The battles of the world

by J. Douglas Borthwick

BUDA.—Once called the Key of Christendom. It was taken by Soleyman II at the memorable battle of Mohatz, when the Hungarian King Louis was killed, and 200,000 of his subjects carried away as slaves, 1526. Buda was sacked a second time, and Hungary annexed to the Ottoman Umpire, 1540. Retaken by the Imperialists, and the Mohammedans delivered up to the fury of the soldiers, 1626.

BUENOS AYRES, BRITISH DESCENTS UPON.—A British fleet and army, under Sir Home Popham and General Beresford, took the city, with slight resistance, in 1806, but it was retaken August 12th, after six weeks’ possession. Monte-Video was taken by storm by Sir Samuel Auchmuty, February 3rd, 1807, but evacuated July 7th following. The British suffered a dreadful repulse here in an expedition of 8000 men, under general Whitelock (who was disgraced) July 6th, 1807. On entering the town they were attacked by a superior force with musketry and grape from every quarter, and perished in great numbers, but at last they were allowed to re-embark in their vessels.

BULL RUN.—This battle was fought between the Northern States of America and the Confederate States of the South, July 21st, 1861. The Union army was signally defeated, and fell back on Washington in confusion. Their loss amounted to 481 killed, 1011 wounded, and 700 prisoners. The rebel or Southern loss was 269 killed and 1483 wounded.

BUNKER’S HILL, BATTLE OF.—Fought between the English and her revolted colonists, June 16th, 1775. On the evening of that day, 1000 men, under the command of Colonel Prescott, of Massachusetts, Colonel Stark, from New-Hampshire, and Captain Knowlton, from Connecticut, were despatched on this service. They were conducted, by mistake, to Breed’s Hill, which was nearer to the water and to Boston, than Bunker’s. At twelve o’clock they began to throw up entrenchments, and by dawn of day had completed a redoubt eight rods square. As soon as they were discovered, they were fired upon from a ship of war and several floating batteries lying near, and from a fortification in Boston opposite the redoubt. The Americans, nevertheless, encouraged by General Putnam, who often visited them on the hill, continued to labor until they had finished a slight breastwork extending from the redoubt eastward to the water. And in the morning they received a reinforcement of 500 men.

The temerity of the provincials astonished and incensed General Gage, and he determined to drive them immediately from their position. About noon, a body of 3000 regulars, commanded by General Howe, left Boston in boats, and landed in Charlestown, at the extreme point of the peninsula. Generals Clinton and Burgoyne took their station on an eminence in Boston, commanding a distinct view of the hill. The spires of the churches, the roofs of the houses, and all the heights in the neighborhood, were covered with people, waiting, in dreadful anxiety, to witness the approaching battle.

The regulars forming at the place of landing, marched slowly up the hill, halting frequently to allow time to the artillery to demolish the works. While advancing, the village of Charlestown, containing about 400 houses, was set on fire by order of General Gage. The flames ascended to a lofty height, presenting a sublime and magnificent spectacle. The Americans reserved their fire until the British were within 10 rods of the redoubt; then taking a steady aim, they began a furious discharge. Entire ranks of the assailants fell. The enemy halted and returned the fire; but that from the redoubt continuing incessant and doing great execution, they retreated in haste and disorder down the hill, some even taking refuge in their boats.

The officers were seen running hither and thither, collecting, arranging and addressing their men, who were at length induced again to ascend the hill. The Americans now reserved their fire until the enemy had approached even nearer than before, when a tremendous volley was at once poured upon them. Terrified by the carnage around them, they again retreated with precipitation, and such was the panic, that General Howe was left almost alone on the hillside, his troops having deserted him, and nearly every officer around him being killed.

At this moment, General Clinton, who had observed from Boston the progress of the battle, feeling that British honor was at stake, hastened with a reinforcement to the assistance of his countrymen. By his exertions, the troops were a third time rallied, and were compelled by the officers, who marched behind them with drawn swords, to advance again towards the Americans. The fire from the ships and batteries was redoubled, and a few pieces of cannon had been so placed as to rake the interior of the breastwork from end to end.

The provincials, having expended their ammunition, awaited in silence the approach of the regulars. The latter entered the redoubt. The former, having no bayonets, defended themselves, for a short time, with the butt-end of their muskets. From this unequal contest they were soon compelled to retire. As they retreated over Charleston Neck, the fire from the floating batteries was incessant; but a few only were killed. The enemy had sustained too much injury to think of pursuit.