Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-10-28
miscellaneous.
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION.


YES" said Grandpa. with far-away
look in his eyes, my grandfather's name
on nv mothers side was Hill" Now
grandpa did not like to have US children
tease for stories, but when we saw such
an expression on his face, long experience
had taught us that one was about to be
volunteered. So we drew our chairs closer
to him and the open fire, and while the
wind and snow held high carnival outside.
listened as he continued: HE was an
Englishman and lived under the rule of
George the Third. 1t was at the time of
the Revolutionary war, and while many
men wished to leave England to fight the
Americans. many others did not, and these
were seized and forced into the service
Such men were called pressed men, and
grandfather was a pressed man. How
often I've heard him tell the story
HE was seized one day with several
others, and put on board vessel. After
they had been out on the ocean three days
they were told, what they had already sus-
pected, that they were going to America
as British soldiers. Grandpa Hill, then a
young man, made up his mind at once that
but the utterance of such determination
would have cost him his life, so, like the
Irishman's owl, he said niver word, but
kept up tirrible thinkin'." In due time
the ship sailed into Boston Harbor, and
the men were soon at the British
Headquarters. Grandfather went into
camp with the rest. and, seemingly, was
an obedient and enthusiastic soldier; but
all the time he was seeking chance to
escape. In some way he learned that
four of his comrades were doing the same
so together they laid their plans, and to-
gether, one snowy evening. they stole
away. Soon they came to the Charles
River, which they were obliged to cross in
a ferry boat,-there were few bridges in
those days. Arrived at the other side,
they heard the rollcall in their camp and
knew they would soon be missed. All
that night they pushed rapidly on toward
Peterboro, where. they had learned. some
deserters were living, and the kindly snow
swiftly covered every footprint. The
next day was spent in the woods, where
they obtained such rest as they could, and
at night they again hurried on. In this
way they travelled some seventy miles or
they had been obliged to make but few
inquiries. On the evening of the fourth
day, however, they came to a place where
four roads met, and they knew not which
to take. At a little distance stood large
mansion, which seemed full of light and
good cheer. How inviting it looked to
the hungry, wearied men, 1t was decided
that my grandfather should go up to the
house and make inquiries, while the other
four kept sentry of each of the roads. He
did so, and in response to his knock,
florid gentleman in U. S., uniform threw
wide the door. The poor fellow was
nearly overcome by the flood of light and
warmth so suddenly let upon him; the
roaring fire at the opposite side of the room
seemed to be dancing jig on thu wall
He soon collected his scattered senses,
however, and asked the way to Peterboro.
Meanwhile the officer had seen the cold,
the fatigue and the bright. new uniform,
and read the whole story
Come in, come inn he cried, not
needing the inquiry. Indeed, l doubt if
he heard it,
".You need not fear me = he added, as
grandfather drew back. Il see you are a
deserter.
land that means death if the British
get me said grandfather.
Yes, know it, - them! But YOU
are safe here. You are not the first one
I've helped from their hateful clutches.
You are not alone. III be bound. Go and
get your companions and let me show you
American hospitality and goodwill
grandfather returned to his compan-
ions and told them what had happened,
and they all went up to the grand house.
whose oaken door still stood invtingly
open.
Come in. come in. come in, all OF
you!' cried their host, and in they went,
with some misgiving, it must be con-
fessed, for large bounty was offered
for the return of deserters. Their fears
proved groundless. however, tor after
spending the remainder of the night in
feasting and the next day in sleep. they
were sent on their way in citizens clothes
and, with food enough to last until they
should reach their destination. Arrived
there, they found friends and safety.
lone day, soon after reaching this
town. grandfather heard that young man,
a deserter, was teaching the village school.
pleasant meeting, he
opened the school-room door, one after
noon, and stepped in. Imagine his
surprise when he saw the teacher. after
one quick look, leap through the window
and run for some woods as though the
whole British army were at his heels
Grandfather followed the flying feet
and horizontal coat-tais of the frightened
and, after some time found
him and assured the good fellow he was
not spy, but deserter like himself"
Grandpa rose and filled his pipe, and
we knew his story was ended.
lone question, please, Grandpa"
well, what is it, my boyP"
.'Our great great-grandfather did he
fight the British?"
No, for fear of being taken prisoner.
The Americans did not require it of de-
serters. He lived in Peterboro while,
then went to Surrey. where he married.
raised large family of children. and