Note to Lundy’s Lane.—The two Sergeants.—For several days after the action, the country people found the bodies of soldiers who had straggled off into the woods, and died of their wounds.—At some distance from the field of battle, and entirely alone, were found the bodies of two sergeants, American and English, transfixed by each other’s bayonets, lying across each other, where they had fallen in deadly duel. It is rare that individual combat takes place under such circumstances in the absence of spectators to cheer on the combatants by their approval, and this incident conveys some idea of the desperation which characterised the general contest on that night. Yet in this lonely and brief tragedy, these two men were enacting parts, which to them were as momentous as the furious conflict of the masses in the distance.
Note to Lundy’s Lane.—Death of Captain Hull.—Captain Hull, a son of General Hull, whose unfortunate surrender at Detroit created so much odium, fell in this battle. He led his men into the midst of the heaviest fire of the enemy, and after they were almost if not all destroyed, plunged sword in hand into the centre of the British column, fighting with the utmost desperation until he was literally impaled upon their bayonets.
In the pocket of this gallant and generous young officer, was found a letter, avowing his determination to signalize the name or to fall in the attempt.
Note to Lundy’s Lane.—Scott’s Brigade.—Part of Gen. Scott’s command were dressed in grey—(probably the fatigue dress)—at the battle of Chippewa. An English company officer relates, that—“Advancing at the head of my men, I saw a body of Americans drawn up, dressed in grey uniform. Supposing them to be militia, I directed my men to fire, and immediately charge bayonet.—What was my surprise, to find as the smoke of our fire lifted from the ground, that instead of flying in consternation from our destructive discharge, the supposed militia were coming down upon us at ‘double quick’—at the charge. In two minutes I stood alone, my men having given way, without waiting to meet the shock.”
Note to Lundy’s Lane.—Death of Capt. Spencer.—Capt. Spencer, aid-de-camp to Maj. Gen. Brown, a son of the Hon. Ambrose Spencer, was only eighteen years of age at the time that he closed his brief career. He was directed by Gen. Brown to carry an order to another part of the field, and to avoid a more circuitous route, he chivalrously galloped down, exposed to the heavy fire in the front of the line, eliciting the admiration of both armies, but before he reached the point of his destination, two balls passed through his body, and he rolled from his saddle.
The following letter to Gen. Armstrong, Secretary of War, will show in what estimation he was held by Gen. Brown:—
Copy of a letter from Major Gen. Brown, to Gen. Armstrong, Secretary of War.