep,
The youthful hero found his second home,
Where taught of science learned he become.
At Nashville eagle-built on Rock-tower height,
He chose his residence, a village bright;
Whose turrets seen from far-off vales below,
While with soft light upon the eye they show,
Appear like pyramids of clouds on high,
Reaching sublime to touch the viewless sky.
Fair Tennessee by her elective right,
Knowing his mind was equal to his might,
Gave him induction to the hall of fame,
Where with the people he enlarg'd his name,
Till they, by his illustrious virtues won,
Advanc'd him to the chair of Washington.
* South Carolina.
1
310
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
!
Slander had fang'd him with its poisonous tooth,--
But, lo! th' effectual antidote of truth,
Expell'd the venom from his system hence,
And left him pure as plastic innocence.
But, ah! the arrow pierc'd his chosen one-
Her heart was broken by the injury done.
She sunk like virtue in the cause of faith,
Embalm'd and reverenc'd at the hour of death.
Alas, the sorrow chill'd his vital heat—
The blood retir'd-his heart forgot to beat.
Fell slander laugh'd to see his cheek turn pale,
Which show'd the structure of his life grew frail. ·
He seem'd to wither like a frosted leaf,
His bosom tortur'd with the thorn of grief.
Her glorious spirit bade him not to pine,
And to his viperous enemies resign;
Her voice in angel-whisper urg'd him still
To live-his lofty destinies fulfil—
And rise superior to the shaft of hate,
For millions call'd him to reform the state-
To be a father to the people's cause-
A faithful guardian of their rights and laws.
When in the present war the nation rose
Th' unhallow'd acts of Britain to oppose,
He snatch'd his ancient weapon from its place,
And took just vengeance of the savage race;
A foe more skill'd in battle, not more brave,
Demands his valour and his wisdom grave.
Though tall his stature with proportion slim,
Yet a strong nerve inspirits every limb.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
311
His forehead arches high---his visage spare-
His whitening locks his growing years declare--
To be in autumn, ripe with wisdom's fruit,
To plan the fight and then the fight dispute.
His eye shows openness and seems to speak,
But nothing there that shows a woman's freak.
No nerve relaxing reckless durst betray
The secret feeling he would hide from day;
But when he wills---his every look takes fire,
And flames to view the hidden soul's desire.
The city long foreboding in despair,
Rise and salute him with reviving air.
Glad they submissive bow to his command,
Secure beneath the shadow of his hand.
Wise Livingston by noblest views impell'd,
Offer'd the chief his service on the field.
Jackson receiv'd him gloriously as one
Dear to his heart beyond comparison.
Solon, Lycurgus, Alfred with acclaim,
Wear the bright crown of everlasting fame;
And when the grave shall Livingston receive,
The heart most grateful will its homage give;
Columbia then will hail him with applause
Her chosen son-the Solon of her laws.
From Tennessee two potent warriors came,
Than whom more brave ne'er kindled into flame--
Carroll and Coffee. Rude, their sun-burnt men
In simple garb of foresters are seen ;
312
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
But mark-they know with death the bead to sight,
And draw the centre of the heart in fight.
Though bleeds Kentucky with her vitals bare,
Pierc'd with deep wounds, yet nothing of despair
Palsies her strength-her squadrons with Adair
Adown the Ohio with impatience glide
To mix the blood of tyrants with the tide.
The heart-cold massacre of Raisin wakes
Avenging passion till their bosom shakes,
Stirring a righteous spirit in the cause,
To keep inviolate their equal laws.
Rough in their arms the Louisianians rise,
Fix'd or to die or grave their enemies.
Clairborne their governor leads them to the field,
Who the bright scales of even justice held.
Their brothers from the north devout they hail,
Saviours to guard them with defensive steel.
While the Fredonians, Jackson thus support,
For pastime they* attempt the Mobile fort-
Waiting for Cochrane to return in state
To crush the city with unbroken weight.
Four ships cast anchor and let loose the balls,
Pouring a storm of thunder at the walls.
Full six battalions land upon the beach,
Their weapons bar'd to enter through the breach.
Lawrence the fort-commander and his band,
Foreboding feel unequal to withstand
*The enemy.
+ Fort Bowyer.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
313
The dubious onset of the dire assault-
Yet they determine, while their blood should vault.
Warm through their hearts, their utmost to put forth,
Ere they would bend their standard to the earth.
Walsh, Brownlow, Davis, Sands, and Chamberlain,
Aspire the garland of renown to win;
Brooks, Conway, Villard and the Saunders three-
Bradley, conspicuous with the brave and free.
With firm resolve they level cool, exact—
And soon thick gore upon the soil is track'd
With hostile feet retreating from the land-
Three bleeding vessels scatter'd leave the strand-
The Hermes founder'd, with destruction rent,
Her ruins float upon the element.
The patriots thrill'd with gratitude to heaven,
Shed tears of joy for the deliverance given:
So late the Hornet on the ocean met
A three-tier'd vessel of the English fleet.
Biddle plac'd all his sails upon the wind-
Yet still approach'd the booming ships behind.
His weight he lightens, hurling in the wave
His anchors, cannon, every hindrance, save
The ballast needful for the vessel's trim,
That she the waters like a bird might skim.
But all his strugglings seem'd to be in vain-
Still shortening distance was the Briton's gain.
Soon at the Hornet drove the iron ball
To cause her gems of liberty to fall.
Biddle conven'd upon the deck his crew,
And while his.tears dropp'd fast like heavy dew,
VOL. IV.-27
314
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
Bade them with noble fortitude to bear-
For sad and loathsome capture to prepare,
And though afflicted not to court despair.-
This language scarcely from his heart was given,
When, lo! a gale came leaping out of heaven,
Which loom'd the Hornet's pinions with a swell,
And gave a flying motion to her keel.
A thrill of soul through every bosom rush'd-
From every eye the tears of transport gush'd:
Such hallow'd feelings Lawrence and his band,
Felt when their enemies forsook the land,
Their proudest vessel broken on the strand-
The Carron helpless, drifted near the shore,
Where soon her standard was made wet with gore.
Warren and Packenham with feelings cast,
Groan'd when they learnt that death had fann'd the
blast;
Now cover'd with chagrin, their look was sad,
And now their features scowl'd with anger mad.
While thus their passions cool'd, then flam'd with
heat,
In crowded prospect Cochrane show'd his fleet!
