Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1858-07-27

HN'--+~
History is filled with the deeds Of the
men of the Revolution, nor are the pat
riot women forgotten in the Z" burning
words" OF the annaIists of 10; = bat
where IS the historian who tells of the
patriotism of the boys of that gloomy pc
riod. Who writes their Biographies
There were boys in the Revolution
boys Of noble patriotism and dauntless
spirit-boys who would not become trait
ors. although the rack and the gibbet con-
fronted them; boys who toiled with an
endurance and bOldness unequalled in the
annals of a nation, for the independence
of the "Old Thirteen :" and had they
now u Just desert, the brightest star IN
Americas constellation, and the widest
stripe in her brood canvass, would be ded-
icattd to the boys of 70
Let US relate an instance:
Ii was III The year l777. Philadelphia
was IN the hands of Howe and his inhu-
man soldicry, while the fields of Brandy
VINE gave the American people an evI-
dence of British humanity. The inhabi-
lants Cf PENNSYLVANIA and Delaware were
at the mercy of their foes. Bands of
Hessian dragons secured the vicinity of
PHILADELPHIA for miles around, and CON-
mitted acts which would disgrace Il Van
dal
On the evening of delightful autumn
dav, group of boys, ranging IN age from
twelve TO seventeen years, were gathered
together on the steps Of tenantIess store
house. in the little village of Newark,
d. laware. 1ae town seemed lonely,
and with the exception of the youthful
band already referred to, not human
being met the eye. All the men capable
of bearing arms had left their homes 30
Join the army Of Washington, on tie
banks of the Schuylkill. A youth Of SIN
teen years, mounted on barrel, was CIV
ING an account of the disastrous battle Of
Brandywine. James Wilson, the narrator,
was bold boy, enthusiastic IL his love
for the American cause, and possessed of
no little intelligence. His bright hiue
eve aud flaxen hair gave HIM an eitemin
ate appearance, but beneath that home
spun Jacket throbbed a heart which never
auailed in danger. nor shrunk before an
obstacle. His father was commander Of
the Delaware regular troops, and his
mother was dead, The boy concluded
his narration, and was deeply lamenting
that he could not Join in the army.
4 am not Oh enough" said he; =" hut
had | a nusket, | would not stand idly
here. with my hands hanging uselessiy
at my side"
Are there 10 guns of any descrip-
lion il The Village e SAID listening
youth.
None. have spent nearly a week
trying 10 find one, but my efforts have
been Of no avail! strongly suspect that
tha, old Tory Livingston, has several IN
his house, but, as he permits no one to
trespass on his land, l am unable TO say
positively"
:. Why not take party and search hls
dwelling 2" asked Frank Howard . ne
has no one there to assist hIm but ms
coward!y son George, and | can thrash
him rs easy a that the boy snapped
his fingers TO Imply the readiness WIN
which he could trounce old Livingston 5
son.
James Wilson'S eyes sparkied with JOY;
| 's If any three, boys in this company, VIII
/ help me, | will search old Livingston
house this night. AL who are willing 10
I =
Every BOY In that little crowd, without
a moments hesitation. stepped forward
The boys eyes flashed like stars
Now by the dead Of Bunker Hill, will
search old Livingston's residence, though
death stand IN my path"
With firm tread and the utmost silence,
| the young heroes took Up their march for
old Squire Livings,on's.
Livingston had long been suspected Of
harboring British spies, and some of bis
former laborers had reported that he had
kept NJ a regular correspondence with the
Brush commander. At all events be
was generally regarded by The genuine
Wings as dangerous NAN, ana therefore
avoided His house was situated q short
distance from White-clay Greek, on The
side Of steep hiii, surrounded on D.
sides by tall trees. 1t was Just such q
tplace as one might suppose suitable tol
the plolling Of treason.