Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1896-11-12
A BRAVE JERSEY BOY.

Perhaps the darkest days experienced
by the little army of Washington were
those that witnessed the retreat across
the Jerseys. New York had fallen into
the hands of the boastful enemy; he had
taken Forts Lee and Washington and
the patriots were on the retreat with the
victorious British following in their
wake.
1t was during this famous retreat
that the following incidents occurred:
Some time after dark during one of
those memorable autumn days the
American army began to pass little
hamlet at crossroads between New
Brunswick and Princeton, in New Jer-
sey.
The place did not contain more than
20 houses, and these were SO scattered
that the collection had never been
dignified by name. The houses were
of the old-fashioned kind, and several
were stone, and to all large gardens
were attached.
The wagon train, which carried much
of the ammunition that belonged to the
army, came struggling through the
hamlet, guarded by detachment of
the most faithful. AS the last wagon
reached the place the hindmost axel
broke off and the precious contents
were dumped upon the ground.
Instantly all was confusion, and the
soldiers tried to repair the mishap, but
soon discovered that it was irreparable.
The other wagons being some dis
lance in advance, and all heavily loaded,
the men decided to bury the powder
somewhere where it would not be found
by the enemy when advancing, flushed
with late victories.
The soldiers were discussing the
burial of the ammunition when boy of
Is appeared suddenly in their midst.
He was stout lad, not very well clad,
but bright eyed and eager to lend
hand in the time of need.
IF you bury the powder here you
must take care that the Tories don't
watch you and turn it over to the Brit
ish when they come along" said he to
the sergeant who had charge of the
wagon guard.
you've got tories here, have you,
boy?" asked the sergeant.
Three families, sir. You might
throw guard around their houses
while you bury the powder, and that will
leec them from finding out where you
put it."
"The very thing. You're fit to com
mand regiment" cried the soldier, and
then he told the boy to point out the
homes of the three tories, which was
done. and guards were placed at the
houses.
1t was far into the might when the
wagon guard moved on without the
powder, and the boy had been cautioned
to keep the secret that had been en-
trusted to his care.
I'll do that, sir" said he, his eyes
flashing. You can move ON believing
that Toby Travers won't tell the enemy
the hiding place of the ammunition.
It's safe here, and when you come back
you'll find it right where you've hid it.
Daylight saw the headquarters Of
Lord CORVALLIS established in ONE Of
the tory homes, and Toby saw more red
coats then he ever expected to see.
He was standing in the doorway of his
humble home when he espied four Brit
jsh soldiers, headed by tall sergeant,
advancing toward him, and while he
eazed they halted in front of the house.
you're the Travers boy, aren't you?"
the sergeant said, haughtily.
my names Toby Travers."
81 thought so. Well, Master Travers,
we want YOU"
Toby started little, but kept his COM
posture.
"Whatever can you want with me"
he inquired.
"Come along and We'll answer that
question in little while"
Without n word of further explana-
ton he was marching to the tory's
house and pushed half rudely across the
threshold.
This is the boy" said the sergeant,
ealuting his officer. 1--WE caught him at
his home and he is the boy who knows
where they buried the powder"
For a moment longer the leader of the
British army looked across the table
and then said gruff1y:
Where is it, boy?"
All eyes were rlveted upon Toby and
the tall sergeant at the door grinned his
delight.
Aren't you going to tell?" demanded
CORVALLIS.
"Why should I? If you found the
powder you would use it against Gen.
Washington"
"Of course we would! That would
be paying the rebels back in their own
coin"
Then" said Toby, resolutely, "you
can go out and find the powder"
The face of CORVALLIS flushed for
moment--his eyes seemed to flash.
do you know who am, boy?" he ex-
claimed
"Yes, Sir-you are Gen. CORVALLIS"
81 am. 1 command this army and
serve the king. hold your fate in my
hands, young sir, and unless you tell
where the rebels hid their powder last
night you are liable to severe punish
mept."
81 cannot do that, general" said Toby,
resolved to keep his secret at all haz