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Mr. Niles's ESSAY ON GOD's Wonder-working Providence for New-England, in the Reduction of Louisburg, &c.
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A Brief and Plain ESSAY ON GOD's Wonder-working Providence FOR NEW-ENGLAND, In the Reduction of Louisburg, and Fortresses thereto belonging on CAPE-BRETON. WITH A short hint in the Beginning, on the French Taking & Plundering the People of CANSO, which led the several Governments to Unite and Pursue that Expedition. With the Names of the Leading Officers in the Army and the several Regiments to which they belonged.
By SAMƲEL NILES.
—
Non Magis est quaerere, quam Tueri. —
If ye forsake the LORD, then he will turn and do you hurt, and Consume you, after that he hath done you good,
Josh. xxiv. 20.
The Victory that day, was turned into Mourning, unto all the People—
2 Sam: xix. 2.
N. LONDON, Printed and Sold by T. GREEN, 174 [...]
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The Introduction.
MY Pen, and Skill, fall exquisitely short,
To give the World, an adequate Report
Of what high Work was done, in wondrous wise,
By Providence, both on the Land, and Seas,
In this great Action, which I here relate,
'Gainst
CAPE-BRETON, and of the
Frenches fate.
In which sage-Consults, and each Motion prove
As by immediate Dictates, from above.
No instance like, Historians do relate,
Whether of Antient, or more Modern date.
What here is offer'd, in so mean a Dress,
Is not for you, whose Wits do far surpass:
Nor the Polite, of such refined Tast,
'Ought but Poetick Strains, gives them disgust.
But such whose Candor, prompts them to Excuse
Defects, in what's design'd for Common Use.
May these rude Lines, Excite and Stimulate,
Some better hand, this to Commemorate,
And hand it down to after Time, that may,
(As we should do)
GOD's Praises forth display,
Who wrought for Us, Salvation did ordain;
But now behold! great Numbers he has Slain.
Which loudly Calls, to Lamentation sore;
JEHOVAH's Name! and Sov'reignty
[...]d
[...]re.
[Page]
AN INDEX.
- The Introduction.
- On the taking of Canso by the French, pag. 1.
- On the Motions of the several adjoining Governments in New-England soon after the Taking of Canso, &c. ibid.
- On Commissioning the Head Officers, and the Enlistment of Men, pag. 3.
- Some Hints on the Preparations made for Invading Louisburg, pag. 6.
- On shipping the Troops for Cape- Breton, pag. 7.
- On the Forces from Connecticut, &c. pag. 9.
- On the Forces when United under Sail, ibid.
- On the Troops Landing at Cape- Breton, pag. 10
- On the Siege laid against the City, pag. 11.
- On Commodore Warren taking the Vigilant, and other Vessels in the time of the Siege, pag. 14.
- On the Modes of Devotion among the French, when thus distrest & in great fear, pag. 15.
- On the attempt made for the taking the Island Battery in Boats, pag. 16.
- On the Stratagem of War in erecting a Battery at the Light-House, & the Success it had, p. 17.
- On the Bravery shown to the Enemy by the principal Officers in the Army & Fleet, &c. pag. 18.
- On the Surrender of Louisburg and the whole Island of Cape- Breton to the Crown of G. Brit. 19.
- The Names of the Leading Officers, pag. 22,—30.
- A short Remark on raising the advanced Bat. p. 31.
- The Conclusion, pag. 33
- A short & very humble Address to the Gov. &c. p. 34
[Page 1]
On the Taking of CANSO by the French, and Plundering the People there, 1744.
POor
Canso! Thou hast felt the force of Wars,
When all thy Buildings, whatso'ere they were
Reduc'd to ashes by devouring Flame,
Design'd to raise Renown and spread the Fame
Of thy near Nei'bours, & shew what they'd done
That dwellers were upon the Isle-
Breton.
Then leading Captive, the poor People thus
Spoil'd of their Substance, send them here to us
With Flags of Truce, repeated on our Coast,
In which with Pride, they vauntingly did Boast.
Triumphing in their Victim Trophies show,
The fate of Arms from an insulting Foe.
On the Motions of the several adjoining Governments, in NEW-ENGLAND soon after the Taking of Canso, &c.
NEW-Englands Sons with just Resentments mov'd
At this proud, daring Treatment were resolv'd
To move in Arms Unite, and make Attempts,
On the strong Holds and raised Battlements,
Of
Louisburg, tho' by
French deem'd to be
Impregnable, both by the Land and Sea.
This scene of Action, as 'twas now begun,
Must needs, without delay, be carried on.
[Page 2]
As Bears, bereav'd of young, or Lions strong
Rous'd from their Dens of ease, resenting wrong,
Lash up their fury with their waving Tail,
Resolve Revenge on all, that them assail.
Round on Opponents, when they come to feel
The force of strength & teeth more keen than steel
Make th' Earth to tremble, with th' adjoining throng,
Roaring like Thunder as they march along.
Rebounding Ecchoes from the nei'bring Wood,
From Hill & Dales, fearless to be withstood.
Thus did our Force, with daring Courage show,
Their strong resolves to curb & quell this Foe.
Then with joint View
[...], & Spirits raise high,
ARM, ARM'S the word, & to their Arms they flie,
Not with tumultuous Noise, or boasting Chear,
Lest th' Enemy should of this Motion hear.
And by that means stand strictly on their Guard,
Which might our
hop'd for conquest much retard.
As loyal Subjects of the
British Crown,
Their lives, their fortunes, & their
all lay down,
KING GEORGE'S glory, & their Churches cause,
The Country's Peace, her Liberties and Laws.
These to secure they wisely make a Stand,
'Gainst what portends much ruin to our Land.
Now Sons of
M
[...]rs, and of
Apollo too,
Tho'
Heathen terms, do thus much to us shew,
That wise and warlike in Conjunction act,
To bring this Scheme to its desir'd Effect.
SHIRLEY, that fills of Government the Chair
Wisely Conducting in our Hemisphere,
[Page 3] Fired with zeal, for's King & Country's Cause,
To whom is due much honour and applause.
