The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-09-28
A YOUNG HERO OF ,7s.
:: ..r-.. annt ne rIayed In tho Capture
OF Ticondcrocn

...s Aun1 nc FIayed In tho Capturo
OF Ticondcroga.
Of the boy heroes of the Revolu-
tion, the first and almost forgotten
one was Nathan Beman. In the
spring Of 1875 he lived with his fa-
ther, farmer, near the village of
Shoreham, which was opposite Fort
Ticonderoga.
Farmer Beman was an American.
devoted to the cause. Being of row
ing disposition and fond of plav
Nathan had often crossed the lake
and formed the acquaintance of tho
boys whose fathers COMPOSED the
garrison.
The little fellows had fino times
under the walls of tho fort, and ev-
cry now and then Nathan went in
side and saw how things were NOV
ing along there.
IN the month of May Ethan Allen.
at the head of the famous Green
Mountain Boys, came up through
the forest to surprise and capture, if
possible, the fort and its garrison.
The expedition with which Bene-
dict Arnold was connected was COM
posed of three divisions, one of
which wac 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 Greon mountain lead
er reached the latter village, in
nighttime. not a single boat awaited
him.
This was bitter disappointment,
for Allen had but SO men with him.
and his position was one of great
hazard. Itlookcd like madness to as.
sail with this small force an armed
place like Ticonderoga, yet it was
still more dangerous to remain idle.
1--WE can't wait for boats, my
boys" exclaimed the intrepid Allen.
I'VE must assault the fortressi"
In looking for a guide the Yer
monter found Farmer Beman, who.
as coon as he found out what was
wanted, said:
"Why not take my boys Nathan
knows all about the fort. He's beon
all over it and knows the location Of
every rathole, inside and OUT
The suggestion delighted Allen,
and little Nathan was called in and
questioned.
iii 60, sir" he said at once. 81
know the way to Delaplace's quar-
ters, too, If you would want to find
him."
Delaplace was the commandant,
and of course the very person whom
Allen wanted.
The spoil that fell into the hands
of the victors amply repaid them
for all the dangers they had faced,
and the fort remained Ia the hands
Of the Americans until many months
later, when It was abandoned and
dismantled by General st. Clair.
The little 'arty crossed the lake in
euch boats as were at hand. The
oars were dipped silently in the star
lit water, and no one spoke above q
whisper. Morning was near at hand,
and 80 much precious time had been
lost that every moment had to be
put to use.
When the patriots reached the op-
posite shore, their commander turn
ed to Nathan Beman and, laying his
hand upon his shoulder, said quick
ly:
We're ready now. Show us the
way 10 the sallyport.
Guided by the farmers son, the
mountaineers moved toward the fort
and, coming suddenly upon sentry,
heard the swapping Of his fuselock
and saw him run through a covered
way within the walls.
-"Quick!'' cried the boy, looking
up at Allen. and the soldiers sprang
after the guide and made their way
to the parade ground unopposed.
The enthusiasm Of the patriots
now broke forth in sounds Of vic
tory, 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 a surprise more complete. thanks
to Nathan Beman.
When Allen had secured most OF
the garrison. he asked the bow To
show the way to the commandant's
rooms, and the two wero soon run
ming up the steps leading to them.
Bang. bangl went Aliens sword
against the colonel's door, and the
British officer hurried out OF bed to
answer the demand.-Lake George
Mirror.