The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1863-11-04

| IL tue year ll81, Philadelphia W4- iH the
hands Of Howe ard his inhuman sodiery, sh e
tue field Of b andgwiue gave American people
an evidence o. Briri-h humanity The inh ,bi
tants Of Pennsy ylvauia and Deluare were a. the
mercy Of their foes. Bands of Iiessiau Dragons
secuted the vicinity OF Philadelphia for miles
around. and committed acts that would disgrace
a Vandll
On the evening Of delightful autumn dav, a
group OF boys. ranging in age from twelve to
seventeen years, we're gathered together on the
steps Of tenautles- stOfehOuse ia the little vii
lage Of NeFark, Delaware. The ioun seemed
lonely and with the exception OF the youthful
band referred 10, not a human being met the
eye. All the men capable Of bearing arms. had
left their homes to Join the army OF Washington,
on the SchuylkiL. youth OF sixteen, mounted
on a barrel, was giving account Of the disastrous
battle OF audysine. James Wilson, the ora
tor was a bold boy, enthusiastic in his love for
the American Cause, and possessed OF no little
intelligence. His bright blue eye and f4xen
hair gave eiIemnate appearance, but beneath
that plain homespun jacket, throbbod a heart
that never shrank before any obstacle His faith
er was commander of the Delaware troops, and
mis- mother was dead. The boy concluded his
narrative, and was lamenting that he could not
JOIN the army. @ am not old enough, said he,
- but bad | a musket, | would not stand idle
here, with my hands idle by my side"
Are there no guns OF any description in the
village ," asked a listening youth
"None. l have spent nearly week trying
to fine 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
trespass on his land, am not able to say posi-
lively"
"Why not take a party and search his dgcl
| In. ai-..IL L. !.
assist him except his cowardly son George, and
can thrash him as easy as that" and the boy
snapped his fingers at the readiness with which
he could trounce old Livingston's son.
James Wilson's eyes sparkied with JOY.
" If there are any three boys in this company
who will help ne, will search old Livngs on
house this night All who arc willing to go,
just step forward three PAGES"
Every boy in the crowd stepped forward with
out a moments hesitation. James eyes flashed
like stars.
"Now, by the dead OF Bunker Hill, viii
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 sus
pected of harboring British spies, aud some Of
mis- former laborers had reported that he kept up
i
mander. At all events he was regarded by
Wings as a dangerous man. His house was sit
uated a short distance tom White CLAW Creek.
on the side of steep hill, surrounded on all
sides By the trees. Il was just such place as
one might suppose suitable for plotting treason.
At the time james Wilson and his little bard
left the deserted storehous, in the village Of
Newark, dusk had gwen place 20 the dark shades
of night. Still It was not dark the new moon
was shining brightly through the clouds, and ev
cry object was perfectly distiaguishabie. The
boys walked firmly forward. maintaining solemn
silence. At length they gained tie bend of The
creek, and slowly following the winding path,
soon come TO a little low bridge which crossed a
shallow riyulet leading into White Clay, and
James ordered them to halt.
"L Let Frank Howard and myself reconnoi're
the premises first, 70 see whether anv danger
may be apprehended. All the rest stand here
until We return. Make no noise and keep q con
staLt watch
James and Faux silently departed, and were
soon lost in the thick woods through which the
path runs Scarce had they gone from their
companions, ere the quick ear OF Wilson detected
a noise. Hist !" said ne 10 Frank, rs he pulled
up behind a gigantic beech tree. Presently
Geo. Livingston came in sight. James Wilson
dsrted from his covert and tightly grasped the
boy by the neck The coEard'y boy trembled
ike reed.
"Spesk one voEd, whispered his captor land
/ I'll toss you into the creek"
l TIE Tory's son. struck dumb with fright, found
himself in the midst of a whole group of boy he
rOes, with the vice ike grasp of James and Frank
on either arm.
"NON," said James answer me promptly and
truly, or III make your position uncomfortable
Do YOU hear? Whoare in your fathers house
at this moment"
I'LL cannot tali." stsmmered the hall
dead boy.
/ You shall tell Or"
"Spsre NE, aud III tel everything. When ]
eft the house there was no one there bus our
family and Major Bradstone"
"WhO Is ne - asked james
don't know don't indeed"
Tell" threatened Frank
lie is the Captain of the Yorkshire dra-
goOus."
The blue ewes Of James glislencd with iov.
and be soon gained from the Fory's soon 4 reve.
lation which stamped his father a traitor OF the
most appalling character. lie discovered that
old Livingston not only kept up correspondence
with the British commander, but that he had 50
plotted in bis traitorous design that the Htils
village OF Newark was % be burned 70 the
ground, and it, women and children lsit exposed
to the pitiless foe The old Tory was TO receiv,
for bis compensation the land whereou the vii
lage stood. and an annual pension from TIE Bit
ish government
ButStranger Than all. the plot vas to be consum
mated on the very night the TOrv'S son had harr