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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Yankee Tea-party , by Henry C. Watson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Yankee Tea-party 
+       Or, Boston in 1773
+
+
+Author: Henry C. Watson
+
+Release Date: May 29, 2005  [eBook #15938]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY ***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Bruce Thomas and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team from images provided by the Internet Archive
+and the University of Florida
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
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+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/5/9/3/15938/15938-h.zip)
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through the Florida
+      Board of Education, Division of Colleges and Universities,
+      PALMM Project, 2001. (Preservation and Access for American and
+      British Children's Literature, 1850-1869.) See
+      http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.jpg
+      or
+      http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.pdf
+
+
+
+
+
+The Young American's Library
+
+THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY;
+
+Or, Boston in 1773
+
+by
+
+HENRY C. WATSON,
+
+Author of "The Camp-Fires of the American Revolution,"
+"The Old Bell of Independence," etc. etc.
+
+With Illustrations
+
+Philadelphia:
+Lindsay And Blakiston
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+Lindsay & Blakiston's Publications.
+
+THE YOUNG AMERICAN'S LIBRARY;
+
+A USEFUL AND ATTRACTIVE SERIES OF BOOKS FOR
+YOUNG PEOPLE:
+EMBRACING EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY,
+AND LIVES OF ITS DISTINGUISHED MEN.
+Written with much care, and in an entertaining and instructive manner.
+WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF IMPORTANT EVENTS, AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED
+TITLE PAGES.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Franklin as a Tallow Chandler.
+   Franklin at the Printing Press.
+   Franklin's first Arrival in Philadelphia.
+   Franklin acting as his own Porter.
+   The Philadelphia Library, founded by Franklin.
+   Franklin attracting Lightning from the Clouds.
+   Franklin Signing the Declaration of Independence.
+   Franklin as a Statesman.
+
+
+   LIFE OF GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Washington at Eighteen.
+   Washington Crossing the Allegheny.
+   Surrender of Cornwallis.
+   A View of Mount Vernon.
+   Washington Crossing the Delaware.
+   Washington at Valley Forge.
+   The Washington Family.
+   The Tomb of Washington.
+
+
+   LIFE OF LAFAYETTE.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Lafayette as Commander of the National Guard.
+   Lafayette Offering his Services to Washington.
+   Lafayette at the Battle of Brandywine.
+   Battle of Monmouth.
+   Lafayette's Final Interview with Washington.
+   Lafayette's Arrival at New York.
+   Triumphal Arch at Philadelphia.
+   Lafayette's Tomb.
+
+
+   LIFE OF WILLIAM PENN.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Portrait of William Penn.
+   Penn receiving Instruction from his Mother.
+   Penn receiving a Visit from his Mother in Prison.
+   Penn Landing at Chester.
+   Visit to the Indian Country.
+   Penn's Treaty with the Indians.
+   Penn's Cottage. Laetitia Court.
+   Penn's Residence at Philadelphia.
+
+
+   LIFE OF MARION.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Marion as a Trooper.
+   The Last Shot.
+   Marion and the Raw Recruits.
+   Sergeant McDonald and the Tory.
+   The Famous Potato Dinner.
+   Colonel Campbell taken Prisoner.
+   Macdonald's Message to Colonel Watson.
+   Mrs. Motte and the Bow and Arrows.
+
+
+   LIFE OF DANIEL WEBSTER.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Young Daniel at the Saw Mill.
+   Webster Fishing at Fryburg.
+   Webster Declining the Clerkship.
+   Webster Expounding the Constitution.
+   The Bunker Hill Celebration.
+   Webster at Faneuil Hall.
+   Marshfield, the Residence of Webster.
+   Webster on his Farm.
+
+
+   LIFE OF HENRY CLAY.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Henry Clay the Statesman.
+   The Village School.
+   The Birthplace of Clay.
+   The Mill Boy of the Slashes.
+   The Debating Society.
+   Bolivar Reading Clay's Speech to the Army.
+   The Residence of Mr. Clay.
+   The Torchlight Procession.
+
+
+   LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   A Portrait of Jackson.
+   Jackson's Presence of Mind.
+   Jackson's Narrow Escape.
+   Jackson and the Acorns.
+   Jackson as Judge.
+   Jackson and the Indian Prisoners.
+   The Battle of New Orleans.
+   Jackson at the Hermitage.
+
+
+   LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Napoleon's Snow Fortress.
+   The Battle of the Pyramids.
+   Napoleon's Retreat from Russia.
+   Napoleon's Return from Elba.
+   The Bridge of Arcola.
+   The Battle of Marengo.
+   Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz.
+   Napoleon Drawing a Plan of Attack.
+
+
+   THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY,
+   AND OTHER STORIES OF THE REVOLUTION.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   The Boston Tea-Party.
+   Hezekiah Wyman.
+   Mr. Bleeker and his Son.
+   Tarleton Breaking the Horse.
+   Lee's Legion.
+   Seizure of the Bettys.
+   Exhibit of Colonel McCain.
+   General Morgan.
+
+
+   THE OLD BELL OF INDEPENDENCE,
+   OR PHILADELPHIA IN 1776.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   The Old State House Bell.
+   Washington's Prayer for the Dying Soldier.
+   Defeat of the Skinners at Deadman's Lake.
+   The Story of the Half-Breed.
+   The Outlaws of the Pines.
+   The Battle of the Kegs.
+   Capture of General Prescott.
+   Riley going to the Place of Execution.
+
+
+   LIFE OF GENERAL TAYLOR.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Portrait of General Taylor.
+   Defence of Fort Harrison.
+   Battle of Okee Chobee.
+   Capture of General La Vega.
+   The Streets of Monterey.
+   Capitulation of Monterey.
+   General Taylor Never Surrenders.
+   Charge of the Kentuckians at Buena Vista.
+
+
+   Each of these volumes is well written, in a high, moral tone by
+   responsible authors, and contains numerous anecdotes, illustrative of
+   the early and latter history of our country. The compact style in which
+   these works are written, as well as their _low price_, make them well
+   adapted for Family, School, or District Libraries.
+
+   Price per Volume, 56-1/4 Cents, Cloth gilt. In Setts, neatly done up
+   in Boxes, $6 75.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY;
+
+Or, Boston in 1773
+
+by
+
+HENRY C. WATSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In explanation of the plan of this work, it may be stated, that such an
+occasion as that upon which the outline events happened seemed to us
+most proper for the object in view. A Fourth of July festival in the old
+rendezvous of the Boston Tea-party is surely well calculated to excite
+patriotic feeling; and when to those who participated in the festival
+are added a number of the veterans of the War of Independence, filled
+with glorious recollections, the effect is to turn the mind to the
+admiration and veneration of the men and deeds of the "trying time."
+
+No event excites more interest among Americans than the destruction of
+the tea in Boston harbour. Then and there, the unconquerable resolution
+of freemen was first made apparent to the obstinate oppressors of our
+infant country. Yet, until of late years, the history of the affair was
+very imperfectly known, and the names of the men who participated in it
+scarcely mentioned. In these pages will be found a faithful account of
+this glorious exploit, and, in connection with the other narratives, it
+is hoped it will kindle in the breasts of young readers an enthusiasm
+for liberty and a love of heroic excellence.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+THE LEBANON CLUB
+
+THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON
+
+THE FIGHT AT CONCORD
+
+THE FIFER'S STORY
+
+ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION
+
+EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA
+
+PUTNAM'S ESCAPE
+
+THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON
+
+CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN
+
+PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN
+
+ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT
+
+TREASON OF RUGSDALE
+
+CRUELTY OF TARLTON
+
+LEE'S LEGION
+
+ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE
+
+THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN
+
+THE TREASON OF BETTYS
+
+THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL
+
+EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO
+
+EXPLOIT OF COLONEL ALLAN M'LEAN
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE
+
+GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN
+
+BATTLE OF ORISKANY
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+Those who have been associated in the performance of any deed of valor
+or patriotism ever feel attracted to each other by an influence stronger
+and nobler than that of friendship. The daring patriots who joined in
+resistance to the tyrannizing might of Britain, were men pledged to die
+rather than betray each other, and to maintain their rights while they
+could lift the sword or aim the musket; and that pledge made them look
+upon each other in after years, when the storm of war was hushed and
+security dwelt at the fireside, as brothers whom no petty cause could
+sunder nor ill report make foes. These remarks apply, especially, to
+those who first threw themselves into the breach, and resolved that, if
+the British ministry would adopt such measures as the stamp act, their
+execution should be resisted and become difficult, and if such measures
+were passed as the act taxing tea, coffee, and the comforts of life,
+that the tea should never be landed, and thus prove a loss to its
+owners. The men who threw the tea into Boston harbor were patriots
+united by a sense that union was necessary for the salvation of liberty;
+and they were attracted to each other by the same influence during the
+bloody struggle which succeeded. What wonder, then, that they loved to
+meet in after years, to wish each other health and happiness, and chat
+over the stirring events in which they had participated, and to which
+their first bold deed was as the spark to dry hay, kindling to a fierce
+blaze the ready seeds of war.
+
+It was the fourth of July in Boston. Throughout the city which cradled
+the Revolution, the anniversary of the birth of the free and happy
+United States of America was celebrated with rejoicings unknown to the
+shackled people of monarchical countries. Meetings were held in various
+parts of the city, patriotic and democratic speeches made, bells rung,
+cannons fired, pistols, crackers, and fireworks of all descriptions
+discharged, toasts drank, and festivities of all kinds indulged. The
+soldiers paraded the streets with fine bands discoursing most excellent
+music, and followed by the usual crowd. Bunker Hill was the scene of a
+large patriotic meeting, and the events of the 'trying time' were again
+and again recounted with much enthusiasm.
+
+But a more unusual and far more interesting meeting occurred in Boston,
+about a quarter of a mile from the wharf known ever since the
+commencement of the Revolution as Griffin's Wharf. In the upper room of
+an old and somewhat dilapidated tavern were assembled a party of old and
+young men--the representatives of two generations. Three of the old men
+were the remaining members of the famous Lebanon Club; the first liberty
+club formed in the colonies, and the one which designed and executed the
+project of destroying the tea at Boston. They had come from various
+parts of the country, upon agreement, to meet once more in the house
+where the disguised members of the club had met on the evening of the
+sixteenth of December, 1773. The names of the old patriots were David
+Kinnison, Adam Colson, and Lendall Pitts. Five other veterans had joined
+the party by invitation, together with half-a-dozen young men who had
+arranged the meeting and paid all expenses, with a view of passing the
+Fourth of July in a novel and interesting manner.
+
+A well-laden table extended the whole length of the room, and flags,
+banners, and appropriate emblems and devices, were hung on the walls.
+There was no formal organization, as at public festivals, no president
+elected, and no list of toasts prepared. It was intended to be a
+sociable gathering. No band of well-arranged and harmonized instruments
+appeared, but old Jacob Brown and old Samuel Hanson, a fifer and a
+drummer of the continental army, occasionally stirred the hearts and
+fired the eyes of the company with the music which had nerved the
+patriots of Bunker's Hill and Bennington. Each of the veterans sat in an
+arm-chair at the table, the young men being distributed among them so as
+to wait upon them occasionally, and show them every attention.
+
+Mr. Kinnison, though not the oldest man of the company, looked as if he
+had seen the hardest service, and received the hardest buffets of Time.
+His features bespoke a strong and energetic mind, and his eye was full
+of fire and activity. His hair was grey and bushy, partly covering a
+large scar on his high forehead. He had evidently been a man of powerful
+frame, but was now bent with the weight of years, and service. The other
+veterans appeared to be generally of the same age, and to have seen hard
+toil and service. The fifer was the most remarkable of the party. In
+spite of his age and white hair, his puffed cheeks and the sly twinkle
+of his eyes gave him a kind of jolly, frolicsome appearance, which would
+indicate that age could not chill the humor of his heart.
+
+
+
+
+THE LEBANON CLUB.
+
+
+When the company were fairly seated at the table, Mr. Kinnison opened
+the conversation by asking the young men if they had ever heard any
+account of the Lebanon Liberty Club. They replied they had heard of the
+club, but never any definite account.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Kinnison, "I can tell you something about it. Mr.
+Pitts, Mr. Colson, and myself, were members of a club consisting of
+seventeen men, living at Lebanon, up here in Maine. Most of us were
+farmers. We knew what them folks over the river were aiming at, and we
+knew that there was no use of dallying about matters. Our rights were to
+be untouched, or there must be a fight. So, you see, we Lebanon men
+resolved to form a club, to consider what was to be done, and to do
+accordingly. We hired a room in the tavern of Colonel Gooding, and held
+regular meetings at night. The colonel was an American of the right
+color, but we kept our object secret, not even letting him into it."
+
+"If it isn't too much trouble, Mr. Kinnison, we should like you to tell
+us all about what the club had to do with the tea-party, and how that
+affair was conducted," said one of the young men, named Hand, filling
+the veteran's plate.
+
+"He can tell you much better than any one else," remarked Mr. Pitts. "I
+can vouch for the bold part he took in it, and he has a better memory
+than the rest of us."
+
+"No flattery, Pitts," returned Mr. Kinnison. "My memory 's bad enough,
+and as for taking such a bold part in that tea-party, it's all nonsense.
+If there was a leader, you was the man. But I'll tell these young men
+all I know of the affair, and what the Lebanon Club had to do with it."
+
+"Take some of this beef, Mr. Brown?" interrupted Hand.
+
+"Much obliged, sir, but beef is rather too tough for my gums," replied
+the old fifer. "I'll try something else." Mr. Kinnison went on with his
+narrative.
+
+"Well, the seventeen men of our club determined, whether we were aided
+or not, to destroy the tea which the East India Company had sent to
+Boston. The plan was soon formed, as it always is when men are
+determined to do a thing. We wanted no captain--each man could command
+for himself. We resolved to disguise ourselves in Mohawk dresses, and
+carry such arms as would enable us to sell our lives pretty dearly; we
+also pledged ourselves never to reveal the names of any of the party
+while there was danger in it. We expected to have a fight anyhow, and
+the first man who faltered was to be thrown overboard with the tea. We
+came to Boston and found the people ripe for the deed. A great meeting
+was to be held at the old South Meeting-house, and we concluded to wait
+and see what would be done there. We lodged at this tavern, and held our
+councils up in this room. Well, there was a tremendous meeting at the
+Old South, and most of us were there to help to keep up the excitement,
+and to push our plan if a chance appeared. Young Quincy made a speech
+that stirred the people, and made them ready for anything which would
+show their spirit. The people voted with one voice that the tea should
+not be landed. We saw how things were going, came back to the tavern,
+put on our Mohawk dresses, and returned to the meeting. Pitts succeeded
+in getting into the church just about dusk and raising the war-whoop. We
+answered outside. Then Pitts cried out, 'Boston harbor a tea-pot
+to-night!'
+
+"Ay," exclaimed Pitts, brandishing his knife above his head, "and 'hurra
+for Griffin's Wharf!'"
+
+"The crowd echoed Griffin's Wharf," continued Kinnison, "and hurried
+towards that place. Our men joined together, returned to the tavern, got
+our muskets and tomahawks, and collected about seventy men together,
+armed with axes and hatchets. Then we pushed for the wharf where the
+East Indiamen, loaded with the tea, were lying. Let me see!--The ships
+were called the Dartmouth, the--"
+
+"The Eleanor, and the Beaver," prompted Colson.
+
+"Ay, the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver," continued Kinnison.
+"You see, my memory 's weak. Well, when we reached the wharf, there was
+a crowd of people near it. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the
+British squadron was not more than a quarter of a mile distant--so, you
+see, there was a little risk. We didn't halt long. Pitts led the way on
+board the Dartmouth, and we followed, musket and tomahawk in hand.
+Nobody offered any show of fighting for the tea. We cut open the
+hatches, and some of the men went down and passed up the chests, while
+others cut 'em open and emptied the green stuff into the water. The crew
+of the vessel were afeard to stir in stopping us, for we told 'em we'd
+shoot the first man who interfered. I tell you, there was quick work
+there. When we had cleared that ship of the tea, we hurried off to the
+others, Pitts still leading the way, and did the same kind of work for
+them. The people began to crowd on the wharf, and some of 'em came to
+help us. I guess there was about a hundred and fifty of us on the third
+ship, all hard at work passing up the chests, cutting 'em open and
+spilling the tea. Within two hours, about three hundred and fifty chests
+of the tea were thus destroyed. The crowd cheered us once in a while,
+and we knew we'd have friends enough if the red-coats attempted to
+attack us. When we had emptied the last chest that could be found, we
+gave three of the loudest cheers and gained the wharf. A drummer and
+fifer were ready, as Mr. Brown and Mr. Hanson can inform you, and we
+formed a procession and marched up to this tavern. Here the crowd gave
+our band of Mohawks cheer after cheer ond then dispersed. But we didn't
+intend to end the night's work so quietly. We had a supper prepared just
+where we are now eating, and Josiah Quincy and some other big men came
+to join us. We made a night of it, I tell you. Pitts, I think, got very
+drunk, so many wanted to drink with such a bold patriot."
+
+Pitts was rather disposed to deny the assertion that he was actually
+drunk; but Kinnison and Colson said it was a fact, and he, at length,
+admitted that he was considerably excited, perhaps beyond the command of
+his reason. The company laughed at this 'getting around the stump,' and
+one of the young men proposed that Pitts' health should be drank in a
+glass of ale. The beverage was ordered and the health of the patriot
+drank with a hearty relish. The work of demolishing the eatables then
+went bravely on.
+
+"Mr. Kinnison," said Mr. Colson, "there's one incident concerning that
+tea-party that has slipped your memory. As our procession moved from the
+wharf and passed the house of the tory Coffin, Admiral Montague raised
+the window, and said, 'Ah! boys, you have had a fine evening for your
+Indian caper; but mind, you've got to pay the fiddler yet!' Pitts here
+shouted, 'Oh! never mind, never mind, squire! Just come out, if you
+please, and we'll settle that bill in two minutes!' The people shouted,
+and the admiral thought he had better put his head in in a hurry."
+
+"That's true," remarked Kinnison. "Well, you see, my memory is poor.
+Pitts would have mentioned it but for his modesty."
+
+"I recollect it well," said Pitts. "If that tory Coffin had shown his
+face that night, I wouldn't have given three cents for his life."
+
+"I think I would have had a slash at him," observed Kinnison. "I felt as
+savage as a Mohawk on a war-path."
+
+"I don't want to interrupt your eating, Brown and Hanson," said Colson,
+"but couldn't you stir us up a little with the drum and fife?"
+
+"Ay," added young Hand, who seemed to be the general mouth-piece of the
+younger portion of the company, "give us the air you played when you
+marched up from Griffin's Wharf."
+
+"No objection," replied Hanson. "Come, Brown, get out your whistle.
+There's a little music left in it yet, I know."
+
+The old fife was soon produced, and the drum also; and moving their
+chairs a short distance from the table, the veteran musicians struck up
+the stirring air of the old Massachusetts Song of Liberty, once so
+popular throughout the colonies, and supposed to have been written by
+Mrs. Warren.
+
+"Hurra!" exclaimed Hand, when the musicians had concluded. "Three cheers
+for the music and the musicians!" and three cheers were given quite
+lustily by the young men, and some of the old ones.
+
+"I have a copy of that Song of Liberty," said Hand. "Here it is, with
+the music. I'll sing it and you must all join in the chorus."
+
+"Good!" said Kinnison, and the others echoed him. Hand then sang the
+following words, the young men joining in the chorus, and, occasionally,
+some of the veterans attempting to do likewise.
+
+
+    Come swallow your bumpers, ye tories, and roar,
+    That the Sons of fair Freedom are hamper'd once more;
+    But know that no cut-throats our spirits can tame,
+    Nor a host of oppressors shall smother the flame.
+          In freedom we're born, and, like sons of the brave,
+            Will never surrender,
+            But swear to defend her,
+          And scorn to survive, if unable to save.
+
+    Our grandsires, bless'd heroes, we'll give them a tear,
+    Nor sully their honors by stooping to fear;
+    Through deaths and through dangers their trophies they won,
+    We dare be their rivals, nor will be outdone.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Let tyrants and minions presume to despise,
+    Encroach on our rights, and make freedom their prize;
+    The fruits of their rapine they never shall keep,
+    Though vengeance may nod, yet how short is her sleep!
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    The tree which proud Haman for Mordecai rear'd
+    Stands recorded, that virtue endanger'd is spared;
+    That rogues, whom no bounds and no laws can restrain.
+    Must be stripp'd of their honors and humbled again.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Our wives and our babes, still protected, shall know,
+    Those who dare to be free shall forever be so;
+    On these arms and these hearts they may safely rely,
+    For in freedom we'll live, or like heroes we'll die.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Ye insolent tyrants! who wish to enthrall;
+    Ye minions, ye placemen, pimps, pensioners, all;
+    How short is your triumph, how feeble your trust!
+    Your honor must wither and nod to the dust.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    When oppress'd and approach'd, our king we implore,
+    Still firmly persuaded our rights he'll restore;
+    When our hearts beat to arms to defend a just right,
+    Our monarch rules there, and forbids us to fight.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Not the glitter of arms, nor the dread of a fray
+    Could make us submit to their claims for a day;
+    Withheld by affection, on Britons we call,
+    Prevent the fierce conflict which threatens your fall.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    All ages shall speak with amaze and applause
+    Of the prudence we show in support of our cause;
+    Assured of our safety, a Brunswick still reigns,
+    Whose free loyal subjects are strangers to chains.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
+    To be free is to live, to be slaves is to fall;
+    Has the land such a dastard as scorns not a lord,
+    Who dreads not a fetter much more than a sword?
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+
+The song was much applauded for its spirit, and some of the young men
+wanted to give three more cheers, but Hand said they were already making
+too much noise, and their enthusiasm cooled.
+
+
+
+
+THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON.
+
+
+"Now," observed Hand, "I should like to hear some account of how things
+went on during the war. We are all in the right mood for it."
+
+"I could talk enough to fill whole books about the war," replied
+Kinnison; "but I want to hear Mr. Pitts and Mr. Colson, and the rest of
+the old men, spend a little breath for our amusement."
+
+"Mr. Kinnison was in the fight at Lexington, and all the principal
+battles in the Northern States during the war. I think he could interest
+you more than I," said Colson.
+
+"I'll make an agreement with you," remarked Kinnison. "If I tell you all
+I know of that skrimmage at Lexington, one of you must follow me." The
+agreement was settled, and Kinnison commenced his narrative of how the
+first blow of the Revolution was given.
+
+"You see, after that tea scape, and the quarrels with the red-coat
+troops in Boston, the people of Massachusetts, and, in fact, of nearly
+all New England, began to see that there was no way of upholding their
+rights but by war, and they accordingly began to arm and practise
+military tactics. The fife and drum were to be heard every day all
+around the country. In our village we collected a company of about
+thirty men. My father, and two brothers, Samuel and James, and myself,
+joined the company, and we used to parade and drill every day. A bold
+and knowing fellow, named Jonathan Williams, was our captain. Well,
+early in the fall of 1774, we heard the news that Gage had fortified
+Charlestown Neck, and sent some troops to seize the gunpowder at
+Cambridge. This roused our mettle, and we set into drilling and learning
+manoeuvres with more zeal. At one time a rumor reached us that the
+British fleet had bombarded Boston, and, I tell you, the men did turn
+out. Some of them wanted to march right down to Boston. Everywhere the
+people were crying 'to arms! to arms!' and we thought the war had
+commenced, sure enough; but it didn't just then. However, there was
+about thirty thousand men on the march to Boston, and they wouldn't turn
+back until they found the report was a hoax. Soon after, the Provincial
+Congress met, and they ordered that a large body of minute-men should be
+enrolled, so as to be prepared for any attack. The people of our
+province took the matter into their own hands, and organized a body of
+minute-men without orders. Our company was included. We were all ready
+for fight, but were determined that the red-coats should strike the
+first blow; so we waited through the winter. In March, Gage saw that
+great quantities of powder and balls were taken out of Boston into the
+country, in spite of his guard on the Neck. Every market wagon, and
+every kind of baggage, was stowed with ammunition. He then sent a party
+of troops to Salem to seize some cannon and stores our men had placed
+there; but Colonel Pickering, with a few men, made such a show, that the
+red-coats marched back again, without accomplishing their object. Our
+chief deposit of stores was at Concord, up here about twenty miles from
+Boston; and when our militia-general found that Gage was sending out
+parties to sketch the roads, with the aim of getting our stores into his
+hands, he sent word to our company to be on hand, and, if we could, to
+come up near Concord. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and all of our other
+big men, left Boston and went to Lexington, to keep the people moving
+and ready for an attack."
+
+"Dr. Warren stayed in Boston," interrupted Pitts, "to keep the others
+informed of the movements of the red-coats."
+
+"Yes," continued Kinnison; "the royals, as Deacon Slocum used to call
+'em, didn't hate Warren as much as they did John Hancock and the
+Adamses. Well, when Captain Williams heard of what General Gage was
+after, he told us we had better be prepared to march at a minute's
+warning. Gage sent eight hundred troops, under Colonel Smith and Major
+Pitcorn, on his rascally errand. They started from Boston about nine
+o'clock on the night of the eighteenth of April, never thinking that
+our men knew anything about it--but we were awake."
+
+"Wait a bit," said John Warner, one of the veterans who had not yet
+spoken. "I'll tell you something. I was in Boston when the red-coats
+started, and knew that the country militia were ready to protect the
+stores. I was standing on the Common, talking to a few of my friends of
+my own politics, when I said rather loud, 'the British troops will miss
+their aim.' 'What aim?' inquired a person behind me. 'The cannon at
+Concord,' replied I as I turned to see who asked the question. The man
+was dressed in British uniform, and he walked away as I turned to look
+at him. One of my friends whispered to me that it was Lord Percy. Soon
+after, guards were set at every avenue, and nobody was allowed to leave
+the city."
+
+"I suppose Lord Percy went to Gage and told him what he had heard,"
+remarked Kinnison. "It must have galled him a little to find they were
+so closely watched. Well, Captain Williams was first, aroused by the
+sound of the bells ringing and cannons firing on the Lexington road, and
+he ordered us out to march and join our friends near that place. It was
+a moonlight night, and we marched rapidly. When we got about half-way to
+Lexington, we met a man who told us that the minute-men of Lexington
+were out, but he didn't think there would be much of a fight. Captain
+Williams then thought it would be better for the company to march to
+Concord and help defend the stores, but said that a few of us might go
+to Lexington, and see now things went on. Accordingly, my brother
+Sam--a ripe fellow Sam was--and three others, and myself, were allowed
+to go to Lexington. We arrived there about half-past three in the
+morning, and found the bells ringing, cannons firing, and about a
+hundred minute-men drawn up in front of the meeting-house, waiting the
+approach of the enemy. We joined them, and placed ourselves under the
+orders of Captain Parker. Between four and five o'clock, we caught sight
+of the red-coats coming along the road, with Pitcorn at their head. I
+saw at once that we couldn't make much show against so many regulars,
+and I believe all our men thought the same; but we stood firm, with our
+loaded muskets in our hands. The red-coated troops were drawn up near
+the meeting-house, just opposite to us, and loaded their muskets. For a
+little while, it seemed as if neither party wanted to begin, and that we
+both knew a long war hung on the first fire. At last, Major Pitcorn and
+his officers rode forward, waving their swords and shouting, 'disperse,
+you villains--you rebels! why don't you disperse?' As we didn't stir,
+Pitcorn turned and ordered his troops to press forward and surround
+us.--Just then, a few scattering shots were fired at us, and we Lebanon
+men returned 'em at once. Then Pitcorn fired his pistol and gave the
+word 'fire,' and they did fire. Four of our men fell dead, and our Sam
+was wounded in the leg. We had to retreat, although I felt savage enough
+to fight 'em all myself; and so I fired my musket, and took hold of Sam,
+and helped him to get away with us. The red-coats continued to fire at
+us as we retreated, and some of our men paid 'em in the same coin. Two
+or three of the men were killed as they were getting over a stone fence,
+and Captain Parker, who wouldn't run, was killed with the bayonet. I
+hurried Sam into a house near by, saw him safe in the cellar, where the
+owner of the house said he would attend to him, and then joined the
+other Lebanon men, who were running towards Concord."
+
+
+
+
+FIGHT AT CONCORD.
+
+
+"You must tell us what took place at Concord, also," said young Hand.
+
+"Certainly," replied Kinnison. "Now, that I've got into the thing, I
+wouldn't mind telling you the whole war--but Concord will do for the
+present. Well, after a hard run, we reached Concord, and found the
+minute-men collecting from all quarters, and under the command of
+Colonel James Barrett. The women and children were hard at work removing
+the stores to a wood a considerable distance off. We joined Captain
+Williams, and told him there had been a skrimmage at Lexington, and that
+Sam was wounded. Colonel Barrett collected all the minute-men about the
+place, and drew 'em up in two battalions, on the hill in the centre of
+Concord. We had hardly formed, when we saw the red-coats coming up only
+about a quarter of a mile off. Our officers held a short council. Some
+were for making a bold stand where we were; but the greater number said
+it would be best to retreat till we were reinforced. Accordingly, the
+back-out advice was adopted, and we retreated over the North Bridge,
+about a mile from the common. I saw the royals come up and enter Concord
+in two divisions. Soon after, some of their companies took possession of
+the bridges, while the others hunted the stores. About sixty barrels of
+flour were broken open, a large quantity of cannon-balls thrown into the
+wells, the liberty-pole cut down, and the court-house set on fire. But
+the greater part of the stores were saved. In the meantime, the
+minute-men had come in from Acton, Carlisle, Weston, Littleton, and all
+around, and our force swelled to about four hundred men. I tell you,
+when the men saw the houses in Concord burning, they got a _leetle_
+excited--they did. Adjutant Hosmer made a speech to them, and they
+wanted to go right down and attack the red-coats at the North Bridge.
+Our company was very anxious to go, and it was settled that the attack
+should be made. Major John Buttrick took command, and ordered us to
+follow. There was about three hundred of us, the Acton company, under
+Captain Isaac Davis, taking the lead. We marched in double file, with
+trailed arms. I felt anxious to have a good fire at the rascals. They
+were on the west side of the river; but when they saw us coming, they
+crossed over and commenced pulling up the planks of the bridge. Major
+Buttrick called out to them to quit, and told us to hurry on to save the
+bridge. The red-coats formed for action, and, when we were near the
+bridge, fired a few shots at us. Captain Davis and Adjutant Hosmer were
+killed, and one Acton man wounded. Davis and Hosmer were both brave
+men, and they died like heroes. Seeing these men fall, Major Buttrick
+called out, 'Fire, for God's sake, men, fire!' and we did pour a volley
+into the redcoats. I brought down one man, and he never got up again. We
+were getting ready to give them another, when the cowards retreated. We
+found three of the enemy had been killed, and the Acton company took
+several of the wounded prisoners. I saw a mere boy, with a hatchet in
+his hand, run up to a Britisher who wasn't quite dead, and kill him with
+one blow. That I didn't like, though the boy's spirit and courage
+pleased me."
+
+"It was butchery," said Pitts.
+
+"So it was," replied Kinnison; "and it caused a report to be spread that
+we killed and scalped all the men who fell into our hands. As I said, I
+didn't like it; but we had no time for thinking. The enemy saw how fast
+our men were coming in from all quarters, for, by that time, the whole
+province was aroused, and they thought it would be best to think of
+getting back to Boston. Well, they started from Concord about twelve
+o'clock. As the main body marched along the road, the flanking parties
+tried to cover them, but it was of little use. We followed, and kept
+picking off men from their rear, while it seemed as if there was a
+minuteman behind every fence or tree by the road. We didn't march under
+any regular orders, but each man tried to do all he could with his
+musket. I and two or three other Lebanon men kept together, and managed
+to pick off some men at every by-road. At one time, we just escaped the
+attack of a flanking party who killed some of the militia a short
+distance from us. We lay concealed in the bushes till they went by, and
+then followed them up as before. At two or three points, some companies
+of minute-men attacked the enemy in the open field, and killed a
+considerable number of them. When they reached Lexington they were
+almost worn out, and could not have marched much farther. Just then, we
+saw a large reinforcement of the red-coats, under Lord Percy, coming
+along the Roxbury road, and we had to hold off awhile. You ought to have
+seen those royals, how they lay stretched on the ground, with their
+tongues hanging out of their mouths. I got on the top of a stone barn,
+and saw Percy's men form a hollow square about Smith's troops, in order
+to protect them while they got a little breath. But they could not halt
+long. The woods were swarming with minute-men; and, if they waited,
+their retreat would have been cut off. Well, they started again, and our
+men followed as before, picking off men from the flanks and rear. At
+West Cambridge, we met Dr. Warren with a party of our men, and attacked
+the enemy boldly. But their bayonets kept us off, and we only roused 'em
+so much that they plundered and burnt some houses along the road, and
+butchered some women and children. Well, after a hard struggle, the
+enemy reached Charlestown, and then General Heath called us from the
+pursuit."
+
+"I've read," remarked Mr. Hand, "that the British loss during that day
+was nearly three hundred--that is, including wounded and prisoners."
+
+"It amounted to that, at least," replied Kinnison; "and our loss was
+less than one hundred men. I think the royals got a taste of our spirit
+that day."
+
+"Here's a man can tell you something about the retreat of the enemy,"
+said Pitts, pointing to one of the old men, named Jonas Davenport.
+
+"Yes," said Jonas; "I know a little about it. I lived near Lexington. My
+house stood on the road. I joined the minute-men when I heard of the
+comin' of the British troops, and left my wife and two children home,
+under the care of my father, then about sixty. I told 'em to keep as
+quiet as possible and they would be safe. Well, as I said, I joined the
+minute-men, and, when the rascals retreated from Concord, followed and
+did some execution with my firelock. But one of 'em shot me in the
+shoulder, and I couldn't point my gun any more. I waited till the enemy
+had got a considerable distance on the road towards Boston, and then
+managed to reach my house--but such a house as I found it! The windows
+were broken in, the doors torn off their hinges, and the furniture
+broken and thrown about in heaps. I called for my father and wife, but
+received no reply. I crawled up stairs, for I was nearly exhausted from
+loss of blood, and there I found my father and oldest child stretched on
+the floor dead. The old man had his gun still clenched in his hand, and
+he had, no doubt, done the enemy some damage with it. But his face was
+beaten in, and he had two or three bayonet stabs in his breast. The
+little boy had been shot through the head. I was a pretty tough-hearted
+man, but I fainted at the sight; and, when I came to myself, I found my
+wife and the youngest child bending over me crying. How they did hug and
+kiss me when they saw me revive! I think I did as much to them, for I
+never expected to see them alive. My wife told me that the old man would
+fire at the British as they were passing the house, and some of them
+stopped, broke open the doors, and knocked the things about. The old man
+and the little boy ran up stairs, while my wife and the other child ran
+from the house towards a neighbor's. As she ran away, she heard the
+muskets fired, but couldn't stop, as she thought the rascals were after
+her. She had returned as soon as she knew they were far on the road. I
+didn't grieve long; but sent her for the doctor at Lexington to dress my
+wound. Boys, boys, I've made many a red-coat pay for the lives of that
+old man and child. I hated them enough before, but that day's work made
+me all gall!" The memory of gratified revenge lighted up the old man's
+eyes as he spoke. He was a man of stern spirit, and no thought that such
+revenge was wrong ever crossed his mind.
+
+"I can tell you folks of something more about that retreat from
+Concord," continued Davenport. "The story is generally known up around
+the country here, but some of you may not have heard it. It's about old
+Hezekiah Wyman, who gained the name of 'Death on the pale horse.'"
+
+"I heard the story, and saw the old man on his white horse," remarked
+Kinnison; "but it will interest the young men, no doubt--so drive on."
+
+[Illustration: HEZEKIAH WYMAN.]
+
+"Well, you see," began Davenport, "the window of old Hezekiah Wyman's
+house looked out on the ground where the British shot our men at
+Lexington. The old man saw the whole affair, and it made him so savage
+that he vowed to revenge his countrymen if he fell in doing it.
+
+"'Wife,' said he, 'is there not an old gun-barrel somewhere in the
+garret.'
+
+"'I believe there was,' said she; 'but pray what do you want with it?'
+
+"'I should like to see if it is fit for service,' replied he. 'If I am
+not mistaken, it is good enough to drill a hole through a rig'lar.'
+
+"'Mercy on me, husband! are you going mad? An old man like you--sixty
+years last November--to talk of going to war! I should think you had
+seen enough of fighting the British already. There lies poor Captain Roe
+and his men bleeding on the grass before your eyes. What could you do
+with a gun?'
+
+"The old man made no reply, but ascended the stairs, and soon returned
+with a rusty barrel in his hands. In spite of his wife's incessant din,
+he went to his shop, made a stock for it, and put it in complete order
+for use. He then saddled a strong white horse, and mounted him. He gave
+the steed the rein, and directed his course toward Concord. He met the
+British troops returning, and was not long in perceiving that there was
+a wasp's nest about their ears. He dashed so closely upon the flank of
+the enemy that his horse's neck was drenched with the spouting blood of
+the wounded soldiers. Then reining back his snorting steed to reload,
+he dealt a second death upon the ranks with his never-failing bullet.
+The tall, gaunt form of the assailant, his grey locks floating on the
+breeze, and the color of his steed, soon distinguished him from the
+other Americans, and the regulars gave him the name of 'Death on the
+pale horse.' A dozen bullets whizzed by his head, when he made the first
+assault, but, undismayed, the old patriot continued to prance his gay
+steed over the heads of the foot-soldiers--to do his own business
+faithfully, in the belief that, because others did wrong by firing at
+him, it would be no excuse for him to do wrong by sparing the hireling
+bullies of a tyrannical government. At length, a vigorous charge of the
+bayonet drove the old man, and the party with which he was acting, far
+from the main body of the British. Hezekiah was also out of ammunition,
+and was compelled to pick up some on the road, before he could return to
+the charge. He then came on again and picked off an officer, by sending
+a slug through his royal brains, before he was again driven off. But
+ever and anon, through the smoke that curled about the flanks of the
+detachment, could be seen the white horse of the veteran for a
+moment--the report of his piece was heard, and the sacred person of one
+of his majesty's faithful subjects was sure to measure his length on
+rebel ground. Thus did Hezekiah and his neighbors continue to harass the
+retreating foe, until the Earl Percy appeared with a thousand fresh
+troops from Boston. The two detachments of the British were now two
+thousand strong, and they kept off the Americans with their artillery
+while they took a hasty meal. No sooner had they again commenced their
+march, than the powerful white horse was seen careering at full speed
+over the hills, with the dauntless old yankee on his back.
+
+"'Ha!' cried the soldiers, 'there comes that old fellow again, on the
+white horse! Look out for yourselves, for one of us has got to die, in
+spite of fate.' And one of them did die, for Hezekiah's aim was true,
+and his principles of economy would not admit of his wasting powder or
+ball. Throughout the whole of that bloody road between Lexington and
+Cambridge, the fatal approaches of the white horse and his rider were
+dreaded by the trained troops of Britain, and every wound inflicted by
+Hezekiah needed no repeating. But on reaching Cambridge, the regulars,
+greatly to their comfort, missed the old man and his horse. They
+comforted themselves by the conjecture that he had, at length, paid the
+forfeit of his temerity, and that his steed had gone home with a bloody
+bridle and an empty saddle. Not so.--Hezekiah had only lingered for a
+moment to aid in a plot which had been laid by Amni Cutter, for taking
+the baggage-waggons and their guards. Amni had planted about fifty old
+rusty muskets under a stone wall, with their muzzles directed toward the
+road. As the waggons arrived opposite this battery, the muskets were
+discharged, and eight horses, together with some soldiers, were sent out
+of existence. The party of soldiers who had the baggage in charge ran to
+a pond, and, plunging their muskets into the water, surrendered
+themselves to an old woman, called Mother Barberick, who was at that
+time digging roots in an adjacent field. A party of Americans recaptured
+the gallant Englishmen from Mother Barberick, and placed them in safe
+keeping. The captives were exceedingly astonished at the suddenness of
+the attack, and declared that the yankees would rise up like musketoes
+out of a marsh, and kill them. This chef d'oeuvre having been concluded,
+the harassed soldiers were again amazed by the appearance of Hezekiah,
+whose white horse was conspicuous among the now countless assailants
+that sprang from every hill and ringing dale, copse and wood, through
+which the bleeding regiments, like wounded snakes, held their toilsome
+way. His fatal aim was taken, and a soldier fell at every report of his
+piece. Even after the worried troops had entered Charlestown, there was
+no escape for them from the deadly bullets of the restless veteran. The
+appalling white horse would suddenly and unexpectedly dash out from a
+brake, or from behind a rock, and the whizzing of his bullet was the
+precursor of death. He followed the enemy to their very boats; and then,
+turning his horse's head, returned unharmed to his household.
+
+"'Where have you been, husband?'
+
+"'Picking cherries,' replied Hezekiah--but he forgot to say that he had
+first make cherries of the red-coats, by putting the pits into them."
+
+"That old man was sure death," remarked Kinnison. "I knew the old fellow
+well. He had the name of being one of the best shots around that part of
+the country. I should never want to be within his range."
+
+"The old man immortalized himself," said Hand.
+
+"It served the 'tarnal rascals right," observed Hanson. "They only
+reaped what they had sown. War's a horrible matter, altogether, and I
+don't like it much; but I like to see it done up in that old man's
+style, if it is done at all."
+
+"I should like to have seen that royal officer that said he could march
+through our country with three regiments," said Kinnison. "If he was
+with Smith and Pitcorn that day, he saw there was a little of the
+bulldog spirit in the Yankees."
+
+"I think," observed Pitts, "we might have that old, heart-firing,
+arm-moving tune called Yankee Doodle. Come, Brown, pipe."
+
+"Ay," replied Brown, "that tune came out of this here fife
+naturally--almost without my blowing it. For some time, I couldn't work
+anything else out of it."
+
+"Come, pipe and drum the old tune once more," cried Colson; and it was
+piped and drummed by Brown and Hanson in the real old continental style.
+The effect on the company was electric. Knives, and forks, and feet,
+kept time to the well-known music. Some of the old men could scarcely
+restrain themselves from attempting a cheer, and the young men felt
+themselves stirred by a feeling of patriotism they had scarcely known
+before. The spirit of 1775 dwelt in the music, and, as the quick notes
+started from fife and drum, visions of farmers leaving the plough in the
+furrow and shouldering the rusty and unbayoneted firelock--of citizens
+leaving their business and homes to grasp the sword and gun--of
+stout-hearted, strong-armed minute-men, untrained to war's manoeuvres,
+marching and battling with the well-disciplined, war-schooled, and
+haughty Britons, made confident by a more than Roman career of
+victory--and of the glorious fight at Breed's Hill--came to the minds of
+all present. Three cheers were given, when the musicians had concluded,
+for the tune itself, and three more for those who had played it.
+
+"More ale," called out Hand, and more ale was brought; and then Hand
+proposed as a toast--"The memory of the men who fell on the 19th of
+April, 1775." This was drank standing, and a short pause ensued.
+
+
+
+
+FIFER'S STORY.
+
+
+"Now," said Kinnison, "I expect that some of you men who know something
+about them times shall keep your promise of following my story."
+
+"I'll tell you a story," replied Brown, the fifer. "P'raps some of you
+won't swallow it; but it's all fact, and that you'll find if you choose
+to hunt for the papers. It's chiefly about me and my fife, and Hanson
+and his drum."
+
+"Pipe away, Brown," said Kinnison.
+
+"Well, you see," began Brown, "Hanson and I were drummer and fifer in
+Colonel Brooks' regiment, at Saratoga, and we were in the battle of
+Stillwater, fought on the nineteenth of September. I'm not going to
+'spin a yarn,' as the sailors say, in the way of an account of that
+battle, for that has been said and sung often enough. It is sufficient
+for me to say, that it was the hardest fought, and the bloodiest battle
+that ever I saw, and Hans n and I were in the thickest of it, where the
+bullets were hailing. Our regiment suffered a good deal in the way of
+losing men, and I saw many an old friend fall near me. But at dusk, when
+most of the Americans were ordered to camp, I and Hanson were unhurt.
+Colonel Brooks kept the field when the other officers retired with their
+forces. Some of the men of his regiment were tired and grumbled, but he
+wanted to show the enemy that they had gained no advantage over us, and
+that our spirits were as strong as when the day's work commenced. This
+conduct you might have expected from what you have heard of Brooks'
+character. He was all game--Brooks was. One of those whip or die men,
+that are not to be found everywhere. Well, as I said, our regiment
+remained on the field, and finally got into a skirmish with some of the
+German riflemen. We knew they were German riflemen by the brass
+match-cases on their breasts. In this skirmish, a ball struck me on the
+hand, went through it, and knocked my fife clear away beyond our flank.
+Well, I couldn't part with my Yankee Doodle pipe in that way, without
+trying to get hold of it again. So I told Hanson, and he put down his
+drum, and proposed that we should go and get it; and we did go out
+together, while the balls were whizzing round our ears, and got the
+pipe."
+
+"Hold on, Brown," interrupted Kinnison. "Wasn't it a dark night?"
+
+"Yes," replied Brown; "but we saw where the fife lay, by the quick
+flashes of the guns. Didn't we, Hanson?"
+
+"Yes; it's a fact," replied the drummer; "and when we returned, I found
+a couple of balls had passed through the heads of my drum."
+
+"I told you I thought you wouldn't swallow it," observed Brown; "but
+here's the fife, and here's the mark where the ball passed through my
+hand." Brown exhibited the scar, and doubt seemed to be set at rest.
+Kinnison, however, shook his head, as if unsatisfied.
+
+"There wasn't a great deal in the mere going after the fife at such a
+time," continued the fifer, "but I thought I'd mention it, to give you
+an idea of Hanson's spirit."
+
+"Very well," remarked Hand, "we are satisfied now that both Mr. Brown
+and Mr. Hanson are really men of spirit."
+
+
+
+
+ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION.
+
+
+"Mr. Davenport," said one of the young men, "won't you entertain us with
+an account of something you saw or joined in, or did yourself, during
+the war?"
+
+"Were any of you at Quebec, with Arnold and Montgomery?" inquired one of
+the veterans who had been an attentive and silent listener to the
+preceding narratives.
+
+"I accompanied Colonel Arnold on the expedition up the Kennebec,"
+replied Davenport.
+
+"Then tell us about it, won't you?" eagerly exclaimed one of the young
+men.
+
+"Ay, Davenport, tell us about it," added Kinnison. "I've never heard
+anything I could depend on about that march through the wilderness. Old
+Joe Weston tried to give me an account of it; but his memory was very
+weak, and he hadn't the knack of talking so that a person could
+understand him."
+
+"Well, you see," began Davenport, "I was livin' up here on the Lexington
+road, when I hear that General Washington had planned an expedition to
+Canada by way of the Kennebec and the wilderness north of it, and that
+Colonel Arnold had been appointed to command the troops who were to
+undertake it. I was preparing to join the army at Cambridge; but I
+thought that Arnold's expedition would suit me better than staying in
+camp around Boston. So I furnished myself with many little knick-nacks,
+shouldered my musket, and started off to offer my services. They placed
+me in one of the companies of Major Bigelow's battalion. I believe there
+was about eleven hundred men, in all, under Arnold's command, who
+marched from Cambridge to Newburyport. There we embarked on board of
+eleven transports, and, on the nineteenth of September, sailed for the
+Kennebec. I must confess, I didn't like the idea of starting so late in
+the year, because I knew we'd meet with some of the coldest kind of
+weather before we reached Canada; but I had to be satisfied. At the end
+of two days, we had entered the Kennebec and reached the town of
+Gardiner. The only accident we had met with was the grounding of two of
+our transports; but we got them off without much difficulty. I forgot to
+mention, however, that two hundred carpenters had been sent up the
+river, before we started from Cambridge, with orders to build two
+hundred batteaux at Pittston, opposite Gardiner. Well, when we arrived
+at that place, we found the batteaux ready, and immediately transferred
+our baggage and provisions to them, and pushed up the river to Fort
+Western. At that place our real work was to commence. Colonel Arnold
+knew a great deal about the route, and he had undertaken it because he
+knew what he had to encounter, and how much glory he would win if he
+succeeded; but we men, who were to work and suffer most, knew nothing
+about the route; except that it was through a wilderness where few white
+men had set foot. Before the army started from Fort Western, two small
+parties were sent forward to survey and reconnoitre the route as far as
+Lake Megantic and the Dead River. Next, the army began to move in four
+divisions. Morgan and his riflemen went first; next day, Green and
+Bigelow, with three companies; next day, Meigs, with four companies; and
+the next day, Colonel Enos, with the three other companies. You see, the
+divisions started a day apart, so as to prevent any difficulty in
+passing rapids and falls. Colonel Arnold waited to see all the troops
+embarked, and then passed the whole line till he overtook Morgan. On the
+fourth day after our party--that is, Green and Bigelow's--started from
+Fort Western, we arrived at Norridgewock Falls. You may recollect, there
+used to be a tribe of Indians called the Norridgewocks, who had a
+village near these falls. I saw the plain where the village stood, and
+the ruins of the church which was destroyed by Captain Moulton during
+the war with the tribe. At the falls, all the batteaux had to be taken
+out of the river and transported a mile and a quarter by land. You may
+suppose, there was some work about that part of the journey. The banks
+on each side of the river were very rugged and rocky; and we had to
+carry the greater part of our baggage on our backs. One half of the
+party helped the oxen to draw the boats up to the place where they were
+to be put into the water again. We found some of the boats were leaky,
+and a great deal of the provisions damaged, which was a matter of
+importance, as you will see when I get farther on in my story. We were
+seven days in passing round that fall and repairing our boats. During
+those seven days, we worked as I had never seen men work before; and,
+strangely enough, there were very few grumblers in our party. We joked
+and sang lively songs, even during the hardest labor; and I got into a
+much better humor than I was in when I started. We had an Irishman,
+named Jim O'Brien, in our mess, who was one of the best hearted and
+quickest-witted chaps I ever encountered; and we had a friend of his,
+named Murtough Johnson, who was as dull and blundering as O'Brien was
+keen and ready. So, you see, with O'Brien's jokes and Johnson's blunders
+we had something to amuse us. I recollect, at one time, we were pushing
+our boat up on the bank clear of the water, and Johnson handled his pole
+so clumsily that he fell into the river. O'Brien hauled him out after he
+had a severe ducking in rather cold water. The officers worked as hard
+as the men. Every sinew and muscle was brought into use. Colonel Arnold
+seemed to be ever active, cheering on the men, and often lending his
+hand to aid them."
+
+"What sort of a looking man was Arnold at that time?" inquired Hand.
+
+"He was then about thirty-five years old," replied Davenport; "of the
+middle size, and rather stout, his face was rather handsome; but there
+was an iron look about his mouth that many a man would not like; his
+eyes were of a dark grey, and full of fire and restlessness. He seemed
+never to be satisfied unless he was moving about and doing something."
+
+"Exactly as I knew him," remarked Kinnison.
+
+"Well," said Davenport, "I'll return to my story. At the end of seven
+days we were ready to move on; and we soon arrived at the Carratunc
+Falls, where there was another portage. We got round that, however,
+without much difficulty. The banks were more level and the road not so
+long; but the work afterwards was tough. The stream was so rapid that
+the men were compelled to wade and push the batteaux against the
+current. There was a little grumbling among us, and quite a number of
+the men deserted. Two days after reaching the Carratunc Falls, we came
+to the Great Carrying Place. There work was to begin to which all our
+other work was play. The Great Carrying Place extended from the Kennebec
+to the Dead River, about fifteen miles, and on the road were three small
+ponds. Before we took our batteaux out of the water of the Kennebec, we
+built a block-house on its banks, as a depository for provisions, so as
+to secure a supply in case of retreat."
