The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1891-05-29
ETHAN ALIENS BOY GUIDE.
An InterestinglStory ofKevolutionary Da

An Interesting STORY ofKevolutionary Days.
OF the boy heroes of the revolution the
first and almost forgotten one was Nathan
Beman, says writer In the Advance. In the
spring of 1775 he lived with his father. far-
mer. near the village of Shoreham, which was
opposite Fort Tconderoga. Farmer Beman
was an American devoted to the cause. Be-
ing of rowing disposition and fond OF pay,
Nathan had often crossed the lake and formed
the acquaintance of the boys whose fathers
composed the garrison. The little fellows had
fine times under the walls of the fort, and
eyery now and then Nathan went inside and
Jaw how things were moving along there. In
the month of May, Ethan Allen, at the neao
of the famous Green mountain poys' ca'ne
up through the forests to surprise anu cay
ture, If possible, the fort and It's garr'son :,
ITO o xnedition with which Benedict Arhoiu
,y.s connected was composed of there drVi'
sions, one of whichlwas to capture s0no ' w.
~ Sporesboro ana send them down tne lahe
10 Allan and his men, who were TO get lhem
at sboreham. But when the renowned dreeh
maintain leader reached the latter village, IN
the night time, not single boat awaited MN.
This was bitter disappointment, Tor Alien
had but SO men with him, and his position
was one of great hazard. 1t looked like mad.
ness to assail with this small force an armed
place like Ticonderoga, vet IL was sui more
dangerous to remain idle. -,
1--WE can't wait for the boats, my boys!'
exclaimed the intrepid Allen. 1--WE must
assault the fortress!'
In looking for guide the Vermonter found
Farmer Beman, who as soon as ne UNDER
stood what was wanted, said:- >,
about the fort. He's been all over 1t. and
knows The location of every rathole, inside
The suggestion delighted Allen, and little
Nathan was called and questioned.
"Ill go, sir,"he said at once. 81 know the
way to Delaplace's quarters,too,f you should
want to find him."
Delanlace 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 ST.
IentIv In the starlit water, and no one spoke
above a whisper. Morning was near at hand
and SO much precious time had been lost tnat
every moment had to he put to use. when
the patriots reached the opposite shore the
commander turned to Nathan Beman and lay
ing his hand upon his shoulder said quickly ::
"We're ready now. Show us the way to
the SALLY. port"
Guided by the farmers son, the mountain
GERS moved toward the fort. and coming SUD.
denly upon a sentry, heard the swapping or
his fusse lock, and saw him run through
covered way within the walls.
.sOuick! 7" cried the boy. looking up at
A Hen and the soldiers sprang at err the guard
and made their way to the parade ground I'M
opposed. The enthusiasm of the patriots now
broke forth In shouts of victory ,Whlch'reach,
L. IF hn rit 1Gh
them to spring from their pallets and rush
from the barracks. only to be made prisoners
as they appeared. Never was surprise more
complete-thanks to Nathan Beman. When
Allen ha1 secured most of the garrison he
asked the boy to show the way to the com.
mander's room, and the two were soon rum
ming up the steps leading to It.
Bang! bang! went Aliens sword against
the colonePs door, and the British officer
hurried out of bed to answer the demand. 1t
happened that Allen and Deaplaca were old
acaualntances, and the reader may imagine
the latter's establishment when he saw who
was hammering at bis door; but, of course,
e.. The spells that fell into the hands OF the
victors amply repaid them for all the dangers
they had faced, and the fort remained In the
hands of the Americans until many months
later, when it was abandoned and dismantled
by Gen. st. Clair. Amid the general re.
JOicing that followed this exploit. tne Pai
played by Nathan Beman was not forgotten.
His name was on every tongue and his ser
Vices were embalmed In the poetry OF the
dav. Without him Aliens heroic expedition
would In all probability have resulted in fall
ure. .
Nathan grew to manhood aid ended his
DAYS In peace In the year 1856. dying then IN
franklin county, n. at the age OF ~ years.
He lived" says LOSING, the historian, TO
see our copfederacy increase from IL TO ~
stars. and from 3 100000 of people to 2O,ooo,-
Oo0v