Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-09-22
DAREDEVIL DICK.

DAREDEVIL DICK.
AN INCIDENT or THE REVOLUTION.
How little do we, as We sit toasting our
shins by bright blazing fire, know of the suf
fcsings which our forefathers underwent for
the liberty which we now enjoy-that liberty
of which VIC are so fond of talking, but which
Is SO lily appreciated The American army
took up their quarters for the winter OF ~
and rs, at Valley Forge; the English were
ancampcd in Philadelphia. Owing to a change
In the quartermaster's department, the Amer
lean army we're wretchedly supplied, and at
no time were the sufferngs of the soldiers
great as at the commencement of the year rs;
hare-footcd, iEadrquately clad, and, worse
than all. short of provisions, the troops suf-
fcrcd all the horrors of an inclement winter
Both armies had scouting parties out in search
of provisions these parties stole provisions
when they could when they could not they
bought them. The inhabitants of the neigh
boring country were mostly Germans, who
cared little or nothing about the war; TO them
these foraging parties had become great
source of trouble, and as they began to dread
che visits of these unscrupulous purvcyors,
the farmers and millers formed themselves in
10 protective clubs. Their hay, grain, horses
and cattle were deposited together in shed.
cave other retreat formed in the dense
woods. Over these store houses they took
turns to watch, the watcher being furnished
with musket to fire in case ofau attack, which
signal being repeated by those who lived near
est would arouse the whole club, who would
come to the rescue
On small tributary of the Schuylkill some
ten miles from the American quarters, lived 4
worthy Dutch miller named Van Steen his
lAill was nearly mile from any other resi-
dencc nrar it was a natural cave, and here a
club OF self-prorectors held their meetings, sto-
red their grain and hpused their cattle. AS it
Was some distance from the road and in very
retired locality il was seldom watched. Van
Stcen's family consisted of himself, his wife
and one daughter. an only child lie lived in
his mill, where by industry and prudence he
had accumulated snug little property. His
daughter, Johanna, was smart, active girl,
of abuut eighteen summers, capable of doing
a better days work than half of our modern
men, and very pretty withal- She often went
TO the neighbOriDg villIge for her father She
had been upon one of these errands, and was
returning home; it Was growing dark, and she
yet had some miles to ride, so she urged her
horse forward at his utmost speed; as they
were going down short but sharp turning de-
clivify, the horse fell, throwing his rider TO
the ground with great force At the moment
.Jshanna's horsc fell. gentleman, in the un-
dress OF an American officer, appeared in sight
at the fC OF OF the hiII in an il slant he sprang
from his horse and stood at her Side. Johan-
TIA was hut little hurt, and, what may appear
strange to our modern ladies, she made no cf
fort to faint, but her horse was badly lamed-
40 badly that it WAS impossible TO ride him
home the officer offered her his horse to ride
s.ni volunteered to lead hers; it was growing
quite dark, and she had some five miles more
TO 90 ere she reached her fathers honsc; the
scouting parties of both armies, TO say nothing
of bands of lndians which were constantly IN
,he ncighborhood. uid render walk of that
distance alone and at that time, not only dlsa
.,rccablc, but dangerous so she consented to
mount the captains horse, and allow hcrs TO
be led.
The American officer. whom we have thus
unceremoniously introduced, was Richard W IL
son. a captain in the continental army lie
was of the few men connected with the
Revolution, who were possessed OF property
Being the second son of an old and noble tam
lily of England, his only inheritance was a fine
education and 4 few hundred pounds; with
these he sought the shores OF America, ana
embarked in mercantile pursuits and land
sDeculations; being YER shrewd and devoting
his whole time to his business, he soon amas-
scd ruic a snng fortune. AT the commence
ment OF the difficulties between the two coun
tries his sympathicS were with the land OF his
adoptiop and at the early part of the war he
ioined the American forces. Soon after he
raised a company of men whom he armed, e.
ouipped and commanded. They were brave
men every one, and he the bravest OF them all;
many a deed of daring had he done; often had
he led his company, IN the stiil hours OF the
night upon small party of the enemy, taxa ns
thrm prisoners; seldoni losing life, and OIL
ten without firing musket. BY the means oi
corresponding agents in all the cities of the
States, and we'll paid spies within the camp OF
tho enemy, he obtained information which in
sured the success of all bisforays; none of his
followers knew of his manner of keeping post
ed. but imagined that their triGmphs in all
their skirinishes in which they were engaged,
syas owing entirely to the superior bravery OF
their leader; but it was as often the elect OF
his stratagem. He was honored and revefeo
by his followers known and loved by the
whole American camp, but dreaded and lear
ed by the British forces; his skill, daring aho
bravery won for him the nick name OF ''Dare
Dcvil-Dick."
Captain Wilson had been to meet one OF III
spics from whom he received information II
regard to the stores secrcted near V an Steen
mill, and was returning to camp to perfect hi'
plans for plundering expedition when ne me
Johanna, unhorsed, as we have described. A
he walked by her side, leading her lame hors'
and she riding his, he drew from her her name
and certain particulars in regard to her faith
er's family, habits, etc., with considerable In
formation regarding their neighbors which h,
thought would be of use to him at another tim
when he should come TO secure the stores.-
But they had gone hardly two miles before tn
Captain was Interested in his companion, ant
the farther they proceeded together the bette