The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-02-24
THE
BOY RIO rs.
A BOLD REVOLUTIONARY ADVENTURE.

History is filled with the deeds of the men of
the Revolution nor are the patriot women for
gotten in the ''burning words" of the analists
of '76 but where is the historian who tells of the
patriotism of the boys of that gloomy period p
Who writes their biographies?
There were boys in the Revolution-boys of
noble patriotism and dauntless spirit-boys who
would not become traitors although the rack and
gibbet confronted them-boys who toiled with
an endurance and boldness nnequaled in the an
nails of nation, for the independence of the " Old
Thirteen; !" and had they now just desert the
brightest star in the American constellation, and
the widest stripe in her broad canvass, would be
dedicated to the boys of '76.
Let US relate an instance:
TWAS in the year TIT, Philadelphia was in
the hands of Howe and his thurman soldiery,
while in the fields of Brandywine gave the
American people an evidence of British human
ity. The inhabitants Of Delaware and Pennsyl-
vania were at the mercy of their foes Bands Of
Hessian Dragons secured the vicinity of Phila-
which would disgrace as Vandal.
On the evening of delightful summer day,
group of boys ranging in age from twelve to
seventeen years, were gathered together on the
step of tenantess store house, in the village Of
Newark, Delaware. The town seemed lonely,
and with the exception of the youthful band al
ready told, not human being met the 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 barrel was giving an account
of the disastrous battle of Brandywine James
Wilson, the narrator, was a bold boy, enthusi-
astic in his love for the American cause, and pos
sessed of no little intelligence His blue eye and
faxen hair gave him an effeminate appearance
but beneath that homespun jacket throbed heart
which never quailed in dan ger, nor shrunk before
an obstacle. His father was the commander of
the Delaware regular troops, and his mother was
dead The boy concluded his narration, and
was deeply lamentng that he could not join TIE
army.
" I am not old enough" said he, "lut had I
a musket would not stand idly here, with my
hands hanging uselessly by my SIDE"
Are there no guns Of any description in the
village" inquired a listening youth.
None. have spent nearly week trying
to find one, but my efforts have been Of no avail.
I strongly suspect that old Tory Livingston has
several in his house, but as he permits no one to
trespass on his land, I am unable to say posi-
lively" Why not take party and search
his dwelling?" asked Frank Howard; he has
no one there but his cowardly son George and
can thrash him as easily as that !" the boy
swapping his fingers to imply the readiness with
which he could trounce old Livingston's son.
| James Wilson's eyes sparkled with joy.
eff any three boys in this company will help
me, will search old Livingston's house tonight
All who are willing to go, just step forward
three PAGES
Everybody in that crowd, without moments
hesitation stepped promptly forward.
The boys eyes flashed like stars. "Now by
the dead of Bunker Hill, will search old Living
ston's residence, though death stand in my
PATH
With a firm tread, and the utmost silence, the
young heroes took their march for old Squire
Livingstons.
Livingston had long been suspected of har-
Boring British spes and some Of his former la
borers had reported that he had kept up regu-
lar correspondence with the British commander
At all events, he was generally regarded by the
genuine Wings as a dangerous man, and was
therefore avoided.
At the time James Wilson and his little band
left the deserted store house, in the village Of
Newark, dusk had given place to the dark shade
of night The moon was shining brightly in the
Clouds and every object was perfectly distinguish
able. The boys walked quickly forward, main