Days three times seven from the Patapsco's mouth,
He'd sail'd inglorious to the waters south.
Warren elated, when his flag he spied,
A tier of cannon thunder'd o'er the tide;
But Cochrane, humbled by the late defeat,
Unanswering mov'd his heavy-sailing fleet.
Just as the sunbeams made their full display,
He dropp'd his biting anchors in the clay.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
315
The royal chiefs conven'd his ship on board
To learn the rich achievements of his sword.
Warren with smiles depicted in his look,
Flush'd with expectancy, enquiring spoke :
"Most noble Cochrane, rank'd in high repute,
Why answer did you not my grand salute?
So recent wafted from the conquer'd shore,
Your navy must be fill'd with Baltimore.
*
*
*
*
*
"You seem not well! you bleed with wounds I fear-
Or is too warm the southern climate here?"
*
*
*
*
*
An anxious pause ensu’d—“ Ah! yes, 1 feel
Wounds more corroding than the biting steel.
My fame is wither'd-broken is my host!
Defeating slaughter turn'd us from the coast.
Full many a Briton has return'd to dross,
With whom in death-robes is th' illustrious Ross!
A thousand slumber in unwaking rest-
The dead will show we done our effort best."
*
*
*
i
As when a band of robbers fell unite
To plunder travellers aided by the night;
The more they gain, more avaricious they-
At length they stop them in the open day.
Embolden'd—with impunity they steal,
Till the hard griping of the law they feel,
Then they turn pale and tremble with their fear-
So they the Britons in their looks appear.
*
*
*
*
*
1
र
316
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
The first is Packenham to gain his tongue-
He speaks with lightness though his heart feels stung:
"Away these heavy thoughts-this feeling low—
Shame that we cower and knuckle to the blow,-
True worth by rising from defeat we 'll show.
Our sighs are vain-they magnify the loss→→
To die in war was honourable to Ross.
'Tis woman's weakness to lament their fate-
But now 'tis ours Orleans to demonstrate.
Here every wish that gratifies the soul
Will yield us luxury for all our dole.
Am not I Governor of the city made?
And each who wills it shall have civil grade.
A star of honour on each breast shall glow,
And every chief my patronage shall know.
"We've learnt experience by the late defeat,
No more in parts to separate our fleet.
With shallow vessels instant we'll
prepare
A proud descent upon the coast to bear.
"With your division, Keene, proceed before,
Three thousand strong and fortify the shore.
Brook, Thornton, Gubbon, Lane, with rocketteers,
Will land and aid you with their pioneers.
“Cochrane, to you I give the honour'd post,
To sail the first and bear them on the coast.
Soon I in person shall augment your powers-
The Mississippi and her floods are ours!
"'Twas long determin'd in the Council Grand,
(When war was rumour'd,) to invade the strand
And seize Orleans-that all the regions West,
Should be subjected to the king's behest.
1
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
317
"No difference what we lose, or what th' expense,
On we must move--dash opposition hence.
Orleans once conquer'd, half the States are ours—
More valu'd prize ne'er rous'd the English powers!
This city gain'd, our losses on the sea,
Will in the splendour be dissolv'd away;
And all disasters suffer'd on the land,
Will be eras'd like characters in sand.
"Time calls for action: Cochrane, Keene, advance,
And plant, upon our new inheritance,
Th' imperial standard-soon to wave sublime
Beyond the lakes, and rule the western clime.
Warren with shallow keels will promptly bear
Lambert reserv'd, of tested character."
With riveted attention they receiv'd
The word—and think the victory achiev'd.
Keene's practis'd columns presently embark
With Cochrane, eager to acquire the mark
Of regal favour, when Orleans should bend,
And the crush'd Eagle in the dust descend.
Keene inform'd Cochrane of a squadron small,
T'obstruct their progress to the capital.
Cochrane to look all opposition down,
Commanded Lockyer, seaman of renown,
T' advance his naval banner, and explore
The different passes leading to the shore.
Forty and five staunch vessels Lockyer takes,
To scour the various channels and the lakes,
*27
318
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
While the strong number of his fighting men,
Is twice six hundred-cannon five times ten.
On the smooth Lake,* Jones,† with five gallies small,
Bearing but twenty brass to hurl the ball,
Wav'd his free ensign with a deathless crew
Unconquerable-one hundred eighty-two.
But will he dare with this weak force to brave
The strength of Lockyer crowding on the wave?
Yes, he will dare what never was surpass'd,
To be remember'd while the lake shall last;
Mac Keever, Spedden, Ferris, Jones-more young
Than him, his brother--whose inspiring tongue,
As Lockyer's crosslets flicker'd on the sight,
Publish'd the thoughts which brac'd his bosom tight:
"What though their numbers overspread the lake,
Never a nerve shall from its music shake.
With calm deliberation point the brass,
That through their heart-ribs every ball may pass.
Wave, wave the linstocks-touch the vents with flame--
The prize we strive for, is to win a name,
And on our country pour the light of fame!"
The hostile squadrons at the instant roll'd
Their red explosions in a sulphury fold,
And every ball of the defenders told.
The fleet of Lockyer creen'd!-a gush of blood
Was soon perceiv'd to mingle with the flood.
Five English masts from their uprightness break—
They fall-their standards buried in the lake.
* Lake Borogne.
:
+ St. Thomas Ap. Catesby Jones.
+
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
319
At every round Fredonian barges send,
Huge splinters fly-and heads are seen to bend
Down in the deep. A curdling, icy feel
Creeps in the heart, yet strive they to conceal
The cowering passion with a reckless brow.
Lockyer indignant urg'd his vessel's prow
Front of the whole! "What, and shall gallies five,
Resist us and our fifty standards drive?
Shame, shame, deep shame!-beyond the shame when
fell
Our lofty banners on the ocean's swell—
The Macedonian, Java, and Guerriere,
The Frolic, Avon, Boxer, Epervier;
Yea, shame exceeding that when Barclay gave
His sword to Perry, conquer'd on the wave;
Greater than that we suffer'd on Champlain,
When sunk our shiver'd ensigns-Downie slain!
Peacock, Reindeer, by equal combatant—
Cyane and Penguin, and the proud Levant;
Let not a shame, surpassing shames like these,
Be register'd in English histories!
Raise, raise a battle-canopy on high,
And hide the shame, or quick and let me die!"
He ceas'd. The action kindles in its height,
But the bold champions rising in their might,
Resist the storm which pours tempestuous round,
And many a Briton sleeps death's sleep profound.
