RiflemenatBennington

The American long rifle was a formidable weapon when used for skirmishing in the woods. In the initial combat between Stark’s vanguard of riflemen and the lead elements of Baum’s column of German soldiers, the Americans inflicted thirty casualties without suffering any losses.

RIFLEMEN AT BENNINGTON

Why come ye hither, Redcoats, your mind what madness fills? In our valleys there is danger, and there's danger on our hills. Oh, hear ye not the singing of the bugle wild and free? And soon you'll know the ringing of the rifle from the tree. Oh, the rifle, oh, the rifle In our hands will prove no trifle. Ye ride a goodly steed, ye may know another master; Ye forward came with speed, but you'll learn to back much faster. Then you'll meet our Mountain Boys and their leader Johnny Stark, Lads who make but little noise, but who always hit the mark. Oh, the rifle, oh, the rifle In our hands will prove no trifle. Tell he who stays at home, or cross the briny waters That thither ye must come like bullocks to the slaughter. If we the work must do, why, the sooner 'tis begun, If flint and trigger hold but true, the sooner 'twill be done. Oh, the rifle, oh, the rifle In our hands will prove no trifle.