Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-09-26
GBe fan'ilp Girtle,
From Noah's Messenger
BURNING OF THE WILLOWS.
A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.

'This must be the house: the junction
of two roads, and brook in front of til
banks covered with willows. This plac
meets the description exactly. Order tn
men to dismount with the exception of
couple patrols on each road"
The British were dressed in the blu
and scarlet uniform of the British ligh
horse, corps that was formed after tn,
landing of the English troops in New
Jersey, as soon as horses could be had t.
mount the men, He was an officer 0
same rank evidently, who spoke the abov
words, and his carriage and demeano
was both haughty and aristocratic in tn
highest degree. Why not-he was tn
eldest son of British earl.
"The house appears to be deserted
Col. Halcourt," said his junior officer a
he dismounted.
We will see. This way. dozen o
you," he said to his men. Try the doc
yonder, if it is fastened break it open
and report if any one is inside. If Their
should be and they attempt to escape
shoot them down, but give them warning
to surrender"
The men advanced to the door, which
they found to be fastened, and after de
handing admission, to which they receiv
ed no answer, they proceeded to break i
lepen, which delayed them some time, fol
the door was strong oaken one. This
done, they entered.
!" Do you know the man by sight, lieu
tenant" asked Col. Halcourt, while the
men were busy ransacking the house.
| No, sir, but there is fellow [ picked
up on the road now in the rear that knows
him WE'LL"
Order him to the 'front.'
The countryman had not very prepos
sessing countenance. There was a bold
surliness and cruel expression of features
extremely displeasing.
What is your name % said Col Hal
court. in his quick, military manner.
John Classen."
Do you know Peter Van Dyke ?"
Very well.
Is that his dwelling %
Yes-though since his mothers death
and his sisters getting married, it's hard
to say where he keeps himself"
docs he bear the name of being a
great rebel, and dangerous man to those
who favor the king in this neighborhood p
Yes, from the Passaic to the Hacken
sack, and thirty miles around. If I'd had
my way he'd been hung long ago, and his
house burned over his head; he is the
leader of every rebel gang from the army
and points out the honest farmers homes
who stand by their king, whose barns
they plumber, and carry away the grain.
Why, you tell bitter story about
him; has he ever injured you ?"
Injured meY He and a parcel of rob
bers like himself ou4ate- one AFTERNOON to
barn my house sand hang me before the
door, which they would have done but
for the timely arrival of number oil
friendly neighbors, well armed when
they went off in double quick time"
Does he not venture into New York
sometimes in disguise ?" inquired the
! Colonel.
I've heard so. He was slippery from
a boy up, and DISCUSSES himself any way
He's precious scamp, and you'll do a
favor to this part of Jersey. if you hang
him the minute you catch aim.
This conversation had been held near
a stone wall, on the other side of which
was an old garden; but the troubles o.
the times had left it uncultiyated, and the
! gooseberries and currant bushes haG
grown up rank and untrimmed, and the
oflarS streGcneu over the wallis, covering
| the ground from sight.
Under this, and within ten feet of The
Colonel and Classen, lay crouched The
very man they were talking Of He had
barely time to escape from the house and
conceal himself upon the approach of the
horsemen, whom he did not then suspect
to be within ten miles, of him. Twice OF
thrice, on hearing the base lies of Classen
he was on the point Of rising and con
fronting him, but e little reflection was
left, and he thought that was not the oc
casion to put his life in jeopardy, which
he certainly would do, since the party Of
troops had come expressly to take him.
Do you know with any certainty
Classen, how long since Van Dyke has
been seen in the neighborhood 2"
I have heard he was seen last snight
two miles from this, in by path through
/ house"
That is the information I received
and | am determined to capture him
sooner or later. If you can point out
his whereabouts, or arrest him Yourself
you shall have reward of fifty guineas. .
Classen was as avaricious and fond OF
money as he was wicked. Fifty guineas
was large sum indeed, particularly in
those days when gold was rarely seen.
will catch him, Colonel, before he
is three days older !; | know one of his
haunts."
:" Why not lead us there, then ~
" 1t would be of no use this time of day
Besides he may not be there for day OF
two, and shall have to be cautious il
looking out for him"
"Well, secure him, and the fifty guineas
shall be yours"
Several of the soldiers now came from
the house and stated that they had search
ed it from top to bottom, but found nc
one, although from appearances, some one
had been there recently. The Colonel
followed by Classen, passed on to the
house, while the fugitive lay quietly il
his concealment.
It was plain framed house of middle
size, built partly of stone in the old Dutcl
style, and very comfortable within. There
was but little furniture-a few tables
~