Three hundred royal names in bloody shrouds
Are wrapp'd--and still th' exploding cannon crowds
Chiefs known to fame-their bosoms star-bedeck'd-
And ten the largest of their keels are wreck'd!
320.
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
At length the heroes having glorious won
The wreath of honour, ne'er in time outdone-
Flourishing, in future ages far to reach,
Land and consume their gallies on the beach.
The Albions sullen on their course proceed,
While down their sides the shatter'd vessels bleed.
On Ponchartrain their tatter'd standards wave
Sickly as though they floated o'er a grave.
Soon Cochrane, Keene, join Lockyer on the lake,
And with smooth language from his bosom take
The deep reflections that his heart corrode,
That five small vessels should to death's abode
Bury such numbers of his squadron, made
A wreck-his skill and courage to upbraid.
Night covers them. At dawn they make the strand,
And spread their terrors o'er the smiling land.
Keene places Gubbon on the sylvian road,
Twelve furlongs east from where the river flow'd;
The left with Thornton rests upon the bank,
Pulse beating high the patriots to disrank.
When Carroll, Coffee had with Jackson wheel'd,
They three five hundreds number'd on the field.
Jackson his line extended from the flood
Back to the borders of the cypress wood;
Where should the foe adventurous dare to tread,
The treacherous soil would from his feet recede;
And soon he 'd founder where fierce reptiles dwell,
Hideous, mishapen as the things of hell;
And Jackson different scouts had plac'd to spy
The first approaches of the enemy.
}
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
321
}
Hinds station'd on the borders of the lake,
Each fibre thrilling for his country's sake,
Beheld their woven wings like rack of clouds,
Which half the firmament, cerulean, shrouds.
Breathless he kenn'd them till they made the beach,
And stood paraded in their martial reach-
Then swift to Jackson on his mettled horse,
He leap'd his way :-arriv'd---describ'd the force,
"Behold they 've landed at Bienvenu!
I judg'd four thousand as they pass'd in view.
Jealous I mark'd their movements on the shore,
Till thus in heavy line, array'd their power:
Their left upon the margin of the flood,
Their right defended by the swamp and wood."
“We 'll meet them there!" was Jackson's prompt
reply-
Duncan he commands to order nigh;
Leaders of squadrons to attend his will,
And execute the same with scientific skill.
The aid his courser mounted at the word,
And hail'd each chieftain---swift as falcon-bird:
Carroll and Coffee, Butler and Mac Ree,
Pearce, Gibson, Savory-Ross of martial key,
From Clinton's state, a soul of chivalry,
Platt, Dyer, Humbert, Griffin, Bosquet, Beal,
Haynes, Blanche and Humphreys, Costard, Lewis, feel
Their veins shall flow their liberties to seal.
Spotts, Lauderdale, Mac Clellan, Anavar,
Blanchard, De Flanjae, Bingey, names of war,
322
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
Approach'd all anxious to sustain a part-
E'en should the blood come pouring from the heart;
And Call, and Harper, Nicholson and Robb,
Bosoms that beat with inspiration's throb;
Heeman the naval surgeon and Pelott,
By patriot sires illustriously begot;
Mac Keever, Cowley, Nevett, Shepherd, Lamb ;
Shields, Cormac, Dealey, Norris, Cunningham;
Hendey and Thompson, Patterson the brave,
And Watkins-mariners to rule the wave,
With Louisiana and the Caroline,
Approach impatient for the bold design.
Arrang'd according to their different grade,
Jackson before them his intentions laid :
"Lo! the invaders tread upon the shore,
Thousands as three to one in pride of power;
But energy will make their thousands bend,
And deep in time your every name descend.
Cloth'd with the night, we 'll storm upon their camp-
Appal their purposes---their ardour damp.
66
Carroll, with caution to the road,* proceed,
And stand reserv'd till I attempt the deed;
Striking surprise. Hinds, Coffee and the rest
Will use their arms. The sun below the west
Has dipt his chariot wheels. In twilight gleam,
Prepare your warriors for no nightly dream.
"Henley and Patterson, in Caroline,
Descend and anchor opposite the line.
Their left they 've plac'd for safety on the bank-
You'll break the charm, by opening on their flank.
* Gentilly road.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
323
Your thunders rolling on the ear of night,
Will be the signal for the rushing fight.
In Louisiana, Thompson, move at seven―
No more-attend minute th' instructions given."
Carroll with promptness at the order wheel'd,
Like Croghan, young, his breast with honour steel'd—
The other chiefs paraded on the field.
The naval heroes to their ships repair'd,
And down the current on their purpose far'd.
As day retir'd, Jackson proceeded slow
To be in readiness to strike the blow.
Soon in dim twilight is th' alignment seen
Doubtful; he halts his column on the green.
Lone he advances on his close-train'd horse,
And reconnoitres the invading force.
Back to the cube with loosen'd rein he bounds,
And this commandment to the brave resounds:
"Coffee to left and Lauderdale recede,
Full opposite their right to do the deed;
Whilst with the dexter, at the time, shall I
Strike-and the foe give privilege to die.
"Behold, 'tis now for Tennessee to show
That when she rises, tyrant blood must flow!
You've met the desperate savage in array-
The same unbending of your souls display.
Yea, prove the same--that Britons too must yield,
When proud you meet them harness'd for the field.
Should we this night give back-this signal night,
The torch of freedom is depriv'd of light!
A single nerve relaxing of its weight,
Will yield the city to unsparing fate.
324
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
None will relax! I know what thoughts ye feel-
The net-work fibres of your hearts are steel!
"Soon with Adair Kentucky's strength will come,
And then we 'll open large the spoilers' tomb-
Crush their vain hopes and bury them beneath,
And o'er them spread the heavy pall of death-
Yea, bid a stern defiance to the foe,
}
Should all their arms condense to urge the blow!
Keen by their watch-fires let your weapons aim-
Plunge with the steel when once the ball shall flame.
Why wrestle with your souls? Of words no more--
Enough--I've seen you in the battle pour!
"Ye long, impatient long to hear the sound
To rush, and crush their life upon the ground.
J
“I will no more. Coffee, advance your line
Ready to serve for death!-The Caroline
Will soon their funeral speak! then chafe with ire
Life's vital cisterns-wake the flinty fire!"
The warriors seem'd to stand above the earth,
What time his soul in eloquence pour'd forth.
