CANTO X V.

SORTIE FROM FORT MEIGS.

ARGUMENT.

Simultaneous with the assault on the western bank of the Miami, a sortie is made from Fort Meigs, which is the subject of the present

canto.

The scene is laid in, and about Fort Meigs. This book occupies the remainder of the day, from Dudley's landing on the west till night.

FREDONIAD.

CANTO XV.

WHEN of their viands had the brave partook, Harrison to Miller of Ohio spoke

Miller of Hampshire at Quebec was chain'd—

The work of Hull, by which the land was stain'd
With mark so deep that thousand years of dew,
Will never bleach the canker-spot from view:
"Miller, the charge is thine! Haste and display
The warriors ready for the bold assay.

Soon, opposite, our banner strikes the shore,
When rush we forth to break the hostile power;
By which diversion from the west we 'll make,
And cast them back disaster'd on the lake.
Let nothing of the drum, or fife be heard,
That no mistrust be in their bosoms stirr'd."
Miller obedient to the summons rose,
To each the daring purpose to disclose-
To Stoddard, Alexander, Kerchevall and Lee;
Hall, Fletcher, Mitchell, Simmons and Mac Gee,

To Bradford, Ritzer, Johnson,* Sedwick, Todd,
To Sebree and to Metcalfe, Ball, and Wood--
And thus to each in turn: "Your column, form,
With smiting brand besieging powers to storm.
Time hurries brief when we expect to mark
The barge descend to scale yon bulwarks dark."
Prompt they the mandate with stern brows obey'd--
Soon stood the squadrons in sharp steel array'd.
Their burnish'd arms like gleaming ice appear,
Flashing broad day upon the sight severe.

The veteran Shelby with his time-bleach'd hair,
Sedate approaches of majestic air----

To give an inspiration to the band,

Strengthening the heart to do the bold command.
"Columbians of the north! born free as brave!
Are ye not weary
to be bound a slave?

And will ye felon like, in prison lay,

With scarce admission to the light of day?
No-never-rise and break the prison doors,
And dash the foe in ruins from the shores.
When land your brothers to assail them west,
Then rush the steel and plunge it in their breast.
Now to your sons a noble fame bequeath,
And round your brows unfading laurels wreath."
He ceas'd. And Harrison the order gave
To charge and open to the foe the grave:

"In two divisions let the war commenceMiller, strike home on Reynold's, Muir's defence;

* Major John T. Johnson.