The possession of these lakes was divided between the two rivals, the French being masters of Lake Champlain, and the English of Lake George, and their crystal waters were again and again reddened with the life blood of the antagonists4 and their Indian allies as they fought fiercely for the prize of sole possession that the way between Canada and the colonies might be completely closed to whichever power was vanquished5.
In the spring of the year 1755 the New England colonies combined to undertake the capture of Crown Point, the French stronghold on Lake Champlain, which for the past quarter of a century had been a veritable hornet's nest. To Governor Shirley of Massachusetts was due the credit of inspiring the undertaking6, and his province was foremost in voting men and money toward its accomplishment7, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and finally New York followed suit, and the result was a little army of several thousand men, whose appearance would have filled a European commander with scorn.
For they were none of them soldiers, but simply farmers and farmers' sons who had gallantly8 volunteered for the campaign, leaving their scattered9 dingy10 homes in the midst of rough fields of corn and pumpkins11 to shoulder the guns they all knew so well how to use, and when the fighting was over, if so be that they escaped the bullet and tomahawk, to return to their ploughing and sowing as though they had merely been out on a hunting trip.
Only one corps12 boasted a uniform, blue faced with red. The others were content with their ordinary clothes, and the most of them brought their own guns. They had no bayonets, but carried hatchets13 in their belts instead, and at their sides were slung14 powder-horns on which they had carved quaint15 devices with the points of their pocket knives.
Their whole appearance was neither martial16 nor picturesque, and gave them no excuse for pride, but they were brave, brawny17 fellows, clear of head, quick of eye, swift of foot, and sure of hand, and incomparably better adapted for the irregular warfare18 of the time than the highly disciplined soldiery of either England or France. They knew the forests as the city-bred man knows the streets, and by day or night could traverse their fastnesses without fear of losing their way or falling into the hands of the enemy.
They were of all ages and sizes so to speak, from boys in their teens to gray-haired grandfathers, and from dwarfs19 to giants, but they all could give a good account of themselves in a fight either at long or close range.
The commander of this curious army was no less remarkable20 than his men, for he had never seen service, and knew nothing of war. An Irishman by birth, William Johnson had held an extensive domain21 on the banks of the Mohawk River for a score of years, and grown powerful and rich by trading with the Indians of the Five Nations who found him far more honest and reliable than his Dutch rivals in the business, and over whom he came to acquire so profound an influence that the Government made him Indian Superintendent22, an appointment that was hailed with joy throughout the Iroquois Confederacy.
He had taken to himself a Mohawk squaw for wife, and lived in almost baronial style in a fortified23 house which was a stronghold against his foes24 and a centre of lavish26 hospitality to friends and visitors whether white or red.
Governor Shirley had chosen him for the responsible post of commander because by so doing he prevented any jealousy27 among the New England colonies, gratified the important province of New York, and secured the co-operation of the Five Nations, a threefold advantage that could be secured in no other way.
The gathering28 place was at Albany, and here in the month of July were assembled several thousand provincials29 ready for the fray30. Hither also came a swarm31 of Johnson's Mohawks, warriors32, squaws, and children. They made things very lively. They adorned33 the General's face with war-paint, and he joined them in the war dance, and then with his sword cut the first slice from the ox that had been roasted whole for their entertainment.
"I shall be glad," remarked a New England surgeon surveying the somewhat riotous34 goings-on with a touch of complacent35 contempt, "if they fight as eagerly as they ate their ox, and drank their wine."
Among the spectators of these rude festivities stood a youth whose otherwise pleasing countenance36 was so clouded that one seeing it could hardly fail to wonder what troubled him thus deeply.
Although still in his teens he had reached the stature37 of a man, and his well-knit figure gave evidence of no common share of strength and activity. He was dressed in a suit of tanned buckskin that became him particularly well, and with his double-barrelled smoothbore, carved powder-horn, keen-edged tomahawk, and long-bladed hunting knife was fully38 equipped to meet the foe25.
The son of a pioneer settler upon the northern border of Massachusetts, Seth Allen had already drunk to its depths the cup of sorrow, for at one fell swoop39 the dusky allies of the French had rendered him a homeless orphan40. With his own eyes he had beheld41 his parents tomahawked and scalped, the farmhouse42 burned, and the stock slaughtered43 while he had been carried off for torture in the Indian camp.
Escaping by a happy chance he made his way back to New England, and at once volunteered for active service against the French. Henceforward he had but one purpose in life—to serve his country in the field, and in view of what he had suffered it is easy to understand with what impatience44 he awaited the advance of the English against Crown Point, and how he chafed45 at the delay which seemed to him inexcusable.
Now above all things this expedition needed to act promptly46, and yet preparations went on with exasperating47 slowness. The troops and supplies were contributed by five different legislatures, and they each wanted their own way about something. Indeed at one time there was a regular deadlock48 because they could not agree as to their respective quotas49 of artillery50 and stores.
"The expedition goes on very much as a snail51 runs," grumbled52 Surgeon Williams. "It seems we may possibly see Crown Point this time twelve months."
Seth Allen, burning with eagerness to forget in the excitement of action the horrors which haunted his memory, could not understand why there should be all this useless dawdling53, and one day ventured to address a group of men whom he knew to be among the leaders.
"Can you tell me, good sirs," he said, doffing54 his cap respectfully, "how much longer we are to be here doing nothing?"
In the little party were Colonel Titcomb and Seth Pomeroy of Massachusetts, who had both fought so well at Louisbourg, the sturdy Israel Putnam of Connecticut, and brave John Stark55 of New Hampshire, and they all turned to look at the speaker while a suspicion of a smile curved the corners of their lips.
