The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1863-11-13
THE BOY PATRIOT.

In the year l776, Philadelphia was
in the hands Of Howe and bis inhuman
soldiery. while the field of Brandy wine
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 Of Philacel-
phia for miles around and committed acts
which would disgrace Vandal.
On the evening of delightful autumn
CAV. group Of boys, ranging in age
from twelve TO sixteen years, we're gath
cred together on the steps Of tenantless
sorehouse in the village of Newark. Della
ware. The town seemed lonely, and
with the exception of the youthful band
referred to, not a human being met the
eye. All the men capable Of bearing
arms. had left their homes to join the ar.
my Of Washington, on the Schuylkill.-
A youth of sixteen, mounted on a barrel,
was giving an account of the disastrous
battle of Brandywine. James Wilson, the
orator. was bold boy, enthusiastic in his
love for the American cause, and possess
ed I no little intelligence. His bright
blue eyes and faxen hair gave an effemi
nate appearance, but beneath that plain
home spun jacket, throbbed heart that
never shrank before any obstacle. His
father was captain of the Delaware troops,
and his mother was dead. TIE boy con-
cluded his narrative and was deeply la
menting tha' he could not join the army.
" l am not old enough, but had l mus
ket would not stand idle here, with nv
hands useless by my side"
"Are there no guns of any description
in the vilIsges" asked listening youth.
None. l have spent nearly a week
trying to find one. but my efforts have
been of no avail. ! strongly suspect that
the Tory Livingston has several in his
house, but as he permits no one to tres
pass on his land | am unable to say posi>
lively
Why not take a party and search his
dweling?" asked Frank Howard; "he
has no one to assist him excep, his coward
ly son George, and can thrash him as
easily as thai" and the boy snapped his
fingers to imply the readiness with which
be could trounce old Livingstone's son.
James Wilson's eyes sparked with Joy.
- II there are three bows in this compa-
nv who will help me, will search old
Livings'one's house this night. All who
are willing to go, just step forward three
PAGES"
Every boy in the crowd stepped for
ward without a moments hesitation
James eyes flashed like stars.
"Now, BY the dead Of Bunker Hill. l
will search old Livingstone's residence
though death stands in nv path"
With firm tread, and with the utmost
silence. the young heroes took up their
march for old Livipgstope's. Livingston
had long since been suspected Of barbor>
ing British spies, and some of his former
laborers had reported that be kept up a
regular correspondence with the British
commander. At all events be was regard
ed by the Wings as dangerous man -
His house vas situated short distance
from White Clay Creek, on the side Of a
steep hill, surrounded on all sides by trees
1t was just such place as one might
suppose suitable for plotting treason.
At the time James Wilson and his lit
tie band left the deserted storehouse in
the village Of Newark dusk had given
place to the dark shades of night. Still,
it was not da the new moon was shin.
ing brightly through the clouds, and ev-
cry object WAS perfectly distinguishable
The boys walked firmly forward main ain
ing solemn silence A length they gained
the bend of the creek, and slowly follow
ing the winding path, soon came to lit.
tie low bridge which crossed a shallow
rivulet leading into White Clay, and
James ordered them to halt
Let Frank Howard and myself re-
connoitre the premises first, to see wheth
er any danger may be apprehended All
the rest stand here until we return
Make no ooise and keep constant
watch.'
James and Frank silently departed and
were soon lost in the thick woods through
which the path run. Scarce had they
gone from their companions, ere the quick
ear of Wilson detected noise. "His,,'
said he to Frank, as he pulled up behind
a gigantic beech tree. Presently George
Livingston came in sight. James Wilson
Garted from his covert and tightly grasp.
ed the boy by the neck. The cowar6ly
youth trembed like reed
"Speak one word" whispered his cap
tor, T." and I'll toss you into The creek "
The Tory's son. struck dumb with
fright, found himself in the midst of the
boy >heroes, win the vice-like grasp OF
James and Frank on either arm
Now" said James, answer me
promptly and truly or I'll make your 20
sition uncomfortable. Do YOU hear q
Who are in your fathers house this mo
ment %
oil cannot tell" stammered the hal
dead boy.
"You shall tel, or by -"
"Spare me, and / will tell everything
When | left the hous e there was no one
there but our family and Major Brad
stone"
"Who is he 2" asked James.
Il don't know don't indeed"
"Teil ~ threatened Frank
Gle is Captain of the Yorkshire drag
oons.'
IT,. bl,o oro. ~f Tar,o, o,l;ota, I ,u;, l.