Essay on Gods Wonder-Working Providence, Poem 2 – Poem 17
On the Motions of the ſeveral adjoining Governments, in NEW-ENGLAND ſoon after the Taking of Canſo, &c.
NEW-Englands Sons with juſt Reſentments mov'd
At this proud, daring Treatment were reſolv'd
To move in Arms Unite, and make Attempts,
On the ſtrong Holds and raiſed Battlements,
Of Louiſburg, tho' by French deem'd to be
Impregnable, both by the Land and Sea.
This ſcene of Action, as 'twas now begun,
Muſt needs, without delay, be carried on.
As Bears, bereav'd of young, or Lions ſtrong
Rous'd from their Dens of eaſe, reſenting wrong,
Laſh up their fury with their waving Tail,
Reſolve Revenge on all, that them aſſail.
Round on Opponents, when they come to feel
The force of ſtrength & teeth more keen than ſteel
Make th' Earth to tremble, with th' adjoining throng,
Roaring like Thunder as they march along.
Rebounding Ecchoes from the nei'bring Wood,
From Hill & Dales, fearleſs to be withſtood.
Thus did our Force, with daring Courage ſhow,
Their ſtrong reſolves to curb & quell this Foe.
Then with joint View…, & Spirits raiſe high,
ARM, ARM'S the word, & to their Arms they flie,
Not with tumultuous Noiſe, or boaſting Chear,
Leſt th' Enemy ſhould of this Motion hear.
And by that means ſtand ſtrictly on their Guard,
Which might our hop'd for conqueſt much retard.
As loyal Subjects of the Britiſh Crown,
Their lives, their fortunes, & their all lay down,
KING GEORGE'S glory, & their Churches cauſe,
The Country's Peace, her Liberties and Laws.
Theſe to ſecure they wiſely make a Stand,
'Gainſt what portends much ruin to our Land.
Now Sons of M…rs, and of Apollo too,
Tho' Heathen terms, do thus much to us ſhew,
That wiſe and warlike in Conjunction act,
To bring this Scheme to its deſir'd Effect.
SHIRLEY, that fills of Government the Chair
Wiſely Conducting in our Hemiſphere,
Fired with zeal, for's King & Country's Cauſe,
To whom is due much honour and applauſe.
SHIRLEY, chief Leader at the Council Board,
Whoſe worthy Deeds, Poſterity ſhall Record.
He with the Senators, maturely Sage,
Each acts his part, as mounted on a Stage,
With utmoſt foreſight, ſkill and activeneſs,
Impending evil Aſpect to ſuppreſs.
Reſolving, by GOD's help, which they implore
Form meaſures of Defence, all to reſtore,
Our Peace & Safety both on Seas & Shore.
HIS EXCELLENCY fill'd with anxious Care,
To proſecute this weighty, grand Affair,
Exerts himſelf, in Labours, More and New,
T' obtain the Conqueſt, which we had in View,
Writes home in humble wiſe, with ſtrong requeſt
For Aids from Thence, by Sea, our Force t' aſſiſt,
Hence noble WARREN'S Squadron was ſent o're
Under's Command, who was the Commodore.
Whoſe Courage, Skill, admired Activeneſs,
Secur'd the Harbour, gave our Force Succeſs,
GOD has him honour'd, who was hither ſent,
To curb our Foes, made him an Inſtrument.
By Seiſure made, of that tall Ship of War,
Strong for Defence, laden with warlike Store.
On Commiſſioning the Head Officers, and the Enliſtment of Men.
THings thus concerted, and in wiſdom laid,
That this Affair no longer be delay'd,
A Proclamation is ſoon Iſſued then,
With large Rewards, for the Enliſting Men.
In which adjoining Governments Unite,
This deep laid Scheme to haſt and expedite.
Commiſſions now are fill'd for every Poſt,
Of Martia Leaders, to conduct the Hoſt.
The chief Command, was g…'n to PEPPERILL,
Worthy of Truſt, appointed General.
With mind Heroick, and …ſpos'd to War,
Freely accepts, to Lead in this Affair.