+
+"I thought you said you had no extra quantity of provisions," said
+Pitts.
+
+"I did," replied Davenport. "We did not intend to leave any of our
+provisions at the block-house. It was built as a repository for
+supplies ordered up from Norridgewock. Well, we took the boats out of
+the water, and took most of the baggage and provisions out of the boats,
+and toiled up a steep, rocky road for more than three miles to the first
+pond. There the boats were put into the water, and we had a short rest.
+We caught plenty of fresh salmon-trout in the pond, and Colonel Arnold
+ordered two oxen to be killed and divided among us, as a sort of treat.
+At the second portage we built another block-house for the sick. At that
+time I felt sick and worn out myself, but I couldn't think of stopping,
+so I kept my sufferings hidden as much as I could from everybody but
+O'Brien, who did all he could to help me. After crossing the last pond,
+we had several marshes and deep ravines to cross. Sometimes we had to
+wade up to the knees in mud and water, carrying heavy bundles of baggage
+on our shoulders, and in constant danger of sinking into deep mud holes.
+Ha! ha! I recollect, O'Brien, Johnson and myself were toiling along
+through one of the marshes, Johnson a short distance behind, when
+O'Brien and I heard a yell and a cry of 'Och, murther!' The yell, I
+thought might have come from a savage, but the 'Och, murther!' I knew
+never could. O'Brien's quick eye soon discovered what was the cause of
+it, and I followed him back. There we found Johnson, up to his neck in
+mud and water, yelling for help to get out of the bloody dirt. I was the
+first to grasp his hand, but in pulling, my foot slipped, and I fell in
+alongside of Johnson. O'Brien was more careful; he got on the baggage
+that Johnson and I had thrown down, and by great exertions, dragged us
+both out; but in such a condition--covered with mud from head to foot.
+Of course, O'Brien and I laid it all on Johnson's blundering. O'Brien
+said he believed Johnson's birth was a blunder of nature, she had
+regretted ever since; and that if he fell into a mudhole again, he
+should stick there. Johnson admitted that he was thinking of home when
+he fell into the dirty place; he was just kissing his darlin' Mary when
+his foot slipped. Well, we shouldered our wet baggage, and waded on to
+the rest of the party, and soon after, we reached Dead River. This river
+seemed to have a smooth current, broken by two or three little falls,
+and we thought we could have quite an easy progress. The boats were
+easily pushed along, and the men got the rest they wanted. As we were
+going slowly along the river, we discovered a high mountain, the summit
+of which appeared to be whitened with snow. Near the base of the
+mountain we found Arnold, with the two first divisions, encamped. We
+were all very glad to see a camp once more and enjoyed it, I tell you,
+as much as a good meal after a hard day's work. On the day after the
+arrival of our party, Colonel Arnold raised the pine-tree flag over his
+tent, the men firing a salute and giving three cheers, as soon as it was
+raised. On the same day, Major Bigelow went up to the top of the
+mountain, expecting to see the spires of Quebec. But he weren't a Moses;
+he didn't see the promised land. After that, I believe the people gave
+the Major's name to the mountain. Ninety men were sent back to the rear
+for provisions which now began to grow scarce. It began to rain before
+we left the encampment, and it rained the best part of three days; every
+man and all the baggage were drenched with water. Morgan and Arnold,
+with the first and second divisions had gone ahead, and we followed. One
+night, we landed at a rather late hour, and were trying to get a little
+rest, when we were awaked by the freshet, which came down upon us in a
+torrent; O'Brien waked Johnson and myself just in time to allow us to
+get out of the way. The water arose to a great height, covering the low
+grounds on each side of the river, and the current became very rapid. As
+the batteaux moved on they would get entangled among the drift wood and
+bushes. Sometimes we wandered from the main stream into the branches,
+and then we would have to fall back into the proper course. The number
+of falls seemed to increase as we advanced, and of course, there was a
+portage at every one. I was almost worn out with toil and sickness, yet
+I was sustained by the hope of succeeding in the expedition, and of
+doing some injury to the enemy before I died. You know how an excited
+spirit will overcome weakness of body. At length a disaster happened to
+our party which almost checked the expedition. By some bad management,
+and partly by accident, seven of our batteaux were overset; O'Brien,
+Johnson and myself were among the men thrown into the water, and we had
+a terrible time of it, clinging to the bottom of the batteaux. We pushed
+the boats ashore, and not a single man was drowned; but all the baggage
+and provisions in the boats were lost. That made such a breach in our
+provisions, that the boldest hearts began to be seized with despair. We
+were then thirty miles from the head of Chaudière river, and we had
+provisions for twelve days at the farthest. A council of war was held,
+and it was decided to send the sick and feeble men back, and press
+forward with the others. Colonel Arnold wrote to Colonel Greene and
+Colonel Enos, who were in the rear, to select such a number of their
+strongest men that could supply themselves with fifteen days'
+provisions, and to come on with them, leaving the others to return to
+Norridgewock. You know how Colonel Enos acted upon that order; he
+marched back to Cambridge, while Colonel Greene obeyed Colonel Arnold's
+instructions."
+
+"People have different opinions of that man's conduct," said Kinnison.
+"For my part, I think he was a poor-spirited man, if not a coward."
+
+"I think so too," said Davenport. "Although his court-martial acquitted
+him, General Washington, and other officers showed such dissatisfaction,
+that he resigned his commission."
+
+"Never mind the shirk," said Pitts: "tell us how the men of the right
+grit made out."
+
+"Well," said Davenport, "after Colonel Arnold had arranged his plans, he
+hurried forwards with sixty men, intending to proceed as soon as
+possible to the inhabitants on the Chaudière and send back provisions to
+the main body. When we started again, the rain had changed to snow,
+which fell two inches deep. Ice formed on the surface of the water
+through which we were forced to wade and drag the boats. You may talk
+about suffering at Valley Forge, but I tell you it was no kind of
+circumstance to what we men endured. We were cold, hungry and tired all
+the time, and yet we couldn't rest, for fear of starvation in the
+wilderness. I always think my living through it all was owing to
+O'Brien's care and his trying to keep me in good spirits. Poor fellow!
+he met his death at Quebec. I'll never forget him. The man who could
+forget such service at such a time would be a blot upon the name of
+humanity." Davenport paused, as if indulging mournful memory, and then
+proceeded. "Near the source of the Dead River, we had to pass through a
+string of small lakes, choked with drift-wood and rocks. So it seemed as
+if we met greater difficulty at every step of our advance. At last we
+reached the four-mile carrying place, from the Dead River to the stream
+that leads into Lake Megantic. We took the batteaux out of the water and
+dragged and carried them over the highlands till we reached the little
+stream, which conducted us by a very crooked course into Lake Megantic.
+I began to think our toils and dangers would soon be over, and of course
+worked with a light heart. At the Lake, we found Lieutenant Steel and
+the exploring party which had been sent forward to explore and clear the
+path at the portages. The night after our party entered the Lake, we
+encamped on the eastern shore, where a large Indian wigwam that appeared
+as if it had been used for a council, served to shelter us from the cold
+winds. Colonel Arnold ordered Hanchet and fifty men to march by land
+along the shore of Chaudière River, and he, himself, embarked with
+Captain Oswald, Lieutenants Steel and Church and thirteen men,
+determined to proceed as soon as possible to the French inhabitants, and
+send back provisions to the army. This was the only plan to save the men
+from starvation. You see the Chaudière is a rough rapid river, the water
+in some places boiling and foaming over a rocky bottom. The baggage had
+to be lashed to the boats. Arnold's party fell among the rapids. Three
+of the boats were overset, dashed to pieces against the rocks and their
+contents swallowed up by the waves. Six men struggled for some time in
+the water, but were saved. That accident turned out to be a lucky one,
+for no sooner had the men dried their clothes and re-embarked, than one
+of them, who had gone forward, cried out 'a fall ahead,' and thus the
+whole party was saved from destruction. Soon after we entered the
+Chaudière we worked round several falls and kept clear of the rapids for
+a while; but it couldn't last. We lost boats here and there, till we
+hadn't enough to carry the men and what baggage we had with us, and so
+we took to the land, and began our march through the woods along the
+banks of the river. Now a kind of suffering began, which we hadn't
+dreamed of when we started, but which we had been expecting before we
+lost our boats. We had to drag ourselves along, over rocks and ravines
+and through thick underwood, with starvation staring us in the face. I
+had never been a hearty feeder, and could bear the want of provisions
+better than those in good health and who had accustomed themselves to
+cramming. But poor Johnson fainted several times on the march, and
+O'Brien suffered more than he would tell. Every thing eatable was at
+length entirely used. Several dogs, generally favourites of their
+owners, had been killed and entirely devoured, even to the entrails.
+O'Brien, Johnson and myself boiled our moccasins, to see if any
+nourishment could be drawn from the deer-skin. But the skins were dry.
+It seemed as if we were doomed to starvation. No game of any kind
+appeared, and even the eatable roots were not to be found. I remember
+seeing a party of men, Johnson among them, discover a well-known root in
+the sand and rush for it as if it had been a diamond. The man who got it
+devoured it instantly, though at any other time it would have made him
+sick."
+
+"I wonder how those men would have acted if they had met such a loaded
+table as this in the woods," said Hand.
+
+"Acted!" said Davenport. "Like wolves, whose bellies had been pinched
+with hunger for a week. You may judge from what I tell you. As we were
+marching slowly through the woods, a set of ragged skeletons, the
+foremost of the party caught sight of some Canadians and Indians coming
+towards us, with great packages and bundles which we knew were the
+provisions sent by Colonel Arnold. There was a perfect yell of joy, and
+the whole party rushed towards them. But Major Bigelow and his officers
+kept the men off from the food, at the sword's point. The food was then
+distributed in very small quantities to each man. How it disappeared! I
+venture to say that ten minutes after the men received their shares,
+they had devoured them all. The Canadians and Indians were ordered to
+keep enough provisions for the other troops, who were fed as they came
+up. At last we caught sight of the French settlement of Sertigan, where
+Colonel Arnold had arrived some days before. The people came out to
+receive us; but they wondered at us as if we were more than men. They
+offered us plenty of food and clothing, and took care of the sick.
+Within four or five days, the whole army was collected by small parties
+at Sertigan."
+
+"What was the number of the troops who arrived safe?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"About five hundred and fifty men, I suppose," replied Davenport. "The
+rest had either gone back with Enos, deserted, or been left at the
+block-house, sick."
+
+"How long did the expedition occupy?" enquired Hand.
+
+"About two months," replied Davenport. "For thirty-two days we traversed
+a dreary wilderness without meeting a human being."
+
+"It was a great feat, and the men who performed it are entitled to high
+renown," said Hand.
+
+"Many of them afterwards became distinguished," said Davenport. "Morgan,
+Dearborn, Meigs, Febiger, Greene and others were known to the enemy in
+after years."
+
+Mr. Hand now proposed three cheers for the men of Arnold's expedition
+and three more for Mr. Davenport, both of which propositions were acted
+upon in the heartiest manner by the young men. Mr. Hand then said he had
+a song to sing to the tune of "Ye Mariners of England." It was not his
+own composition; he had found it in print, and knowing the music,
+thought it would be acceptable. Being pressed to sing, he complied,
+singing the following words:--
+
+
+    Ye freemen of Columbia,
+      Who guard our native coast,
+    Whose fathers won your liberty,
+      Your country's pride and boast;
+    Your glorious standard rear again,
+      To match your ancient foe,
+    As she roars on your shores,
+      Where the stormy tempests blow;
+    As she prowls for prey on every shore,
+      Where the stormy tempests blow.
+
+    The spirits of your fathers
+      Shall hover o'er each plain,
+    Where in their injured country's cause
+      The immortal brave were slain!
+    Where bold Montgomery fearless fell,
+      Where carnage strew'd the field,
+    In your might shall you fight,
+      And force the foe to yield;
+    And on the heights of Abraham
+      Your country's vengeance wield.
+
+    Columbia fears no enemy
+      That ploughs the briny main;
+    Her home a mighty continent,
+      Its soil her rich domain!
+    To avenge our much-loved country's wrongs,
+      To the field her sons shall fly,
+    While alarms sound to arms,
+      We'll conquer or we'll die.
+    When Britain's tears may flow in vain,
+      As low her legions lie!
+
+    Columbia's eagle standard
+      Triumphant then shall tower,
+    Till from the land the foe depart,
+      Driven by its gallant power.
+    Then, then, ye patriot warriors!
+      Our song and feast shall flow,
+    And no more, on our shore,
+      Shall war's dread tempests blow;
+    But the breeze of peace shall gently breathe,
+      Like the winds that murmur low.
+
+
+The song was well received by the company, who were not disposed to be
+critical. The drum and fife were then brought into play, Brown and
+Hanson, without entreaty, striking up, "Come out, ye Continentallers."
+This rollicking tune called up such laughable associations, that one of
+the young men proposed that it should be sung. No one knew it entire,
+except Brown, the fifer, who had been the musician of his mess as well
+as of the company, and Brown complied with the repeated entreaties of
+the young men, singing the following ludicrous words in a cracked and
+weak remnant of a voice.
+
+
+    Come out, ye continentallers!
+      We're going for to go
+    To fight the red-coat enemy,
+      Who're plaguy "cute," you know.
+
+    Now, shoulder whoop!--eyes right and dress--
+      Front!--Davis, wipe your nose--
+    Port whoop!--that's slick--now, carry whoop!
+      Mike Jones, turn out your toes.
+
+    Charge bagnet!--that's your sort, my boys:
+      Now, quick time!--march!--that's right;
+    Just so we'd poke the enemy,
+    If they were but in sight.
+
+    Halt!--shoulder whoop!--stop laughing, Nick--
+      By platoons, wheel!--halt--dress!
+    Hold up your muzzles on the left;
+      No talking, more or less.
+
+    Bill Sneezer, keep your canteen down,
+      We're going for to travel;
+    "Captain, I wants to halt a bit,
+      My shoe is full of gravel."
+
+    Ho--strike up music--for'ard march!
+      Now point your toes, Bob Rogers;
+    See! yonder are the red-coat men--
+      Let fly upon 'em, sogers.
+
+
+This song was written in the early part of the revolutionary war to
+burlesque the meeting of the country militia, and afterwards became very
+popular. Although Brown had not much voice, he managed to give a correct
+and exceedingly laughable expression to the old song.
+
+"That may be all true enough of some of the country militia," said
+Robinson, "but in our village, there was no such foolery. Regulars--and
+British ones at that--couldn't have gone through a better training, or a
+better rill. One of the British officers at Saratoga said that the New
+England militia were equal to regulars; and as far as marching up to
+cannons' mouths and driving back dragoons goes, I think they were,
+myself. You see, for a long time previous to the battle of Lexington, we
+had trainings all around the country, and some of our officers were men
+who had seen some hard service in the old French War. Why, just look at
+the men that Ethan Allen and Arnold led against Ticonderoga, as strong a
+place as was ever fortified in the northern states. There was not a
+bolder or better conducted enterprise in the whole war."
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA.
+
+
+"Were either of you in the expedition against Ticonderoga?" enquired
+Hand, wishing to learn the particulars of that affair.
+
+"Ay," replied a little old man, who had quit eating and fallen asleep
+during Davenport's narrative, and had only wakened up at the sound of
+the drum and fife, playing "Come out, ye Continentallers." "I was with
+Ethan Allen. I was one of the Green Mountain Boys, that did the thing."
+
+"Then perhaps you can tell us something about it," said Kinnison, "and
+about the quarrel between Allen and Arnold. I never heard the facts of
+the case, but from what I know of the two men, I feel sure Arnold was
+wrong."
+
+"To be sure he was," said old Timothy Ransom. "To be sure he was. But
+I'll tell you all I know about the matter. I was at work on my farm when
+I heard of the battle of Lexington. I belonged to a regiment of militia
+that used to meet for drill on a neighbouring farm. Ethan Allen was the
+Colonel, and he was fit to be the leader anywhere. He would lead where
+any would follow, was as honest a man as ever breathed, and had a great
+share of strong sense. As soon as Colonel Allen heard that the war had
+really begun, he determined to seize Ticonderoga, where a great quantity
+of munitions of war were stored. I forgot to tell you, however, that
+Allen was commissioned a colonel by the government of Vermont. He
+collected our boys at his residence, and marched to Bennington, where he
+expected to be joined by more volunteers. At Bennington we met Colonel
+Easton, with some men from his regiment of militia. Our party then
+amounted to two hundred and seventy men; and, though I was one among
+'em, I may be allowed to say, that a more daring, and a tougher set of
+men were never assembled. About dusk on the 7th of May, we reached
+Castleton--that's about fourteen miles east of Skenesborough. There we
+were to make our final arrangements. A council of war was held. Colonel
+Allen was appointed commander of the expedition, Colonel Easton second
+in command, and Seth Warner, third. Allen, with the main force, was to
+march to Shoreham, opposite Ticonderoga, Captain Herrick with thirty men
+was to push up to Skenesborough, and capture the young Major Skene,
+confine his people, and seizing all the boats he could find there,
+hasten to join Allen at Shoreham; and Captain Douglas was to proceed to
+Panton, beyond Crown Point, and secure all the boats that should fall
+in his way. On the 9th of May, Arnold arrived at Castleton, with a few
+officers and men, and after introducing himself to our officers, showed
+a commission from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, by which he
+claimed the supreme command. But our boys wouldn't hear anything of the
+kind. We all said that Ethan Allen was our leader, and if he had not the
+command, we would march back to our homes. So Colonel Arnold found that
+he would have to join us without a command, or go back where he came
+from. He chose to join as a mere volunteer, smothering his claim till
+another occasion. On the same day on which Colonel Arnold arrived, Mr.
+Phelps, one of the Connecticut Committee who were with us, disguised
+himself as a countryman who wanted to be shaved, and visited
+Ticonderoga, to spy into the condition of the garrison. He found that
+the walls of the old fort were broken down, and that the small garrison
+were careless of all discipline. As soon as Colonel Allen was informed
+of this state of things, he resolved to move on at once. We marched to
+the shore of the lake, opposite Ticonderoga, during the night of the 9th
+of May. Allen had secured a guide in a boy named Nathan Beman, who was
+fully acquainted with every secret way that led into the fortress. But
+we found that we hadn't boats enough to carry all the party over the
+lake. Allen, Arnold, Easton, and eighty-three of the men, of whom I was
+one, had crossed just as the day was beginning to dawn. To wait would
+have been too hazardous, as the garrison, if aroused, might make a stout
+resistance; and we wanted to buy success as cheap as possible. Colonel
+Allen resolved to commence the attack at once. We were drawn up in three
+ranks on the shore nearly opposite the fort. Allen then made a short
+address to us. He was never a man of many words. He said he knew our
+spirit, and hoped we would remember the cause for which we were about to
+strike; that would nerve the arm of a coward. He concluded by conjuring
+us to obey orders strictly, and to commit no slaughter that could be
+done without. Then, with Arnold at his side, Allen led us stealthily up
+the rocks to the sally-port. I saw the sentinel snap his fusee at our
+bold leader, and rush into the covered way that led into the fort. We
+followed upon his heels, and were thus guided right into the parade
+within the barracks. There another sentinel made a thrust at Easton. But
+Colonel Allen struck him on the head with his sword and the fellow
+begged for quarter. As we rushed into the parade, we gave a tremendous
+shout, and filed off into two divisions. The men of the garrison leaped
+from their beds, seized their arms, and rushed into the parade, only to
+be seized by our men. I snatched a musket from a red-coat's hand just as
+he was taking aim at Captain Herrick, and made the fellow shriek for
+quarter, by merely striking him alongside of the face with my fist.
+While we were securing the men, Colonel Allen and the boy, Nathan Beman,
+went up stairs to the door of the room in which Captain Delaplace and
+his wife were sleeping. Allen gave three loud raps with the hilt of his
+sword on the door, and with his strong voice, ordered the captain to
+surrender, or the whole garrison should be slaughtered. Our shouting had
+awakened the captain and his wife, and they sprang to the door.
+Delaplace appeared in his shirt and drawers, and recognising Colonel
+Allen as an old friend, boldly demanded why he was disturbed. Allen
+replied, by ordering him to surrender instantly. Delaplace then said,
+'By what authority do you demand it?' 'In the name of the Great Jehovah
+and the Continental Congress,' replied Colonel Allen, with the full
+thunder of his voice, as he raised his sword over the head of the
+Captain. This convinced the captain that the wisest course was to
+comply, and so he gave the order for the troops to parade without arms.
+Forty-eight British regulars surrendered prisoners of war, and the fort
+and every thing in it became ours. The regulars, with the women and
+children, were sent to Hartford. We found nearly two hundred pieces of
+ordnance, and an immense quantity of ammunition of all kinds and plenty
+of eatables. Just after the surrender, Seth Warner, with the rear
+division, crossed the lake and joined us. The prisoners were secured and
+then we all took a hearty breakfast. We had been up and on duty all
+night, and that, together with our success, made us enjoy that breakfast
+more than an every-day one. Colonel Arnold again attempted to take the
+command of our men and the fort. But none of us would obey his orders,
+and the Connecticut Committee said that Colonel Allen was the rightful
+commander, as the men were to be paid by Connecticut, and Massachusetts
+had furnished nothing for the enterprise, and Allen had been formally
+chosen. Arnold was forced to yield; but he sent a statement of the
+matter to the Massachusetts Assembly. That body confirmed Allen's
+appointment and directed Arnold not to interfere. On the day of the
+capture of Ticonderoga, Colonel Seth Warner, with a small body of our
+men, was sent to take possession of Crown Point. But a tremendous storm
+arose, and Warner was compelled to put back and pass the night with us.
+But the next day, he started and captured Crown Point without firing a
+shot. You see the garrison only amounted to a serjeant and eleven men,
+and they didn't expect an attack; so that Warner had only to come
+suddenly upon them, and make a bold show, and they surrendered. More
+than one hundred cannon were taken at that place, and thus, you see, we
+had something to begin the war with. Colonel Arnold gave up the idea of
+commanding at Ticonderoga, but he would command somewhere, and so he
+soon after undertook an expedition against St. John's. It appears to me,
+Arnold was very wrong in attempting to remove such a man as Allen from
+the command. But I believe he was always thinking of himself alone."
+
+"I can't agree with you, Ransom," said Jonas Davenport. "I think he was
+a selfish man in general; but I know he could be generous sometimes. In
+that expedition to Canada, he helped his men whenever he could in the
+smallest matters, when many other commanders would have minded their own
+comfort alone. Let us have justice done to every man. I never liked
+Arnold as a man; but I think he was as good a soldier and general as I
+ever knew."
+
+"Certainly as good a soldier," said Kinnison.
+
+"His generalship," said Pitts, "never had much play. As far as he had
+the chance, he proved that he had the skill and knowledge for planning
+military enterprises."
+
+"I preferred old Putnam to Arnold," said John Warner. "He was quite as
+daring, and a much better-hearted man."
+
+"Ay, a braver man than General Putnam never drew a blade," said
+Kinnison. "That man's adventures would make as interestin' a book as
+you'd wish to read."
+
+"I should like to hear some of them," said Hand.
+
+"You've heard of his great feat at Horseneck, I suppose," said Jonas
+Davenport.
+
+"Yes," replied Hand, "and often wondered at it."
+
+
+
+
+PUTNAM'S ESCAPE.
+
+
+"I happened to be on the spot and see that affair," said old John
+Warner. "I was on a visit to a friend at a farm near Horseneck, when the
+news of Governor Tryon's approach, with a large force, reached me. I
+hadn't joined the regular army, for a great many reasons; but I always
+took advantage of an opportunity to serve the right side. General
+Putnam's picket of one hundred and fifty men, with two field-pieces, was
+the only force in that neighbourhood; but I knew Old Put. would have a
+shot at the enemy, no matter how few men he had with him. So I
+shouldered my firelock and went and offered my services. General Putnam
+planted his cannon on the high ground near the meeting-house, and
+awaited the approach of the enemy. Directly, we saw Tryon, with a great
+force of regulars, coming along the road. Our cannon blazed away at them
+and checked their advance for a short time. But pretty soon, we saw the
+dragoons and infantry preparing to make a charge, and Old Put. knew
+there wouldn't be much chance of our withstanding the shock. So he
+ordered us to retire into the swamp just back of our position, where we
+would be safe from dragoons, at least, and where we would have an even
+chance with the infantry. I expected to see the general follow us; but
+he turned his horse towards the stone steps that led down the rocks from
+the meeting-house. As we fell back I had time to observe him. When he
+reached the head of the steps, the horse stopped as if afraid of the
+attempt. But Old Putnam knew there was no time to lose, as the dragoons
+were nearly upon him. So he struck his spurs into the horse's sides, and
+they plunged down the steps together. I lost sight of the horse and
+rider just then; but saw the red-coat dragoons stop short at the head of
+the precipice, and fire their pistols after them. Not one among the
+red-coats dared to follow, and ten chances to one if they had attempted
+it, they would have broken their necks; for the precipice was so high
+and steep as to have one hundred steps cut in it. Before they could get
+round the brow of the height by the ordinary road, the General was far
+beyond their reach. Tryon didn't attempt to follow us into the swamp,
+but soon after commenced his retreat. We fell back to Stamford, where we
+met the General with some militia he had collected, and marched back in
+search of Tryon. The red-coats had completed their work and were out of
+our reach."
+
+"That ride was but one of a whole life of such deeds," said Kinnison.
+"There never was a man who dared more than Putnam. In the old French
+War, he astonished the boldest savages and rangers by his feats, often
+throwing himself into the arms of death, as it were, and escaping
+without any serious hurt."
+
+"It was a great pity," said Colson, "that Putnam was not a younger man
+when the revolutionary war broke out. He had spent his best years in
+fighting for the old country, against the French and Indians."
+
+"Perhaps it was better as it was," said Davenport. "I think there were
+brave men enough in our army." It was clear that Davenport was disposed
+to argue the respective merits of the generals of the revolution. Hand
+thought argument might check the flow of good-feeling, and therefore
+suggested that they should have more drum and fife music. Brown and
+Hanson agreed, and upon request struck up the "White Cockade." This was
+spirit-stirring, and called forth much applause. Another song was called
+for, and one of the young men sang the following song, written for the
+occasion, but which his modesty had hitherto held back. The music was
+that of "Rule, Brittania!"
+
+
+    When our great sires this land explored,
+      A shelter from tyrannic wrong!
+    Led on by heaven's Almighty Lord,
+      They sung--and acted well the song,
+    Rise united! dare be freed!
+    Our sons shall vindicate the deed.
+
+    In vain the region they would gain
+      Was distant, dreary, undisclosed;
+    In vain the Atlantic roar'd between;
+      And hosts of savages opposed;
+    They rush'd undaunted, Heaven decreed
+    Their sons should vindicate the deed.
+
+    'Twas Freedom led the veterans forth,
+      And manly fortitude to bear;
+    They toil'd, they vanquished I such high worth
+      Is always Heaven's peculiar care.
+    Their great example still inspires,
+    Nor dare we act beneath our sires.
+
+    'Tis ours undaunted to defend
+      The dear-bought, rich inheritance;
+    And spite of each invading hand,
+      We'll fight, bleed, die, in its defence!
+    Pursue our fathers' paths of fame,
+    And emulate their glorious flame.
+
+    As the proud oak inglorious stands,
+      Till storms and thunder root it fast,
+    So stood our new unpractised bands,
+      Till Britain roar'd her stormy blast;
+    Then, see, they vanquish'd! fierce led on
+    By Freedom and great Washington.
+
+
+The song had very little poetry and less music in it; but patriotism
+applauded its spirit. Mr. Hand again directed the conversation in such a
+manner as to glean as much information from the veteran patriots as
+possible, and enquired if any of them had seen the hero of
+Bennington--General John Stark.
+
+"Oh! yes," replied Timothy Ransom, "There was very few of the
+right-side-up men in Vermont, that I didn't see and know too. See
+General Stark! I guess I did; and seen a leetle of him at Bennington,
+too."
+
+"I thought General Stark belonged to New Hampshire," said Hand.
+
+"So he did," replied Ransom. "The country that now makes the states of
+Varmount and New Hampshire was then called the New Hampshire Grants, and
+was governed by one assembly and one council."
+
+"What sort of a looking man was Stark?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"Well, he weren't much to look at," said Ransom. "He was about the
+middle height, and strongly built. He had a firm look about the face,
+and you might have been sure of his doing what he said he would do,
+just from hearing him talk. Blunt and downright, he was--and didn't
+stop to pick words. He had seen a tougher life than any of his
+neighbours--fighting as a ranger and regular soldier--and you might
+suppose there was no nice affectation in his dress and manners like you
+find in some of our generals. He was a man made for service."
+
+"That's the man exactly as I saw him at Saratoga," said Kinnison.
+
+"Did you say you was with General Stark, at Bennington?" enquired Hand.
+
+"Ay, and did my share of that day's work," replied Ransom. "That _was_ a
+battle, my boys. If you had seen the way that the militia walked up to
+the enemy's cannon, and fought with regulars, you'd have said at once,
+there was no use of Great Britain trying to subdue such men."
+
+"Not having had the pleasure of seeing it," replied Hand, "I should like
+to hear what you saw of it. Tell us about the affair, and how you won
+such a victory."
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
+
+
+"You shall hear about the battle of Bennington," said Ransom. "At the
+time Burgoyne was advancing towards the Hudson, the people of
+Massachusetts and the New Hampshire Grants were alarmed, and feared that
+Burgoyne would march towards Boston. The whole frontier was uncovered.
+But the people began to feel the necessity of taking measures to check
+the advance of the enemy. General Stark was then at home, angry with
+Congress on account of his rank not being equal to his services. He had
+resigned his commission in the regular army. I was then at my farm,
+having gone home after serving with Colonel Allen. I expected to be
+called into service again, but didn't intend to fight under any other
+orders than those of John Stark; because I knew the man had been badly
+treated, and I and most of the militia felt for him. The New Hampshire
+Assembly met, and began to adopt measures for the defence of the
+country. The militia was formed into two brigades. General Whipple was
+appointed to command the first, and General Stark the second. Stark
+refused to accept the appointment. But finding that his name was a host,
+he was induced to yield his private griefs for the public good. He said
+he would assume the command of the troops, if he was not desired to join
+the main army, and was made accountable to no authority but that of New
+Hampshire. His conditions were accepted, and he went to Charlestown to
+meet the Committee of Safety. As soon as I heard that General Stark was
+in the field, I hurried off to Charlestown to join the militia, I knew
+would assemble there. I found the men were coming in from all
+directions, and all were in high spirits. Stark sent us off to
+Manchester, twenty miles from Bennington, to join Colonel Warner's
+regiment. You know after that skrimmage at Hubbardton, Warner could
+scarcely muster more than two hundred men, and we who were sent from
+Charlestown were to fill out his regiment. I found most of the men had
+been in service since the war began, and knew what fighting was; and I
+thought they were a match for twice their number; but I had some near
+neighbours in the regiment of Colonel Nichols at Bennington: I went and
+joined him. As our regiment was filling up, General Stark arrived at
+Manchester, where he met General Lincoln, who had come to conduct the
+militia across the Hudson to General Schuyler; but Stark told him that
+the men were called together to protect their homes in New Hampshire,
+and could not be taken out of that part of the country. I heard
+afterwards that General Lincoln informed Congress of the state of
+things in our neighbourhood, and that Congress censured General Stark;
+but he didn't care for that. He knew he was right in staying in New
+Hampshire, and that the men who censured him knew nothing about the
+state of things there. Well, we were called upon to meet the enemy
+sooner than we expected, for it appeared that Baum, with his Germans and
+Indians, was on his march towards Bennington. Soon after, I arrived at
+Manchester. About four hundred men had collected at Bennington, when
+General Stark arrived there, and more were coming in constantly. I guess
+it was on the 13th of August when we received information that some of
+Baum's Indians had been seen near Cambridge--that's about twelve miles
+from Bennington. Then there was a stir among the men, and all sorts of
+preparation for a desperate battle. We all knew that we were going to
+fight for our homes, and that made us eager to meet the enemy. All the
+men of Bennington who could bear arms joined us, and the old men and
+women and boys did all they could to get us information, and to supply
+our wants. General Stark sent Lieutenant-Colonel Gregg, with two hundred
+men, to check the enemy. In the course of the night we were informed
+that the Indians were supported by a large body of regulars, with a
+train of artillery; and that the whole force of the enemy were in full
+march for Bennington. General Stark immediately called out all the
+militia, and sent word to Colonel Warner to bring his regiment from
+Manchester. Before daylight on the morning of the 14th of August,
+General Stark had about eight hundred men under his command, including
+Colonel Gregg's detachment. We then moved forward to support Gregg.
+About four or five miles from Bennington, we met our detachment in full
+retreat, and the enemy within a mile of it. Stark ordered us to halt,
+and we were then drawn up in order of battle. Baum saw we were prepared
+to make fight, and halted, instead of coming up to the work like a man.
+A small party of our men were forced to abandon Van Shaick's mill, where
+they had been posted, but not before they had killed a few of the enemy.
+Stark found that the enemy were busy entrenching themselves, and he
+tried to draw them from their position by sending out small parties to
+skirmish; but it was of no use, they wouldn't come out and fight; so
+Stark fell back a mile, leaving a part of our regiment to skirmish. Now
+you know that's a kind of fighting in which the Green Mountain Boys were
+always first best. Before we fell back to the main body, we had killed
+and wounded more than thirty of the enemy, including two Indian chiefs,
+without losing a man."
+
+"The battle should have been all skirmishes," said Kinnison. "You might
+have cut the enemy up piece-meal."
+
+"We tried it next day," said Ransom. "It was rainy, and Stark thought it
+best not to attempt anything more than skirmishing. Our light parties
+appeared in the woods on every side of the enemy, and picked off the men
+so fast that the Indians became disheartened, and began to desert Baum.
+The rain, which prevented our troops from attacking the enemy, enabled
+them to complete their entrenchments, and send to General Burgoyne for
+reinforcements; but on the morning of the 16th of August, we found that
+General Stark and a council of war had agreed upon a plan of attack, and
+intended to execute it that day. I don't think there was a man among our
+troops who was not anxious for a fight. Our skirmishes had put us in the
+humour for it. I can't exactly give you an idea of the position of the
+enemy, and of the real amount of skill General Stark displayed in his
+plan of attack. But I'll try to do the best I can. The Germans were
+posted on a rising ground near a bend in Wallomsac Creek, which is a
+branch of the Hoosic River. The ground on both sides of the creek is
+rolling, and the position of the Germans was on the highest of the small
+hills. Peter's corps of Tories were entrenched on the other side of the
+creek, nearly in front of the German battery, and on lower ground.
+During the night of the 15th, Colonel Symonds with about one hundred
+Berkshire militia, arrived in camp. Parson Allen, who, you may have
+heard, was such a zealous whig, was with the Berkshire men, and he
+wanted to fight right off. But General Stark told him if the next day
+was clear, there would be fighting enough. Well, when the morning of the
+16th of August came; it was clear and bright. Both armies seemed to know
+that day was to decide between them. General Stark had given his orders
+to all the colonels of his regiments. Colonel Nichols, with our corps of
+about two hundred men, marched up the little creek just above the
+bridge, to attack the rear of the enemy's left; while Colonel Herrick,
+with three hundred men, marched to attack the rear of the right, with
+orders to join our party before the assault was made. Colonels Hubbard
+and Stickney were ordered to march down the Wallomsac, with three
+hundred men, near the Tories, so as to turn Baum's attention to that
+point. We started about noon, and marched through the thick woods and up
+from the valley towards the enemy's entrenchments. Our march was rapid
+and silent, and the enemy didn't see us until we were near. We gave the
+first volley, and rushed upon them. I saw through the smoke, Colonel
+Herrick was coming up. We had the Indians between us, and you should
+have heard them yell, and whoop, and ring their cow-bells, but they
+wouldn't stand; they fled through our detachments and left the Hessians
+to shift for themselves. Soon after we commenced the attack, General
+Stark made that short address you have heard so much about. Josiah
+Wemyss, one of my old friends, was near the General when he spoke. He
+told me Stark raised himself in his stirrups, and said: 'See there, men!
+there are the red-coats; before night they are ours, or Molly Stark will
+he a widow! Forward!' and they did forward and rush upon the Tories with
+such force that they drove 'em across the stream, upon the Germans, who
+were then forced from their breastworks on the heights. Then the battle
+became general. Such a tremendous fire I never saw before, and never
+expect to see again. Colonel Baum and his dragoons fought like brave
+men, and for a long time could not be broken. We attacked them on one
+side, and Stark on the other, but they stood their ground, and when
+their powder gave out, Colonel Baum led them to the charge with the
+sword. But it couldn't last: our men were fighting like mad, and our
+firelocks brought down the enemy at a tremendous rate. Many of us had no
+bagonets--I among them, yet we marched up to the Germans just the same
+as if we had the best arms. At last, the Germans gave way and fled,
+leaving their artillery and baggage on the field. Our men didn't pursue.
+You see, General Stark, in order to give the men every inducement to do
+their best on the field, promised them all the plunder that could be
+taken from the enemy; and as the Germans fled, we all scattered to seize
+on what they had left. I had the good luck to get a sword and one of the
+heavy hats which the dragoons wore. I didn't care much about the value
+of the things in regard to the money they'd bring, but I thought they'd
+be somewhat to keep in the family, and make them remember that battle.
+While I was looking for more things, I caught sight of a man riding at a
+furious rate towards General Stark. He called out, 'Rally! rally! more
+Germans! rally!' and sure enough, we saw a large body of the enemy
+coming out of the woods, in good order. It was the reinforcement Baum
+had sent for. General Stark had collected a small body of men, when I
+hurried to join a few of our regiment that Colonel Nichols had rallied.
+I thought that our victory was about to be snatched from us; but just
+then Colonel Warner's regiment arrived from Manchester, fresh and
+well-armed. They attacked the Germans at once, while Stark, with about
+two hundred of us, pushed forward to aid them. Then began an obstinate
+struggle, not like the other fight with the Germans and Tories; but a
+running fight on the hills and plains, just the kind of skrimmage in
+which a hundred Green Mountain Boys were worth double their number of
+redcoats. About sunset, the greater part of our men were engaged, and
+the enemy was beaten in every part of the field. We drove them from the
+hills down towards Van Shaick's, killing, wounding, and taking prisoners
+all the time. At Van Shaick's mill they made their last stand. They had
+placed a small party of Tories in the building, and a party of Germans
+rallied in front of it. But it was no use, the Germans were driven away
+and the men in the house forced to surrender. Our men pursued the enemy
+to the Hoosick, and captured the greater part of 'em. I really believe,
+if night hadn't come on, we would have taken every man of 'em. But
+General Stark ordered the men to return, for fear they would fire upon
+each other in the gloom. Before I came back, however, I caught a Tory
+lurking near the edge of the woods. Now I hated Tories worse than the
+Britishers or Germans, and I had a strong notion to shoot him, and I
+told him so; but he begged hard for his life, and said he never intended
+to take up arms against his countrymen again: I took him back to our
+troops and put him with the other prisoners."
+
+"What was the loss of the enemy that day?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"I heard since, that it was nine hundred and thirty-four men, including
+killed, wounded, and prisoners," replied Ransom. "I recollect we buried
+two hundred and seven of them. Our own loss was one hundred killed, and
+about the same number wounded. Besides the prisoners, we took four
+pieces of brass cannon, more than two hundred and fifty swords, several
+hundred muskets, several brass drums, and four ammunition wagons. So you
+see, we had plenty of plunder."
+
+"I suppose the men were not allowed to take any thing but the swords and
+muskets," said Kinnison.
+
+"Yes, the baggage fell to us," said Ransom, "and all the fixins of the
+German camp; the cannon, drums, wagons and standards were not taken
+away."
+
+"I guess that was one of the completest victories ever gained," said
+Kinnison. "Only to think of militia flogging regulars in that style.
+What could the enemy expect from our regulars?"
+
+"There's as much credit due to General Stark for that victory, as was
+ever given to him or as we could give to a general," said Ransom. "If he
+had not taken command of the troops, there would have been very little
+resistance to Baum's advance. The plan of attack was formed with great
+skill, and the general went into the battle with the determination to
+win it or leave his body on the field. Such a man as John Stark would
+make soldiers out of cowards."
+
+Mr. Hand here proposed three cheers for General Stark and his Green
+Mountain Boys, and they were given with a hearty will. One of the young
+men then announced that he had a song, which had been sung at an
+anniversary of the battle of Bennington, and which he would now sing,
+if the company wished it. Of course, the company did wish it, and the
+young gentleman sang the following words:--
+
+
+    Remember the glories of patriots brave,
+      Though the days of the heroes are o'er;
+    Long lost to their country and cold in their grave,
+      They return to their kindred no more,
+    The stars of the field, which in victory pour'd
+      Their beams on the battle are set,
+    But enough of their glory remains on each sword
+      To light us to victory yet.
+
+    Walloomsack! when nature embellished the tint
+      Of thy fields and mountains so fair,
+    Did she ever intend a tyrant should print
+      The footsteps of slavery there!
+    No! Freedom, whose smiles we shall never resign,
+      Told those who invaded our plains,
+    That 't is sweeter to bleed for an age at thy shrine,
+      Than to sleep for a moment in chains.
+
+    Forget not the chieftain of Hampshire, who stood
+      In the day of distress by our side;
+    Nor the heroes who nourished the fields with their blood,
+      Nor the rights they secured as they died.
+    The sun that now blesses our eyes with his light,
+      Saw the martyrs of liberty slain;
+    O, let him not blush when he leaves us to-night,
+      To find that they fell there in vain!
+
+
+Brown and Hanson had prepared their instruments during the singing, and
+immediately followed it with Washington's march, to which knives and
+forks kept time.
+
+[Illustration: MR. BLEEKER AND HIS SON.]
+
+"An incident occurred just after the battle of Bennington, which showed
+the spirit of the people of the neighbourhood," said Ransom, when the
+musicians had concluded. "Old Zedekiah Bleeker, who lived in Bennington,
+sent five bold sons to join our little army, just before the battle. One
+of them--Sam. Bleeker--was killed; and one of the old man's neighbours
+came to tell him about it--'Mr. Bleeker,' said the neighbour, 'your son
+has been unfortunate.' 'What!' said the old man, 'has he misbehaved? Did
+he desert his post or shrink from the charge?' 'Worse than that,'
+replied the neighbour; 'he was slain, but he was fighting nobly.' 'Then
+I am satisfied,' said the old man; 'bring him to me.' Sam's body was
+brought home. The old man wiped the blood from the wound, and while a
+tear stood in his eye, said it was the happiest day of his life, to know
+that he had five sons fighting for freedom and one slain for the same
+cause. There was a spirit of patriotism for you."
+
+"I can tell you of an instance quite as good," said old John Warner.
+"Perhaps it is better; for in this instance, a woman displayed the like
+spirit. A good lady in 1775, lived on the sea-board, about a day's march
+from Boston, where the British army then was. By some unaccountable
+accident, a rumour was spread, in town and country, in and about there,
+that the _Regulars_ were on a full march for the place, and would
+probably arrive in three hours at farthest. This was after the battle of
+Lexington, and all, as might be well supposed, was in sad
+confusion--some were boiling with rage and full of fight, some with
+fear and confusion, some hiding their treasures, and others flying for
+life. In this wild moment, when most people in some way or other, were
+frightened from their propriety, our heroine, who had two sons, one
+about nineteen years of age, and the other about sixteen, was seen
+preparing them to discharge their duty. The eldest she was able to equip
+in fine style--she took her husband's fowling-piece, 'made for duck or
+plover,' (the good man being absent on a coasting voyage to Virginia)
+and with it the powder-horn and shot-bag; but the lad thinking the duck
+and goose shot not quite the size to kill regulars, his mother took a
+chisel, cut up her pewter spoons, and hammered them into slugs, and put
+them into his bag, and he set off in great earnest, but thought he would
+call one moment and see the parson, who said, well done, my brave
+boy--God preserve you--and on he went in the way of his duty. The
+youngest was importunate for his equipments, but his mother could find
+nothing to arm him with but an old rusty sword; the boy seemed rather
+unwilling to risk himself with this alone, but lingered in the street,
+in a state of hesitation, when his mother thus upbraided him. 'You John
+Haines, what will your father say if he hears that a child of his is
+afraid to meet the British: go along; beg or borrow a gun, or you will
+find one, child--some coward, I dare say, will be running away, then
+take his gun and march forward, and if you come back and I hear you have
+not behaved like a man, I shall carry the blush of shame on my face to
+the grave.' She then shut the door, wiped the tear from her eye, and
+waited the issue; the boy joined the march. Such a woman could not have
+cowards for her sons."
+
+"I heard of many such instances," said Kinnison; "such a spirit was
+common at the time, not only in New England, but throughout the States.
+Look at the noble conduct of some of the people of New Jersey, during
+Washington's retreat, and afterwards. The women did all they could to
+lessen the sufferings of the men, and many an old man wanted to join the
+army, knowing how much he would have to endure."
+
+
+
+
+THE CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN.
+
+
+"The women were all right during the Revolution," said Pitts. "I can
+tell you of an instance in which a woman displayed both patriotism and
+wisdom, though it may be rather a long story."
+
+"Oh! the longer the better," said Hand.
+
+"Very well," said Pitts, "I'll tell you about it, as near as I can
+recollect. One night, while the British army was encamped on Long
+Island, a party of the redcoats, galled by the death of Major Andre,
+formed a plan to cross over to the Connecticut side and capture General
+Sullivan, who commanded some of the Americans stationed there, and hold
+him in revenge for Andre's death.
+
+"It was a hazardous project, but four bold men pledged themselves to
+undertake it. John Hartwell, a brave young officer was selected as their
+leader.
+
+"Soon as arranged they proceeded to a boat, and made the best progress
+they could across the river; on gaining the shore, they made for a
+small clump of underwood, where they lay concealed, until they noted
+what direction it was best to take.
+
+"Here too may be seen the tents where repose the brave men who have
+sworn to protect their homes and country, or die in its defence against
+the invaders, who seek to control their free rights. Near may be seen a
+spacious farm house, the abode of General Sullivan--the brave soldier
+and faithful friend--who now slept, unconscious of danger. Through some
+neglect, the sentinels on duty had wandered from their posts, never
+dreaming it possible that any one would risk a landing, or could pass
+the tents unobserved. By a circuitous route they gained the house, and
+here the faithful watch-dog gave the alarm; a blow soon silenced him;
+and ascending the piazza, Captain Hartwell opened the casement, and
+followed by his men, stepped lightly into the sitting-room of the
+family.
+
+"They now struck a light, and with caution proceeded on their
+search--they passed through several apartments, while, strange to
+relate, the inmates slept on, unconscious of this deed of darkness.
+
+"They at length reached the General's room--two of the men remained
+outside, while Captain Hartwell, with another officer, entered, and
+stood in silence, musing on the scene before them.
+
+"A night-lamp burnt in the room, dimly revealing the face of the
+sleepers--whose unprotected situation could not but awake a feeling of
+pity even in their callous hearts.
+
+"'Jack,' whispered his companion, 'by heaven I wish this part of the
+business had been entrusted to some one else--I could meet this man face
+to face, life for life, in the field of battle--but this savors too much
+of cowardice.'
+
+"'Hold your craven tongue, Low,' answered Captain Hartwell, 'perform
+your part of the play, or let some one else take your place--you forget
+the scrape we are in at the least alarm. We might happen to salute the
+rising sun from one of the tallest trees on the General's farm--an idea
+far from pleasing.'
+
+"'For my part, I could wish myself back on Long Island--but our general
+expects every man to do his duty--let yours be to prevent that female
+from screaming, while I secure her husband.'
+
+"The ear of woman is quick, and from their entering the room, not a word
+had escaped Mrs. Sullivan. At first she could scarce refrain from
+calling out, but her uncommon strength of mind enabled her to master her
+fear--she scarce knew what to think: her husband's life, herself and
+family, were at stake, and her courage rose in proportion as her sense
+of danger increased.
+
+"She scarcely dared to breathe, and even the infant at her breast seemed
+to partake of its mother's anxiety, and nestled closer to her bosom.
+
+"The curtains partly shaded where she lay, and breathing a prayer to
+Heaven for protection, she silently stepped from the bed, scarce knowing
+how to proceed.
+
+"Her woman's tact led her to appeal to their sympathies, if sympathies
+they had--if she died, she but risked her life for one dearer than
+herself whose existence to his country was invaluable--and perhaps by
+this means enable him to escape. In an instant she was before them, her
+infant at their feet, her pale beseeching face imploring what speech
+refused to utter.
+
+"The officers started--this sight was unexpected--the least hesitation,
+and all would be lost.
+
+"Captain Hartwell threw aside his heavy watch-cloak and said--
+
+"'Madam, let this uniform be the warrant for our honour--our object is
+to take your husband alive, if possible--that depends, however, on your
+silence.'
+
+"At this moment General Sullivan awoke, and finding his wife in the
+hands of men whose calling he knew not, his good sword was soon in his
+hand, but a strong arm wrested it from him--handcuffs were placed on his
+wrists, and he stood their prisoner.
+
+"He enquired by what right they entered his house! 'Our object, sir,'
+replied the officer, 'is to convey you to Long Island--the least
+expression of alarm from you, that moment you breathe your last--if
+peaceable, no violence will be offered.' Mrs. Sullivan threw herself
+before them, and entreaties for mercy gushed from her agonized heart.
+'Oh! spare him--take what money is here, but leave me my husband, the
+father of my children. Think, if you have wives or families, what their
+sense of bereavement would be to see some murderous band tear you from
+their arms, and they left in horrid uncertainty as to your fate. Take
+all that we have, but leave him.' A sneer of scorn curled the officer's
+lip, as he coolly replied--
+
+"'Madam, we are neither robbers nor assassins--the compliment on our
+part is quite undeserved. We are British officers.'
+
+"'Then, sir,' exclaimed Mrs. Sullivan starting to her feet--her eyes
+flashing, her proud form trembling, as her own wrongs were forgot in
+those of her country--'Shame on the cause that sanctions such a deed as
+this--in the silence of night to enter a peaceful dwelling and take an
+unoffending man from the arms of his wife and family--Truly, such an act
+as this would well need the covering of darkness. You may call
+yourselves servants of Britain--that is your fit appellation. Take
+him--another victim is required for my country. But the vengeance of
+Heaven is abroad, and, ere long, the men who war for the price of blood,
+will find the arm of him who fights for his fireside and liberty, nerved
+by a stronger consciousness of right.'
+
+"'Madam,' interrupted the officer, awed by the stern majesty of her
+manner, 'I came not here to interchange words with a woman, or, I might
+speak about warring against our lawful king.--But you know, Tom,'
+turning to his companion, 'I never was good at preaching.' 'Not to a
+woman, certainly,' said Tom, laughing, 'or rather you could never bring
+one to your way of thinking.'
+
+"A slight noise warned them of the impropriety of their longer
+remaining. The General having completed dressing, took an affectionate
+farewell of his wife, assuring her he would soon be enabled to return.
+They left the house--but to gain the shore was a matter of some
+difficulty. The general was rendered incapable of making the slightest
+noise if he had wished to, and they had tied Mrs. Sullivan, and bound
+her mouth to prevent her giving any alarm. But the tents were not so
+easily passed. The morning was fast approaching, and the route they came
+would occupy too much time to retrace it--their only plan now was to
+make as straight a line as possible to the shore. Already had they
+passed one tent, when the cry 'who goes there' was heard. In a moment
+they gained the shadow of an adjoining tent, when a man suddenly stept
+before them and demanded their business. No time could be lost--the two
+officers proceeded on to the boat with the general, while the remainder
+overpowered the sentinel and joined their companions as the dawn was
+faintly perceptible in the east. By the time an alarm was given, they
+were far beyond the reach of pursuit.