Coffee in silence passes to the road,
And Jackson solemn where the river flow'd.
They hark scarce breathing-every sense awake
To hear the cannon from the waters break.
Meantime the Albions at their ease appear'd,
For nothing they of brewing darkness fear'd.
Keene pass'd along the lines with lofty tread,
And as he pass'd these promises he made :
“This night indulge the merry-making feast—
But when young day shall waken in the east,
}
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
325
Be active for the move! An early hour,
Will find the city bent to royal power!
Yes, ere that Jackson shall have time to form
To meet the rising of the thunder storm;
(Report so publishes their leader's name,)
Plum'd in renown, a momentary fame,—
By fighting wild-men-now, but now he 'll find,
That we are fatal by superior mind;
Hence, when we kindle in our terror soon,
We'll cast his laurels to the waning moon.
Yea, ere the strength of Packenham shall land,
Orleans resigns !-the Eagle flaps the sand!
The deed will live till earth with age shall rot--
Stars decorate our bosoms."
Lo, the shot
Thunders from the ship!--blazing from the flood—
The fury comes and covers them with blood!
Coffee rolls slaughtering on their fenceless right—
Jackson a whirlwind blasts them in his might:
So recently a maid, with all her wealth
Homeward returning--when with felon stealth,
Two reprobates of hell, her sweet blood drew,
And hid her body from the moon's pale view!
They to the travellers resting place repair'd,
Where soon a couch in brotherhood they shar’d.
Behold! when all was silence in the night,
The host, yet wakeful, heard, with accent light,
Them jeeringly recount her strugglings vain,
Ere they despatch'd and robb'd her of her gain.
VOL IV.-28
326
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
He rose---procur'd an officer at hand,
And burst upon them while new crimes they plann'd !
Frost settles on their cheek---teeth chatter with despair-
They see their gibbet floating in the air!
Thus the defilers, smitten with surprise,
Shriek---death!
But presently in steel they rise-
Gubbon gives way from Coffee's flint-struck fires!
Back on the centre wildly he retires.
A truant ball strikes Lauderdale below
The curling ear while mingled with the foe.
Between the neck and jaw the ruin flies
Mangling the art'ries---suddenly he dies.
As falls a poplar flourishing in height,
So sunk the chief and darken'd into night.
Mac Clellan bled----on freedom's alter laid
His life---of the cold earth his death-bed made.
His sire may weep, his mother drop a tear,
But long his country will his name revere.
Not unreveng'd their loss ;----four star-bedeck'd,
Show by their gasping that their lives are wreck'd ;
Wales, Devorix, and Outerbridge, and Camp-
And others sinking show their hearts in cramp-
By ice-drops gathering on their bosoms damp.
As Gubbon routed, fled the dire attack,
A rifle messenger pursued his track,
And glanc'd his spine-his vital engine rent-
Fractur'd the sixth rib as it outward went.
He faints, he shudders with convulsions strong,
Hurl'd by his war-steed on the plains along.
•
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
327
Inward he bleeds-but soon with foaming large,
The lungs the current of his life discharge-
Frothing from his mouth. Cramp'd his fingers dent
Deep in his palms-and brief his life is spent.
Now to the river Coffee feels his path,
The foe consuming in his waken'd wrath;
Fierce on their rear he drives the blade of death-
Jackson in front impetuous spends their breath.
Unnerv'd by wild commotion of the fray,
Floating in blood their ranks are roll'd away.
Haynes, Jackson, Coffee, in their strength unite,
And mad pursue them through the shades of night.
Meantime Fredonia on the wall serene,
Pure, in transparency, beheld the scene.
She thus to fame gave charge: "Illustrious maid,
Descend and veil the field in misty shade.
Eclipse the burning stars, that not entire
Th' invading host upon the plain expire;
That Jackson born the nation to unite,
May gain the honour of a closing fight."
Fame at the instant dropp'd her wing from heaven,
And roll'd the mist as were instructions given;
Then rose elastic on the spring of fire,
And gain'd the height more rapid than desire.
The stars are smother'd in their orbits dark,
Shielding the routed from the Freedom mark;
Jackson, his foe unable to discern,
Proclaims th' unwelcome order to return:
328
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
"Warriors! the heavy darkness of the night,
Restrains our will to follow up the fight;
Hence wheel and camp upon their ground. This gloom
Thickening the stars, hath sav'd them from their doom;
Had but the stars shone forth, they 'd press'd the heath,
Not one in arms had been redeem'd from death.
Close darkness covers them. Man can no more,
Than urge his utmost in the favour'd hour.'
99
As when the north commands the storms to cease,
They hear, and hush their savage broils in peace;
So at the voice of Jackson through the plain,
At once their wrath is stay'd; they seek amain
The fatal spot where Keene had stretch'd his camp,
Waiting with smiling heart to mark the lamp
That burns for day-to rise and guide his course
To bend the city to his heated force;
But now the ground, the sons of hunters hold,
Till morn shall streak the heavens with lines of gold.
At length the hours slow wind the night away;
On ocean's brim appears the flush of day.
The Jackson band when they the sign discern,
With waving banners to their place return.
They pile their sanguine arms, and, nerv'd with heat,
Labour to make their infant works complete;
While Thompson's ship and Patterson's remain,
Where they in night th' imperial ranks had slain.
Meanwhile the scatter'd host with Thornton, Keene,
(Save what were dying and what dead were seen,)
(
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
329
Rejoin'd their files-for Keene was not subdued—
He takes his former station on the flood,
Where Jackson late with his battalions rose
To force the land against ingressing foes.
The Louisiana soon and Caroline,
With brass well pointed, open on the line.
For three revolving suns and glasses seven,
Raking the field the sheeted fires are driven.
At length the enemy a battery raise,
From which effective they elance the blaze.
With scorching globes the Caroline takes flame,
While adverse winds confine her on the stream.
Soon Patterson perceives the ship must burn,
And bids his mates with Thompson to return;
They leap into the boats---their loss repine—
And to the element the bark resign.
Scarce had they join'd the Louisiana crew,
When loose in heaven the exploding vessel blew.
The Albions shout the ruins to the sky,
Fill'd with proud thoughts of future victory;
But Thompson ranging every gun aside,
Still'd them with death while shoutingly they cried.
When twelve rang'd broadsides from the ship were
driven,
Large to the western gales the sheets were given,
Which firm and heavy to the compass press'd,
And bore the vessel to the lines, abreast;
Where on the river in her strength she lies
The name of Jackson to eternalize.