SHIRLEY, chief Leader at the Council Board,
Whose worthy Deeds, Posterity shall Record.
He with the Senators, maturely Sage,
Each acts his part, as mounted on a Stage,
With utmost foresight, skill and activeness,
Impending evil Aspect to suppress.
Resolving, by GOD's help, which they implore
Form measures of Defence, all to restore,
Our Peace & Safety both on Seas & Shore.
HIS EXCELLENCY fill'd with anxious Care,
To prosecute this weighty, grand Affair,
Exerts himself, in Labours, More and New,
T' obtain the Conquest, which we had in View,
Writes home in humble wise, with strong request
For Aids from
Thence, by Sea, our Force t' assist,
Hence noble WARREN'S Squadron was sent o're
Under's Command, who was the Commodore.
Whose Courage, Skill, admired Activeness,
Secur'd the Harbour, gave our Force Success,
GOD has him honour'd, who was hither sent,
To curb our Foes, made him an Instrument.
By Seisure made, of that tall Ship of War,
Strong for Defence, laden with warlike Store.
On Commissioning the Head Officers, and the Enlistment of Men.
THings thus concerted, and in wisdom laid,
That this Affair no longer be delay'd,
[Page 4] A Proclamation is soon Issued then,
With large Rewards, for the Enlisting Men.
In which adjoining Governments Unite,
This deep laid Scheme to hast and expedite.
Commissions now are fill'd for every Post,
Of Martia Leaders, to conduct the Host.
The chief Command, was g
[...]'n to PEPPERILL,
Worthy of Trust, appointed General.
With mind Heroick, and
[...]spos'd to War,
Freely accepts, to Lead in this Affair.
Tho' uninur'd, t' encamp in hostile Field
Or, fore Battalions his brandish'd Sword to wield
Yet with consummate Probity and Skill
Each trust of honour wisely did fulfill.
"Whose renown'd Name & Fame will ever last,
"Till future Ages have forgot the Past.
Mean time precautions of all kinds they use,
Lest these our motions should our Foes amuse.
Embargoes then are laid on Vessels all,
(In each & ev'ry Port) both great and small.
The
French suspected here, consin'd in Hold,
Lest ought hereof, to Country-men be Told.
Previous to which, all sorts are call'd upon,
On these designs, against the Isle-
Breton,
By publick Fasting, and with solemn Prayer.
To seek direction, fervertly t' implore
The divine Aids, succeeding this Design,
As to GOD's Hand our All and this Resign.
The zeal & fervour of God's People gave,
Some early hopes that be would not us leave
Until he had compleated what we Crave.
[Page 5] Which some by Faith, firmly relied on,
Till tidings came that LOUISBURG was won.
Some Rev'rend Pastors minds deeply imprest
With glowing warmth to see our Foes supprest.
To act their Part, are willing forth to go,
With
Christian Courage, and Heroic too.
The Venerable
Moody, white with Age,
Habits himself, in hostile Equipage.
With's Sword of War, but on the Spirit more
Firmly relying, leaves his Native Shore,
His skill in arms to prove as he had twice before
Imploring heavens guidance in their way,
And bring to this desir'd Triumphant Day.
Those of like Function, but of younger years
Engage most freely, in fateagues of Wars.
Williams late Rector of
Yale-College goes,
With western Troops and
Hawley, to oppose
The
Gallics at
Breton, and Peace restore
To this our Land, both on the Seas and Shore.
Crocker and
Walker, Balch and
Newman move,
With
Langdon, these jointly proclaim CHRIST'S Love.
His Laws, his Worship, Sabbaths these with care,
The Soldiers to impress with godly Fear.
1
[Page 6] They pray, they preach, and teach out of GOD'S Word,
The way of Life, thro' JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
Whose Names & Deeds, enrolled long shall stand
Bright patterns of true
zeal in this & distant Lands.
Surviving
they return with praises high,
For wonders wrought against the Enemy,
Our Troops secur'd the Victory is won,
Subjected to our Crown is the whole Isle
Breton.
These with their leaders of the Martial part,
And godly Soldiers, join'd in hand and heart,
Commit the Cause to GOD, and then pass on,
With raised hopes, to Conquer
Cape-Breton.
Some hints on the Preparations made for Invading Louisburg.
PRep'rations large, of needful warlike Store,
Provided are, lest' ought be wanted there.
Bombs, with great Cannon & their Cannon balls,
Ladders prepar'd, to scale the City Walls:
Fascines likewise, in bundles, fit to rear,
High Mounts, of Fence, they wisely do prepare.
As this Attempt was great, all Instruments
Of less, or larger Sise, for Intrenchments.
Carri'ges for Guns and warlike Engines made.
In Martial Mode, th' Enemy to invade.
All means concurr'd, this motion to Commence
As tho' the Stars in Course, and Influence
United were, in their combined bands,
Under GOD'S wise and heavenly Commands,
[Page 7] To still the Air, and make the Sky serene,
So that to Labour, nought did intervene,
On which, —
(The
French confin'd did in their fear foretell,
The downfal of that daring Cittadel.)
Thus in their Labours Indefatigable,
Each did his part, as he was rendred able.
Leaders Conducting in their higher Sphere,
Give pledges of their wisdom, skill and care.
Craftsmen, with heart & hand conjunctly move,
In dextrous wise, the Season to Improve.
All things design'd, prepared are which show,
The joint Concurrence of each Station,— Now
All Officers, in gallant
[...]y appear,
And Soldiers arm'd, stand ready for the War.
On the Shipping the Troops, for Cape-Breton.
WHen all things thus made ready, & equipt,
Battalions, in respective Transports Shipt,
Under Command, in chief of PEPPERILL
(As is already said,) their General.
Who willingly did for his Country's Weal,
Accept the Trust, with Courage mixt with Zeal.
Then
† with all speed, not willing to delay,
With wide spread Sails, from
Massachusetts-Bay
They steer their Course, in semblance of a Fleet,
Of warlike Ships, strike dread on all they meet.