+
+"Their prisoner was borne triumph to their commander, who intended
+waiting superior orders as to the disposal of him.
+
+"In the meanwhile, Mrs. Sullivan was not idle. A council was called, and
+every plan was proposed that could tend to liberate her husband.
+
+"The womanly wit of Mrs. Sullivan suggested that they should cross the
+river in the same manner as the British had done, and seize the person
+of one of their influential men, and hold him as an hostage until terms
+could be agreed upon for the exchange of prisoners. It was a risk, and
+if discovered, no mercy could be expected.
+
+"The nephew of the general, a young officer of merit, and several
+others, volunteered their services. The following night was arranged for
+the purpose.
+
+"The difficulty, when the time arrived, was to procure some mode of
+getting over. A whale-boat was at length found, into which the
+adventurers got, disguised as fishermen. They soon arrived at Long
+Island and proceeded to the residence of Judge Jones.
+
+"With some difficulty they secured that worthy functionary, and
+notwithstanding his assurance as to being a good patriot, which they
+assured him they did not in the least question, conveyed the good man to
+the boat, in spite of his wish to finish his sleep out, and embarked
+pleased with their success. On reaching the house of Mrs. Sullivan they
+introduced their prisoner. Mrs. Sullivan courteously apologized for the
+necessity they had been under for requesting his society without due
+time for preparation; a suring him that the house and all in it were at
+his service while he honoured it as his abode.
+
+"The Judge was taken quite at a loss. At any time he was a man of a few
+words, but the sudden transition had quite bewildered his faculties. At
+times he doubted whether the good old cogniac, of which he had taken a
+plentiful supply before retiring to rest, had not turned his head.
+
+"He stood in the centre of the apartment gazing listlessly around him,
+until the voice of Mrs. Sullivan, politely inquiring if her guest stood
+in need of any refreshment, recalled his fleeting thoughts. The tempting
+repast set before him did wonders in restoring his good humor, his sail
+having given him quite an appetite, and at any time a lover of the good
+things of life, and knowing arguments could produce no alteration in his
+fate, he submitted with as much good grace as possible, a little
+alleviated by the reflection that a woman's care was not the worst he
+could have fallen into. By a singular coincidence, Mrs. Sullivan learnt
+that her husband was an inmate in the house of the Judge, an assurance
+in every way relieving, having been placed in his charge until conveyed
+from Flatbush.
+
+"Letters were soon interchanged, the Americans refusing to yield their
+prisoner without the British doing the same. Terms were accordingly
+entered into, and the Judge prepared to take leave of his fair hostess
+at the same time her husband was taking leave of the Judge's wife.--The
+Judge had been highly pleased with the manners of Mrs. Sullivan, who did
+every thing in her power to make his stay agreeable.
+
+"The two boats with their respective prisoners at length set sail, and
+meeting on the river, they had an opportunity of congratulating each
+other on the happy termination of their imprisonment, which, thanks to
+woman's wit, so fertile in expedients, had saved them from what might
+have been a tragedy. With assurances of friendship they parted, the
+wives soon having the pleasure of embracing their husbands. Subsequently
+letters couched in terms of the warmest gratitude were exchanged
+between the two ladies, for the attention paid to their respective
+husbands."
+
+"That Mrs. Sullivan was a remarkable woman," remarked Colson. "But so
+were most of the women of our side at that time; and the fact is, such a
+cause as ours would have made heroes and heroines out of the weakest.
+Besides, what won't a woman do to save her husband, at all times?"
+
+"A good stratagem--that of Mrs. Sullivan's," said Hand.
+
+"Equal to some of Washington's generalship," remarked Kinnison. Each one
+of the party had some remark to make upon the courage and resource of
+Mrs. Sullivan, except Brown, the fifer, who was enjoying the dreams of
+Morpheus, and therefore deaf to the narrative.
+
+
+
+
+THE PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN.
+
+
+"I heard of an instance in which a woman was still more heroic than Mrs.
+Sullivan," said Ransom, "Because, in this case, the lady suffered for
+maintaining the cause of her country.
+
+"When New York and Rhode Island were quietly possessed by the British
+armies, and the Jerseys, overrun by their victorious generals, opposed
+but a feeble resistance to their overwhelming power, Lord Cornwallis,
+commanding a large division of their troops, stationed at Bordentown,
+addressing Mrs. Borden, who resided on her estate in a mansion of
+superior elegance, demanded in an authoritative tone, 'Where, Madam, is
+your rebel husband--where your rebel son?' 'Doing their duty to their
+country, under the orders of General Washington,' was the prompt reply.
+'We are well apprized,' rejoined that officer, of 'the influence you
+possess over the political creed of your family, and that to them your
+opinion is law. Be wise, then, in time, and while mercy is tendered to
+you, fail not to accept it. Bid them quit the standard of rebellion, and
+cordially unite with us, in bringing his Majesty's deluded subjects to
+submission, and a proper sense of their errors and ingratitude, to the
+best of kings. Your property will then be protected, and remain without
+injury in your possession. But, should you hesitate to profit by our
+clemency, the wasting of your estate and destruction of your mansion
+will inevitably follow.' 'Begin, then, the havoc which you threaten,'
+replied the heroic lady: 'the sight of my house in flames, would be to
+me a treat, for, I have seen enough of you to know, that you never
+injure, what it is possible for you to keep and enjoy. The application
+of a torch to it I should regard as a signal for your departure, and
+consider the retreat of the spoiler an ample compensation for the loss
+of my property.'
+
+"This was one of those threats which the British never failed to carry
+into execution. The house was burnt, and the whole property consigned to
+waste and desolation. But, as had been foreseen, the perpetrator of the
+ruthless deed retreated, to return no more."
+
+"Just like Cornwallis and his red-coats," said Kinnison, "burning
+people's houses and wasting their lands was a way of making converts,
+which they discovered and practised with a vengeance. Mrs. Borden was a
+strong-minded woman to have endured all this."
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT.
+
+
+"Yes," said Warner, "Mrs. Borden was a heroine as wouldn't have
+disgraced the Romans. But what would you think of a mere girl, whose
+family was opposed to our cause, exerting herself to procure the freedom
+of one of our officers, who had been taken by the British?"
+
+"I should say it's what young girls in love have done many a time," said
+Kinnison.
+
+"Not under such circumstances," said Warner. "But I'll tell you about it
+as it was told to me. Captain Plunkett was a bold-spirited Irishman, who
+held a commission in our army. In some way or other--it may have been at
+the battle of Brandywine--Plunkett was taken by the enemy, and soon
+after placed in a prison in Philadelphia. Previous to that, he had made
+many friends among the Quakers of that city--and, indeed, his manners
+made him a general favourite, wherever he went. Plunkett suffered much
+in prison, and his friends pitied him; but dared not attempt his
+release. However, there was a young girl of great beauty and strength of
+mind, who resolved to release the suffering soldier, at all hazards. It
+accidentally happened, that the uniform of Captain Plunkett's regiment
+bore a striking resemblance to that of a British corps, which was
+frequently set as a guard over the prison in which he was confined. A
+new suit of regimentals was in consequence procured and conveyed,
+without suspicion of sinister design, to the Captain. On the judicious
+use of these rested the hopes of the fair Friend to give him freedom. It
+frequently happened that officers of inferior grade, while their
+superiors affected to shun all intercourse with the rebels, would enter
+the apartments of the prisoners, and converse with them with kindness
+and familiarity, and then at their pleasure retire. Two sentinels
+constantly walked the rounds without, and the practice of seeing their
+officers walking in and out of the interior prison, became so familiar,
+as scarcely to attract notice, and constantly caused them to give way
+without hesitation, as often as an officer showed a disposition to
+retire. Captain Plunkett took the advantage of this circumstance, and
+putting on his new coat, at the moment that the relief of the guard was
+taking place, sallied forth, twirling a switch carelessly about and
+ordering the exterior door of the prison to be opened, walked without
+opposition into the street. Repairing without delay to the habitation of
+his fair friend, he was received with kindness, and for some days
+secreted and cherished with every manifestation of affectionate regard.
+To elude the vigilance of the British Guards, if he attempted to pass
+into the country, in his present dress was deemed impossible. Woman's
+wit, however, is never at a loss for contrivances, while swayed by the
+influences of love or benevolence. Both, in this instance, may have
+aided invention. Plunkett had three strong claims in his favour: he was
+a handsome man--a soldier--and an Irishman. The general propensity of
+the Quakers, in favor of the Royal cause, exempted the sect in a great
+measure from suspicion, in so great a degree indeed, that the barriers
+of the city were generally entrusted to the care of their members, as
+the best judges of the characters of those persons who might be allowed
+to pass them, without injury to the British interests. A female Friend,
+of low origin, officiating as a servant in a farm near the city, was in
+the family, on a visit to a relative. A pretext was formed to present
+her with a new suit of clothes, in order to possess that which she wore
+when she entered the city. Captain Plunkett was immediately disguised as
+a woman, and appeared at the barrier accompanied by his anxious
+deliverer. 'Friend Roberts,' said the enterprising girl, 'may this
+damsel and myself pass to visit a friend at a neighbouring farm?'
+'Certainly,' said Roberts, 'go forward.' The city was speedily left
+behind, and Captain Plunkett found himself safe under the protection of
+Colonel Allen M'Lean, a particular friend of his. Whether Captain
+Plunkett ever married the young girl who had rendered him such service,
+I cannot say; but you may fancy he did, and it will make a pretty
+story."
+
+"Well, now we have had enough of the women," said Kinnison.
+
+"Yes," said Hand, "and now we must have something more of the men of the
+Revolution. Come, which of you will tell something about George
+Washington--the Father of his Country?"
+
+"I can tell you of an important incident in the career of Washington,
+which was told to me by a man who witnessed a part of it, and heard the
+rest," said Colson.
+
+"Then strike up, old boy," said Kinnison, familiarly.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASON OF RUGSDALE.
+
+
+"What I am now about to tell you occurred in the fall of 1782," began
+Colson. "General Washington was then at West Point. One evening he was
+invited to a party given at the house of one Rugsdale, an old friend.
+Several other officers were invited to accompany him. The general seldom
+engaged in festivities at the period, but in respect to an old
+acquaintance, and, it is whispered, the solicitations of the daughter of
+Rugsdale, he consented to honour the company with his presence. He
+started from West Point in a barge, with some officers and men. As the
+barge gained the opposite bank, one of the rowers leaped on shore, and
+made it fast to the root of a willow which hung its broad branches over
+the river. The rest of the party then landed, and uncovering, saluted
+their commander, who returned their courtesy.
+
+"'By ten o'clock you may expect me,' said Washington. 'Be cautious; look
+well that you are not surprised. These are no times for trifling.'
+
+"'Depend on us,' replied one of the party.
+
+"'I do,' he responded; and bidding them farewell, departed along the
+bank of the river.
+
+"After continuing his path some distance along the river's side he
+struck off into a narrow road, bordered thickly with brushwood, tinged
+with a thousand dyes of departed summer; here and there a grey crag
+peeped out from the foliage, over which the green ivy and the scarlet
+woodbine hung in wreathy dalliance; at other places the arms of the
+chestnut and mountain ash met in lofty fondness, casting a gloom deep
+almost as night. Suddenly a crashing among the trees was heard, and like
+a deer an Indian girl bounded into the path, and stood full in his
+presence. He started back with surprise, laid his hand upon his
+sword--but the Indian only fell upon her knee, placed her finger on her
+lips, and by a sign with her hand forbade him to proceed.
+
+"'What seek you, my wild flower,' said the General.
+
+"She started to her feet, drew a small tomahawk from her belt of wampum,
+and imitated the act of scalping the enemy; then again waving her hand
+as forbidding him to advance, she darted into the bushes, leaving him
+lost in amazement.
+
+"There is danger," said he to himself, after a short pause, and
+recovering from his surprise. "That Indian's manner betokens no good,
+but my trust is in God; he has never deserted me!" and, resuming the
+path, he shortly reached the mansion of Rufus Rugsdale.
+
+"His appearance was the signal of joy among the party assembled, each of
+whom vied with the other to do him honour. Although grave in council,
+and bold in war, yet in the bosom of domestic bliss no one knew better
+how to render himself agreeable. The old were cheered by his consolatory
+word; the young by his mirthful manner; nor even in gallantry was he
+wanting, when it added to the cheerful spirit of the hour. The
+protestations of friendship and welcome were warmly tendered to him by
+his host. Fast and thick the guests were assembling; the laugh and
+mingling music rose joyously around. The twilight was fast emerging into
+night; but a thousand sparkling lamps of beauty gave a brilliancy of day
+to the scene; all was happiness; bright eyes and blooming aces were
+every where beaming; but alas! a serpent was lurking among the flowers.
+
+"In the midst of the hilarity, the sound of a cannon burst upon the ear,
+startling the guests and suspending the dance. Washington and the
+officers looked at each other with surprise, but their fears were
+quickly dispelled by Rugsdale, who assured him it was only a discharge
+of ordnance in honour of his distinguished visitors. The joy of the
+moment was again resumed, but the gloom of suspicion had fallen upon the
+spirit of Washington, who sat in moody silence apart from the happy
+throng.
+
+"A silent tap upon the shoulder aroused him from his abstraction, and
+looking up he perceived the person of the Indian standing in the shadow
+of a myrtle bush close to his side.
+
+"'Ha! again here!' he exclaimed with astonishment; but she motioned him
+to be silent, and kneeling at his feet, presented him with a bouquet of
+flowers. Washington received it, and was about to place it in his
+breast, when she grasped him firmly by the arm, and pointing to it, said
+in a whisper '_Snake! Snake!_' and the next moment mingled with the
+company, who appeared to recognise and welcome her as one well-known and
+esteemed.
+
+"Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; her words and singular
+appearance had, however, sunk deeper into his heart, and looking closer
+upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the
+midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and
+horror-stricken, read, '_Beware! you are betrayed_!' It was now apparent
+that he was within the den of the tiger; but to quit abruptly, might
+only draw the consummation of treachery the speedier upon his head. He
+resolved therefore that he would disguise his feelings, and trust to
+that Power which had never forsaken him. The festivities were again
+renewed, but almost momentarily interrupted by a second sound of the
+cannon. The guests now began to regard each other with distrust, while
+many and moody were the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance
+began to show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and anon he looked from
+the window out upon the broad green lawn which extended to the river's
+edge, as if in expectation of some one's arrival.
+
+"'What can detain them?' he muttered to himself. 'Can they have deceived
+me? Why answer they not the signal?' At that moment a bright flame rose
+from the river, illuminating, for a moment, the surrounding scenery,
+and showing a small boat filled with persons making rapidly towards the
+shore. 'All's well,' he continued; 'in three minutes I shall be the
+possessor of a coronet, and the cause of the Republic be no more.'
+
+"Then gaily turning to Washington, he said, 'Come, General, pledge me to
+the success of your arms.' The eye of Rugsdale at that moment
+encountered the scrutinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the ground;
+his hand trembled violently, even to so great a degree as to partly
+spill the contents of the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed it to his
+lips--then retiring to the window, he waved his hand, which action was
+immediately responded to by a third sound of the cannon, at the same
+moment the English anthem of 'God save the King,' burst in full volume
+upon the ear, and a band of men attired in British uniform, with their
+faces hidden by masks, entered the apartment. The American officers drew
+their swords, but Washington, cool and collected, stood with his arms
+folded upon his breast, and quietly remarked to them, 'Be calm,
+gentlemen--this is an honour we did not anticipate.' Then, turning to
+Rugsdale, he said, 'Speak, sir, what does this mean?'
+
+"'It means,' replied the traitor, (placing his hand upon the shoulder of
+Washington,) 'that you are my prisoner. In the name of King George, I
+arrest you.'
+
+"'Never,' exclaimed the General. 'We may be cut to pieces, but surrender
+we will not. Therefore give way,' and he waved his sword to the guard
+who stood with their muskets levelled, as ready to fire, should they
+attempt to escape. In an instant were their weapons reversed, and,
+dropping their masks, to the horror of Rugsdale, and the agreeable
+surprise of Washington, his own brave party, whom he had left in charge
+of the barge, stood revealed before him.
+
+"'Seize that traitor!' exclaimed the commander. 'In ten minutes from
+this moment let him be a spectacle between the heavens and the earth.'
+The wife and daughter clung to his knees in supplication, but an
+irrevocable oath had passed his lips that never should treason receive
+his forgiveness after that of the miscreant Arnold. 'For my own life,'
+he said, while tears rolled down his noble countenance at the agony of
+the wife and daughter: 'For my own life I heed not; but the liberty of
+my native land--the welfare of millions demand this sacrifice. For the
+sake of humanity, I pity him; but my oath is recorded, and now in the
+presence of Heaven, I swear I will not forgive him.'
+
+"Like a thunderbolt fell these words upon the wife and daughter. They
+sank lifeless into the hands of the domestics, and when they had
+recovered to consciousness, Rugsdale had atoned for his treason by the
+sacrifice of his life.
+
+"It appears that the Indian girl, who was an especial favourite and
+domesticated in the family, had overheard the intentions of Rugsdale to
+betray the American General, and other valuable officers, that evening,
+into the hands of the British, for which purpose they had been invited
+to this 'feast of Judas.' Hating, in her heart, the enemies of America,
+who had driven her tribe from their native forests, she resolved to
+frustrate the design, and consequently waylaid the steps of Washington,
+as we have described, but failing in her noble purpose, she had recourse
+to the party left in possession of the boat.
+
+"Scarcely had she given the information, and night closed round, when a
+company of British soldiers were discovered making their way rapidly
+towards the banks of the Hudson, within a short distance of the spot
+where the American party was waiting the return of their commander. Bold
+in the cause of liberty, and knowing that immediate action alone could
+preserve him, they rushed upon and overpowered them, bound them hand and
+foot, placed them with their companions, and sent them to the American
+camp at West Point. Having disguised themselves in the habiliments of
+the enemy, they proceeded to the house of Rugsdale, where, at the
+appointed time and sign made known by the Indian, they opportunely
+arrived to the relief of Washington, and the confusion of the traitor."
+
+"Who told you that story?" enquired Kinnison.
+
+"An old friend of mine, named Buckram; he was one of the men who
+disguised themselves," replied Colson.
+
+"I'm inclined to believe it's a tough yarn," said Kinnison. "It's true
+enough to the character of Washington. He never let his feelings swerve
+him from the strict line of duty. But all that stuff about the Indian
+girl is somebody's invention, or the most extraordinary thing of the
+kind I've heard tell of. I don't doubt your friend's veracity, but it's
+a tough yarn."
+
+"Probable enough," remarked Hand.
+
+"It's a very pretty story," said Ransom, "and I'm inclined to swallow it
+as truth."
+
+"I'm satisfied of its truth," said Colson. "But I wouldn't ask any of
+you to believe it, if there's anything in it staggers you."
+
+"I think Rugsdale was served as all such traitors in such times should
+be served," said Hanson. "Hurra! for Gineral Washington."
+
+"Three cheers for General Washington!" suggested Hand, and the three
+cheers were given. A song was called for by several voices, and a young
+man volunteered to favour the company with "Liberty and Washington," the
+song which follows:--
+
+
+    When Freedom, from her starry home,
+      Look'd down upon the drooping world,
+    She saw a land of fairy bloom,
+      Where Ocean's sparkling billows curl'd;
+    The sunbeams kiss'd its mighty floods,
+      And verdure clad its boundless plains--
+    But floods and fields and leafy woods,
+      All wore alike a despot's chains!
+    "Be free!" she cried, "land of my choice;
+      Arise! and put thy buckler on;
+    Let every patriot raise his voice
+      For Liberty and Washington!"
+
+    The word went forth from hill to vale,
+      Each patriot heart leapt at the sound;
+    Proud Freedom's banner flapp'd the gale,
+      And Britain's chains fell to the ground.
+    Man stood erect in majesty,
+      The proud defender of his rights:
+    For where is he would not be free
+      From stern oppression's deadening blights!
+    Be free--be free then, happy land!
+      Forever beam the light that shone
+    Upon the firm and dauntless band,
+      Who fought beside our Washington!
+
+    Lo! where the forest's children rove
+      Midst woody hill and rocky glen,
+    Wild as the dark retreats they loved--
+      What now are towns were deserts then.
+    The world has marked her onward way,
+      Beneath the smile of Liberty;
+    And Fame records the glorious day
+      Which made the western empire free.
+    Be free--be free then, glorious land!
+      In union be thy millions one;
+    Be strong in friendship's holy band,
+      Thy brightest star--our Washington!
+
+
+This song and the applause which succeeded wakened the sleeping fifer,
+Brown, who looked around him as if wondering where he was.
+
+"Hallo, old boy," said Kinnison, "you look frightened. What's the matter
+with you?"
+
+"I was dreaming," replied Brown. "I thought I was at the battle of
+Lexington, and the roar of the British guns was in my ears. But I find
+it is only the roar of your voices. Liberty and Washington was our
+war-cry on many a field, and I thought I heard it again."
+
+"It was our peace cry," said Hand.
+
+Some of the young men, we regret to say, were not members of any of the
+temperance societies; and as they had partaken freely of the stimulating
+beverages which had been called for, they were getting very noisy and
+losing much of that bashfulness which had hitherto kept them silent. In
+this state of things, Mr. Hand was forced to entreat one of the veterans
+to amuse them with some interesting incidents of the Revolution.
+
+"There was a British officer, whose career has often interested me,"
+said Hand, "and that was Colonel Tarleton. He was a daring, fiery
+soldier, according to the accounts of him; but a savage man."
+
+
+
+
+THE CRUELTY OF TARLETON.
+
+
+"Tarleton was a regular blood-hound," said Pitts, "A savage, though
+among civilized men. I always admired his fiery spirit and daring
+courage, but never could regard him as a civilized warrior. I'll tell
+you of an instance in which Tarleton displayed his character in full. I
+had a Tory relative in North Carolina, who died not long ago. When
+Colonel Tarleton was encamped west of the Haw River, Cornwallis received
+information that Lee's fiery Legion had recrossed the Dan, cut up
+several detachments of Tories, and was scouring the neighbouring country
+in search of parties of the enemy. The British general immediately sent
+information to Colonel Tarleton, to warn him to guard against surprise.
+My Tory relative was the messenger, and he told me about what he saw at
+Tarleton's camp.
+
+"As soon (says the old Tory) as I came in view of the British lines, I
+hastened to deliver myself up to the nearest patrol, informing him that
+I was the bearer of important despatches from Lord Cornwallis to
+Colonel Tarleton. The guard was immediately called out, the commander of
+which taking me in charge, carried me at once to Tarleton's marquee. A
+servant informed him of my arrival, and returned immediately with the
+answer that his master would see me after a while, and that in the mean
+time I was to await his pleasure where I then was. The servant was a
+grave and sedate looking Englishman, between 50 and 60 years of age, and
+informed me that he had known Colonel Tarleton from his earliest youth,
+having lived for many years in the family of his father, a worthy
+clergyman, at whose particular request he had followed the Colonel to
+this country, with the view that, if overtaken by disease and suffering
+in his headlong career, he might have some one near him who had known
+him ere the pranksome mischief of the boy had hardened into the sterner
+vices of the man. 'He was always a wild blade, friend,' (said the old
+man) 'and many a heart-ache has he given us all, but he'll mend in time,
+I hope." Just then my attention was arrested by the violent plungings of
+a horse, which two stout grooms, one on each side, were endeavouring to
+lead to the spot where we were standing. He was a large and powerful
+brute, beautifully formed, and black as a crow, with an eye that seemed
+actually to blaze with rage, at the restraint which was put upon him.
+His progress was one continued bound, at times swinging the grooms clear
+from the earth, as lightly as though they were but tassels hung on to
+the huge Spanish bit, so that with difficulty they escaped being
+trampled under foot. I asked the meaning of the scene, and was informed
+that the horse was one that Tarleton had heard of as being a magnificent
+animal, but one altogether unmanageable; and so delighted was he with
+the description, that he sent all the way down into Moore County where
+his owner resided, and purchased him at the extravagant price of one
+hundred guineas; and that moreover, he was about to ride him that
+morning. 'Ride him?' said I, 'why one had as well try to back a streak
+of lightning!--the mad brute will certainly be the death of him.' 'Never
+fear for him,' said my companion; 'never fear for him, his time has not
+come yet.' By this time the horse had been brought up to where we were;
+the curtain of the marquee was pushed aside and my attention was drawn
+from the savage stud, to rivet itself upon his dauntless rider. And a
+picture of a man he was. Rather below the middle height, and with a face
+almost femininely beautiful, Tarleton possessed a form that was a model
+of manly strength and vigor. Without a particle of superfluous flesh,
+his rounded limbs and full broad chest seemed moulded from iron, yet at
+the same time displaying all the elasticity which usually accompanies
+elegance of proportion. His dress (strange as it may appear) was a
+jacket and breeches of white linen, fitted to his form with the utmost
+exactness. Boots of Russet leather were half-way up the leg, the broad
+tops of which were turned down, and the heels garnished with spurs of an
+immense size and length of rowel. On his head was a low-crowned hat
+curiously formed from the snow white-feathers of the swan; and in his
+hand he carried a heavy scourge, with shot well twisted into its knotted
+lash. After looking round for a moment or two, as though to command the
+attention of all, he advanced to the side of the horse, and disdaining
+the use of the stirrup, with one bound threw himself into the saddle, at
+the same time calling on the grooms to let him go. For an instant the
+animal seemed paralyzed; then, with a perfect yell of rage, bounded into
+the air like a stricken deer.
+
+"The struggle for the mastery had commenced--bound succeeded bound with
+the rapidity of thought; every device which its animal instinct could
+teach, was resorted to by the maddened brute to shake off its unwelcome
+burthen--but in vain. Its ruthless rider proved irresistible--and,
+clinging like fate itself, plied the scourge and rowel like a fiend. The
+punishment was too severe to be long withstood, and at length, after a
+succession of frantic efforts, the tortured animal, with a scream of
+agony, leaped forth upon the plain and flew across it with the speed of
+an arrow. The ground upon which Tarleton had pitched his camp was an
+almost perfectly level plain, something more than half a mile in
+circumference.
+
+"Around this, after getting him under way, he continued to urge his
+furious steed, amid the raptures and shouts of the admiring soldiery,
+plying the whip and spur at every leap, until wearied and worn down with
+its prodigious efforts, the tired creature discontinued all exertion,
+save that to which it was urged by its merciless rider.
+
+[Illustration: TARLETON BREAKING THE HORSE.]
+
+"At length, exhausted from the conflict, Tarleton drew up before his
+tent and threw himself from his saddle. The horse was completely
+subdued, and at the word of command followed him like a dog. The victory
+was complete. His eye of fire was dim and lustreless--drops of agony
+fell from his drooping front, while from his labouring and mangled sides
+the mingled blood and foam poured in a thick and clotted stream.
+Tarleton himself was pale as death, and as soon as he was satisfied with
+his success, retired and threw himself on his couch. In a short time I
+was called into his presence and delivered my despatches. Immediate
+orders were issued to make preparation for a return to Hillsborough, so
+soon as all the scouts had come in; and the next morning early found us
+again beyond the Haw River--and in good time, too, for as the last files
+were emerging from the stream, the advance of Lee's Legion appeared on
+the opposite bank, and, with a shout of disappointed rage, poured a
+volley into the ranks of the retreating columns.
+
+"I have witnessed many stirring scenes," said the old man, "both during
+the Revolution and since, but I never saw one half so exciting as the
+strife between that savage man and savage horse."
+
+"It was almost equal to Alexander and Buce--Buce--Alexander the Great,
+and that wild horse you know he tamed when a boy--what was its name?"
+said Kinnison.
+
+"Bucephalus," said Hand.
+
+"That's the name," said Kinnison. "Tarleton was more savage, however,
+than even that conqueror."
+
+"The same relative told me of several other instances in which Tarleton
+displayed his savage and merciless nature," said Pitts. "After the fall
+of Charleston, a young man named Stroud, who had taken a British
+protection, resumed arms in defence of his country. Shortly after,
+Tarleton captured him, and without any shadow of a trial, hung him up by
+the public road, with a label attached to his back, announcing that such
+should be the fate of the man who presumed to cut him down. The body was
+exposed in that manner for more than three weeks, when the sister of the
+young man ventured out, cut the body down and gave it decent burial. At
+another time, a young man named Wade, who had been induced to join
+Tarleton's Legion, deserted, to unite with his countrymen. He was taken,
+tried and sentenced to receive a thousand lashes. Of course the poor
+fellow died under the punishment."
+
+"The wretch!" said Hand. "I suppose if he had fallen into the hands of
+our men, they would have strung him up without mercy."
+
+"He never would have fallen alive into the hands of our men," replied
+Pitts. "Such men know that they must expect vengeance. He came near
+losing his life in various battles. At Cowpens, Colonel Washington cut
+him with his sabre, and would have killed him, if be had turned and
+fought like a man; at the Waxhaws, Captain Adam Wallace made a thrust at
+Tarleton that would have done for him, if a British trooper had not
+struck Wallace to the earth just at the time."
+
+"There were many Tarletons among the enemy," said Colson, as "far as
+cruelty is considered, but most of them lacked his activity, and were
+therefore less formidable."
+
+"It seemed," said Pitts, "as if Tarleton never aimed to win merely, but
+to destroy. He said that severity alone could establish the regal
+authority in America. If a party of Americans were surprised, they were
+not made prisoners, but slaughtered while asking for quarter. He was a
+tiger that was never satisfied until he had mangled and devoured his
+enemy." And so the veterans went on, talking of the cruelties of
+Tarleton, giving his character no more quarter than he had given his
+unfortunate prisoners.
+
+"There was another British officer, up in these parts, who was nearly
+equal to Tarleton," said Davenport. "I mean General Grey--the man who
+massacred our men at Paoli and Tappan. Both these were night-attacks, it
+is true, and we always expect bloody work on such an occasion. But it is
+known that our men were bayoneted while calling for quarter, which can't
+be justified. Did Wayne slaughter the enemy at Stony Point? No; he
+spared them, although they were the men who had acted otherwise at
+Paoli."
+
+"Grey was known as the no-quarter General, I believe," said Hand.
+
+"Yes," said Davenport; "and he was always selected to do the bloodiest
+work--the hangman of the enemy, as we might say."
+
+"Hang Tarleton and Grey," said Hand. "Tell us something of our own men.
+Did either of you ever see Henry Lee? he was always one of my favourite
+heroes."
+
+
+
+
+LEE'S LEGION.
+
+
+"Oh! yes," said Kinnison, "I frequently saw Lee, before he went south
+with his Legion. He was a noble-looking young man, with the judgment of
+a skilful general, and the fire of a natural soldier. I knew several of
+his men, who were with him through the whole campaign, under General
+Greene. You may have heard what Greene said of him. Speaking of the
+principal officers under him, he said Colonel Lee was the eye of the
+army, and Colonel Washington its arm; and he afterwards said that he was
+more indebted to Lee's judgment and activity for success, than to the
+qualities of any other officer. It was Lee who advised Greene to recross
+the Dan, and pursue Cornwallis in North Carolina. Even Tarleton was very
+careful to keep out of the Legion's reach, when numbers were anything
+like equal."
+
+"I always liked Henry Lee," said Warner. "But he was too severe
+sometimes. See how he slaughtered the Tories with Colonel Pyle at their
+head."
+
+"Yes, he cut the poor rascals to pieces," said Pitts. "I heard that
+about three hundred out of four hundred men were butchered on that
+occasion."
+
+"It's a fact," said Kinnison; "but I can't think Lee was too cruel
+there. You see, it's often necessary to strike a heavy blow to effect an
+object; and Lee wanted to put an end to the movements of the tories, who
+were collecting in great numbers to join Cornwallis. There was no better
+way than the summary one he adopted, of making them feel the consequence
+of being traitors to their country and to freedom."
+
+"It served them just right," said Davenport.
+
+"I don't wish to defend the tories," said Hand; "but I think in many
+instances, great injustice was done to them. Many of them were honest,
+true-hearted men, who didn't think as the Whigs did, or whose thinking
+did not lead them to the same conclusion. I scarcely think such men
+could be called traitors to their country."
+
+"No; you talk very well," said Davenport; "but if you had suffered from
+them, you would have hated the tories just as much as we did."
+
+"Well, don't dispute about it," said Kinnison. "We were talking of
+Colonel Henry Lee, and his brave Legion. Cornwallis said he never felt
+secure while Lee was anywhere in his neighbourhood; and that he knew how
+to seek the weak points of an enemy and strike a blow as well as any
+partisan officer he ever knew. He feared Lee as much as Tarleton feared
+the night-attacks of the Swamp-Fox, Marion. My friends in the Legion
+told me that Lee had as daring and enterprising officers under his
+command as the service could boast. Captains Rudolph, Armstrong, and
+O'Neil, and many others were the boldest kind of partisans. Rudolph was
+a very small-sized man, but one of that sleepless, open-eyed and
+determined kind that seems born for enterprise and command. He led the
+forlorn hope in the attack on Paulus Hook, and at the sieges of the many
+forts in Georgia and the Carolinas; and he it was, who led the famous
+charge with the bayonet at Eutaw Springs."
+
+"I saw him soon after he joined the Legion," said Hanson. "Colonel Lee
+considered him his best officer, I believe."
+
+"Yes," said Kinnison, "he was one of the best officers in the
+army--conducting sieges as well as he did partisan movements. Not long
+before the British evacuated Charleston, Captain Rudolph performed two
+remarkable exploits that tell the character of the man better than words
+can. The left of the British line was at a place called the Quarter
+House, near Charleston, on what is called the Neck. To protect this post
+on the water-side, the enemy had a large armed galley, well manned and
+equipped. Captain Rudolph, gaining a knowledge of the exact position of
+the galley and her force, formed a plan to capture, or least destroy
+her. He chose only sixteen men--the most daring and enterprising in the
+Legion, and informed them of his scheme. They were eager for such
+enterprises, and everything was soon arranged. A night was fixed upon,
+and boats prepared. There was no moon upon that night, which made it
+favourable to secrecy. At the appointed time, Rudolph and his men rowed
+with muffled oars and ready weapons towards the place where the galley
+was anchored. They had to pass very near the British sentinels on the
+Neck, but were not discovered; and they reached the side of the galley
+before any of the British were aware that the enterprise was afoot.
+Twenty-six men who were aboard the galley were made prisoners with
+scarcely any resistance, so sudden was the attack. These prisoners were
+hurried into the boats; and then Captain Rudolph, seeing that he
+couldn't get the galley away from the place in time to get out of the
+enemy's reach, set fire to her. The party then gave a shout and pulled
+away towards the shore from which they had started. The enemy were
+alarmed by the firing of the sentinels, the glare of the burning galley
+and the shout of the daring band, and fired some of their artillery
+after Rudolph. But it was too late; the Americans escaped, and the
+galley was burned to the water's edge."
+
+"That was equal to Decatur's burning of the Philadelphia," said Hand.
+
+"It was," replied Kinnison. "Rudolph was very much of a Decatur in
+spirit. Soon after the enterprise I've just mentioned. Captain Rudolph
+attacked a party of black dragoons who were out foraging for the
+British. The blacks were defeated, and many of them taken. In the course
+of the fight, Rudolph engaged one of the largest-sized and boldest of
+the black dragoons in a regular hand-to-hand combat; and in a very short
+time dismounted and captured him."
+
+"The war in the Southern States had more of romance and daring
+enterprise connected with it than the war in the North," said Hand;
+"though it must be owned, that the movements of the Northern armies were
+of more consequence in the long run."
+
+"Yes, there was more that most young men like to read about in the
+Southern war," said Warner; "plenty of dare-devil movements, but no
+Canadian expedition, nor Saratoga."
+
+"It's a pity there are no soldiers of the Southern army here to reply to
+your sneers," said Kinnison. "I know from what I've heard, there never
+were better soldiers than the men who fought under Lee and Morgan, and I
+scarcely think that George Washington himself was a better general than
+Nathaniel Greene. But I was going to tell you of some other officers of
+Lee's Legion; there was Lieutenant Manning, an Irishman, who was very
+much of a favourite among his brother officers on account of his
+good-humour in company, and his coolness and bravery in battle. Many
+anecdotes are told of him which speak his parts, and if agreeable, I'll
+tell some of them to you as they were told to me."
+
+"Very agreeable," said Hand.
+
+"The kind of stories I like to hear," said another of the young men.
+
+"Well, you shall hear, if I can recollect aright," said Kinnison. "The
+intrigues and efforts of Lord Cornwallis, to excite insurrection, backed
+by a very formidable force, had produced among the Highland emigrants a
+spirit of revolt, which it required all the energies of General Greene
+to counteract, before it could be matured. The zeal and activity of
+Lieutenant Colonel Lee, united to his acuteness and happy talent of
+obtaining intelligence of every movement, and of the most secret
+intentions of the enemy, pointed him out as the fittest man for this
+important service. He was accordingly selected with orders to impede the
+intercourse of Lord Cornwallis with the disaffected; to repress every
+symptom of revolt, and promptly to cut off every party that should take
+up arms for Britain. Constantly on the alert, he was equally anxious to
+give security to his own command, while he harassed the enemy. A secure
+position was, on one occasion, taken near a forked road, one division of
+which led directly to Lord Cornwallis' camp, about six miles distant.
+The ground was chosen in the dusk of evening; and to prevent surprise,
+patrols of cavalry were kept out on each fork during the night. An order
+for a movement before day had been communicated to every individual, and
+was executed with so little noise and confusion, that Lieutenant Manning
+waking at early dawn, found himself, excepting one soldier, left alone.
+Stephen Green, the attendant of Captain Carns, lay near him, resting on
+the portmanteau of his superior, and buried in profound sleep. Being
+awakened he was ordered to mount and follow, while Manning, hastening
+towards the fork, hoped to fall upon the track, and speedily rejoin his
+regiment. Much rain had fallen during the night, so that, finding both
+roads equally cut up, Manning chose at hazard, and took the wrong one.
+He had not proceeded far, before he saw at the door of a log-house, a
+rifleman leaning on his gun, and apparently placed as a sentinel.
+Galloping up to him, he inquired if a regiment of horse and body of
+infantry had passed that way? 'Oh, ho,' cried the man, (whistling
+loudly, which brought out a dozen others completely armed, and carrying
+each a red rag in his hat,) 'you, I suppose, are one of Greene's men.'
+The badge which they bore, marked their principles. Without the
+slightest indication of alarm, or even hesitation, Manning pointed to
+the portmanteau carried by Green, and exclaimed--'Hush, my good
+fellow--no clamour for God's sake--I have _there_ what will ruin
+Greene--point out the road to Lord Cornwallis' army, for all depends
+upon early intelligence of its contents.' 'You are an honest fellow (was
+the general cry), and have left the rebels just in time, for the whole
+settlement are in arms to join Colonel Pyle tomorrow (naming the place
+of rendezvous), where Colonel Tarleton will meet and conduct us to
+camp.' 'Come,' said the man, to whom he had first spoken, 'take a
+drink--Here's confusion to Greene, and success to the King and his
+friends. This is the right road, and you will soon reach the army; or
+rather let me conduct you to it myself.' 'Not for the world, my dear
+fellow,' replied Manning; 'your direction is plain and I can follow it.
+I will never-consent that a faithful subject of his Majesty should be
+subjected to the dangers of captivity or death on my account. If we
+should fall in with a party of rebels, and we cannot say they are not in
+the neighbourhood now, we should both lose our lives. I should be hanged
+for desertion, and you for aiding me to reach the British army.' This
+speech produced the effect he desired. The libation concluded, Manning
+rode off amid the cheers of the company, and when out of sight, crossed
+to the other road, and urging his horse to full speed, in a short time
+overtook and communicated the interesting intelligence to his commander.
+Lee was then meditating an attack upon Tarleton, who had crossed the Haw
+River to support the insurgents; but, perceiving the vast importance of
+crushing the revolt in the bud, he informed General Greene of his plan
+by a confidential messenger, and hastened to the point of rendezvous,
+where Pyle, with upwards of four hundred men, had already arrived. You
+have heard of the bloody work that ensued. Pyle and his Tories believed
+to the last that the soldiers of the Legion were Tarleton's men, and
+were therefore easily surprised About three hundred of them were
+killed--the rest fled or were made prisoners. I don't want to justify
+such butchery; but our men ought to be excused, according to the laws of
+war, when we consider that these same Tories and their red-coat friends
+never gave the Whigs quarter in case of a surprise, and that some such
+slaughter was necessary to make them feel that they couldn't murder
+without paying for it."
+
+[Illustration: LEE'S LEGION.]
+
+"We've already argued that question," said Davenport, "and in my mind,
+it is a settled point that Lee was right." Nobody seemed disposed to
+revive the argument, and Kinnison continued.
+
+"In this instance you see how ready Manning was to break a net or weave
+one. I can tell you of another instance in which he showed his daring
+courage, and quickness of resource in time of danger. At the battle of
+Eutaw, after the British line had been broken, and the _Old Buffs_, a
+regiment that had boasted of the extraordinary feats that they were to
+perform, were running from the field, Manning, sprang forward in
+pursuit, directing the platoon which he commanded, to follow him. He did
+not cast an eye behind him until he found himself near a large brick
+house, into which the York Volunteers, commanded by Cruger, were
+retiring. The British were on all sides of him, and not an American
+soldier nearer than one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards. He did
+not hesitate a moment, but springing at an officer who was near him,
+seized him by the collar, and exclaiming in a harsh tone of voice--'Damn
+you, sir, you are my prisoner,' wrested his sword from his grasp,
+dragged him by force from the house, and keeping his body as a shield of
+defence from the heavy fire sustained from the windows, carried him off
+without receiving any injury. Manning has often related, that at the
+moment when he expected that his prisoner would have made an effort for
+his liberty, he, with great _solemnity_, commenced an enumeration of his
+titles--I am, Sir Henry Barry, Deputy Adjutant General of the British
+Army, Captain in the 52d Regiment, Secretary to the Commandant of
+Charleston.' 'Enough, enough, sir,' said Manning, 'you are just the man
+I was looking for; fear nothing for your life, you shall screen _me_
+from danger, and I will take special care of _you_.' He had retired in
+this manner some distance from the brick house, when he saw Captain
+Robert Joiett of the Virginia line, engaged in single combat with a
+British officer. They had selected each other for battle a little
+before, the American armed with a broad-sword, the Briton with a musket
+and bayonet. As they came together, a thrust was made at Joiett, which
+he parried, and both dropping their artificial weapons, being too much
+in contact to use them with effect, resorted to those with which they
+had been furnished by nature. They were both men of great bulk and
+vigour, and while struggling each anxious to bring the other to the
+ground, a grenadier who saw the contest, ran to the assistance of his
+officer, made a longe with his bayonet, missed Joiett's body, but drove
+it beyond the curve into his coat. In attempting to withdraw the
+entangled weapon, he threw both combatants to the ground; when getting
+it free, he raised it deliberately, determined not to fail again in his
+purpose, but to transfix Joiett. It was at this moment that Manning
+approached--not near enough, however, to reach the grenadier with his
+arm. In order to gain time, and to arrest the stroke, he exclaimed in an
+angry and authoritative tone--'You damn'd brute, will you murder the
+gentleman?' The soldier, supposing himself addressed by one of his own
+officers, suspended the blow, and looked around to see the person who
+had thus spoken to him. Before he could recover from the surprise into
+which he had been thrown, Manning, now sufficiently near, struck him
+with his sword across the eyes, and felled him to the ground; while
+Joiett disengaged himself from his opponent, and snatching up the
+musket, as he attempted to rise, laid him dead by a blow from the
+butt-end of it. Manning was of inferior size, but strong, and remarkably
+well formed. Joiett was almost a giant. This, probably, led Barry, who
+could not have wished the particulars of his capture to be commented on,
+to reply, when asked by his brother officers, how he came to be taken,
+'I was overpowered by a huge Virginian.'"
+
+"Manning was a cool and ready soldier," observed Pitts. "I saw him once
+in Philadelphia, before his Legion went south. He had a most determined
+look in spite of the good-humoured leer of his eye. He was one of the
+last men I should have wished to provoke; he was a complete
+Irishman--blunders and all. I heard of his telling a black servant who
+was walking barefoot on the snow to put on a pair of stockings the next
+time he went barefoot."
+
+"Great things were done by the soldiers, as well as by the officers of
+that Legion," said Kinnison. "At the siege of the Stockade Fort at
+Ninety-Six, Colonel Lee, who had charge of all the operations of the
+siege, thought that the Fort might be destroyed by fire. Accordingly,
+Sergeant Whaling, a non-commissioned officer whose term of service was
+about to expire, with twelve privates, was detached to perform the
+service. Whaling saw that he was moving to certain death; as the
+approach to the Fort was to be made in open day, and over clear, level
+ground, which offered no cover. But he was a brave man, and had served
+from the commencement of the war. It was his greatest pride never to
+shrink from his duty. He dressed himself neatly--took an affectionate
+but cheerful leave of his comrades, swung his musket over his shoulder,
+and with a bundle of blazing pine torches in his hand, sprang forward,
+followed by his little band. They reached the Stockade before the enemy
+fired a shot. But a deliberate aim killed Whaling and all his men except
+one, who escaped unhurt. It was the opinion of most of the officers of
+the Legion that Whaling's life was sacrificed in attempting to carry out
+a rash idea. But we oughtn't to judge Colonel Lee without being more
+certain of the facts."
+
+"But we know enough to say it was a very wild idea to send men up to a
+fort in open day, and over ground where they could have no cover,"
+remarked Ransom. "I know General John Stark would never have sacrificed
+his men in that way."
+
+"Perhaps," said Hand, coming to the rescue of his hero, "a desperate
+measure was necessary. I've heard that at the time, Lord Rawdon was
+marching very rapidly to relieve the garrison, and Colonel Lee thought
+that every means should be tried to reduce the Fort ere the siege was
+abandoned."
+
+"You say well," said Kinnison. "As I said before, we should never judge
+commanders without knowing the facts of the case. Never say a man has
+committed a fault, unless it sticks out plain to the eye. Harry Lee was
+as a common thing very sparing of the lives of his men, and he never
+made any military movement without very strong driving from reason, as
+General Greene himself would have told you. Whaling was a brave man and
+a strict soldier, or he would never have dared to approach the fort in
+such a way. But as I said before, they were all daring men that belonged
+to Lee's Legion. There were two soldiers of the cavalry, named Bulkley
+and Newman, who had been the warmest and the closest friends from
+infancy. They had both joined the army at the same time--that is, at the
+commencement of the war; and through the greater part of the southern
+campaign, they fought side by side, and each one strove to lighten the
+sufferings of the other. Brothers could not have been more attached to
+each other. In the fight at Quimby, where Captain Armstrong made a
+famous dragoon charge upon the 19th British regiment, the friends were
+among the foremost. The dragoons had to pass a bridge in which the enemy
+had made a large gap. Captain Armstrong led the way, but not more than a
+dozen men followed, to support him. At the head of this little band,
+Armstrong cut his way through the entire British regiment. But then a
+well-aimed fire brought down several of the dragoons. Bulkley and Newman
+were mortally wounded at the same fire, and fell, locked in each other's
+arms."
+
+"A kind of Damon and Pythias friendship," observed Hand.
+
+"Yes, I believe they would have died for each other," said Kinnison. "A
+friend told me that they were never separated, in camp or field. If one
+was sick, the other watched by his side. I had a comrade of the same
+kind during the greater part of my life; his name was Williams, and he
+was one of the best-hearted men I ever knew. We fought through the
+Revolution together, and both entered the army in 1812. But I lost him
+during the attack on Fort Erie. Poor Williams was killed by a shell. It
+has been a long while since then, but I still feel as if I had lost a
+part of my heart when he fell. Poor Williams!" and Kinnison appeared to
+be busy with the mournful recollections of the "friends of his better
+days."
+
+"Well, you may talk as much as you please about Henry Lee and Marion,
+and your other men in the south," said Ransom, "but John Stark or Ethan
+Allen was worth as much as either of them."
+
+"My favourite leader was Mad Anthony Wayne," said Colson. "A better
+soldier or a more wide-awake general was not to be found in the army
+during the revolution."
+
+"I know General Wayne was a whole soldier," observed Davenport.
+
+"Did any of you ever hear or read an account of the night-attack on
+General Wayne, near Savannah, just before the close of the war?"
+enquired Colson.
+
+"I have read something about it, and know it was a warm struggle," said
+Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+THE ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE.
+
+
+"One of Parker's Light Infantry told me all about it," said Colson. "He
+says that General Wayne, with eight hundred men--infantry, artillery and
+dragoons--were encamped at Gibbons' Plantation, about five miles from
+Savannah, where the British were posted. It was the early part of
+February. General Wayne had no idea that an enemy was nearer than
+Savannah. But the brave Creeks had been taken into the pay of the
+British, and their chief, Gurestessego, formed a plan to surprise the
+Continentals. Never was an attack better planned; our men were sleeping
+with a feeling of security, when, about midnight, the Creeks fell upon
+the camp. The sentinels were captured and the Indians entered the camp,
+and secured the cannon; but while they were trying to make the cannon
+serviceable, instead of following up their success, Wayne and his men
+recovered from their surprise and were soon in order for battle.
+Parker's Infantry charged with the bayonet and after a short struggle
+recovered the cannon. Gunn, with his dragoons, followed up the charge,
+and the Creeks were forced to give way. General Wayne encountered the
+chief Gurestessego in hand-to-hand combat--the General with sword and
+pistols, and the chief with musket, tomahawk and knife. The struggle was
+fierce but short. The chief was killed, and Wayne escaped without any
+serious injury. Seventeen of the Creeks fell and the rest escaped in the
+darkness, leaving their packhorses and a considerable quantity of peltry
+in the hands of the victors. Wayne conjectured at once that the Indians
+would not have dared to make an attack, without being assured of the
+approach of the British or Tories to support them, and a rumour spread
+that Colonel Browne was marching towards the camp for that purpose. In
+the fight, Wayne had captured twelve young warriors, whom he doomed to
+death to prevent them joining the enemy. This was a rash act. The rumour
+of Browne's approach was false; but the young warriors had been
+sacrificed before this was known. General Wayne felt many a pang for
+this rash command, as he was a man who never would shed blood without it
+was necessary in the performance of his duty."
+
+"Why didn't he send the Indians to Greene's camp, or some other American
+post?" enquired Hand.
+
+"There was no time or men to spare if the rumour had been true," said
+Colson. "Most commanders would have acted as Wayne did, under the
+circumstances. Though I think the execution of the order might have been
+delayed until the enemy came in sight."
+
+"The General no doubt had good reason for his course," said Kinnison.
+"He believed it to be his duty to do everything for the safety of the
+men he commanded, and expecting to be assailed by a much larger force
+than his own, he did right to destroy the foes he had in camp. I know it
+must have shocked his feelings to give the order, but he was a man who
+couldn't shrink or be driven from the plain line of duty. Now, there was
+that affair with the Pennsylvania line, at Morristown. I've heard
+several men who were at Morristown at the time, say that Wayne was wrong
+in daring to oppose the mutineers--that their demands were just and
+reasonable, and he ought rather to have led, than opposed them. But
+every man who knows anything of the duty of a general and a patriot must
+applaud Wayne."
+
+"Can't you give us an account of that mutiny at Morristown?" enquired
+Hand.
+
+
+
+
+THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN.