28*
330
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
:
What time the sun in zenith glory shone,
And fill'd with golden light the western zone,
Warren, Sir Edward, landed on the shore-
Never such numbers track'd the soil before ;
Gibbs, Lambert, character'd with warriors great,
To rule the columns of o'erwhelming weight:
As leaves innumerous quiver on the trees-
As swarming multitudes of clustering bees-
As locusts millions the bright earth devour,
So seem'd th' invaders from the deep to pour.
Gibbs in the centre on the right of Keene,
Marshals his host, who oft dark fields had seen ;
On right of Gibbs, Lambert extends his band,
Than whom, more brave ne'er trod a foreign land.
Proud in the centre of the crimson lines,
The tent of Packenham with splendour shines;
In front of which a flag-staff mates the skies,
Waving the sign of British tyrannies.
And now was Packenham by conquer'd Keene,
Saluted-deep affliction in his mien:
"Brother of Wellington! my heart gives back-
I know not why-but sad was the attack.
Yea, thou must hearken, though what I recite
Should damp thy bosom with the drops of night:
"Scarce had I made encampment on the shore,
Giving instructions for the morning hour,
When, lo! Fredonians like a sudden flood,
Drove in and drew the richest of our blood.
I rallied-fought;—but soon my troops gave way,
Such desperate passion urg'd them in the fray.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
331
"The first alarm was thunder mix'd with flame
From a dark vessel hid upon the stream.
This day with heated globes from yonder mound
We cast her broken through the void profound.
Wales, Rainey, Gubborn fell-with hundreds, four,
While twice that number sprinkled earth with gore.
"Full twice three thousand must have form'd their
strength
To strike such numbers lifeless at their length.
This Jackson seems an eagle on the wing,
Pouncing unknown, with talons slaughtering.
We keen must watch the movements of his eye,
Or not this host will yield us victory!
He now with art is labouring to defend
The pass-through which the city we must bend:
"Therefore would I in confidence propose
To move and promptly with the bayonet close;
Early at dawn, ere they their works complete,
I'd charge upon them and their lines defeat.
Make whole my columns broken by the fight,
I'll mount the ramparts-put them to the flight,
And raise our banner to its royal height!"
Thus Packenham: "With gladdening pulse I hear,
Though struck with sudden death in night severe,
Your soul is rous'd to wipe away the stain,
And the past glory of your arms maintain.
Strengthen your veterans. In the blaze of day,
Teach them to die when we commence the fray.
And should your bayonets need increase of power,
Gibbs will advance-his name a bulwark tower.
$
:
332
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
f
"Let Jackson, or ten thousand Jacksons join,
The whole must kneel when men like you combine.
Turn, bend your strength against their dexter wing,
Bearing in front the standard of the king!"
His thoughts were full of conquest. Keene obeys—
Numbers his host,-and one by one surveys;
Sees each is furnish'd for the enterprise
To storm at Jackson when new-day should rise.
At every step he feels his impulse large,
And whispers to himself: "Now mine 's the charge !"
So thus a stately bull outdone in fight,
Stung with reproaches, meditates at night.
His absent enemy; he braves the flood,
Hardening his strength to do the work of blood.
He paws the earth--he grinds his pointed horns
On flinty rocks and drives through wounding thorns.
He bellows to the blast-he snuffs the wind,
And stands and triumphs in his mighty mind:
Such feelings flourish'd in the breast of Keene,
As he from rank to rank inflam'd his men.
While this transpir'd, the patriotic band
Incessant labour'd to defend the land.
Haynes, Planchard, Daquin and Lacoste retain
With Ross, the right position on the plain.
Carrol's division in the centre stand,
While Coffee on the left holds firm command.
Patterson, Cowley, late of Caroline,
Shields, Cormac, Watkins, their nerv'd strength com-
bine,
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
333
Th' unfinished batteries on the right to form
To pour a flaming deluge in the storm.
And now the starry eyes of heaven burn clear,
Looking with melting love from sphere to sphere.
Clouds swim loose-floating on the evening's breath,
Edged by the rising moon with silvery wreath-
Like angel spirits when they sail around,
To bear some message with delicious sound-
Sweet whispering to the stars. But now, behold!
Timid they vanish from the star of gold—
The last, but loveliest of the train of night—
Soft it approaches with delicious light,
Trembling and flushing through the cedars green,
Like some fair maiden bashful to be seen.
Soon as the star of morning gilds the skies,
Keen's crowded columns for the combat rise.
Slow as in martial pomp they press the road,
The herald bombs with fiery trains explode.
Ready for war his ship had Thompson sprung-
Sublime his cannon speak with death's deaf tongue!
Yet pause they not, though ranks on ranks are broke-
Not death disturbs them by his voice or look!
From bulwarks half complete the heroes aim,
And strike them backward with a solid flame.
Gibbs marks their reeling-rushes to the scene,
A full division to support of Keene.
And now firm-wedg'd the boast of England stand,
Though hundreds fall and eat the bloody sand.
334
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
A
The line of Jackson burns like heaven on fire,
Albion's-like Hecla in eruption dire.
Lo, Henderson the pride of Carroll's force,
Is stopp'd amid the glory of his course.
His sword was pointing to the forward rank
Of Britons storming to o'erleap the bank
Which form'd the breast-mound: "Mark!-repel the
rush!
Bend all your fires-their mad intentions crush !”
An envious bullet fasten'd on his eyes,
Whose flash was lightning to his enemies:
As some tall ash which oft had brav'd the blast,
Rent by a whirlwind is destroy'd at last;
Its branches bent away-its verdure fled-
So on the cold earth lies the warrior dead.
The reckless column soon was seen to fall,
Their bodies shrouded in a sanguine pall.
For seven contentious hours th' assailants strive
To force the battle and defenders drive;
But so exhausting is the Jackson fire,
Through walks of blood disaster'd they retire.
But Packenham, who desperate fields had seen,
Is not discourag'd by defeat of Keene;
It only rous'd his myriads to display
A maddening courage at the next essay.
He gives instructions to his chiefs around,
Willing to hearken and obey the sound:
"For two succeeding days we 'll mound the earth,
But, on the next, we 'll move for conquest forth.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
335
And when we strike, we 'll strike the blow unknown,
When half their eagle watchfulness has flown.
