Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1858-07-23

History is Fl led with the deeds Of the
man OF the Revolution, nor are the pat
riot ,comen forgotten in the "burnins
words of the annallsts OF 10" but
where is the historian who tells of the
patriotism Of the boys OF that gloomy
period: Who writes her biographies :?
There usre boys in the Revolution -
boys OF noble patriotism and dauntless
spirit boys who would not become trail
tors, though the rack aud the gi5bct con.
trouted them-boys who toilcd with an
endurance and boldness uncqualled in the
annals OF nation, for the lndcpend nee
of the "Oid Thittccn," and had they
now a just desert, the brightest star in
America constellation, and the widest
stripe in her broad canvass. would be
dedicated TO the boys Of 70
Let US relate an instance: 1t was in
the year Hi. Philadelphia was in the
hands of Howe and lis inhnman soldiery.
while the field of Btandywine gave the
American people an evidence o. British
humanity. The inh ibitants of Pcnnsyl-
vania aud Delaware were at the mercy OF
their FOES. Bands Of Hessian Dragons
secured the vicinity of Philadelphia for
miles around and committed acts which
would disgrace Vandal.
On the evening of delightful autumn
day. group of boys, ranging in as from
twelve to seventeen years, were gathered
together on the steps of a tenantless
store house, in the little village of New
ark, Dcleware. The town seemed lone
ly. and, with the exception Of the youth
full band already referred to, not human
being metthe eye. All the men capable
OF bearing arms had left their homes to
join the army of Washington, on the
banks of the Schuylkill. A youth of
sixteen years, mounted on a barrel, was
giving an account of the disastrous battle
of Brandywine. James Wilson, the
narrator, was bold boy, enthusiastic in
his love for the American cause, and pos
sessei of no little intelli. .erce. His
bright blue eye and haxen hair, gave him
an effeminatc appearance, but beneath
that plain home-spun jacket, throbbed a
heart which never qnaled in danger, nor
shrunk before any obstacle. Ills father
was the commander Of the Delcwlre reg
ular troops, and his mother was dead
The boy concluded his marathon, and
was deeply lamenting that he could not
join the army.
Il am not old enough said he; 'but
had a musket, would not stand idly
here. with my hands hanging useless by
my side.
Are there no guns Of any description
in the village? :? asked listening youth.
None. l have spent nearly week
trying to find one, but my Efforts have
been Of no avail. strongly suspect tha.
that old Tory, Livingston, mas several in
his house, but. as he permits no one to
trespass on his land, am unable to say
positively.
why not take party and search his
dwelling" asked Frank Howard; he has
no one there to assist him, except his
cowarily son George, and | can thrash
him as easy at that the boy snar ped his
fingers to Imply the readiness with
which he could trounce old Livingston s
son.
James Wilson's eyes sparklcd with joy.
If any three boys, in this company, will
help me, will search old Livingstone
house this night. All who are willing to
go. just step forward three PAGES!
Every boy IN that little crowd, with
out moments hesitation, stepped for.
ward.
The boys eyes flashed like stars
Now, by the dead of Bunker Hill, will
search old Livingston's residence, though
death stands in my path
With firm tread and in the utmost
. silence, the young heroes took up their
march for old Squire Mvingston's.
Livingston had long been suspected OF
harboring British spies, and some of his
former laborers had reported that he
kept up regular correspondence with
the British commander. At all events
he was generally regarded by the genu.
inc Wings as dangerous man, and