Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1860-11-01
SfIftt @ ale.
BURNING OF THE WILLOWS.
A Tale of the Revolution.
ny H. A. BUCKINGHAM.
BY II. A. BUCKINGHAM.

The speaker was dressed in the blue
and scarlet uniform of the British light
horse, a corpse that was formed after the
landing of the English troops in New Jer-
sey, as soon as horses could be obtained
to mount the men. He was an officer of
some rank, evidently, and his carriage
and demeanor were both naughty and aris-
tocratic in the highest degree. Why not?
lie was the eldest son OF the British earl.
1.-The house appears TO be deserted, Col
Harcourt," said his junior officer, as he
dsmounted.
We will see This way, half doz
en- of you," he said to his men. ''Try
the door yondcr. If it is fastened, break
it open, and report if any one is inside.
If there should be and they attempt to
escape, shoot them down, but give them
warning to surrender.
The men advanced to the door, which
they found to be fastened; and after de-
manding admission, to which they recev-
ed no answer, they proceeded to break it
open, which delayed them some time, for
the door was strong oalSen one. This
done, they entered.
"Do you know the man by sight, lieu
tenant?" asked Col. Harcourt, while the
men were busily ransacking the house.
"No, sir; but there is fellow picked
up on the road, now in the rear, that
knows him well. He does not appear to
owe him much favor"
"Drder him to the front"
The countryman had not n very pre-
possessing countenance. There was n
bold surliness and cruel expression Of
features extremely displeasng.
"What is your name?" said Col. Har-
court in his quick military manner.
"John Claasen."
"Do you know Peter Van Dyke?"
Every we'll"
"1s this his dwelling?"
''les-though since his mothers death
and his sisters getting married, it is hard
to say where he keeps HIMSELF
"Docs he not bear the name OF being n
great rebel, and dangerous man to those
who favor the king in this neighbor-
hood?"
"Yes, from the Passaic to the Hacken-
sack, and thirty miles around. If I'd had
my way, he'd been hung long ago, and
his house burned over his head. lie is
the leader OF every rebel gang from the
army, aud points out the honest farmers
homes who stand by their king, whose
barns they plumber, and carry away their
grain and cattle"
"Why you tell bitter tale about hin
Has he ever injured you?"
"lniured me? lie and parcel of rob
bcrs, like himself came one afternoon tc
burn my house and hang me before the
door, which they would have done, but
for the arrival of n number Of friendly
ncighbors, well armed, when they wen
off in double quick time"
docs he not venture into New Norl
sometimes in diSguise?" inquired the col
onel.
81 have heard so. He was slippery
from boy up, and can disguise hlmsel
any way. He's precious scamp, anc
you'll do invorto this part of Jersey i
you hang him as soon as you catch him.
This conversation had been held near
stone wall on the other side of which wa
an old garden; but the troubles of tn
times had left uncultivated. and the goos
berry and currant bushes had grown NJ
rank and untlimmed, aud tho briar
stretched over the walls, covering tn
ground from sight
Under this cover, and within ten fee
Of the colonel and Claasen, lay crouchec
the very man they were talking of. H'
had barely time to escape from the house
and conceal himself upon tho approach o.
horsemen, whom he did not then suspect
to bo within ton miles of him.
Twice or thrice. on hearing tho has,
lies OF Claasen. he was on the point o
raising and confronting HIM; but u littl,
reflection was left. and he thought tina
was not the occasion to place his life il
jeopardy, which he certainly would do
since the party Of troops had come on
expressly to take him.
ado you know with any certainty
Claasen, how long since Van Dyke Ina
been in the neighborhood?"
IL heard that he was seen last nigh
two miles from this, in by.path throug
the woods, coming in the direction G
his house"
THAT is the information received, an
am determined to capture him, soono
or later. If you can point ont his where
abouts. or arrest him yourself, you sha
have a reward of fifty guineas."
Claascn was as avarcious and fond {
money as he was wicked, Fifty guinea
was large sum. indeed. particularly
those days, when gold was rarely seen.
Il will catch him, colonel. before he
three days older. know one of h
haunts."
"Why not lead us there then?"
at would be of no use this time Of da
! Besides he may not be there for day {
: two. and shall have 10 be cautious
looking out for him."
"Well, secure him, and the fifty guir
+. cas- shall be yours"
Several Of the soldiers now came froI
the house. and stated that they had scare
ed the house from top to bottom. br
could find no one. although from appea
snce some person had been there recent
The colonel, followed by GLEASON. passe
on to the house. while the fugitive Ia
I'd quietly in his concealment.
1t was plain frame house. Of middlin
d size' built partly of stone. in the old Dutc
style, and very comfortable within. The
l.saN f..