Tho' uninur'd, t' encamp in hoſtile Field
Or, fore Battalions his brandiſh'd Sword to wield
Yet with conſummate Probity and Skill
Each truſt of honour wiſely did fulfill.
"Whoſe renown'd Name & Fame will ever laſt,
"Till future Ages have forgot the Paſt.
Mean time precautions of all kinds they uſe,
Leſt theſe our motions ſhould our Foes amuſe.
Embargoes then are laid on Veſſels all,
(In each & ev'ry Port) both great and ſmall.
The French ſuſpected here, conſin'd in Hold,
Leſt ought hereof, to Country-men be Told.
Previous to which, all ſorts are call'd upon,
On theſe deſigns, againſt the Iſle-Breton,
By publick Faſting, and with ſolemn Prayer.
To ſeek direction, fervertly t' implore
The divine Aids, ſucceeding this Deſign,
As to GOD's Hand our All and this Reſign.
The zeal & fervour of God's People gave,
Some early hopes that be would not us leave
Until he had compleated what we Crave.
Which ſome by Faith, firmly relied on,
Till tidings came that LOUISBURG was won.
Some Rev'rend Paſtors minds deeply impreſt
With glowing warmth to ſee our Foes ſuppreſt.
To act their Part, are willing forth to go,
With Chriſtian Courage, and Heroic too.
The Venerable Moody, white with Age,
Habits himſelf, in hoſtile Equipage.
With's Sword of War, but on the Spirit more
Firmly relying, leaves his Native Shore,
His ſkill in arms to prove as he had twice before
Imploring heavens guidance in their way,
And bring to this deſir'd Triumphant Day.
Thoſe of like Function, but of younger years
Engage moſt freely, in fateagues of Wars.
Williams late Rector of Yale-College goes,
With weſtern Troops and Hawley, to oppoſe
The Gallics at Breton, and Peace reſtore
To this our Land, both on the Seas and Shore.
Crocker and Walker, Balch and Newman move,
With Langdon, theſe jointly proclaim CHRIST'S Love.
His Laws, his Worſhip, Sabbaths theſe with care,
The Soldiers to impreſs with godly Fear.The Reverend Mr Moody, Crocker, Walter▪ Balch and Newman, were Chaplains in the Maſſachuſetts, and Langdon in the New Hampſhire Forces. The Reverend Mr Williams was Chaplain in the Connecticut Force, and Hawley with the Soldiers from North Hampton Quarter.
They pray, they preach, and teach out of GOD'S Word,
The way of Life, thro' JESUS CHRIST our LORD.
Whoſe Names & Deeds, enrolled long ſhall ſtand
Bright patterns of true zeal in this & diſtant Lands.
Surviving they return with praiſes high,
For wonders wrought againſt the Enemy,
Our Troops ſecur'd the Victory is won,
Subjected to our Crown is the whole Iſle Breton.
Theſe with their leaders of the Martial part,
And godly Soldiers, join'd in hand and heart,
Commit the Cauſe to GOD, and then paſs on,
With raiſed hopes, to Conquer Cape-Breton.
Some hints on the Preparations made for Invading Louiſburg.
PRep'rations large, of needful warlike Store,
Provided are, leſt' ought be wanted there.
Bombs, with great Cannon & their Cannon balls,
Ladders prepar'd, to ſcale the City Walls:
Faſcines likewiſe, in bundles, fit to rear,
High Mounts, of Fence, they wiſely do prepare.
As this Attempt was great, all Inſtruments
Of leſs, or larger Siſe, for Intrenchments.
Carri'ges for Guns and warlike Engines made.
In Martial Mode, th' Enemy to invade.
All means concurr'd, this motion to Commence
As tho' the Stars in Courſe, and Influence
United were, in their combined bands,
Under GOD'S wiſe and heavenly Commands,
To ſtill the Air, and make the Sky ſerene,
So that to Labour, nought did intervene,
On which, —
(The French confin'd did in their fear foretell,
The downfal of that daring Cittadel.)
