The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1899-02-17

rand accomplished
rrttl ae takes his stand next the river,
and looking out over the Wallabont, re-
.at. something Of the sad history con
rrc.sa with this little bay and the mis-
er.e. suffered by our patriot soldiers
du-ng Nasington's battles for na-
ttal- freedom.
Her October, ls7C. was mcored "a
Rr-.s prison ship. the Whitby crowd
e. n,4 american patriot prisoners.
ierue rebels by the English. siN
nioris later two other floating jaii-
jo,l 'he Whitby, aid within a year
bofaus burned. one In October. III.
TIE o'4er n February. 1s7s.
A'aaugh no trustworthy record Of
II aei. in the case were kept. hun
dr,l W feeble ard dying men are be-
lieFel io have persisted in these fires
Certain II = tina, the one III February
occurred In the night. when the wealth
* wAs intensely cold. SO that * iforis
we're made to save the prisoners. no
mrre han partial success was possible.
la April. l77s. the Falmouth. the
Hope and the UNANIMOUSLY famous old
Jersey" were anchored in the Nalla-
but and filed with captiscs from ~
imerican armies. The severity Of their
uafinemen; WAS such that more than
moo are believed 20 have died 81 cold,
s-ryation and malignant diseases.
THE adjacent hillsides. now graded
dewa and included in the city ~ Brook
.yr became a vast cemetery where
iAe brave patriots were hastily piled
ilto shallow graves and slightly Gov
ertd with earth. Ia lSJs a tomb was
h-ir 20 their memory. and great
caaniiiy Of their bleached bones were
esaeicd and Inferred within il. with
Asnn ceremonies. in the presence Of
va iarongs Of people. over the door
10 structure was Inscribed:
Portal to the Tomb Of Patriot Pris-
ortrs who died in prison ships during
ile Ecyniution.'
A. y not surprising that among such
Aesi ~ libCriy-loying prisoners there
Should have been some who made bold
attempts at escape. Not many were
successful. yet by fearful risks and
lardsiips a few cluded their keepers.
Reached home and friends. and after
short rest. again joined the patriot
forces ID tie field. OF these escapes. one
Of the boldest was led by young Con-
neciicut captain. Abel Beman. a cousin
OF Nathan Beman. of Vermont. the boy
VINO guided Col. Ethan Allen into Fort
Iiconderoga when he captured il from
HE British
Although Abel Beman was very
slAll man he seemed 10 cOndcnSe IN his
Aii.e frame the weli-krown sire myth
and endurance Of his almost gigantic
AiNsman, which. combined with inCom-
liable courage and VIII. was no doub,
me reason for his selection as captain
~ me colonial army. But the qualities
q ihe man were not on the surface.
lrr q = he was as brardlc~s and boysh
AZ lad Of Is. and among his friend
was often called Boy Benan."
~ some misfortune OF war he and hi
co4nfa were captured and imprs-
oner oh The Whitby III the Walla bou;.
Here Ne bided his time. and for Inany
months watched for an opportunity
@ escape.
Meanwhile he played before the
guards the role Of harmless. dull
"itted fellow. and his large hazel eyes.
smooth face and simple manners gained
ior him many favors sterniy refused 20
o'htr prisoners. lie was freely allowed
" every part Of the ship. and often as
Sisted the guards III various ways and
''en handled their guns and accoutre-
".n mn with innocent familiarity.
nus ingraiiaiing himself into their
confidence. he readily became CONVEX
sah' with the details IL his prison and
VIZ methods 81 the officers. and shrewd.
N studied the temper and efficiency Of
."ch with view TO discovering 4 wa,
y freedom.
= score Of plans --vcs,ed them.
Nes but the cirt .i...tur ssurrcaud
R MIN we're desperate and fcrbiddlnr
rec ioidisrs with loaded muxkets