[Page 8]
But now when floating on the wat'ry Main,
In hopes with speed, th' enemies Shore to gain,
Bor' as obstructs, by's waters still Congeal'd
Into large bodies that were not dissolv'd:
Ice in large Cakes, do on the waters glide,
From Bays & Rivers, drove by winds & tyde.
Northward (its said) there often does appear,
Mountains of Ice congeal'd by frigid Air,
Whose lofty Tops, directed to the Skies,
Appear to move, on surface, of the Seas,
Surprizing to behold, hence Sailors dread,
By winds, or tydes, 'twixt these to be enclos'd.
To shun this fate, to
Canso then they go,
And with fair winds, do thro' the Ocean plow,
There to remain, for a short space of time,
That from Seasickness health they might reprime
Those that disused were to cross the Seas,
Many of them were seis'd with this disease,
However common, gave them great surprize.
Escaping this dire, doleful dreaded Death,
Courage renews, with their renewed Health,
And what makes them more fearless of defeat.
Behold! with Joy, they spie
Warren, the great,
Warren, the Com-'dore, in warlike feats expert.
Who with wise Conduct, does himself exert,
In this grand Cause, having at his Command,
Squadron of Ships, by Sea, to guard the Land,
Preventing succours, to the Enemy,
From forein parts, or those that were more
[Page 9]
On the Forces, from CONNECTICUTT, and RHODE-ISLAND, Joining the MASSACHUSETTS and NEW-HAMPSHIRE at Canso.
FIve Hundred Men, came from
Connecticot,
Commanded by, much Honored WOLCOTT,
Who, to the honour, he sustain'd before,
Has added, to his honour, now much more,
As the chief Judge, he wisely grac'd the Bench
Of their high Courts, but now deigns to Entrench
And Camp, in hostile-fields, willing to bear▪
To's Sword of Justice, the bright Sword of War.
Then for long time Enrolled be his Fame,
And's Government, rejoice in
Wolcott's Name,
Whose pious mind, and Counsel for the War,
Exceed (perhaps) some plac'd in higher Sphere.
(Give leave to say) Worthies of such a Stamp,
Ne're Retrograde, in an impartial Camp,
Who now as heretofore, Couragiously has done
Deeds worthy of his own, & Country's renown.
Rhode-Islands Force with these above do meet,
They in Conjunction, do compose a Fleet,
Of smaller Vessels, to transport their Men,
With
Massachusetts and
New-Hampshire join.
On The Forces when thus United Sailing from Canso to Cape-Breton.
THE Forces thus compleat, they all agree,
To forward the intent, they put to Sea,
[Page 10] Then with Full-sail, to the intended Shore,
Under chief Convoy of the Commodore,
Direct their Course, and soon arrive i'th' Bay
Of
Chappaurogue, where they intend to stay.
Large Ships of war, remain as guards without,
Priv'teers to clear, the coast scour the seas about.
This scheme so laid in Politicks of War,
The'
Gallics 'nought of this our motion hear,
Surpriz'd they are, & struck with pannick fear.
Ensigns of War, ours, gallantly display,
At Harbours mouth, and in the brightned Bay,
Jack, Ant'ent, Pendant, these they all let flie,
Charming appearance, daz'ling to the Eye.
Whilst
French, with terror, & confusion seis'd
With these displays of War, stand all amaz'd.
God did our Force conduct, preserve from fear,
His praises therefore, let us all, declare.
On the Troops Landing, at Cape-Breton.
THen pushing on, their purpose to compleat
By gained Conquest, and the Foes defeat.
When thus arriv'd, they Land without delay,
On first of
May, that Memorable Day, [1745]
Under the Cannon of some Privateers,
Of smaller size, that could draw nigh the Shores,
To prevent Landing
French, in ambush lie,
No sooner Landed, but their Balls let flie
Volleys of Guns, sharp sire with roaring sounds
In which Encounter, two receiv'd slight wounds▪
Ours as brave Soldiers, valiantly withstand,
This warm Engagement, from their
[...]oes on Lan
[...]
[Page 11] Un
[...]ll'd in modes of War, fearless they ran,
As to surround the
French, was their design.
This with their fire & shouts, the Foes affright
They turn their Backs, betake themselves to flight
This as a pledge of following Success,
I
[...]oldens them, undauntedly to press.
Then marching on, Possessors of the Field,
Gen'ral in Front, his brandish'd Sword does wield
Bidding defiance to their Numbers large,
Declares he sought for Christ, & for King George.
New Courage they imbibe, then passing on,
Advance in view, and fair sight of the Town,
Press on the City walls, in which
French were innur'd,
Where their main Body deem themselves se
[...]'d
Trust on their strength, by Nature, and by Art,
Resolve defence, but with an aking Heart.
On the Singe laid, against the City Louisburg.
When of the Field, they had possession took,
Which th'enemy had in their flight forsook,
A warlike Council, then, is largely held,
By
Martial Leaders, in the Hostile Field.
In sine, Conclude, some Batt'ries to erect,
From whence they may, the Enemy affect.
Thus in wise Counsel, the whole Plan they lay,
Proceed to Action, nor admit delay.
With Trenches deep, & Mounts cast up on high,
From whence they might, their roaring Cannon plie,
[Page 12] Against the Walls, to shake, and batter down,
Thereby to enter, and possess the Town.
Mean while the
French, surprized, make their Flight,
From their Grand Batt'ry by dark shades of night
Resort unto their Strength, and strongest Hold,
Which they defend, with seeming Courage bold.
The
English enter this strong Fortress, Turn
The Cannon of their Foes, against the Town.
A second Instance of Success, that gave
New Life to Motion, and to Soldiers brave.
With spirits high, they valiantly push on,
The Siege, which they maturely had begun,
And then proceed to Action.
