American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1859-03-25
Gbrilline Sketch.
THE Box PATRIoTs
REvoIurIoNARr INCIDENT.

! WeHoi the AsSVolutlOn, nor are the pat
riot ,Oomen forgotten in the "burning
words" of the annalists of 10; but
where is the historian who tells of the
| patriotism of the boys of that gloomy
period? Who writestheir. biographies
There were boys in the Revolution
boys ofnoble patriotism and dauntless
spirit-boys who would not become
traitors, though the rack and the gibbet
confronted them; boys who toiled with
an endurance and holiness unequalled
in the annals OF nation, for the inde-
ipendence of the "Old Thirteen" and
had they now just desert, the bright
est star in Americas constellation, and
the widest stripe in her broad canvass,
would be dedicated to the "boys of
10"
| Let US relate an instance: Itwas in
the year 1777. Philadelphia was in
the hand of Howe and his inhuman
soldiery, while the field of Brandywine
gave the American people an evidence
of British humanity. The inhabitants
OF Pennsylvania and Delaware wore at
the mercy of their foes. Bands of Hes
sian dragons secured the vicinity of
Philadelphia for miles around, and com
mitted acts which would disgrace a
Vandal.
On the evening of a delightful au-
tumn day, group of boys, ranging in
age from twelve to seventeen years,
were gathered together on the steps of
an empty store-house, in the little vii
lage of Newark, Delaware. The town
seemed lonely, and, with the exception
of the band referred to, not a human
being met the eye. All the men ca
pable of bearing arms had left their
homes tojoin the army of Washington,
on tho Schuylkill. A youth of six
ten, mounted on the barrel, was giving
an account of the disastrous battle Of
BraEdywine. John Wilson, the mar
rator, was bold boy, enthusiastic in
his love for the American cause, and
possessed of no little intelligence.
His bright blue eyes and faxen hair
gave him an effeminate appearance,
but beneath plain, homespun JACKIE t
throbbed heart which never quailed
in danger, nor shrunk before any oh,
stacle. His father was the command
er OF tho Delaware regular troops, and
his mother was dead. The boy con-
cluded his narration, and was deep
lamenting that he could not join the
army. 81 am..not old enough, said he,
but had | muskct, [ would not stand
idly here, with my hands hanging USE
less by my side"
care there no guns, of any desorip,
tion, in the village?" asked a listening
youth.
"None. | have spent nearly week
trying to find one, but my efforts have
been of no avail. l strongly suspect
that Livingston, the old tory, has seve.
raj in his house, but as he permits no
one to trespass oa his land, / am una
BILE to say positively"
"Why not take a party and search
his dwelling ?" asked Frank Howard.
Gle has no one to assist him, except
his cowardly son George, and can
thrash him. as easy as that" and the
boy snapped his fingers to imply the
readiness with which he could trouncc
old Livingston s son.
/ James Wilson's eyes sparkled with
Joy, asshe exclaimeds:
eff any three boys in this company
will help me, will search old Livings-
tons house this night. All who are
willing to 50, just step forward three
paces"'
| Every body in that little crowd,
without moments hesitation, stepped
forward.
| The boys eyes flashed like stars, as
he added:
/ "Now, by the dead of Bunker Hill,
| will search old Livingston residence
though death stands in my path"
| With firm tread, and with the ut.
most silence, the young heroes took up
their march for old Squire Livingston s,
| Livingston had long been suspected
Of harboring British spies, and some
lofhis former laborers had reported that
he kept up regular correspondence
| with the British commander. At all
events, he was generally regarded by
| the genuine Wings as dangerous man,
and therefore avoided. His house was
situated short distance from White.
clay creek, on the side Of steep hill,
surrounded on all sides by tall trees.
ltwas just such looking place as one
night suppose suitable for the plotting
of treason.
| At the time James, Wilson and his
little band left the, deserted store house