I congratulate you on the late success of your Troops under my command, by express I propose to give you a brief account of my proceedings since I wrote to you last.
I left Manchester on the 8th Inst, and arrived here the 9th, the 13th, I was informed that a party of Indians were at Cambridge, which is twelve Miles distant from this place, on their march hither. I detached Col'l Gregg, with 200 Men under his command, to stop their march. In the evening I had information by express, that there was a large body of the Enemy on their way, with their field Pieces, in order to march thro. the country, commanded by Governor Skeene. The 14th I marched with my Brigade, and a few of this State's Militia to oppose them, and to cover Greggs retreat, who found himself unable to withstand their superior number; about four miles from this Town I accordingly met him on his return, and the Enemy close in pursuit of him, within half a Mile of his rear, but when they discover'd me, they presently halted on a very advantageous piece of ground; I drew up my little Army on an eminence, in open view of their encampment but could not bring them to an engagement; I marched back about a Mile and there encamped. I sent out a few Men to Skirmish with them, killed thirty of them and two Indian Chiefs. The 15th it rained all day; I sent out parties to harrass them. The 16th I was joined by this State's Militia, and those of Berkshire County. I divided my Army into three divisions, and sent Colo'l Nicholas [Nichols] with 250 men on the rear of their left wing, Col. Henrick [Herrick] in the rear of their Right with 300 men, order'd when joined to attack the same. In the meantime, I sent 300 men to oppose the enemies front to draw their attention that way; soon after I detached the Colonels Hubbard [Hobart] and Stickney on their Right Wing with 200 Men to attack that part; all which plans had their desired effect. Col Nichols sent me word that he stood in need of a reinforcement, which I readily granted, consisting of 100 Men at which time he commenced the attack precisely at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, which was followed by all the rest. I pushed forward the remainder with all speed. Our people behaved with the greatest spirit an bravery immaginable; had they been Alexanders or Charles's of Sweden, they could not have behaved better; the Action lasted two Hours at the expiration of which time we forced their Breast-work at the muzzles of their Guns, took two pieces of Brass Cannon, with a number of Prisoners; but before I cou'd get them into proper form, I received intelligence, that there was a large reinforcement within two Miles of us on their march, which occasioned us to renew our attack; but luckily for us Col. Warners Regiment came up which put a stop to their Career. We soon rallied and in a few minutes the Action began very warm and desperate, which lasted 'till night; we used their own Cannon against them, which proved of great Service to us. At Sunset we obliged them to retreat a second time, we then pursued 'till dark, when I was obliged to halt for fear of killing my own Men; we took two Pieces more of their Cannon, together with all their Baggage, a number of Horses, Carriages, &c, killed upwards of 200 of the Enemy on the Field of Battle; the number of the wounded is not yet known, as they are scatter'd about in many places. I have 1 Lieut. Col'l since dead, 1 Major, 7 Captains, 14 Lieut's, 4 Ensigns or Cornets, 1 Judge Advocate, 1 Baron, 2 Canadian Officers 6 Sergeants 1 Aid de Camp, 1 Hessian Chaplain 3 Hessian Surgeons and 700 Prisoners. I enclose you a copy of Gen'l Burgoyne's instructions to Col. Baume, who commanded the detachment that engaged us; our wounded are 42, 10 Privates and four Officers belonging to my Brigade are dead; The dead and wounded of the other Corps I do not know, as they have not brought in their return as yet, I am Gentlemen with the greatest regard and respect, | | Your most obedient humble Serv't | | | | JOHN STARK
Brigadier Gen'l.
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