The wide mouth'd Cannon, with their heavy Balls,
And strength of Powder, scale the City Walls,
Lake thunders roaring & the lightning bright,
Do Execution, both by Day and Night,
Mortars discharg'd, the Bomb Shells sw
[...]tly f
[...]e,
Like blazing Comets in the open Skie:
These warlike Engines, when with Art improv'd
More fatal are, than Batt'ring Rams of old,
(Which were strong Machines forc'd against the Walls,
That by repeated blows, the Bulwark falls;
And Entrance gives to the Besiegers there,
These were in use as Politicks of War.
His head was Iron, with a peaked Horn,
In semblance of a pictur'd Unicorn.)
[Page 13] Breaches they make, i'th walls & western-gate,
Adds life to ours, foretells the
Frenches fate.
Bold then as Lions, destitute of Fear,
Advance their Troops, both in the Front & Rear.
Standing fierce Fire from the City Walls,
Disdain their Cannon, and their Cannon Balls.
Thus
Gallics and
New-England British Sons,
Conflict with fury, whilst Ambition burns,
With glowing Heat, mixed with wrathful Ire,
They keep a constant and continued Fire,
From either side, till smoaky Vapours rise,
Sulphurious Smells, and baneful to the Eyes.
The slain i'th Field was sew, but in the City rather.
Who sought in deep delv'd Vaults themselves to Shelter.
Bomb Balls on Houses fall, the splinters flie,
Dispers'd into the Air, the
Gallics Cry,
Each Sex in consort, aggravate their Fears,
Females, with frightful Shricks & flowing Tears,
Beg for themselves, and Infants in their Arms,
Some kind Relief & Rescue from these Harms.
The stout in heart before, now trembling stand,
No longer able to hold Sword in hand;
With confus'd Thought and Agitations great,
Hover in Crowds, now conscious of Defeat.
Fear & distress surrounds them more & more,
Their Dead's increas'd & Wounded in great Store,
Thenceforth from Fire the
French in part give o're.
[Page 14] It's worth our Notice, with Remarks upon,
This mighty Theme, of Taking Cape-
Breton,
GOD's Smiles, & works of Wonder to us show,
The Praise of all, we do unto Him owe,
Tho' Bomb shells fall, & split upon the ground,
Where
English are Intrenched all around,
O're
[...]ruld they were in Providence sublime,
That, sew were hurt in dangers at that Time.
On Commodore WARREN'S taking the Vigilant, and other Vessels, in the time of the Siege.
WHilst
Pepperell thus warring on the Shore,
In Combat close,
Warren the Commodore,
With his bright Squadron, guards the Harbours mouth,
And Coasts along, in special on the South:
Prevents Supplies to the Besieg'd within,
Constraining them their City to Resign,
Made Captures of all that in sight appear,
At length he spies, that tall, strong Ship of War
The
Vigilant, Attacks and Seises her,
Laden with Men, & with much war like Store.
(Of which something, was Noticed before.)
This gal
[...]ant Action worthy of Record,
Strike
French with terror, they stand all amaz'd,
With palled looks, and trembling hearts foresee
The quick approach of their di
[...]e Destiny.
All hopes of Succour is entirely lost,
For which th'
English in GOD's Mercy boast.
Our Frigates small, had blown into the Air,
If warlike WARREN had been wanted there.
[Page 15]
On the M [...]es of Devotion, among the French, when thus Distrest and in great Fear.
LAudate Dom'num, Papists Nocturnal Song,
Te Deum's cease, Processions from among,
To Masses, Pater-Nosters
French repair,
With
Ave-Maries, strongly do Implore,
That blessed Virgin's Aid, & Intercessions for
Them, to her Son, their Sorrows to deplore,
They, cannonized Saints, pretend to move
To hear their Cries, & Prayers loud, approve,
And as joint Advocates, to change this Scene.
Their Influence to use, with the whole Trine.
Saints Statues they adore, Im'ges numberless,
And Beads, tell o're, the greater with the less.
They mortifie their Flesh, with lashings manifold
As
Heathens, cut themselves in days of old.
Profound Confessions, Pennances renew,
Devoutly strict, much Sanctity, in shew.
Indulgences, from Priests and Pardons given,
Substantiated Wafers, makes ripe for Heaven,
To
Crosses, Cruc'fix
[...]s, Relicts of Saints they bow
But now Besieg'd on
Pilgrimage can't go,
The
Shrines of Saints, to pay their homage to.
These meritorious Acts, as they pretend,
Challenge Rewards, from
GOD Almighty's Hand.
Denying Scripture use to the Vulgar sort,
Is to
Romes Clergy, as a mighty Fort:
It's falsly said, the Mother of Devotion,
— Is Ignorance, —
But, Maxim true, of
Papacies Subjection,
[Page 16] Th' implicit Faith, that Sons of
Rome profess,
Is faithless Fraud, which wants words to express.
Merit they plead, on Super'rogation Acts,
And all that Cruelty suggests 'gainst Hereticks
In fine, these are the
Popes Artillery,
Whereby he holds, his Vassals, in Idolatry.
These Popish Rites, and Ceremonial Cants,
Give no Relief to the poor
Gallic'ants,
In sable Darkness, they do still remain,
From the
Gygantick Force of
English Men.
On the Attempt made for the Taking the Island-Battery in Boats.
AMidst the smiles of providence upon,
Besiegers motions on the Isle-
Breton,
Impatient of delay a Scheme they Form,
The Island Fortress forcebly to Storm.
This they attempt in darksom glooms of Night
With hopes of Conquest er'e the Morning light.
Gallic's discovery make, of this Intent,
Use utmost Force their Landing to prevent.
— A Tragick Scene Ensues —
Whilst thus Engag'd in an unequal Strife,
Some loss of Limbs sustain, more of their Life,
Brains mix'd with
Blood & shatter'd
Limbs appear,
Expiring Cries and Groans assault the Ear.
Eyes here affect the hearts of stoutest Mould,
Hard to conceive, but harder to behold.
