ving the orderly, hutman, and myself to double after him up
to the fort, some hundred yards off.

"As we reached it, the men were emerging through the gate in measured
cadence, and we were on our way to the batteries, opposite the enemy's
station at Black Rock.

"Before we reached our post of alarm the sun was up and bright. We had
not assumed our position long before an orderly officer of the
Provincial Dragoons rode up, and gave us the information that the enemy
were attempting to cross at Kingston, and that we must annoy them along
the whole line, as was being done from Niagara to Queenston, by any and
every means in our power short of crossing the river. Everything was
ready on our parts. The enemy all appeared asleep, judging from the
apparent quiet that prevailed on their side of the river.

"The command to annoy the enemy was no sooner given than, bang! bang!
went off every gun we had in position.

"Now there was a stir. The enemy's guns were in a short time manned, and
returned our fire; and the day's work was begun, which was carried on
briskly the greater part of the day on both sides of the Niagara.

"About two o'clock, another Provincial dragoon, bespattered, horse and
man, with foam and mud, made his appearance--not wearing his sword or
helmet.

"Said an old Green Tiger to me, 'Horse and man jaded, sir; depend upon
it, he brings bad news.' 'Step down and ascertain what intelligence he
brings.' Away my veteran doubles, and soon returns at a funeral pace.
'Light heart, light step,' were my inward thoughts. I knew by poor old
Clibborn's style of return something dreadful had occurred.

"'What news, Clibborn? What news, man? Speak out,' said I, as he
advanced towards the battery, that was still keeping up a brisk fire.
Clibborn walked on, perfectly unconscious of the balls that were
ploughing up the ground, uttered not a word, but shook his head.

"When in the battery, the old man sat down on the platform; still no
word, but the pallor and expression of his countenance indicated the
sorrow of his soul.

"I could stand it no longer. I placed my hand on his shoulder, 'For
Heaven's sake, tell us what you know.' In choking accents he revealed
his melancholy information: 'The general is killed; the enemy has
possession of Queenston Heights.'

"Every man in the battery was paralyzed; the battery ceased firing.

"A cheer by the enemy from the opposite side of the river recalled us to
our duty. They had he