Thomas Avery

Died in defense of Fort Griswold, September 6, 1781

excerpted from www.newrivernotes.com/us/griswold.htm

Just as Major Montgomery was entering the ditch, where he had valiantly led his men, he fell dead, thrust through with a spear. His men rushed to avenge him, and the fight raged furiously. Lieutenant Park Avery turned to his eldest son, a boy of seventeen, "Tom, my son, do your duty." "Never fear, father," the boy replied, and the next instant fell. "It was in a good cause," said his father, as he carried him to the barracks. The gate of the fort was broken in, but the soldier who did this was shot dead. The enemy, four or five to one, were breaking the pickets down, shooting the defenders, and climbing up the walls. Solid shot was dashed upon their heads, there being no time to load. The flag was shot away, and the British cheered; in another instant, it was raised on a spike-pole by Luke Perkins. The enemy rushed into the northeast bastion and broke down the gate.

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Gravestone Inscription:

 Sacred to the

  Memory of Mr

  Thomas Avery

son to Park Avery

   Jr who made

 his Exit in Fort

  Griswold Sept.

  6th 1781, Aged

    17 years.

     _______ 

   Life how short

 Eternity how long