He felt con-

THE HUDSON.

vinced that, -without the aid of General Clinton's co-operation in drawing off a part of the republican army to the defence of the country below, he should not be able to advance. Yet he wrought diligently in strengthening his position. He erected four redoubts, one upon each of four hills, two above and two below "Wilbur's Basin, and made lines of intrenchments from them to the river, covering each with a battery. From this camp he marched to battle on the 7th of October, and in that engagement lost

buegoyne's ENCAMi>ME>r (tiom a iiint lul I Ik I in Liiidor, in 1779)

his gallant friend. General Simon Fraser, who, at the head of five hundred picked men, was the directing spirit of the British troops in action. This was perceived by the American commanders, for Fraser's skill and courage were everywhere conspicuous. When the lines gave way, he brought order out of confusion ; when regiments began to waver, he infused courage into them by voice and example. He was mounted upon a splendid iron-grey gelding, and dressed in the full uniform of a field officer. He was thus made a conspicuous object for the mark of the Americans.

It was evident that the fate of the battle depended upon General Fraser,

THE HUDSON.

and this the keen eye and quick judgment of Colonel Morgan, commander of a rifle corps from the south, perceived. A thought flashed through his brain, and in an instant he prepared to execute a deadly purpose. Calling a file of his best men around him, he said, as he pointed toward the British right wing, which was making its way victoriously, -- " That gallant officer is General Eraser; I admire and honour him, but it is necessary he should die ; victory for the enemy depends upon him.