66
During the night preceding of the fray,
Gibbs, Thornton, secret with pi'neers away,-
T'explode their right position, batteries raise,
Prepar'd to open with repulsive blaze.
Lambert, thy bosom's fountain in the storm,
Chafes like the Clyde, when swell'd in wildest form,
Lead your battalions to the left extreme,
And let your fires the highest heavens inflame.
Thus we their flanks shall turn, and crush them down-
And then, flags waving, we approach the town!"
This order having pass'd, they file away,
And every part implicitly obey.
For two succeeding suns they mound the heath,
To guard the sudden breaking in of death.
But in the darkness of the third deep night,
Thornton and Gibbs raise bulwarks on the right;
And, as the morn the face of ocean streaks
With purple light, their new-made thunder breaks.
Lambert, his squadron urges with a press,
To humble Coffee into littleness.
While this was done, no time the patriots lost,
To make secure against the gathering host
Their labours of defence. With joy they hear
Kentucky hastening to relieve them near.
Lo, when the signal of attack begun,
Each heart the instant melted into one!
Coffee at Lambert pours a fiery stream,
Yet firm he stands, and wakes the battle's flame.
336
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
At length so wide, so withering is the loss,--
Full many a silver life return'd to dross,
He reels, gives way-breaks, scatters o'er the field-
And presently the works of Thornton yield;
And Patterson's and Cowley's cannon soon
Sweep them away-before the time of noon!
The pride of Albion in the dust is low,
To be thus handled by their western foe,
Men late from managing the simple plough.
Yet Packenham reveal'd no look dismay'd-
His columns squar'd, ambitiously he said:
"Erect your souls beyond these trials past!
By slow approaches they 'll resign at last.
Something to warm this icy feeling now,
Will soon remove this dampness from the brow.
Ere long we 'll find them careless of their guard,
Then ample spoils our labours will reward.
Disaster frequent in the end is best,
When the soul scorns to be by fate depress'd.
Our loss will make them vain of their success,
And cause them soon to lose their watchfulness.
Perchance they now may laugh upon our power,
By which we 'll conquer in a happy hour;
Hence for the time, defensive we 'll remain,
And, when unlook'd for, burst upon the plain,
And rush their bulwarks like a hurricane.'
The columns beard,-and, to their tents repair'd,
And there oblivious on their luxuries far'd;
¡
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
337
Their hearts' cold palsy they remove with wine,
Steeping their troubles in a bath divine.
And now the bold Kentuckians with Adair,
Land at the city-burning they repair
To join with Louisiana, Tennessee,
On death determin'd, or the soil to free
From tread of hostile feet.
When from afar,
Jackson beheld the venerable in war,
He plied the left sharp rowel to his horse,
And met, saluted, and began discourse:
"Glad beats my bosom with a sacred glow,
To see a man who oft hath seen a foe.
Thy days of youth were spent in arms with me,
Against the sires of this same enemy.
"Thrice have we met-thrice foil'd the reckless
band--
But mark how vast their gathering o'er the land!
Thy sage experience and thy tested power,
I need momentous at this trying hour.
You 've fought with Shelby long renown'd in fame,
And caught the manner of his conquering flame.
"In this defensive line abides our trust,
To guard the soil, and bow their heads to dust;
The whole made strong with solid batteries eight,
To mount twice six of heavy-casted weight.
"You with Kentucky will the centre hold,
Supporting Carroll, noted for the bold.”
VOL. IV.-29
1
338
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
66
Jackson concluded. Prompt Adair replied:
My heart delicious throbs with holy tide-
To have the honour to unite with thee,
Whose name will brighten to eternity!
66
Thy works of science are a theme of praise-
Thine every act decisively displays
A soul that burns to live! 'Tis true I've seen
Some little service-when my days were green ;
And had the honour in the present fight,
To war with Shelby for my country's right;
What little I've acquir'd, I 'll free impart—
But all thy plans display a perfect art.
Nothing I see to strengthen or amend--
But when complete, resistless they 'll defend
The passage from the foe-and lift on high
The eagle wing of heaven-born liberty!"
His plume-clad head, each to the other bent,
And wheel'd diverse: Adair with stern intent
Carroll makes strong, while Jackson through the
line,
Gives action to the whole--the whole combine
Their labours to perfect ;--half reeking toil
Through night's close darkness-half upon the soil,
Their arms beside them, in pavilions rest,
Courage imparting slumber to their breast.
During six suns th' imperialists remain
Behind their ramparts, listless on the plain;
But, on the seventh, fiend Cockburn makes the shore-
Marines, five thousand, constitute his power.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
339
Hasty the tent of Packenham he seeks,
And, without pausing, to the general speaks-
Gibbs, Cochrane, Lockyer, Thornton, Lambert, Keene,
In their full robes, on either hand are seen:
"Britain's defender! glory of her throne!
Second in fame to Wellington alone!
Hearing disasters had befel your host,
With sorted names I've landed on the coast,
Five thousand large in number from the fleet,
To fill your ranks, the city to defeat.
"I'd not be thought to sway you in command,
Or plan th' attack to fight upon the land;
But then a hint remote in season said,
Will not unfrequent help the wisest head.
"I find there's nothing brings our strength to bear,
As some temptations to salute the fair;
By that at Hampton, I the spoil acquir'd,
Maddening the blood, as though the heart were fir’d.
Beauty and Booty-was the motto chose,
And soon it scatter'd from the field our foes.
"Twice from their bulwarks, have your squadrons
fled,
And, once surpris'd in darkness, join'd the dead ;
Except that something of the kind is done,
Too soon, not we can from the shores be gone--
Vain will it be to urge your bayonets on.
If, when you fail'd, their works were incomplete,
What prospect now; prepar'd th' assault to meet?
But let this promise to the troops be made,
And at thy feet their standards will be laid.
340
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
V
"We are impatient to behold your Grace,
Install'd the royal Governor of the place,
That we on Charleston may our weapons turn,
And that proud city into ashes burn.”
Cockburn concluded. Packenham replics,
A flush'd excitement quickening in his eyes;
"Terror of ocean!-death upon the tide!
Your thoughts match mine-arrangements coincide.
Yes, something must be done. Your plan I'll try,
Soon as the day star brightens up the sky.
"Gibbs, in the centre let your name shine forth;
Keene, with the right wing, desolate the earth.
Lambert, invincible, reserv'd, remain
To move, when I shall bid you to the plain.
