Crown Point, NY |
When we did finally fall in again, the clouds looked ready
to unleash a fresh wave of rain. Our companies lined up and we marched down a
road into the woods, looping around through the parking lot to come in from the
back of the battlefield, far from the public’s vision. As we walked it started
to drizzle, soaking us and our muskets.|
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When we reached the battlefield, we faced an empty and decrepit redoubt. We had expected to be required to take it, but apparently the Continental forces had fallen back prematurely or had not advanced as far as they should have. The redoubt was a hillock, concave in the center. The cannon crews had a rough time finding reasonable, flat ground for hauling the cannons. Clearing the hills and advancing onto open ground, we finally faced the enemy. Hundreds of men and several cannon were spread out across the field, and we charged in. Several times the Rangers attempted to flank through the woods, but they proved too thick and wet at the time to go through safely.
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The Continentals fought aggressively, rolling their cannon up to mere dozens of feet from our line and firing. Surprisingly, almost everyone’s musket fired wonderfully in the light rain. However, the moisture from the rain combined with the already high humidity and the smoke from our weapons to create a thick fog hanging over the battlefield, limiting our vision greatly. It was interesting to watch the smoke from the end of the barrel cling to the heavy wet air and just roll around in the grass. It became increasingly difficult to see anything. Despite that, we pushed the American forces back until we reached a side section of their camp and were able to move through it to flank the main force. We chased off light resistance from within the camp and quickly claimed victory.
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After the battle, the whole camp relaxed again and concentrated on drying out from the sporadic rainfall. Privates Chauncey and Travis and I went on a very successful foraging mission. We had an excellent dinner in camp and I was introduced for the first time, I believe, to Diane, our beloved sergeant’s beloved fiancee.
Once the sun set, the usual medley of parties began. I again ventured out with several of the younger privates and Indians to explore the area (essential scouting duties, of course) and it was a far cry from the quiet of Friday night. A tavern was set up in one of the old barracks buildings of the fort, but it was so crowded and noisy that we didn’t stay long. Afterwards, we visited various camps until we collapsed into bed.
The next morning I somehow managed to get up when the morning gun was shot. Pvt. Travis stayed where he lay until well into the morning. I snuck over to the modern campsite across the road for a quick and crude shower before having a quick breakfast. Most of the morning I spent with my fellow rangers, discussing yesterday’s battle, the battle ahead, and plans for immediately afterward.
Unlike Saturday, Sunday was dry and hot. Putting on my regimental for inspection and then the battle was difficult at best. When we formed up, a few rangers were missing, not surprisingly lost to the demanding nature of the previous night. We marched the same way as the day before, although everything looked different. No longer muted and drenched with rain, the forest seemed vibrant and alive.
As we neared the battlefield, an order came for all units to halt. While we waited, crouched on one knee, safety officials ran back and forth by us. Before long I learned by word of mouth that one of the Americans had cut himself with his own knife while waiting to ambush us. When we finally moved out again, we passed the wounded man lying in a truck in the parking lot.
Eventually we left the forest to face the same crude redoubt we had passed so easily the day before. This time the Americans were set up on top of the earthworks, cannon and all. Despite their defensive advantage, our forces quickly outflanked and defeated them.
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But then a rematch was declared! The companies we’d
enveloped on top of the hill were allowed to leave and form up on the site of
yesterday’s battle, and we had to give chase once again. This time our company
was in the middle of the line, rushing head-on into the enemy. We fought back
and forth across the field, eventually claiming yet another victory (of course).
For the very first time, I had totally emptied my canteen in a battle. The air felt dense from the heat, and we hastily marched off the field to rest in the shade of our tents. However, after only a quick rest it was time to strike camp and put everything away.
As always, the camp transformed completely in a surprisingly short time. People changed clothes, and cars took the field back from the tents. Our company worked slower than most, apparently feeling no need to rush. By the time we packed up and prepared to leave, the field was almost empty. It was all somewhat sad, and I couldn’t wait to come back and see it again when it returned to its weekend-long glory.
Yr. Friend and Servant, &c.
Pvt. Ian Fiedler
Pritchard’s Company
King's Rangers
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