Thus in their Labours Indefatigable,
Each did his part, as he was rendred able.
Leaders Conducting in their higher Sphere,
Give pledges of their wiſdom, ſkill and care.
Craftsmen, with heart & hand conjunctly move,
In dextrous wiſe, the Seaſon to Improve.
All things deſign'd, prepared are which ſhow,
The joint Concurrence of each Station,— Now
All Officers, in gallant…y appear,
And Soldiers arm'd, ſtand ready for the War.
On the Shipping the Troops, for Cape-Breton.
WHen all things thus made ready, & equipt,
Battalions, in reſpective Tranſports Shipt,
Under Command, in chief of PEPPERILL
(As is already ſaid,) their General.
Who willingly did for his Country's Weal,
Accept the Truſt, with Courage mixt with Zeal.
Then†March 24. 1744, 5. with all ſpeed, not willing to delay,
With wide ſpread Sails, from Maſſachuſetts-Bay
They ſteer their Courſe, in ſemblance of a Fleet,
Of warlike Ships, ſtrike dread on all they meet.
But now when floating on the wat'ry Main,
In hopes with ſpeed, th' enemies Shore to gain,
Bor' as obſtructs, by's waters ſtill Congeal'd
Into large bodies that were not diſſolv'd:
Ice in large Cakes, do on the waters glide,
From Bays & Rivers, drove by winds & tyde.
Northward (its ſaid) there often does appear,
Mountains of Ice congeal'd by frigid Air,
Whoſe lofty Tops, directed to the Skies,
Appear to move, on ſurface, of the Seas,
Surprizing to behold, hence Sailors dread,
By winds, or tydes, 'twixt theſe to be enclos'd.
To ſhun this fate, to Canſo then they go,
And with fair winds, do thro' the Ocean plow,
There to remain, for a ſhort ſpace of time,
That from Seaſickneſs health they might reprime
Thoſe that diſuſed were to croſs the Seas,
Many of them were ſeis'd with this diſeaſe,
However common, gave them great ſurprize.
Eſcaping this dire, doleful dreaded Death,
Courage renews, with their renewed Health,
And what makes them more fearleſs of defeat.
Behold! with Joy, they ſpie Warren, the great,
Warren, the Com-'dore, in warlike feats expert.
Who with wiſe Conduct, does himſelf exert,
In this grand Cauſe, having at his Command,
Squadron of Ships, by Sea, to guard the Land,
Preventing ſuccours, to the Enemy,
From forein parts, or thoſe that were more
On the Forces, from CONNECTICUTT, and RHODE-ISLAND, Joining the MASSACHUSETTS and NEW-HAMPSHIRE at Canſo.
FIve Hundred Men, came from Connecticot,
Commanded by, much Honored WOLCOTT,
Who, to the honour, he ſuſtain'd before,
Has added, to his honour, now much more,
As the chief Judge, he wiſely grac'd the Bench
Of their high Courts, but now deigns to Entrench
And Camp, in hoſtile-fields, willing to bear▪
To's Sword of Juſtice, the bright Sword of War.
Then for long time Enrolled be his Fame,
And's Government, rejoice in Wolcott's Name,
Whoſe pious mind, and Counſel for the War,
Exceed (perhaps) ſome plac'd in higher Sphere.
(Give leave to ſay) Worthies of ſuch a Stamp,
Ne're Retrograde, in an impartial Camp,
Who now as heretofore, Couragiouſly has done
Deeds worthy of his own, & Country's renown.
Rhode-Iſlands Force with theſe above do meet,
They in Conjunction, do compoſe a Fleet,
Of ſmaller Veſſels, to tranſport their Men,
With Maſſachuſetts and New-Hampſhire join.
On The Forces when thus United Sailing from Canſo to Cape-Breton.
THE Forces thus compleat, they all agree,
To forward the intent, they put to Sea,
Then with Full-ſail, to the intended Shore,
Under chief Convoy of the Commodore,
Direct their Courſe, and ſoon arrive i'th' Bay
Of Chappaurogue, where they intend to ſtay.
