Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1878-07-04
THE BOY PATRIOTS.

history IL Mled WITH the deeds or
the men OF the Revolution, nor are
the patriot women forgotten by the
journals of'76; but where is the his
torian who tells OF the boys OF the
gloomy period? There were in the
Revolution, boys Of noble patriotism
and dauntless spirit, boys who would
not become traitors, though the rack
and the gibbet confronted them;
boys who toiled with an endurance
and boldness unequaled In the annals
OF nation for the independence Of the
"Old Thirteen"
Let US relate an instance: It was
In the year OF 1777. Philadelphia
was in the hands of Howe and his in
human soldiery, while the field OF
Brandywine 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
secured the vicinity Of Philadelphia
for miles around, and committed acts
which would haye disgraced Van
dal.
On the evening Of an autum day a
group of boys, ranging In age from IL
to II years, were gathered together
on the steps Of telantless store
house in the village Of Newark. Del.
The town seemed lonely, and, with the
exception OF the youthful band refer
red to, 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 Schuyl-
kill. A youth of 16 years. mounted
on barrel, was giving an account OF
the disastrous battle OF Brandywine.
James Wilson, the narrator, was a
bold boy, enthusiastic in his love for
the American cause, and possessed OF
no little intelligence. His bright blue
eye and flaxen hair gave him an ef-
Terminate appearance, but underneath
that plain homespun jacket throbbed
heart that never quailed in danger,
nor shrunk before an obstacle.
His father was commander of the
Delaware regular troops, and his
mother was dead. The boy concluded
his marathon, and was deeply lament
ing that he could not join the army.
II am not old enough" said he.
shut had / a musket / would not
stand idle here, with my hands hang
ing useless by my side. have spent
nearly week trying to find one, but
my efforts are of no avail. I strong
ly suspect that old Tory Livingston
has several secreted in his house. but,
as he permits no one to trespass on
his land, / am unable to say positive
ly. II there are any boys to help me,
/ will search his house this night.
He has no one to help him except his
son George, and We can easily man.
age him."
The whole party Immediately vol
unteered, and the young heroes soon
started for the house of the old Tory
Livingston had long been suspected
Of harboring British spies, and some
Of his former laborers had reported
that he kept up regular correspon-
dence with the British commander
At all events, he was generally regar.
ded by the Wings as q dangerous
man, and therefore avoided. His
house was situated a short distance
from Whiteolay creek. on the side ol
deep hill, surrounded on all sides
by tall trees. 1t was just such q
place as one might suppose suitable
for the plotting OF treason. At the
time James Wilson and his little band
left the deserted storehouse In the
village Of Newark. dusk had givsr
place to the darker shades Of night