The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-06-05
From the N. Y. Gazette and Times.
An UnweIcome Guest.

During the winter of l777, New York,
Long and Staten Island, were in quiet pos
session ofthe British Army, and the seuson
for active operations not having arrived they
lived life of dull inactivity. Marauding par
ties were, however, frequently sent over into
New Jersey, committing many outrages and
making heavy levies upon the "Rebel'' popu-
ation.
NatRandolph,or ms the name was atthat time
usually pronounced, " Randall" was "Rebel''
of gallant daring, and of the Jersey blood.
From his earliest youth he had lived on the
rising ground, but short distance from Kill
Van huhl Sound. near Woodbridge Creek.
lie had hunted over every acre within many
miles of his natal spot and tished in every
stream and had acquired an intimate knowl-
edge Ofevery bye path and each nook and
corner of the whole country. The British
had in some of their toraging excursions.
driven off his fathers cattle, and had shown
n particular hatred to all Ofthe name in that
region, because oftheir we'll known support
OF the Republican cause. Nat had nota
whit more love for the enemies off coun-
try than they had shown for him, and often
had he and his companions vowed vengeance
and many time had the British forces felt
his power without suspecting whence came
tile blow.
During the winter whilst hostities were
suspended on account of the severity of the
weather, the British officers gave Il ball mt
small inn near Richmond, Brigadier, Gener-
al Bird, with his suite. succeeded in gathering
together about score of lasses. who. though
they were by no means friendly 70 the cause
of the invader, did not object 10 u little harm
less amusement which would serve 10 beguile
the weary hours of long winters eve, and
afford them an opportunity of displaying
81.
ly dressed officers. \ couple oftiddles, play
ed upon Tor rather, tortured) by two Colored
gentlemen, were put in requIsltion, ami all
eHertcd themselves TO the utmost TO render
themselves and each other merry.
The door of the largest room stood invit-
ingly open, for the benefit of the good couu-
try people who wished to feast their eyes up
on gold laceand the dashing seurlet uniforms.
Many had come. gaZed for few minutes,
satisfied themselves and retired. Among
others. came n stout, we'll built, plain looking
man, wrappedup in a coarse great coat, VINO
stood for Il time leaning against the door post
and ut length, at the urgent solicitation otthe
officers. who intended TO make sport OF him
for their own qualification, induced TO
enter and seat himselfguietly in corner.
The English officers in strain ufarrogant
boasting were recountng their deeds of chiv
airy performed during their several late eX-
cursious-Many times was the bitter curse
gratuitously bestowed upon one Nat Randall.
who had been the means of spelling so much
good sport for them, and appeared 10 be cor
daily hated by the officers present. Finally
Gen. Bird said to one OF his aids. a fine look
ing, but dnndified young officer, "Pd give
100 pounds to catch that fellow; he is always
crossing our path and gives us great deal
/ of trouble. If could once ger hold of him,
his neck and a hempen halter would be like
/ ly TO form an intimate acquaintance"
Several swOre they would soon relieve his
| EXcelency's pocket of the uitlng amount,
/ by bringing in the ''cursed rebel" The re-
ward was a tempting one, and caused the ut
terunce offeartul threats. and called forth man
/ v n maledlctlon. and numberess anathemas
against the Rebel. Profanity was at that time
almost universally recognized as an essential
part of the military education. and the Staten
Island lasses could bear ample evidence OF
the unuuestioned familiarity of the British OF
ticers, with that branch of military science.
The coated stranger kept his seat during
the whole conversation, and Just as the con-
tra-dance was ended, he slowly rose and as
sumed his former position at the door. A
mother dance was called for, and us the gay
officers were moving round the room in
search of their fair partners. the stranger I'M
] q
"Gi3lerGt I'd like to speak a word or two in
your ear"
! The General wondered what could be the
import of the communication he wished to
make, but he approached him and politely
asked him what he had to say "NOthing sir, J"
replied the stranger, laying his hand upon
the Generals shoulder, ''only Pm Nat Randall,
and you are my prisoner! The officers
flew TO recover their side arms, of which they
had Invested themselves at the commence
menL ofthe dance; bur Nat resumed in an au-
thoritative tone:-'Tis useless 10 resist, the
house is surrounded, and ifyou make the
least resistance have men enough to cut you
! i'll pieces" AT the same time opening his
coat and displaying Il brace of savage look
ing pistols. and cleaning hunting knife he
! gave u shrill whistle, which was answered
! from without by the sound of voicss and the
clanking of muskets which somewhat DANE
pened the courage of the saltatory soldiers.
and admonished them that their best policy
would be submission.
"Lav down your arms at oncep and they
were brought and placed in heap ut his feet
and on the instant rtre faithful brother
rebels rushed in and took the party prisoners,
the country girls at the same time securing
their arms The British were more than
double the number of the Patriots, but this
/ thew discovered too late, and being deprived
OF their arms, were obliged to submit.
Now few words of explanation as to how
Nat received intelligence ofthe dance, anu
| of the number of officers &c., to be present,
and how he was enabled to lay his plans for
their capture.
A silly half witted fellow, named Joe
Reclhow. a Staten Islander, who liked Nat
for his many good qualities, was allowed on
account OF his lack of brains. 20 come and 60