Large Ships of war, remain as guards without,
Priv'teers to clear, the coaſt ſcour the ſeas about.
This ſcheme ſo laid in Politicks of War,
The' Gallics 'nought of this our motion hear,
Surpriz'd they are, & ſtruck with pannick fear.
Enſigns of War, ours, gallantly diſplay,
At Harbours mouth, and in the brightned Bay,
Jack, Ant'ent, Pendant, theſe they all let flie,
Charming appearance, daz'ling to the Eye.
Whilſt French, with terror, & confuſion ſeis'd
With theſe diſplays of War, ſtand all amaz'd.
God did our Force conduct, preſerve from fear,
His praiſes therefore, let us all, declare.
On the Troops Landing, at Cape-Breton.
THen puſhing on, their purpoſe to compleat
By gained Conqueſt, and the Foes defeat.
When thus arriv'd, they Land without delay,
On firſt of May, that Memorable Day, [1745]
Under the Cannon of ſome Privateers,
Of ſmaller ſize, that could draw nigh the Shores,
To prevent Landing French, in ambuſh lie,
No ſooner Landed, but their Balls let flie
Volleys of Guns, ſharp ſire with roaring ſounds
In which Encounter, two receiv'd ſlight wounds▪
Ours as brave Soldiers, valiantly withſtand,
This warm Engagement, from their …oes on Lan…
Un…ll'd in modes of War, fearleſs they ran,
As to ſurround the French, was their deſign.
This with their fire & ſhouts, the Foes affright
They turn their Backs, betake themſelves to flight
This as a pledge of following Succeſs,
I…oldens them, undauntedly to preſs.
Then marching on, Poſſeſſors of the Field,
Gen'ral in Front, his brandiſh'd Sword does wield
Bidding defiance to their Numbers large,
Declares he ſought for Chriſt, & for King George.
New Courage they imbibe, then paſſing on,
Advance in view, and fair ſight of the Town,
Preſs on the City walls, in which French were innur'd,
Where their main Body deem themſelves ſe…'d
Truſt on their ſtrength, by Nature, and by Art,
Reſolve defence, but with an aking Heart.
On the Singe laid, againſt the City Louiſburg.
When of the Field, they had poſſeſſion took,
Which th'enemy had in their flight forſook,
A warlike Council, then, is largely held,
By Martial Leaders, in the Hoſtile Field.
In ſine, Conclude, ſome Batt'ries to erect,
From whence they may, the Enemy affect.
Thus in wiſe Counſel, the whole Plan they lay,
Proceed to Action, nor admit delay.
With Trenches deep, & Mounts caſt up on high,
From whence they might, their roaring Cannon plie,
Againſt the Walls, to ſhake, and batter down,
Thereby to enter, and poſſeſs the Town.
Mean while the French, ſurprized, make their Flight,
From their Grand Batt'ry by dark ſhades of night
Reſort unto their Strength, and ſtrongeſt Hold,
Which they defend, with ſeeming Courage bold.
The Engliſh enter this ſtrong Fortreſs, Turn
The Cannon of their Foes, againſt the Town.
A ſecond Inſtance of Succeſs, that gave
New Life to Motion, and to Soldiers brave.
With ſpirits high, they valiantly puſh on,
The Siege, which they maturely had begun,
And then proceed to Action.
The wide mouth'd Cannon, with their heavy Balls,
And ſtrength of Powder, ſcale the City Walls,
Lake thunders roaring & the lightning bright,
Do Execution, both by Day and Night,
Mortars diſcharg'd, the Bomb Shells ſw…tly f…e,
Like blazing Comets in the open Skie:
Theſe warlike Engines, when with Art improv'd
More fatal are, than Batt'ring Rams of old,
(Which were ſtrong Machines forc'd againſt the Walls,
That by repeated blows, the Bulwark falls;
And Entrance gives to the Beſiegers there,
Theſe were in uſe as Politicks of War.
His head was Iron, with a peaked Horn,
In ſemblance of a pictur'd Unicorn.)