+
+
+"I can tell you what was told me by men who engaged in it," said
+Kinnison. "For myself, I was at that time, with the Massachusetts troops
+at Middlebrook. The Pennsylvania line, numbering about two thousand men,
+was stationed at the old camp ground at Morristown. Most of these men
+believed that their term of service expired at the end of the year 1779,
+though Congress and some of the generals thought otherwise, or that the
+men were enlisted to serve until the end of the war. This difficulty
+about the term of enlistment was the seed of the mutiny. But there were
+many other things that would have roused any other men to revolt. The
+Pennsylvanians had not received any pay for twelve months, and during
+the severest part of the fall, they suffered for the want of food and
+clothing. To expect men to bear such treatment and remain in the army
+when there was the slightest pretext for leaving, it was building on a
+sandy foundation. Patriotism and starvation were not as agreeable to
+common soldiers as they were to some members of Congress. Even some of
+the officers--men who depended upon their pay to support their families
+while fighting for liberty--grumbled at the conduct of those who
+should have supplied them. This gave the men courage, and they
+determined to act boldly. They appointed a serjeant-major their
+major-general, and at a given signal on the morning of the 1st of
+January, the whole line, except a part of three regiments, paraded under
+arms, and without their regular officers, marched to the magazines,
+supplied themselves with provisions and ammunition, and secured six
+field-pieces, to which they attached horses from General Wayne's
+stables. The regular officers collected those who had not joined the
+mutineers, and tried to restore order; but some of the mutineers fired,
+killed Captain Billings, and, I believe, wounded several of his men.
+They then ordered those who remained with the officers to join them or
+meet death by the bayonet, and they obeyed. Then General Wayne appeared,
+and, by threats and offers of better treatment, endeavoured to put an
+end to the revolt. The men all idolized Wayne; they would have followed
+him almost anywhere, but they would not listen to his remonstrances on
+this occasion. Wayne then cocked his pistol as if he meant to frighten
+them back to duty; but they placed their bayonets to his breast, and
+told him that, although they loved and respected him, if he fired his
+pistols or attempted to enforce his commands, they would put him to
+death. General Wayne then saw their determination, and didn't fire; but
+he appealed to their patriotism, and they spoke of the impositions of
+Congress. He told them that their conduct would strengthen the enemy.
+But ragged clothes and skeleton forms were arguments much stronger than
+any Wayne could bring against them. The men declared their intention to
+march to Congress at Philadelphia, and demand a redress of grievances.
+Wayne then changed his policy and resolved to go with the current and
+guide it. He supplied the men with provisions to prevent them from
+committing depredations on the people of the country, and marched with
+them to Princeton, where a committee of serjeants drew up a list of
+demands. They wanted those men to be discharged whose term of service
+had expired, and the whole line to receive their pay and clothing.
+General Wayne had no power to agree to these demands, and he referred
+further negociation to the government of Pennsylvania, and a committee
+to be appointed by Congress. But the cream of the matter is to come. The
+news of the revolt reached General Washington and Sir Henry Clinton on
+the same day. Washington ordered a thousand men to be ready to march
+from the Highlands of the Hudson to quell the revolt, and called a
+council of war to decide on further measures. This council sanctioned
+general Wayne's course, and decided to leave the matter to the
+settlement of the government of Pennsylvania and Congress. You see,
+General Washington had long been worried by the sleepy way Congress did
+business, and he thought this affair would wake them up to go to work in
+earnest. The British commander-in-chief thought he could gain great
+advantage by the revolt, and so he very promptly sent two
+emissaries--one a British serjeant and the other a Tory named Ogden--to
+the mutineers, offering them pardon for past offences, full pay for
+their past service, and the protection of the British government, if
+they would lay down their arms and march to New York. So certain was
+Clinton that his offers would be accepted, that he crossed over to
+Staten Island with a large body of troops, to act as circumstances might
+require. But he was as ignorant of the character of our men as King
+George himself. They wanted to be fed and clothed, and wanted their
+families provided for; but they were not soldiers fighting merely for
+pay. Every man of them knew what freedom was, and had taken the field to
+secure it for his country. You may judge how such men received Clinton's
+proposals. They said they were not Arnolds, and that America had no
+truer friends than themselves; and then seized the emissaries and their
+papers and handed them over to Wayne and the mercy of a court-martial.
+The men were tried as spies, found guilty and executed. A reward which
+had been offered for their apprehension was tendered to the mutineers
+who had seized them. But they refused it. One of them said that
+necessity had wrung from them the act demanding justice from Congress,
+but they wanted no reward for doing their duty to their bleeding
+country. Congress appointed a commissioner to meet the mutineers at
+Princeton, and soon after their demands were satisfied. A large part of
+the Line was disbanded for the winter, and the remainder was well
+supplied with provisions and clothing. About the middle of January, the
+greater part of the New Jersey line, which was encamped near Pompton,
+followed the example of the Pennsylvanians, and revolted; but different
+measures were taken to quell them. General Washington ordered General
+Robert Howe to march with five hundred men, and reduce the rebels to
+submission. Howe marched four days through a deep snow, and reached the
+encampment of the Jersey troops on the 27th of January. His men were
+paraded in line, and he then ordered the mutineers to appear unarmed in
+front of their huts, within five minutes. They hesitated, but on a
+second order, they obeyed. Three of the chief movers in the revolt were
+tried and sentenced to be shot. Two of them suffered, and the third was
+pardoned as being less to blame. The two who were shot fell by the hands
+of twelve of the most guilty of the mutineers. That, I think, was piling
+it on rather too thick. General Howe then addressed them by platoons,
+and ordered their officers to resume their commands. Clinton had again
+sent an emissary to make offers to the mutineers; but the man heard of
+the fate of the Tory and the British serjeant, and he took his papers to
+General Howe instead of the men. These Jersey mutineers were reduced to
+submission, without much difficulty. But the Pennsylvanians displayed a
+determination to fight if their demands were not satisfied, and so they
+gained their point."
+
+"Perhaps," said Hand, "the Jersey troops had not as much reason to
+revolt as the Pennsylvanians."
+
+"I know they hadn't as much reason," said Kinnison. "They had suffered
+as much for want of food and clothing, but their term of service was
+more certainly known."
+
+"How nobly the men treated the offers of Sir Henry Clinton!" said Hand.
+"I should think the British government might have learned from that
+affair, the spirit of the Americans, and the futility of efforts to
+conquer men with such motives and sentiments."
+
+"They might have learned it if they had wished to learn," said Pitts.
+"They might have learned the same thing from the Boston tea-party. But
+they determined that they had a right to act towards us just as they
+pleased, and their pride was blind to consequences."
+
+"One may look through Greek and Roman history in vain to find men
+holding such noble and patriotic sentiments, while harassed with want of
+every kind," said Hand, growing eloquent.
+
+"Ah! those were times to try the metal men were made of," said Colson.
+"The men who took up the sword and gun for freedom were resolved to win
+their country's safety or die in the attempt, and such men will not be
+bought at any price. Arnold was a mere soldier--never a patriot."
+
+"I might combat that last remark," said Davenport, "but I'll let it go."
+
+"Come, Brown, more music," exclaimed Warner. "The dinner and the dull
+conversation makes some of us drowsy. Stir us up, man!"
+
+"There's nothing like the fife and drum for rousing men," said
+Kinnison. "I hate these finnicking, soft and love-sick instruments, such
+as pianos, guitars and some others they play on now-a-days. There's no
+manliness about them."
+
+Brown and Hanson, having produced their old martial instruments, then
+struck up "The Star-Spangled Banner," the best of the national anthems
+of America. Soon after the last roll of the fife had ended, Hand,
+without invitation, struck up the anthem itself, and sang the words with
+great force, the whole company joining in the two last lines of every
+verse. The music and the anthem thoroughly roused the old as well as the
+young members of the company, and, at its conclusion, three cheers were
+lustily given for the stars and stripes. One of the young men then said
+that he had a song to sing, which would be new to the company; but still
+was not an original composition. The music was stirring and appropriate.
+The words were as follows:--
+
+
+    Freemen! arise, and keep your vow!
+      The foe are on our shore,
+    And we must win our freedom now,
+      Or yield forevermore.
+
+    The share will make a goodly glaive--
+      Then tear it from the plough!
+    Lingers there here a crouching slave!
+      Depart, a recreant thou!
+
+    Depart, and leave the field to those
+      Determined to be free,
+    Who burn to meet their vaunting foes
+      And strike for liberty.
+
+    Why did the pilgrim cross the wave?
+      Say, was he not your sire?
+    And shall the liberty he gave
+      Upon his grave expire!
+
+    The stormy wave could not appal;
+      Nor where the savage trod;
+    He braved them all, and conquer'd all,
+      For freedom and for God.
+
+    We fight for fireside and for home,
+      For heritage, for altar;
+    And, by the God of yon blue dome,
+      Not one of us shall falter!
+
+    We'll guard them, though the foeman stood
+      Like sand-grains on our shore,
+    And raise our angry battle-flood,
+      And whelm the despots o'er.
+
+    We've drawn the sword, and shrined the sheath
+      Upon our father's tomb;
+    And when the foe shall sleep in death,
+      We'll sheath it o'er their doom.
+
+    Firm be your step, steady your file,
+      Unbroken your array;
+    The spirits of the blest shall smile
+      Upon our deeds to-day.
+
+    Unfurl the banner of the free
+      Amidst the battle's cloud;
+    Its folds shall wave to Liberty,
+      Or be to us a shroud.
+
+    O'er those who fall, a soldier's tear
+      Exulting shall be shed;
+    We'll bear them upon honour's bier,
+      To sleep in honour's bed.
+
+    The maiden, with her hurried breath
+      And rapture-beaming eye,
+    Shall all forget the field of death
+      To bless the victory.
+
+    The child, O! he will bless his sire,
+      The mother bless her son,
+    And God, He will not frown in ire,
+      When such a field is won.
+
+
+"Good!" exclaimed Kinnison, when the song was done. "That is a war-song
+of '76, I know."
+
+"It is," replied the singer; "and judging from what I have heard you
+say, it expresses in it the feeling of the period."
+
+"A truce to songs and music," said Davenport. "I never was fond of any
+kind of music but that of the fife and drum, and I never needed that to
+put me in a condition to stand fire."
+
+"You are too gloomy," said Kinnison.
+
+"I have had cause enough for gloominess," said Davenport.
+
+"But I wanted to talk to you about something--and that was my reason for
+checking you. You talk so much about the treason of Arnold, and say that
+he never was a patriot, that I wanted to tell you of another man's
+treason, not to excuse Arnold, but to show you that he wasn't alone in
+preferring the British side of the question, and that there were bolder
+patriots than Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, the captors of André.
+
+"We know there were plenty of traitors and patriots in the country
+without a showing," said Kinnison, "but go on with your narrative."
+
+"But this will prove that all censure should not be heaped upon Arnold's
+head, nor all the praise on the militia-men of Tarry-town," observed
+Davenport.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASON OF BETTYS.
+
+
+"When the Revolutionary War broke out," said Davenport, beginning his
+narrative, "there was a man named Joseph Bettys, who lived in Ballston,
+New York, remarkable for his courage, strength and intelligence. Colonel
+Ball of the Continental forces saw that Bettys might be of great service
+to our cause, and succeeded in enlisting him as a serjeant. But he was
+soon afterwards reduced to the ranks, on account of his insolence to an
+officer, who, he said, had abused him without cause. Colonel Ball was
+not acquainted with the facts of the affair, but being unwilling to lose
+so active and courageous a man, he procured him the rank of a serjeant
+in the fleet commanded by General Arnold, on Lake Champlain. Bettys was
+as skilful a seaman as could be found in the service, and during the
+desperate fight between the fleets which occurred in the latter part of
+1776, he rendered more service than any other man except Arnold himself.
+He fought until every commissioned officer on board of his vessel was
+either killed or wounded, then took command himself, and fought with
+such reckless and desperate spirit, that General Waterbury seeing the
+vessel was about to sink, ordered Bettys and the remnant of his crew to
+come on board his vessel. Waterbury then stationed Bettys on his
+quarter-deck, and gave orders through him until his vessel was crippled,
+and the crew mostly killed or wounded, when the colours were struck to
+the enemy. After that action Bettys went to Canada, and, turning
+traitor, received an ensign's commission in the British army. He then
+became a spy, and one of the most subtle enemies of our cause. But our
+men were wide awake. Bettys was arrested, tried and condemned to be hung
+at West Point. His old parents and many influential Whigs entreated that
+he should be pardoned, promising that he would mend his life. General
+Washington, you know, never took life where it could be spared, and so
+he granted the pardon. But it was generosity thrown away; Bettys hated
+the Americans the more because they had it in their power to pardon him,
+and resolved to make them feel he could not be humbled and led in that
+way. The Whigs regretted the mercy that had spared the traitor. Bettys
+recruited soldiers for the enemy in the very heart of the country;
+captured and carried of the most zealous patriots, and subjected them to
+great suffering. Those against whom he had the most hatred, had their
+houses burned, and often lost their lives. The British commander paid
+him well, for he was one of the best spies and most faithful messenger
+that could be found. His courage and determination overcame every
+obstacle and encountered every danger that would have appalled weaker
+men. He proclaimed himself to be a man who carried his life in his hand,
+and was as reckless of it as he would be of that of any who should
+attempt to catch him. It was well understood that Bettys meant precisely
+what he said, and that he always had a band of refugees ready to
+support him in any rascality he might conceive. Still, there were some
+bold men, who had suffered from Bettys' depredations, and who determined
+to catch him at every hazard. Many attempts were made, but he eluded his
+pursuers by his stratagems and knowledge of the country, until early in
+January, 1782, when he was seen in the neighbourhood of Ballston, armed,
+and with snow-shoes on. Three men, named Cory, Fulmer, and Perkins,
+armed themselves and proceeded in pursuit. They traced Bettys by a
+round-about track to the house of a well-known Tory. They consulted a
+few minutes, and one of them reconnoitred to see the exact position of
+Bettys. The traitor was at his meal, with his pistols lying on the table
+and his rifle resting on his arm, prepared for an attack though not
+suspecting foes were near. The three men, by a sudden effort, burst open
+the door, rushed upon Bettys, and seized him in such a manner that he
+could make no resistance. He was then pinioned so firmly that to escape
+was impossible; and so the desperado, in spite of all his threats, was a
+tame and quiet prisoner, and no one hurt in taking him. Bettys then
+asked leave to smoke, which was granted; and he took out his tobacco,
+with something else which he threw into the fire. Cory saw this
+movement, and snatched it out, with a handful of coals. It was a small
+leaden box, about an eighth of an inch in thickness, containing a paper,
+written in cypher, which the men could not read. It was afterwards found
+to be a despatch to the British commander at New York, with an order
+upon the Mayor of that city for thirty pounds, if the despatch was
+safely delivered. Bettys knew that this paper alone would be evidence
+enough to hang him, and he offered the men gold to let him burn it. But
+they refused his highest offers. He had a considerable quantity of gold
+about him, and he offered them not only that but much more if they would
+allow him to escape; but their patriotism could stand gold as well as
+the gold could stand fire. They took Bettys to Albany, where he was
+tried as a spy and hung. The only reward that the three men ever
+received was the rifle and pistols of Bettys. The men who captured André
+were patriotic enough, but their work was easy compared with that of
+Cory, Fulmer and Perkins. Yet the names of these heroes are scarcely
+ever mentioned, and the story of their daring exploit is not generally
+known."
+
+[Illustration: SEIZURE OF THE BETTYS.]
+
+"Did this affair happen before that of André's?" enquired Hand. "If so,
+these men only imitated the noble example of Paulding, Williams and Van
+Wert."
+
+"It did occur after the capture of André," replied Davenport. "But that
+takes nothing from the danger of the attempt, or the amount of the
+temptation resisted."
+
+"That's true," replied Hand; "but the capture of André, and the favour
+with which our countrymen regarded his captors, may have stimulated many
+to patriotic exertions, and thereby have made such deeds so common as
+not to receive special notice. I've no doubt the researches of
+historians will yet bring to light many such deeds."
+
+"How the conduct of such men as Arnold and Bettys contrasts with that of
+Samuel Adams and his fellow-patriots!" remarked Warner. "When the first
+resistance was made to quartering the British troops in Boston, Samuel
+Adams was the leader and mouth-piece of the patriots, and the royal
+rulers of Massachusetts tried every way to induce him to abandon the
+cause he had espoused. In the first place, they threatened him with
+severe punishment. But they couldn't scare him from his chosen course.
+Then they flattered and caressed him, but it was of no effect. At last,
+Governor Gage resolved to try whether bribes wouldn't work a change. So,
+he sent Col. Fenton to him, as a confidential messenger. The Colonel
+visited Adams, and stated his business at length, concluding with a
+representation that by complying, Adams would make his peace with the
+king. The stern patriot heard him through, and then asked him if he
+would deliver his reply to Governor Gage as it should be given. The
+Colonel said he would. Then Adams assumed a determined manner, and
+replied, 'I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of
+kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the
+righteous cause of my country. Tell Governor Gage, it is the advice of
+Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated
+people.' There was the highest reach of patriotic resolution."
+
+"Aye, Samuel Adams was whole-souled and high-souled," said Davenport.
+"No one will dispute that, who knows any thing of his history."
+
+"New England had a host of patriots at the same period," observed
+Kinnison. "Many of them did not possess the talents and energy of Samuel
+Adams, but the heart was all right."
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL.
+
+
+"Well, gentlemen," said Mr. Hand, "there is a most important matter,
+which you have omitted. You have told us nothing of Bunker Hill's
+memorable fight, in which, as Bostonians and friends of liberty, we feel
+the deepest interest. Which of you can oblige us by giving us your
+recollections of our first great struggle?"
+
+"Mr. Warner was one of Col. Starke's men. He can tell you all about it,"
+said Colson.
+
+"Aye, if memory serves me yet," said Warner, "I can tell you much of
+that day's struggle. I joined Col. Starke's regiment shortly before the
+battle. I always admired Starke, and preferred to serve under him. I
+suppose you are acquainted with the general features of the battle, and
+therefore I will not detain you long, with reciting them.
+
+"On the sixteenth of June, 1775, it was determined that a fortified post
+should be established at or near Bunker's Hill.
+
+"A detachment of the army was ordered to advance early in the evening
+of that day, and commence the erection of a strong work on the heights
+in the rear of Charlestown, at that time called Breed's Hill, but from
+its proximity to Bunker Hill, the battle has taken its name from the
+latter eminence, which overlooks it.
+
+"The work was commenced and carried on under the direction of such
+engineers as we were able to procure at that time. It was a square
+redoubt, the curtains of which were about sixty or seventy feet in
+extent, with an entrenchment, or breast-work, extending fifty or sixty
+feet from the northern angle, towards Mystic river.
+
+"In the course of the night, the ramparts had been raised to the height
+of six or seven feet, with a small ditch at their base, but it was yet
+in a rude and very imperfect state. Being in full view from the northern
+heights of Boston, it was discovered by the enemy, as soon as daylight
+appeared; and a determination was immediately formed by General Gage,
+for dislodging our troops from this new and alarming position.
+Arrangements were promptly made for effecting this important object. The
+movements of the British troops, indicating an attack, were soon
+discovered; in consequence of which orders were immediately issued for
+the march of a considerable part of our army to reinforce the detachment
+at the redoubts on Breed's Hill; but such was the imperfect state of
+discipline, the want of knowledge in military science, and the
+deficiency of the materials of war, that the movement of the troops was
+extremely irregular and devoid of every thing like concert--each
+regiment advancing according to the opinions, feelings, or caprice, of
+its commander.
+
+"Colonel Stark's regiment was quartered in Medford, distant about four
+miles from the point of anticipated attack. It then consisted of
+thirteen companies, and was probably the largest regiment in the army.
+About ten o'clock in the morning, he received orders to march. The
+regiment being destitute of ammunition, it was formed in front of a
+house occupied as an arsenal, where each man received a gill-cup full of
+powder, fifteen balls, and one flint.
+
+"The several captains were then ordered to march their companies to
+their respective quarters, and make up their powder and ball into
+cartridges, with the greatest possible despatch. As there were scarcely
+two muskets in a company of equal calibre, it was necessary to reduce
+the size of the balls for many of them; and as but a small proportion of
+the men had cartridge-boxes, the remainder made use of powder-horns and
+ball-pouches.
+
+"After completing the necessary preparations for action, the regiment
+formed, and marched about one o'clock. When it reached Charlestown Neck,
+we found two regiments halted, in consequence of a heavy enfilading fire
+thrown across it, of round, bar, and chain shot, from the Lively
+frigate, and floating batteries anchored in Charles river, and a
+floating battery laying in the river Mystic. Major M'Clary went forward,
+and observed to the commanders, if they did not intend to move on, he
+wished them to open and let our regiment pass: the latter was
+immediately done.
+
+"Soon after, the enemy were discovered to have landed on the shore of
+Morton's Point, in front of Breed's Hill, under cover of a tremendous
+fire of shot and shells from a battery on Copp's Hill, in Boston, which
+had opened on the redoubt at day-break.
+
+"Major-general Howe and Brigadier-general Pigot, were the commanders of
+the British forces which first landed, consisting of four battalions of
+infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of light infantry, with a
+train of field-artillery. They formed as they disembarked, but remained
+in that position until they were reinforced by another detachment.
+
+"At this moment, the veteran and gallant Colonel Stark harangued his
+regiment, in a short, but animated address; then directed them to give
+three cheers, and make a rapid movement to the rail-fence which ran to
+from the left, and about forty yards in the rear of the redoubt, towards
+Mystic river. Part of the grass, having been recently cut, lay in
+winnows and cocks on the field. Another fence was taken up--the rails
+run through the one in front, and the hay, mown in the vicinity,
+suspended upon them, from the bottom to the top, which had the
+appearance of a breast-work, but was, in fact, no real cover to the men;
+it, however, served as a deception on the enemy. This wag done by the
+direction of the 'Committee of Safety,' as I afterwards heard. That
+committee exerted itself nobly.
+
+"At the moment our regiment was formed in the rear of the rail-fence,
+with one other small regiment from New Hampshire, under the command of
+Colonel Reid, the fire commenced between the left wing of the British
+army, commanded by General Howe, and the troops in the redoubt, under
+Colonel Prescott; while a column of the enemy was advancing on our left,
+on the shore of Mystic river, with an evident intention of turning our
+left wing, and that veteran and most excellent regiment of Welsh
+fusileers, so distinguished for its gallant conduct in the battle of
+Minden, advanced in column directly on the rail-fence; when within
+eighty or an hundred yards, displayed into line, with the precision and
+firmness of troops on parade, and opened a brisk, but regular fire by
+platoons, which was returned by a well-directed, rapid, and fatal
+discharge from our whole line.
+
+"The action soon became general, and very heavy from right to left In
+the course of ten or fifteen minutes, the enemy gave way at all points,
+and retreated in great disorder; leaving a large number of dead and
+wounded on the field.
+
+"The firing ceased for a short time, until the enemy again formed,
+advanced, and recommenced a spirited fire from his whole line. Several
+attempts were again made to turn our left; but the troops, having thrown
+up a slight stone-wall on the bank of the river, and laying down behind
+it, gave such a deadly fire, as cut down almost every man of the party
+opposed to them; while the fire from the redoubt and rail-fence was so
+well directed and so fatal, especially to the British officers, that
+the whole army was compelled a second time to retreat with
+precipitation and great confusion. At this time, the ground occupied by
+the enemy was covered with his dead and wounded. Only a few small
+detached parties again advanced, which kept up a distant, ineffectual,
+scattering fire, until a strong reinforcement arrived from Boston, which
+advanced on the southern declivity of the hill, In the rear of
+Charlestown. When this column arrived opposite that angle of the redoubt
+which faced Charlestown, it wheeled by platoons to the right, and
+advanced directly upon the redoubt without firing a gun. By this time,
+our ammunition was exhausted. A few men only had a charge left.
+
+"The advancing column made an attempt to carry the redoubt by assault,
+but at the first onset every man that mounted the parapet was cut down,
+by the troops within, who had formed on the opposite side, not being
+prepared with bayonets to meet the charge.
+
+"The column wavered for a moment, but soon formed again; when a forward
+movement was made with such spirit and intrepidity as to render the
+feeble efforts of a handful of men, without the means of defence,
+unavailing; and they fled through an open space, in the rear of the
+redoubt, which had been left for a gateway. At this moment, the rear of
+the British column advanced round the angle of the redoubt, and threw in
+a galling flank-fire upon our troops, as they rushed from it, which
+killed and wounded a greater number than had fallen before during the
+action. The whole of our line immediately after gave away, and retreated
+with rapidity and disorder towards Bunker's Hill; carrying off as many
+of the wounded as possible, so that only thirty-six or seven fell into
+the hands of the enemy, among whom were Lt. Col. Parker and two or three
+other officers, who fell in or near the redoubt.
+
+"The whole of the troops now descended the north-western declivity of
+Bunker's Hill, and recrossed the neck. Those of the New Hampshire line
+retired towards Winter Hill, and the others on to Prospect Hill.
+
+"Some slight works were thrown up in the course of the evening,--strong
+advance pickets were posted on the roads leading to Charlestown, and the
+troops, anticipating an attack, rested on their arms.
+
+"It is a most extraordinary fact that the British did not make a single
+charge during the battle, which, if attempted, would have been decisive,
+and fatal to the Americans, as they did not carry into the field fifty
+bayonets. In my company there was not one.
+
+"Soon after the commencement of the action, a detachment from the
+British forces in Boston was landed in Charlestown, and within a few
+moments the whole town appeared in a blaze. A dense column of smoke rose
+to a great height, and there being a gentle breeze from the southwest,
+it hung like a thunder-cloud over the contending armies. A very few
+houses escaped the dreadful conflagration of this devoted town."
+
+
+
+
+EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO.
+
+
+"I say, men, the story of Bunker Hill is old enough, and the events of
+that day have caused enough dispute already. We know that we taught the
+red-coats a good, round lesson, and we shouldn't fight about
+particulars. Now, young men, I'll tell you a story about a real hero,"
+said Pitts.
+
+"Who was he?" enquired Hand.
+
+"His name was Peter Francisco, and he was a trooper in our army,"
+replied Pitts. "Now, I'll tell you what he did.
+
+"While the British troops were spreading havoc and desolation all around
+them, by their plundering and burnings in Virginia, in 1781, Peter
+Francisco had been reconnoitring, and whilst stopping at the house of a
+Mr. Wand, in Amelia county, nine of Tarleton's cavalry coming up with
+three negroes, told him he was a prisoner. Seeing himself overpowered by
+numbers, he made no resistance; and believing him to be very peaceable
+they all went into the house, leaving the paymaster and Francisco
+together. He demanded his watch, money, &c., which being delivered to
+him, in order to secure his plunder, he put his sword under his arm,
+with the hilt behind him. While in the act of putting a silver buckle
+into his pocket, Francisco, finding so favourable an opportunity to
+recover his liberty, stepped one pace in his rear, drew the sword with
+force under his arm and instantly gave him a blow across the skull. His
+enemy was brave, and though severely wounded, drew a pistol, and, in the
+same moment that he pulled the trigger, Francisco cut his hand nearly
+off. The bullet grazed his side. Ben Wand (the man of the house) very
+ungenerously brought out a musket, and gave it to one of the British
+soldiers, and told him to make use of that. He mounted the only horse
+they could get, and presented it at his breast. It missed fire.
+Francisco rushed on the muzzle of the gun. A short struggle ensued, in
+which the British soldier was disarmed and wounded. Tarleton's troop of
+four hundred men were in sight. All was hurry and confusion, which
+Francisco increased by repeatedly hallooing, as loud as he could, 'Come
+on, my brave boys! now's your time! we will soon despatch these few, and
+then attack the main body!' The wounded man flew to the troop; the
+others were panic-struck, and fled. Francisco seized Wand, and would
+have despatched him, but the poor wretch begged for his life; he was not
+only an object of contempt, but pity. The eight horses that were left
+behind, he gave him to conceal. Discovering Tarleton had despatched ten
+more in pursuit of him, Francisco then made off, and evaded their
+vigilance. They stopped to refresh themselves, and he, like an old fox,
+doubled, and fell on their rear. He went the next day to Wand for his
+horses; Wand demanded two for his trouble and generous intentions.
+Finding his situation dangerous, and surrounded by enemies where he
+ought to have found friends, Francisco went off with his six horses. He
+intended to have avenged himself on Wand at a future day, but Providence
+ordained he should not be his executioner, for he broke his neck by a
+fall from of the very horses."
+
+"Francisco displayed great courage, daring and presence of mind in that
+scrape," observed Kinnison. "But I have heard of several encounters
+quite equal to it."
+
+"Yes, Francisco displayed great presence of mind, and that's the most
+valuable quality of a soldier--it will save him when courage and
+strength are palsied. Francisco performed many singular exploits down
+South, and had a high reputation. He had much of the dare-devil in his
+nature, and it seemed as if dangerous adventures agreed with him better
+than easy success. He fought bravely in several battles, and was known
+to many of the enemy as a man to be shunned. There wasn't a man among
+the red-coats stout-hearted and strong-limbed enough to dare to meet
+him. But you said you had heard of several encounters equal to the one I
+just narrated," said Pitts.
+
+"I did," replied Kinnison. "Have you ever seen a painting of the fight
+between Colonel Allan M'Lean and some British troops? It used to be a
+common thing in Boston."
+
+"I have seen the picture," said Hand, "and I should like to hear the
+story of the affair. It must have been a desperate fight."
+
+"It was," replied Kinnison. "A man who was intimately acquainted with
+McLean, and heard the account from his own lips, told me of it. You may
+boast of Francisco's exploits, but here was a man who united the most
+daring courage and strength with a very intelligent and quick-working
+mind."
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLOIT OF COL. ALLAN M'LEAN.
+
+
+"While the British occupied Philadelphia," said Kinnison, "Col. M'Lean
+was constantly scouring the upper end of Bucks and Montgomery counties,
+to cut off scouting parties of the enemy and intercept their supplies of
+provisions."
+
+"Having agreed, for some purpose, to rendezvous near Shoemakertown, Col.
+M'Lean ordered his little band of troopers to follow at some distance,
+and commanded two of them to precede the main body, but also to keep in
+his rear; and if they discovered an enemy, to ride up to his side and
+inform him of it, without speaking aloud. While leisurely approaching
+the place of rendezvous in this order, in the early gray of the morning,
+the two men directly in his rear, forgetting their orders, suddenly
+called out, 'Colonel, the British!' faced about, and putting spurs to
+their horses, were soon out of sight. The colonel, looking around,
+discovered that he was in the centre of a powerful ambuscade, into
+which the enemy had silently allowed him to pass, without his observing
+them. They lined both sides of the road, and had been stationed there to
+pick up any straggling party of the Americans that might chance to pass.
+Immediately on finding they were discovered, a file of soldiers rose
+from the side of the highway, and fired at the colonel, but without
+effect; and as he put spurs to his horse, and mounted the road-side into
+the woods, the other part of the detachment also fired. The colonel
+miraculously escaped; but a shot striking his horse upon the flank, he
+dashed through the woods, and in a few minutes reached a parallel road
+upon the opposite side of the forest. Being familiar with the country,
+he feared to turn to the left, as that course led to the city, and he
+might be intercepted by another ambuscade. Turning, therefore, to the
+right, his frightened horse carried him swiftly beyond the reach of
+those who had fired upon him. All at once, however, on emerging from a
+piece of woods, he observed several British troopers stationed near the
+road-side, and directly in sight ahead, a farm-house, around which he
+observed a whole troop of the enemy's cavalry drawn up. He dashed by the
+troopers near him without being molested, they believing he was on his
+way to the main body to surrender himself. The farm-house was situated
+at the intersection of two roads, presenting but a few avenues by which
+he could escape Nothing daunted by the formidable array before him, he
+galloped up to the cross-roads, on reaching which, he spurred his active
+horse, turned suddenly to the right, and was soon fairly out of reach
+of their pistols, though as he turned he heard them call loudly to
+surrender or die! A dozen were instantly in pursuit; but in a short time
+they all gave up the chase except two. Colonel M'Lean's horse, scared by
+the first wound he had ever received, and being a chosen animal, kept
+ahead for several miles, while his two pursuers followed with unwearied
+eagerness. The pursuit at length waxed so hot, as the colonel's horse
+stepped out of a small brook which crossed the road, his pursuers
+entered it at the opposite margin. In ascending a little hill, the
+horses of the three were greatly exhausted, so much so that neither
+could be urged faster than a walk. Occasionally, as one of the troopers
+pursued on a little in advance of his companion, the colonel slackened
+his pace, anxious to be attacked by one of the two; but no sooner was
+his willingness discovered, than the other fell back to his station.
+They at length approached so near, that a conversation took place
+between them; the troopers calling out, 'Surrender, you damn'd rebel, or
+we'll cut you in pieces!' Suddenly one of them rode up on the right side
+of the colonel, and, without drawing his sword, laid hold of the
+colonel's collar. The latter, to use his own words, 'had pistols which
+he knew he could depend upon.' Drawing one from the holster, he placed
+it to the heart of his antagonist, fired, and tumbled him dead on the
+ground. Instantly the other came on his left, with his sword drawn, and
+also seized the colonel by the collar of his coat. A fierce and deadly
+struggle here ensued, in the course of which Col. M'Lean was
+desperately wounded in the back of his left hand, the sword of his
+antagonist cutting asunder the veins and tendons. Seizing a favourable
+opportunity, he drew his other pistol, and with a steadiness of purpose
+which appeared even in his recital of the incident, placed it directly
+between the eyes of his adversary, pulled the trigger, and scattered his
+brains on every side of the road! Fearing that others were in pursuit,
+he abandoned his horse in the highway: and apprehensive, from his
+extreme weakness, that he might die from loss of blood, he crawled into
+an adjacent mill-pond, entirely naked, and at length succeeded in
+stopping the profuse flow of blood occasioned by his wound. Soon after,
+his men came to his relief. Now, I think, Mr. Pitts, your hero was at
+least equalled in Col. M'Lean."
+
+[Illustration: EXPLOIT OF COLONEL M'LEAN.]
+
+"Beaten, beaten!" exclaimed Pitts. "I admit that, in resolution and
+daring, Francisco was surpassed by M'Lean. He _was_ a hero!"
+
+"Major Garden, in his Anecdotes of the Revolution, eulogizes McLean's
+courage and enterprise," said Hand.
+
+"If courage and resolution make up the hero, our country didn't hunger
+for 'em during the Revolution," said Davenport.
+
+"Yes, it's a difficult and nice matter to say who bears away the palm.
+But I do not believe that Col. M'Lean was surpassed," said Kinnison.
+"Col. Henry Lee was a man of the same mould," added Colson.
+
+"Aye, he was; and that reminds me of an adventure of his which displays
+his courage and resolution," replied Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE.
+
+
+"In the Revolution, a prison was erected at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for
+those red-coats who fell into our hands. The prisoners were confined in
+barracks, enclosed with a stockade and vigilantly guarded; but in spite
+of all precautions, they often disappeared in an unaccountable manner,
+and nothing was heard of them until they resumed their places in the
+British army. It was presumed that they were aided by American tories,
+but where suspicion should fall, no one could conjecture. Gen. Hazen had
+charge of the post. He devised a stratagem for detecting the culprits,
+and selected Capt. Lee, afterwards Maj. Lee, a distinguished partisan
+officer, to carry out his plan. It was given out that Lee had left the
+post on furlough. He, however, having disguised himself as a British
+prisoner, was thrown into the prison with the others. So complete was
+the disguise, that even the intendant, familiar with him from long daily
+intercourse, did not penetrate it. Had his fellow-prisoners detected
+him, his history might have been embraced in the proverb, 'Dead men tell
+no tales.'
+
+"For many days he remained in this situation, making no discoveries
+whatever. He thought he perceived at times signs of intelligence between
+the prisoners and an old woman who was allowed to bring fruit for sale
+within the enclosure: She was known to be deaf and half-witted, and was
+therefore no object of suspicion. It was known that her son had been
+disgraced and punished in the American army, but she had never betrayed
+any malice on that account, and no one dreamed that she could have the
+power to do injury if she possessed the will. Lee matched her closely,
+but saw nothing to confirm his suspicions. Her dwelling was about a mile
+distant, in a wild retreat, where she shared her miserable quarters with
+a dog and cat.
+
+"One dark stormy night in autumn, Lee was lying awake at midnight. All
+at once the door was gently opened, and a figure moved silently into the
+room. It was too dark to observe its motions narrowly, but he could see
+that it stooped towards one of the sleepers, who immediately rose. Next
+it approached and touched him on the shoulder. Lee immediately started
+up. The figure then allowed a slight gleam from a dark lantern to pass
+over his face, and as it did so whispered, impatiently, 'Not the
+man--but come!' It then occurred to Lee that it was the opportunity he
+desired. The unknown whispered to him to keep his place till another man
+was called; but just at that moment something disturbed him, and making
+a signal to Lee to follow, he moved silently out of the room. They found
+the door of the house unbarred, and a small part of the fence removed,
+where they passed out without molestation. The sentry had retired to a
+shelter, where he thought he could guard his post without suffering from
+the rain; but Lee saw his conductors put themselves in preparation to
+silence him if he should happen to address them. Just without the fence
+appeared a stooping figure, wrapped in a red cloak, and supporting
+itself with a large stick, which Lee at once perceived could be no other
+than the old fruit-woman. But the most profound silence was observed: a
+man came out from a thicket at a little distance and joined them, and
+the whole party moved onward by the guidance of the old woman. At first
+they frequently stopped to listen, but having heard the sentinel cry,
+'All's well!' they seemed reassured, and moved with more confidence than
+before.
+
+"They soon came to her cottage. A table was spread with some coarse
+provisions upon it, and a large jug, which one of the soldiers was about
+to seize, when the man who conducted them withheld him. 'No,' said he,
+'we must first proceed to business.'
+
+"The conductor, a middle-aged, harsh-looking man, was here about to
+require all present, before he could conduct them farther, to swear upon
+the Scriptures not to make the least attempt at escape, and never to
+reveal the circumstances or agents in the proceeding, whatever might
+befal them. But before they had time to take the oath, their practised
+ears detected the sound of the alarm-gun; and the conductor, directing
+the party to follow him in close order, immediately left the house,
+taking with him a dark lantern. Lee's reflections were not now the most
+agreeable. If he were to be compelled to accompany his party to the
+British lines in New York, he would be detected and hanged as a spy; and
+he saw that the conductor had prepared arms for them, which they were to
+use in taking the life of any one who should attempt to escape. They
+went on with great despatch, but not without difficulty. Lee might now
+have deserted, in this hurry and alarm; but he had made no discovery,
+and he could not bear to confess that he had not nerve enough to carry
+him through. They went on, and were concealed in a barn the whole of the
+next day. Provisions were brought, and low whistles and other signs
+showed that the owner of the barn was in collusion with his secret
+guests. The barn was attached to a small farm-house. Lee was so near the
+house that he could overhear the conversation which was carried on about
+the door. The morning rose clear, and it was evident from the inquiries
+of horsemen, who occasionally galloped up to the door, that the country
+was alarmed. The farmer gave short and surly replies, as if unwilling to
+be taken off from his labour; but the other inmates of the house were
+eager in their questions; and, from the answers, Lee gathered that the
+means by which he and his companions had escaped were as mysterious as
+ever. The next night, when all was quiet, they resumed their march, and
+explained to Lee that, as he was not with them in their conspiracy, and
+was accidentally associated with them in their escape, they should take
+the precaution to keep him before them, just behind the guide. He
+submitted without opposition, though the arrangement considerably
+lessened his chances of escape.
+
+"For several nights they went on in this manner, being delivered over to
+different persons from time to time; and, as Lee could gather from their
+whispering conversations, they were regularly employed on occasions like
+the present, and well rewarded by the British for their services. Their
+employment was full of danger; and though they seemed like desperate
+men, he could observe that they never remitted their precautions. They
+were concealed days in barns, cellars, caves made for the purpose, and
+similar retreats; and one day was passed in a tomb, the dimensions of
+which had been enlarged, and the inmates, if there had been any,
+banished to make room for the living. The burying-grounds were a
+favourite retreat, and on more occasions than one they were obliged to
+resort to superstitious alarms to remove intruders upon their path.
+Their success fully justified the experiment; and unpleasantly situated
+as he was, in the prospect of soon being a ghost himself, he could not
+avoid laughing at the expedition with which old and young fled from the
+fancied apparitions.
+
+"Though the distance of the Delaware was not great, they had now been
+twelve days on the road, and such was the vigilance and suspicion
+prevailing throughout the country, that they almost despaired of
+effecting their object. The conductor grew impatient, and Lee's
+companions, at least one of them, became ferocious. There was, as we
+have said, something unpleasant to him in the glances of this fellow
+towards him, which became more and more fierce as they went on; but it
+did not appear whether it was owing to circumstances, or actual
+suspicion. It so happened that, on the twelfth night, Lee was placed in
+a barn, while the rest of the party sheltered themselves in the cellar
+of a little stone church, where they could talk and act with more
+freedom; both because the solitude of the church was not often disturbed
+even on the Sabbath, and because even the proprietors did not know that
+illegal hands had added a cellar to the conveniences of the building.
+
+"Here they were smoking pipes with great diligence, and, at intervals
+not distant, applying a huge canteen to their mouths, from which they
+drank with upturned faces, expressive of solemn satisfaction. While they
+were thus engaged, the short soldier asked them, in a careless way, if
+they knew whom they had in their party. The others started, and took
+their pipes from their mouths to ask him what he meant. 'I mean,' said
+he, 'that we are honoured with the company of Capt. Lee, of the rebel
+army. The rascal once punished me, and I never mistook my man when I had
+a debt of that kind to pay.'
+
+"The others expressed their disgust at his ferocity, saying that if, as
+he said, their companion was an American officer, all they had to do was
+to watch him closely. As he had come among them uninvited, he must go
+with them to New York, and take the consequences; but meantime it was
+their interest not to seem to suspect him, otherwise he might give an
+alarm--whereas it was evidently his intention to go with them till they
+were ready to embark for New York. The other person persisted in saying
+that he would have his revenge with his own hand; upon which the
+conductor, drawing a pistol, declared to him that if he saw the least
+attempt to injure Capt. Lee, or any conduct which would lead him to
+suspect that his disguise was discovered, he would that moment shoot him
+through the head. The soldier put his hand upon his knife, with an
+ominous scowl upon his conductor; but he restrained himself.
+
+"The next night they went on as usual, but the manner of their conductor
+showed that there was more danger than before; in fact, he explained to
+the party that they were now not far from the Delaware, and hoped to
+reach it before midnight. They occasionally heard the report of a
+musket, which seemed to indicate that some movement was going on in the
+country.
+
+"When they came to the bank there were no traces of a boat on the
+waters. Their conductor stood still for a moment in dismay; but,
+recollecting himself, he said it was possible it might have been secured
+lower down the stream; and forgetting every thing else, he directed the
+larger soldier to accompany him. Giving a pistol to the other, he
+whispered, 'If the rebel officer attempts to betray us, shoot him; if
+not, you will not, for your own sake, make any noise to show where we
+are.' In the same instant they departed, and Lee was left alone with the
+ruffian.
+
+"He had before suspected that the fellow knew him, and now doubts were
+changed to certainty at once. Dark as it was, it seemed as if fire
+flashed from his eye, now he felt that revenge was within his power. Lee
+was as brave as any officer in the army; but he was unarmed; and though
+he was strong, his adversary was still more powerful. While he stood,
+uncertain what to do, the fellow seemed enjoying the prospect of
+revenge, as he looked on him with a steady eye. Though the officer stood
+to appearance unmoved, the sweat rolled in heavy drops from his brow.
+Lee soon took his resolution, and sprang upon his adversary with the
+intention of wresting the pistol from his hand; but the other was upon
+his guard, and aimed with such precision that, had the pistol been
+charged with a bullet, that moment would have been his last. But it
+seemed that the conductor had trusted to the sight of his weapons to
+render them unnecessary, and had therefore only loaded them with powder.
+As it was, the shock threw Lee to the ground; but fortunately, as the
+fellow dropped the pistol, it fell where Lee reached it; and as his
+adversary stooped, and was drawing his knife from his bosom, Lee was
+able to give him a stunning blow. He immediately threw himself upon the
+assassin, and a long and bloody struggle began. They were so nearly
+matched in strength and advantage, that neither dared unclench his hold
+for the sake of grasping the knife. The blood gushed from their mouths,
+and the combat would have probably ended in favour of the assassin--when
+steps and voices were heard advancing, and they found themselves in the
+hands of a party of countrymen, who were armed for the occasion, and
+were scouring the banks of the river. They were forcibly torn apart, but
+so exhausted and breathless that neither could make an explanation; and
+they submitted quietly to their captors.
+
+"The party of the armed countrymen, though they had succeeded in their
+attempt, and were sufficiently triumphant on the occasion, were sorely
+perplexed how to dispose of their prisoners. After some discussion, one
+of them proposed to throw the decision upon the wisdom of the nearest
+magistrate. They accordingly proceeded with their prisoners to his
+mansion, about two miles distant, and called upon him to rise and attend
+to business. A window was hastily thrown up, and the justice put forth
+his night-capped head, and with more wrath than became his dignity,
+ordered them off; and in requital for their calling him out of bed in
+the cold, generously wished them in the warmest place. However,
+resistance was vain: he was compelled to rise; and as soon as the
+prisoners were brought before him, he ordered them to be taken in irons
+to the prison at Philadelphia. Lee improved the opportunity to take the
+old gentleman aside, and told him who he was, and why he was thus
+disguised. The justice only interrupted him with the occasional inquiry,
+'Most done?' When he had finished, the magistrate told him that his
+story was very well made, and told in a manner very creditable to his
+address; and that he should give it all the weight it seemed to require.
+And Lee's remonstrances were unavailing.
+
+"As soon as they were fairly lodged in the prison, Lee prevailed on the
+jailor to carry a note to Gen. Lincoln, informing him of his condition.
+The general received it as he was dressing in the morning, and
+immediately sent one of his aids to the jail. That officer could not
+believe his eyes that he saw Capt. Lee. His uniform, worn-out when he
+assumed it, was now hanging in rags about him; and he had not been
+shaved for a fortnight. He wished, very naturally, to improve his
+appearance before presenting himself before the secretary of war; but
+the orders were peremptory to bring him as he was. The general loved a
+joke full well: his laughter was hardly exceeded by the report of his
+own cannon; and long and loud did he laugh that day.
+
+"When Capt. Lee returned to Lancaster, he immediately attempted to
+retrace the ground; and so accurate, under all the unfavourable
+circumstances, had been his investigation, that he brought to justice
+fifteen persons who had aided the escape of British prisoners. It is
+hardly necessary to say, to you who know the fate of revolutionary
+officers, that he received, for his hazardous and effectual service, no
+reward whatever."
+
+"A perilous adventure," observed Warner, as Kinnison concluded his
+narrative.
+
+"It was," replied Davenport. "It seems rather strange how Capt. Lee
+could so disguise himself and impose upon the enemy. But he knew a thing
+or two more than common men, and I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"The British had many useful friends in every part of the country,
+during the war, and were enabled to do many such deeds," remarked
+Colson.
+
+"Fill up, my friends, another glass of ale, and drink the health of
+Capt. Lee!" added Hand, rising. The company filled their glasses and
+drank the toast. The veterans were not as deep drinkers as their young
+and vigorous friends, and therefore they merely sipped their ale and sat
+it aside.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.
+
+
+"Speaking of brave men," observed Colson, "I suppose there is not one of
+the company who will doubt the bravery of Gen. Morgan, the hero of so
+many fields."
+
+"The man who does doubt it knows not what courage is," remarked Ransom,
+taking another sip of the ale.
+
+"Well, I'm going to tell you something about his bravery," said Colson.
+"Men have different ideas of that particular thing."
+
+"This 'thunderbolt of war,' this 'brave Morgan, who never knew fear,'
+was, in camp, often wicked and very profane, but never a disbeliever in
+religion. He testified that himself. In his latter years General Morgan
+professed religion, and united himself with the Presbyterian church in
+Winchester, Va., under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Hill, who
+preached in that house some forty years, and may now be occasionally
+heard on Loudon Street, Winchester. His last days were passed in that
+town; and while sinking to the grave, he related to his minister the
+experience of his soul. 'People thought,' said he, 'that Daniel Morgan
+never prayed;'--'People said old Morgan never was afraid;'--'People did
+not know.' He then proceeded to relate in his blunt manner, among many
+other things, that the night they stormed Quebec, while waiting in the
+darkness and storm, with his men paraded, for the word 'to advance,' he
+felt unhappy; the enterprise appeared more than perilous; it seemed to
+him that nothing less than a miracle could bring them off safe from an
+encounter at such an amazing disadvantage. He stepped aside and kneeled
+by the side of a cannon--and then most fervently prayed that the Lord
+God Almighty would be his shield and defence, for nothing less than an
+almighty arm could protect him. He continued on his knees till the word
+passed along the line. He fully believed that his safety during that
+night of peril was from the interposition of God. Again, he said, about
+the battle of the Cowpens, which covered him with so much glory as a
+leader and a soldier--he had felt afraid to fight Tarleton with his
+numerous army flushed with success--and that he retreated as long as he
+could--till his men complained--and he could go no further. Drawing up
+his army in three lines, on the hill side; contemplating the scene--in
+the distance the glitter of the advancing enemy--he trembled for the
+fate of the day. Going to the woods in the rear, he kneeled in an old
+tree-top, and poured out a prayer to God for his army, and for himself,
+and for his country. With relieved spirits he returned to the lines,
+and in his rough manner cheered them for the fight; as he passed along,
+they answered him bravely. The terrible carnage that followed the deadly
+aim of his lines decided the victory. In a few moments Tarleton fled.
+'Ah,' said he, 'people said old Morgan never feared;'--'they thought
+Morgan never prayed; they did not know;'--'old Morgan was often
+miserably afraid.' And if he had not been, in the circumstances of
+amazing responsibility in which he was placed, how could he have been
+brave?"
+
+[Illustration: GENERAL MORGAN.]
+
+"We seldom hear of a man admitting that he was ever afraid," observed
+Hand. "But the man who never knew fear must be possessed of a small
+degree of intelligence and no sense of responsibility; neither of which
+are creditable. Great generals, and soldiers, in all ages, have boasted
+of their freedom from dread under all circumstances. But it is a mere
+boast. Fear is natural and useful, and I have ever observed that the man
+of most fear is the man of most prudence and forecast."
+
+"Do you mean to say that the coward is the wisest man?" enquired
+Kinnison, in astonishment.
+
+"Oh, no. A coward is one who will not grapple with danger when he meets
+it, but shrinks and flies. A man who is conscious of dangers to be met,
+and feels a distrust of his own power to meet them, is a different sort
+of person," replied Hand.
+
+"Well, that's a very nice distinction," remarked one of the young men.
+
+"There's truth in what he says, however," said Ranson. "I have felt a
+fear of consequences many a time, yet I know that I am not a coward;
+for my conduct in the time of battle, and when death was hailing around
+me, proves it."
+
+"I can't see any distinction between a coward and a man of many fears,"
+remarked Davenport; "though, of course, I don't know enough of words to
+argue the point."
+
+"To make it clearer," replied Hand, "I will assert that Washington was a
+man fearful of consequences, and some of those who refused to go to the
+aid of the heroes of Bunker Hill were cowards."
+
+"It's all plain enough to me," observed Colson. But the rest of the
+company, by shakes of the head and meditative looks, indicated that the
+distinction was not perceptible to their mental vision.
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY.
+
+
+"Well now, my friends, I can tell you of a brave man who was not fearful
+enough to be prudent," observed Colson. "I allude to Gen. Herkimer. No
+man can dispute his courage; and it is clear that if he had possessed
+more fear of Indian wiles, he would not have fallen into an ambuscade."
+
+"Will you tell us about the battle in which he fell?" enquired Hand.
+
+"I was about to do so," replied Colson. "Brig. Gen. Herkimer was the
+commander of the militia of Tryon County, N.Y., when news was received
+that St. Leger, with about 2,000 men, had invested Fort Schuyler. The
+General immediately issued a proclamation, calling out all the
+able-bodied men in the county, and appointed a place for their
+rendezvous and a time for them to be ready for marching to the relief of
+Fort Schuyler.