Distorted Limbs and mangled Bodies roll
In their own Gore, survivers loud Condole,
[Page 17] Their Friends dire Exit, and their Fate, less sad
Who aim'd at Conquest, Prisoners are made,
Here confus'd Noise & Garments roll'd in blood
Warriours have found upon the briny Flood,
After sharp Conflict what escap'd Retreat:
The single Instance of
New-Englanders Defeat.
On the Stratagem of War, in Erecting a Battery at the Light-House, and the remarkable Success it had, against the Enemy.
THe
English then, with warlike Minds & Skill
Go, by Command, unto the Light-house Hill
There to Erect a Battery, and Annoy,
The Island Fortress, then their Bombs Employ
Swift Messengers of Death, with roaring Noise,
By Art directed, on an equal Poise,
Successful these become to that degree,
That
Gallics, there, Escap't into the Sea:
Seek shelter from, these fi'ry blazing Balls,
That scatter Death, each one, where e're it falls.
Then
French convinc'd of their impending Fate,
By Flag-of-Truce, move to Capitulate
They that before, had vauntingly sent Word,
What English, gain'd, shou'd be at point of Sword:
Do now, in humble wise, tamely make Tender,
On Terms propos'd, the City to Surrender.
'Twas thro' Constraint, this Motion
Gallics made,
From force of Arms, by those that them invade,
Now spirits sank, with heart-relenting Moans,
Of Wife, & Children, mix'd with dying Groans,
[Page 18] Of Men and Women, Children, Sociates all,
Each one expects, under, like Fate, to fall.
On the Bravery shown, to the Enemy by the principal Officers in the Army and Fleet, with some Reasons offered, to shew, the Justice on our Part, of this Enterprize.
FRom martial Honour mix'd with Clemency
Besiegers brave, offer the Enemy,
In Candour great, as Victors did become,
Them, with Effects, safely to Transport home,
Alledge the Reasons of this Enterprize,
In Terms, becoming them, (after this wise)
It's not from thirst of Blood, nor for your Lives,
O! you Besieged, your Children, nor your Wives,
That we 'gainst you this formal Siege Commence,
But Country's Freedom, from Praeeminence,
Which you assume, in these our Northern Seas,
Obstruct both Im-, and Export of Supplies.
You for long time, by your usurped Measures,
Robb'd some of Life, and many, of their Treasures.
Combining, likewise with the Heathen
Tribes,
Delusive, Popish Doctrines, and with Bribes:
By these Incentives they do us Annoy,
Whose Cruelties, give you, with them, much Joy.
Which moves us thus, our Weapons, to Employ.
As Heroes brave, Commanders all do stand,
Each in his Order, holding Sword in hand,
With Courage bold, and Resolution strong,
Conclude, this Parley, they will not prolong.
[Page 19] Cohorts in Ranks, and various Stations move,
As by Command, Commanders do approve:
Impatience moves, in the combined Bands,
Till
Louisburg be thrown into their Hands,
Determin'd all, in Mind most Uniform,
Unless the Treatie hold, the Cittadel they'l Storm.
Here interposing Mercy steps between,
Prevents their Progress on this Tragick Scene,
Which must have
[...]su'd in much Blood and Slaughter,
On either Side, in this, tho' bold, yet brave Adventure.
From Force of
English Arms,
French daren't deny.
Surrender, to our Troops, desist to Vie,
At Arms, with
English, grown expert in War,
And Valour high, exceeded
them by far.
On the Surrender of Louisburg, and the whole Island of Cape-Breton, to the Crown of GREAT-BRITAIN.
BOth Parties now agreed, the Compacts Sign'd,
That City
Louisburg to
English Troops Resign'd
The Island Fortress, is Resign'd likewise,
Our Ships to Enter, which were on the Seas:
Hostages given are, by which they plight,
Their Faith each one, his Contract, to compleat.
Behold, the Gates are now wide open thrown,
Which to our
English Arms adds much Renown.
[Page 20] The
Seventeenth of
June PEPP'REL then lead 1745
His hostile Troops (appearing at their Head)
Into that City fortify'd with Walls,
Rais'd up on high; fully rewards their Toils.
Now in triumphant State as Conquer'rs in War,
Pepperrell and
Warren, Wolcott, all appear,
These as with wreathen Laurels, on their head,
Shall live in Fame when numbred with the dead.
Th' Officers, with their respective Bands,
Both on the Seas, and those upon the Lands:
Col'nels, with their Lieutenants, march along:
The Clergy, tho' but few, in Faith were strong.
The Majors, Captains, Adjutants, pass on,
And Seisen take, of the whole Isle
Breton.
Victorious now
New-Englands Sons appear,
With gallantry in form and modes of War.
The Scene is chang'd, King GEORGE'S Ensigns fly
Display His Banner,
Lewis's defy.
Proud
Gallics, that of late, were Masters here,
Are now become tame Prisoners of War.
This
Acquisition, shall in Time be told,
As Action great, HEROICAL and bold.
The
Crown &
Kingdoms of GREAT BRITAIN here
Are now enlarg'd, in Triumph take their share.
New-Englands Glory, Peace & Trades advance,
All beg, it may,-ne're be Resign'd to
France.
That
‖
Dunkirk like, a Snare it mayn't become,
Unto this Land as that is now at Home.
Giv'n up to
France 'twas by the
English Crown,
Mischiefs resulting thence are too well known.
[Page 21]
What further Crown'd this Conquest, Seisures made,
Of Three large Ships, each vastly rich in Trade,
East-India Two a Third from the
South-Seas,
A Fourth from
France, that WARREN To
[...]k with Ease,
She not suspecting
Louisburg, was won,
Sail'd boldly up, the Harbour, of
Breton:
Dull Market, of her Lading, Merchants fear,
As numbers of large Ships, were Anchor'd there.
Convinc'd of the Mistake, madness them seise,
That thoughtless thus, they'd made themselves a Prize,
To WARREN, and his Squadron in the Road,
Too late to flee, or Capture, to avoid.
When all is said, and all that has been done
On this bright Theme, of taking
Cape-Breton.
It's GOD alone the Victory has won
Who smil'd upon, each Motion, gave Success,
To
English Arms, our Foes, thus to Suppress.
