Blue hen's chicken. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1848-1854, 1851-05-09


after fence, Edward og:liye was now flying
with the speed of deer.
j The tavern, as he came near, was so quiet
that he feared that the men he sought had left
tor their respective homes. Seeing light in
the tap, however, he hoped yet TO find some
persons there. Through the windows, as hs
approached The door. he saw that the bar room
was nearly filled with men. The next momen
lie was in their presence. His manner was di
vested oil all excitement, and spirit calm ant
resoluie beamed from his eyes.
\ There were at least twenty men in the apart
ment, most OF them with knapsacks and bayo-
net-belts upon their persons, and some leaning
upon their muskeis while the guns Of the res
oil the party were stacked in a corner of the
room. Some of them were smoking, others
drinking and all listening to a long yarn told by
one oi the party, Of certain exploits by himself
personally performed at the battle of platts-
burg.
On Edwards entrance, tue landlord was the
fist to notice him
'Ah-so you can enter a tavern on d training
day, Mr. 0gilvie-glad to see you. Though
you are not much of fighting man like you
Tor your brothers sake, who are all serving
their country. But there must be parsons as
well as soldiers, and every man to his own
lradei'
All eyes were now turned upon the young
man. Advancing little way into the floor he
said, with firm tone:
y am glad to find so many of you here as
sembled. II the brave men among you are will
ling to place yourselves under my directions
Tor the next two hours, will lead you where
you can win honor and prize money!
Spoken with spirit. = exclaimed several.
'Ihat rings like your brother George!' said
the landlord. But what is ill' cried all crow
ding around.
'Will you be led by me There is danger to
lille and person; but ask no man 10 follow
me where fear to lead =
The man has courage if he is a student re-
marked one 10 the other with surprise.
What have you discovered = demanded two
or three OF the most forward Of the men.
'Will you follow ne and obey my orders, if
can place in your hands, as prisoners. twen-
" Eng lsh seamen and an officer who have Just
landed p
Yes lead onh was ,he general response,
and The, men sommenTd AIMING themselves.
Briefly, Edward tole them what he hau wit
messed. All was enthusiasm. Among the mill
ila-men was young man whom he despatched
to Squire Harwood. In twenty minutes the
Squire was on the spot, mounted on his horse,
and armed with his broad sword. Five Of his
iaTm-men had followed him. Others came in
from all sides.
Edward with great coolness and skill, took
upon himself the management for the whole
affair. He suggested that the Squire, with lhir-
~ men, should cut off the retreat of the forag-
ing party, and take them prisoners.
And what will you do!' asked the Squire.
You are not going 10 keep out of the dan
Igefl'
mo, sir If there are twenty brave men here
who will volunteer to go with me, | will pro-
cesd to their boat, take possession oil il, and
embark for The ship. In the night we can board
her without difficulty, as we shall be taken for
their own party. Once on board, the ship will
easily fall into our hands, for the most Of her
prize crew are ashorel Who will volun-
leerl'
This bold proposition at first startled the
boldest man amongst them. But in less than
live minutes twenty Of them had vounteered;l
and 10 two minutes more he was at their head !,
leading them 10 the bridge, while the Squire
with his detachment, proceeded to cut off the
retreat Of the enemy.
The result was in all respects successful.-
The English party at the mills surrendered af-
ter brief skirnish, and were taken TO the tav-
ern az prisoners within an hour after the
Squire had eft it. Edward and his brave band
boarded the skip ithout suspicion, and after
"a short conflict he was master Of her. He took
her, by the aid OF the released American crew
Into Boston harbor the next day; and WI need
mol add that within less than three months he
WIS rewarded with The hand OF the beautiful
Annette Harwoodl