+
+"Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to the relief of the
+garrison, and not being disposed to receive him in his camp, St. Leger
+detached a body of Indians and tories, under Brant and Col. Butler, to
+watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his march. The
+surrounding country afforded every facility for the practice of the
+Indian mode of warfare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were
+secure from observation, and to them they could retreat in case they
+were defeated. Finding that the militia approached in a very careless
+manner, Butler determined to attack them by surprise. He selected a
+place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles from the fort there
+was a deep ravine sweeping toward the east in a semicircular form, and
+having a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was
+marshy, and the road along which the militia were marching crossed it by
+means of a log causeway. The ground thus partly enclosed by the ravine
+was elevated and level. Along the road, on each side of this height of
+land, Butler disposed his men.
+
+"About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 1777, the Tryon
+County militia arrived at this place without any suspicions of danger.
+The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush,
+entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The advanced guard, with
+about two-thirds of the whole force, had gained the elevated ground, the
+baggage-wagons had descended into the ravine--Col. Fisher's regiment was
+still on the east side--when the Indians arose, and with a dreadful yell
+poured a destructive fire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely cut
+off. Those who survived the first fire were immediately cut down with
+the tomahawk. The horror of the scene was increased by the personal
+appearance of the savages, who were almost naked and painted in a most
+hideous manner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, and
+united at the causeway; thus dividing the militia into two bodies. The
+rear regiment, after a feeble resistance, fled in confusion, and were
+pursued by the Indians. They suffered more severely than they would have
+done had they stood their ground, or advanced to the support of the main
+body in front.
+
+"The latter course would have been attended with great loss, but might
+probably have been effected. The forward division had no alternative but
+to fight. Facing out in every direction, they sought shelter behind the
+trees and returned the fire of the enemy with spirit. In the beginning
+of the battle, the Indians, whenever they saw that a gun was fired from
+behind a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus firing before he
+had time to reload his gun. To counteract this, two men were ordered to
+station themselves behind one tree, the one reserving his fire until the
+Indian ran up. In this way the Indians were made to suffer severely in
+return. The fighting had continued for some time, and the Indians had
+begun to give way, when Major Watson, a brother-in-law of Sir John
+Johnson, brought up a reinforcement, consisting of a detachment of
+Johnson's Greens. The blood of the Germans boiled with indignation at
+the sight of these men. Many of the Greens were personally known to
+them. They had fled their country, and were now returned in arms to
+subdue it. Their presence under any circumstances would have kindled up
+the resentment of these militia; but coming up as they now did, in aid
+of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most bitter feelings of
+hostility. They fired upon them as they advanced, and then rushing from
+behind their covers, attacked them with their bayonets, and those who
+had none, with the butt end of their muskets. This contest was
+maintained, hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens made a
+manful resistance, but were finally obliged to give way before the
+dreadful fury of their assailants, with the loss of thirty killed upon
+the spot where they first entered. Major Watson was wounded and taken
+prisoner, though afterwards left upon the field.
+
+"In this assault Col. Cox is said to have been killed; possessing an
+athletic frame, with a daring spirit, he mingled in the thickest of the
+fight. His voice could be distinctly heard, as he cheered on his men or
+issued his orders, amid the clashing of arms and the yells of the
+contending savages.
+
+"About one o'clock, Adam Helmer, who had been sent by Gen. Herkimer with
+a letter to Col. Gansevoort, announcing his approach, arrived at the
+fort. At two o'clock, Lieut. Col. Willet, with 207 men, sallied from the
+fort for the purpose of making a diversion in favour Gen. Herkimer, and
+attacked the camp of the enemy. This engagement lasted about an hour,
+when the enemy were driven off with considerable loss. Col. Willet
+having thrown out flanking parties, and ascertained that the retreat
+was not feigned, ordered his men to take as much of the spoil as they
+could remove, and to destroy the remainder. On their return to the fort,
+above the landing, and near where the old French fort stood, a party of
+200 regular troops appeared, and prepared to give battle. A smart fire
+of musketry, aided by the cannon from the fort, soon obliged them to
+retreat, when Willet returned into the fort with his spoil, and without
+the loss of a single man. A part of that spoil was placed upon the walls
+of the fortress, where it waved in triumph in sight of the vanquished
+enemy.
+
+"This timely and well-conducted sally was attended with complete
+success. A shower of rain had already caused the enemy to slacken their
+fire, when finding by reports that their camp was attacked and taken,
+they withdrew and left the militia in possession of the field.
+
+"The Americans lost in killed nearly 200, and about as many wounded and
+prisoners; they carried off between 40 and 50 of their wounded. They
+encamped the first night upon the ground where old Fort Schuyler was
+built.
+
+"Among the wounded was Gen. Herkimer. Early in the action his leg was
+fractured by a musket-ball. The leg was amputated a few days after, but
+in consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, and want of
+skill in his surgeons, mortification ensued, and occasioned his death.
+On receiving his wound, his horse having been killed, he directed his
+saddle to be placed upon a little hillock of earth and rested himself
+upon it. Being advised to choose a place where he would be less
+exposed, he replied, 'I will face the enemy.' Surrounded by a few men he
+continued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, and in
+the heat of the battle, he very deliberately took from his pocket his
+tinder-box and lit his pipe, which he smoked with great composure. He
+was certainly to blame for not using greater caution on his march, but
+the coolness and intrepidity which he exhibited when he found himself
+ambuscaded, aided materially in restoring order and in inspiring his men
+with courage. His loss was deeply lamented by his friends and by the
+inhabitants of Tryon County. The Continental Congress, in October
+following, directed that a monument should be erected to his memory, of
+the value of five hundred dollars. But no monument was ever erected."
+
+"I will face the enemy," said Kinnison, repeating the words of the brave
+Herkimer.
+
+"Heroic words. But the General should have possessed more prudence. He
+had lived long enough in the neighbourhood of the Indians to know their
+mode of warfare, and he should have sent out rangers to reconnoitre his
+route," remarked Colson.
+
+"However," observed Kinnison, "the enemy didn't get off whole-skinned. I
+have heard that they had more than 200 killed. It was a hard-fought
+battle, and considering all circumstances, no men could have behaved
+better than our militia did. You see, young men, after they recovered
+from the confusion of the first attack, they found they had no
+ammunition save what they had in their cartouch-boxes. Their
+baggage-wagons were in possession of the enemy, and they could get no
+water, which was in great demand in such warm weather. To fight five or
+six hours under such circumstances was certainly noble conduct."
+
+"Another point is to be taken into consideration. The enemy were much
+superior in numbers," said Colson.
+
+"Of course; that's very important," replied Ranson.
+
+"I suppose there was little mercy shown by either party. There was too
+much hateful fury," said Hand.
+
+"You're right," remarked Colson. "Few tories received quarters from the
+militia, and fewer of the militia asked it of the tories."
+
+"Herkimer should have been more cautious. Though a brave soldier, we
+cannot consider him a good commander," said Pitts.
+
+"Nay, I think he was a good commander, friend Pitts," replied Hanson.
+"He was cool-headed and skilful in the hottest battle; and because he
+neglected sending out scouts on one occasion, you should not conclude
+that imprudence was part of his character."
+
+"But a commander, acquainted with Indian warfare, as Herkimer was, must
+be considered imprudent if he neglects such a common precaution as
+sending out scouts," observed Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+"Well, we won't argue the matter now. It's getting late, and we had
+better break our company," said Warner.
+
+"But first we'll have a toast and a song," replied Hand. "Fill your
+glasses, friends. Heaven knows if we may ever meet again; and your
+company has been too amusing and instructive for us to part suddenly."
+
+"The ale has made me feel very drowsy," said Kinnison.
+
+"But you may sip our toast. Gentlemen, this is the Fourth of July; and
+surely it becomes us, as Americans, to toast the memory of the men who,
+on this day, pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred
+honors for the support of our independence. I therefore propose, 'The
+memory of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. May the
+brightness of their fame endure as long as patriotism and the love of
+freedom burn in the breasts of mankind!'" exclaimed Hand. This was drunk
+standing, and a short silence ensued.
+
+Hand now proposed that they should have a song, and remarked that he
+knew one appropriate to the occasion, which he would sing, if the old
+soldiers were not too weary to listen. Of course, they expressed it to
+be their pleasure that he should sing it, and he proceeded. "The song,"
+said he, "is called 'The Last Revolutionary.'" The words were as
+follows:--
+
+
+    O! where are they--those iron men,
+      Who braved the battle's storm of fire,
+    When war's wild halo fill'd the glen,
+      And lit each humble village spire;
+    When hill sent back the sound to hill,
+    When might was right, and law was will!
+
+    O! where are they, whose manly breasts
+      Beat back the pride of England's might;
+    Whose stalwart arm laid low the crests
+      Of many an old and valiant knight;
+    When evening came with murderous flame,
+    And liberty was but a name?
+
+    I see them, in the distance, form
+      Like spectres on a misty shore;
+    Before them rolls the dreadful storm,
+      And hills send forth their rills of gore;
+    Around them death with lightning breath
+    Is twining an immortal wreath.
+
+    They conquer! God of glory, thanks!
+      They conquer! Freedom's banner waves
+    Above Oppression's broken ranks,
+      And withers o'er her children's graves;
+    And loud and long the pealing song
+    Of Jubilee is borne along.
+
+    'Tis evening, and December's sun
+      Goes swiftly down behind the wave,
+    And there I see a gray-haired one,
+      A special courier to the grave;
+    He looks around on vale and mound,
+    Then falls upon his battle-ground.
+
+    Beneath him rests the hallow'd earth,
+      Now changed like him, and still and cold;
+    The blood that gave young freedom birth
+      No longer warms the warrior old;
+    He waves his hand with stern command,
+    Then dies, the last of Glory's band.
+
+
+"A very good song, but a very mournful subject," observed Kinnison. "And
+now, friends, we'll part."
+
+"The carriages are at the door," said one of the young men, as the party
+arose and prepared to descend. The kindest and best wishes were
+exchanged between the old and young men; and over and over again were
+promises made to meet the next year, if possible. At length, the
+veterans were assisted to descend the stairs. When they reached the
+door, they found a crowd collected round it. The sound of the fife and
+drum had drawn these people there, and hearing that the survivors of the
+Tea-party were in the house, they had become very anxious to see them.
+As soon as the old men appeared, they jostled around them, and it was
+with much difficulty that they were safely placed in the carriages by
+their young friends. Hand and his comrades at last bade the veterans an
+affectionate farewell, and the carriages drove away amid cheers given by
+the crowd for "The Boston Tea-party."
+
+
+
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diff --git a/15938-8.zip b/15938-8.zip
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+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Yankee Tea-party , by Henry C. Watson</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+/*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+<!--
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Yankee Tea-party , by Henry C. Watson</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: The Yankee Tea-party </p>
+<p>       Or, Boston in 1773</p>
+<p>Author: Henry C. Watson</p>
+<p>Release Date: May 29, 2005  [eBook #15938]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY ***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>E-text prepared by Bruce Thomas<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    from images provided by the Internet Archive<br />
+    and the University of Florida</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="10" style="background-color: #ccccff;">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+         Images of the original pages are available through the Florida
+         Board of Education, Division of Colleges and Universities,
+         PALMM Project, 2001. (Preservation and Access for American and
+         British Children's Literature, 1850-1869.) See<br />
+         <a href="http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.jpg">
+         http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.jpg</a>
+         <br />
+         or<br />
+         <a href="http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.pdf">
+         http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.pdf</a>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2><i>Lindsay &amp; Blakiston's Publications.</i></h2>
+
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<b>THE YOUNG AMERICAN'S LIBRARY;</b><br />
+A USEFUL AND ATTRACTIVE SERIES OF BOOKS FOR<br />
+
+YOUNG PEOPLE:<br />
+
+EMBRACING EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY,<br />
+AND LIVES OF ITS DISTINGUISHED MEN.<br />
+
+Written with much care, and in an entertaining and instructive manner.<br />
+WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF IMPORTANT EVENTS, AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED
+TITLE PAGES.<br />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="book list">
+<tr><td><h3>LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Franklin as a Tallow Chandler.<br />
+Franklin at the Printing Press.<br />
+Franklin's first Arrival in Philadelphia.<br />
+Franklin acting as his own Porter.<br />
+The Philadelphia Library, founded by Franklin.<br />
+Franklin attracting Lightning from the Clouds.<br />
+Franklin Signing the Declaration of Independence.<br />
+Franklin as a Statesman.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF GENERAL WASHINGTON.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Washington at Eighteen.<br />
+Washington Crossing the Allegheny.<br />
+Surrender of Cornwallis.<br />
+A View of Mount Vernon.<br />
+Washington Crossing the Delaware.<br />
+Washington at Valley Forge.<br />
+The Washington Family.<br />
+The Tomb of Washington.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF LAFAYETTE.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Lafayette as Commander of the National Guard.<br />
+Lafayette Offering his Services to Washington.<br />
+Lafayette at the Battle of Brandywine.<br />
+Battle of Monmouth.<br />
+Lafayette's Final Interview with Washington.<br />
+Lafayette's Arrival at New York.<br />
+Triumphal Arch at Philadelphia.<br />
+Lafayette's Tomb.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF WILLIAM PENN.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Portrait of William Penn.<br />
+Penn receiving Instruction from his Mother.<br />
+Penn receiving a Visit from his Mother in Prison.<br />
+Penn Landing at Chester.<br />
+Visit to the Indian Country.<br />
+Penn's Treaty with the Indians.<br />
+Penn's Cottage. Laetitia Court.<br />
+Penn's Residence at Philadelphia.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF MARION.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Marion as a Trooper.<br />
+The Last Shot.<br />
+Marion and the Raw Recruits.<br />
+Sergeant McDonald and the Tory.<br />
+The Famous Potato Dinner.<br />
+Colonel Campbell taken Prisoner.<br />
+Macdonald's Message to Colonel Watson.<br />
+Mrs. Motte and the Bow and Arrows.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF DANIEL WEBSTER.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Young Daniel at the Saw Mill.<br />
+Webster Fishing at Fryburg.<br />
+Webster Declining the Clerkship.<br />
+Webster Expounding the Constitution.<br />
+The Bunker Hill Celebration.<br />
+Webster at Faneuil Hall.<br />
+Marshfield, the Residence of Webster.<br />
+Webster on his Farm.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF HENRY CLAY.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Henry Clay the Statesman.<br />
+The Village School.<br />
+The Birthplace of Clay.<br />
+The Mill Boy of the Slashes.<br />
+The Debating Society.<br />
+Bolivar Reading Clay's Speech to the Army.<br />
+The Residence of Mr. Clay.<br />
+The Torchlight Procession.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">A Portrait of Jackson.<br />
+Jackson's Presence of Mind.<br />
+Jackson's Narrow Escape.<br />
+Jackson and the Acorns.<br />
+Jackson as Judge.<br />
+Jackson and the Indian Prisoners.<br />
+The Battle of New Orleans.<br />
+Jackson at the Hermitage.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Napoleon's Snow Fortress.<br />
+The Battle of the Pyramids.<br />
+Napoleon's Retreat from Russia.<br />
+Napoleon's Return from Elba.<br />
+The Bridge of Arcola.<br />
+The Battle of Marengo.<br />
+Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz.<br />
+Napoleon Drawing a Plan of Attack.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY,<br />
+AND OTHER STORIES OF THE REVOLUTION.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">The Boston Tea-Party.<br />
+Hezekiah Wyman.<br />
+Mr. Bleeker and his Son.<br />
+Tarleton Breaking the Horse.<br />
+Lee's Legion.<br />
+Seizure of the Bettys.<br />
+Exhibit of Colonel McCain.<br />
+General Morgan.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />THE OLD BELL OF INDEPENDENCE,<br />
+OR PHILADELPHIA IN 1776.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">The Old State House Bell.<br />
+Washington's Prayer for the Dying Soldier.<br />
+Defeat of the Skinners at Deadman's Lake.<br />
+The Story of the Half-Breed.<br />
+The Outlaws of the Pines.<br />
+The Battle of the Kegs.<br />
+Capture of General Prescott.<br />
+Riley going to the Place of Execution.<br /><br /></td></tr>
+
+
+<tr><td><h3><br /><br />LIFE OF GENERAL TAYLOR.</h3></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><h4>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Portrait of General Taylor.<br />
+Defence of Fort Harrison.<br />
+Battle of Okee Chobee.<br />
+Capture of General La Vega.<br />
+The Streets of Monterey.<br />
+Capitulation of Monterey.<br />
+General Taylor Never Surrenders.<br />
+Charge of the Kentuckians at Buena Vista.<br /><br />
+</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<p>Each of these volumes is well written, in a high, moral tone by
+responsible authors, and contains numerous anecdotes, illustrative of
+the early and latter history of our country. The compact style in which
+these works are written, as well as their <i>low price</i>, make them well
+adapted for Family, School, or District Libraries.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Price per Volume, 56-1/4 Cents, Cloth gilt. In Setts, neatly done up
+in Boxes, $6&nbsp;75.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/04.png" width="620" height="939" alt="The Boston Tea-Party" /></p>
+
+<p class="center">THE YOUNG AMERICAN'S LIBRARY.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center">THE</p>
+
+<p class="center">YANKEE TEA-PARTY;</p>
+
+<p class="center">OR,</p>
+
+<p class="center">BOSTON IN 1773.</p>
+
+<p class="center">BY</p>
+
+<p class="center">HENRY C. WATSON,</p>
+
+<p class="center">AUTHOR OF &quot;THE CAMP-FIRES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
+&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center">&quot;THE OLD BELL OF INDEPENDENCE,&quot; ETC. ETC.</p>
+
+<p class="center">With Illustrations.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<p class="center">PHILADELPHIA:</p>
+
+<p class="center">LINDSAY AND BLAKISTON.</p>
+
+<p class="center">1851</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>In explanation of the plan of this work, it may be stated, that such an
+occasion as that upon which the outline events happened seemed to us
+most proper for the object in view. A Fourth of July festival in the old
+rendezvous of the Boston Tea-party is surely well calculated to excite
+patriotic feeling; and when to those who participated in the festival
+are added a number of the veterans of the War of Independence, filled
+with glorious recollections, the effect is to turn the mind to the
+admiration and veneration of the men and deeds of the &quot;trying time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>No event excites more interest among Americans than the destruction of
+the tea in Boston harbour. Then and there, the unconquerable resolution
+of freemen was first made apparent to the obstinate oppressors of our
+infant country. Yet, until of late years, the history of the affair was
+very imperfectly known, and the names of the men who participated in it
+scarcely mentioned. In these pages will be found a faithful account of
+this glorious exploit, and, in connection with the other narratives, it
+is hoped it will kindle in the breasts of young readers an enthusiasm
+for liberty and a love of heroic excellence.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<div class="center"><table summary="contents">
+ <colgroup>
+   <col align="left" />
+   <col />
+   <col align="right" />
+ </colgroup>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_BOSTON_TEA_PARTY"><b>INTRODUCTION.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                               13</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_LEBANON_CLUB"><b>THE LEBANON CLUB.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">                        17</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_SKIRMISH_AT_LEXINGTON"><b>THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">           25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#FIGHT_AT_CONCORD"><b>FIGHT AT CONCORD.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                         31</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#FIFERS_STORY"><b>FIFER'S STORY.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                             43</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#ARNOLDS_EXPEDITION"><b>ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                 46</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_EXPEDITION_AGAINST_TICONDEROGA"><b>THE EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA.</b></a><br />  </td><td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td align="right">  63</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#PUTNAMS_ESCAPE"><b>PUTNAM'S ESCAPE.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                      70</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_BATTLE_OF_BENNINGTON"><b>THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">            75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CAPTURE_OF_GENERAL_SULLIVAN"><b>THE CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">         88</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_PATRIOTISM_OF_MRS_BORDEN"><b>THE PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">            97</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_ESCAPE_OF_CAPTAIN_PLUNKETT"><b>THE ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">          99</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_TREASON_OF_RUGSDALE"><b>THE TREASON OF RUGSDALE.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                 103</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CRUELTY_OF_TARLETON"><b>THE CRUELTY OF TARLETON.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">                  118</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#LEES_LEGION"><b>LEE'S LEGION.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">                       120</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_ATTACK_ON_GENERAL_WAYNE"><b>THE ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">            134</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_MUTINY_AT_MORRISTOWN"><b>THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">           137</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_TREASON_OF_BETTYS"><b>THE TREASON OF BETTYS.</b></a><br />   </td><td></td><td align="right">             147</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_BATTLE_OF_BUNKERS_HILL"><b>THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">         153</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#EXPLOITS_OF_PETER_FRANCISCO"><b>EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">        160</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_EXPLOIT_OF_COL_ALLAN_MLEAN"><b>THE EXPLOIT OF COL. ALLAN M'LEAN.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">    164</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_ADVENTURE_OF_MAJOR_LEE"><b>THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">          168</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#GENERAL_DANIEL_MORGAN"><b>GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.</b></a><br /> </td><td></td><td align="right">              179</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_BATTLE_OF_ORISKANY"><b>THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">                183</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CONCLUSION"><b>CONCLUSION.</b></a><br />  </td><td></td><td align="right">                        190</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center">THE</p>
+
+<h2><a name="THE_BOSTON_TEA_PARTY" id="THE_BOSTON_TEA_PARTY"></a>BOSTON TEA PARTY;</h2>
+
+<p class="center">OR,</p>
+
+<h3>THE YANKEES OF 1773.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 25%;" />
+
+<h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Those who have been associated in the performance of any deed of valor
+or patriotism ever feel attracted to each other by an influence stronger
+and nobler than that of friendship. The daring patriots who joined in
+resistance to the tyrannizing might of Britain, were men pledged to die
+rather than betray each other, and to maintain their rights while they
+could lift the sword or aim the musket; and that pledge made them look
+upon each other in after years, when the storm of war was hushed and
+security dwelt at the fireside, as brothers whom no petty cause could
+sunder nor ill report make foes. These remarks apply, especially, to
+those who first threw themselves into the breach, and resolved that, if
+the British ministry would adopt such measures as the stamp act, their
+execution should be resisted and become difficult, and if such measures
+were passed as the act taxing tea, coffee, and the comforts of life,
+that the tea should never be landed, and thus prove a loss to its
+owners. The men who threw the tea into Boston harbor were patriots
+united by a sense that union was necessary for the salvation of liberty;
+and they were attracted to each other by the same influence during the
+bloody struggle which succeeded. What wonder, then, that they loved to
+meet in after years, to wish each other health and happiness, and chat
+over the stirring events in which they had participated, and to which
+their first bold deed was as the spark to dry hay, kindling to a fierce
+blaze the ready seeds of war.</p>
+
+<p>It was the fourth of July in Boston. Throughout the city which cradled
+the Revolution, the anniversary of the birth of the free and happy
+United States of America was celebrated with rejoicings unknown to the
+shackled people of monarchical countries. Meetings were held in various
+parts of the city, patriotic and democratic speeches made, bells rung,
+cannons fired, pistols, crackers, and fireworks of all descriptions
+discharged, toasts drank, and festivities of all kinds indulged. The
+soldiers paraded the streets with fine bands discoursing most excellent
+music, and followed by the usual crowd. Bunker Hill was the scene of a
+large patriotic meeting, and the events of the 'trying time' were again
+and again recounted with much enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>But a more unusual and far more interesting meeting occurred in Boston,
+about a quarter of a mile from the wharf known ever since the
+commencement of the Revolution as Griffin's Wharf. In the upper room of
+an old and somewhat dilapidated tavern were assembled a party of old and
+young men&mdash;the representatives of two generations. Three of the old men
+were the remaining members of the famous Lebanon Club; the first liberty
+club formed in the colonies, and the one which designed and executed the
+project of destroying the tea at Boston. They had come from various
+parts of the country, upon agreement, to meet once more in the house
+where the disguised members of the club had met on the evening of the
+sixteenth of December, 1773. The names of the old patriots were David
+Kinnison, Adam Colson, and Lendall Pitts. Five other veterans had joined
+the party by invitation, together with half-a-dozen young men who had
+arranged the meeting and paid all expenses, with a view of passing the
+Fourth of July in a novel and interesting manner.</p>
+
+<p>A well-laden table extended the whole length of the room, and flags,
+banners, and appropriate emblems and devices, were hung on the walls.
+There was no formal organization, as at public festivals, no president
+elected, and no list of toasts prepared. It was intended to be a
+sociable gathering. No band of well-arranged and harmonized instruments
+appeared, but old Jacob Brown and old Samuel Hanson, a fifer and a
+drummer of the continental army, occasionally stirred the hearts and
+fired the eyes of the company with the music which had nerved the
+patriots of Bunker's Hill and Bennington. Each of the veterans sat in an
+arm-chair at the table, the young men being distributed among them so as
+to wait upon them occasionally, and show them every attention.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kinnison, though not the oldest man of the company, looked as if he
+had seen the hardest service, and received the hardest buffets of Time.
+His features bespoke a strong and energetic mind, and his eye was full
+of fire and activity. His hair was grey and bushy, partly covering a
+large scar on his high forehead. He had evidently been a man of powerful
+frame, but was now bent with the weight of years, and service. The other
+veterans appeared to be generally of the same age, and to have seen hard
+toil and service. The fifer was the most remarkable of the party. In
+spite of his age and white hair, his puffed cheeks and the sly twinkle
+of his eyes gave him a kind of jolly, frolicsome appearance, which would
+indicate that age could not chill the humor of his heart.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_LEBANON_CLUB" id="THE_LEBANON_CLUB"></a>THE LEBANON CLUB.</h2>
+
+
+<p>When the company were fairly seated at the table, Mr. Kinnison opened
+the conversation by asking the young men if they had ever heard any
+account of the Lebanon Liberty Club. They replied they had heard of the
+club, but never any definite account.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; said Mr. Kinnison, &quot;I can tell you something about it. Mr.
+Pitts, Mr. Colson, and myself, were members of a club consisting of
+seventeen men, living at Lebanon, up here in Maine. Most of us were
+farmers. We knew what them folks over the river were aiming at, and we
+knew that there was no use of dallying about matters. Our rights were to
+be untouched, or there must be a fight. So, you see, we Lebanon men
+resolved to form a club, to consider what was to be done, and to do
+accordingly. We hired a room in the tavern of Colonel Gooding, and held
+regular meetings at night. The colonel was an American of the right
+color, but we kept our object secret, not even letting him into it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If it isn't too much trouble, Mr. Kinnison, we should like you to tell
+us all about what the club had to do with the tea-party, and how that
+affair was conducted,&quot; said one of the young men, named Hand, filling
+the veteran's plate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He can tell you much better than any one else,&quot; remarked Mr. Pitts. &quot;I
+can vouch for the bold part he took in it, and he has a better memory
+than the rest of us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No flattery, Pitts,&quot; returned Mr. Kinnison. &quot;My memory 's bad enough,
+and as for taking such a bold part in that tea-party, it's all nonsense.
+If there was a leader, you was the man. But I'll tell these young men
+all I know of the affair, and what the Lebanon Club had to do with it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take some of this beef, Mr. Brown?&quot; interrupted Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Much obliged, sir, but beef is rather too tough for my gums,&quot; replied
+the old fifer. &quot;I'll try something else.&quot; Mr. Kinnison went on with his
+narrative.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, the seventeen men of our club determined, whether we were aided
+or not, to destroy the tea which the East India Company had sent to
+Boston. The plan was soon formed, as it always is when men are
+determined to do a thing. We wanted no captain&mdash;each man could command
+for himself. We resolved to disguise ourselves in Mohawk dresses, and
+carry such arms as would enable us to sell our lives pretty dearly; we
+also pledged ourselves never to reveal the names of any of the party
+while there was danger in it. We expected to have a fight anyhow, and
+the first man who faltered was to be thrown overboard with the tea. We
+came to Boston and found the people ripe for the deed. A great meeting
+was to be held at the old South Meeting-house, and we concluded to wait
+and see what would be done there. We lodged at this tavern, and held our
+councils up in this room. Well, there was a tremendous meeting at the
+Old South, and most of us were there to help to keep up the excitement,
+and to push our plan if a chance appeared. Young Quincy made a speech
+that stirred the people, and made them ready for anything which would
+show their spirit. The people voted with one voice that the tea should
+not be landed. We saw how things were going, came back to the tavern,
+put on our Mohawk dresses, and returned to the meeting. Pitts succeeded
+in getting into the church just about dusk and raising the war-whoop. We
+answered outside. Then Pitts cried out, 'Boston harbor a tea-pot
+to-night!'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; exclaimed Pitts, brandishing his knife above his head, &quot;and 'hurra
+for Griffin's Wharf!'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The crowd echoed Griffin's Wharf,&quot; continued Kinnison, &quot;and hurried
+towards that place. Our men joined together, returned to the tavern, got
+our muskets and tomahawks, and collected about seventy men together,
+armed with axes and hatchets. Then we pushed for the wharf where the
+East Indiamen, loaded with the tea, were lying. Let me see!&mdash;The ships
+were called the Dartmouth, the&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Eleanor, and the Beaver,&quot; prompted Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver,&quot; continued Kinnison.
+&quot;You see, my memory 's weak. Well, when we reached the wharf, there was
+a crowd of people near it. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the
+British squadron was not more than a quarter of a mile distant&mdash;so, you
+see, there was a little risk. We didn't halt long. Pitts led the way on
+board the Dartmouth, and we followed, musket and tomahawk in hand.
+Nobody offered any show of fighting for the tea. We cut open the
+hatches, and some of the men went down and passed up the chests, while
+others cut 'em open and emptied the green stuff into the water. The crew
+of the vessel were afeard to stir in stopping us, for we told 'em we'd
+shoot the first man who interfered. I tell you, there was quick work
+there. When we had cleared that ship of the tea, we hurried off to the
+others, Pitts still leading the way, and did the same kind of work for
+them. The people began to crowd on the wharf, and some of 'em came to
+help us. I guess there was about a hundred and fifty of us on the third
+ship, all hard at work passing up the chests, cutting 'em open and
+spilling the tea. Within two hours, about three hundred and fifty chests
+of the tea were thus destroyed. The crowd cheered us once in a while,
+and we knew we'd have friends enough if the red-coats attempted to
+attack us. When we had emptied the last chest that could be found, we
+gave three of the loudest cheers and gained the wharf. A drummer and
+fifer were ready, as Mr. Brown and Mr. Hanson can inform you, and we
+formed a procession and marched up to this tavern. Here the crowd gave
+our band of Mohawks cheer after cheer ond then dispersed. But we didn't
+intend to end the night's work so quietly. We had a supper prepared just
+where we are now eating, and Josiah Quincy and some other big men came
+to join us. We made a night of it, I tell you. Pitts, I think, got very
+drunk, so many wanted to drink with such a bold patriot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Pitts was rather disposed to deny the assertion that he was actually
+drunk; but Kinnison and Colson said it was a fact, and he, at length,
+admitted that he was considerably excited, perhaps beyond the command of
+his reason. The company laughed at this 'getting around the stump,' and
+one of the young men proposed that Pitts' health should be drank in a
+glass of ale. The beverage was ordered and the health of the patriot
+drank with a hearty relish. The work of demolishing the eatables then
+went bravely on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Kinnison,&quot; said Mr. Colson, &quot;there's one incident concerning that
+tea-party that has slipped your memory. As our procession moved from the
+wharf and passed the house of the tory Coffin, Admiral Montague raised
+the window, and said, 'Ah! boys, you have had a fine evening for your
+Indian caper; but mind, you've got to pay the fiddler yet!' Pitts here
+shouted, 'Oh! never mind, never mind, squire! Just come out, if you
+please, and we'll settle that bill in two minutes!' The people shouted,
+and the admiral thought he had better put his head in in a hurry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's true,&quot; remarked Kinnison. &quot;Well, you see, my memory is poor.
+Pitts would have mentioned it but for his modesty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I recollect it well,&quot; said Pitts. &quot;If that tory Coffin had shown his
+face that night, I wouldn't have given three cents for his life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I would have had a slash at him,&quot; observed Kinnison. &quot;I felt as
+savage as a Mohawk on a war-path.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't want to interrupt your eating, Brown and Hanson,&quot; said Colson,
+&quot;but couldn't you stir us up a little with the drum and fife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; added young Hand, who seemed to be the general mouth-piece of the
+younger portion of the company, &quot;give us the air you played when you
+marched up from Griffin's Wharf.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No objection,&quot; replied Hanson. &quot;Come, Brown, get out your whistle.
+There's a little music left in it yet, I know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The old fife was soon produced, and the drum also; and moving their
+chairs a short distance from the table, the veteran musicians struck up
+the stirring air of the old Massachusetts Song of Liberty, once so
+popular throughout the colonies, and supposed to have been written by
+Mrs. Warren.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurra!&quot; exclaimed Hand, when the musicians had concluded. &quot;Three cheers
+for the music and the musicians!&quot; and three cheers were given quite
+lustily by the young men, and some of the old ones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a copy of that Song of Liberty,&quot; said Hand. &quot;Here it is, with
+the music. I'll sing it and you must all join in the chorus.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good!&quot; said Kinnison, and the others echoed him. Hand then sang the
+following words, the young men joining in the chorus, and, occasionally,
+some of the veterans attempting to do likewise.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come swallow your bumpers, ye tories, and roar,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That the Sons of fair Freedom are hamper'd once more;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But know that no cut-throats our spirits can tame,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor a host of oppressors shall smother the flame.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, and, like sons of the brave,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Will never surrender,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">But swear to defend her,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And scorn to survive, if unable to save.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our grandsires, bless'd heroes, we'll give them a tear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor sully their honors by stooping to fear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Through deaths and through dangers their trophies they won,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We dare be their rivals, nor will be outdone.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let tyrants and minions presume to despise,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Encroach on our rights, and make freedom their prize;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The fruits of their rapine they never shall keep,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though vengeance may nod, yet how short is her sleep!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The tree which proud Haman for Mordecai rear'd</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Stands recorded, that virtue endanger'd is spared;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That rogues, whom no bounds and no laws can restrain.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must be stripp'd of their honors and humbled again.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our wives and our babes, still protected, shall know,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Those who dare to be free shall forever be so;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On these arms and these hearts they may safely rely,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For in freedom we'll live, or like heroes we'll die.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ye insolent tyrants! who wish to enthrall;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ye minions, ye placemen, pimps, pensioners, all;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How short is your triumph, how feeble your trust!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your honor must wither and nod to the dust.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When oppress'd and approach'd, our king we implore,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Still firmly persuaded our rights he'll restore;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When our hearts beat to arms to defend a just right,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our monarch rules there, and forbids us to fight.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not the glitter of arms, nor the dread of a fray</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Could make us submit to their claims for a day;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Withheld by affection, on Britons we call,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Prevent the fierce conflict which threatens your fall.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All ages shall speak with amaze and applause</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of the prudence we show in support of our cause;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Assured of our safety, a Brunswick still reigns,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whose free loyal subjects are strangers to chains.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To be free is to live, to be slaves is to fall;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Has the land such a dastard as scorns not a lord,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who dreads not a fetter much more than a sword?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">In freedom we're born, &amp;c.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>The song was much applauded for its spirit, and some of the young men
+wanted to give three more cheers, but Hand said they were already making
+too much noise, and their enthusiasm cooled.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_SKIRMISH_AT_LEXINGTON" id="THE_SKIRMISH_AT_LEXINGTON"></a>THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Now,&quot; observed Hand, &quot;I should like to hear some account of how things
+went on during the war. We are all in the right mood for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could talk enough to fill whole books about the war,&quot; replied
+Kinnison; &quot;but I want to hear Mr. Pitts and Mr. Colson, and the rest of
+the old men, spend a little breath for our amusement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Kinnison was in the fight at Lexington, and all the principal
+battles in the Northern States during the war. I think he could interest
+you more than I,&quot; said Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll make an agreement with you,&quot; remarked Kinnison. &quot;If I tell you all
+I know of that skrimmage at Lexington, one of you must follow me.&quot; The
+agreement was settled, and Kinnison commenced his narrative of how the
+first blow of the Revolution was given.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You see, after that tea scape, and the quarrels with the red-coat
+troops in Boston, the people of Massachusetts, and, in fact, of nearly
+all New England, began to see that there was no way of upholding their
+rights but by war, and they accordingly began to arm and practise
+military tactics. The fife and drum were to be heard every day all
+around the country. In our village we collected a company of about
+thirty men. My father, and two brothers, Samuel and James, and myself,
+joined the company, and we used to parade and drill every day. A bold
+and knowing fellow, named Jonathan Williams, was our captain. Well,
+early in the fall of 1774, we heard the news that Gage had fortified
+Charlestown Neck, and sent some troops to seize the gunpowder at
+Cambridge. This roused our mettle, and we set into drilling and learning
+manoeuvres with more zeal. At one time a rumor reached us that the
+British fleet had bombarded Boston, and, I tell you, the men did turn
+out. Some of them wanted to march right down to Boston. Everywhere the
+people were crying 'to arms! to arms!' and we thought the war had
+commenced, sure enough; but it didn't just then. However, there was
+about thirty thousand men on the march to Boston, and they wouldn't turn
+back until they found the report was a hoax. Soon after, the Provincial
+Congress met, and they ordered that a large body of minute-men should be
+enrolled, so as to be prepared for any attack. The people of our
+province took the matter into their own hands, and organized a body of
+minute-men without orders. Our company was included. We were all ready
+for fight, but were determined that the red-coats should strike the
+first blow; so we waited through the winter. In March, Gage saw that
+great quantities of powder and balls were taken out of Boston into the
+country, in spite of his guard on the Neck. Every market wagon, and
+every kind of baggage, was stowed with ammunition. He then sent a party
+of troops to Salem to seize some cannon and stores our men had placed
+there; but Colonel Pickering, with a few men, made such a show, that the
+red-coats marched back again, without accomplishing their object. Our
+chief deposit of stores was at Concord, up here about twenty miles from
+Boston; and when our militia-general found that Gage was sending out
+parties to sketch the roads, with the aim of getting our stores into his
+hands, he sent word to our company to be on hand, and, if we could, to
+come up near Concord. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and all of our other
+big men, left Boston and went to Lexington, to keep the people moving
+and ready for an attack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dr. Warren stayed in Boston,&quot; interrupted Pitts, &quot;to keep the others
+informed of the movements of the red-coats.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; continued Kinnison; &quot;the royals, as Deacon Slocum used to call
+'em, didn't hate Warren as much as they did John Hancock and the
+Adamses. Well, when Captain Williams heard of what General Gage was
+after, he told us we had better be prepared to march at a minute's
+warning. Gage sent eight hundred troops, under Colonel Smith and Major
+Pitcorn, on his rascally errand. They started from Boston about nine
+o'clock on the night of the eighteenth of April, never thinking that
+our men knew anything about it&mdash;but we were awake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a bit,&quot; said John Warner, one of the veterans who had not yet
+spoken. &quot;I'll tell you something. I was in Boston when the red-coats
+started, and knew that the country militia were ready to protect the
+stores. I was standing on the Common, talking to a few of my friends of
+my own politics, when I said rather loud, 'the British troops will miss
+their aim.' 'What aim?' inquired a person behind me. 'The cannon at
+Concord,' replied I as I turned to see who asked the question. The man
+was dressed in British uniform, and he walked away as I turned to look
+at him. One of my friends whispered to me that it was Lord Percy. Soon
+after, guards were set at every avenue, and nobody was allowed to leave
+the city.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose Lord Percy went to Gage and told him what he had heard,&quot;
+remarked Kinnison. &quot;It must have galled him a little to find they were
+so closely watched. Well, Captain Williams was first, aroused by the
+sound of the bells ringing and cannons firing on the Lexington road, and
+he ordered us out to march and join our friends near that place. It was
+a moonlight night, and we marched rapidly. When we got about half-way to
+Lexington, we met a man who told us that the minute-men of Lexington
+were out, but he didn't think there would be much of a fight. Captain
+Williams then thought it would be better for the company to march to
+Concord and help defend the stores, but said that a few of us might go
+to Lexington, and see now things went on. Accordingly, my brother
+Sam&mdash;a ripe fellow Sam was&mdash;and three others, and myself, were allowed
+to go to Lexington. We arrived there about half-past three in the
+morning, and found the bells ringing, cannons firing, and about a
+hundred minute-men drawn up in front of the meeting-house, waiting the
+approach of the enemy. We joined them, and placed ourselves under the
+orders of Captain Parker. Between four and five o'clock, we caught sight
+of the red-coats coming along the road, with Pitcorn at their head. I
+saw at once that we couldn't make much show against so many regulars,
+and I believe all our men thought the same; but we stood firm, with our
+loaded muskets in our hands. The red-coated troops were drawn up near
+the meeting-house, just opposite to us, and loaded their muskets. For a
+little while, it seemed as if neither party wanted to begin, and that we
+both knew a long war hung on the first fire. At last, Major Pitcorn and
+his officers rode forward, waving their swords and shouting, 'disperse,
+you villains&mdash;you rebels! why don't you disperse?' As we didn't stir,
+Pitcorn turned and ordered his troops to press forward and surround
+us.&mdash;Just then, a few scattering shots were fired at us, and we Lebanon
+men returned 'em at once. Then Pitcorn fired his pistol and gave the
+word 'fire,' and they did fire. Four of our men fell dead, and our Sam
+was wounded in the leg. We had to retreat, although I felt savage enough
+to fight 'em all myself; and so I fired my musket, and took hold of Sam,
+and helped him to get away with us. The red-coats continued to fire at
+us as we retreated, and some of our men paid 'em in the same coin. Two
+or three of the men were killed as they were getting over a stone fence,
+and Captain Parker, who wouldn't run, was killed with the bayonet. I
+hurried Sam into a house near by, saw him safe in the cellar, where the
+owner of the house said he would attend to him, and then joined the
+other Lebanon men, who were running towards Concord.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FIGHT_AT_CONCORD" id="FIGHT_AT_CONCORD"></a>FIGHT AT CONCORD.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;You must tell us what took place at Concord, also,&quot; said young Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly,&quot; replied Kinnison. &quot;Now, that I've got into the thing, I
+wouldn't mind telling you the whole war&mdash;but Concord will do for the
+present. Well, after a hard run, we reached Concord, and found the
+minute-men collecting from all quarters, and under the command of
+Colonel James Barrett. The women and children were hard at work removing
+the stores to a wood a considerable distance off. We joined Captain
+Williams, and told him there had been a skrimmage at Lexington, and that
+Sam was wounded. Colonel Barrett collected all the minute-men about the
+place, and drew 'em up in two battalions, on the hill in the centre of
+Concord. We had hardly formed, when we saw the red-coats coming up only
+about a quarter of a mile off. Our officers held a short council. Some
+were for making a bold stand where we were; but the greater number said
+it would be best to retreat till we were reinforced. Accordingly, the
+back-out advice was adopted, and we retreated over the North Bridge,
+about a mile from the common. I saw the royals come up and enter Concord
+in two divisions. Soon after, some of their companies took possession of
+the bridges, while the others hunted the stores. About sixty barrels of
+flour were broken open, a large quantity of cannon-balls thrown into the
+wells, the liberty-pole cut down, and the court-house set on fire. But
+the greater part of the stores were saved. In the meantime, the
+minute-men had come in from Acton, Carlisle, Weston, Littleton, and all
+around, and our force swelled to about four hundred men. I tell you,
+when the men saw the houses in Concord burning, they got a <i>leetle</i>
+excited&mdash;they did. Adjutant Hosmer made a speech to them, and they
+wanted to go right down and attack the red-coats at the North Bridge.
+Our company was very anxious to go, and it was settled that the attack
+should be made. Major John Buttrick took command, and ordered us to
+follow. There was about three hundred of us, the Acton company, under
+Captain Isaac Davis, taking the lead. We marched in double file, with
+trailed arms. I felt anxious to have a good fire at the rascals. They
+were on the west side of the river; but when they saw us coming, they
+crossed over and commenced pulling up the planks of the bridge. Major
+Buttrick called out to them to quit, and told us to hurry on to save the
+bridge. The red-coats formed for action, and, when we were near the
+bridge, fired a few shots at us. Captain Davis and Adjutant Hosmer were
+killed, and one Acton man wounded. Davis and Hosmer were both brave
+men, and they died like heroes. Seeing these men fall, Major Buttrick
+called out, 'Fire, for God's sake, men, fire!' and we did pour a volley
+into the redcoats. I brought down one man, and he never got up again. We
+were getting ready to give them another, when the cowards retreated. We
+found three of the enemy had been killed, and the Acton company took
+several of the wounded prisoners. I saw a mere boy, with a hatchet in
+his hand, run up to a Britisher who wasn't quite dead, and kill him with
+one blow. That I didn't like, though the boy's spirit and courage
+pleased me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was butchery,&quot; said Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So it was,&quot; replied Kinnison; &quot;and it caused a report to be spread that
+we killed and scalped all the men who fell into our hands. As I said, I
+didn't like it; but we had no time for thinking. The enemy saw how fast
+our men were coming in from all quarters, for, by that time, the whole
+province was aroused, and they thought it would be best to think of
+getting back to Boston. Well, they started from Concord about twelve
+o'clock. As the main body marched along the road, the flanking parties
+tried to cover them, but it was of little use. We followed, and kept
+picking off men from their rear, while it seemed as if there was a
+minuteman behind every fence or tree by the road. We didn't march under
+any regular orders, but each man tried to do all he could with his
+musket. I and two or three other Lebanon men kept together, and managed
+to pick off some men at every by-road. At one time, we just escaped the
+attack of a flanking party who killed some of the militia a short
+distance from us. We lay concealed in the bushes till they went by, and
+then followed them up as before. At two or three points, some companies
+of minute-men attacked the enemy in the open field, and killed a
+considerable number of them. When they reached Lexington they were
+almost worn out, and could not have marched much farther. Just then, we
+saw a large reinforcement of the red-coats, under Lord Percy, coming
+along the Roxbury road, and we had to hold off awhile. You ought to have
+seen those royals, how they lay stretched on the ground, with their
+tongues hanging out of their mouths. I got on the top of a stone barn,
+and saw Percy's men form a hollow square about Smith's troops, in order
+to protect them while they got a little breath. But they could not halt
+long. The woods were swarming with minute-men; and, if they waited,
+their retreat would have been cut off. Well, they started again, and our
+men followed as before, picking off men from the flanks and rear. At
+West Cambridge, we met Dr. Warren with a party of our men, and attacked
+the enemy boldly. But their bayonets kept us off, and we only roused 'em
+so much that they plundered and burnt some houses along the road, and
+butchered some women and children. Well, after a hard struggle, the
+enemy reached Charlestown, and then General Heath called us from the
+pursuit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've read,&quot; remarked Mr. Hand, &quot;that the British loss during that day
+was nearly three hundred&mdash;that is, including wounded and prisoners.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It amounted to that, at least,&quot; replied Kinnison; &quot;and our loss was
+less than one hundred men. I think the royals got a taste of our spirit
+that day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's a man can tell you something about the retreat of the enemy,&quot;
+said Pitts, pointing to one of the old men, named Jonas Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Jonas; &quot;I know a little about it. I lived near Lexington. My
+house stood on the road. I joined the minute-men when I heard of the
+comin' of the British troops, and left my wife and two children home,
+under the care of my father, then about sixty. I told 'em to keep as
+quiet as possible and they would be safe. Well, as I said, I joined the
+minute-men, and, when the rascals retreated from Concord, followed and
+did some execution with my firelock. But one of 'em shot me in the
+shoulder, and I couldn't point my gun any more. I waited till the enemy
+had got a considerable distance on the road towards Boston, and then
+managed to reach my house&mdash;but such a house as I found it! The windows
+were broken in, the doors torn off their hinges, and the furniture
+broken and thrown about in heaps. I called for my father and wife, but
+received no reply. I crawled up stairs, for I was nearly exhausted from
+loss of blood, and there I found my father and oldest child stretched on
+the floor dead. The old man had his gun still clenched in his hand, and
+he had, no doubt, done the enemy some damage with it. But his face was
+beaten in, and he had two or three bayonet stabs in his breast. The
+little boy had been shot through the head. I was a pretty tough-hearted
+man, but I fainted at the sight; and, when I came to myself, I found my
+wife and the youngest child bending over me crying. How they did hug and
+kiss me when they saw me revive! I think I did as much to them, for I
+never expected to see them alive. My wife told me that the old man would
+fire at the British as they were passing the house, and some of them
+stopped, broke open the doors, and knocked the things about. The old man
+and the little boy ran up stairs, while my wife and the other child ran
+from the house towards a neighbor's. As she ran away, she heard the
+muskets fired, but couldn't stop, as she thought the rascals were after
+her. She had returned as soon as she knew they were far on the road. I
+didn't grieve long; but sent her for the doctor at Lexington to dress my
+wound. Boys, boys, I've made many a red-coat pay for the lives of that
+old man and child. I hated them enough before, but that day's work made
+me all gall!&quot; The memory of gratified revenge lighted up the old man's
+eyes as he spoke. He was a man of stern spirit, and no thought that such
+revenge was wrong ever crossed his mind.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell you folks of something more about that retreat from
+Concord,&quot; continued Davenport. &quot;The story is generally known up around
+the country here, but some of you may not have heard it. It's about old
+Hezekiah Wyman, who gained the name of 'Death on the pale horse.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I heard the story, and saw the old man on his white horse,&quot; remarked
+Kinnison; &quot;but it will interest the young men, no doubt&mdash;so drive on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/36.png" width="620" height="878" alt="HEZEKIAH WYMAN" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you see,&quot; began Davenport, &quot;the window of old Hezekiah Wyman's
+house looked out on the ground where the British shot our men at
+Lexington. The old man saw the whole affair, and it made him so savage
+that he vowed to revenge his countrymen if he fell in doing it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Wife,' said he, 'is there not an old gun-barrel somewhere in the
+garret.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I believe there was,' said she; 'but pray what do you want with it?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I should like to see if it is fit for service,' replied he. 'If I am
+not mistaken, it is good enough to drill a hole through a rig'lar.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Mercy on me, husband! are you going mad? An old man like you&mdash;sixty
+years last November&mdash;to talk of going to war! I should think you had
+seen enough of fighting the British already. There lies poor Captain Roe
+and his men bleeding on the grass before your eyes. What could you do
+with a gun?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The old man made no reply, but ascended the stairs, and soon returned
+with a rusty barrel in his hands. In spite of his wife's incessant din,
+he went to his shop, made a stock for it, and put it in complete order
+for use. He then saddled a strong white horse, and mounted him. He gave
+the steed the rein, and directed his course toward Concord. He met the
+British troops returning, and was not long in perceiving that there was
+a wasp's nest about their ears. He dashed so closely upon the flank of
+the enemy that his horse's neck was drenched with the spouting blood of
+the wounded soldiers. Then reining back his snorting steed to reload,
+he dealt a second death upon the ranks with his never-failing bullet.
