Burgoyne’s reports turned from optimism to cries for help by late September as his army was now sick, bottled up, and outnumbered above Albany.  For reasons of his own, General Clinton had delayed any response from New York City.  Finally, on the 21st General Burgoyne received a message that Clinton was leaving NYC for a move up the Hudson.  Gentleman Johnny believed the message meant reinforcements were on the way but, in reality, Clinton had no intentions of moving up the Hudson beyond West Point.

At that time, two forts further to the south guarded the passage up the Hudson to Albany.  Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery were located on either side of Popolopen Creek on the Western bank of the River.  The southern ft. Clinton stood at an elevation of 125 feet while Ft. Montgomery located on the northern bank at 1400 feet.  Both stood on open ground above the surrounding forests with rolling hills on the immediate approach to the ramparts.  To attack Fort Montgomery, several British units needed to march around Bear Mountain, across Popolopen Creek and then up the forested hillsides to the fighting ground.

The NY Volunteers joined Lt. Col Archibald Campbell’s command in the circular march around to Fort Montgomery.  After marching all day the tired columns arrived at the fields leading up to the Fort’s ramparts.  With the sun already setting, Campbell ordered an immediate frontal assault.  Knowing the terror created, Major Grant led the Volunteers’ in a bayonet charge directly into the rebel front line.  Unfortunately, he took musket balls and died immediately during the advance over the wall.  Dusenberry and the other non-commissioned officers pressed forward with bayonets breaking the rebel defenders quickly.  Many defenders turned and ran (receiving cover fire from American ship Montgomery) away.  Others tried to surrender only to get cut down in a fury of unnecessary violence perpetrated by the Volunteers anxious to avenge their fallen commander.

Within an hour the battle ended in total victory for the advancing army.  Celebration for the Volunteers was limited due their losses.  The men who fell around them (including the Major) were fellow citizens from Westchester.  Friends and lifelong acquaintances.  The early losses were most difficult.  Later in the war Stephen would likely be more accustomed to the personal loss and, of course, many of the  deaths would be from replacements recruited later.

After the battle in the Hudson Highlands, the NY Volunteers transferred closer to New York City eventually stopping at Paulus Hook.  They were left in a state of limbo without orders and without officers.  Nobody seemed interested even to provide food rations for the troop.  Dusenberry and the other NCOs put together a petition requesting that Clinton assign them a new officer.  In fact, they requested Major Grant’s brother, Major Grant.

elijahchapman American History, American Revolution, General History