Chapter IV: Preface (4)

The besieging army had, in its different attacks, about 800 guns mounted, which fired more than 1,600,000 rounds, and the approaches, dug during 336 days, of open trenches through a rocky ground, to an extent of fifty-four English miles, were made under the constant fire of the place, and with incessant combats by day and night. During the siege we employed no less than 80,000 gabions, 60,000 fascines, and nearly 1,000,000 earth bags.

To the French unquestionably is due the honor of its capture; but who can forget the courage which the English exhibited, the fortitude they displayed, or the sufferings they endured? The first victories of that eventful year are claimed by British valour, and if, at the last, they failed, let us remember there are some tasks no ability can execute, some difficulties no skill can surmount, and some opposition no valour can subdue.”

BORODINO, OR MOSKWA, BATTLE OF.--This battle is one of the most sanguinary in the annals of the world. It was fought September 7th, 1812, between the French and Russians, commanded on the one side by Napoleon and on the other by Kutusoff, 240,000 men being engaged in the battle. Each party claimed the victory, because the loss of the others was so immense, but it was rather in favour of Napoleon, for the Russians subsequently retreated, leaving Moscow to its fate. Among the principal persons of the Russians who fell on this sanguinary field, may be mentioned Prince Bagration and General Touczkoff. Many Russian generals were wounded. Their loss amounted to the awful sum total of 15,000 men killed and more than 30,000 wounded. The French were supposed to have at least 10,000 men killed and 20,000 wounded; of these last few recovered. There were 8 French generals slain, the most distinguished of whom were Montbrun and Caulaimcourt, whose brother was the grand equerry to Napoleon Bonaparte.

BOROUGH BRIDGE, BATTLE OF.--Fought between the Earls of Hertford and Lancaster and Edward II. The king, at the head of 30,000 men, pressed Lancaster so closely that he was taken, and executed, 1322.

BOSCOBEL.--Here Charles II concealed himself in an oak tree after the fatal battle of Worcester, September 3rd, 1651. The whole army of the Prince was either killed or taken prisoners by Cromwell, and Charles ultimately escaped with great difficulty.

BOSTON.--Here the first resistance was made to the British authority by the American Colonies, in 1773. Besieged by the British next year, and two houses destroyed. In June 1775, the scene of a battle between the royal and the independent troops. Finally evacuated by the King’s troops, April, 1776.--_See_ BUNKER’S HILL.

BOSWORTH, BATTLE OF.--This battle was the thirteenth and last, between the houses of York and Lancaster.--Fought August 22nd, 1485. The crown of Richard III was found in a hawthorn bush, on the plain where the battle was fought, and so eager was Henry of Richmond to be crowned, that he had the ceremony performed on the very spot, with that very crown. “Richard advanced to meet his rival as far us the town of Bosworth. Henry, who had been joined by some of the Stanleys, and whose army now counted six thousand men, had reached the neighbouring town of Atherton. Next morning, the 22nd of August, 1485, both armies were set in battle-array on the moor called Redmore. Richard was dismayed when he saw the Stanleys opposed to him; but he soon displayed his wonted courage. Observing part of his troops inactive and others wavering, he resolved to make one desperate effort and conquer or fall, and crying out “Treason, treason!” and giving his horse the spurs, he rushed to where he saw Richmond. He killed his standard-bearer and made a furious stroke at Henry himself, which was warded off by Sir William Stanley, and Richard was thrown from his horse and slain. Lord Stanley taking up the crown which he wore, placed it on the head of Richmond, and shouts of “Long live King Henry!” were instantly raised all over the field. The loss on Richard’s side in this decisive battle was three hundred, that on Henry’s only one hundred men. The body of Richard was stripped, and being thrown across a horse, was conveyed to Leicester and there interred, and many years after his coffin could be seen used as a horse-trough.” “_Sic transit gloria mundi._”

BOULOGNE.--_France._--Taken by the British in 1542, restored 1550--attacked by Lord Nelson, who disabled ten vessels and sunk five, August 3rd, 1801. In another attempt he was repulsed with great loss, August 18th, following. The flotilla of Boulogne consisted of 160,000 men and 10,000 horses, with 1300 vessels and 17,000 sailors. Napoleon attempted by it to invade England, but could not succeed, and at last gave up the idea.

BOXTEL, BATTLE OF.--Fought September 17th, 1794, between the British and allied army, commanded by the Duke of York, and the army of the French Republic. The latter attacked the allies and obtained the victory after an obstinate engagement, taking 2000 prisoners and 8 pieces of cannon, and the Duke retreated across the Meuse.

BOYNE, BATTLE OF THE.--Fought July 1st, 1689, between the Prince of Orange, afterwards William III of England, and James II of England. James was defeated. “Early next morning, the 1st of July, 1689, the English prepared to pass the river in three divisions. The right forced the passage at the ford of Slane; the centre led by the old warrior Duke Schomberg, passed opposite the Irish camp; it was vigorously opposed, but it finally forced the Irish to fall back to the village of Donóre, where James stood viewing the battle. William, meantime, had passed at the head of the third division, composed of cavalry, and driven off the enemy’s horse. The French General Lausun immediately urged James to set out with all speed for Dublin, lest he should be surrounded. He forthwith quitted the field; the Irish army poured through the pass of Duleék and formed at the other side, and then retreated in good order. Its loss had been 1500 men, that of the victors was about 500, among whom were Duke Schomberg, and Walker, the brave Governor of Derry.”

