The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1863-11-05
THE BOY PATRIOT.

In the year 1776, Philadelphia was in the
hands of Howe and his inhuman soldiery,
while the field of Brandywine gave American
people an evidence of British humanity. The
inhabitants of Pennsylvania and Delaware
were at the mercy of their foes. Bands OF
Hessian dragons secuted the vicinity ofPhil-
edelphia for miles around, and committed acts
which would disgrace Vandal.
On the evening ola 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 lit
tie 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 to join the army
of Washington, on the Schuylkill A youth
Of sixteen mounted on barrel, was giving
an account of the disastrous battle of Brandy
wine James Wilson, the orator, 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
effeminate appearance, but beneath that
plain, homespun jacket throbbed heart that
never shrank before any obstacle. His father
was commander of the Delaware troops, and
his mother was dead. The boy concluded his
narrative and was deeply lamenting that he
could not join the army, 81 am not old
enough" said he, ''but had musket, IwouId
not stand idle here, with my hands useless by
my side"
care there no guns of any description in the
village?" asked listening youth
''None. / have spent nearly week trying
to find one but my efforts have been of no
avail strongly suspect that the Tory Liy-
ingston has several in his house. but as he
permits no one to trespass on his land, am
unable to say positively"
''Why not take party and search his
dweIlingH" asked Frank Howard; she 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 trounce old
Livingston's son.
James Wilson's eyes sparkled with joy
eff there are any three boys in this compa-
ny that will help me- will search old Liv-
ingston's house this night. All who are will /
ing to go, just step forward three PAGES"
Every boy in the crowd stepped forward |
without moments hesitation. James eyes
flashed like stars.
''Now, by the dead of Bunker Hill, l will
search old Livingston's residence, though
death stands in my path"
With firm tread and with the utmost 81
lence, the young heroes took up their march
for old Livingston's Livingston had long
been suspected Of harboring British spies, and
some of his former laborers had reported that
he kept up regular correspondence with the
British commander. At all events, he was
regarded by Wings as dangerous man. His
house was situated a short distance from
White Clay Creek, ON the side of steep hill,
surrounded on all sides by the trees. 1t was
just such place as one might suppose suta-
pIe loF plOLLl1S treason.
At the times James Wilson and his little
band left the deserted storehouse in the vii j
Iage of Newark, dusk had given place to the t
dark shades of night. Still, it was not dark /
the new moon was shining brightly through [
he clouds, and query object wos perfectly dis
The boys walked firmly forward
solemn silence. At length they d
gained the bend of the creek, and slowly fol-
owing the winding path, soon came to a lit
tie low bridge which crossed shallow rivu
ct leading into White Clay, and James order b
d them to halt Of
LET Frank Howard and myself reconnoitre Of
he premises first, to see whether any dam ii
,er may be apprehended. All the rest stadd
lere until we return. Make no noise and keep
constant watch"
James and Frank silently departed, and
we're soon lost in the thick wooks through q
which the path run. Scarce had they gone g
rom their companions, ere the quick ear of Of
Wilson detected a noise ''Hist !" said he TO |
rank, as he pulled up behind a gigantic beech w
rec. Presently Geo. Livingston came in sight ia
ames Wilson darted from his covert and =,
ghtly grasped the boy by the neck. The lof
owardly boy trembIed like reed a
Speak one word whispered his captor, or
and I'll loss you into the creek"
The Tory's son. struck dumb with fright
und himself in the midst of the whole group 10 70
boy heroes, with the vice-like grasp of James pc
nd Frank on either arm. fre
''Now, said James, ANSWER me promptIv WI
nd truly,or I'll make your position uncom-
rtable. Do you hear? Who are are in your an
theirs house at this moment.o WI
IL cannot TELL" stalnmered the half Of Of
lad boy. Re
''You shall tell, or -" ga
'Spare me, and I'll tell everything. When az
left the house there was no one there but sis
II family and Major Bradstone" rel
"Who is he9" asked James. as
81 don't know don't Indeed" wC
sFTell :" threatened Frank en-
''He is the Captain of the Yorkshire dra- an
ons." ia
The blue eyes of James glistened with Joy, At
d he soon gained from the Tory's son sec