"Now there was a stir. The enemy's guns were in a short time manned, and
returned our fire; and the day's work was begun, which was carried on
briskly the greater part of the day on both sides of the Niagara.
"About two o'clock, another Provincial Dragoon, bespattered, horse and
man, with foam and mud, made his appearance, not wearing sword or
helmet.
"Said an old Green Tiger to me: 'Horse and man jaded, sir; depend upon
it he brings bad news.' 'Step down and ascertain what intelligence he
brings.' Away my veteran doubles, and soon returns at a funeral pace.
"Light heart, light step," were my inward thoughts. I knew by poor old
Clibborn's style of return something dreadful had occurred. 'What news,
Clibborn? What news, man? Speak out,' said I, as be advanced towards the
battery that was still keeping up a brisk fire. Clibborn walked on,
perfectly unconscious of the balls that were ploughing up the ground,
uttered not a word but shook his head.
"When in the battery the old man sat down on the platform; still no
word, but the pallor and expression of his countenance indicated the
sorrow of his soul.
"I could stand it no longer. I placed my hand on his shoulder. 'For
Heaven's sake, tell us what you know.' 'In choking accents he revealed
his melancholy information: 'The General is killed; the enemy has
possession of Queenstown Heights.
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