New-York tribune., 1902-05-11

At the tavern he told how the British had marched
through Concord and Lexington. and how the farm
had peppered them from behind the walls. He
told how the British officer had said. "Disperse.
rebels dsperse!" and then the British had fred on
the little force Of min Ite The recital
enough stir the inhabitants a high pitch of
citement. Ring the pells!' some one shouted. and
of started two three for the purpose a meeting
planned for The evening. The soon
known everywhere The meeting was held amid
the firing OF guns and blazing Of bOnfires. The
orators of the village made speeches that fairly
scorched every undecided bosom. urging all able
bodied men to go TO the defence of the colonies.
a company of ninety-eight men organized
TO serve for six months. 1t marched away
the steep ridges 10 join the Canadian expedition,
and SIX months later the time OF the men having
expired. like the kings men. they marched back
again, every soul of them.
was a man named Noble Benedict, who was
ttterinE reafi nferfared a Win his t ms ms
sbe Tbe co1nte eTsieIp W. Us @ sIg d pas!
The letter ''G'' was difficult one for him to
by sentry who demanded the countersign In
his efforts articuate the first letter of the word
he forgot the word itself In this predicament he
Shouted 10 the sentry:
AS he returned TO Danbury with the company it
way.
The first nan to set his name down on the en-
lstment roll was young shoemaker named Enoch
Crosby, who is said to have been the parsonage on
whom Cooper built up his character of Harvey
Birch in his famous novel, The Spy" He to
have some interesting experiences and narrow
capes spy for the American Army II was
by accident rather than by intention that he
called upon 10 fiji this role
Upon his return from the Canadian campaign he
again took up his trade of shoemaking in Dan
bury, but his zeal for the American would
not let him rest. In the quiet hours he sat
his bench alone busily tapping with his hammer
softenng leather and pulling the waxed thread
through the aWl holes his mind dwet upon the
war and the need of men, Here and there
ouaintance had gone TO join the forces Sometimes
his thoughts Of the Tories who We're active in
Danbury and the neighboring towns. and discuss
ing plans 10 assist she British How these could
be circumvented sometimes occupied his mind.
At last he could stand il no longer. The British
had taken possession of New-York and the Ameri-
cans had moved northward toward White Plains
IN retreat. He took dowa his musket and. sling
ing his knapsack his shoulder out on foot
for the headquarters Of the army. Late in the af-
iernoon at a crossroad ne fell in with who
turned down the road in the direction he
going.
Which way you going" asked the stranger,
"ahove below p Below" meant NeW-York.
where the British then Crosby cautiously re-
piled that he too tired TO 60 much further in
ans direction. and remarked that he would like 10
find bed.
II live by and a spare bed If you
would like occupy IT," said the stranger. Crosby
thanked him for the proffered shelter and accepted
the offer. but he not fatigued that his mind
was not in an observing and receptive state, and
he then asked. if seeking information. part
a true friend OF his country should take in these
unsettled times BY this time they striding
along the dusty road toward the strangers house
The man turned and looked closely at Crosby
You wish to know which party real patriot
should join, do you2" he interrogated
Yes, l do replied Crosby. The stranger turned
MS gaze from Crosby, apparently satisfied
You look honest and to be trusted. some OF my
neighbors would advise you to join the lower
party"
Would you introduce Of those who
think that way tentatively asked Crosby 4
should like TO get acquainted with them
Why. yes, ] should be glad TO- They forming
company. and ! presume they would like 10 have
sou join Tomorrow / will put you in the way
or it,"
Crosby seemed willing, and the next morning with
his host he met of the Tories Ia lked the
matter over with them and learned that a meeting
TO be held at "A certain place in a few days TO
organize and drill Crosby intimafed that he would
like 10 become "A member II convenient but that in
the mean time ne would be Obliged to 20 to New
York where he might enlist If possible however
he said he would with the company on the
night selected for the drill Having obtained the
Information he desired ne bade his new acauaint-
farewell and again his Journey
going in the direction OF New York At safe dis
tsnce be struck off toward the Hudson River and
late in the evening arrived at the house OF man
named Young. There were still lights 20 be seen
Y the window, and he raped the door. Mr.
Aenns himself opened it and inquired what the