Passaic City record., 1892-05-14

|
midnight that Allen and Arnold and
about eighty of the troops crossed to the
western shore of the lake. The boats
they expected from Skenesboro and Pan
ton did pot arrive, but neither of the
great leaders dared delay any longer. In
the last boat that crossed went Nathan
Beman, the boy guide of the expedition.
After landing their passengers the
boats were sent back for another load,
while their companions waited on the
shore of the lake. 1t was a soft May
night, bright with starlight. The frogs
kept up their chorus through all the
night hours, and at intervals the sharp
call of the whippoorwill sounded dia-
pason. The first streak of the dawn ap-
peared in the east.
Ethan Allen gazed anxiously across
the lake.
sit will never do to wait for the boats
to return" he muttered. daylight
will soon be here, and if the garrison
espy us we are lost"
Delay was indeed hazardous, and the
two commanders resolved to proceed to
the attack at once.
Tie men were accordingly drawn up
in three ranks upon the shore, and in
few brief words Allen told them of his
determination. Then placing himself at
their head, he called to Nathan Beman.
ssConduct us to the sally port, and
mind that you do not run into any un-
necessary danger"
] The boy guide looked up into the face
of his superior officer with firm, brave
glance. 81 am not afraid, sir, and per-
haps God will fight for US.
s.God will fight for u.s." cried the
Green Mountain hero, clasping Nathan's
hand. stForward. men, in the name of
the Lordl''
Slowly and silently the little troop ad-
vanced. The vast bulk of the fortress
rose dark and frowning above them. No
sound came from the walls. The band
OF light in the east had broadened into
a great, glowing belt of radiance.
Up within twenty PAGES OF the en-
trance gate they marched before their
presence was discovered. The surprised
sentinel gazed in mute astonishment and
alarm for an instant; then raising his
musket he levelled it full at the tower
ing figure of Allen. Luckily the weapon
missed fire, and as he turned to flee the
patriots followed him.
"This way" cried Nathan, running
| under covered walk within the walls.
In brief time the rushing column Of
Americans swept like whirlwind into
the parade in front of the arracks, where
they gave three laundering cheers that
made the old walls tremble, and reused
the sleeping garrison from their beds in
wild dismay at the unwonted sound.
Filing off in two divisions, the patriots
formed line of forty men along each of
the two ranges of barracks, SO that the
soldiers of the fortress were made prison
ers as fast as they arrived upon the
scene.
Snow, Nathan, lead me to Captain de
la Places ROOM" commanded Allen,
sword in hand.
Up the stairway sprung the boy and
the great leader, and in another moment
the hero's sword was banging away upon
the commandant's door.
Captain de la Place came to the door,
his clothes in his hnnd, but when he saw
the majestic form of Allen, he stood
amazed and speechless.
81 demand the immediate surrender
OF this fort, Captain de la Place!" cried
Allen.
"But by whose authority do you
make this bold demand of his Majesty's
fortress?' asked the commandant,
scarcely realizing the situation, which
was no wonder.
sIn the name Of the great Jehovah
and the Continental Congress" replied
Allen in tone that could not be gain
said. De la Place relinquished his sword
and the capture was complete.
The spoil that fell into the hands of
the victors consisted of one hundred and
twenty pieces of iron cannon, fifty
swivels, ten tons of musket balls, three
carloads of fints, lot of gunpowder,
fine array of muskets and large guam
tity of other stores, all of which proved
Of incalculable benefit to the patriot
army near Boston.
As the sun rose up over the green hills
of Vermont, Nathan Beman stood beside
Allen and Arnold on the ramparts of
Tconderoga, while British cannon were
| pealing forth their deep-mouthed
thunder to the reverberating mountains
the proclamation OF victory.
'God has indeed fought for us"
said Allen solemnly, as he placed his
hand upon the boy guides shoulder.