+The tall, gaunt form of the assailant, his grey locks floating on the
+breeze, and the color of his steed, soon distinguished him from the
+other Americans, and the regulars gave him the name of 'Death on the
+pale horse.' A dozen bullets whizzed by his head, when he made the first
+assault, but, undismayed, the old patriot continued to prance his gay
+steed over the heads of the foot-soldiers&mdash;to do his own business
+faithfully, in the belief that, because others did wrong by firing at
+him, it would be no excuse for him to do wrong by sparing the hireling
+bullies of a tyrannical government. At length, a vigorous charge of the
+bayonet drove the old man, and the party with which he was acting, far
+from the main body of the British. Hezekiah was also out of ammunition,
+and was compelled to pick up some on the road, before he could return to
+the charge. He then came on again and picked off an officer, by sending
+a slug through his royal brains, before he was again driven off. But
+ever and anon, through the smoke that curled about the flanks of the
+detachment, could be seen the white horse of the veteran for a
+moment&mdash;the report of his piece was heard, and the sacred person of one
+of his majesty's faithful subjects was sure to measure his length on
+rebel ground. Thus did Hezekiah and his neighbors continue to harass the
+retreating foe, until the Earl Percy appeared with a thousand fresh
+troops from Boston. The two detachments of the British were now two
+thousand strong, and they kept off the Americans with their artillery
+while they took a hasty meal. No sooner had they again commenced their
+march, than the powerful white horse was seen careering at full speed
+over the hills, with the dauntless old yankee on his back.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ha!' cried the soldiers, 'there comes that old fellow again, on the
+white horse! Look out for yourselves, for one of us has got to die, in
+spite of fate.' And one of them did die, for Hezekiah's aim was true,
+and his principles of economy would not admit of his wasting powder or
+ball. Throughout the whole of that bloody road between Lexington and
+Cambridge, the fatal approaches of the white horse and his rider were
+dreaded by the trained troops of Britain, and every wound inflicted by
+Hezekiah needed no repeating. But on reaching Cambridge, the regulars,
+greatly to their comfort, missed the old man and his horse. They
+comforted themselves by the conjecture that he had, at length, paid the
+forfeit of his temerity, and that his steed had gone home with a bloody
+bridle and an empty saddle. Not so.&mdash;Hezekiah had only lingered for a
+moment to aid in a plot which had been laid by Amni Cutter, for taking
+the baggage-waggons and their guards. Amni had planted about fifty old
+rusty muskets under a stone wall, with their muzzles directed toward the
+road. As the waggons arrived opposite this battery, the muskets were
+discharged, and eight horses, together with some soldiers, were sent out
+of existence. The party of soldiers who had the baggage in charge ran to
+a pond, and, plunging their muskets into the water, surrendered
+themselves to an old woman, called Mother Barberick, who was at that
+time digging roots in an adjacent field. A party of Americans recaptured
+the gallant Englishmen from Mother Barberick, and placed them in safe
+keeping. The captives were exceedingly astonished at the suddenness of
+the attack, and declared that the yankees would rise up like musketoes
+out of a marsh, and kill them. This chef d'oeuvre having been concluded,
+the harassed soldiers were again amazed by the appearance of Hezekiah,
+whose white horse was conspicuous among the now countless assailants
+that sprang from every hill and ringing dale, copse and wood, through
+which the bleeding regiments, like wounded snakes, held their toilsome
+way. His fatal aim was taken, and a soldier fell at every report of his
+piece. Even after the worried troops had entered Charlestown, there was
+no escape for them from the deadly bullets of the restless veteran. The
+appalling white horse would suddenly and unexpectedly dash out from a
+brake, or from behind a rock, and the whizzing of his bullet was the
+precursor of death. He followed the enemy to their very boats; and then,
+turning his horse's head, returned unharmed to his household.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Where have you been, husband?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Picking cherries,' replied Hezekiah&mdash;but he forgot to say that he had
+first make cherries of the red-coats, by putting the pits into them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That old man was sure death,&quot; remarked Kinnison. &quot;I knew the old fellow
+well. He had the name of being one of the best shots around that part of
+the country. I should never want to be within his range.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The old man immortalized himself,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It served the 'tarnal rascals right,&quot; observed Hanson. &quot;They only
+reaped what they had sown. War's a horrible matter, altogether, and I
+don't like it much; but I like to see it done up in that old man's
+style, if it is done at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to have seen that royal officer that said he could march
+through our country with three regiments,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;If he was
+with Smith and Pitcorn that day, he saw there was a little of the
+bulldog spirit in the Yankees.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think,&quot; observed Pitts, &quot;we might have that old, heart-firing,
+arm-moving tune called Yankee Doodle. Come, Brown, pipe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; replied Brown, &quot;that tune came out of this here fife
+naturally&mdash;almost without my blowing it. For some time, I couldn't work
+anything else out of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, pipe and drum the old tune once more,&quot; cried Colson; and it was
+piped and drummed by Brown and Hanson in the real old continental style.
+The effect on the company was electric. Knives, and forks, and feet,
+kept time to the well-known music. Some of the old men could scarcely
+restrain themselves from attempting a cheer, and the young men felt
+themselves stirred by a feeling of patriotism they had scarcely known
+before. The spirit of 1775 dwelt in the music, and, as the quick notes
+started from fife and drum, visions of farmers leaving the plough in the
+furrow and shouldering the rusty and unbayoneted firelock&mdash;of citizens
+leaving their business and homes to grasp the sword and gun&mdash;of
+stout-hearted, strong-armed minute-men, untrained to war's manoeuvres,
+marching and battling with the well-disciplined, war-schooled, and
+haughty Britons, made confident by a more than Roman career of
+victory&mdash;and of the glorious fight at Breed's Hill&mdash;came to the minds of
+all present. Three cheers were given, when the musicians had concluded,
+for the tune itself, and three more for those who had played it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More ale,&quot; called out Hand, and more ale was brought; and then Hand
+proposed as a toast&mdash;&quot;The memory of the men who fell on the 19th of
+April, 1775.&quot; This was drank standing, and a short pause ensued.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="FIFERS_STORY" id="FIFERS_STORY"></a>FIFER'S STORY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Now,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;I expect that some of you men who know something
+about them times shall keep your promise of following my story.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you a story,&quot; replied Brown, the fifer. &quot;P'raps some of you
+won't swallow it; but it's all fact, and that you'll find if you choose
+to hunt for the papers. It's chiefly about me and my fife, and Hanson
+and his drum.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pipe away, Brown,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you see,&quot; began Brown, &quot;Hanson and I were drummer and fifer in
+Colonel Brooks' regiment, at Saratoga, and we were in the battle of
+Stillwater, fought on the nineteenth of September. I'm not going to
+'spin a yarn,' as the sailors say, in the way of an account of that
+battle, for that has been said and sung often enough. It is sufficient
+for me to say, that it was the hardest fought, and the bloodiest battle
+that ever I saw, and Hans n and I were in the thickest of it, where the
+bullets were hailing. Our regiment suffered a good deal in the way of
+losing men, and I saw many an old friend fall near me. But at dusk, when
+most of the Americans were ordered to camp, I and Hanson were unhurt.
+Colonel Brooks kept the field when the other officers retired with their
+forces. Some of the men of his regiment were tired and grumbled, but he
+wanted to show the enemy that they had gained no advantage over us, and
+that our spirits were as strong as when the day's work commenced. This
+conduct you might have expected from what you have heard of Brooks'
+character. He was all game&mdash;Brooks was. One of those whip or die men,
+that are not to be found everywhere. Well, as I said, our regiment
+remained on the field, and finally got into a skirmish with some of the
+German riflemen. We knew they were German riflemen by the brass
+match-cases on their breasts. In this skirmish, a ball struck me on the
+hand, went through it, and knocked my fife clear away beyond our flank.
+Well, I couldn't part with my Yankee Doodle pipe in that way, without
+trying to get hold of it again. So I told Hanson, and he put down his
+drum, and proposed that we should go and get it; and we did go out
+together, while the balls were whizzing round our ears, and got the
+pipe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold on, Brown,&quot; interrupted Kinnison. &quot;Wasn't it a dark night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; replied Brown; &quot;but we saw where the fife lay, by the quick
+flashes of the guns. Didn't we, Hanson?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; it's a fact,&quot; replied the drummer; &quot;and when we returned, I found
+a couple of balls had passed through the heads of my drum.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I told you I thought you wouldn't swallow it,&quot; observed Brown; &quot;but
+here's the fife, and here's the mark where the ball passed through my
+hand.&quot; Brown exhibited the scar, and doubt seemed to be set at rest.
+Kinnison, however, shook his head, as if unsatisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There wasn't a great deal in the mere going after the fife at such a
+time,&quot; continued the fifer, &quot;but I thought I'd mention it, to give you
+an idea of Hanson's spirit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well,&quot; remarked Hand, &quot;we are satisfied now that both Mr. Brown
+and Mr. Hanson are really men of spirit.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="ARNOLDS_EXPEDITION" id="ARNOLDS_EXPEDITION"></a>ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Davenport,&quot; said one of the young men, &quot;won't you entertain us with
+an account of something you saw or joined in, or did yourself, during
+the war?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Were any of you at Quebec, with Arnold and Montgomery?&quot; inquired one of
+the veterans who had been an attentive and silent listener to the
+preceding narratives.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I accompanied Colonel Arnold on the expedition up the Kennebec,&quot;
+replied Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then tell us about it, won't you?&quot; eagerly exclaimed one of the young
+men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, Davenport, tell us about it,&quot; added Kinnison. &quot;I've never heard
+anything I could depend on about that march through the wilderness. Old
+Joe Weston tried to give me an account of it; but his memory was very
+weak, and he hadn't the knack of talking so that a person could
+understand him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you see,&quot; began Davenport, &quot;I was livin' up here on the Lexington
+road, when I hear that General Washington had planned an expedition to
+Canada by way of the Kennebec and the wilderness north of it, and that
+Colonel Arnold had been appointed to command the troops who were to
+undertake it. I was preparing to join the army at Cambridge; but I
+thought that Arnold's expedition would suit me better than staying in
+camp around Boston. So I furnished myself with many little knick-nacks,
+shouldered my musket, and started off to offer my services. They placed
+me in one of the companies of Major Bigelow's battalion. I believe there
+was about eleven hundred men, in all, under Arnold's command, who
+marched from Cambridge to Newburyport. There we embarked on board of
+eleven transports, and, on the nineteenth of September, sailed for the
+Kennebec. I must confess, I didn't like the idea of starting so late in
+the year, because I knew we'd meet with some of the coldest kind of
+weather before we reached Canada; but I had to be satisfied. At the end
+of two days, we had entered the Kennebec and reached the town of
+Gardiner. The only accident we had met with was the grounding of two of
+our transports; but we got them off without much difficulty. I forgot to
+mention, however, that two hundred carpenters had been sent up the
+river, before we started from Cambridge, with orders to build two
+hundred batteaux at Pittston, opposite Gardiner. Well, when we arrived
+at that place, we found the batteaux ready, and immediately transferred
+our baggage and provisions to them, and pushed up the river to Fort
+Western. At that place our real work was to commence. Colonel Arnold
+knew a great deal about the route, and he had undertaken it because he
+knew what he had to encounter, and how much glory he would win if he
+succeeded; but we men, who were to work and suffer most, knew nothing
+about the route; except that it was through a wilderness where few white
+men had set foot. Before the army started from Fort Western, two small
+parties were sent forward to survey and reconnoitre the route as far as
+Lake Megantic and the Dead River. Next, the army began to move in four
+divisions. Morgan and his riflemen went first; next day, Green and
+Bigelow, with three companies; next day, Meigs, with four companies; and
+the next day, Colonel Enos, with the three other companies. You see, the
+divisions started a day apart, so as to prevent any difficulty in
+passing rapids and falls. Colonel Arnold waited to see all the troops
+embarked, and then passed the whole line till he overtook Morgan. On the
+fourth day after our party&mdash;that is, Green and Bigelow's&mdash;started from
+Fort Western, we arrived at Norridgewock Falls. You may recollect, there
+used to be a tribe of Indians called the Norridgewocks, who had a
+village near these falls. I saw the plain where the village stood, and
+the ruins of the church which was destroyed by Captain Moulton during
+the war with the tribe. At the falls, all the batteaux had to be taken
+out of the river and transported a mile and a quarter by land. You may
+suppose, there was some work about that part of the journey. The banks
+on each side of the river were very rugged and rocky; and we had to
+carry the greater part of our baggage on our backs. One half of the
+party helped the oxen to draw the boats up to the place where they were
+to be put into the water again. We found some of the boats were leaky,
+and a great deal of the provisions damaged, which was a matter of
+importance, as you will see when I get farther on in my story. We were
+seven days in passing round that fall and repairing our boats. During
+those seven days, we worked as I had never seen men work before; and,
+strangely enough, there were very few grumblers in our party. We joked
+and sang lively songs, even during the hardest labor; and I got into a
+much better humor than I was in when I started. We had an Irishman,
+named Jim O'Brien, in our mess, who was one of the best hearted and
+quickest-witted chaps I ever encountered; and we had a friend of his,
+named Murtough Johnson, who was as dull and blundering as O'Brien was
+keen and ready. So, you see, with O'Brien's jokes and Johnson's blunders
+we had something to amuse us. I recollect, at one time, we were pushing
+our boat up on the bank clear of the water, and Johnson handled his pole
+so clumsily that he fell into the river. O'Brien hauled him out after he
+had a severe ducking in rather cold water. The officers worked as hard
+as the men. Every sinew and muscle was brought into use. Colonel Arnold
+seemed to be ever active, cheering on the men, and often lending his
+hand to aid them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What sort of a looking man was Arnold at that time?&quot; inquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was then about thirty-five years old,&quot; replied Davenport; &quot;of the
+middle size, and rather stout, his face was rather handsome; but there
+was an iron look about his mouth that many a man would not like; his
+eyes were of a dark grey, and full of fire and restlessness. He seemed
+never to be satisfied unless he was moving about and doing something.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Exactly as I knew him,&quot; remarked Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; said Davenport, &quot;I'll return to my story. At the end of seven
+days we were ready to move on; and we soon arrived at the Carratunc
+Falls, where there was another portage. We got round that, however,
+without much difficulty. The banks were more level and the road not so
+long; but the work afterwards was tough. The stream was so rapid that
+the men were compelled to wade and push the batteaux against the
+current. There was a little grumbling among us, and quite a number of
+the men deserted. Two days after reaching the Carratunc Falls, we came
+to the Great Carrying Place. There work was to begin to which all our
+other work was play. The Great Carrying Place extended from the Kennebec
+to the Dead River, about fifteen miles, and on the road were three small
+ponds. Before we took our batteaux out of the water of the Kennebec, we
+built a block-house on its banks, as a depository for provisions, so as
+to secure a supply in case of retreat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought you said you had no extra quantity of provisions,&quot; said
+Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I did,&quot; replied Davenport. &quot;We did not intend to leave any of our
+provisions at the block-house. It was built as a repository for
+supplies ordered up from Norridgewock. Well, we took the boats out of
+the water, and took most of the baggage and provisions out of the boats,
+and toiled up a steep, rocky road for more than three miles to the first
+pond. There the boats were put into the water, and we had a short rest.
+We caught plenty of fresh salmon-trout in the pond, and Colonel Arnold
+ordered two oxen to be killed and divided among us, as a sort of treat.
+At the second portage we built another block-house for the sick. At that
+time I felt sick and worn out myself, but I couldn't think of stopping,
+so I kept my sufferings hidden as much as I could from everybody but
+O'Brien, who did all he could to help me. After crossing the last pond,
+we had several marshes and deep ravines to cross. Sometimes we had to
+wade up to the knees in mud and water, carrying heavy bundles of baggage
+on our shoulders, and in constant danger of sinking into deep mud holes.
+Ha! ha! I recollect, O'Brien, Johnson and myself were toiling along
+through one of the marshes, Johnson a short distance behind, when
+O'Brien and I heard a yell and a cry of 'Och, murther!' The yell, I
+thought might have come from a savage, but the 'Och, murther!' I knew
+never could. O'Brien's quick eye soon discovered what was the cause of
+it, and I followed him back. There we found Johnson, up to his neck in
+mud and water, yelling for help to get out of the bloody dirt. I was the
+first to grasp his hand, but in pulling, my foot slipped, and I fell in
+alongside of Johnson. O'Brien was more careful; he got on the baggage
+that Johnson and I had thrown down, and by great exertions, dragged us
+both out; but in such a condition&mdash;covered with mud from head to foot.
+Of course, O'Brien and I laid it all on Johnson's blundering. O'Brien
+said he believed Johnson's birth was a blunder of nature, she had
+regretted ever since; and that if he fell into a mudhole again, he
+should stick there. Johnson admitted that he was thinking of home when
+he fell into the dirty place; he was just kissing his darlin' Mary when
+his foot slipped. Well, we shouldered our wet baggage, and waded on to
+the rest of the party, and soon after, we reached Dead River. This river
+seemed to have a smooth current, broken by two or three little falls,
+and we thought we could have quite an easy progress. The boats were
+easily pushed along, and the men got the rest they wanted. As we were
+going slowly along the river, we discovered a high mountain, the summit
+of which appeared to be whitened with snow. Near the base of the
+mountain we found Arnold, with the two first divisions, encamped. We
+were all very glad to see a camp once more and enjoyed it, I tell you,
+as much as a good meal after a hard day's work. On the day after the
+arrival of our party, Colonel Arnold raised the pine-tree flag over his
+tent, the men firing a salute and giving three cheers, as soon as it was
+raised. On the same day, Major Bigelow went up to the top of the
+mountain, expecting to see the spires of Quebec. But he weren't a Moses;
+he didn't see the promised land. After that, I believe the people gave
+the Major's name to the mountain. Ninety men were sent back to the rear
+for provisions which now began to grow scarce. It began to rain before
+we left the encampment, and it rained the best part of three days; every
+man and all the baggage were drenched with water. Morgan and Arnold,
+with the first and second divisions had gone ahead, and we followed. One
+night, we landed at a rather late hour, and were trying to get a little
+rest, when we were awaked by the freshet, which came down upon us in a
+torrent; O'Brien waked Johnson and myself just in time to allow us to
+get out of the way. The water arose to a great height, covering the low
+grounds on each side of the river, and the current became very rapid. As
+the batteaux moved on they would get entangled among the drift wood and
+bushes. Sometimes we wandered from the main stream into the branches,
+and then we would have to fall back into the proper course. The number
+of falls seemed to increase as we advanced, and of course, there was a
+portage at every one. I was almost worn out with toil and sickness, yet
+I was sustained by the hope of succeeding in the expedition, and of
+doing some injury to the enemy before I died. You know how an excited
+spirit will overcome weakness of body. At length a disaster happened to
+our party which almost checked the expedition. By some bad management,
+and partly by accident, seven of our batteaux were overset; O'Brien,
+Johnson and myself were among the men thrown into the water, and we had
+a terrible time of it, clinging to the bottom of the batteaux. We pushed
+the boats ashore, and not a single man was drowned; but all the baggage
+and provisions in the boats were lost. That made such a breach in our
+provisions, that the boldest hearts began to be seized with despair. We
+were then thirty miles from the head of Chaudi&egrave;re river, and we had
+provisions for twelve days at the farthest. A council of war was held,
+and it was decided to send the sick and feeble men back, and press
+forward with the others. Colonel Arnold wrote to Colonel Greene and
+Colonel Enos, who were in the rear, to select such a number of their
+strongest men that could supply themselves with fifteen days'
+provisions, and to come on with them, leaving the others to return to
+Norridgewock. You know how Colonel Enos acted upon that order; he
+marched back to Cambridge, while Colonel Greene obeyed Colonel Arnold's
+instructions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;People have different opinions of that man's conduct,&quot; said Kinnison.
+&quot;For my part, I think he was a poor-spirited man, if not a coward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think so too,&quot; said Davenport. &quot;Although his court-martial acquitted
+him, General Washington, and other officers showed such dissatisfaction,
+that he resigned his commission.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind the shirk,&quot; said Pitts: &quot;tell us how the men of the right
+grit made out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; said Davenport, &quot;after Colonel Arnold had arranged his plans, he
+hurried forwards with sixty men, intending to proceed as soon as
+possible to the inhabitants on the Chaudi&egrave;re and send back provisions to
+the main body. When we started again, the rain had changed to snow,
+which fell two inches deep. Ice formed on the surface of the water
+through which we were forced to wade and drag the boats. You may talk
+about suffering at Valley Forge, but I tell you it was no kind of
+circumstance to what we men endured. We were cold, hungry and tired all
+the time, and yet we couldn't rest, for fear of starvation in the
+wilderness. I always think my living through it all was owing to
+O'Brien's care and his trying to keep me in good spirits. Poor fellow!
+he met his death at Quebec. I'll never forget him. The man who could
+forget such service at such a time would be a blot upon the name of
+humanity.&quot; Davenport paused, as if indulging mournful memory, and then
+proceeded. &quot;Near the source of the Dead River, we had to pass through a
+string of small lakes, choked with drift-wood and rocks. So it seemed as
+if we met greater difficulty at every step of our advance. At last we
+reached the four-mile carrying place, from the Dead River to the stream
+that leads into Lake Megantic. We took the batteaux out of the water and
+dragged and carried them over the highlands till we reached the little
+stream, which conducted us by a very crooked course into Lake Megantic.
+I began to think our toils and dangers would soon be over, and of course
+worked with a light heart. At the Lake, we found Lieutenant Steel and
+the exploring party which had been sent forward to explore and clear the
+path at the portages. The night after our party entered the Lake, we
+encamped on the eastern shore, where a large Indian wigwam that appeared
+as if it had been used for a council, served to shelter us from the cold
+winds. Colonel Arnold ordered Hanchet and fifty men to march by land
+along the shore of Chaudi&egrave;re River, and he, himself, embarked with
+Captain Oswald, Lieutenants Steel and Church and thirteen men,
+determined to proceed as soon as possible to the French inhabitants, and
+send back provisions to the army. This was the only plan to save the men
+from starvation. You see the Chaudi&egrave;re is a rough rapid river, the water
+in some places boiling and foaming over a rocky bottom. The baggage had
+to be lashed to the boats. Arnold's party fell among the rapids. Three
+of the boats were overset, dashed to pieces against the rocks and their
+contents swallowed up by the waves. Six men struggled for some time in
+the water, but were saved. That accident turned out to be a lucky one,
+for no sooner had the men dried their clothes and re-embarked, than one
+of them, who had gone forward, cried out 'a fall ahead,' and thus the
+whole party was saved from destruction. Soon after we entered the
+Chaudi&egrave;re we worked round several falls and kept clear of the rapids for
+a while; but it couldn't last. We lost boats here and there, till we
+hadn't enough to carry the men and what baggage we had with us, and so
+we took to the land, and began our march through the woods along the
+banks of the river. Now a kind of suffering began, which we hadn't
+dreamed of when we started, but which we had been expecting before we
+lost our boats. We had to drag ourselves along, over rocks and ravines
+and through thick underwood, with starvation staring us in the face. I
+had never been a hearty feeder, and could bear the want of provisions
+better than those in good health and who had accustomed themselves to
+cramming. But poor Johnson fainted several times on the march, and
+O'Brien suffered more than he would tell. Every thing eatable was at
+length entirely used. Several dogs, generally favourites of their
+owners, had been killed and entirely devoured, even to the entrails.
+O'Brien, Johnson and myself boiled our moccasins, to see if any
+nourishment could be drawn from the deer-skin. But the skins were dry.
+It seemed as if we were doomed to starvation. No game of any kind
+appeared, and even the eatable roots were not to be found. I remember
+seeing a party of men, Johnson among them, discover a well-known root in
+the sand and rush for it as if it had been a diamond. The man who got it
+devoured it instantly, though at any other time it would have made him
+sick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wonder how those men would have acted if they had met such a loaded
+table as this in the woods,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Acted!&quot; said Davenport. &quot;Like wolves, whose bellies had been pinched
+with hunger for a week. You may judge from what I tell you. As we were
+marching slowly through the woods, a set of ragged skeletons, the
+foremost of the party caught sight of some Canadians and Indians coming
+towards us, with great packages and bundles which we knew were the
+provisions sent by Colonel Arnold. There was a perfect yell of joy, and
+the whole party rushed towards them. But Major Bigelow and his officers
+kept the men off from the food, at the sword's point. The food was then
+distributed in very small quantities to each man. How it disappeared! I
+venture to say that ten minutes after the men received their shares,
+they had devoured them all. The Canadians and Indians were ordered to
+keep enough provisions for the other troops, who were fed as they came
+up. At last we caught sight of the French settlement of Sertigan, where
+Colonel Arnold had arrived some days before. The people came out to
+receive us; but they wondered at us as if we were more than men. They
+offered us plenty of food and clothing, and took care of the sick.
+Within four or five days, the whole army was collected by small parties
+at Sertigan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What was the number of the troops who arrived safe?&quot; enquired Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;About five hundred and fifty men, I suppose,&quot; replied Davenport. &quot;The
+rest had either gone back with Enos, deserted, or been left at the
+block-house, sick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How long did the expedition occupy?&quot; enquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;About two months,&quot; replied Davenport. &quot;For thirty-two days we traversed
+a dreary wilderness without meeting a human being.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was a great feat, and the men who performed it are entitled to high
+renown,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Many of them afterwards became distinguished,&quot; said Davenport. &quot;Morgan,
+Dearborn, Meigs, Febiger, Greene and others were known to the enemy in
+after years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hand now proposed three cheers for the men of Arnold's expedition
+and three more for Mr. Davenport, both of which propositions were acted
+upon in the heartiest manner by the young men. Mr. Hand then said he had
+a song to sing to the tune of &quot;Ye Mariners of England.&quot; It was not his
+own composition; he had found it in print, and knowing the music,
+thought it would be acceptable. Being pressed to sing, he complied,
+singing the following words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ye freemen of Columbia,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who guard our native coast,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whose fathers won your liberty,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Your country's pride and boast;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your glorious standard rear again,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To match your ancient foe,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As she roars on your shores,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where the stormy tempests blow;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As she prowls for prey on every shore,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where the stormy tempests blow.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The spirits of your fathers</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall hover o'er each plain,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where in their injured country's cause</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The immortal brave were slain!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where bold Montgomery fearless fell,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where carnage strew'd the field,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In your might shall you fight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And force the foe to yield;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And on the heights of Abraham</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Your country's vengeance wield.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Columbia fears no enemy</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That ploughs the briny main;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Her home a mighty continent,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Its soil her rich domain!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To avenge our much-loved country's wrongs,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To the field her sons shall fly,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">While alarms sound to arms,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We'll conquer or we'll die.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When Britain's tears may flow in vain,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As low her legions lie!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Columbia's eagle standard</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Triumphant then shall tower,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Till from the land the foe depart,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Driven by its gallant power.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then, then, ye patriot warriors!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our song and feast shall flow,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And no more, on our shore,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall war's dread tempests blow;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the breeze of peace shall gently breathe,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Like the winds that murmur low.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>The song was well received by the company, who were not disposed to be
+critical. The drum and fife were then brought into play, Brown and
+Hanson, without entreaty, striking up, &quot;Come out, ye Continentallers.&quot;
+This rollicking tune called up such laughable associations, that one of
+the young men proposed that it should be sung. No one knew it entire,
+except Brown, the fifer, who had been the musician of his mess as well
+as of the company, and Brown complied with the repeated entreaties of
+the young men, singing the following ludicrous words in a cracked and
+weak remnant of a voice.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come out, ye continentallers!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We're going for to go</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To fight the red-coat enemy,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who're plaguy &quot;cute,&quot; you know.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now, shoulder whoop!&mdash;eyes right and dress&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Front!&mdash;Davis, wipe your nose&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Port whoop!&mdash;that's slick&mdash;now, carry whoop!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Mike Jones, turn out your toes.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Charge bagnet!&mdash;that's your sort, my boys:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Now, quick time!&mdash;march!&mdash;that's right;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Just so we'd poke the enemy,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If they were but in sight.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Halt!&mdash;shoulder whoop!&mdash;stop laughing, Nick&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By platoons, wheel!&mdash;halt&mdash;dress!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hold up your muzzles on the left;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No talking, more or less.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bill Sneezer, keep your canteen down,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We're going for to travel;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Captain, I wants to halt a bit,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">My shoe is full of gravel.&quot;</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ho&mdash;strike up music&mdash;for'ard march!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Now point your toes, Bob Rogers;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">See! yonder are the red-coat men&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Let fly upon 'em, sogers.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>This song was written in the early part of the revolutionary war to
+burlesque the meeting of the country militia, and afterwards became very
+popular. Although Brown had not much voice, he managed to give a correct
+and exceedingly laughable expression to the old song.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That may be all true enough of some of the country militia,&quot; said
+Robinson, &quot;but in our village, there was no such foolery. Regulars&mdash;and
+British ones at that&mdash;couldn't have gone through a better training, or a
+better rill. One of the British officers at Saratoga said that the New
+England militia were equal to regulars; and as far as marching up to
+cannons' mouths and driving back dragoons goes, I think they were,
+myself. You see, for a long time previous to the battle of Lexington, we
+had trainings all around the country, and some of our officers were men
+who had seen some hard service in the old French War. Why, just look at
+the men that Ethan Allen and Arnold led against Ticonderoga, as strong a
+place as was ever fortified in the northern states. There was not a
+bolder or better conducted enterprise in the whole war.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_EXPEDITION_AGAINST_TICONDEROGA" id="THE_EXPEDITION_AGAINST_TICONDEROGA"></a>THE EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Were either of you in the expedition against Ticonderoga?&quot; enquired
+Hand, wishing to learn the particulars of that affair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay,&quot; replied a little old man, who had quit eating and fallen asleep
+during Davenport's narrative, and had only wakened up at the sound of
+the drum and fife, playing &quot;Come out, ye Continentallers.&quot; &quot;I was with
+Ethan Allen. I was one of the Green Mountain Boys, that did the thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then perhaps you can tell us something about it,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;and
+about the quarrel between Allen and Arnold. I never heard the facts of
+the case, but from what I know of the two men, I feel sure Arnold was
+wrong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure he was,&quot; said old Timothy Ransom. &quot;To be sure he was. But
+I'll tell you all I know about the matter. I was at work on my farm when
+I heard of the battle of Lexington. I belonged to a regiment of militia
+that used to meet for drill on a neighbouring farm. Ethan Allen was the
+Colonel, and he was fit to be the leader anywhere. He would lead where
+any would follow, was as honest a man as ever breathed, and had a great
+share of strong sense. As soon as Colonel Allen heard that the war had
+really begun, he determined to seize Ticonderoga, where a great quantity
+of munitions of war were stored. I forgot to tell you, however, that
+Allen was commissioned a colonel by the government of Vermont. He
+collected our boys at his residence, and marched to Bennington, where he
+expected to be joined by more volunteers. At Bennington we met Colonel
+Easton, with some men from his regiment of militia. Our party then
+amounted to two hundred and seventy men; and, though I was one among
+'em, I may be allowed to say, that a more daring, and a tougher set of
+men were never assembled. About dusk on the 7th of May, we reached
+Castleton&mdash;that's about fourteen miles east of Skenesborough. There we
+were to make our final arrangements. A council of war was held. Colonel
+Allen was appointed commander of the expedition, Colonel Easton second
+in command, and Seth Warner, third. Allen, with the main force, was to
+march to Shoreham, opposite Ticonderoga, Captain Herrick with thirty men
+was to push up to Skenesborough, and capture the young Major Skene,
+confine his people, and seizing all the boats he could find there,
+hasten to join Allen at Shoreham; and Captain Douglas was to proceed to
+Panton, beyond Crown Point, and secure all the boats that should fall
+in his way. On the 9th of May, Arnold arrived at Castleton, with a few
+officers and men, and after introducing himself to our officers, showed
+a commission from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, by which he
+claimed the supreme command. But our boys wouldn't hear anything of the
+kind. We all said that Ethan Allen was our leader, and if he had not the
+command, we would march back to our homes. So Colonel Arnold found that
+he would have to join us without a command, or go back where he came
+from. He chose to join as a mere volunteer, smothering his claim till
+another occasion. On the same day on which Colonel Arnold arrived, Mr.
+Phelps, one of the Connecticut Committee who were with us, disguised
+himself as a countryman who wanted to be shaved, and visited
+Ticonderoga, to spy into the condition of the garrison. He found that
+the walls of the old fort were broken down, and that the small garrison
+were careless of all discipline. As soon as Colonel Allen was informed
+of this state of things, he resolved to move on at once. We marched to
+the shore of the lake, opposite Ticonderoga, during the night of the 9th
+of May. Allen had secured a guide in a boy named Nathan Beman, who was
+fully acquainted with every secret way that led into the fortress. But
+we found that we hadn't boats enough to carry all the party over the
+lake. Allen, Arnold, Easton, and eighty-three of the men, of whom I was
+one, had crossed just as the day was beginning to dawn. To wait would
+have been too hazardous, as the garrison, if aroused, might make a stout
+resistance; and we wanted to buy success as cheap as possible. Colonel
+Allen resolved to commence the attack at once. We were drawn up in three
+ranks on the shore nearly opposite the fort. Allen then made a short
+address to us. He was never a man of many words. He said he knew our
+spirit, and hoped we would remember the cause for which we were about to
+strike; that would nerve the arm of a coward. He concluded by conjuring
+us to obey orders strictly, and to commit no slaughter that could be
+done without. Then, with Arnold at his side, Allen led us stealthily up
+the rocks to the sally-port. I saw the sentinel snap his fusee at our
+bold leader, and rush into the covered way that led into the fort. We
+followed upon his heels, and were thus guided right into the parade
+within the barracks. There another sentinel made a thrust at Easton. But
+Colonel Allen struck him on the head with his sword and the fellow
+begged for quarter. As we rushed into the parade, we gave a tremendous
+shout, and filed off into two divisions. The men of the garrison leaped
+from their beds, seized their arms, and rushed into the parade, only to
+be seized by our men. I snatched a musket from a red-coat's hand just as
+he was taking aim at Captain Herrick, and made the fellow shriek for
+quarter, by merely striking him alongside of the face with my fist.
+While we were securing the men, Colonel Allen and the boy, Nathan Beman,
+went up stairs to the door of the room in which Captain Delaplace and
+his wife were sleeping. Allen gave three loud raps with the hilt of his
+sword on the door, and with his strong voice, ordered the captain to
+surrender, or the whole garrison should be slaughtered. Our shouting had
+awakened the captain and his wife, and they sprang to the door.
+Delaplace appeared in his shirt and drawers, and recognising Colonel
+Allen as an old friend, boldly demanded why he was disturbed. Allen
+replied, by ordering him to surrender instantly. Delaplace then said,
+'By what authority do you demand it?' 'In the name of the Great Jehovah
+and the Continental Congress,' replied Colonel Allen, with the full
+thunder of his voice, as he raised his sword over the head of the
+Captain. This convinced the captain that the wisest course was to
+comply, and so he gave the order for the troops to parade without arms.
+Forty-eight British regulars surrendered prisoners of war, and the fort
+and every thing in it became ours. The regulars, with the women and
+children, were sent to Hartford. We found nearly two hundred pieces of
+ordnance, and an immense quantity of ammunition of all kinds and plenty
+of eatables. Just after the surrender, Seth Warner, with the rear
+division, crossed the lake and joined us. The prisoners were secured and
+then we all took a hearty breakfast. We had been up and on duty all
+night, and that, together with our success, made us enjoy that breakfast
+more than an every-day one. Colonel Arnold again attempted to take the
+command of our men and the fort. But none of us would obey his orders,
+and the Connecticut Committee said that Colonel Allen was the rightful
+commander, as the men were to be paid by Connecticut, and Massachusetts
+had furnished nothing for the enterprise, and Allen had been formally
+chosen. Arnold was forced to yield; but he sent a statement of the
+matter to the Massachusetts Assembly. That body confirmed Allen's
+appointment and directed Arnold not to interfere. On the day of the
+capture of Ticonderoga, Colonel Seth Warner, with a small body of our
+men, was sent to take possession of Crown Point. But a tremendous storm
+arose, and Warner was compelled to put back and pass the night with us.
+But the next day, he started and captured Crown Point without firing a
+shot. You see the garrison only amounted to a serjeant and eleven men,
+and they didn't expect an attack; so that Warner had only to come
+suddenly upon them, and make a bold show, and they surrendered. More
+than one hundred cannon were taken at that place, and thus, you see, we
+had something to begin the war with. Colonel Arnold gave up the idea of
+commanding at Ticonderoga, but he would command somewhere, and so he
+soon after undertook an expedition against St. John's. It appears to me,
+Arnold was very wrong in attempting to remove such a man as Allen from
+the command. But I believe he was always thinking of himself alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't agree with you, Ransom,&quot; said Jonas Davenport. &quot;I think he was
+a selfish man in general; but I know he could be generous sometimes. In
+that expedition to Canada, he helped his men whenever he could in the
+smallest matters, when many other commanders would have minded their own
+comfort alone. Let us have justice done to every man. I never liked
+Arnold as a man; but I think he was as good a soldier and general as I
+ever knew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly as good a soldier,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His generalship,&quot; said Pitts, &quot;never had much play. As far as he had
+the chance, he proved that he had the skill and knowledge for planning
+military enterprises.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I preferred old Putnam to Arnold,&quot; said John Warner. &quot;He was quite as
+daring, and a much better-hearted man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, a braver man than General Putnam never drew a blade,&quot; said
+Kinnison. &quot;That man's adventures would make as interestin' a book as
+you'd wish to read.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to hear some of them,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've heard of his great feat at Horseneck, I suppose,&quot; said Jonas
+Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; replied Hand, &quot;and often wondered at it.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PUTNAMS_ESCAPE" id="PUTNAMS_ESCAPE"></a>PUTNAM'S ESCAPE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I happened to be on the spot and see that affair,&quot; said old John
+Warner. &quot;I was on a visit to a friend at a farm near Horseneck, when the
+news of Governor Tryon's approach, with a large force, reached me. I
+hadn't joined the regular army, for a great many reasons; but I always
+took advantage of an opportunity to serve the right side. General
+Putnam's picket of one hundred and fifty men, with two field-pieces, was
+the only force in that neighbourhood; but I knew Old Put. would have a
+shot at the enemy, no matter how few men he had with him. So I
+shouldered my firelock and went and offered my services. General Putnam
+planted his cannon on the high ground near the meeting-house, and
+awaited the approach of the enemy. Directly, we saw Tryon, with a great
+force of regulars, coming along the road. Our cannon blazed away at them
+and checked their advance for a short time. But pretty soon, we saw the
+dragoons and infantry preparing to make a charge, and Old Put. knew
+there wouldn't be much chance of our withstanding the shock. So he
+ordered us to retire into the swamp just back of our position, where we
+would be safe from dragoons, at least, and where we would have an even
+chance with the infantry. I expected to see the general follow us; but
+he turned his horse towards the stone steps that led down the rocks from
+the meeting-house. As we fell back I had time to observe him. When he
+reached the head of the steps, the horse stopped as if afraid of the
+attempt. But Old Putnam knew there was no time to lose, as the dragoons
+were nearly upon him. So he struck his spurs into the horse's sides, and
+they plunged down the steps together. I lost sight of the horse and
+rider just then; but saw the red-coat dragoons stop short at the head of
+the precipice, and fire their pistols after them. Not one among the
+red-coats dared to follow, and ten chances to one if they had attempted
+it, they would have broken their necks; for the precipice was so high
+and steep as to have one hundred steps cut in it. Before they could get
+round the brow of the height by the ordinary road, the General was far
+beyond their reach. Tryon didn't attempt to follow us into the swamp,
+but soon after commenced his retreat. We fell back to Stamford, where we
+met the General with some militia he had collected, and marched back in
+search of Tryon. The red-coats had completed their work and were out of
+our reach.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That ride was but one of a whole life of such deeds,&quot; said Kinnison.
+&quot;There never was a man who dared more than Putnam. In the old French
+War, he astonished the boldest savages and rangers by his feats, often
+throwing himself into the arms of death, as it were, and escaping
+without any serious hurt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was a great pity,&quot; said Colson, &quot;that Putnam was not a younger man
+when the revolutionary war broke out. He had spent his best years in
+fighting for the old country, against the French and Indians.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps it was better as it was,&quot; said Davenport. &quot;I think there were
+brave men enough in our army.&quot; It was clear that Davenport was disposed
+to argue the respective merits of the generals of the revolution. Hand
+thought argument might check the flow of good-feeling, and therefore
+suggested that they should have more drum and fife music. Brown and
+Hanson agreed, and upon request struck up the &quot;White Cockade.&quot; This was
+spirit-stirring, and called forth much applause. Another song was called
+for, and one of the young men sang the following song, written for the
+occasion, but which his modesty had hitherto held back. The music was
+that of &quot;Rule, Brittania!&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When our great sires this land explored,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A shelter from tyrannic wrong!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Led on by heaven's Almighty Lord,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They sung&mdash;and acted well the song,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rise united! dare be freed!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our sons shall vindicate the deed.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In vain the region they would gain</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Was distant, dreary, undisclosed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In vain the Atlantic roar'd between;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And hosts of savages opposed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They rush'd undaunted, Heaven decreed</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their sons should vindicate the deed.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Twas Freedom led the veterans forth,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And manly fortitude to bear;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They toil'd, they vanquished I such high worth</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is always Heaven's peculiar care.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their great example still inspires,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor dare we act beneath our sires.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis ours undaunted to defend</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The dear-bought, rich inheritance;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And spite of each invading hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We'll fight, bleed, die, in its defence!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Pursue our fathers' paths of fame,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And emulate their glorious flame.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As the proud oak inglorious stands,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Till storms and thunder root it fast,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So stood our new unpractised bands,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Till Britain roar'd her stormy blast;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then, see, they vanquish'd! fierce led on</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">By Freedom and great Washington.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>The song had very little poetry and less music in it; but patriotism
+applauded its spirit. Mr. Hand again directed the conversation in such a
+manner as to glean as much information from the veteran patriots as
+possible, and enquired if any of them had seen the hero of
+Bennington&mdash;General John Stark.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! yes,&quot; replied Timothy Ransom, &quot;There was very few of the
+right-side-up men in Vermont, that I didn't see and know too. See
+General Stark! I guess I did; and seen a leetle of him at Bennington,
+too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought General Stark belonged to New Hampshire,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So he did,&quot; replied Ransom. &quot;The country that now makes the states of
+Varmount and New Hampshire was then called the New Hampshire Grants, and
+was governed by one assembly and one council.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What sort of a looking man was Stark?&quot; enquired Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he weren't much to look at,&quot; said Ransom. &quot;He was about the
+middle height, and strongly built. He had a firm look about the face,
+and you might have been sure of his doing what he said he would do,
+just from hearing him talk. Blunt and downright, he was&mdash;and didn't
+stop to pick words. He had seen a tougher life than any of his
+neighbours&mdash;fighting as a ranger and regular soldier&mdash;and you might
+suppose there was no nice affectation in his dress and manners like you
+find in some of our generals. He was a man made for service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the man exactly as I saw him at Saratoga,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you say you was with General Stark, at Bennington?&quot; enquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, and did my share of that day's work,&quot; replied Ransom. &quot;That <i>was</i> a
+battle, my boys. If you had seen the way that the militia walked up to
+the enemy's cannon, and fought with regulars, you'd have said at once,
+there was no use of Great Britain trying to subdue such men.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not having had the pleasure of seeing it,&quot; replied Hand, &quot;I should like
+to hear what you saw of it. Tell us about the affair, and how you won
+such a victory.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_BATTLE_OF_BENNINGTON" id="THE_BATTLE_OF_BENNINGTON"></a>THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;You shall hear about the battle of Bennington,&quot; said Ransom. &quot;At the
+time Burgoyne was advancing towards the Hudson, the people of
+Massachusetts and the New Hampshire Grants were alarmed, and feared that
+Burgoyne would march towards Boston. The whole frontier was uncovered.
+But the people began to feel the necessity of taking measures to check
+the advance of the enemy. General Stark was then at home, angry with
+Congress on account of his rank not being equal to his services. He had
+resigned his commission in the regular army. I was then at my farm,
+having gone home after serving with Colonel Allen. I expected to be
+called into service again, but didn't intend to fight under any other
+orders than those of John Stark; because I knew the man had been badly
+treated, and I and most of the militia felt for him. The New Hampshire
+Assembly met, and began to adopt measures for the defence of the
+country. The militia was formed into two brigades. General Whipple was
+appointed to command the first, and General Stark the second. Stark
+refused to accept the appointment. But finding that his name was a host,
+he was induced to yield his private griefs for the public good. He said
+he would assume the command of the troops, if he was not desired to join
+the main army, and was made accountable to no authority but that of New
+Hampshire. His conditions were accepted, and he went to Charlestown to
+meet the Committee of Safety. As soon as I heard that General Stark was
+in the field, I hurried off to Charlestown to join the militia, I knew
+would assemble there. I found the men were coming in from all
+directions, and all were in high spirits. Stark sent us off to
+Manchester, twenty miles from Bennington, to join Colonel Warner's
+regiment. You know after that skrimmage at Hubbardton, Warner could
+scarcely muster more than two hundred men, and we who were sent from
+Charlestown were to fill out his regiment. I found most of the men had
+been in service since the war began, and knew what fighting was; and I
+thought they were a match for twice their number; but I had some near
+neighbours in the regiment of Colonel Nichols at Bennington: I went and
+joined him. As our regiment was filling up, General Stark arrived at
+Manchester, where he met General Lincoln, who had come to conduct the
+militia across the Hudson to General Schuyler; but Stark told him that
+the men were called together to protect their homes in New Hampshire,
+and could not be taken out of that part of the country. I heard
+afterwards that General Lincoln informed Congress of the state of
+things in our neighbourhood, and that Congress censured General Stark;
+but he didn't care for that. He knew he was right in staying in New
+Hampshire, and that the men who censured him knew nothing about the
+state of things there. Well, we were called upon to meet the enemy
+sooner than we expected, for it appeared that Baum, with his Germans and
+Indians, was on his march towards Bennington. Soon after, I arrived at
+Manchester. About four hundred men had collected at Bennington, when
+General Stark arrived there, and more were coming in constantly. I guess
+it was on the 13th of August when we received information that some of
+Baum's Indians had been seen near Cambridge&mdash;that's about twelve miles
+from Bennington. Then there was a stir among the men, and all sorts of
+preparation for a desperate battle. We all knew that we were going to
+fight for our homes, and that made us eager to meet the enemy. All the
+men of Bennington who could bear arms joined us, and the old men and
+women and boys did all they could to get us information, and to supply
+our wants. General Stark sent Lieutenant-Colonel Gregg, with two hundred
+men, to check the enemy. In the course of the night we were informed
+that the Indians were supported by a large body of regulars, with a
+train of artillery; and that the whole force of the enemy were in full
+march for Bennington. General Stark immediately called out all the
+militia, and sent word to Colonel Warner to bring his regiment from
+Manchester. Before daylight on the morning of the 14th of August,
+General Stark had about eight hundred men under his command, including
+Colonel Gregg's detachment. We then moved forward to support Gregg.
+About four or five miles from Bennington, we met our detachment in full
+retreat, and the enemy within a mile of it. Stark ordered us to halt,
+and we were then drawn up in order of battle. Baum saw we were prepared
+to make fight, and halted, instead of coming up to the work like a man.
+A small party of our men were forced to abandon Van Shaick's mill, where
+they had been posted, but not before they had killed a few of the enemy.
+Stark found that the enemy were busy entrenching themselves, and he
+tried to draw them from their position by sending out small parties to
+skirmish; but it was of no use, they wouldn't come out and fight; so
+Stark fell back a mile, leaving a part of our regiment to skirmish. Now
+you know that's a kind of fighting in which the Green Mountain Boys were
+always first best. Before we fell back to the main body, we had killed
+and wounded more than thirty of the enemy, including two Indian chiefs,
+without losing a man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The battle should have been all skirmishes,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;You might
+have cut the enemy up piece-meal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We tried it next day,&quot; said Ransom. &quot;It was rainy, and Stark thought it
+best not to attempt anything more than skirmishing. Our light parties
+appeared in the woods on every side of the enemy, and picked off the men
+so fast that the Indians became disheartened, and began to desert Baum.
+The rain, which prevented our troops from attacking the enemy, enabled
+them to complete their entrenchments, and send to General Burgoyne for
+reinforcements; but on the morning of the 16th of August, we found that
+General Stark and a council of war had agreed upon a plan of attack, and
+intended to execute it that day. I don't think there was a man among our
+troops who was not anxious for a fight. Our skirmishes had put us in the
+humour for it. I can't exactly give you an idea of the position of the
+enemy, and of the real amount of skill General Stark displayed in his
+plan of attack. But I'll try to do the best I can. The Germans were
+posted on a rising ground near a bend in Wallomsac Creek, which is a
+branch of the Hoosic River. The ground on both sides of the creek is
+rolling, and the position of the Germans was on the highest of the small
+hills. Peter's corps of Tories were entrenched on the other side of the
+creek, nearly in front of the German battery, and on lower ground.
+During the night of the 15th, Colonel Symonds with about one hundred
+Berkshire militia, arrived in camp. Parson Allen, who, you may have
+heard, was such a zealous whig, was with the Berkshire men, and he
+wanted to fight right off. But General Stark told him if the next day
+was clear, there would be fighting enough. Well, when the morning of the
+16th of August came; it was clear and bright. Both armies seemed to know
+that day was to decide between them. General Stark had given his orders
+to all the colonels of his regiments. Colonel Nichols, with our corps of
+about two hundred men, marched up the little creek just above the
+bridge, to attack the rear of the enemy's left; while Colonel Herrick,
+with three hundred men, marched to attack the rear of the right, with
+orders to join our party before the assault was made. Colonels Hubbard
+and Stickney were ordered to march down the Wallomsac, with three
+hundred men, near the Tories, so as to turn Baum's attention to that
+point. We started about noon, and marched through the thick woods and up
+from the valley towards the enemy's entrenchments. Our march was rapid
+and silent, and the enemy didn't see us until we were near. We gave the
+first volley, and rushed upon them. I saw through the smoke, Colonel
+Herrick was coming up. We had the Indians between us, and you should
+have heard them yell, and whoop, and ring their cow-bells, but they
+wouldn't stand; they fled through our detachments and left the Hessians
+to shift for themselves. Soon after we commenced the attack, General
+Stark made that short address you have heard so much about. Josiah
+Wemyss, one of my old friends, was near the General when he spoke. He
+told me Stark raised himself in his stirrups, and said: 'See there, men!
+there are the red-coats; before night they are ours, or Molly Stark will
+he a widow! Forward!' and they did forward and rush upon the Tories with
+such force that they drove 'em across the stream, upon the Germans, who
+were then forced from their breastworks on the heights. Then the battle
+became general. Such a tremendous fire I never saw before, and never
+expect to see again. Colonel Baum and his dragoons fought like brave
+men, and for a long time could not be broken. We attacked them on one
+side, and Stark on the other, but they stood their ground, and when
+their powder gave out, Colonel Baum led them to the charge with the
+sword. But it couldn't last: our men were fighting like mad, and our
+firelocks brought down the enemy at a tremendous rate. Many of us had no
+bagonets&mdash;I among them, yet we marched up to the Germans just the same
+as if we had the best arms. At last, the Germans gave way and fled,
+leaving their artillery and baggage on the field. Our men didn't pursue.
+You see, General Stark, in order to give the men every inducement to do
+their best on the field, promised them all the plunder that could be
+taken from the enemy; and as the Germans fled, we all scattered to seize
+on what they had left. I had the good luck to get a sword and one of the
+heavy hats which the dragoons wore. I didn't care much about the value
+of the things in regard to the money they'd bring, but I thought they'd
+be somewhat to keep in the family, and make them remember that battle.
+While I was looking for more things, I caught sight of a man riding at a
+furious rate towards General Stark. He called out, 'Rally! rally! more
+Germans! rally!' and sure enough, we saw a large body of the enemy
+coming out of the woods, in good order. It was the reinforcement Baum
+had sent for. General Stark had collected a small body of men, when I
+hurried to join a few of our regiment that Colonel Nichols had rallied.