United were our Troops, by Land and Seas,
No treach'rous Designs, or fact'ous Mutinies,
Appear'd, i'th' Camp, but Loyalty profound,
Ran thro' the Host, in every Quarter round,
Which GOD, in favour, did for us Ordain,
To free our Land, and on the Oceans Main,
From Pickeroon, pretending Privateers,
Infesting these our Coasts, and Maritime Affairs.
[Page 22]
HERE follows the Names of the Leading Officers, in the several Regiments, that Served in the Army, under the Command of the Honourable WILLIAM PEPPERRELL Esq (now Baronet) Lieutenant-General, in the Reduction of Cape-Breton, to the Crown of GREAT-BRITAIN, June 17, 1745.
Commissioned by his Excellency WILLIAM SHIRLEY Esq Captain General and Commander in Chief, in and over the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, &c.
The Honourable Lieutenant-General Pepperell's Regiment.
PEPPERRELL, as Head of the
New-England Bands,
Extends his Conquests, unto distant Lands.
Surpasses far, attempts, in all past Time,
Or hostile Motions, in this
Western Clime.
Raises Renown, establishes his Fame,
Restores Repute, and gets our Land a Name.
Colonel
Bradstreet, as an Instrument,
With active Mind and Labours did prevent,
The
Heathen Tribes pursuing their Intent;
By crossing
Cancer-gut, to fall upon
Our Troops Encamped on the
Isle-Breton.
[Page 23]
Storer Lieutenant, in this Regiment,
With Major
Cutts, adventure the Event,
In dangerous Attempts, with spirits high,
Fearless advance against the Enemy.
Captains in this Regiment,
- Peter Staples,
- Ephraim Baker,
- John Fairfield,
- Bray Dearing,
- John Kinslagh,
- John Harmon,
- Moses Butler,
- Thomas Perkins,
- William Warner,
- Moses Pearson.
The Honourable Major-General Wolcott's Regiment.
WOLCOTT'
s high Station, bravery in War,
Adds to his Fame, distinction from afar,
Leading his Cohort from
Connecticut,
With martial State, and moving in his Lot,
Appears sedate in Mind, unshaken stood,
Zealous of's Churches, Col'nies, and his Country's good:
Intrepid moves, with all, in Station high,
Constrains the
Gallics, from their Walls to fly.
Colonel
Burr, makes his Advances next,
Worthy high honours to his Name affixt;
Leads on his Troops, with Bravery and Art,
In combat close, acts the Commanders part:
With mind dispos'd to War, & Conquest gain,
This has in view, is restless to obtain.
[Page 24]
Lothrop likewise, in his Lieutenancie,
Gives pledges of his Skill and Loyalty,
And Major
Goodridge does in's Station move,
With valiant Leaders, mentioned above.
Brave Major
Newton, fell by Sickness sore,
Soon after, Landed on th' Enemies shore,
Greatly lamented, as a heavy Loss,
By Friends at home, and weakning to our Force.
Intomb'd, he lies' mongst slain in hostile Fields,
A Sacrifice for's Country, and the
British Shields.
These with their Troops, merit Encomiums high
Bespeak the Honours of their Colony:
Who gladly did, their Lives and all lay down,
When some declin'd serving the
British Crown.
Captains in this Regiment.
- David Wooster,
- Stephen Lee,
- Daniel Chapman,
- William Whiting,
- Robert Denison,
- Andrew Ward,
- James Church,
- Henry King.
Colonel Waldo's Regiment.
WAldo, Commission'd is a Colonel,
And o're Land-force, Brigadier-General,
Gracing his Station, and superiour Post,
Becoming him, and grateful to the Host,
Gives proofs of Courage, Loyalty and Zeal,
For's KING, his Country, & our Churches Weal.
[Page 25]
Waldo's Lieutenant,
Noble is by Name,
His noble Acts, adds Lustre to his Fame,
Distinguished himself, Commander brave,
In that heroick Act, Defeat he gave,
To
French, and
Indians, in smart bloody Fight,
Killing and wounding, puts the rest to Flight.
Wards off the Blow, from the besieging Bands,
Design'd by cruel and most barb'rous Hands.
Not to omit, Remarks on honour due,
To Major
Hunt, who did his Trust pursue:
Filling his Major's, and the Chaplains post,
Performed Pray'rs, with his part of the Host,
Acting the Soldiers, and the Christian part,
With all i'th Camp, that were of pious Heart.
Captains in Brigadier General
Waldo's Regiment.
- Samuel Moody,
- John Watts,
- Philip Dumarisque,
- Benjamin Goldthwait,
- * Daniel Hale,
- Jacob Stevens,
- James Noble,
- Richard Jaques,
- Daniel Fogg,
- Joseph Richardson.
A Cannon splitting, slew, brave * Captain
Hale,
Worthy Esteem, whose Death all do bewail.
Brigadier
Dwight, here stands in Honour high,
Col'nel o're Train of the Artillery.
Expert in use of Arms, and martial Skill,
Directs, each hostile Posture, to fulfill.
[Page 26] Col'nel also, Commission'd is, and stands,
Ready to Act, in Regimental Bands
He, with's Lieutenant
Thomas, grace the Plain,
In hostile Fields, the
Gallics do disdain:
With Courage Bold, undaunte I
[...] Pursue,
The Conquest great, which then was had in View.
With them, their Major
Gardner acts his part,
From warlike-mind, & Country's good at heart.
Colonel Moulton's Regiment.
MOulton, next Colonel, in order stands,
Honors his Station, giving forth Commands
Unto the Troops, under's immediate Care:
With
Donnell his Lieutenant, in their Sphere,
And Major
Ellis, these in concord Move,
With all in Reer, and also those above.
Captains in this Regiment.
- John Card,
- John Lane,
- Christopher Marshal,
- James Grant,
- Charles King,
- Peter Prescott,
- A. Ruhamah Cutter,
- Samuel Rhodes,
- Bartholomew Trow,
- Estes Hatch.
