The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-05-29
ETHAN ALIENS BOY GUIDE

Ot the boy heroes OF the revolution
the first and almost forgotten one was
Nathan Beman. In the 81 ring of 1775
he lived with his father, a farmer, near
the village of Shoreham, which was OPP
pOsite Fort TiconderOga.
Farmer Beman was an American de-
voted to the cause. Being of rowing
disposition and fond of play, 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 every now and
then Nathan 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
boys 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 Shore
ham. But when the renowned Green
Mountain leader reached the latter vii
lage, in the night time, not II single boat
awaited him.
This was bitter disappointment, for
Allen had but eighty-three men with
him, and his position was one of great
hazard. 1t looked like madness to as
sail with this small force an armed place
like TiconderOga, yet it was still more
da gerOus to remain idle.
1--WE can't wait for the boats, my
boys" exclaimed the intrepid Allen.
I'VE 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
rat-hOle inside and out"
The suggestion delighted Allen, and
little Nathan was called and ques-
toned.
"I'n go sir, he said at once. 81 know
the way to Delaplaces quarters, too, if
you should want to find him.
Delaplace was the commandant, and,
o! 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 been lost that every
moment had to be put to use.
When the patriots reached the Oppo-
site shore their commander turned to
Nathan Beman and laying his hand upon
his shoulder, said quickly:
Were ready now. Show us the way
to the sally-port."
Guided by the farmers son, the
mountaincers moved toward the fort and
coming suddenly upon a sentry, heard
the swapping of his fusee lock and saw
him run through covered hole in the
walls.
Quick" cried the boy, looking up at
Allen, and the soldiers sprang after the
guard and made their way to the parade
ground unOpposed.
The enthusiasm of the patriots now
broke forth in shouts of victory, which,
reaching the ears of the British soldiers,
caused 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 had secured most of the
garrison he asked the boy to show the
way to the commandants room and the
two were soon running up the steps lead
ing to it,
Bang! bang! went Aliens sword
against the coloners door, and the Brit
ish officer hurried out of bed to answer
the demand.
1t happened that Allen and Delaplace
were old acquaintances, and the reader
may imagine the latter's astonshment
when he saw who had hammered at his
door; but, of course there was nothing
for him to do but to surrender.
The spoil 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 rejoicings that fol
lowed this exploit, the part played by
Nathan Beman was not forgotten. His
name was on many tongues and his ser
vices were embalmed in the poetry of
the day. Without him Aliens heroic
expedition would in all probability have
resulted in failure.
Nathan grew to manhood and ended
his days in peace in the year 1916, dying
then in Franklin county, New York, at
the age of eighty-nine years.
''He lived" says LOSING, the histor-
ian, "to see our confederacy increase
from thirteen to thirty stars, and from
100000 of people to 00O,0OO.-T. c,
Hdrbdugh in the Anudnce.