The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-04-23
lTsom III Pictorial Drawing Room companion]
sssI ! The Fisher Boys Stratagem. I
"A SEA SKETCH.
BY sYLvANUs COBB, JR.

-hltwAs q bright morning, but cold wltnal,
in lie month Of December, ITS, that two
men stood upon Hancocks wharf, in the
town of boston. Near them, upon an old
cssk, sat youth Of not more than sixteen
years, who seemed intent upon nothing
more than the occupation Of keeping his
hapds warm by slapping them upon his
knees. Though he was dressed in the
rough garb Of = fisher boy, still there was
about his countenance that peculiar light
Of intellectuality and ,frankness which at
once marks the Trustworthy and honorable
man, and from his eyes, too, there shone
forth the light that can come only from,
,soul ~ case with itself. He had been sit
ling thus about fifteen minutes, when the
elder Of, tho two men turned and beckon-
ed him 70 approach. r.. 10
~a"Your n anne is Maxwell, is it?'' said the
gentleman. as the youth drew near. I'D 4
.ldYHugh. Maxwell, sir 4eleb 5ij s.
se,,aHMr. Ross tells me that you think you
could run your shallop out Of the harbor.""
Eyes sir, think can" tuof.g 10
"a .Do you understand the nature Of your
HIat8ss&flff hE. fss lIar tN-NaR .fs4f
IA Only that must get out of the harbor
- do il, that's all, replied the youth. ss
"Then," said the gentleman---whose
name was Greene--'.you are not aware
that you may have 10 remain outside for
several days"
..Nor do ! care" answered tho youth,
tif / remain out forever, only SO that my
work shall be for the good Of the Colonies" /"
~ The manner in which Hugh spoke. as
welI 4 his general appearance, seemed 10
inspire Mr. Greene with confidence, and
without further hesitation he explained the
inSture Of the business in hand .r.s1
There is a large vessel on her way
from. Glasgow 10 this place. and our peo-
bic are much in want Of her, SO much 50
that some risk must be run to get posses
sion Of her. Now If information can only
bs conveyed to Capt. Manley that she is
daily expected, he will be on the watch
for her, and il John Manley once gets his
ewes on her, she is sure to be the property
Of Washington. Manley's vessel, the Lee,
il somewhere between here and Plymouth,
ana we want the information conveyed to
him Il soon q ..s,, :. possible. Do you think think
Fey 8, sir" empha,ically answered the
SaWhen can you leave the harborl"
s.1'his very evening, il you wish"
lsssHut YOU are aware that every precau-
tion Il taken by the vessels in the harbor
"a t' prevent even the smallest boat from
going out. y NJ .....s
si know il, sir" answered Hugh, "but
n you will place your Instructions in q
istfef. Il will deliver them to Captain Man
iey. Fl his vessel isin Massachusetts Bay. I.
sItwas soon agreed that Hugh Maxwell
shohid can at the house Of Mr., Greene
affsr dinner, at which time and place he
should receive the necessary instructions,
ana e the two gentlemen turned to leave
{he wharf. Hugh followed them till he
came came 10 the street, and then turning of
Is passed down Ship street till he came to
Z small dock just south Of Grants ship
ward, whers lay moorsd q handsomely
Built shallop Or not less than fifteen tons
but,hen. She was slightly ice-bound, but
VII, the assistance Of two men, who stop
ssped 81 board, he soon had her in good
sniline order, and long bsfore night he had
everything in readiness for The adventure.
re had obtainsd. tho lctter for Capt. Man
iVx. which he ver1 carefully rolled up with
~ niece Of shset lead, so that in case
~ icoidsnt he might sink It, and he had
iajAo obfainsd tho Assistance Of four fisher
M1n Who were nothing 10th to get out OF 2
-piacs where their daily avccation was
placsd under such an uncompromisins
f4ahSfg0.a q sg q fefs iitass.sas,3
ssiIt M drawing towards dusk when an
Eheliih midshipman, accompanied by .
Y6ffsAhtsof marines. came running down
-BEilsfy NAIlsy, and stoppiug the sentry,
sSl,51S ip0jt sxtsndsd from Grants 10 Bur-
aSmfh Slxhafvsss No asked: Z sas tat.1
slasi8 i8entfy ~ thefe'a boat tny whers shout
.-hsssskss csn te easily smdsquickly ess'