STORIES OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS

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Alexander Scammel

" Alexander Scammel commenced his infancy in Mendon, Mass, about 1748. He was liberally educated and excelled in mathematics and a strong evidence of an analyzing mind. He was among the first and the last in the war field of the Revolution. In 1775, he was made a Brigade-Major and the next year a colonel in the line of Continental troops raised by New Hampshire. At the battle of Saratoga in 1777 he commanded the 3d regiment and was severely wounded. He was subsequently appointed Adjutant-General of the American Army and was generally beloved. As this did not lead him into the din of battle and clash of arms he resigned and took command of a regiment of infantry. On the 30th of September 1781, he was examining the position of the enemy at Yorktown, and was suddenly sprang upon and captured. After he had surrendered the barbarous foe gave him a mortal wound which terminated his brilliant career at Williamsburg, Virginia on the 6th of October 1781. The death of no officer was more deeply lamented, and no one of his grade deserved better of his country and his friends."

Source: The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution by L. Carroll Judson