The Americans were now pushing forward their cannon, six
three-pounders and two howitzers, the howitzers, firing
five-and-a-half-inch shells, new and terrifying missiles to the
Indians. The guns were wheeled into position, and the first
howitzer was fired. It sent its great shell in a curving line at
and over the embankment, where it burst with a crash, followed by
a shout of mingled pain and awe. Then the second howitzer, aimed
well like the first, sent a shell almost to the same point, and a
like cry came back.
Shif'less Sol, watching the shots, jumped up and down in
delight.
"That's the medicine!" he cried. "I wonder how you like that,
you Butlers an' Johnsons an' Wyatts an' Mohawks an' all the rest
o' your scalp-taking crew! Ah, thar goes another! This ain't
any Wyomin'!"
The three-pounders also opened fire, and sent their balls
squarely into the rifle pits and the Indian camp. The Iroquois
replied with a shower of rifle bullets and a defiant war whoop,
but the bullets fell short, and the whoop hurt no one.
The artillery, eight pieces, was served with rapidity and
precision, while the riflemen, except on their flanks, where they
were more closely engaged, were ordered to hold their fire.
Pages:
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443