The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1864-04-14
THE BOY PATRIOT.
A story Of the Revolution.

II II DU1 Il Il "A kA1V1.
A story ofthe Revolution.
In the year 1916. Philadelph was in
the hands Of Howe and his inhuman
soldiery, while the field of Brandywine
gave the 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 Phila.
delphia for miles around, and committed
acts which would disgrace vandal.
On the evening Of a delightful Au.
tumn day, a group Of boys, ranging in
age from twelve to seventeen years, were
gathered together on the steps Of ten.
antless storehouse in the little village Of
Newark, Delaware. The town seemed
lovely, and with the exception of the
youthful band referred to, rot human
being met the eye. All the men capa
ble of bearing arms, had left their he mes
to join the army Of Washington on the
Schuylki.l. A youth Of sixteen, noun,
ed on barrel, was giving an account
OF the disastrous battle Of Brandywine
James Wilson, the orator, was a bold
boy, enthusiastic in his love Tor the
American cause, and possessed Of nc
little intelligence His bright, blue eyes
and flaxen hair, gave him an cfemina;e
appearance, but beneath that plain
homespun jacket, throbbed heart tha,
never shrank before any obstacle. Iii.
father was commander of the Delaware
troops, and his mother was dead. The
boy concluded his narrative, and va.
deeply lamen,ing that he could not join
the army. i am not old enough said
he, 'but had l a muskct. l would no,
stand idle here, with my hands uscles,
by my side
Are there no guns of any description
in the village? ? asked listening youth.
None. | have spent nearly week in
trying to find one, but my Efforts have
been Of no avail. strongly susrec,
that the Tory Livingston has several in
his house, but as he permits no one tc
trespass on his land, am unable to
say positively
Why not take party aud search
his dwelling p asked Frank Howard
he has no one to assist him, except his
coward'y son George, and can thrash
him as easy as that and the boy snap
ped lis fingers to imply the readiness
with which he could trounce old Liy.
ingston's son.
James Wilson's eyes sparkled with
JOY.
IF there are any three boys in this
company who will help me, I will search
old Livingston's house this night. All
who are willing to go, just step forward
three PAGES.
Every boy in the crowd stepped for
ward without moments hesitation.-
James eyes flashed like stars.
Now, by the dead Of Bunker Hill,
will search old Livingston's residence
though death stands in my path 7
With frm tread, and with the ut
most silence, the young heroes took ur
their march for old Liv,ngston's. Liv
ingston had long been suspected Of har
boring 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 danger
GUS man. His house was situated 1
short distance from White Clay Creek
on tie side Of a steep hill, surrounded
on all sides by trees. It was just sucl
place as one might suppose suitable
for plotting treason.
AT the time James Wilson and hi
little band left the deserted storehouse
in the village Of Newark, dusk had Civ
cn place to the dark shades Of night
Still, it was not dark the new moor
was shining brightly through the clouds
and every object was perfectly dist n
gnishable. The boys walked firmly 70
ward, maintaining solemn silence. A