BRECHIN.--_Scotland._--Edward III besieged it in 1333. A battle was fought here between the forces of the Earls of Huntly and Crawford. The latter defeated in 1452.

BREDA.--Taken by Prince Maurice in 1590. By the Spaniards in 1625. By the Dutch in 1637. By the French 1793, and again by the Dutch in the same year.

BREST.--Besieged by Julius Cæsar B.C. 54. Possessed by the English, A.D. 1378. Given up 1391. Lord Berkely and a British force repulsed here, with terrible loss, in 1694. Here was the French fleet rendezvous, which was afterwards defeated by Lord Howe, 1st June, 1794.

BRETIGNY, PEACE OF.--Between France and England, ending in the release of King John, who was then a prisoner in London, May 8th, 1360.

BRIAR’S CREEK, BATTLE OF.--One of the battles between the revolted Americans and the British, in 1779. The former, under General Ashe, 2000 strong, were totally defeated by the English, under General Prevost, March 16th, 1779. Again, 3rd May following, another defeat happened to the Americans.

BRANDYWINE, BATTLE OF.--Fought between the British royalist forces and the revolted Americans, in which the latter (after a fight, sometimes of doubtful result, and which continued the entire day) were defeated with great loss, and Philadelphia fell into the possession of the victors, September 11th, 1777.

BRESLAU, BATTLE OF.--Between the Austrians and Prussians, the latter under Prince Bevern, who was defeated, but the engagement was most bloody on both sides; fought November 22nd, 1757. Breslau was taken, but was regained the same year. This city was besieged by the French and surrendered to them January 5th, 1807, and again in 1813.

BRIENNE, BATTLE OF.--Fought February 1st and 2nd, 1814, between the allied armies of Russia and Prussia and the French. The allies were defeated with great loss; this was one of the last battles in which the French achieved victory previous to the fall of Napoleon.

BRIDGE OF BOATS OF XERXES.--This bridge was connected from shore to shore in the following manner: They connected vessels of different kinds, some long vessels of fifty oars, others three banked galleys, to the number of 360 on the side of the Euxine sea, and thirteen on that of the Hellespont. When these vessels were firmly fixed together they were secured by anchors of great length on the upper side, because of the winds which set in from the Euxine; on the lower toward the Ægean sea, on account of the south and south-east winds. They left openings in three places, sufficient to afford a passage for light vessels which might have occasion to sail into the Euxine or from it--having performed this they extended cables from the shore stretching them on large capstans of wood. Then they sawed out rafters of wood making their length equal to that space required for the bridge--these they laid in order across the extended cables and then bound all fast together. Then they placed unwrought wood regularly upon the rafters; over all they threw earth, and fenced both sides in, that the horses and other animals might not be frightened by looking down into the sea.

BRIGADE.--A party or division of troops or soldiers, whether cavalry or infantry--regular, volunteer or militia, commanded by a brigadier. A brigade of artillery consists of six pieces, with usually about 140 men; a brigade of sappers consists of eight men.

BRIGADIER.--A general officer who commands a brigade, whether of horse or foot, and ranks next to a major-general--commonly called a brigadier-general.

BRUSSELS.--Bombarded by Marshal Villeroy, in 1695--taken by the French 1746. Again by Dumouriez, in 1792; near it is the celebrated field of Waterloo.

BUCHAREST, TREATY OF.--A treaty of peace between Russia and Turkey, signed May 28th, 1812.

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.

In this desperate and bloody conflict, the royal forces consisted, as has been stated, of 3000 men, and the provincials of 1500. Of the former, 1054 were killed and wounded; of the latter 453. This disparity of loss, the steadiness and bravery displayed by their recent undisciplined levies, occasioned among the Americans the highest exultation, and, in their view, more than counterbalanced the loss of position.

BURGOS, SIEGE OF.--Lord Wellington entered Burgos after the battle of Salamanca (fought July 22nd, 1812), on September 19th. The castle was besieged by the British and Allies, and several attempts were made to carry it by assault, but the siege was abandoned, October 21st, the same year; the castle and fortifications were blown up by the French, June 12th, 1813.

BURMESE WAR.--The first dispute with the Burmese took place in 1795, but it was amicably settled by General Erskine. Hostilities were commenced in 1824, when the British took Rangoon. After some time peace was declared, February 24th, 1826, when the British received Arracan as a compensation. A naval force arrived before Rangoon, October 29th, 1851, and after the non compliance of certain British demands by the viceroy, war was declared. On the 5th April, 1852, Martaban was stormed by the British Indian army, and on the 14th of the same month Rangoon itself fell into their hands. Then followed the storming of Bassein, May 19th, 1852, and the capture of Pegu, June 4th, 1852. On the 28th December following, Pegu was annexed to the Indian Government by a proclamation of the Governor-General.

BURLINGTON HEIGHTS, BATTLE OF.--Between the British and the United States’ forces--an obstinate and memorable engagement, contested with great valour on both sides. The Americans were routed, and the British carried the heights, June 6th, 1813.

BUSACO OR BUZACO, BATTLE OF.--This sanguinary engagement was fought, September 27th, 1810, between the British, under Lord Wellington, and the French army, commanded by Massena. The latter was repulsed with great slaughter, losing one general, and 1000 men killed, two generals and about 3000 men wounded, and several hundred prisoners; the loss of the British and their allies did not exceed 1300 in the whole. The British subsequently retreated to the lines of Torres Vedras, which were too strong for Massena to attempt to force, and the two armies remained in sight of each other to the end of the year.