+I thought that our victory was about to be snatched from us; but just
+then Colonel Warner's regiment arrived from Manchester, fresh and
+well-armed. They attacked the Germans at once, while Stark, with about
+two hundred of us, pushed forward to aid them. Then began an obstinate
+struggle, not like the other fight with the Germans and Tories; but a
+running fight on the hills and plains, just the kind of skrimmage in
+which a hundred Green Mountain Boys were worth double their number of
+redcoats. About sunset, the greater part of our men were engaged, and
+the enemy was beaten in every part of the field. We drove them from the
+hills down towards Van Shaick's, killing, wounding, and taking prisoners
+all the time. At Van Shaick's mill they made their last stand. They had
+placed a small party of Tories in the building, and a party of Germans
+rallied in front of it. But it was no use, the Germans were driven away
+and the men in the house forced to surrender. Our men pursued the enemy
+to the Hoosick, and captured the greater part of 'em. I really believe,
+if night hadn't come on, we would have taken every man of 'em. But
+General Stark ordered the men to return, for fear they would fire upon
+each other in the gloom. Before I came back, however, I caught a Tory
+lurking near the edge of the woods. Now I hated Tories worse than the
+Britishers or Germans, and I had a strong notion to shoot him, and I
+told him so; but he begged hard for his life, and said he never intended
+to take up arms against his countrymen again: I took him back to our
+troops and put him with the other prisoners.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What was the loss of the enemy that day?&quot; enquired Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I heard since, that it was nine hundred and thirty-four men, including
+killed, wounded, and prisoners,&quot; replied Ransom. &quot;I recollect we buried
+two hundred and seven of them. Our own loss was one hundred killed, and
+about the same number wounded. Besides the prisoners, we took four
+pieces of brass cannon, more than two hundred and fifty swords, several
+hundred muskets, several brass drums, and four ammunition wagons. So you
+see, we had plenty of plunder.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose the men were not allowed to take any thing but the swords and
+muskets,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, the baggage fell to us,&quot; said Ransom, &quot;and all the fixins of the
+German camp; the cannon, drums, wagons and standards were not taken
+away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guess that was one of the completest victories ever gained,&quot; said
+Kinnison. &quot;Only to think of militia flogging regulars in that style.
+What could the enemy expect from our regulars?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's as much credit due to General Stark for that victory, as was
+ever given to him or as we could give to a general,&quot; said Ransom. &quot;If he
+had not taken command of the troops, there would have been very little
+resistance to Baum's advance. The plan of attack was formed with great
+skill, and the general went into the battle with the determination to
+win it or leave his body on the field. Such a man as John Stark would
+make soldiers out of cowards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hand here proposed three cheers for General Stark and his Green
+Mountain Boys, and they were given with a hearty will. One of the young
+men then announced that he had a song, which had been sung at an
+anniversary of the battle of Bennington, and which he would now sing,
+if the company wished it. Of course, the company did wish it, and the
+young gentleman sang the following words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Remember the glories of patriots brave,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Though the days of the heroes are o'er;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Long lost to their country and cold in their grave,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They return to their kindred no more,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The stars of the field, which in victory pour'd</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Their beams on the battle are set,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But enough of their glory remains on each sword</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To light us to victory yet.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Walloomsack! when nature embellished the tint</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of thy fields and mountains so fair,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Did she ever intend a tyrant should print</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The footsteps of slavery there!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No! Freedom, whose smiles we shall never resign,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Told those who invaded our plains,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That 't is sweeter to bleed for an age at thy shrine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Than to sleep for a moment in chains.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Forget not the chieftain of Hampshire, who stood</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In the day of distress by our side;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor the heroes who nourished the fields with their blood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor the rights they secured as they died.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The sun that now blesses our eyes with his light,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Saw the martyrs of liberty slain;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O, let him not blush when he leaves us to-night,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To find that they fell there in vain!</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>Brown and Hanson had prepared their instruments during the singing, and
+immediately followed it with Washington's march, to which knives and
+forks kept time.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/86.png" width="620" height="971" alt="MR. BLEEKER AND HIS SON" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;An incident occurred just after the battle of Bennington, which showed
+the spirit of the people of the neighbourhood,&quot; said Ransom, when the
+musicians had concluded. &quot;Old Zedekiah Bleeker, who lived in Bennington,
+sent five bold sons to join our little army, just before the battle. One
+of them&mdash;Sam. Bleeker&mdash;was killed; and one of the old man's neighbours
+came to tell him about it&mdash;'Mr. Bleeker,' said the neighbour, 'your son
+has been unfortunate.' 'What!' said the old man, 'has he misbehaved? Did
+he desert his post or shrink from the charge?' 'Worse than that,'
+replied the neighbour; 'he was slain, but he was fighting nobly.' 'Then
+I am satisfied,' said the old man; 'bring him to me.' Sam's body was
+brought home. The old man wiped the blood from the wound, and while a
+tear stood in his eye, said it was the happiest day of his life, to know
+that he had five sons fighting for freedom and one slain for the same
+cause. There was a spirit of patriotism for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell you of an instance quite as good,&quot; said old John Warner.
+&quot;Perhaps it is better; for in this instance, a woman displayed the like
+spirit. A good lady in 1775, lived on the sea-board, about a day's march
+from Boston, where the British army then was. By some unaccountable
+accident, a rumour was spread, in town and country, in and about there,
+that the <i>Regulars</i> were on a full march for the place, and would
+probably arrive in three hours at farthest. This was after the battle of
+Lexington, and all, as might be well supposed, was in sad
+confusion&mdash;some were boiling with rage and full of fight, some with
+fear and confusion, some hiding their treasures, and others flying for
+life. In this wild moment, when most people in some way or other, were
+frightened from their propriety, our heroine, who had two sons, one
+about nineteen years of age, and the other about sixteen, was seen
+preparing them to discharge their duty. The eldest she was able to equip
+in fine style&mdash;she took her husband's fowling-piece, 'made for duck or
+plover,' (the good man being absent on a coasting voyage to Virginia)
+and with it the powder-horn and shot-bag; but the lad thinking the duck
+and goose shot not quite the size to kill regulars, his mother took a
+chisel, cut up her pewter spoons, and hammered them into slugs, and put
+them into his bag, and he set off in great earnest, but thought he would
+call one moment and see the parson, who said, well done, my brave
+boy&mdash;God preserve you&mdash;and on he went in the way of his duty. The
+youngest was importunate for his equipments, but his mother could find
+nothing to arm him with but an old rusty sword; the boy seemed rather
+unwilling to risk himself with this alone, but lingered in the street,
+in a state of hesitation, when his mother thus upbraided him. 'You John
+Haines, what will your father say if he hears that a child of his is
+afraid to meet the British: go along; beg or borrow a gun, or you will
+find one, child&mdash;some coward, I dare say, will be running away, then
+take his gun and march forward, and if you come back and I hear you have
+not behaved like a man, I shall carry the blush of shame on my face to
+the grave.' She then shut the door, wiped the tear from her eye, and
+waited the issue; the boy joined the march. Such a woman could not have
+cowards for her sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I heard of many such instances,&quot; said Kinnison; &quot;such a spirit was
+common at the time, not only in New England, but throughout the States.
+Look at the noble conduct of some of the people of New Jersey, during
+Washington's retreat, and afterwards. The women did all they could to
+lessen the sufferings of the men, and many an old man wanted to join the
+army, knowing how much he would have to endure.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_CAPTURE_OF_GENERAL_SULLIVAN" id="THE_CAPTURE_OF_GENERAL_SULLIVAN"></a>THE CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;The women were all right during the Revolution,&quot; said Pitts. &quot;I can
+tell you of an instance in which a woman displayed both patriotism and
+wisdom, though it may be rather a long story.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! the longer the better,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well,&quot; said Pitts, &quot;I'll tell you about it, as near as I can
+recollect. One night, while the British army was encamped on Long
+Island, a party of the redcoats, galled by the death of Major Andre,
+formed a plan to cross over to the Connecticut side and capture General
+Sullivan, who commanded some of the Americans stationed there, and hold
+him in revenge for Andre's death.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was a hazardous project, but four bold men pledged themselves to
+undertake it. John Hartwell, a brave young officer was selected as their
+leader.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Soon as arranged they proceeded to a boat, and made the best progress
+they could across the river; on gaining the shore, they made for a
+small clump of underwood, where they lay concealed, until they noted
+what direction it was best to take.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here too may be seen the tents where repose the brave men who have
+sworn to protect their homes and country, or die in its defence against
+the invaders, who seek to control their free rights. Near may be seen a
+spacious farm house, the abode of General Sullivan&mdash;the brave soldier
+and faithful friend&mdash;who now slept, unconscious of danger. Through some
+neglect, the sentinels on duty had wandered from their posts, never
+dreaming it possible that any one would risk a landing, or could pass
+the tents unobserved. By a circuitous route they gained the house, and
+here the faithful watch-dog gave the alarm; a blow soon silenced him;
+and ascending the piazza, Captain Hartwell opened the casement, and
+followed by his men, stepped lightly into the sitting-room of the
+family.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They now struck a light, and with caution proceeded on their
+search&mdash;they passed through several apartments, while, strange to
+relate, the inmates slept on, unconscious of this deed of darkness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They at length reached the General's room&mdash;two of the men remained
+outside, while Captain Hartwell, with another officer, entered, and
+stood in silence, musing on the scene before them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A night-lamp burnt in the room, dimly revealing the face of the
+sleepers&mdash;whose unprotected situation could not but awake a feeling of
+pity even in their callous hearts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Jack,' whispered his companion, 'by heaven I wish this part of the
+business had been entrusted to some one else&mdash;I could meet this man face
+to face, life for life, in the field of battle&mdash;but this savors too much
+of cowardice.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Hold your craven tongue, Low,' answered Captain Hartwell, 'perform
+your part of the play, or let some one else take your place&mdash;you forget
+the scrape we are in at the least alarm. We might happen to salute the
+rising sun from one of the tallest trees on the General's farm&mdash;an idea
+far from pleasing.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'For my part, I could wish myself back on Long Island&mdash;but our general
+expects every man to do his duty&mdash;let yours be to prevent that female
+from screaming, while I secure her husband.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ear of woman is quick, and from their entering the room, not a word
+had escaped Mrs. Sullivan. At first she could scarce refrain from
+calling out, but her uncommon strength of mind enabled her to master her
+fear&mdash;she scarce knew what to think: her husband's life, herself and
+family, were at stake, and her courage rose in proportion as her sense
+of danger increased.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She scarcely dared to breathe, and even the infant at her breast seemed
+to partake of its mother's anxiety, and nestled closer to her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The curtains partly shaded where she lay, and breathing a prayer to
+Heaven for protection, she silently stepped from the bed, scarce knowing
+how to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her woman's tact led her to appeal to their sympathies, if sympathies
+they had&mdash;if she died, she but risked her life for one dearer than
+herself whose existence to his country was invaluable&mdash;and perhaps by
+this means enable him to escape. In an instant she was before them, her
+infant at their feet, her pale beseeching face imploring what speech
+refused to utter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The officers started&mdash;this sight was unexpected&mdash;the least hesitation,
+and all would be lost.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Captain Hartwell threw aside his heavy watch-cloak and said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Madam, let this uniform be the warrant for our honour&mdash;our object is
+to take your husband alive, if possible&mdash;that depends, however, on your
+silence.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At this moment General Sullivan awoke, and finding his wife in the
+hands of men whose calling he knew not, his good sword was soon in his
+hand, but a strong arm wrested it from him&mdash;handcuffs were placed on his
+wrists, and he stood their prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He enquired by what right they entered his house! 'Our object, sir,'
+replied the officer, 'is to convey you to Long Island&mdash;the least
+expression of alarm from you, that moment you breathe your last&mdash;if
+peaceable, no violence will be offered.' Mrs. Sullivan threw herself
+before them, and entreaties for mercy gushed from her agonized heart.
+'Oh! spare him&mdash;take what money is here, but leave me my husband, the
+father of my children. Think, if you have wives or families, what their
+sense of bereavement would be to see some murderous band tear you from
+their arms, and they left in horrid uncertainty as to your fate. Take
+all that we have, but leave him.' A sneer of scorn curled the officer's
+lip, as he coolly replied&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Madam, we are neither robbers nor assassins&mdash;the compliment on our
+part is quite undeserved. We are British officers.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Then, sir,' exclaimed Mrs. Sullivan starting to her feet&mdash;her eyes
+flashing, her proud form trembling, as her own wrongs were forgot in
+those of her country&mdash;'Shame on the cause that sanctions such a deed as
+this&mdash;in the silence of night to enter a peaceful dwelling and take an
+unoffending man from the arms of his wife and family&mdash;Truly, such an act
+as this would well need the covering of darkness. You may call
+yourselves servants of Britain&mdash;that is your fit appellation. Take
+him&mdash;another victim is required for my country. But the vengeance of
+Heaven is abroad, and, ere long, the men who war for the price of blood,
+will find the arm of him who fights for his fireside and liberty, nerved
+by a stronger consciousness of right.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Madam,' interrupted the officer, awed by the stern majesty of her
+manner, 'I came not here to interchange words with a woman, or, I might
+speak about warring against our lawful king.&mdash;But you know, Tom,'
+turning to his companion, 'I never was good at preaching.' 'Not to a
+woman, certainly,' said Tom, laughing, 'or rather you could never bring
+one to your way of thinking.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A slight noise warned them of the impropriety of their longer
+remaining. The General having completed dressing, took an affectionate
+farewell of his wife, assuring her he would soon be enabled to return.
+They left the house&mdash;but to gain the shore was a matter of some
+difficulty. The general was rendered incapable of making the slightest
+noise if he had wished to, and they had tied Mrs. Sullivan, and bound
+her mouth to prevent her giving any alarm. But the tents were not so
+easily passed. The morning was fast approaching, and the route they came
+would occupy too much time to retrace it&mdash;their only plan now was to
+make as straight a line as possible to the shore. Already had they
+passed one tent, when the cry 'who goes there' was heard. In a moment
+they gained the shadow of an adjoining tent, when a man suddenly stept
+before them and demanded their business. No time could be lost&mdash;the two
+officers proceeded on to the boat with the general, while the remainder
+overpowered the sentinel and joined their companions as the dawn was
+faintly perceptible in the east. By the time an alarm was given, they
+were far beyond the reach of pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Their prisoner was borne triumph to their commander, who intended
+waiting superior orders as to the disposal of him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the meanwhile, Mrs. Sullivan was not idle. A council was called, and
+every plan was proposed that could tend to liberate her husband.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The womanly wit of Mrs. Sullivan suggested that they should cross the
+river in the same manner as the British had done, and seize the person
+of one of their influential men, and hold him as an hostage until terms
+could be agreed upon for the exchange of prisoners. It was a risk, and
+if discovered, no mercy could be expected.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The nephew of the general, a young officer of merit, and several
+others, volunteered their services. The following night was arranged for
+the purpose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The difficulty, when the time arrived, was to procure some mode of
+getting over. A whale-boat was at length found, into which the
+adventurers got, disguised as fishermen. They soon arrived at Long
+Island and proceeded to the residence of Judge Jones.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With some difficulty they secured that worthy functionary, and
+notwithstanding his assurance as to being a good patriot, which they
+assured him they did not in the least question, conveyed the good man to
+the boat, in spite of his wish to finish his sleep out, and embarked
+pleased with their success. On reaching the house of Mrs. Sullivan they
+introduced their prisoner. Mrs. Sullivan courteously apologized for the
+necessity they had been under for requesting his society without due
+time for preparation; a suring him that the house and all in it were at
+his service while he honoured it as his abode.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Judge was taken quite at a loss. At any time he was a man of a few
+words, but the sudden transition had quite bewildered his faculties. At
+times he doubted whether the good old cogniac, of which he had taken a
+plentiful supply before retiring to rest, had not turned his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He stood in the centre of the apartment gazing listlessly around him,
+until the voice of Mrs. Sullivan, politely inquiring if her guest stood
+in need of any refreshment, recalled his fleeting thoughts. The tempting
+repast set before him did wonders in restoring his good humor, his sail
+having given him quite an appetite, and at any time a lover of the good
+things of life, and knowing arguments could produce no alteration in his
+fate, he submitted with as much good grace as possible, a little
+alleviated by the reflection that a woman's care was not the worst he
+could have fallen into. By a singular coincidence, Mrs. Sullivan learnt
+that her husband was an inmate in the house of the Judge, an assurance
+in every way relieving, having been placed in his charge until conveyed
+from Flatbush.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Letters were soon interchanged, the Americans refusing to yield their
+prisoner without the British doing the same. Terms were accordingly
+entered into, and the Judge prepared to take leave of his fair hostess
+at the same time her husband was taking leave of the Judge's wife.&mdash;The
+Judge had been highly pleased with the manners of Mrs. Sullivan, who did
+every thing in her power to make his stay agreeable.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The two boats with their respective prisoners at length set sail, and
+meeting on the river, they had an opportunity of congratulating each
+other on the happy termination of their imprisonment, which, thanks to
+woman's wit, so fertile in expedients, had saved them from what might
+have been a tragedy. With assurances of friendship they parted, the
+wives soon having the pleasure of embracing their husbands. Subsequently
+letters couched in terms of the warmest gratitude were exchanged
+between the two ladies, for the attention paid to their respective
+husbands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That Mrs. Sullivan was a remarkable woman,&quot; remarked Colson. &quot;But so
+were most of the women of our side at that time; and the fact is, such a
+cause as ours would have made heroes and heroines out of the weakest.
+Besides, what won't a woman do to save her husband, at all times?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good stratagem&mdash;that of Mrs. Sullivan's,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Equal to some of Washington's generalship,&quot; remarked Kinnison. Each one
+of the party had some remark to make upon the courage and resource of
+Mrs. Sullivan, except Brown, the fifer, who was enjoying the dreams of
+Morpheus, and therefore deaf to the narrative.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_PATRIOTISM_OF_MRS_BORDEN" id="THE_PATRIOTISM_OF_MRS_BORDEN"></a>THE PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I heard of an instance in which a woman was still more heroic than Mrs.
+Sullivan,&quot; said Ransom, &quot;Because, in this case, the lady suffered for
+maintaining the cause of her country.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When New York and Rhode Island were quietly possessed by the British
+armies, and the Jerseys, overrun by their victorious generals, opposed
+but a feeble resistance to their overwhelming power, Lord Cornwallis,
+commanding a large division of their troops, stationed at Bordentown,
+addressing Mrs. Borden, who resided on her estate in a mansion of
+superior elegance, demanded in an authoritative tone, 'Where, Madam, is
+your rebel husband&mdash;where your rebel son?' 'Doing their duty to their
+country, under the orders of General Washington,' was the prompt reply.
+'We are well apprized,' rejoined that officer, of 'the influence you
+possess over the political creed of your family, and that to them your
+opinion is law. Be wise, then, in time, and while mercy is tendered to
+you, fail not to accept it. Bid them quit the standard of rebellion, and
+cordially unite with us, in bringing his Majesty's deluded subjects to
+submission, and a proper sense of their errors and ingratitude, to the
+best of kings. Your property will then be protected, and remain without
+injury in your possession. But, should you hesitate to profit by our
+clemency, the wasting of your estate and destruction of your mansion
+will inevitably follow.' 'Begin, then, the havoc which you threaten,'
+replied the heroic lady: 'the sight of my house in flames, would be to
+me a treat, for, I have seen enough of you to know, that you never
+injure, what it is possible for you to keep and enjoy. The application
+of a torch to it I should regard as a signal for your departure, and
+consider the retreat of the spoiler an ample compensation for the loss
+of my property.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This was one of those threats which the British never failed to carry
+into execution. The house was burnt, and the whole property consigned to
+waste and desolation. But, as had been foreseen, the perpetrator of the
+ruthless deed retreated, to return no more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just like Cornwallis and his red-coats,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;burning
+people's houses and wasting their lands was a way of making converts,
+which they discovered and practised with a vengeance. Mrs. Borden was a
+strong-minded woman to have endured all this.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_ESCAPE_OF_CAPTAIN_PLUNKETT" id="THE_ESCAPE_OF_CAPTAIN_PLUNKETT"></a>THE ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Warner, &quot;Mrs. Borden was a heroine as wouldn't have
+disgraced the Romans. But what would you think of a mere girl, whose
+family was opposed to our cause, exerting herself to procure the freedom
+of one of our officers, who had been taken by the British?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should say it's what young girls in love have done many a time,&quot; said
+Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not under such circumstances,&quot; said Warner. &quot;But I'll tell you about it
+as it was told to me. Captain Plunkett was a bold-spirited Irishman, who
+held a commission in our army. In some way or other&mdash;it may have been at
+the battle of Brandywine&mdash;Plunkett was taken by the enemy, and soon
+after placed in a prison in Philadelphia. Previous to that, he had made
+many friends among the Quakers of that city&mdash;and, indeed, his manners
+made him a general favourite, wherever he went. Plunkett suffered much
+in prison, and his friends pitied him; but dared not attempt his
+release. However, there was a young girl of great beauty and strength of
+mind, who resolved to release the suffering soldier, at all hazards. It
+accidentally happened, that the uniform of Captain Plunkett's regiment
+bore a striking resemblance to that of a British corps, which was
+frequently set as a guard over the prison in which he was confined. A
+new suit of regimentals was in consequence procured and conveyed,
+without suspicion of sinister design, to the Captain. On the judicious
+use of these rested the hopes of the fair Friend to give him freedom. It
+frequently happened that officers of inferior grade, while their
+superiors affected to shun all intercourse with the rebels, would enter
+the apartments of the prisoners, and converse with them with kindness
+and familiarity, and then at their pleasure retire. Two sentinels
+constantly walked the rounds without, and the practice of seeing their
+officers walking in and out of the interior prison, became so familiar,
+as scarcely to attract notice, and constantly caused them to give way
+without hesitation, as often as an officer showed a disposition to
+retire. Captain Plunkett took the advantage of this circumstance, and
+putting on his new coat, at the moment that the relief of the guard was
+taking place, sallied forth, twirling a switch carelessly about and
+ordering the exterior door of the prison to be opened, walked without
+opposition into the street. Repairing without delay to the habitation of
+his fair friend, he was received with kindness, and for some days
+secreted and cherished with every manifestation of affectionate regard.
+To elude the vigilance of the British Guards, if he attempted to pass
+into the country, in his present dress was deemed impossible. Woman's
+wit, however, is never at a loss for contrivances, while swayed by the
+influences of love or benevolence. Both, in this instance, may have
+aided invention. Plunkett had three strong claims in his favour: he was
+a handsome man&mdash;a soldier&mdash;and an Irishman. The general propensity of
+the Quakers, in favor of the Royal cause, exempted the sect in a great
+measure from suspicion, in so great a degree indeed, that the barriers
+of the city were generally entrusted to the care of their members, as
+the best judges of the characters of those persons who might be allowed
+to pass them, without injury to the British interests. A female Friend,
+of low origin, officiating as a servant in a farm near the city, was in
+the family, on a visit to a relative. A pretext was formed to present
+her with a new suit of clothes, in order to possess that which she wore
+when she entered the city. Captain Plunkett was immediately disguised as
+a woman, and appeared at the barrier accompanied by his anxious
+deliverer. 'Friend Roberts,' said the enterprising girl, 'may this
+damsel and myself pass to visit a friend at a neighbouring farm?'
+'Certainly,' said Roberts, 'go forward.' The city was speedily left
+behind, and Captain Plunkett found himself safe under the protection of
+Colonel Allen M'Lean, a particular friend of his. Whether Captain
+Plunkett ever married the young girl who had rendered him such service,
+I cannot say; but you may fancy he did, and it will make a pretty
+story.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, now we have had enough of the women,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Hand, &quot;and now we must have something more of the men of the
+Revolution. Come, which of you will tell something about George
+Washington&mdash;the Father of his Country?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell you of an important incident in the career of Washington,
+which was told to me by a man who witnessed a part of it, and heard the
+rest,&quot; said Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then strike up, old boy,&quot; said Kinnison, familiarly.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_TREASON_OF_RUGSDALE" id="THE_TREASON_OF_RUGSDALE"></a>THE TREASON OF RUGSDALE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;What I am now about to tell you occurred in the fall of 1782,&quot; began
+Colson. &quot;General Washington was then at West Point. One evening he was
+invited to a party given at the house of one Rugsdale, an old friend.
+Several other officers were invited to accompany him. The general seldom
+engaged in festivities at the period, but in respect to an old
+acquaintance, and, it is whispered, the solicitations of the daughter of
+Rugsdale, he consented to honour the company with his presence. He
+started from West Point in a barge, with some officers and men. As the
+barge gained the opposite bank, one of the rowers leaped on shore, and
+made it fast to the root of a willow which hung its broad branches over
+the river. The rest of the party then landed, and uncovering, saluted
+their commander, who returned their courtesy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'By ten o'clock you may expect me,' said Washington. 'Be cautious; look
+well that you are not surprised. These are no times for trifling.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Depend on us,' replied one of the party.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'I do,' he responded; and bidding them farewell, departed along the
+bank of the river.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After continuing his path some distance along the river's side he
+struck off into a narrow road, bordered thickly with brushwood, tinged
+with a thousand dyes of departed summer; here and there a grey crag
+peeped out from the foliage, over which the green ivy and the scarlet
+woodbine hung in wreathy dalliance; at other places the arms of the
+chestnut and mountain ash met in lofty fondness, casting a gloom deep
+almost as night. Suddenly a crashing among the trees was heard, and like
+a deer an Indian girl bounded into the path, and stood full in his
+presence. He started back with surprise, laid his hand upon his
+sword&mdash;but the Indian only fell upon her knee, placed her finger on her
+lips, and by a sign with her hand forbade him to proceed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What seek you, my wild flower,' said the General.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She started to her feet, drew a small tomahawk from her belt of wampum,
+and imitated the act of scalping the enemy; then again waving her hand
+as forbidding him to advance, she darted into the bushes, leaving him
+lost in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is danger,&quot; said he to himself, after a short pause, and
+recovering from his surprise. &quot;That Indian's manner betokens no good,
+but my trust is in God; he has never deserted me!&quot; and, resuming the
+path, he shortly reached the mansion of Rufus Rugsdale.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His appearance was the signal of joy among the party assembled, each of
+whom vied with the other to do him honour. Although grave in council,
+and bold in war, yet in the bosom of domestic bliss no one knew better
+how to render himself agreeable. The old were cheered by his consolatory
+word; the young by his mirthful manner; nor even in gallantry was he
+wanting, when it added to the cheerful spirit of the hour. The
+protestations of friendship and welcome were warmly tendered to him by
+his host. Fast and thick the guests were assembling; the laugh and
+mingling music rose joyously around. The twilight was fast emerging into
+night; but a thousand sparkling lamps of beauty gave a brilliancy of day
+to the scene; all was happiness; bright eyes and blooming aces were
+every where beaming; but alas! a serpent was lurking among the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the midst of the hilarity, the sound of a cannon burst upon the ear,
+startling the guests and suspending the dance. Washington and the
+officers looked at each other with surprise, but their fears were
+quickly dispelled by Rugsdale, who assured him it was only a discharge
+of ordnance in honour of his distinguished visitors. The joy of the
+moment was again resumed, but the gloom of suspicion had fallen upon the
+spirit of Washington, who sat in moody silence apart from the happy
+throng.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A silent tap upon the shoulder aroused him from his abstraction, and
+looking up he perceived the person of the Indian standing in the shadow
+of a myrtle bush close to his side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ha! again here!' he exclaimed with astonishment; but she motioned him
+to be silent, and kneeling at his feet, presented him with a bouquet of
+flowers. Washington received it, and was about to place it in his
+breast, when she grasped him firmly by the arm, and pointing to it, said
+in a whisper '<i>Snake! Snake!</i>' and the next moment mingled with the
+company, who appeared to recognise and welcome her as one well-known and
+esteemed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; her words and singular
+appearance had, however, sunk deeper into his heart, and looking closer
+upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the
+midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and
+horror-stricken, read, '<i>Beware! you are betrayed</i>!' It was now apparent
+that he was within the den of the tiger; but to quit abruptly, might
+only draw the consummation of treachery the speedier upon his head. He
+resolved therefore that he would disguise his feelings, and trust to
+that Power which had never forsaken him. The festivities were again
+renewed, but almost momentarily interrupted by a second sound of the
+cannon. The guests now began to regard each other with distrust, while
+many and moody were the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance
+began to show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and anon he looked from
+the window out upon the broad green lawn which extended to the river's
+edge, as if in expectation of some one's arrival.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'What can detain them?' he muttered to himself. 'Can they have deceived
+me? Why answer they not the signal?' At that moment a bright flame rose
+from the river, illuminating, for a moment, the surrounding scenery,
+and showing a small boat filled with persons making rapidly towards the
+shore. 'All's well,' he continued; 'in three minutes I shall be the
+possessor of a coronet, and the cause of the Republic be no more.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then gaily turning to Washington, he said, 'Come, General, pledge me to
+the success of your arms.' The eye of Rugsdale at that moment
+encountered the scrutinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the ground;
+his hand trembled violently, even to so great a degree as to partly
+spill the contents of the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed it to his
+lips&mdash;then retiring to the window, he waved his hand, which action was
+immediately responded to by a third sound of the cannon, at the same
+moment the English anthem of 'God save the King,' burst in full volume
+upon the ear, and a band of men attired in British uniform, with their
+faces hidden by masks, entered the apartment. The American officers drew
+their swords, but Washington, cool and collected, stood with his arms
+folded upon his breast, and quietly remarked to them, 'Be calm,
+gentlemen&mdash;this is an honour we did not anticipate.' Then, turning to
+Rugsdale, he said, 'Speak, sir, what does this mean?'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'It means,' replied the traitor, (placing his hand upon the shoulder of
+Washington,) 'that you are my prisoner. In the name of King George, I
+arrest you.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Never,' exclaimed the General. 'We may be cut to pieces, but surrender
+we will not. Therefore give way,' and he waved his sword to the guard
+who stood with their muskets levelled, as ready to fire, should they
+attempt to escape. In an instant were their weapons reversed, and,
+dropping their masks, to the horror of Rugsdale, and the agreeable
+surprise of Washington, his own brave party, whom he had left in charge
+of the barge, stood revealed before him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Seize that traitor!' exclaimed the commander. 'In ten minutes from
+this moment let him be a spectacle between the heavens and the earth.'
+The wife and daughter clung to his knees in supplication, but an
+irrevocable oath had passed his lips that never should treason receive
+his forgiveness after that of the miscreant Arnold. 'For my own life,'
+he said, while tears rolled down his noble countenance at the agony of
+the wife and daughter: 'For my own life I heed not; but the liberty of
+my native land&mdash;the welfare of millions demand this sacrifice. For the
+sake of humanity, I pity him; but my oath is recorded, and now in the
+presence of Heaven, I swear I will not forgive him.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Like a thunderbolt fell these words upon the wife and daughter. They
+sank lifeless into the hands of the domestics, and when they had
+recovered to consciousness, Rugsdale had atoned for his treason by the
+sacrifice of his life.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It appears that the Indian girl, who was an especial favourite and
+domesticated in the family, had overheard the intentions of Rugsdale to
+betray the American General, and other valuable officers, that evening,
+into the hands of the British, for which purpose they had been invited
+to this 'feast of Judas.' Hating, in her heart, the enemies of America,
+who had driven her tribe from their native forests, she resolved to
+frustrate the design, and consequently waylaid the steps of Washington,
+as we have described, but failing in her noble purpose, she had recourse
+to the party left in possession of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Scarcely had she given the information, and night closed round, when a
+company of British soldiers were discovered making their way rapidly
+towards the banks of the Hudson, within a short distance of the spot
+where the American party was waiting the return of their commander. Bold
+in the cause of liberty, and knowing that immediate action alone could
+preserve him, they rushed upon and overpowered them, bound them hand and
+foot, placed them with their companions, and sent them to the American
+camp at West Point. Having disguised themselves in the habiliments of
+the enemy, they proceeded to the house of Rugsdale, where, at the
+appointed time and sign made known by the Indian, they opportunely
+arrived to the relief of Washington, and the confusion of the traitor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who told you that story?&quot; enquired Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An old friend of mine, named Buckram; he was one of the men who
+disguised themselves,&quot; replied Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm inclined to believe it's a tough yarn,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;It's true
+enough to the character of Washington. He never let his feelings swerve
+him from the strict line of duty. But all that stuff about the Indian
+girl is somebody's invention, or the most extraordinary thing of the
+kind I've heard tell of. I don't doubt your friend's veracity, but it's
+a tough yarn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Probable enough,&quot; remarked Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a very pretty story,&quot; said Ransom, &quot;and I'm inclined to swallow it
+as truth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm satisfied of its truth,&quot; said Colson. &quot;But I wouldn't ask any of
+you to believe it, if there's anything in it staggers you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think Rugsdale was served as all such traitors in such times should
+be served,&quot; said Hanson. &quot;Hurra! for Gineral Washington.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Three cheers for General Washington!&quot; suggested Hand, and the three
+cheers were given. A song was called for by several voices, and a young
+man volunteered to favour the company with &quot;Liberty and Washington,&quot; the
+song which follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When Freedom, from her starry home,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Look'd down upon the drooping world,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She saw a land of fairy bloom,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where Ocean's sparkling billows curl'd;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The sunbeams kiss'd its mighty floods,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And verdure clad its boundless plains&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But floods and fields and leafy woods,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">All wore alike a despot's chains!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">&quot;Be free!&quot; she cried, &quot;land of my choice;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Arise! and put thy buckler on;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let every patriot raise his voice</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For Liberty and Washington!&quot;</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The word went forth from hill to vale,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Each patriot heart leapt at the sound;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Proud Freedom's banner flapp'd the gale,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And Britain's chains fell to the ground.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Man stood erect in majesty,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The proud defender of his rights:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For where is he would not be free</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From stern oppression's deadening blights!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be free&mdash;be free then, happy land!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Forever beam the light that shone</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Upon the firm and dauntless band,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who fought beside our Washington!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lo! where the forest's children rove</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Midst woody hill and rocky glen,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Wild as the dark retreats they loved&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">What now are towns were deserts then.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world has marked her onward way,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Beneath the smile of Liberty;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And Fame records the glorious day</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Which made the western empire free.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be free&mdash;be free then, glorious land!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In union be thy millions one;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be strong in friendship's holy band,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Thy brightest star&mdash;our Washington!</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>This song and the applause which succeeded wakened the sleeping fifer,
+Brown, who looked around him as if wondering where he was.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hallo, old boy,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;you look frightened. What's the matter
+with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was dreaming,&quot; replied Brown. &quot;I thought I was at the battle of
+Lexington, and the roar of the British guns was in my ears. But I find
+it is only the roar of your voices. Liberty and Washington was our
+war-cry on many a field, and I thought I heard it again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was our peace cry,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the young men, we regret to say, were not members of any of the
+temperance societies; and as they had partaken freely of the stimulating
+beverages which had been called for, they were getting very noisy and
+losing much of that bashfulness which had hitherto kept them silent. In
+this state of things, Mr. Hand was forced to entreat one of the veterans
+to amuse them with some interesting incidents of the Revolution.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was a British officer, whose career has often interested me,&quot;
+said Hand, &quot;and that was Colonel Tarleton. He was a daring, fiery
+soldier, according to the accounts of him; but a savage man.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_CRUELTY_OF_TARLETON" id="THE_CRUELTY_OF_TARLETON"></a>THE CRUELTY OF TARLETON.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Tarleton was a regular blood-hound,&quot; said Pitts, &quot;A savage, though
+among civilized men. I always admired his fiery spirit and daring
+courage, but never could regard him as a civilized warrior. I'll tell
+you of an instance in which Tarleton displayed his character in full. I
+had a Tory relative in North Carolina, who died not long ago. When
+Colonel Tarleton was encamped west of the Haw River, Cornwallis received
+information that Lee's fiery Legion had recrossed the Dan, cut up
+several detachments of Tories, and was scouring the neighbouring country
+in search of parties of the enemy. The British general immediately sent
+information to Colonel Tarleton, to warn him to guard against surprise.
+My Tory relative was the messenger, and he told me about what he saw at
+Tarleton's camp.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon (says the old Tory) as I came in view of the British lines, I
+hastened to deliver myself up to the nearest patrol, informing him that
+I was the bearer of important despatches from Lord Cornwallis to
+Colonel Tarleton. The guard was immediately called out, the commander of
+which taking me in charge, carried me at once to Tarleton's marquee. A
+servant informed him of my arrival, and returned immediately with the
+answer that his master would see me after a while, and that in the mean
+time I was to await his pleasure where I then was. The servant was a
+grave and sedate looking Englishman, between 50 and 60 years of age, and
+informed me that he had known Colonel Tarleton from his earliest youth,
+having lived for many years in the family of his father, a worthy
+clergyman, at whose particular request he had followed the Colonel to
+this country, with the view that, if overtaken by disease and suffering
+in his headlong career, he might have some one near him who had known
+him ere the pranksome mischief of the boy had hardened into the sterner
+vices of the man. 'He was always a wild blade, friend,' (said the old
+man) 'and many a heart-ache has he given us all, but he'll mend in time,
+I hope.&quot; Just then my attention was arrested by the violent plungings of
+a horse, which two stout grooms, one on each side, were endeavouring to
+lead to the spot where we were standing. He was a large and powerful
+brute, beautifully formed, and black as a crow, with an eye that seemed
+actually to blaze with rage, at the restraint which was put upon him.
+His progress was one continued bound, at times swinging the grooms clear
+from the earth, as lightly as though they were but tassels hung on to
+the huge Spanish bit, so that with difficulty they escaped being
+trampled under foot. I asked the meaning of the scene, and was informed
+that the horse was one that Tarleton had heard of as being a magnificent
+animal, but one altogether unmanageable; and so delighted was he with
+the description, that he sent all the way down into Moore County where
+his owner resided, and purchased him at the extravagant price of one
+hundred guineas; and that moreover, he was about to ride him that
+morning. 'Ride him?' said I, 'why one had as well try to back a streak
+of lightning!&mdash;the mad brute will certainly be the death of him.' 'Never
+fear for him,' said my companion; 'never fear for him, his time has not
+come yet.' By this time the horse had been brought up to where we were;
+the curtain of the marquee was pushed aside and my attention was drawn
+from the savage stud, to rivet itself upon his dauntless rider. And a
+picture of a man he was. Rather below the middle height, and with a face
+almost femininely beautiful, Tarleton possessed a form that was a model
+of manly strength and vigor. Without a particle of superfluous flesh,
+his rounded limbs and full broad chest seemed moulded from iron, yet at
+the same time displaying all the elasticity which usually accompanies
+elegance of proportion. His dress (strange as it may appear) was a
+jacket and breeches of white linen, fitted to his form with the utmost
+exactness. Boots of Russet leather were half-way up the leg, the broad
+tops of which were turned down, and the heels garnished with spurs of an
+immense size and length of rowel. On his head was a low-crowned hat
+curiously formed from the snow white-feathers of the swan; and in his
+hand he carried a heavy scourge, with shot well twisted into its knotted
+lash. After looking round for a moment or two, as though to command the
+attention of all, he advanced to the side of the horse, and disdaining
+the use of the stirrup, with one bound threw himself into the saddle, at
+the same time calling on the grooms to let him go. For an instant the
+animal seemed paralyzed; then, with a perfect yell of rage, bounded into
+the air like a stricken deer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The struggle for the mastery had commenced&mdash;bound succeeded bound with
+the rapidity of thought; every device which its animal instinct could
+teach, was resorted to by the maddened brute to shake off its unwelcome
+burthen&mdash;but in vain. Its ruthless rider proved irresistible&mdash;and,
+clinging like fate itself, plied the scourge and rowel like a fiend. The
+punishment was too severe to be long withstood, and at length, after a
+succession of frantic efforts, the tortured animal, with a scream of
+agony, leaped forth upon the plain and flew across it with the speed of
+an arrow. The ground upon which Tarleton had pitched his camp was an
+almost perfectly level plain, something more than half a mile in
+circumference.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Around this, after getting him under way, he continued to urge his
+furious steed, amid the raptures and shouts of the admiring soldiery,
+plying the whip and spur at every leap, until wearied and worn down with
+its prodigious efforts, the tired creature discontinued all exertion,
+save that to which it was urged by its merciless rider.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/118.png" width="620" height="964" alt="TARLETON BREAKING THE HORSE" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;At length, exhausted from the conflict, Tarleton drew up before his
+tent and threw himself from his saddle. The horse was completely
+subdued, and at the word of command followed him like a dog. The victory
+was complete. His eye of fire was dim and lustreless&mdash;drops of agony
+fell from his drooping front, while from his labouring and mangled sides
+the mingled blood and foam poured in a thick and clotted stream.
+Tarleton himself was pale as death, and as soon as he was satisfied with
+his success, retired and threw himself on his couch. In a short time I
+was called into his presence and delivered my despatches. Immediate
+orders were issued to make preparation for a return to Hillsborough, so
+soon as all the scouts had come in; and the next morning early found us
+again beyond the Haw River&mdash;and in good time, too, for as the last files
+were emerging from the stream, the advance of Lee's Legion appeared on
+the opposite bank, and, with a shout of disappointed rage, poured a
+volley into the ranks of the retreating columns.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have witnessed many stirring scenes,&quot; said the old man, &quot;both during
+the Revolution and since, but I never saw one half so exciting as the
+strife between that savage man and savage horse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was almost equal to Alexander and Buce&mdash;Buce&mdash;Alexander the Great,
+and that wild horse you know he tamed when a boy&mdash;what was its name?&quot;
+said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bucephalus,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the name,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;Tarleton was more savage, however,
+than even that conqueror.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The same relative told me of several other instances in which Tarleton
+displayed his savage and merciless nature,&quot; said Pitts. &quot;After the fall
+of Charleston, a young man named Stroud, who had taken a British
+protection, resumed arms in defence of his country. Shortly after,
+Tarleton captured him, and without any shadow of a trial, hung him up by
+the public road, with a label attached to his back, announcing that such
+should be the fate of the man who presumed to cut him down. The body was
+exposed in that manner for more than three weeks, when the sister of the
+young man ventured out, cut the body down and gave it decent burial. At
+another time, a young man named Wade, who had been induced to join
+Tarleton's Legion, deserted, to unite with his countrymen. He was taken,
+tried and sentenced to receive a thousand lashes. Of course the poor
+fellow died under the punishment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The wretch!&quot; said Hand. &quot;I suppose if he had fallen into the hands of
+our men, they would have strung him up without mercy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He never would have fallen alive into the hands of our men,&quot; replied
+Pitts. &quot;Such men know that they must expect vengeance. He came near
+losing his life in various battles. At Cowpens, Colonel Washington cut
+him with his sabre, and would have killed him, if be had turned and
+fought like a man; at the Waxhaws, Captain Adam Wallace made a thrust at
+Tarleton that would have done for him, if a British trooper had not
+struck Wallace to the earth just at the time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There were many Tarletons among the enemy,&quot; said Colson, as &quot;far as
+cruelty is considered, but most of them lacked his activity, and were
+therefore less formidable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It seemed,&quot; said Pitts, &quot;as if Tarleton never aimed to win merely, but
+to destroy. He said that severity alone could establish the regal
+authority in America. If a party of Americans were surprised, they were
+not made prisoners, but slaughtered while asking for quarter. He was a
+tiger that was never satisfied until he had mangled and devoured his
+enemy.&quot; And so the veterans went on, talking of the cruelties of
+Tarleton, giving his character no more quarter than he had given his
+unfortunate prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was another British officer, up in these parts, who was nearly
+equal to Tarleton,&quot; said Davenport. &quot;I mean General Grey&mdash;the man who
+massacred our men at Paoli and Tappan. Both these were night-attacks, it
+is true, and we always expect bloody work on such an occasion. But it is
+known that our men were bayoneted while calling for quarter, which can't
+be justified. Did Wayne slaughter the enemy at Stony Point? No; he
+spared them, although they were the men who had acted otherwise at
+Paoli.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Grey was known as the no-quarter General, I believe,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Davenport; &quot;and he was always selected to do the bloodiest
+work&mdash;the hangman of the enemy, as we might say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hang Tarleton and Grey,&quot; said Hand. &quot;Tell us something of our own men.
+Did either of you ever see Henry Lee? he was always one of my favourite
+heroes.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="LEES_LEGION" id="LEES_LEGION"></a>LEE'S LEGION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! yes,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;I frequently saw Lee, before he went south
+with his Legion. He was a noble-looking young man, with the judgment of
+a skilful general, and the fire of a natural soldier. I knew several of
+his men, who were with him through the whole campaign, under General
+Greene. You may have heard what Greene said of him. Speaking of the
+principal officers under him, he said Colonel Lee was the eye of the
+army, and Colonel Washington its arm; and he afterwards said that he was
+more indebted to Lee's judgment and activity for success, than to the
+qualities of any other officer. It was Lee who advised Greene to recross
+the Dan, and pursue Cornwallis in North Carolina. Even Tarleton was very
+careful to keep out of the Legion's reach, when numbers were anything
+like equal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I always liked Henry Lee,&quot; said Warner. &quot;But he was too severe
+sometimes. See how he slaughtered the Tories with Colonel Pyle at their
+head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, he cut the poor rascals to pieces,&quot; said Pitts. &quot;I heard that
+about three hundred out of four hundred men were butchered on that
+occasion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a fact,&quot; said Kinnison; &quot;but I can't think Lee was too cruel
+there. You see, it's often necessary to strike a heavy blow to effect an
+object; and Lee wanted to put an end to the movements of the tories, who
+were collecting in great numbers to join Cornwallis. There was no better
+way than the summary one he adopted, of making them feel the consequence
+of being traitors to their country and to freedom.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It served them just right,&quot; said Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't wish to defend the tories,&quot; said Hand; &quot;but I think in many
+instances, great injustice was done to them. Many of them were honest,
+true-hearted men, who didn't think as the Whigs did, or whose thinking
+did not lead them to the same conclusion. I scarcely think such men
+could be called traitors to their country.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; you talk very well,&quot; said Davenport; &quot;but if you had suffered from
+them, you would have hated the tories just as much as we did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, don't dispute about it,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;We were talking of
+Colonel Henry Lee, and his brave Legion. Cornwallis said he never felt
+secure while Lee was anywhere in his neighbourhood; and that he knew how
+to seek the weak points of an enemy and strike a blow as well as any
+partisan officer he ever knew. He feared Lee as much as Tarleton feared
+the night-attacks of the Swamp-Fox, Marion. My friends in the Legion
+told me that Lee had as daring and enterprising officers under his
+command as the service could boast. Captains Rudolph, Armstrong, and
+O'Neil, and many others were the boldest kind of partisans. Rudolph was
+a very small-sized man, but one of that sleepless, open-eyed and
+determined kind that seems born for enterprise and command. He led the
+forlorn hope in the attack on Paulus Hook, and at the sieges of the many
+forts in Georgia and the Carolinas; and he it was, who led the famous
+charge with the bayonet at Eutaw Springs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I saw him soon after he joined the Legion,&quot; said Hanson. &quot;Colonel Lee
+considered him his best officer, I believe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;he was one of the best officers in the
+army&mdash;conducting sieges as well as he did partisan movements. Not long
+before the British evacuated Charleston, Captain Rudolph performed two
+remarkable exploits that tell the character of the man better than words
+can. The left of the British line was at a place called the Quarter
+House, near Charleston, on what is called the Neck. To protect this post
+on the water-side, the enemy had a large armed galley, well manned and
+equipped. Captain Rudolph, gaining a knowledge of the exact position of
+the galley and her force, formed a plan to capture, or least destroy
+her. He chose only sixteen men&mdash;the most daring and enterprising in the
+Legion, and informed them of his scheme. They were eager for such
+enterprises, and everything was soon arranged. A night was fixed upon,
+and boats prepared. There was no moon upon that night, which made it
+favourable to secrecy. At the appointed time, Rudolph and his men rowed
+with muffled oars and ready weapons towards the place where the galley
+was anchored. They had to pass very near the British sentinels on the
+Neck, but were not discovered; and they reached the side of the galley
+before any of the British were aware that the enterprise was afoot.
+Twenty-six men who were aboard the galley were made prisoners with
+scarcely any resistance, so sudden was the attack. These prisoners were
+hurried into the boats; and then Captain Rudolph, seeing that he
+couldn't get the galley away from the place in time to get out of the
+enemy's reach, set fire to her. The party then gave a shout and pulled
+away towards the shore from which they had started. The enemy were
+alarmed by the firing of the sentinels, the glare of the burning galley
+and the shout of the daring band, and fired some of their artillery
+after Rudolph. But it was too late; the Americans escaped, and the
+galley was burned to the water's edge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was equal to Decatur's burning of the Philadelphia,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was,&quot; replied Kinnison. &quot;Rudolph was very much of a Decatur in
+spirit. Soon after the enterprise I've just mentioned. Captain Rudolph
+attacked a party of black dragoons who were out foraging for the
+British. The blacks were defeated, and many of them taken. In the course
+of the fight, Rudolph engaged one of the largest-sized and boldest of
+the black dragoons in a regular hand-to-hand combat; and in a very short
+time dismounted and captured him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The war in the Southern States had more of romance and daring
+enterprise connected with it than the war in the North,&quot; said Hand;
+&quot;though it must be owned, that the movements of the Northern armies were
+of more consequence in the long run.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, there was more that most young men like to read about in the
+Southern war,&quot; said Warner; &quot;plenty of dare-devil movements, but no
+Canadian expedition, nor Saratoga.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a pity there are no soldiers of the Southern army here to reply to
+your sneers,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;I know from what I've heard, there never
+were better soldiers than the men who fought under Lee and Morgan, and I
+scarcely think that George Washington himself was a better general than
+Nathaniel Greene. But I was going to tell you of some other officers of
+Lee's Legion; there was Lieutenant Manning, an Irishman, who was very
+much of a favourite among his brother officers on account of his
+good-humour in company, and his coolness and bravery in battle. Many
+anecdotes are told of him which speak his parts, and if agreeable, I'll
+tell some of them to you as they were told to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very agreeable,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The kind of stories I like to hear,&quot; said another of the young men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you shall hear, if I can recollect aright,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;The
+intrigues and efforts of Lord Cornwallis, to excite insurrection, backed
+by a very formidable force, had produced among the Highland emigrants a
+spirit of revolt, which it required all the energies of General Greene
+to counteract, before it could be matured. The zeal and activity of
+Lieutenant Colonel Lee, united to his acuteness and happy talent of
+obtaining intelligence of every movement, and of the most secret
+intentions of the enemy, pointed him out as the fittest man for this
+important service. He was accordingly selected with orders to impede the
+intercourse of Lord Cornwallis with the disaffected; to repress every
+symptom of revolt, and promptly to cut off every party that should take
+up arms for Britain. Constantly on the alert, he was equally anxious to
+give security to his own command, while he harassed the enemy. A secure
+position was, on one occasion, taken near a forked road, one division of
+which led directly to Lord Cornwallis' camp, about six miles distant.
+The ground was chosen in the dusk of evening; and to prevent surprise,
+patrols of cavalry were kept out on each fork during the night. An order
+for a movement before day had been communicated to every individual, and
+was executed with so little noise and confusion, that Lieutenant Manning
+waking at early dawn, found himself, excepting one soldier, left alone.
+Stephen Green, the attendant of Captain Carns, lay near him, resting on
+the portmanteau of his superior, and buried in profound sleep. Being
+awakened he was ordered to mount and follow, while Manning, hastening
+towards the fork, hoped to fall upon the track, and speedily rejoin his
+regiment. Much rain had fallen during the night, so that, finding both
+roads equally cut up, Manning chose at hazard, and took the wrong one.
+He had not proceeded far, before he saw at the door of a log-house, a
+rifleman leaning on his gun, and apparently placed as a sentinel.
+Galloping up to him, he inquired if a regiment of horse and body of
+infantry had passed that way? 'Oh, ho,' cried the man, (whistling
+loudly, which brought out a dozen others completely armed, and carrying
+each a red rag in his hat,) 'you, I suppose, are one of Greene's men.'
