The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-05-27
Ethan Aliens Boy Guide.

OF the boy heroes of the Revolution
the first and almost forgotten one was
Nathan Beman. In the spring of 1775
he lived with his father, farmer, near
the village of Shoreham, which was
opposite Fort Ticonderoga. Farmer
Beman was an American devoted to the
cause. Being of rowing disposition
and fond of play, Nathan had often
crossed the lake and formed the &C
quaintance of the BOYS whose fathers
composed the garrison. The little fell
lows had fine times under the walls of
the fort, and every now and then Ma
than went inside and saw how things
were moving along there. In the
month of May, Ethan Allen, at the head
of the famous Green Mountain Bows,
came up through the forests to surprise
and capture, if possible, the fort and
its garrison.
The expedition with which Benedict
Arnold was connected was composed
of three divisions, one of which was
TO capture some boats at Skenesboro
and send them down the lake to Allen
and his men. who were to get them at
Shoreham. But when the renowned
Green Mountain leader reached the
latter village, in the night time, not a
single boat awaited him. This was a
bitter disappointment, for Allen had
but eighty-three men with him, and his
position was one of great hazard. 1t
looked like madness to assail with this
small force an armed place like Ticon-
deroga, yet it was still more dangerous
to remain idle.
1--WE can't wait for the boats, my
boysl' exclaimed the intrepid Allen.
We must assault the fortress!"
In looking for guide the Vermonter
found Farmer Beman, who, as soon as
he understood what was wanted, said
Why not take my boy? Nathan
knows all about the fort. He's been
all over it, and knows the location OF
every rathole, inside and out"
The suggestion delighted Allen, and
little Nathan was called and questioned.
"I'N go, sir" he said at once. L" ]
know the way to Delaplace's quarters
too, if you should want to find him."
Delaplace was the commandant, and
of course, the very person whom
Allen wanted. The little party crossed
the lake in such boats as were at hand
The oars were dipped silently in the
starlit water, and no one spoke above {
whisper. Morning was near at hand
and so much precious time had beer
lost that every moment had to be pu
to use. When the patriots reached The
opposite shore their commander turned
to Nathan Beman and laying his hanC
upon his shoulder, said quickly:
"We're ready now. Show us tn,
way to the sally-port."
Guided by the farmers son, the
mountaineers moved toward the fort
and coming suddenly upon a sentry
heard the swapping of his fusee lock
and saw him run through a covered
way within the walls.
"Quick!" cried the boy, looking vi
at Allen, and the soldiers sprang afte
the guard and made their way to thu
parade ground unopposed.
The enthusiasm of the patriots now
broke forth III shouts of victory, which
reaching the ears of the British soldiers
caused them to spring from their pal
lets and rush from the barracks, only t.
be made prisoners as they appeared
| Never was surprise more complete
thanks to Nathan Beman. When Aller
had secured most of the garrison h,
asked the boy to show the way to thu
commandments room, and the two were
soon running up the steps leading to it
Bang! bangI went Aliens sworC
against the colonel's door, and tn,
British officer hurried out of bed to an
swer the demand. 1t happened tina
Allen and Delaplace were old acquaint
ances, and the reader may imagine TIT
latter's establishment when he saw wnt
had hammered at his door; but, o
but to surrender.
The spoil that fell into the hands o
the victors amply repaid them for al
the dangers they had faced, and the for
remained in the hands of the American
until many months later, when it wa
abandoned and dismantled by Genera
St. Clair. Amid the general rejoicing
that followed this exploit, the par
played by Nathan Beman was not for
gotten. His name was on many tongue
and his services were embalmed in tn,
poetry of the day. Without him Allen
heroic expedition would, in all prob
ability, have resulted in failure. Nathan
grew to manhood and ended his day
in peace in Franklin county, New York
a. the aye of eightynine years. "H
lived" says LOSING, the historian, " t.
see our confederacy increase from thir
teen to thirty stars, and from 3,000,00l
of people to 10000, 900. 1T. c. Har
bough, in The Adrance.
|