Second parallel
thrown up within three hundred yards of the main works of the enemy; new
batteries erected, and additional number of cannon brought forward—some
twenty-four pounders and heavy mortars and howitzers. A tremendous fire now
opened from all the new works, French and American. The heavy cannon directed
against the embrasures and guns of the enemy. Their pieces were soon silenced,
broke and dismantled. Shells from behind their works still kept up. Two
redoubts advanced of their lines, and within rifle shot of our second parallel,
much in the way. These forts or redoubts were well secured by a ditch and
picket, sufficiently high parapet, and within were divisions made by rows of
casks ranged upon end and filled with earth and sand. On tops of parapet were
ranged bags filled with sand — a deep narrow ditch communicating with their
main lines. On the night of the 14th, shortly after dark, these redoubts were
taken by storm; the one on our right, by the Marquis, with part of his light
infantry — the other, more to our left, but partly opposite the centre of the
British lines, by the French. Our batteries had kept a constant fire upon the
redoubts through the day. Belonged this evening to a command detailed for the
purpose of supporting the Marquis. The night was dark and favorable. Our
batteries had ceased — there appeared to be a dead calm; we followed the
infantry and halted about half way — kept a few minutes in suspense, when we
were ordered to advance. The business was over, not a gun was fired by the
assailants; the bayonet only was used; ten or twelve of the infantry were
killed. French had to contend with a post of more force their loss was
considerable. Colonel Hamilton led the Marquis' advance; the British sentries
hailed them — no answer made. They also hailed the French, "Who comes
there?" were answered, "French grenadiers." Colonel Walter
Stewart commanded the regiment of reserve which accompanied the Marquis; they
were immediately employed in connecting, by a ditch and parapet, the two
redoubts, and completing and connecting the same with our second parallel. The
British were soon alarmed; some from each of the redoubts made their escape.
The whole enemy were under arms—much firing round all their lines, but
particularly toward our regiment, where the men were at work; the shot passed
over. In about three quarters of an hour we were under cover. Easy digging;
light sandy ground.
SOURCE: J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Publisher, The Record of the Court at Upland, in
Pennsylvania. 1676 to 1681. And a Military Journal Kept by Major E. Denny, 1781
to 1795, pp. 246-7
