The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-07-16
TIE ROY PATRIOT.

! humanity. The inhabitants OF Pennsyl,
vania and Delaware were at the mercy Of
their foes Bands of Hessian Dragons
secuted the vicinity Of Philadelphia for
miles around, and committed acts which
would disgrace vandal.
OG the evening Of a delightful Autumn
day, group of boys, ranging IN age from
twelve to seventeen years, were gathered
together on the steps of tenantless
store house in the little village of Newark,
/ Delaware The town seemed lonely, and
with the exception Of the youthful band
referred to, not human being met the
eye. All the men capable of bearing
arms had left their homes 70 join the armv
of Washington on the Schuylkill. y
youth of sixteen. mounted on barrel;
was giving an account of the disastrous
battle Of Brandywine James Wilson,
the orator, was a bold boy. enthusiastic
in his love for the American cause; and
possessed Of no little intelligence His
blue eyes and faxen hair gave him an
etfeminate appearance, but beneath that
plain homeSpun jacket throbbed a heart
that never shrank before auy obstacle
His father was commander of the Della
ware troops and his mother was dead
The bog concluded his narrative, aud was
deeply lamentiug that he could not join
the army 81 am not old enough" said
he, " but had [ uusket I would not stand
idle here, with my bands useless by my
side"
"Are there no guns Of any description
in the village :" asked listening youth.
"Noue. | have spent nearly week
trying to find one, but my eifor,s have
been of no avail strongly suspect
that the Tory Livingstone has sevcra, ia
his house, bpt as he permits no one to
trespass on his land am unable TO say
positively"
Why not take party ani search his
dwelling house - asked Frank Howard
che has DO one to assist him except MS
cowardly son George and | can thrash
him as easy as that and the boy snap
ped his fingers to imply the readiness
with which he could trouuce old Living
ston's son.
/ james Wilson's eyes sparkled with Joy.
"if there are any three boys in this com-
pany who will help ne, | will search old
Livinsston's house this night. Al who
are wiling to 90 just step forward three
PAGES Every boy in the crowd stepped
forward without u moments hesitation.
james eyes flashed liae stars Now by
the dead Of Bunker Hill? | will search
old Living>ton's residence though death
stands in my patti"
With firm tread, and with the utmost
silence, the young heroes took up their
line OF march for old Liviugston's Liv-
ingston had long been suspected Of har
boring British spies, and some of his
former laborerS had reported that he kept
up a regular CORES pondence with the
British commander. At all events he /
was generally regarded by the Wings As
dangerous man. His house was stu /
ated short distance from White Clay
Creek, on the side of a steep hill, sur
rounded on all sides by tall trees. Il
was just such place as one might sup
pose suitable FOL the plotting of treason
AT the time James Wilson and his
little band left he deserted storehouse in
the village of Newark, dusk had given
place to the darker shades Of night Still
it was not dark the new moon was
shining brightly through the clouds, and
every object was perfectly distinguish
able. The boys walked firmly forward,
maintaining solemn silence At length
they gained the bend uf the creek, and
slowly following the winding path, soon
came to little low bridge which crossed
a shallow rivulet leading into White
Clay creek, and james ordered them
to halt.
Let Frank Howard and myself recon-
noitIe the premises first, to see whether
any danger may be apprehended. All
the rest stand here till we return Make
no noise, and keep constant watch
James aud Frank silently departed.
and were soon lost in the thick woods
through which the path run. Scarce 5
had they gone from their companions, ere 8
the quick ear of Wilson detected noise. t
Hist ! said he to Frank, as he pulled /
him behind a gigantic beech tree. Pres a
entity George Livingston came IN sight. 5
James Wilson darted from his cover and b
lightly grasped the boy by the Leck. The ?
youth trembled like reed.
Speak one word" whispered his cap o
or, land I'll toss you into the creek" P
The Torys son, struck dumb with e
right, found himself in the midst of the
whole group of boy heroes, with the vice /
ik : grasp Of James and Frank on either 4
lrm. II
Now" said James, "answer me s.
and truly, or I'll make your a