Colonel Willard's Regiment.
WIllard, with his Lièutenant
Chandler now,
In Regimental Order plainly show,
[Page 27] Their wi
[...]ing Minds, and r
[...]diness for War,
With Major
Pe
[...]oy, join'd in this Affair.
Captains in this Regiment.
- * Joshua Pi [...]rce,
- John T [...]rry,
- John Alexander,
- John Warner,
- David Melvin,
- Jabez Homestead,
- John Huston,
- Joseph Milter,
- James Goulding,
- James Stephens.
Brave * Captain
Pierce meets with his fatal Lot,
Torn is, to pieces, by a Cannon Shot.
From Courage bold, this Fate did him befal,
At advanc'd Batt'ry, from the City Wall.
Colonel Hale's Regiment.
NExt, Col'nel
Hale proceeds, in's brave Advance,
In martial Order 'gainst the Sons of
France,
With
Eveleigh, his Lieutenant march along,
And major
Titcomb, resolutely strong,
To gain full Conquest, and enhance the Fame,
Of
English Arms, and get themselves a Name.
Captains in this Regiment.
- Benjamin Ives,
- Daniel Eveleigh,
- Titcomb,
- John Dodge,
- Jonathan Bagley,
- Jeremiah Foster,
- Samuel Davis,
- Thomas Stanford,
- Charles Byles.
[Page 28]
Colonel Richmond's Regiment.
RIchmond, with other Colonels we find,
Active in War, of Hostile make & mind,
Push't on with Courage, bold, as him became,
'Mongst Thirty of our Chiefs, has got a Name.
Pitts his Lieutenant, acts the Martial part,
Victorious stands, but by Deaths fatal dart,
* He fell constrain'd in that grand point to yield,
With all brave
victors when they've won the field
In gloomy shades, he lies, conceal'd from sight,
Who 'scap'd the fury of our Foes in Fight.
And Major
Hodges, much Lamented o're,
Not suffer'd to arrive at Native Shore.
Cast into Seas, amidst the briny Waves,
Where multitudes do meet, with their untimely graves.
Captains in this Regiment.
- Nathanael Bosworth,
- Thomas Gilbert,
- Jos [...]h Pratt,
- Robert S [...]n,
- Ebenezer E [...]stman,
- Cornelius Sole,
- John Lawrence,
- Nathanael Williams,
- Ebenezer Nichols,
- Weston.
Tho' * Captain
Bosworth did to's Country come,
Expir'd, by Sickness in his Travels home.
And * Captain
Prat, or'e whom his Friends do mourn,
Expires at home, soon after his Return.
Colonel Gorham's Regiment.
WHilst we in honour, these Commanders have,
Lets turn our tho'ts to Col'nel
Gorham's grave
[Page 29] Who with his Ancestors, distinguish'd are,
As men of Courage, mighty in the War.
He lies Interr'd, in that new conquer'd Soil,
The fruit of others, and his warlike Toil.
Lieutenant Col'nel
Gorham, nigh of Kin,
To his deceased Head, did honour win:
Unite in Nature, Name, and Trust they stood,
Unitedly, have done, their Country good.
May Major
Thacher live, in rising Fame,
Worthy of Ancestors, that bear the Name,
And Copy after vertuous Relations,
Who so well fill'd their Civil, Sacred, Military Stations.
Captains in this Regiment.
- * Jonathan Cary,
- Elisha Doane,
- Silvanus Cobb,
- Israel Bagley,
- * Edward Demmick,
- Gershom Bradford,
- Samuel Lombard.
Now Captain *
Cary's seis'd with Sickness sore,
Resign'd to Death, when touch'd his native Shore
And* Captain
Demmick slain by Heathens hand,
As was his Father, under like Command.
Colonel More's Regiment.
MOre with his Force now comes from
N. Hamp-shire,
Fills up his place in Regimentall Reer,
Gives marks of Courage, Probity and Skill,
His post of Honour, bravely does fulfil.
With his Lieutenant Colonel,
Mosserve,
And Major
Gilman, these, with all above,
[Page 30] As Patriots brave, in this
New-Englands Land,
The Conquest, that's obtain'd, takes, rise from their Command.
Captains in Colonel
More's Regiment.
- Samuel Whitten,
- William Waldren,
- True Dudley,
- Tuftan Mason,
- William Seaward,
- Daniel Ladd,
- Henry Sherburne,
- John Turnel,
- Samuel Hale,
- Jacob Tilton,
- Edward Williams.
— These all to Serve, —
Their KING, and Country, did their Lives Expose
In high Attempts have vanquished our Foes,
Whose Names & Acts times
Annals shall proclaim
Enrol'd, with Honour, in his Book of Fame.
Fame, puffs up Mind, as Bubbles blown by Air,
That soon do rise, and soon they disappear.
The heighth of Fame, consists in holy Strife,
To find a Name in the Lambs Book of Life.
Words here are wanting, to express how brave
Our gallant Adm'ral WARREN, did behave,
With counsels Sage, in Politicks of War,
Conjunctly moves, with Leaders on the Shore,
Covers the Force on Land, & guards the Coast,
In whose great Acts, both KING & Country boast.
Still, Wonder-working Providence appears,
In the brave Conduct of the Engineers,
Who with consummate Skill, & rules of Art,
With active Minds, fidelity of Heart,
(I'd almost said) had done their double part.
[Page 31] The roaring Cannon, execute their will.
Mortars discharg'd, their wishes do fulfill.
These blazing Bomb
[...], do give the final Blow,
Which scatter Death, and terrifie the Foe.
The Engineers, as Instruments, its own'd,
Directed were, by whom the Action's Crown'd.
Fame, sounds their worth & hovers ore the head
Of each Surviver, and of
him that's dead.
—But, ah! alas,—
How vain and empty, is the sound of Fame,
To which, old
H
[...]roes make the strongest claim?
Garlands in Triumph their Ambition sought,
At these they aimed, & for these they fought.
But better things, to us, appear in View,
Which Reason, Conscience, & the Gospel shew.
