Castine, past and present; the ancient settlement of Pentagöet and the modern town . , posted upon the heights, openeda brisk fire upon the boats just as they reached theshore, and a shower of musket-balls from the cliffs wassent into the faces of the troops as they attempted anascent. An American officer, who participated in thisattack, afterwards stated that balls from the Englishvessels passed over their heads; but as the vessels hadmoved farther up the harbor it would seem almostincredible that such light metal as they had could havethrown so far. The ascent at the place of landingbeing im
Castine, past and present; the ancient settlement of Pentagöet and the modern town . , posted upon the heights, openeda brisk fire upon the boats just as they reached theshore, and a shower of musket-balls from the cliffs wassent into the faces of the troops as they attempted anascent. An American officer, who participated in thisattack, afterwards stated that balls from the Englishvessels passed over their heads; but as the vessels hadmoved farther up the harbor it would seem almostincredible that such light metal as they had could havethrown so far. The ascent at the place of landingbeing impracticable, the troops were divided into threeparties. The right and left wings sought more practi-cable places for ascent, while the centre kept up an inces-sant fire of musketry to distract the attention of the right pressed hard upon the British left and suc-ceeded in capturing a small battery. The left, however,closing in rather too quickly upon the enemy, gave thema chance to escape, and they retreated, leaving thirtymen killed or wounded. The Americans lost in this. TRASKS ROCK. Period of the Revolution. 33 attack, according to the British account, one hundred,but according to General Lovells statement only fiftymen. The loss was most severely felt by the marines,who ascended the steeper and more difficult part uponthe left. The engagement, though a very brilliant one,lasted only about twenty minutes. After the capture ofthe battery the ships were enabled to move in nearer tothe shore. The place where the marines made theirascent was quite precipitous for some thirty or forty feet,and after that the ground was still rising for some dis-tance and Avas covered with bowlders. Without any doubtthis was a very daring assault, and had the Americantroops succeeded in taking possession of the fort thisattack would have been deemed one of the most brilliantachievements of the war. The final defeat, however,obliterated all recollection of their former bravery. Some hours
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