Reckless of consequence of life or death,
Our brows must we with vict'ry's chaplet wreath,
Or fall and bleach our bones upon the heath."
His tongue spoke confidence, they file away
To nerve their legions for the dreadful day.
They fix fascines and ladders through the night,
And shells, and rockets to begin the fight.
Scarce a faint glimmer of the morn was seen,
Casting a doubtful light upon the green,
When Packenham advanc'd with feelings proud-
So deep his columns !-thus with accent loud:
"Firm is the English oak! None, none of earth,
This day obstructs us in our moving forth!
Behold this day the strife of strifes we end-
Freedom in dust beneath our steel shall bend!
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
341
..
Move to the battle with an iron tread,
Should heaven's artillery burst upon our head!
The man who fights this fight will honour gain—
'Till time shall die, his mem'ry will remain !
Nor honour's wreath alone shall deck your brow,
When once those standards from their heights shall bow.
"Let Beauty, Booty, in the city there,
Burn on your hearts to strike them with despair.
What spirit-giving charms! what glorious boon!
Inviting, yielding in reclining swoon!
Spoils! honours! raptures!-these, ah! these are yours,
When once ye pass the chain of Jackson's powers!
How sweet, how tempting is the fruit!-how fair!
Do not your souls seem leaping to be there?
Wind, wind your heart-chords to the tenor-strain,
And ye shall be there and the harvest gain!
"The strength is ours to conquer as we go-
Silent at first,—but ere you strike the blow,
Shout to the heavens!-then strong with thunder
charge-
Booty and Beauty! England and Saint George !"
As labouring clouds roll heavy from the north,
So deep and dreadful move the myriads forth,
Fix'd in their purpose never to return,
Should smiting heaven against their madness burn.
While these events were passing in their lines,
The Jackson army (finish'd their designs)
Stood breasted for the storm. Lo, now in night—
(The same the foe was mustering for the fight,)
Just as day's harbinger reveals her light-
29*
2.
:
342
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
They hear a bustle in the Albion camp
Of neighing horses, and the moving tramp
Of feet innumerous. Every eye and ear,
Is bent with sharpen'd nerve to see,—to hear;
The blood like lightning hurries through their veins,
To learn the tumult gathering on the plains.
As hungry panthers pant to seize their prey,
So pant the heroes for the closing fray.
Jackson-his soul's sublimity as fire,
Visits the ranks-flaming their passions higher;
To this, to that, to every part he hies,
Planning the death of all his enemies.
Now as the morn with doubtful ray appears,
His soul leaps forward to their listening ears:
"Fathers of virgin beauty!-deathless band!
Patriots-defenders of your native land!
The hour hath come your heart's best drops to prove—
Deep o'er the plains their swarming thousands move!
Dark stain'd with acts of infamy they come
To strike back Freedom from her bosom'd home!
Ruin, spoilations, murky deeds of night—
The torch of fire-cold massacres delight!
No beam of honour shines upon their breast—
A cloud of pestilence to blight the West!
Hope withers at their touch-Mercy retires
Weeping-all the bless'd virtues man desires.
Destruction's emissaries--suckers of blood-
Their deeds make hell cry out in horrid mood—
Heaven gives them to our deaths! Seal'd is their doom—
A retribution for their crimes hath come!
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
343
Worth, Honour, Justice, Liberty and Fame-
Yea, all on earth that hath a sacred name,
Will aid our efforts this eternal hour
To hurl defiance on th' enslaving power-
Yes, slaving power! how Erin is oppress'd,
Till blood in drops is oozing from her breast!
And we the same hard servitude shall feel,
Should we before them in submission kneel-
Kneel first to death!-yea, break the seal of life,
And pour our veins like water in the strife!
Keep lock'd in silence till close sight be given,
Then bare your bosoms! let your souls reach heaven!”
Lo, while the pouring of his strength went on,
They stood like rocks cemented into one.
They seem'd at times to mount above the spheres,
As though divinity had touch'd their ears!
While rapt in thought, lo, Victory in sight
Descends-resembling of an eagle's flight.
It seems her ivory beak a scroll contains,
Which smooth unfurls as sails she o'er the plains.
The letters edg'd with gold these words display:
Thy land, Columbia, never shall decay!
*
*
*
*
*
In mental transport the defenders stand,
While throbs their bosom: "Heaven regards the land,
Like Israel shadow'd by th' Almighty's hand!"
Now all is silence o'er the battle heath—
No word, no whisper-solemn, hush'd as death.
*
344
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
The Britons heavy move with darkness slow,
Deepening and vast-convulsions on their brow!
Mark! lo, the signal given a shout resounds
Tearing the centre of creation's bounds;
Thousands on thousands dreadful join in one,
As if the circle of old Time were done!
So when th' Infernal with a serpent art,
Struck death's cold arrow through the human heart,
With smiles to please a ghost, from Eden's bowers,
He went and gave the triumph to his powers.
His subjects heard!-At once the strength of hell-
Millions on millions shouted horrible-
Causing the universe of death to shake,
And all the damn'd with palsied nerves to quake:
Like this the peals in unison rebound,-
The cheek of heaven, assaulting with the sound.
The shouting done-they drive along with ire-
Behold, the line of Jackson is on fire!
Yet still they press in terrors clad severe-
The mouths of brass break dreadful through the sphere.
Pale death pursues the sound!-still fierce they come,
Reckless of death, which crowds them to the tomb.
Balls, rockets stream, shells burst, mortars explode--
Thunders mix thunders, jarring heaven's abode:
Thus when the firmament in silence dwelt,
No sign eruptive, through the concave felt--
A comet travelling through its orbit dark,
When, lo! excited by electric spark,
Leaps into life, a wilderness of flame,
Licking the stars that zone the spaceless frame.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
345
Unbalanc'd, reels the universe profound,
Through flaming chariots roll'd creation round,
While clangorous trumpets peal'd the judgment sound :
So for the given space, the scene is grand—
Like ridge of rocks Columbian warriors stand,
And fill the plains with fire !---Big thunders roll--
The earth seems loosen'd from its fastenings whole!
In waste profusion blood in cascade flows--
In vain their slaughter'd ranks the Britons close--
In vain they elevate their regal Crown,--
Before the patriot fire it wilters down!
Yet obstinate they press with fix'd intent
To scale the mound, though all the element
With conflagration glows! In vain—in vain—
Whole squadrons fall, in gory vestments slain.
