American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-01-31

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mitany outrage, for at that time no open
hostilities had been manifested by the
colonists. There had been deep threats
on both sides, but no blood she'd
While the thirsty animals were being
watered, Deacon Perkins toek occasion
to give his sons hint that they should
discover the contents and destination
of the wagons. Accordingly the boys
officiously assisted in carrying water
with the soldiers, and then sauntered
round the train until it again moved
on. a tap of the drum called the es-
cort to their arms; as they were about
to move, the captain addressed Dea-
con Perkins, and demanded how far it
was to- the fort! The Deacon gave
the necessary information, and in
surly mood the royal officer ordered
his train to move on. 2'
Upon consultation with his boys,
the Deacon had no doubt in deciding
as to the character and destination of
the train, 1t was intended for the fort
and consisted of ammunition and sup
plies. Joshua declared that the cover
ed wagon aspiled full of powder kegs
while in the carts he had noticed mus
kets and various military accoutre-
ments. That night word was sent to
every man of Deacon Perkins COM
pany, that the fortwas garrisoncd and
well stocked with munitions of war
ltwas resolved that on the first act of
open hostility the fort should be seiz-
ed. Every few days some of Deacon
P.s minute men were at the fort, spy
ing out its defences, and the strong
holds where valuable articles were Sc
cured. The magazine was soon disco
vered. A few weeks passed away,
when, to the surprize of the whole
neighborhood, the little garrison of the
fort, with the exception of corporal
and ten men, left, and in great haste,
marched back to Boston. Five days
after, just at day light, a horseman
dashed up to Deacon P.'s door, and,
without waiting to pass the ordinary
morning salutation, cried in q stirring
voice--"Turn out Turn out! The
British are at Lexington!' Deacon
Perkins rushed to the door, and in a
few words tho horseman told him that
Gen. Gage had sent party of soldiers
to Concord and Lexington to seize
stores; that the people had resisted
blood had been shed, and the English
forced to retreat. Every patriot was
needed at Boston, for there would cer-
tainly be battle! And away rode the
messenger to speed the tidings, which,
like the ''cross of fire. in Scottish lc-
gend, should rouse the land to arms.
Joshua and John were soon in their
saddles, and by sundown that night
Deacon Perkins company-forty five
men, was mustered in his door yard,
armed for battle. Briefly the Deacon
stated the news from Lexington, and
called for volunteers to proceed at once
! to Boston. Every man stepped for
ward and expressed willingness to
start at once. But there was a need
ofpowder. Muskets were plenty, but
very little ammunition could be collec-
ted. Under this condition of things
Deacon Perkins determined to seize
upon the powder of the fort. 1t was a
bold step. The rebellion might be
crushed iii few days and if so the fate
of him who plundcred royal fortifi-
catien would surely be the halter
But the Deacon was O bold and decid-
ed man. Oxen were yoked to the carts
shoyels and picks were provided and
the brave band hastened towards the
fortress with fearless steps. A few
moments sufliced to secure the trihine
force of soldiers, and the magazine was
instantly broken open. Cask after
cask ofpowder was passed up from the
deep vault and stored away in the
carts. Muskets, bullets, fints, equip.
monts and bars of lead followed, until
the magazine was completely cleared
of every article likely to be Of service.
The carts were then driven to Deacon
Perkins house, and each member of
the company received all the ammuni-
tion he could conveniently carry. Then
q deep hole was excavated in the good
Deacon's cellar and the remainder of
tho powder and equipments safely de-
posted therein. The wall was then
replaced and two hours aftor, Captain
Perkins and his company were hurry.
ing towards Boston,. tsNt
The whole country was aroused--
bands of armed men ropouring from
every village. The old New England
drums which had so often beat for Bri.
tish troops now called the people to
armsin their own defence. John Stark
left his residence in New Hampshire
with only forty men, but marched into
Roxbury with eleven hundred. Thus
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