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Story
November 5, 1818
Daily National Intelligencer
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
In the Battle of Niagara, Sergeant Fitch heroically holds Colonel Jessup's standard despite heavy enemy fire that shatters the staff and wounds him. He continues waving it until fainting, later recovers, and is promoted to 2nd lieutenant. He is now recruiting in Hartford, Conn.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
An American Sergeant—In the battle of Niagara, such was the carnage among Colonel Jessup's officers, that he was obliged to place his standard in the hands of a sergeant, whose name was Fitch—
While the colors, pierced with about 70 balls, were waving in the hands of this brave fellow, a shower of grape shot coming from the enemy cut the staff into three pieces. Fitch deliberately gathered up the scattered fragments, turned to Jessup, who was near him, and said, with a smile, "Look, colonel, how they have cut this." In a moment afterwards a ball passed through his body. But even that was insufficient to move him. Alike powerful in person and resolute in mind, he neither felt nor flinched, but continued to wave his mutilated standard, until, becoming faint with the loss of blood, he was forced to resign it into the hands of another.
Fitch recovered from his wound, and his good conduct being reported to the secretary of war, he was promoted to a 2d lieutenancy, his commission bearing date from the day on which he had thus distinguished himself. Port Folio.
Lieutenant Fitch is now recruiting in Hartford, Conn.
While the colors, pierced with about 70 balls, were waving in the hands of this brave fellow, a shower of grape shot coming from the enemy cut the staff into three pieces. Fitch deliberately gathered up the scattered fragments, turned to Jessup, who was near him, and said, with a smile, "Look, colonel, how they have cut this." In a moment afterwards a ball passed through his body. But even that was insufficient to move him. Alike powerful in person and resolute in mind, he neither felt nor flinched, but continued to wave his mutilated standard, until, becoming faint with the loss of blood, he was forced to resign it into the hands of another.
Fitch recovered from his wound, and his good conduct being reported to the secretary of war, he was promoted to a 2d lieutenancy, his commission bearing date from the day on which he had thus distinguished himself. Port Folio.
Lieutenant Fitch is now recruiting in Hartford, Conn.
What sub-type of article is it?
Heroic Act
Military Action
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Battle Of Niagara
Sergeant Fitch
Heroic Standard Bearer
Wounded In Battle
Military Promotion
What entities or persons were involved?
Fitch
Colonel Jessup
Where did it happen?
Battle Of Niagara
Story Details
Key Persons
Fitch
Colonel Jessup
Location
Battle Of Niagara
Story Details
Sergeant Fitch holds the regimental standard amid intense fire in the Battle of Niagara, staff shattered by grape shot, wounded by a ball through his body, yet continues waving it until fainting from blood loss; recovers and promoted to 2nd lieutenant, now recruiting in Hartford, Conn.