"Your question is not easy to answer, young man." It was Colonel Titcomb who spoke56. "We would fain have some definite knowledge upon that matter ourselves. But may I inquire your name, and how you came here? You seem to have scarce sufficient years for such hard fighting as must fall to our lot if our purpose be effected."
A ruddy glow showed through the tan of the youth's cheeks, and he lowered both head and voice as he replied:
"My name is Seth Allen, and I come from Massachusetts. My father and mother were killed by the Indians who are in league with the French, and our home was burned. I am here because I have no other desire than to fight against those who have broken my heart."
There was a strange simplicity57 in the words. They came from the heart of the speaker, and they went straight to the hearts of his hearers. The veteran warriors looked at each other, and then at the youth with eyes full of intelligent sympathy, and Colonel Pomeroy, stepping forward, laid his hand gently upon the youth's shoulder, saying:
"We have heard of your sad story. No one has better reason to be here than you, and we can well understand how hard you find this waiting. But patience is a soldierly virtue58, and you must have your share of it. There will be plenty of fighting in due time."
The blush deepened upon Seth's countenance at the implied reproof59, and, murmuring his excuses for having thus interrupted their conference, he moved away.
"That boy bears a heavy heart," said Colonel Titcomb, "and I should not like to be either the first Frenchman or Indian that he meets, for he has a long account to settle with our hated foes."
Patience in no small degree certainly was required by the provincials who had gathered together for active service, not to waste time in aimless dallying60, and their anxiety to be up and doing was increased when the four Mohawk scouts61 which Johnson had sent to Canada returned with the startling intelligence that the French were fully informed of the English designs, and that eight thousand men were being sent to the defence of Crown Point.
Upon this a council of war was held whereat it was decided62 to send to the several provinces for reinforcements, and at the same time to begin the movement northward63 lest the volunteers, wearied of inaction, should lose heart in the enterprise.
Accordingly the main body, accompanied by a train of Dutch wagons64, marched slowly over the stumps65 and roots of a newly made road, and presently reached the borders of the most beautiful lake which Johnson loyally called Lake George in honor of the King of England.
Here camp was made on a piece of rough ground by the water's edge, the men pitching their tents among the stumps of the lately felled trees.
With a clear water-way to their destination, and hundreds of bateaux hauled overland from Fort Lyman (afterward called Fort Edward), ready to transport them thither66, the men's spirits rose, for they naturally thought they would soon be led against the enemy, but in this they were again disappointed.
Johnson sent out scouts in different directions, but otherwise did nothing, and Seth Allen, at last unable to endure the continued inaction any longer, begged so earnestly of his captain to be allowed to go out scouting67, that when an Indian brought word that he had found the trail of a body of men moving toward Fort Lyman, and Johnson called for a volunteer to carry a letter of warning to Colonel Blanchard, the commander of the fort, the captain at once sent for Seth, and telling him what was wanted said:
"Now, young man, there's the chance you have been fretting68 for."
"And I'm ready to take it," responded Seth promptly.
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1
supremacy
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| n.至上；至高权力 | |
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bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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3
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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4
antagonists
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| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
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vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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7
accomplishment
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| n.完成，成就，（pl.）造诣，技能 | |
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gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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pumpkins
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| n.南瓜( pumpkin的名词复数 )；南瓜的果肉，南瓜囊 | |
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12
corps
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| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
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13
hatchets
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| n.短柄小斧( hatchet的名词复数 )；恶毒攻击；诽谤；休战 | |
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14
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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15
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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16
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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17
brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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18
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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19
dwarfs
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| n.侏儒，矮子（dwarf的复数形式）vt.（使）显得矮小（dwarf的第三人称单数形式） | |
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20
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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21
domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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22
superintendent
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| n.监督人，主管，总监；(英国)警务长 | |
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23
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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24
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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25
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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26
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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27
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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28
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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29
provincials
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| n.首都以外的人，地区居民( provincial的名词复数 ) | |
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30
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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31
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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32
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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33
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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34
riotous
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| adj.骚乱的；狂欢的 | |
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35
complacent
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| adj.自满的；自鸣得意的 | |
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36
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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37
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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38
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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39
swoop
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| n.俯冲，攫取；v.抓取，突然袭击 | |
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40
orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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41
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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42
farmhouse
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| n.农场住宅（尤指主要住房） | |
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43
slaughtered
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| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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44
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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45
chafed
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| v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的过去式 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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46
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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47
exasperating
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| adj. 激怒的 动词exasperate的现在分词形式 | |
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48
deadlock
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| n.僵局，僵持 | |
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49
quotas
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| （正式限定的）定量( quota的名词复数 )； 定额； 指标； 摊派 | |
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50
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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51
snail
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| n.蜗牛 | |
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52
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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53
dawdling
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| adj.闲逛的，懒散的v.混（时间）( dawdle的现在分词 ) | |
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54
doffing
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| n.下筒，落纱v.脱去，（尤指）脱帽( doff的现在分词 ) | |
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55
stark
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| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
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56
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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57
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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58
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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59
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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60
dallying
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| v.随随便便地对待( dally的现在分词 )；不很认真地考虑；浪费时间；调情 | |
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61
scouts
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| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
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62
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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63
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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64
wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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65
stumps
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| （被砍下的树的）树桩( stump的名词复数 )； 残肢； （板球三柱门的）柱； 残余部分 | |
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66
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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67
scouting
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| 守候活动，童子军的活动 | |
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68
fretting
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| n. 微振磨损 adj. 烦躁的, 焦虑的 | |
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