This column took the English in
flank, and, bayoneting their artillerists, gained possession of the
cannon. They were immediately joined by their comrades, and the enemy
was swept from the hill. But large reenforcements were joining the
English general momentarily, and their troops were too brave to rest
easy under the defeat. Repeated and bloody charges were made to recover
the guns, but in all they were repulsed with slaughter. During the last
of these struggles, the ardor of the youthful captain whom we have
mentioned urged him to lead his men some distance in advance, to scatter
a daring party of the enemy. He succeeded, but in returning to the line
missed his lieutenant from the station that he ought to have occupied.
Soon after this repulse, which was the last, orders were given to the
shattered troops to return to the camp. The British were nowhere to be
seen, and preparations were made to take in such of the wounded as could
be moved. At this moment Wharton Dunwoodie, impelled by affection for
his friend, seized a lighted fusee, and taking two of his men went
himself in quest of his body, where he was supposed to have fallen.
Mason was found on the side of the hill, seated with great composure,
but unable to walk from a fractured leg. Dunwoodie saw and flew to the
side of his comrade, saying,--
"Ah! dear Tom, I knew I should find you the nearest man to the enemy.
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