The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-04-10


The old Tory was TO receive as eompensa-
tion the land on which the village stood,
and 40 annual pension from the British
government. aH
But stranger than all, the plot was to be
consuInmated on the very night the Tory's
sou had been captured, while he was going
on an errand TO a neighbor's house, two
miles distant. The little band Of heroes
learned, too, that the British troops had
secured their horses 10 Lisiugstonc's stable
and intended to descend tho creek 10
large boat. There were twenty Of them
besides their own captain.
Major Bradstone, the leader Of the band,
was in temper and heart thorough de.
mon, and scrupled not IN his cruelty TO
destroy the slumbeTing infant or the sick
wife.
Not few Of those boys trembled for
widowed mother or q defenceless sister.
Some were for departing Immediately; but
James Wilson still retained his grasp on
the Tory's son, and ordered all 10 be ST.
lent. The prisoner was bound hand and
foot, thick handkerchief tied ever his
mouth TO Opreyent his calling for assistance,
aud with stout cord fastened him to a
tree. All hope Of escape forsook George
Livingstone.
Wilson motioned his little band 10 fol-
low him, and in few moments they stood
on the top Of a high precipice which over.
hung White Clay creek.
snow, boys" said Wilson, athe narra-
tive we have just heard is true, aud as we
have no muskets or ammunition, We must
make the best Of the occasion. The Brit
ish band will pass this spot in their boats,
and as we have an hour to work, let us
busy ourselves in rolling these large rocks
to the edge of the precipice, and when the
red coats pass below, let us sink them to
the bottom"
Each boy set at work, and 10 an incred
IDLY short space Of time nine huge rocks
each half ton in weight, were balanced
on the edge Of the prccipice. Tho creek
at this point was not more than twenty feeI
wide, and was directly overhuDg BY th,
mass Of rocks upon which our heroes stood
If tho British descended the creek, the,
would certainly pass this spot, and il thel
passed it, then death was their certain fate
In about an hour the quick car Of Wilson
detected the measured beat of mufEIet
oars.
"They are coming" he whispered; "le
no one drop his rock till | give the word
and then at once.
Peeping cautiously over the cliff, Jane
saw the Tory boat slowly but surely ap
proaehiug. An officer stood on the bow
guiding the parsmen by orders, and th
epaulets on his shoulders told that be wa
the identical 6end, Major Bradstoue.
Don't drop till give the order" viii.
pered Wilson.
When the boat was about twenty fee
from the rock, the boy leader fell securel
behind his stone defense and shouted
"Who goes there 2"
Ia moment the oarsmeu ceased rowin:
, aud gazed with astonishment about then
The impetus which the boat had acquire
caused it to drift slowly beneath the rocI
and the leader cried.
"Cut loose, in the name Of libertyl'
Each boy pushed his rock at that Il
stant, and as il with one impulse the g
gantie stones fell. A loud shrek fro
dark waters told how tn, plan succeede,
J and as the boys again looked over the rocI
nothing was seen but few pieces ofwool
The boat burst in pieces, and the occl
J pants found grave at the bottom Of Viii
! Clay creek. A cry Of victory burst fro
! the joyous lips of the youthful patriot
and it was echoed along in solemn graz
| deur.
"Now for our prisoner' exclaimc
! Frank Howard, bounding ahead; but VIII
was the astoDishment Of the boys to &c
7 that, in bis efforts to get free, George Lii
: ingstone had been caught 10 the fatal col
: and choked to death. There was no tin
for repiningI the traitor aud his son hs
met their deserved doom, and there was !
one TO mourn their loss.
"Such be the end of Americas foes fo
T ever y said James Wilson.
; Old Liyingstones house was searche
/ and, to the surprise Of every one, not on
guns, but three brass field pieces, sever
} barrels Of powder, and an abundance
balls were found in the TOry's cellar.
, The military stores found here we
: given over to the American troops, at
found joyous welcome at headquartel
: Had not the British party been 50 signal
I defeated along the banks Of White CT,
; creek, the town of Newark, aud the who
: Northern part Of the State of Dclawar
} would have been overun BY predatol
7 bands Of British soldiers.
james Wilson aud Fnnk Howard bo
Joined the army Of Greene, and served wi
distinction 10 the Southern eampaig
} Frank fell 10 the memorable battle Of 4
, taw Springs, bewaied by all who kns
, him. James lost leg at the seige
Yorktown, aud retired to his native vi
, lage, but modification ensued, and be Q
pircd with the ever to bO remember,
} words on his lips
! HCut loose, in the name Of liberty Y
| The village Of Newark still stands; al
, has become town Of celebrity. III
! scene OF the defeat Of the British by d
: patriots is still pointed out, aud is sacr,
. spot in the annals Of Newark.
Epectacles and staff.