Breaches they make, i'th walls & weſtern-gate,
Adds life to ours, foretells the Frenches fate.
Bold then as Lions, deſtitute of Fear,
Advance their Troops, both in the Front & Rear.
Standing fierce Fire from the City Walls,
Diſdain their Cannon, and their Cannon Balls.
Thus Gallics and New-England Britiſh Sons,
Conflict with fury, whilſt Ambition burns,
With glowing Heat, mixed with wrathful Ire,
They keep a conſtant and continued Fire,
From either ſide, till ſmoaky Vapours riſe,
Sulphurious Smells, and baneful to the Eyes.
The ſlain i'th Field was ſew, but in the City rather.
Who ſought in deep delv'd Vaults themſelves to Shelter.
Bomb Balls on Houſes fall, the ſplinters flie,
Diſpers'd into the Air, the Gallics Cry,
Each Sex in conſort, aggravate their Fears,
Females, with frightful Shricks & flowing Tears,
Beg for themſelves, and Infants in their Arms,
Some kind Relief & Reſcue from theſe Harms.
The ſtout in heart before, now trembling ſtand,
No longer able to hold Sword in hand;
With confus'd Thought and Agitations great,
Hover in Crowds, now conſcious of Defeat.
Fear & diſtreſs ſurrounds them more & more,
Their Dead's increas'd & Wounded in great Store,
Thenceforth from Fire the French in part give o're.
It's worth our Notice, with Remarks upon,
This mighty Theme, of Taking Cape-Breton,
GOD's Smiles, & works of Wonder to us ſhow,
The Praiſe of all, we do unto Him owe,
Tho' Bomb ſhells fall, & ſplit upon the ground,
Where Engliſh are Intrenched all around,
O're…ruld they were in Providence ſublime,
That, ſew were hurt in dangers at that Time.
On Commodore WARREN'S taking the Vigilant, and other Veſſels, in the time of the Siege.
WHilſt Pepperell thus warring on the Shore,
In Combat cloſe, Warren the Commodore,
With his bright Squadron, guards the Harbours mouth,
And Coaſts along, in ſpecial on the South:
Prevents Supplies to the Beſieg'd within,
Conſtraining them their City to Reſign,
Made Captures of all that in ſight appear,
At length he ſpies, that tall, ſtrong Ship of War
The Vigilant, Attacks and Seiſes her,
Laden with Men, & with much war like Store.
(Of which ſomething, was Noticed before.)
This gal…ant Action worthy of Record,
Strike French with terror, they ſtand all amaz'd,
With palled looks, and trembling hearts foreſee
The quick approach of their di…e Deſtiny.
All hopes of Succour is entirely loſt,
For which th' English in GOD's Mercy boaſt.
Our Frigates ſmall, had blown into the Air,
If warlike WARREN had been wanted there.
On the M…es of Devotion, among the French, when thus Diſtrest and in great Fear.
LAudate Dom'num, Papiſts Nocturnal Song,
Te Deum's ceaſe, Proceſſions from among,
To Maſſes, Pater-Noſters French repair,
With Ave-Maries, ſtrongly do Implore,
That bleſſed Virgin's Aid, & Interceſſions for
Them, to her Son, their Sorrows to deplore,
They, cannonized Saints, pretend to move
To hear their Cries, & Prayers loud, approve,
And as joint Advocates, to change this Scene.
Their Influence to uſe, with the whole Trine.
Saints Statues they adore, Im'ges numberleſs,
And Beads, tell o're, the greater with the leſs.
They mortifie their Fleſh, with laſhings manifold
As Heathens, cut themſelves in days of old.
Profound Confeſſions, Pennances renew,
Devoutly ſtrict, much Sanctity, in ſhew.
Indulgences, from Prieſts and Pardons given,
Subſtantiated Wafers, makes ripe for Heaven,
To Croſſes, Cruc'fix…s, Relicts of Saints they bow
But now Beſieg'd on Pilgrimage can't go,
The Shrines of Saints, to pay their homage to.
