Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-10-16
nlisteIlaneous ReaSins.
The Boy Patriot.

the hands of Howe and his inhuman SOL
diery, while the field of Brandywine gave
American people an evidence of British
humanity. The inhabitants of Pennsylva-
MIA 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
day, group Of boys, ranging in age from
twelve TO seventeen years, were gathered
together on the steps of a tenantless store
house in the little village of Newark, Del
aware. 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 Washing
ton on the Schuylkill. A 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 bright blue eyes and fiaxen hair gave
him an effeminate appearance, but beneath
that plain, homespun jacket, throbbed a
heart that never shrank before any obsta-
Gle. His father was commander of the Del
aware troops, and his mother was dead.
The boy concluded his narrative, and was
deeply lamenting that he could not join the
army. ! am not old enough" said he,
- but lad | a musket, | would not stand
idle here, with my hands useless by my
side"
"Are there no guns of any description
in the village?" asked list ming youth.
None. / 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 trespass on his
land, i am unable to say positively"
"Why not take party, and search his
dwell:ng?" asked Frank Howard 6 he
has no one to assist him except his coward
ly 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.
"If there are any three boys in this COM
psny who will help me. will search old
Livingston's house this night. All who are
i NliIinS W ~, just otCP lOi Wdih VII &C pdSCo.
Every boy in the crowd stepped forward
, without moments hesitation. James's eyes
flashed like stars.
"Now, by the dead of Bunker Hill,
g will search old Livingston's residence
though death stands in my path"
! With firm tread, and with the utmos'
!, silence, the young heroes took up theil
a march for old Livingston's. Livingston
had long been suspected of barboring Brit
ish spies, and some of his former aborers
had reported that he kept up a regular cor
respondence with the British commander
AT all events, he was generally regarded
by the Wings as dangerous man. Iii:
house was situated a short distance frou
White Clay Creek, on the side of steeI
as HILL surrounded on all sides by tall trees
1t was just such place as one might sup
pose suitable for the plotting of treason.
!, AT the time James Wilson and his li,tl,
I'd band left the deserted storehouse in the vii
lage of Newark, dusk had given place t,
the darker shades of night. Still, it wa
not dark ; the new moon was shining bright
ch ly through the clouds, and every object wa
,er perfectly distingushahle. The boys wake,
firmly forward, maintaining solemn silence
;. AT length they gained the bend of TIN
creek, and slowly following the windin
path, soon came TO little low bridge whc
crossed shallow rivulet leading into Whit
Clay, and James ordered them to halt.
/" Let Frank Howard and myself recon
noiter the premises first, TO see whether an
danger may be apprehended. All the res
~ y stand here till we return. Make no moist
ee and keep a constant watch"
& James and Frank silently departed, an
Al we're soon lost in the thick woods throug
nj which the path run. Scarce had they gon
on from their companions, ere the quick ear {
Wilson detected noise. Hist said
. to Frank, as be pulled up behind giganti
beech tree. Presently George Livingsto
came in sight. James Wilson darted fror
: his covert, and tightly grasped the boy b
the neck. The cowardy youth tremble
ike reed.
RS "Speak one word,', whispered his capto
'ro Z" and Ill toss you into the creek"
8. - The Tory's son, struck dumb with frigli
On found himself in the midst of the who
M ms group of boy heroes, with the vice-lik
rm grasp of James and Frank on either arm
Now" said James, answer me promp
: ly and truly, or Ill make your position III
by comfortable. Do you hear? Who are
/. your fathers house at this moment?"
Ill can not tell,' stammered the la
dead boy.
You shall tell, Or"
"Spare me, and I'll tell everything
When / left the house there was no OF
= there but our family and Major Bradstone
Az A..
~ Il don't know-I don't indeed"
"Tell!" threatened Frank.
!. " He is the Captain of the Yorkshi