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[131] to inform Gen. Ward of the movements, and to represent to him the importance of his sending reinforcements. No horse could be had, and he was obliged to walk. This duty prevented his being in that glorious battle which has immortalized the heroes who were engaged in it, and consecrated the ground to everlasting fame.

Amidst the exulting feelings which this dear-bought victory of the enemy inspired, our infant army did not fail to profit by the experience they had gained. The advantages of superior discipline in the enemy were apparent to every one. They made a strong impression on the minds of our officers, and especially on that of our youthful hero. He had already acquired such a knowledge of tactics, that he had been consulted by superior officers on a system of discipline to be introduced into our army. He now applied himself with renewed diligence to this important part of his duty, and he soon acquired a high reputation as a disciplinarian. The corps he commanded were distinguished during the whole war for the superiority of their discipline, evinced by their gallant conduct in battle, and by their regular movements in retreat. H was second only to the celebrated Baron Steuben, in his knowledge of tactics. After this officer joined the army and was appointed inspector-general, we find that Brooks was associated with him in the arduous duty of introducing a uniform system of exercise and manoeuvres into the army.

He assisted in fortifying the heights of Dorchester, which compelled the British to evacuate Boston. He was very efficient in the successful retreat from Long Island. He acted a distinguished part in the battle of White Plains; and, when the detachment of our army was overpowed by numbers, his regiment, of which he was the most efficient officer, so ably covered the retreat, that it received the distinguished acknowledgments of Gen. Washington for its gallant conduct.

In the year 1777, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the eighth Massachusetts regiment; the command of which devolved on him, in consequence of the sickness of his colonel. In the spring of this year, he was ordered to join the northern army, and he took an active part in those movements and battles which terminated in the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne. In short, the capture of that array may be attributed in no small degree to his gallant conduct on the 7th of October, in the battle of Saratoga. It is well known how ably he turned the right of the enemy; with what fearless intrepidity he led on his regiment to storm their intrenchments, entering them at the head of his men, with sword in hand, and putting to rout the veteran German troops which defended them; and with what firmness he maintained this post, which he had so gallantly gained, notwithstanding the utmost efforts to dislodge him. This action compelled the enemy to change his position, and the field was then open for Gen. Gates to surround and capture his whole army.


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