Theſe meritorious Acts, as they pretend,
Challenge Rewards, from GOD Almighty's Hand.
Denying Scripture uſe to the Vulgar ſort,
Is to Romes Clergy, as a mighty Fort:
It's falſly ſaid, the Mother of Devotion,
— Is Ignorance, —
But, Maxim true, of Papacies Subjection,
Th' implicit Faith, that Sons of Rome profeſs,
Is faithleſs Fraud, which wants words to expreſs.
Merit they plead, on Super'rogation Acts,
And all that Cruelty ſuggeſts 'gainſt Hereticks
In fine, theſe are the Popes Artillery,
Whereby he holds, his Vaſſals, in Idolatry.
Theſe Popiſh Rites, and Ceremonial Cants,
Give no Relief to the poor Gallic'ants,
In ſable Darkneſs, they do ſtill remain,
From the Gygantick Force of Engliſh Men.
On the Attempt made for the Taking the Iſland-Battery in Boats.
AMidſt the ſmiles of providence upon,
Beſiegers motions on the Iſle-Breton,
Impatient of delay a Scheme they Form,
The Iſland Fortreſs forcebly to Storm.
This they attempt in darkſom glooms of Night
With hopes of Conqueſt er'e the Morning light.
Gallic's diſcovery make, of this Intent,
Uſe utmoſt Force their Landing to prevent.
— A Tragick Scene Enſues —
Whilſt thus Engag'd in an unequal Strife,
Some loſs of Limbs ſuſtain, more of their Life,
Brains mix'd with Blood & ſhatter'd Limbs appear,
Expiring Cries and Groans aſſault the Ear.
Eyes here affect the hearts of ſtouteſt Mould,
Hard to conceive, but harder to behold.
Diſtorted Limbs and mangled Bodies roll
In their own Gore, ſurvivers loud Condole,
Their Friends dire Exit, and their Fate, leſs ſad
Who aim'd at Conqueſt, Priſoners are made,
Here confus'd Noiſe & Garments roll'd in blood
Warriours have found upon the briny Flood,
After ſharp Conflict what eſcap'd Retreat:
The ſingle Inſtance of New-Englanders Defeat.
On the Stratagem of War, in Erecting a Battery at the Light-Houſe, and the remarkable Succeſs it had, against the Enemy.
THe Engliſh then, with warlike Minds & Skill
Go, by Command, unto the Light-houſe Hill
There to Erect a Battery, and Annoy,
The Iſland Fortreſs, then their Bombs Employ
Swift Meſſengers of Death, with roaring Noiſe,
By Art directed, on an equal Poiſe,
Succeſsful theſe become to that degree,
That Gallics, there, Eſcap't into the Sea:
Seek ſhelter from, theſe fi'ry blazing Balls,
That ſcatter Death, each one, where e're it falls.
Then French convinc'd of their impending Fate,
By Flag-of-Truce, move to Capitulate
They that before, had vauntingly ſent Word,
What Engliſh, gain'd, ſhou'd be at point of Sword:
Do now, in humble wiſe, tamely make Tender,
On Terms propos'd, the City to Surrender.
'Twas thro' Conſtraint, this Motion Gallics made,
From force of Arms, by thoſe that them invade,
Now ſpirits ſank, with heart-relenting Moans,
Of Wife, & Children, mix'd with dying Groans,
Of Men and Women, Children, Sociates all,
Each one expects, under, like Fate, to fall.
On the Bravery ſhown, to the Enemy by the principal Officers in the Army and Fleet, with ſome Reaſons offered, to ſhew, the Juſtice on our Part, of this Enterprize.
FRom martial Honour mix'd with Clemency
Beſiegers brave, offer the Enemy,
In Candour great, as Victors did become,
Them, with Effects, ſafely to Tranſport home,
Alledge the Reaſons of this Enterprize,
In Terms, becoming them, (after this wiſe)
It's not from thirst of Blood, nor for your Lives,
O! you Beſieged, your Children, nor your Wives,
That we 'gainst you this formal Siege Commence,
But Country's Freedom, from Praeeminence,
Which you aſſume, in theſe our Northern Seas,
Obſtruct both Im-, and Export of Supplies.
