Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-11-15
.ewhat eccentric

successful in its execution. AT the
head Of only eighty three men he enter
ed the fort at night, took the sentry pris-
oner, and with drawn sword made his
way into the apartments of the comman
ding officer, demanding the surrender of
the fort.
/, "By what authority do you demand
| IL" exclaimed Capt Dc La Place, start
ing from his slumbers.
"In the name of the Great Jehovah
and the Continental Congress" thunder
ed Allen.
This was too high authority to DO re-
sisted and the Fort was Instantly snrren-
dered with all its munitions of war.
Col. Allen was taken prisoner in an
expedition against the Canadas, while
attempting to capture Montreal, in con.
ncction with Col. Brown. He was load
ed with chains and sent to England,
where he was imprisoned a short time,
and at length taken back TO his country
and exchanged for Col. Campbell, a Brit
ish officer, who had been taken prisoner
by the Americans. He died at Colches-
ter, W., February 10, 1889.
| An incident is related of Ethan Allen
that is said to have occurred while he
was on his passage to England. While
closely confined in his room, he discov-
cred one DAY that the small pin or wire
! which fastened one bolt of his handcull'
was broken. Extricaiing the pieces
with his teeth he was euabled 50 to loos-
Ell the bolt that it was soon wlhdra wn,
and one hand was set at liberty. lie
proceeded to release the other, and was
successful. This having been accom-
plished. he was not long in liberating his
feet. Fearing, however, least the Cap
tain should discover his situation, and
contract his "area OF fieedom," he care
fully replaced the bolts and pins before
the arrival Of his keeper. In a short
time il became fine recreation for the
Colonel TO take of and put on his chains
at pleasure.
One day the Captain wishing to afford
some merriment TO The crew, command
ed Allen to be brought upon the deck
Hoping to Brighten him, the Captain said
"Ihere is a probability that the ship will
founder-if so, what do you think will
become Of us, especially you, Mr.. Allen,
rebel against the king!"
"Why," said Allen, "ihat would be
very much like our dinner hour"
"lIow so!" said the Captain, now re-
tiectiDg that Allen was only allowed to
come on deck while he himsIf wen,
down into the cabin to dine.
swell, you see," answered Allen, 81
would be on my way up just as you
would be going below."
"The Captain was not at all pleased
with this reply and he commenced reg
ular TRADE Of abuse against the Amer-
can people, lin short time," said the
Captain, call the rebels will be in the
same situation as yourself"
This was too much for Allen, and he
determined TO apply his newly acquired
dexterily in unloosening his letters to
some purpose. Quickly raising his
hands TO his mouth, he apparently snap
ped asunder the pins and bolts with his
teeth, and hurting his letters and hand
cuffs overheard, he seized the astonished
Captain by the collar, and threw him
headlong upon the deck, then turning TO
the affrighied crew, he exclaimed in a
voice OF thunder: .lf lam insul,ed again
during this voyage, I'll sink the ship and
swim ashore" This exploit so terrif-
ed the Captain and the crew that Allen
was allowed to do pretty much as he
pleased the remainder Of the passage.
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