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Lawrence Light guard.
This young and enthusiastic corps begins its military career under the most favorable auspices; and every one wishes it prosperity.
It is composed wholly of
Medford men, and it will sustain a Medford reputation.
It was organized Oct. 1, 1854; and its officers, chosen with unanimity, are as follows:--
The number, including rank and file, is sixty.
Their first parade was Oct. 12, 1854, when they were exercised in firing at a target.
They are Company E, Fifth Regiment Light Infantry.
There was a military manoeuvre designed and executed by
Captain Thomas Pritchard, of
Medford, while in command at New York, which deserves honorable mention.
The
English had taken possession of the city, Sept. 15, 1776, but were greatly annoyed by the
American forces in its neighborhood.
Captain Pritchard was personally known to some of the
British officers, and he was remarkable for his celerity and skill in the war tactics.
One day he had been making explorations with his company, when he came unexpectedly among a large force of British cavalry in a road.
The English commander cried out to him, “Well,
Pritchard, we've got you at last.”
“Not exactly,” replied
Pritchard; and he immediately ordered his men to form across the road, and to prepare for a charge.
The cavalry stopped.
The wind was favorable to carry the smoke of
Pritchard's fire directly among the enemy.
The English commander felt that there must be great loss to him if he should open a fire, owing to the narrow defile and the adverse wind.
He therefore stood still.
To retreat, and also to gain time, was
Pritchard's policy; and he accomplished it thus : He walked behind his men, and touched every other one in the whole line, and then ordered those that he had touched to retreat backwards twenty steps.
They did so, and there halted.
This position kept each of his men in a fit order to fire or to charge, as might be necessary.
As soon as this
