Venator
Posts: 96
Joined: 1/22/2007 Status: offline
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Report on the General Engagement at Hartford 9th August 1775. Forces under my command 8450 officers and men, 72 guns. As our forces advanced on the enemy lines shortly before noon, light rain began which obscured vision to a degree. Formed behind massed artillery our forces were disposed thus: Left wing: Fraser's Brigade (3 bns light infantry) Left centre: Phillip's Brigade (4 bns line) Right Centre: Grey's Brigade (2 bns grenadiers, 2 bns line) Right Wing: O'Hara's Brigade (4 bns line) Reserve: 4 bns line. Three hours of bombardment, which was unopposed, the enemy having no guns as yet deployed upon the field caused several enemy regiments to withdraw in disorder. Brigadier O'Hara led his men, supported by 24 guns against the extreme left of the enemy line. Brigadier Fraser's light infantry began a similar move against the enemy right wing. General Lincoln responded by sending reserve forces to strengthen both wings. Riflemen were amongst the enemy facing our light infantry and they made a target of our officers who suffered disproportionate loss. I have written to General Lincoln protesting this deliberate targeting of officers but as yet have had no reply. Brig O'Hara found himself outnumbered and in danger of being outflanked himself. He therefore halted his advance and formed a defensive line. Seeing him under pressure, I immediately ordered Gens Grey and Phillips to take their brigades against the enemy centre. There followed a period of heavy firing at close range, of which the rebels had decidedly the worst. Brig O'Hara was conspicuous by his gallantry, often well ahead of his men and under constant fire from enemy sharpshooters. This period of the battle lasted well over an hour by which time Brig Fraser, supported by two bns of Phillip's brigade broke the enemy right wing. Shortly thereafter a bayonet charge by the 15th Battalion led to a collapse of the enemy centre. This caused the enemy to begin a general withdrawal, pressed hard by our advancing battalions. Unfortunately at this juncture, a fresh rebel force estimated at eight thousand men appeared on the field, deploying in force against our centre and left. By 7pm we were fully engaged against this new force, which intelligence reports have since confirmed was commanded by General Gates. Desperately short of ammunition and fatigued by their previous considerable exertions, no words can express the fortitude and bravery displayed by the officers and men under my command as they fought off this fresh onslaught. Having allowed their comrades time to leave the field, Gates' men themselves withdrew having been unable to break our lines at any point. Our casualties number 649 of all ranks. Enemy casualties are estimated in the region of 1700. Lincoln's army numbered some 12 000 and that of General Gates some 8000. Our severe want of cavalry leads to grave difficulties in assessing enemy strengths - or even their whereabouts. Reports suggest Lincoln and Gates to be moving toward Springfield. At present my army is in no condition to pursue, having fought to a standstill and repulsed a force considerably over twice its own number. Your obedient servant, Alexander Leslie, General Commanding His Majesty's Forces in New England.
< Message edited by Venator -- 8/31/2007 5:25:02 PM >
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