What's all the Glory, Pageantrie, and State,
Which Heathens attribute, to Chance & Fate,
Compared with, the Christians Renown,
Consisting in, a never-fading Crown?
Seraphick Light, shall fill their Souls with Joy,
Hosonnas, Hallelujahs, their Employ.
A short Remark, on Raising the advanced Battery in the Siege of Louisburg. [Omitted in the former part.]
AMong the mighty stratagems of War,
Here's one, we find, perhaps transcends compare.
Unite, in Mind, and Measure, Heart and Hand,
Resolved, all agree to make a Stand,
At Western Gate, the Walls to batter down,
Thereby, to Conquer, and Possess the Town.
[Page 32] Some, to Direct, and issue out Command,
Others to Guard, holding their Swords in hand.
Some tug at Cannon, drawing with their might,
As pleasing Service, which gave them delight.
Some with the Pick-ax, penetrate the Soil,
Others with Spades and Shovels sweat & toil.
Some Fascines place, others each Instrument,
Improve, assign'd them, for this grand Intent,
With spell & spell, speedy dispatch pursue,
The S
[...]eme t' effect which then was had in view.
A Line is drawn, some sixty Pace in length,
In form of Siege, proportioned in breadth:
A Mount cast up, with Cannons fix'd in Form,
(Determin'd all the Cittadel to Storm.)
Such near approach unto the City Walls,
As fell within the reach of Musket Balls.
To pass and repass, covered from harm.
A Trench is drawn, of oblique Make and Form,
Five Rods in Length, its Breadth proportion bears,
Gives Entrance safe, and dissipates their fears.
Here Loyalty, and Politicks appear,
Exerted Force, and Courage for the War.
What adds a Lustre, to this Work so great,
Is in one Night, '
[...]was rendred near compleat
The
Gallic
[...] are secure, nor ever dreamt,
Of such a Bold, Courag
[...]ous Attempt,
Till darksom Shades disperse, & Morning Light
Present, these mighty Labours to their Sight.
Beholding which, surpriz'd amazed cry,
Who may, or dare, with English
Men to Vie?
[Page 33]
Whose Counsels, Aids, and Politicks, do prove
Agents, if not from H—ll, are from Above.
Death
[...] our doom, unless a speedy Tender,
Be made, to British
Sons, of tame Surrender.
Let's this ascribe, (as a removed Rod)
With Praises, to, our Prayer Hearing GOD.
The CONCLUSION.
YOU brave Commanders in this Action Great,
Merit, 'mongst Martial Sons, the highest Seat:
Gave Instances, of Loyal Minds and Skill,
Respective Posts, exactly to fulfil.
And Soldiers all, who for your Count
[...]ies Good,
Laid down, your Lives, your Limbs, and cra
[...]st
[...]lood,
Give Thanks to GOD, devote your selves to CHRIST,
Your Captain Gen'ral, who did, you assist;
Gave Conduct, Prosperd your Victorious Arms,
Rescu'd from Death, and from imperd
[...]ng Ha
[...]a
[...]s.
Fear, and Adore Him, who for you has Fought,
Devoutly Serve Him, in Life, Lip, and Thought.
Remember, as you live, it's owing to f
[...]e Grace:
Beware of Sin, which does the Soul d
[...]ale.
Remember, whilst you Live, your L
[...] is given,
To live a Life of Faith, prepare for Heaven.
Never forget, GOD's Wonders, wro
[...]
[...]
In spa
[...]ing Life, but mary
[...]
Some, fell by force of A
[...]m
[...], by
[...] is more,
Some, on the Sea
[...], some
[...]wor
[...] to Nati
[...] S
[...]e.
Some, sprig
[...]tly So
[...] Co
[...] and
[...]a
[...],
Found at
[...]ton, a Congrest, and
[...] Grave.
Judgment with Me
[...]cy, here is
[...]
Order'd in Wisdom, by the great JEHOVE,
To keep from Pride, and Sel
[...]
[...]ng
[...]sts
Leads us, to Glory in the LORD OF HO
[...]TS.
GOD having, by His own A
[...]m
[...]ghty
[...]a
[...],
Put these strong Holds,
[...]eer
[...]
King's Command,
[Page 34] Removed,
Popish Idols, and turn'd O're
The state of Things, from what they were before,
What pious Zeal, and Ardours shou'd be shown.
On
Papal Ruines, to Erect CHRIST's Throne;
And Gospel Kingdom, by pure Churches there,
In Faith, and Practice, all may Persevere?
GOD's Great, His Dreadful, and Adored
Nam
[...],
None can be guiltless, that take it in Vain.
From Prophane Swearing, let each one depart,
More Wounding 'tis, than Swords sheath'd in the Heart.
By Sin indulg'd, and by Prophaneness may,
GOD be Provok'd, in Wrath to turn away,
And Dispossess us, of this Acquisition,
That cost much Wealth, and Blood, in its Reduction.
What then alas! Shall be
New-Englands Case?
If this her Glory's, swallow'd in Disgrace,
By GOD provoking Sins, or from Neglects,
Of's Worship there, in'ts Beautiful Effects?
A short, and very humble Address, to his Excellency, the Governour of the Massachusetts-Bay, and to the Honourable the Governour of Connecticut, and our much honoured Fathers at the Council-Boards, and Representatives of the People.
YOU that first Led, in this Event, so great,
GOD grant your Hearts with Zeal may be repleat
For CHRIST, his
Kingdom, Worship, Word, and
Laws,
For pure Religion, and His Churches Cause:
Our Wishes are , Pr
[...]phaneness to prevent,
That pious Preachers, to
B
[...]eton be sent,
Whose
Doctrine, Life, Example, Influence,
May all con
[...]ur, with Gospel, they Dispence:
That Soldiers there, may Learn to Fear the LORD.
Depart from Sin, and keep His Holy Word;
Then shall Renown, be added to your Fame,
With much Thanksgiving, to GOD's GLORIOUS NAME.
AMEN, AMEN.