The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-05-01
The Defeated = AOrieS.
\ STORY OF rHE REVOLUTION

u ~ ~ ~ VI ANS~ IL Va AShJb
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION
In the year l777 Philadelphia was in the
hands of Howe and his inhuman soldiery.
while the fields of Brandywlne gave the
American people an evidence of British
humanity.
The people of Pennsylvania and Della
ware were at the mercy Of their foes. Bands
of Hessian dragons secuted the vicinity OF
Philadelphia for miles around, and COM
mitted acts that would have disgraced a
vandal.
On the evening ofa delightful autumn
day, group of boys, ranging in age from
twelve to fifteen years, were gathered to-
gether on the steps of tenantless store
house in the village of Newark, Delaware.
The town seemed lonely, and with the ex-
ception of the youthful band referred to,not
human being met the eye. All men
capable of bearing arms had left their
homes to join the army of Washington on
the Schuylkill.
A young lad of sixteen stood on barrel
and was giving an account of the battle OF
Brandywine. James Wilson, the orator
was a boy enthusiastic in his love for the
American cause, and possessed Of no little
intelligence. His blue eye and aaxen hail
gave him an eiieminate appearance, but be-
meath his homespun jacket throbbed 9
heart that never shrank before any OBJ
stacle.
His father was commander Of the Della.
ware troops and his mother was dead. The
boy concluded his narrative and was la
menting that he could not join the Ameri
can army.
81 am not old enough" said he, "bu
had a musket, l would not stand idle
here, with my hands uselcssly by my
side"
care there no guns of any description il
the village?" asked listening youth
M l have spent nearly a week trying
to find one, but my efforts have been of NJ
avail. strongly suspect that Tory Living
stone has several in his honse, but as hC
permits no one to trespass on his land, an
unable to say positively.
"Why not take a party and search th'
house ?" asked Frank Howard. "He ha
no one to assist him but his cowardly sol
George, and can thrash him as easy a
that" and the boy snapped his fingers t.
imply the readiness with which he coulC
trounce old Livingstone's son.
James Wilson's blue eyes sparkled will
joy.
"If there are any three boys in this com
pany who will help me, will search ole
Livlngstone's house this night. All wh'
are willing to go, just step forward thre,
PAGES"
Every boy in the crowd stepped forward
without moments hesitation. James eye
sparkled like twin stars.
Now boys, by the dead of Bunker Hill,
will search old Livingtone's house thougl
instant death stands in my path! !"
With firm tread and the utmost silenc
the young heroes took up their line of marcl
for old Livingstone's Livingstone ha'
long been suspected of harboring Britisl
spies, and his former laborers reported tina
he had kept up regular correspondents
with the British commander. At all event
he was regarded as a dangerous man. Iii
house was situated a short distance from
White Clay Creek. on the side Of a steel
hill, surrounded on all sides by tall trees
1t was just such n place as one might sup
pose suitable for the plotting of treason.
At the time James Wilson and his littl
band left the deserted store house in tn
village of Newark, dusk had given plac
unto the darker shades of night. Still
was not dark; the new moon was shining
brightly through the clouds, and every ob
ject was perfectly dstinguishable. TIL
boys walked firmly forward, maintaining
solemn silence. At length they gained tn,
bed of the creek, and slowly followed tn
winding path, soon came to little los
bridge which crossed a shallow rivulet lead
lug to White Clay Creek, and James order
ed them to halt.
"Let Frank Howard and reconnoitre tn
premises first, to see whether any danger
to be apprehended. All the rest stand her
until we return. Max no noise, and keep
/ constant watch"
james and Frank silently departed an
were soon lost in the thick wood throug
which the path ran. Scarcely were the
gone from their companions ere the quie
ear Of Wilson detected a noise.
"Histr said he to Frank, as he pulle
him behind gigantic beech tree. Present.
G gorge Livingstone came in sight. jaime
darled from his covert and tightly graspe
| him by the throat.
The oowar'ily youth trembied like reec
"speak one word" Whispered his capto
"and III toss you into the creek"
The Tory's son, struck dumb with aston
ishment and fright, found himself in tn
midst Of a whole group of boy heroes, wit
the vice grasp of James and Frank on eithG
arm.
"Now, !" said James, "answer me promp
ly and truly, or I'll make your position III
comfortable. Do you hear? Who is in yor
fathers house at this moment ?"
Ill can't tell, I" stammered the half dea