“But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21:18, 19

It soon became evident that the attempt was vain, so long as the enemy could receive supplies and reinforcements by water, unmolested,” Col. John Trumbull wrote of the army’s decision to retreat from Newport. The enemy, however, was not going to allow the Americans to leave without a fight.

“Soon after daybreak the next morning [August 29th], the rear-guard, commanded by that excellent officer, Colonel Wigglesworth, was attacked on . . . Windmill Hill; and General Sullivan, wishing to avoid a serious action on that ground, sent me with orders to the commanding officer to withdraw the guard,” Trumbull wrote. Trumbull’s mission proved to be one of the most dangerous moments in his life. The hill he faced was too steep for his horse to trot much less

He was forced to ride at a leisurely pace, increasing his risk of being hit by flying bullets. “Nothing can be more trying to the nerves, than to advance thus deliberately and alone into danger. At first, I saw a round shot or two drop near me and pass bounding on,” he recorded in his memoirs, noting that he also saw a man hit among the hailstorm of musket balls. Trumbull then relayed his conversation with Wigglesworth.

“I know your errand, but don’t speak; we will beat them in a moment,” Wigglesworth said when Trumbull arrived. “Colonel Wigglesworth, do you see those troops crossing obliquely from the west road towards your rear?” Trumbull said. “Yes, they are Americans, coming to our support,” Wigglesworth answered. “No, sir, those are Germans; mark, their dress is blue and yellow, not buff; they are moving to fall into your rear, and intercept your retreat. Retire instantly—don’t lose a moment, or you will be cut off.”

Wigglesworth retreated. But Trumbull’s mission was not over. He continued to deliver messages throughout the day, but with an inconvenience: a mark on his head.

“Soon after this, as I was carrying an important order, the wind, which had risen with the sun, blew off my hat. It was not a time to dismount for a hat. I therefore tied a white handkerchief round my head . . . I formed, the rest of the day, the most conspicuous mark that ever was seen on the field,” Trumbull wrote of the target that made him stand out like a lone cloud in an otherwise clear blue sky.

“For never was [an] aid-du-camp exposed to more danger than I was during that entire day, from daylight to dusk,” he concluded. Col. John Trumbull then praised God for his survival. “With this headdress, duty led me to every point where danger was to be found, and I escaped without the slightest injury. It becomes me to say with the Psalmist, ‘I thank thee, Oh thou Most High, for thou hast covered my head in the day of battle!’” (140:7 KJV).

PRAYER Thank you for caring so much for me that you know the number of hairs on my head at any given moment. I seek to stand firm for you under your head covering of protection.

Best selling author and columnist Jane Hampton Cook, http://www.janecook.com/, is known for making history both memorable and relevant to today’s news, political events, and issues of faith. A former webmaster for President George W. Bush (1999-03), Jane is the author of Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, a 365-day devotional chronicling the story of the nation’s founding from the viewpoints of 20 key players.

Publisher: Living Ink Books
ISBN-10: 0-89957-042-9
$16.99

©Jane Hampton Cook, used with permission.
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