You for long time, by your uſurped Meaſures,
Robb'd ſome of Life, and many, of their Treaſures.
Combining, likewiſe with the Heathen Tribes,
Deluſive, Popiſh Doctrines, and with Bribes:
By theſe Incentives they do us Annoy,
Whoſe Cruelties, give you, with them, much Joy.
Which moves us thus, our Weapons, to Employ.
As Heroes brave, Commanders all do ſtand,
Each in his Order, holding Sword in hand,
With Courage bold, and Reſolution ſtrong,
Conclude, this Parley, they will not prolong.
Cohorts in Ranks, and various Stations move,
As by Command, Commanders do approve:
Impatience moves, in the combined Bands,
Till Louisburg be thrown into their Hands,
Determin'd all, in Mind moſt Uniform,
Unleſs the Treatie hold, the Cittadel they'l Storm.
Here interpoſing Mercy ſteps between,
Prevents their Progreſs on this Tragick Scene,
Which muſt have …ſu'd in much Blood and Slaughter,
On either Side, in this, tho' bold, yet brave Adventure.
From Force of Engliſh Arms, French daren't deny.
Surrender, to our Troops, deſiſt to Vie,
At Arms, with Engliſh, grown expert in War,
And Valour high, exceeded them by far.
On the Surrender of Louiſburg, and the whole Iſland of Cape-Breton, to the Crown of GREAT-BRITAIN.
BOth Parties now agreed, the Compacts Sign'd,
That City Louisburg to Engliſh Troops Reſign'd
The Iſland Fortreſs, is Reſign'd likewiſe,
Our Ships to Enter, which were on the Seas:
Hoſtages given are, by which they plight,
Their Faith each one, his Contract, to compleat.
Behold, the Gates are now wide open thrown,
Which to our Engliſh Arms adds much Renown.
The Seventeenth of June PEPP'REL then lead 1745
His hoſtile Troops (appearing at their Head)
Into that City fortify'd with Walls,
Rais'd up on high; fully rewards their Toils.
Now in triumphant State as Conquer'rs in War,
Pepperrell and Warren, Wolcott, all appear,
Theſe as with wreathen Laurels, on their head,
Shall live in Fame when numbred with the dead.
Th' Officers, with their reſpective Bands,
Both on the Seas, and thoſe upon the Lands:
Col'nels, with their Lieutenants, march along:
The Clergy, tho' but few, in Faith were ſtrong.
The Majors, Captains, Adjutants, paſs on,
And Seiſen take, of the whole Iſle Breton.
Victorious now New-Englands Sons appear,
With gallantry in form and modes of War.
The Scene is chang'd, King GEORGE'S Enſigns fly
Diſplay His Banner, Lewis's defy.
Proud Gallics, that of late, were Maſters here,
Are now become tame Priſoners of War.
This Acquiſition, ſhall in Time be told,
As Action great, HEROICAL and bold.
The Crown & Kingdoms of GREAT BRITAIN here
Are now enlarg'd, in Triumph take their ſhare.
New-Englands Glory, Peace & Trades advance,
All beg, it may,-ne're be Reſign'd to France.
That ‖Dunkirk Sold by the Engliſh to the French, Anno, 1662Dunkirk like, a Snare it mayn't become,
Unto this Land as that is now at Home.
Giv'n up to France 'twas by the Engliſh Crown,
Miſchiefs reſulting thence are too well known.
What further Crown'd this Conqueſt, Seiſures made,
Of Three large Ships, each vaſtly rich in Trade,
Eaſt-India Two a Third from the South-Seas,
A Fourth from France, that WARREN To…k with Eaſe,
She not ſuſpecting Louisburg, was won,
Sail'd boldly up, the Harbour, of Breton:
Dull Market, of her Lading, Merchants fear,
As numbers of large Ships, were Anchor'd there.