Backward they reel-a routed multitude,
By cannon thunders dreadfully pursu'd--
"Mercy! O spare us! righteousness we crave-
We pray--we plead a rescue from the grave!"
The ear of Jackson caught the plaintive cry,
And bade the matches from the vents to fly:
"Never the prayer of mercy was denied,
To those who humble for the boon applied.
As brothers, treat the conquer'd on the field,
And every succour to the yielding, yield.'
The prostrate column bent upon the knee,
Rise and receive the mercy of the free.
The patriots aid their passage o'er the mound,
While hail they Jackson with a tear profound.
346
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
Meantime the multitude that fled the scene,
Were soon reform'd by Packenham and Keene;
Gibbs pale and fainting, all deform'd with gore,
His aids were slow conveying to the shore.
"Have not I promis'd all for which we live?
Then move triumphant, and the boon receive!
Beyond the blazing of yon chain of fire,
Abides soft beauty to invite desire!
Yea, beauty ripen'd in a southern sun,
To cause with rapturous throb the veins to run !
Delicious fruit-on-quench yon burning mound,
And you with love and beauty shall be crown'd!"
They heard with maddening pulse their general's
tongue,
And shouting mov'd deep wedg'd, resistless, strong—
*
*
*
Why do they pause?
*
*
*
Lo, Packenham they mark
Reel from his charger-gone his vital spark!
His sword was pointing where to urge the pass,
And rise beyond it in a solid mass—
His eye upon his heavy thousands bent,
T'invite them forward with a bold intent,
As glanc'd the bullet through th' extended arm-
Pointing the sword-enter'd his bosom warm.
His proud steed felt a slackness in the rein,
And sprang and left his rider with the slain.
བ
Keene felt the jar---the pausing of the force-
And dash'd before, and utter'd this discourse;
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
347
"And shall the brother fall of Wellington,
And we like hinds the glorious danger shun?
What! are the streams of English honour dry?
No! prove our wish is on the field to die !”
His language burnt upon the heart. They rose,
Resolv'd with death resistlessly to close.
Once more the distance of small arms they gain,
Where balls beat on them like an April rain,
Whilst all the heath is cumber'd with the slain !
Yet still the living, frenzied with their rage,
Close their deep ranks, and struggle to engage.
Whole squadrons fall, as though Egyptian blight
Had overspread them with the shades of night.
Involv'd in smoke, the point is only seen,
Like a strange fire, the lightning-sword of Keene,
Himself not visible---in turmoil hid,-
Flaming to heaven a blazing pyramid.
At length no longer is the point beheld-
Keene, the bold chief, has sunk upon the field!
Twelve bullets pierc'd him through his heart and
brain--
He pass'd from life, a shadow on the plain,
Without the movement of a nerve in pain.
The English standards, broken from their height,
Darken--eclips'd the sword-directing light.
The shatter'd columns hopelessly retire,
While Jackson fills their dying paths with fire.
Death riots dreadful on the carnage scene--
Their proudest chiefs with Packenham, Gibbs, Keene,
Lie wrapp'd in gore. The soil, the vulgar press,
Causing the very earth to groan distress.
348
FREDONIAD. CANTO XL.
The Mississippi swell'd with curdling blood,
Thickens--so vast the battle's magnitude,
It bursts its banks. Thirteen mad lightnings fly--
Thirteen red thunders break along the sky!
For two half centuries thus, Ætna suppress'd
The boiling lava in her caldron breast.
The waste inhabitants return and raise
Of pumice-rock, bright temples, palaces.
A quickening verdure flourishes around,
And, like enchantment luxuries abound.
Behold a dread eruption thunders forth,
Like the dividing of the poles of earth!
Black heaving smoke the face of heaven o'erwhelms-
Flames dire disgorging like infernal realms.
The lava gushes like a river swell'd
Beyond its banks, foaming unparallel'd,
Scathing the beauty of the meadows till'd.
The temples where of late the pilgrims knelt,
And palaces---beneath the lava melt.
At once the busy scene of life is o'er,
Buried, dissolved, and never heard of more :
So like the mountain, brazen engines high,
Rais'd to the heavens a blazing canopy;
So, like the palaces the Britons fall,
Wrapp'd in the darkness of the funeral pall.
These patriots in their joy their lives resign,
To be remember'd with a tear divine,
The only seven that sanctified the earth,
By pouring free, a rich oblation forth,
Never the like since War's contentious birth!
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
349
Pace, Mahon, Anderson, Dupuy and Leach,
Nicks, Crawford-blest eternity to reach-
To live--when death shall names of millions blot-
When all the proud shall be as dust forgot,
Struck from remembrance to oblivion hence,
As if they ne'er on earth had residence.
Crawford, while blood was issuing from his side,
Thus in the transport of his feelings cried:
"The Eagle glorious waves her pinions high!
How sweet the slumber on the field to die!
Behold the standards of the foe recede!
Haste, haste, my heart, thy last, last droppings bleed,
That my impatient spirit may be freed,
!
And mount to heaven upon the circling blaze,
While stand the immortals in immortal gaze—
To mark the glories of a day to last
Till judgment trumpet sounds its signal blast!"
His heart ceas'd beating and his eyelids fell-
He seem'd though sleeping in a holy spell,
While the huge cannonry tremendous rung,
As if the elements with deafening tongue,
Had with contention made creation shake,
As though the sleepers of the tombs would wake.
The Albion ranks appear like forest rent
By passing whirlwind on destruction bent.
The few that dare to live, the remnant few,
Fly from the carnage with their souls struck through.
The wrath of heaven pursues them-sweeps from shore
Their shatter'd squadrons to be heard no more!
VOL. IV.-30
350
CANTO XL.
FREDONIAD.
*
*
*
The turbulence subsides----clouds break----behold!
What wonderous scenes magnificent unfold!
Star-rob'd, Fredonia and her train descend-
What streams of gold upon their paths attend!
Fame, Independence, Victory and Peace-
Their features beaming with empyreal grace.
While resting on a cloud of gorgeous dress,
They the full symphony of soul express:
"Jackson! all hail!-Columbia ! rise and live!
This day to thee eternity we give.
Yea, should th' oppressors of the world combine,
Thy stars shall burn with vital beams divine!
"Never this motto--never let it die :
Virtue, bless'd Freedom,--Union, proud Liberty !”
END OF VOL. IV.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
NOV2 1988
OCT 20 1988
DATE DUE



UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
3 9015 01314 7866
A 512921