Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-08-14
Some Quaker koys Of Is16.

and mercenaries. There was no Secu-
rity to life or property; everything was
at the mercy of the wicked Hessians.
At this time there was living on the
island, not far from New York, a
Quaker by the name of Pattison. Henry
PattisOn, the father, was one of the
strictest of the sect; of noble, generous
nature, kind neighbor, and wise
councillor He was universally loved
and revered. He won the name of the
peace-maker.
| He owned fine farm and was grow
ing wealthy, when the war came and
sad days settled upon the community.
| Mother Pattison was the true type OF
the Quaker wife and mother. Under
her tiny night cap beamed the placid,
tender face which is so common among
these pure-hearted people, and her
skillful advice and winning words OF
consolation, were often heard in the
houses of the sick and afflicted. Eight
sturdy boys, and one sweet. timid flower
of daughter, blessed this good couple
and made their home one of happiness
and love.
Edmund, the oldest son, was a hand
some, manly lad of eighteen. Beneath
his broad-brimmed hat, his quiet
''thee" and thou" beat fiery and
| fearless heart that often broke through
tge mild Quaker training and made
him, Notwithstanding his peace princi-
pies, leader among his fellows.
One dav. as he sat i'm the barn,
quietly enjoying his MONDAY rest a
British trooper rode up TO the door.
Seeing Edward he shouted:
- Come, youngster. make haste and
stir yourself. Go and help my driver
there unload that cart of timber into the
road -
Now Edmund had just been hard at
work loading that wood, to carry il to a
neighbor to whom it was sold.
Both wagon and oxen belonged to
his father.
4" Come hurry ~ said the horseman.
Il shall not do it ~ said Edmund.
What-sirrah ~ cried the ruffian.
- we shall see who will do it.' and he
flourished his sword over the boys
head swearing and threatening TO cut
him down unless he instantly obeyed.
Edmund stood unflinchingly, fiercely
eyeing the enraged soldier.
Just then little boy, Charles, the
son of a neighbor. ran into the house
and told Mrs. Pattison that a g Britsher
was going TO kill her Edmund" She
rushed to the barn, begged the soldier
to stop, pleaded with her son to unload
the wood and so save his life.
. No fear of death, mother; he dare
not touch hair of my head"
"Dare not :" The horseman fiourishcd
his sword before the lads face, and
wore he would Kill him instantly.
You dare noti'' said Edmund
firmly; and | will report you to your
master for this
The fierce and defiant look really
awed the trooper, and he mounted his
horse although he still told the boy he
would "cut him into inch pieces"
Edmund knew that such things were
actually done by the soldiers and he
appreciated the mans terrible rage, He
coolly walked across the barn floor, and
armed himself with huge pitchfork.
"You cowardly rascal v'-the boys
voice came fierce and sharp. ''Now
take one step towards this floor, and L
will stab you with pitchfork."
The gentle Mrs. Pattison expected to
see her boy at once shot down like
dog. She ran to the house, and meeting
her husband, sent him to the rescue.
Friend Pattison rode hastily up, and
said calmly to the trooper:
" You have no right to lay finger
upon that boy who is a non-combat-
ant
The man did not move.
Then farmer Pattison turned toward
the road, saying he would ride and call
Colonel Wurms, who commanded the
troops.
Upon this the horseman, thinking il
best for him TO see the master first
drove the spurs into his horse and gal
loped away, uttering vows of ven
geance.
The little boy who had alarmed Mrs.
PattisOn was lad of fourteen-the son
of a neighbor who was in WashIngton's
army.
Sitting one day under the trees, with
the little Pattisons, talking Indignantly
of the 81 British thieves" he saw light
horseman ride up toward farm house
just across a pond. He guessed at once
what the man was after. He tried to
signal the farmer, but i'm vain.
" They are pressing horses" cried
Charlie; "they always ride that way
when stealing horses"
He thought of his fathers beautiful
colt, his own pet.
Fleetwood shall not gOH' SAID he
Running as fast as he could TO the
barn, he leaped on to his back, and
started for the woods.
The red-coat saw him, and, putting
Ills spurs lllo nolsC- M hh'
saddle and shouting, he tore down the
road at headlong speed.
Charities mother rushed to the door
She saw her little son galloping to-
wards the woods with his murderous
enemy close upon his heels. Her heart
beat fearfully, and she gave one great
cry of prayer as her brave little boy
dashed into the thick woods, and out of
sight, still hotlv pursued by the soldier.
The trees were close set and the
branches low. Charlie laid down along
horses neck to escape being swept off.
He cheered on, with low cries, the wild
colt, who stretched himself full length
at every leap.
With streaming name, and glaring
eyes, distended nostrils, he plunged on.
Charlie heard the dead boughs crack
ling behind and the snorting of the
soldiers horse, so near was his fierce
nursurer, On, on Fleetwood dashed,