Convinc'd of the Miſtake, madneſs them ſeiſe,
That thoughtleſs thus, they'd made themſelves a Prize,
To WARREN, and his Squadron in the Road,
Too late to flee, or Capture, to avoid.
When all is ſaid, and all that has been done
On this bright Theme, of taking Cape-Breton.
It's GOD alone the Victory has won
Who ſmil'd upon, each Motion, gave Succeſs,
To Engliſh Arms, our Foes, thus to Suppreſs.
United were our Troops, by Land and Seas,
No treach'rous Deſigns, or fact'ous Mutinies,
Appear'd, i'th' Camp, but Loyalty profound,
Ran thro' the Hoſt, in every Quarter round,
Which GOD, in favour, did for us Ordain,
To free our Land, and on the Oceans Main,
From Pickeroon, pretending Privateers,
Infeſting theſe our Coaſts, and Maritime Affairs.
HERE follows the Names of the Leading Officers, in the ſeveral Regiments, that Served in the Army, under the Command of the Honourable WILLIAM PEPPERRELL Eſq (now Baronet) Lieutenant-General, in the Reduction of Cape-Breton, to the Crown of GREAT-BRITAIN, June 17, 1745.
Commiſſioned by his Excellency WILLIAM SHIRLEY Eſq Captain General and Commander in Chief, in and over the Province of the Maſſachuſetts-Bay in New-England, &c.
The Honourable Lieutenant-General Pepperell's Regiment.
PEPPERRELL, as Head of the New-England Bands,
Extends his Conqueſts, unto diſtant Lands.
Surpaſſes far, attempts, in all paſt Time,
Or hoſtile Motions, in this Weſtern Clime.
Raiſes Renown, eſtabliſhes his Fame,
Reſtores Repute, and gets our Land a Name.
Colonel Bradſtreet, as an Inſtrument,
With active Mind and Labours did prevent,
The Heathen Tribes purſuing their Intent;
By croſſing Cancer-gut, to fall upon
Our Troops Encamped on the Iſle-Breton.
Storer Lieutenant, in this Regiment,
With Major Cutts, adventure the Event,
In dangerous Attempts, with ſpirits high,
Fearleſs advance againſt the Enemy.
Captains in this Regiment,
Peter Staples,
Ephraim Baker,
John Fairfield,
Bray Dearing,
John Kinſlagh,
John Harmon,
Moſes Butler,
Thomas Perkins,
William Warner,
Moſes Pearſon.
The Honourable Major-General Wolcott's Regiment.
WOLCOTT's high Station, bravery in War,
Adds to his Fame, diſtinction from afar,
Leading his Cohort from Connecticut,
With martial State, and moving in his Lot,
Appears ſedate in Mind, unſhaken ſtood,
Zealous of's Churches, Col'nies, and his Country's good:
Intrepid moves, with all, in Station high,
Conſtrains the Gallics, from their Walls to fly.
Colonel Burr, makes his Advances next,
Worthy high honours to his Name affixt;
Leads on his Troops, with Bravery and Art,
In combat cloſe, acts the Commanders part:
With mind diſpos'd to War, & Conqueſt gain,
This has in view, is reſtleſs to obtain.
Lothrop likewiſe, in his Lieutenancie,
Gives pledges of his Skill and Loyalty,
And Major Goodridge does in's Station move,
With valiant Leaders, mentioned above.
Brave Major Newton, fell by Sickneſs ſore,
Soon after, Landed on th' Enemies ſhore,
Greatly lamented, as a heavy Loſs,
By Friends at home, and weakning to our Force.
Intomb'd, he lies' mongſt ſlain in hoſtile Fields,
A Sacrifice for's Country, and the Britiſh Shields.
Theſe with their Troops, merit Encomiums high
Beſpeak the Honours of their Colony:
Who gladly did, their Lives and all lay down,
When ſome declin'd ſerving the Britiſh Crown.
Captains in this Regiment.
David Wooſter,
Stephen Lee,
Daniel Chapman,
William Whiting,
Robert Deniſon,
Andrew Ward,
James Church,
Henry King.