The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-11-21

1t was a, plain frame house, of midling size,
bu 1t partly IF stone in the. old Dutch sty lie,
and very comfortable within. There was but
little furuiture-a few table, chairs and cook
utencils. The better part, Ctaasen, said he
had been taken-away on the occasion of
Van Dykes sisters marriage, year before as
her part. --.s +
'sHere is q great coat, sir" said on of the
soldiers "that we found on the floor of the
kitchen, near the back door. 1t must have
been dropped in hurry.
"Feel if there is any papers in the pockets,
said Col. Hareourt.
"Yes here Is a. bundle of EN- ~
The colonel took the package, looked at the
superscription,- broke the seal, and going to
the window, commenced reading them to him.
self, with countenance of surprise. - -
$50, so-here is list of our troops, and
their numbers in and around the city. tAt
Powle's Hook, three hundred and fifty 'At
tlizabethtown and Newark one thousand
General Clinton leaves for Charleston, with
five thousand Why, these documents are
indeed of Importance. Who can play the spy
so thoroughly in our camp? This Van Dyke
is q most dangerous character to be abroad
'Mcn,' he said aloud, and ycu Claasen, search
every hole, and see if any more papers can be
found.
Nothing could give Claasen greater delight
had long urged him to enter the house during
Van Dykes absense, for this very purpose;
but the dread that Van Dyke might return
while he was thus engage, and heretofore
prevented him undertaking it. He was now
armed with proper authority and protected.
What he found or discovered he did not re-
port to Col Harcoart, but made the same re-
ply as tie soldiers, that nothing more of inn
portasce could be found.
Very we'll, we will now leave the place and
return TO quarters at Powle's Hook. Hodge,
son, place some dry wood in the middle of this
room, and when l give the word apply, the
match.'s, z----- .-..., . . y
tWhat are you going to burn the wv hiows'
colonel p said Claasen, his flee CLEANED with
satisfaction H 1897 +2f lie s-s -,.t.syl
Yes, 1 will burn down the nest of this rebel
caSisR bird. 1t is we'll he is not within my
reach--he should swing for it. One such fell
low, with his secEet spying ard finding out,
is Of more injury to US then a regiment of reb-
els in ail open feld.P ,31a1ii5 Ls
Little did the British commander imagine
that the young man was then almost within
the sound of his voice. E
ITO horses, r,en, all except Uodgson.' By
this time, with Giaasea, eae eslonei had ap
preached within the hearing of Van Dyke,
where he halted with his troops.
Now. Hoe ssen, apply the match, mount
and fall in
It was with anguish Van Dyke heard this
order from his hiding place. The Willows,
as the farm house was call, d, had been the
birth place of his ancestors, as it was HIS own,
and there he had passd all his life. But what
could he do? Nothing.
Presently a thick black smoke arose and
burst from each door and window. This was
followed by brilliant fame that shot far into
the sky and the cracking of the we'll season.
ed timbers, dry with century of preparation,
could be heard at great distance.
There will be one rebel sholter less to night.
1t is pity they were not all burned down
then the king would have more friends this
side of the water. These rebels are like dogs,
good whipping n axe them better natured.-
The house is nearly consumed, for the enbe-s
are beginning to fly before the evening breeze.
BY flies, to the right f;tee, trotp and the hcrse-
men wheeled into the road.
Fifty guineas yoa say, colonel, if take Van
DYKE p asked Claasan again.
Yes, fifty guiaeas. f -i 5
. sThen will leare you here, and keep
watch around He may return here before a
great while. Where shall you halt?
!At the Oaks FIVE miles off, and stop for an
hour or two for the forage party. If anyih h,ng
should occur within that time you know where
to lind me- The officer and troop rode away.
Claasen fingered around and gradually ap-
preached Il e bull ling w hich was with the ex-
ception of the brick walls, heap of ruins:
$50 John Claasen, you have glutted your
'vcngence upon me, and this is your work, vi
per wretch :! --s
Claasen turned and beheld within six feet
OF him Van Dyke, learing musket
'No, no, Peter he muttered, trembling
he spoke, 1T was the British officer You
know gaaldHE injure you
T e
get myself, and blow your brains out he rd
all. You to have fifty guineas for appre-
hendipg me. am everything that is bad -
| came to burn your house down. but fed when
your friends approached! Wretch, 1 saved
your dwelling and your worthless carcass and
these ruins are My reward -
Peter, deur Peter. '' -e -ra1 q 7f-I q
eScoun9rel do not apply that word taear' to
me- 1t sounds worse than a hiss of snake.
Listen, John Claasen, the chief reason of
your animosity to me is because Kate Vessels
her and her father are both safe from your
persecution for they are now within the Anne
,riean lines. Now. hear me; l spare you this
time, for you are 1narmed; but when next
we meet, be it in town or village, forest or
road. wedding or funeral, tits yonr life or
Eine, GoY srs.-tF ..,-.-5 o.
,Glaasan waited for no second bidding, but
in the direction of the soldiers in
double quick time, lis hair standing on end
for like all other rogues he was .cowsrdlv ,as
he was pad. 800. ,... - ''' on .
Van Dyke paused a moment, and thus pom
dered in his own mind-'That scoundrel will
bring some CT those horsemen back, for he will
imagine that may linger two or three hours
AROUND this old place. Yes, yes, will after
.sone twenty ofour lads and prepare an ambush
for them. Fifty guineas will draw Claasen
anywhere, coward that .he is especially when
backed by red coats ri.
70 1t was not .lorg before Van Dyke returned
with his party, whom he gathered by signal
and ,ss night had fallen, they took their sta
.tiananid the willows by the. banks of the brook
where they could remain unperceived. For
the space of an hour all was still, when the
distant tramp of horses was heard on the road.
sHere they come, said Van Dyke. Each
choose his man, but leave Claasen to me; you
H., he he r,n