+The badge which they bore, marked their principles. Without the
+slightest indication of alarm, or even hesitation, Manning pointed to
+the portmanteau carried by Green, and exclaimed&mdash;'Hush, my good
+fellow&mdash;no clamour for God's sake&mdash;I have <i>there</i> what will ruin
+Greene&mdash;point out the road to Lord Cornwallis' army, for all depends
+upon early intelligence of its contents.' 'You are an honest fellow (was
+the general cry), and have left the rebels just in time, for the whole
+settlement are in arms to join Colonel Pyle tomorrow (naming the place
+of rendezvous), where Colonel Tarleton will meet and conduct us to
+camp.' 'Come,' said the man, to whom he had first spoken, 'take a
+drink&mdash;Here's confusion to Greene, and success to the King and his
+friends. This is the right road, and you will soon reach the army; or
+rather let me conduct you to it myself.' 'Not for the world, my dear
+fellow,' replied Manning; 'your direction is plain and I can follow it.
+I will never-consent that a faithful subject of his Majesty should be
+subjected to the dangers of captivity or death on my account. If we
+should fall in with a party of rebels, and we cannot say they are not in
+the neighbourhood now, we should both lose our lives. I should be hanged
+for desertion, and you for aiding me to reach the British army.' This
+speech produced the effect he desired. The libation concluded, Manning
+rode off amid the cheers of the company, and when out of sight, crossed
+to the other road, and urging his horse to full speed, in a short time
+overtook and communicated the interesting intelligence to his commander.
+Lee was then meditating an attack upon Tarleton, who had crossed the Haw
+River to support the insurgents; but, perceiving the vast importance of
+crushing the revolt in the bud, he informed General Greene of his plan
+by a confidential messenger, and hastened to the point of rendezvous,
+where Pyle, with upwards of four hundred men, had already arrived. You
+have heard of the bloody work that ensued. Pyle and his Tories believed
+to the last that the soldiers of the Legion were Tarleton's men, and
+were therefore easily surprised About three hundred of them were
+killed&mdash;the rest fled or were made prisoners. I don't want to justify
+such butchery; but our men ought to be excused, according to the laws of
+war, when we consider that these same Tories and their red-coat friends
+never gave the Whigs quarter in case of a surprise, and that some such
+slaughter was necessary to make them feel that they couldn't murder
+without paying for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/130.png" width="620" height="855" alt="LEE'S LEGION" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;We've already argued that question,&quot; said Davenport, &quot;and in my mind,
+it is a settled point that Lee was right.&quot; Nobody seemed disposed to
+revive the argument, and Kinnison continued.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In this instance you see how ready Manning was to break a net or weave
+one. I can tell you of another instance in which he showed his daring
+courage, and quickness of resource in time of danger. At the battle of
+Eutaw, after the British line had been broken, and the <i>Old Buffs</i>, a
+regiment that had boasted of the extraordinary feats that they were to
+perform, were running from the field, Manning, sprang forward in
+pursuit, directing the platoon which he commanded, to follow him. He did
+not cast an eye behind him until he found himself near a large brick
+house, into which the York Volunteers, commanded by Cruger, were
+retiring. The British were on all sides of him, and not an American
+soldier nearer than one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards. He did
+not hesitate a moment, but springing at an officer who was near him,
+seized him by the collar, and exclaiming in a harsh tone of voice&mdash;'Damn
+you, sir, you are my prisoner,' wrested his sword from his grasp,
+dragged him by force from the house, and keeping his body as a shield of
+defence from the heavy fire sustained from the windows, carried him off
+without receiving any injury. Manning has often related, that at the
+moment when he expected that his prisoner would have made an effort for
+his liberty, he, with great <i>solemnity</i>, commenced an enumeration of his
+titles&mdash;I am, Sir Henry Barry, Deputy Adjutant General of the British
+Army, Captain in the 52d Regiment, Secretary to the Commandant of
+Charleston.' 'Enough, enough, sir,' said Manning, 'you are just the man
+I was looking for; fear nothing for your life, you shall screen <i>me</i>
+from danger, and I will take special care of <i>you</i>.' He had retired in
+this manner some distance from the brick house, when he saw Captain
+Robert Joiett of the Virginia line, engaged in single combat with a
+British officer. They had selected each other for battle a little
+before, the American armed with a broad-sword, the Briton with a musket
+and bayonet. As they came together, a thrust was made at Joiett, which
+he parried, and both dropping their artificial weapons, being too much
+in contact to use them with effect, resorted to those with which they
+had been furnished by nature. They were both men of great bulk and
+vigour, and while struggling each anxious to bring the other to the
+ground, a grenadier who saw the contest, ran to the assistance of his
+officer, made a longe with his bayonet, missed Joiett's body, but drove
+it beyond the curve into his coat. In attempting to withdraw the
+entangled weapon, he threw both combatants to the ground; when getting
+it free, he raised it deliberately, determined not to fail again in his
+purpose, but to transfix Joiett. It was at this moment that Manning
+approached&mdash;not near enough, however, to reach the grenadier with his
+arm. In order to gain time, and to arrest the stroke, he exclaimed in an
+angry and authoritative tone&mdash;'You damn'd brute, will you murder the
+gentleman?' The soldier, supposing himself addressed by one of his own
+officers, suspended the blow, and looked around to see the person who
+had thus spoken to him. Before he could recover from the surprise into
+which he had been thrown, Manning, now sufficiently near, struck him
+with his sword across the eyes, and felled him to the ground; while
+Joiett disengaged himself from his opponent, and snatching up the
+musket, as he attempted to rise, laid him dead by a blow from the
+butt-end of it. Manning was of inferior size, but strong, and remarkably
+well formed. Joiett was almost a giant. This, probably, led Barry, who
+could not have wished the particulars of his capture to be commented on,
+to reply, when asked by his brother officers, how he came to be taken,
+'I was overpowered by a huge Virginian.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Manning was a cool and ready soldier,&quot; observed Pitts. &quot;I saw him once
+in Philadelphia, before his Legion went south. He had a most determined
+look in spite of the good-humoured leer of his eye. He was one of the
+last men I should have wished to provoke; he was a complete
+Irishman&mdash;blunders and all. I heard of his telling a black servant who
+was walking barefoot on the snow to put on a pair of stockings the next
+time he went barefoot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Great things were done by the soldiers, as well as by the officers of
+that Legion,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;At the siege of the Stockade Fort at
+Ninety-Six, Colonel Lee, who had charge of all the operations of the
+siege, thought that the Fort might be destroyed by fire. Accordingly,
+Sergeant Whaling, a non-commissioned officer whose term of service was
+about to expire, with twelve privates, was detached to perform the
+service. Whaling saw that he was moving to certain death; as the
+approach to the Fort was to be made in open day, and over clear, level
+ground, which offered no cover. But he was a brave man, and had served
+from the commencement of the war. It was his greatest pride never to
+shrink from his duty. He dressed himself neatly&mdash;took an affectionate
+but cheerful leave of his comrades, swung his musket over his shoulder,
+and with a bundle of blazing pine torches in his hand, sprang forward,
+followed by his little band. They reached the Stockade before the enemy
+fired a shot. But a deliberate aim killed Whaling and all his men except
+one, who escaped unhurt. It was the opinion of most of the officers of
+the Legion that Whaling's life was sacrificed in attempting to carry out
+a rash idea. But we oughtn't to judge Colonel Lee without being more
+certain of the facts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But we know enough to say it was a very wild idea to send men up to a
+fort in open day, and over ground where they could have no cover,&quot;
+remarked Ransom. &quot;I know General John Stark would never have sacrificed
+his men in that way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps,&quot; said Hand, coming to the rescue of his hero, &quot;a desperate
+measure was necessary. I've heard that at the time, Lord Rawdon was
+marching very rapidly to relieve the garrison, and Colonel Lee thought
+that every means should be tried to reduce the Fort ere the siege was
+abandoned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You say well,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;As I said before, we should never judge
+commanders without knowing the facts of the case. Never say a man has
+committed a fault, unless it sticks out plain to the eye. Harry Lee was
+as a common thing very sparing of the lives of his men, and he never
+made any military movement without very strong driving from reason, as
+General Greene himself would have told you. Whaling was a brave man and
+a strict soldier, or he would never have dared to approach the fort in
+such a way. But as I said before, they were all daring men that belonged
+to Lee's Legion. There were two soldiers of the cavalry, named Bulkley
+and Newman, who had been the warmest and the closest friends from
+infancy. They had both joined the army at the same time&mdash;that is, at the
+commencement of the war; and through the greater part of the southern
+campaign, they fought side by side, and each one strove to lighten the
+sufferings of the other. Brothers could not have been more attached to
+each other. In the fight at Quimby, where Captain Armstrong made a
+famous dragoon charge upon the 19th British regiment, the friends were
+among the foremost. The dragoons had to pass a bridge in which the enemy
+had made a large gap. Captain Armstrong led the way, but not more than a
+dozen men followed, to support him. At the head of this little band,
+Armstrong cut his way through the entire British regiment. But then a
+well-aimed fire brought down several of the dragoons. Bulkley and Newman
+were mortally wounded at the same fire, and fell, locked in each other's
+arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A kind of Damon and Pythias friendship,&quot; observed Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I believe they would have died for each other,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;A
+friend told me that they were never separated, in camp or field. If one
+was sick, the other watched by his side. I had a comrade of the same
+kind during the greater part of my life; his name was Williams, and he
+was one of the best-hearted men I ever knew. We fought through the
+Revolution together, and both entered the army in 1812. But I lost him
+during the attack on Fort Erie. Poor Williams was killed by a shell. It
+has been a long while since then, but I still feel as if I had lost a
+part of my heart when he fell. Poor Williams!&quot; and Kinnison appeared to
+be busy with the mournful recollections of the &quot;friends of his better
+days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you may talk as much as you please about Henry Lee and Marion,
+and your other men in the south,&quot; said Ransom, &quot;but John Stark or Ethan
+Allen was worth as much as either of them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My favourite leader was Mad Anthony Wayne,&quot; said Colson. &quot;A better
+soldier or a more wide-awake general was not to be found in the army
+during the revolution.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know General Wayne was a whole soldier,&quot; observed Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did any of you ever hear or read an account of the night-attack on
+General Wayne, near Savannah, just before the close of the war?&quot;
+enquired Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have read something about it, and know it was a warm struggle,&quot; said
+Kinnison.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_ATTACK_ON_GENERAL_WAYNE" id="THE_ATTACK_ON_GENERAL_WAYNE"></a>THE ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;One of Parker's Light Infantry told me all about it,&quot; said Colson. &quot;He
+says that General Wayne, with eight hundred men&mdash;infantry, artillery and
+dragoons&mdash;were encamped at Gibbons' Plantation, about five miles from
+Savannah, where the British were posted. It was the early part of
+February. General Wayne had no idea that an enemy was nearer than
+Savannah. But the brave Creeks had been taken into the pay of the
+British, and their chief, Gurestessego, formed a plan to surprise the
+Continentals. Never was an attack better planned; our men were sleeping
+with a feeling of security, when, about midnight, the Creeks fell upon
+the camp. The sentinels were captured and the Indians entered the camp,
+and secured the cannon; but while they were trying to make the cannon
+serviceable, instead of following up their success, Wayne and his men
+recovered from their surprise and were soon in order for battle.
+Parker's Infantry charged with the bayonet and after a short struggle
+recovered the cannon. Gunn, with his dragoons, followed up the charge,
+and the Creeks were forced to give way. General Wayne encountered the
+chief Gurestessego in hand-to-hand combat&mdash;the General with sword and
+pistols, and the chief with musket, tomahawk and knife. The struggle was
+fierce but short. The chief was killed, and Wayne escaped without any
+serious injury. Seventeen of the Creeks fell and the rest escaped in the
+darkness, leaving their packhorses and a considerable quantity of peltry
+in the hands of the victors. Wayne conjectured at once that the Indians
+would not have dared to make an attack, without being assured of the
+approach of the British or Tories to support them, and a rumour spread
+that Colonel Browne was marching towards the camp for that purpose. In
+the fight, Wayne had captured twelve young warriors, whom he doomed to
+death to prevent them joining the enemy. This was a rash act. The rumour
+of Browne's approach was false; but the young warriors had been
+sacrificed before this was known. General Wayne felt many a pang for
+this rash command, as he was a man who never would shed blood without it
+was necessary in the performance of his duty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why didn't he send the Indians to Greene's camp, or some other American
+post?&quot; enquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There was no time or men to spare if the rumour had been true,&quot; said
+Colson. &quot;Most commanders would have acted as Wayne did, under the
+circumstances. Though I think the execution of the order might have been
+delayed until the enemy came in sight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The General no doubt had good reason for his course,&quot; said Kinnison.
+&quot;He believed it to be his duty to do everything for the safety of the
+men he commanded, and expecting to be assailed by a much larger force
+than his own, he did right to destroy the foes he had in camp. I know it
+must have shocked his feelings to give the order, but he was a man who
+couldn't shrink or be driven from the plain line of duty. Now, there was
+that affair with the Pennsylvania line, at Morristown. I've heard
+several men who were at Morristown at the time, say that Wayne was wrong
+in daring to oppose the mutineers&mdash;that their demands were just and
+reasonable, and he ought rather to have led, than opposed them. But
+every man who knows anything of the duty of a general and a patriot must
+applaud Wayne.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you give us an account of that mutiny at Morristown?&quot; enquired
+Hand.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_MUTINY_AT_MORRISTOWN" id="THE_MUTINY_AT_MORRISTOWN"></a>THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I can tell you what was told me by men who engaged in it,&quot; said
+Kinnison. &quot;For myself, I was at that time, with the Massachusetts troops
+at Middlebrook. The Pennsylvania line, numbering about two thousand men,
+was stationed at the old camp ground at Morristown. Most of these men
+believed that their term of service expired at the end of the year 1779,
+though Congress and some of the generals thought otherwise, or that the
+men were enlisted to serve until the end of the war. This difficulty
+about the term of enlistment was the seed of the mutiny. But there were
+many other things that would have roused any other men to revolt. The
+Pennsylvanians had not received any pay for twelve months, and during
+the severest part of the fall, they suffered for the want of food and
+clothing. To expect men to bear such treatment and remain in the army
+when there was the slightest pretext for leaving, it was building on a
+sandy foundation. Patriotism and starvation were not as agreeable to
+common soldiers as they were to some members of Congress. Even some of
+the officers&mdash;men who depended upon their pay to support their families
+while fighting for liberty&mdash;grumbled at the conduct of those who
+should have supplied them. This gave the men courage, and they
+determined to act boldly. They appointed a serjeant-major their
+major-general, and at a given signal on the morning of the 1st of
+January, the whole line, except a part of three regiments, paraded under
+arms, and without their regular officers, marched to the magazines,
+supplied themselves with provisions and ammunition, and secured six
+field-pieces, to which they attached horses from General Wayne's
+stables. The regular officers collected those who had not joined the
+mutineers, and tried to restore order; but some of the mutineers fired,
+killed Captain Billings, and, I believe, wounded several of his men.
+They then ordered those who remained with the officers to join them or
+meet death by the bayonet, and they obeyed. Then General Wayne appeared,
+and, by threats and offers of better treatment, endeavoured to put an
+end to the revolt. The men all idolized Wayne; they would have followed
+him almost anywhere, but they would not listen to his remonstrances on
+this occasion. Wayne then cocked his pistol as if he meant to frighten
+them back to duty; but they placed their bayonets to his breast, and
+told him that, although they loved and respected him, if he fired his
+pistols or attempted to enforce his commands, they would put him to
+death. General Wayne then saw their determination, and didn't fire; but
+he appealed to their patriotism, and they spoke of the impositions of
+Congress. He told them that their conduct would strengthen the enemy.
+But ragged clothes and skeleton forms were arguments much stronger than
+any Wayne could bring against them. The men declared their intention to
+march to Congress at Philadelphia, and demand a redress of grievances.
+Wayne then changed his policy and resolved to go with the current and
+guide it. He supplied the men with provisions to prevent them from
+committing depredations on the people of the country, and marched with
+them to Princeton, where a committee of serjeants drew up a list of
+demands. They wanted those men to be discharged whose term of service
+had expired, and the whole line to receive their pay and clothing.
+General Wayne had no power to agree to these demands, and he referred
+further negociation to the government of Pennsylvania, and a committee
+to be appointed by Congress. But the cream of the matter is to come. The
+news of the revolt reached General Washington and Sir Henry Clinton on
+the same day. Washington ordered a thousand men to be ready to march
+from the Highlands of the Hudson to quell the revolt, and called a
+council of war to decide on further measures. This council sanctioned
+general Wayne's course, and decided to leave the matter to the
+settlement of the government of Pennsylvania and Congress. You see,
+General Washington had long been worried by the sleepy way Congress did
+business, and he thought this affair would wake them up to go to work in
+earnest. The British commander-in-chief thought he could gain great
+advantage by the revolt, and so he very promptly sent two
+emissaries&mdash;one a British serjeant and the other a Tory named Ogden&mdash;to
+the mutineers, offering them pardon for past offences, full pay for
+their past service, and the protection of the British government, if
+they would lay down their arms and march to New York. So certain was
+Clinton that his offers would be accepted, that he crossed over to
+Staten Island with a large body of troops, to act as circumstances might
+require. But he was as ignorant of the character of our men as King
+George himself. They wanted to be fed and clothed, and wanted their
+families provided for; but they were not soldiers fighting merely for
+pay. Every man of them knew what freedom was, and had taken the field to
+secure it for his country. You may judge how such men received Clinton's
+proposals. They said they were not Arnolds, and that America had no
+truer friends than themselves; and then seized the emissaries and their
+papers and handed them over to Wayne and the mercy of a court-martial.
+The men were tried as spies, found guilty and executed. A reward which
+had been offered for their apprehension was tendered to the mutineers
+who had seized them. But they refused it. One of them said that
+necessity had wrung from them the act demanding justice from Congress,
+but they wanted no reward for doing their duty to their bleeding
+country. Congress appointed a commissioner to meet the mutineers at
+Princeton, and soon after their demands were satisfied. A large part of
+the Line was disbanded for the winter, and the remainder was well
+supplied with provisions and clothing. About the middle of January, the
+greater part of the New Jersey line, which was encamped near Pompton,
+followed the example of the Pennsylvanians, and revolted; but different
+measures were taken to quell them. General Washington ordered General
+Robert Howe to march with five hundred men, and reduce the rebels to
+submission. Howe marched four days through a deep snow, and reached the
+encampment of the Jersey troops on the 27th of January. His men were
+paraded in line, and he then ordered the mutineers to appear unarmed in
+front of their huts, within five minutes. They hesitated, but on a
+second order, they obeyed. Three of the chief movers in the revolt were
+tried and sentenced to be shot. Two of them suffered, and the third was
+pardoned as being less to blame. The two who were shot fell by the hands
+of twelve of the most guilty of the mutineers. That, I think, was piling
+it on rather too thick. General Howe then addressed them by platoons,
+and ordered their officers to resume their commands. Clinton had again
+sent an emissary to make offers to the mutineers; but the man heard of
+the fate of the Tory and the British serjeant, and he took his papers to
+General Howe instead of the men. These Jersey mutineers were reduced to
+submission, without much difficulty. But the Pennsylvanians displayed a
+determination to fight if their demands were not satisfied, and so they
+gained their point.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps,&quot; said Hand, &quot;the Jersey troops had not as much reason to
+revolt as the Pennsylvanians.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know they hadn't as much reason,&quot; said Kinnison. &quot;They had suffered
+as much for want of food and clothing, but their term of service was
+more certainly known.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How nobly the men treated the offers of Sir Henry Clinton!&quot; said Hand.
+&quot;I should think the British government might have learned from that
+affair, the spirit of the Americans, and the futility of efforts to
+conquer men with such motives and sentiments.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They might have learned it if they had wished to learn,&quot; said Pitts.
+&quot;They might have learned the same thing from the Boston tea-party. But
+they determined that they had a right to act towards us just as they
+pleased, and their pride was blind to consequences.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One may look through Greek and Roman history in vain to find men
+holding such noble and patriotic sentiments, while harassed with want of
+every kind,&quot; said Hand, growing eloquent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! those were times to try the metal men were made of,&quot; said Colson.
+&quot;The men who took up the sword and gun for freedom were resolved to win
+their country's safety or die in the attempt, and such men will not be
+bought at any price. Arnold was a mere soldier&mdash;never a patriot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I might combat that last remark,&quot; said Davenport, &quot;but I'll let it go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, Brown, more music,&quot; exclaimed Warner. &quot;The dinner and the dull
+conversation makes some of us drowsy. Stir us up, man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's nothing like the fife and drum for rousing men,&quot; said
+Kinnison. &quot;I hate these finnicking, soft and love-sick instruments, such
+as pianos, guitars and some others they play on now-a-days. There's no
+manliness about them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Brown and Hanson, having produced their old martial instruments, then
+struck up &quot;The Star-Spangled Banner,&quot; the best of the national anthems
+of America. Soon after the last roll of the fife had ended, Hand,
+without invitation, struck up the anthem itself, and sang the words with
+great force, the whole company joining in the two last lines of every
+verse. The music and the anthem thoroughly roused the old as well as the
+young members of the company, and, at its conclusion, three cheers were
+lustily given for the stars and stripes. One of the young men then said
+that he had a song to sing, which would be new to the company; but still
+was not an original composition. The music was stirring and appropriate.
+The words were as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Freemen! arise, and keep your vow!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The foe are on our shore,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we must win our freedom now,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or yield forevermore.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The share will make a goodly glaive&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then tear it from the plough!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lingers there here a crouching slave!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Depart, a recreant thou!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Depart, and leave the field to those</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Determined to be free,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who burn to meet their vaunting foes</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And strike for liberty.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Why did the pilgrim cross the wave?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Say, was he not your sire?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And shall the liberty he gave</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon his grave expire!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The stormy wave could not appal;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor where the savage trod;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He braved them all, and conquer'd all,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For freedom and for God.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We fight for fireside and for home,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For heritage, for altar;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And, by the God of yon blue dome,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Not one of us shall falter!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We'll guard them, though the foeman stood</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Like sand-grains on our shore,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And raise our angry battle-flood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And whelm the despots o'er.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've drawn the sword, and shrined the sheath</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon our father's tomb;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when the foe shall sleep in death,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We'll sheath it o'er their doom.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Firm be your step, steady your file,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Unbroken your array;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The spirits of the blest shall smile</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon our deeds to-day.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unfurl the banner of the free</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Amidst the battle's cloud;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Its folds shall wave to Liberty,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or be to us a shroud.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er those who fall, a soldier's tear</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Exulting shall be shed;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We'll bear them upon honour's bier,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To sleep in honour's bed.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The maiden, with her hurried breath</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And rapture-beaming eye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall all forget the field of death</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To bless the victory.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The child, O! he will bless his sire,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The mother bless her son,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And God, He will not frown in ire,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When such a field is won.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Good!&quot; exclaimed Kinnison, when the song was done. &quot;That is a war-song
+of '76, I know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied the singer; &quot;and judging from what I have heard you
+say, it expresses in it the feeling of the period.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A truce to songs and music,&quot; said Davenport. &quot;I never was fond of any
+kind of music but that of the fife and drum, and I never needed that to
+put me in a condition to stand fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are too gloomy,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have had cause enough for gloominess,&quot; said Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I wanted to talk to you about something&mdash;and that was my reason for
+checking you. You talk so much about the treason of Arnold, and say that
+he never was a patriot, that I wanted to tell you of another man's
+treason, not to excuse Arnold, but to show you that he wasn't alone in
+preferring the British side of the question, and that there were bolder
+patriots than Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, the captors of Andr&eacute;.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We know there were plenty of traitors and patriots in the country
+without a showing,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;but go on with your narrative.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But this will prove that all censure should not be heaped upon Arnold's
+head, nor all the praise on the militia-men of Tarry-town,&quot; observed
+Davenport.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_TREASON_OF_BETTYS" id="THE_TREASON_OF_BETTYS"></a>THE TREASON OF BETTYS.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;When the Revolutionary War broke out,&quot; said Davenport, beginning his
+narrative, &quot;there was a man named Joseph Bettys, who lived in Ballston,
+New York, remarkable for his courage, strength and intelligence. Colonel
+Ball of the Continental forces saw that Bettys might be of great service
+to our cause, and succeeded in enlisting him as a serjeant. But he was
+soon afterwards reduced to the ranks, on account of his insolence to an
+officer, who, he said, had abused him without cause. Colonel Ball was
+not acquainted with the facts of the affair, but being unwilling to lose
+so active and courageous a man, he procured him the rank of a serjeant
+in the fleet commanded by General Arnold, on Lake Champlain. Bettys was
+as skilful a seaman as could be found in the service, and during the
+desperate fight between the fleets which occurred in the latter part of
+1776, he rendered more service than any other man except Arnold himself.
+He fought until every commissioned officer on board of his vessel was
+either killed or wounded, then took command himself, and fought with
+such reckless and desperate spirit, that General Waterbury seeing the
+vessel was about to sink, ordered Bettys and the remnant of his crew to
+come on board his vessel. Waterbury then stationed Bettys on his
+quarter-deck, and gave orders through him until his vessel was crippled,
+and the crew mostly killed or wounded, when the colours were struck to
+the enemy. After that action Bettys went to Canada, and, turning
+traitor, received an ensign's commission in the British army. He then
+became a spy, and one of the most subtle enemies of our cause. But our
+men were wide awake. Bettys was arrested, tried and condemned to be hung
+at West Point. His old parents and many influential Whigs entreated that
+he should be pardoned, promising that he would mend his life. General
+Washington, you know, never took life where it could be spared, and so
+he granted the pardon. But it was generosity thrown away; Bettys hated
+the Americans the more because they had it in their power to pardon him,
+and resolved to make them feel he could not be humbled and led in that
+way. The Whigs regretted the mercy that had spared the traitor. Bettys
+recruited soldiers for the enemy in the very heart of the country;
+captured and carried of the most zealous patriots, and subjected them to
+great suffering. Those against whom he had the most hatred, had their
+houses burned, and often lost their lives. The British commander paid
+him well, for he was one of the best spies and most faithful messenger
+that could be found. His courage and determination overcame every
+obstacle and encountered every danger that would have appalled weaker
+men. He proclaimed himself to be a man who carried his life in his hand,
+and was as reckless of it as he would be of that of any who should
+attempt to catch him. It was well understood that Bettys meant precisely
+what he said, and that he always had a band of refugees ready to
+support him in any rascality he might conceive. Still, there were some
+bold men, who had suffered from Bettys' depredations, and who determined
+to catch him at every hazard. Many attempts were made, but he eluded his
+pursuers by his stratagems and knowledge of the country, until early in
+January, 1782, when he was seen in the neighbourhood of Ballston, armed,
+and with snow-shoes on. Three men, named Cory, Fulmer, and Perkins,
+armed themselves and proceeded in pursuit. They traced Bettys by a
+round-about track to the house of a well-known Tory. They consulted a
+few minutes, and one of them reconnoitred to see the exact position of
+Bettys. The traitor was at his meal, with his pistols lying on the table
+and his rifle resting on his arm, prepared for an attack though not
+suspecting foes were near. The three men, by a sudden effort, burst open
+the door, rushed upon Bettys, and seized him in such a manner that he
+could make no resistance. He was then pinioned so firmly that to escape
+was impossible; and so the desperado, in spite of all his threats, was a
+tame and quiet prisoner, and no one hurt in taking him. Bettys then
+asked leave to smoke, which was granted; and he took out his tobacco,
+with something else which he threw into the fire. Cory saw this
+movement, and snatched it out, with a handful of coals. It was a small
+leaden box, about an eighth of an inch in thickness, containing a paper,
+written in cypher, which the men could not read. It was afterwards found
+to be a despatch to the British commander at New York, with an order
+upon the Mayor of that city for thirty pounds, if the despatch was
+safely delivered. Bettys knew that this paper alone would be evidence
+enough to hang him, and he offered the men gold to let him burn it. But
+they refused his highest offers. He had a considerable quantity of gold
+about him, and he offered them not only that but much more if they would
+allow him to escape; but their patriotism could stand gold as well as
+the gold could stand fire. They took Bettys to Albany, where he was
+tried as a spy and hung. The only reward that the three men ever
+received was the rifle and pistols of Bettys. The men who captured Andr&eacute;
+were patriotic enough, but their work was easy compared with that of
+Cory, Fulmer and Perkins. Yet the names of these heroes are scarcely
+ever mentioned, and the story of their daring exploit is not generally
+known.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/155.png" width="620" height="984" alt="SEIZURE OF THE BETTYS" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did this affair happen before that of Andr&eacute;'s?&quot; enquired Hand. &quot;If so,
+these men only imitated the noble example of Paulding, Williams and Van
+Wert.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It did occur after the capture of Andr&eacute;,&quot; replied Davenport. &quot;But that
+takes nothing from the danger of the attempt, or the amount of the
+temptation resisted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's true,&quot; replied Hand; &quot;but the capture of Andr&eacute;, and the favour
+with which our countrymen regarded his captors, may have stimulated many
+to patriotic exertions, and thereby have made such deeds so common as
+not to receive special notice. I've no doubt the researches of
+historians will yet bring to light many such deeds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How the conduct of such men as Arnold and Bettys contrasts with that of
+Samuel Adams and his fellow-patriots!&quot; remarked Warner. &quot;When the first
+resistance was made to quartering the British troops in Boston, Samuel
+Adams was the leader and mouth-piece of the patriots, and the royal
+rulers of Massachusetts tried every way to induce him to abandon the
+cause he had espoused. In the first place, they threatened him with
+severe punishment. But they couldn't scare him from his chosen course.
+Then they flattered and caressed him, but it was of no effect. At last,
+Governor Gage resolved to try whether bribes wouldn't work a change. So,
+he sent Col. Fenton to him, as a confidential messenger. The Colonel
+visited Adams, and stated his business at length, concluding with a
+representation that by complying, Adams would make his peace with the
+king. The stern patriot heard him through, and then asked him if he
+would deliver his reply to Governor Gage as it should be given. The
+Colonel said he would. Then Adams assumed a determined manner, and
+replied, 'I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of
+kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the
+righteous cause of my country. Tell Governor Gage, it is the advice of
+Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated
+people.' There was the highest reach of patriotic resolution.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, Samuel Adams was whole-souled and high-souled,&quot; said Davenport.
+&quot;No one will dispute that, who knows any thing of his history.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;New England had a host of patriots at the same period,&quot; observed
+Kinnison. &quot;Many of them did not possess the talents and energy of Samuel
+Adams, but the heart was all right.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_BATTLE_OF_BUNKERS_HILL" id="THE_BATTLE_OF_BUNKERS_HILL"></a>THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well, gentlemen,&quot; said Mr. Hand, &quot;there is a most important matter,
+which you have omitted. You have told us nothing of Bunker Hill's
+memorable fight, in which, as Bostonians and friends of liberty, we feel
+the deepest interest. Which of you can oblige us by giving us your
+recollections of our first great struggle?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Warner was one of Col. Starke's men. He can tell you all about it,&quot;
+said Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, if memory serves me yet,&quot; said Warner, &quot;I can tell you much of
+that day's struggle. I joined Col. Starke's regiment shortly before the
+battle. I always admired Starke, and preferred to serve under him. I
+suppose you are acquainted with the general features of the battle, and
+therefore I will not detain you long, with reciting them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On the sixteenth of June, 1775, it was determined that a fortified post
+should be established at or near Bunker's Hill.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A detachment of the army was ordered to advance early in the evening
+of that day, and commence the erection of a strong work on the heights
+in the rear of Charlestown, at that time called Breed's Hill, but from
+its proximity to Bunker Hill, the battle has taken its name from the
+latter eminence, which overlooks it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The work was commenced and carried on under the direction of such
+engineers as we were able to procure at that time. It was a square
+redoubt, the curtains of which were about sixty or seventy feet in
+extent, with an entrenchment, or breast-work, extending fifty or sixty
+feet from the northern angle, towards Mystic river.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the course of the night, the ramparts had been raised to the height
+of six or seven feet, with a small ditch at their base, but it was yet
+in a rude and very imperfect state. Being in full view from the northern
+heights of Boston, it was discovered by the enemy, as soon as daylight
+appeared; and a determination was immediately formed by General Gage,
+for dislodging our troops from this new and alarming position.
+Arrangements were promptly made for effecting this important object. The
+movements of the British troops, indicating an attack, were soon
+discovered; in consequence of which orders were immediately issued for
+the march of a considerable part of our army to reinforce the detachment
+at the redoubts on Breed's Hill; but such was the imperfect state of
+discipline, the want of knowledge in military science, and the
+deficiency of the materials of war, that the movement of the troops was
+extremely irregular and devoid of every thing like concert&mdash;each
+regiment advancing according to the opinions, feelings, or caprice, of
+its commander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Colonel Stark's regiment was quartered in Medford, distant about four
+miles from the point of anticipated attack. It then consisted of
+thirteen companies, and was probably the largest regiment in the army.
+About ten o'clock in the morning, he received orders to march. The
+regiment being destitute of ammunition, it was formed in front of a
+house occupied as an arsenal, where each man received a gill-cup full of
+powder, fifteen balls, and one flint.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The several captains were then ordered to march their companies to
+their respective quarters, and make up their powder and ball into
+cartridges, with the greatest possible despatch. As there were scarcely
+two muskets in a company of equal calibre, it was necessary to reduce
+the size of the balls for many of them; and as but a small proportion of
+the men had cartridge-boxes, the remainder made use of powder-horns and
+ball-pouches.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After completing the necessary preparations for action, the regiment
+formed, and marched about one o'clock. When it reached Charlestown Neck,
+we found two regiments halted, in consequence of a heavy enfilading fire
+thrown across it, of round, bar, and chain shot, from the Lively
+frigate, and floating batteries anchored in Charles river, and a
+floating battery laying in the river Mystic. Major M'Clary went forward,
+and observed to the commanders, if they did not intend to move on, he
+wished them to open and let our regiment pass: the latter was
+immediately done.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Soon after, the enemy were discovered to have landed on the shore of
+Morton's Point, in front of Breed's Hill, under cover of a tremendous
+fire of shot and shells from a battery on Copp's Hill, in Boston, which
+had opened on the redoubt at day-break.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Major-general Howe and Brigadier-general Pigot, were the commanders of
+the British forces which first landed, consisting of four battalions of
+infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of light infantry, with a
+train of field-artillery. They formed as they disembarked, but remained
+in that position until they were reinforced by another detachment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At this moment, the veteran and gallant Colonel Stark harangued his
+regiment, in a short, but animated address; then directed them to give
+three cheers, and make a rapid movement to the rail-fence which ran to
+from the left, and about forty yards in the rear of the redoubt, towards
+Mystic river. Part of the grass, having been recently cut, lay in
+winnows and cocks on the field. Another fence was taken up&mdash;the rails
+run through the one in front, and the hay, mown in the vicinity,
+suspended upon them, from the bottom to the top, which had the
+appearance of a breast-work, but was, in fact, no real cover to the men;
+it, however, served as a deception on the enemy. This wag done by the
+direction of the 'Committee of Safety,' as I afterwards heard. That
+committee exerted itself nobly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At the moment our regiment was formed in the rear of the rail-fence,
+with one other small regiment from New Hampshire, under the command of
+Colonel Reid, the fire commenced between the left wing of the British
+army, commanded by General Howe, and the troops in the redoubt, under
+Colonel Prescott; while a column of the enemy was advancing on our left,
+on the shore of Mystic river, with an evident intention of turning our
+left wing, and that veteran and most excellent regiment of Welsh
+fusileers, so distinguished for its gallant conduct in the battle of
+Minden, advanced in column directly on the rail-fence; when within
+eighty or an hundred yards, displayed into line, with the precision and
+firmness of troops on parade, and opened a brisk, but regular fire by
+platoons, which was returned by a well-directed, rapid, and fatal
+discharge from our whole line.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The action soon became general, and very heavy from right to left In
+the course of ten or fifteen minutes, the enemy gave way at all points,
+and retreated in great disorder; leaving a large number of dead and
+wounded on the field.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The firing ceased for a short time, until the enemy again formed,
+advanced, and recommenced a spirited fire from his whole line. Several
+attempts were again made to turn our left; but the troops, having thrown
+up a slight stone-wall on the bank of the river, and laying down behind
+it, gave such a deadly fire, as cut down almost every man of the party
+opposed to them; while the fire from the redoubt and rail-fence was so
+well directed and so fatal, especially to the British officers, that
+the whole army was compelled a second time to retreat with
+precipitation and great confusion. At this time, the ground occupied by
+the enemy was covered with his dead and wounded. Only a few small
+detached parties again advanced, which kept up a distant, ineffectual,
+scattering fire, until a strong reinforcement arrived from Boston, which
+advanced on the southern declivity of the hill, In the rear of
+Charlestown. When this column arrived opposite that angle of the redoubt
+which faced Charlestown, it wheeled by platoons to the right, and
+advanced directly upon the redoubt without firing a gun. By this time,
+our ammunition was exhausted. A few men only had a charge left.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The advancing column made an attempt to carry the redoubt by assault,
+but at the first onset every man that mounted the parapet was cut down,
+by the troops within, who had formed on the opposite side, not being
+prepared with bayonets to meet the charge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The column wavered for a moment, but soon formed again; when a forward
+movement was made with such spirit and intrepidity as to render the
+feeble efforts of a handful of men, without the means of defence,
+unavailing; and they fled through an open space, in the rear of the
+redoubt, which had been left for a gateway. At this moment, the rear of
+the British column advanced round the angle of the redoubt, and threw in
+a galling flank-fire upon our troops, as they rushed from it, which
+killed and wounded a greater number than had fallen before during the
+action. The whole of our line immediately after gave away, and retreated
+with rapidity and disorder towards Bunker's Hill; carrying off as many
+of the wounded as possible, so that only thirty-six or seven fell into
+the hands of the enemy, among whom were Lt. Col. Parker and two or three
+other officers, who fell in or near the redoubt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The whole of the troops now descended the north-western declivity of
+Bunker's Hill, and recrossed the neck. Those of the New Hampshire line
+retired towards Winter Hill, and the others on to Prospect Hill.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some slight works were thrown up in the course of the evening,&mdash;strong
+advance pickets were posted on the roads leading to Charlestown, and the
+troops, anticipating an attack, rested on their arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a most extraordinary fact that the British did not make a single
+charge during the battle, which, if attempted, would have been decisive,
+and fatal to the Americans, as they did not carry into the field fifty
+bayonets. In my company there was not one.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Soon after the commencement of the action, a detachment from the
+British forces in Boston was landed in Charlestown, and within a few
+moments the whole town appeared in a blaze. A dense column of smoke rose
+to a great height, and there being a gentle breeze from the southwest,
+it hung like a thunder-cloud over the contending armies. A very few
+houses escaped the dreadful conflagration of this devoted town.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="EXPLOITS_OF_PETER_FRANCISCO" id="EXPLOITS_OF_PETER_FRANCISCO"></a>EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;I say, men, the story of Bunker Hill is old enough, and the events of
+that day have caused enough dispute already. We know that we taught the
+red-coats a good, round lesson, and we shouldn't fight about
+particulars. Now, young men, I'll tell you a story about a real hero,&quot;
+said Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who was he?&quot; enquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His name was Peter Francisco, and he was a trooper in our army,&quot;
+replied Pitts. &quot;Now, I'll tell you what he did.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;While the British troops were spreading havoc and desolation all around
+them, by their plundering and burnings in Virginia, in 1781, Peter
+Francisco had been reconnoitring, and whilst stopping at the house of a
+Mr. Wand, in Amelia county, nine of Tarleton's cavalry coming up with
+three negroes, told him he was a prisoner. Seeing himself overpowered by
+numbers, he made no resistance; and believing him to be very peaceable
+they all went into the house, leaving the paymaster and Francisco
+together. He demanded his watch, money, &amp;c., which being delivered to
+him, in order to secure his plunder, he put his sword under his arm,
+with the hilt behind him. While in the act of putting a silver buckle
+into his pocket, Francisco, finding so favourable an opportunity to
+recover his liberty, stepped one pace in his rear, drew the sword with
+force under his arm and instantly gave him a blow across the skull. His
+enemy was brave, and though severely wounded, drew a pistol, and, in the
+same moment that he pulled the trigger, Francisco cut his hand nearly
+off. The bullet grazed his side. Ben Wand (the man of the house) very
+ungenerously brought out a musket, and gave it to one of the British
+soldiers, and told him to make use of that. He mounted the only horse
+they could get, and presented it at his breast. It missed fire.
+Francisco rushed on the muzzle of the gun. A short struggle ensued, in
+which the British soldier was disarmed and wounded. Tarleton's troop of
+four hundred men were in sight. All was hurry and confusion, which
+Francisco increased by repeatedly hallooing, as loud as he could, 'Come
+on, my brave boys! now's your time! we will soon despatch these few, and
+then attack the main body!' The wounded man flew to the troop; the
+others were panic-struck, and fled. Francisco seized Wand, and would
+have despatched him, but the poor wretch begged for his life; he was not
+only an object of contempt, but pity. The eight horses that were left
+behind, he gave him to conceal. Discovering Tarleton had despatched ten
+more in pursuit of him, Francisco then made off, and evaded their
+vigilance. They stopped to refresh themselves, and he, like an old fox,
+doubled, and fell on their rear. He went the next day to Wand for his
+horses; Wand demanded two for his trouble and generous intentions.
+Finding his situation dangerous, and surrounded by enemies where he
+ought to have found friends, Francisco went off with his six horses. He
+intended to have avenged himself on Wand at a future day, but Providence
+ordained he should not be his executioner, for he broke his neck by a
+fall from of the very horses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Francisco displayed great courage, daring and presence of mind in that
+scrape,&quot; observed Kinnison. &quot;But I have heard of several encounters
+quite equal to it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, Francisco displayed great presence of mind, and that's the most
+valuable quality of a soldier&mdash;it will save him when courage and
+strength are palsied. Francisco performed many singular exploits down
+South, and had a high reputation. He had much of the dare-devil in his
+nature, and it seemed as if dangerous adventures agreed with him better
+than easy success. He fought bravely in several battles, and was known
+to many of the enemy as a man to be shunned. There wasn't a man among
+the red-coats stout-hearted and strong-limbed enough to dare to meet
+him. But you said you had heard of several encounters equal to the one I
+just narrated,&quot; said Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I did,&quot; replied Kinnison. &quot;Have you ever seen a painting of the fight
+between Colonel Allan M'Lean and some British troops? It used to be a
+common thing in Boston.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have seen the picture,&quot; said Hand, &quot;and I should like to hear the
+story of the affair. It must have been a desperate fight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was,&quot; replied Kinnison. &quot;A man who was intimately acquainted with
+McLean, and heard the account from his own lips, told me of it. You may
+boast of Francisco's exploits, but here was a man who united the most
+daring courage and strength with a very intelligent and quick-working
+mind.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_EXPLOIT_OF_COL_ALLAN_MLEAN" id="THE_EXPLOIT_OF_COL_ALLAN_MLEAN"></a>THE EXPLOIT OF COL. ALLAN M'LEAN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;While the British occupied Philadelphia,&quot; said Kinnison, &quot;Col. M'Lean
+was constantly scouring the upper end of Bucks and Montgomery counties,
+to cut off scouting parties of the enemy and intercept their supplies of
+provisions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Having agreed, for some purpose, to rendezvous near Shoemakertown, Col.
+M'Lean ordered his little band of troopers to follow at some distance,
+and commanded two of them to precede the main body, but also to keep in
+his rear; and if they discovered an enemy, to ride up to his side and
+inform him of it, without speaking aloud. While leisurely approaching
+the place of rendezvous in this order, in the early gray of the morning,
+the two men directly in his rear, forgetting their orders, suddenly
+called out, 'Colonel, the British!' faced about, and putting spurs to
+their horses, were soon out of sight. The colonel, looking around,
+discovered that he was in the centre of a powerful ambuscade, into
+which the enemy had silently allowed him to pass, without his observing
+them. They lined both sides of the road, and had been stationed there to
+pick up any straggling party of the Americans that might chance to pass.
+Immediately on finding they were discovered, a file of soldiers rose
+from the side of the highway, and fired at the colonel, but without
+effect; and as he put spurs to his horse, and mounted the road-side into
+the woods, the other part of the detachment also fired. The colonel
+miraculously escaped; but a shot striking his horse upon the flank, he
+dashed through the woods, and in a few minutes reached a parallel road
+upon the opposite side of the forest. Being familiar with the country,
+he feared to turn to the left, as that course led to the city, and he
+might be intercepted by another ambuscade. Turning, therefore, to the
+right, his frightened horse carried him swiftly beyond the reach of
+those who had fired upon him. All at once, however, on emerging from a
+piece of woods, he observed several British troopers stationed near the
+road-side, and directly in sight ahead, a farm-house, around which he
+observed a whole troop of the enemy's cavalry drawn up. He dashed by the
+troopers near him without being molested, they believing he was on his
+way to the main body to surrender himself. The farm-house was situated
+at the intersection of two roads, presenting but a few avenues by which
+he could escape Nothing daunted by the formidable array before him, he
+galloped up to the cross-roads, on reaching which, he spurred his active
+horse, turned suddenly to the right, and was soon fairly out of reach
+of their pistols, though as he turned he heard them call loudly to
+surrender or die! A dozen were instantly in pursuit; but in a short time
+they all gave up the chase except two. Colonel M'Lean's horse, scared by
+the first wound he had ever received, and being a chosen animal, kept
+ahead for several miles, while his two pursuers followed with unwearied
+eagerness. The pursuit at length waxed so hot, as the colonel's horse
+stepped out of a small brook which crossed the road, his pursuers
+entered it at the opposite margin. In ascending a little hill, the
+horses of the three were greatly exhausted, so much so that neither
+could be urged faster than a walk. Occasionally, as one of the troopers
+pursued on a little in advance of his companion, the colonel slackened
+his pace, anxious to be attacked by one of the two; but no sooner was
+his willingness discovered, than the other fell back to his station.
+They at length approached so near, that a conversation took place
+between them; the troopers calling out, 'Surrender, you damn'd rebel, or
+we'll cut you in pieces!' Suddenly one of them rode up on the right side
+of the colonel, and, without drawing his sword, laid hold of the
+colonel's collar. The latter, to use his own words, 'had pistols which
+he knew he could depend upon.' Drawing one from the holster, he placed
+it to the heart of his antagonist, fired, and tumbled him dead on the
+ground. Instantly the other came on his left, with his sword drawn, and
+also seized the colonel by the collar of his coat. A fierce and deadly
+struggle here ensued, in the course of which Col. M'Lean was
+desperately wounded in the back of his left hand, the sword of his
+antagonist cutting asunder the veins and tendons. Seizing a favourable
+opportunity, he drew his other pistol, and with a steadiness of purpose
+which appeared even in his recital of the incident, placed it directly
+between the eyes of his adversary, pulled the trigger, and scattered his
+brains on every side of the road! Fearing that others were in pursuit,
+he abandoned his horse in the highway: and apprehensive, from his
+extreme weakness, that he might die from loss of blood, he crawled into
+an adjacent mill-pond, entirely naked, and at length succeeded in
+stopping the profuse flow of blood occasioned by his wound. Soon after,
+his men came to his relief. Now, I think, Mr. Pitts, your hero was at
+least equalled in Col. M'Lean.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/174.png" width="620" height="904" alt="EXPLOIT OF COLONEL M'LEAN" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;Beaten, beaten!&quot; exclaimed Pitts. &quot;I admit that, in resolution and
+daring, Francisco was surpassed by M'Lean. He <i>was</i> a hero!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Major Garden, in his Anecdotes of the Revolution, eulogizes McLean's
+courage and enterprise,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If courage and resolution make up the hero, our country didn't hunger
+for 'em during the Revolution,&quot; said Davenport.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, it's a difficult and nice matter to say who bears away the palm.
+But I do not believe that Col. M'Lean was surpassed,&quot; said Kinnison.
+&quot;Col. Henry Lee was a man of the same mould,&quot; added Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aye, he was; and that reminds me of an adventure of his which displays
+his courage and resolution,&quot; replied Kinnison.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_ADVENTURE_OF_MAJOR_LEE" id="THE_ADVENTURE_OF_MAJOR_LEE"></a>THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;In the Revolution, a prison was erected at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for
+those red-coats who fell into our hands. The prisoners were confined in
+barracks, enclosed with a stockade and vigilantly guarded; but in spite
+of all precautions, they often disappeared in an unaccountable manner,
+and nothing was heard of them until they resumed their places in the
+British army. It was presumed that they were aided by American tories,
+but where suspicion should fall, no one could conjecture. Gen. Hazen had
+charge of the post. He devised a stratagem for detecting the culprits,
+and selected Capt. Lee, afterwards Maj. Lee, a distinguished partisan
+officer, to carry out his plan. It was given out that Lee had left the
+post on furlough. He, however, having disguised himself as a British
+prisoner, was thrown into the prison with the others. So complete was
+the disguise, that even the intendant, familiar with him from long daily
+intercourse, did not penetrate it. Had his fellow-prisoners detected
+him, his history might have been embraced in the proverb, 'Dead men tell
+no tales.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For many days he remained in this situation, making no discoveries
+whatever. He thought he perceived at times signs of intelligence between
+the prisoners and an old woman who was allowed to bring fruit for sale
+within the enclosure: She was known to be deaf and half-witted, and was
+therefore no object of suspicion. It was known that her son had been
+disgraced and punished in the American army, but she had never betrayed
+any malice on that account, and no one dreamed that she could have the
+power to do injury if she possessed the will. Lee matched her closely,
+but saw nothing to confirm his suspicions. Her dwelling was about a mile
+distant, in a wild retreat, where she shared her miserable quarters with
+a dog and cat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One dark stormy night in autumn, Lee was lying awake at midnight. All
+at once the door was gently opened, and a figure moved silently into the
+room. It was too dark to observe its motions narrowly, but he could see
+that it stooped towards one of the sleepers, who immediately rose. Next
+it approached and touched him on the shoulder. Lee immediately started
+up. The figure then allowed a slight gleam from a dark lantern to pass
+over his face, and as it did so whispered, impatiently, 'Not the
+man&mdash;but come!' It then occurred to Lee that it was the opportunity he
+desired. The unknown whispered to him to keep his place till another man
+was called; but just at that moment something disturbed him, and making
+a signal to Lee to follow, he moved silently out of the room. They found
+the door of the house unbarred, and a small part of the fence removed,
+where they passed out without molestation. The sentry had retired to a
+shelter, where he thought he could guard his post without suffering from
+the rain; but Lee saw his conductors put themselves in preparation to
+silence him if he should happen to address them. Just without the fence
+appeared a stooping figure, wrapped in a red cloak, and supporting
+itself with a large stick, which Lee at once perceived could be no other
+than the old fruit-woman. But the most profound silence was observed: a
+man came out from a thicket at a little distance and joined them, and
+the whole party moved onward by the guidance of the old woman. At first
+they frequently stopped to listen, but having heard the sentinel cry,
+'All's well!' they seemed reassured, and moved with more confidence than
+before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They soon came to her cottage. A table was spread with some coarse
+provisions upon it, and a large jug, which one of the soldiers was about
+to seize, when the man who conducted them withheld him. 'No,' said he,
+'we must first proceed to business.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The conductor, a middle-aged, harsh-looking man, was here about to
+require all present, before he could conduct them farther, to swear upon
+the Scriptures not to make the least attempt at escape, and never to
+reveal the circumstances or agents in the proceeding, whatever might
+befal them. But before they had time to take the oath, their practised
+ears detected the sound of the alarm-gun; and the conductor, directing
+the party to follow him in close order, immediately left the house,
+taking with him a dark lantern. Lee's reflections were not now the most
+agreeable. If he were to be compelled to accompany his party to the
+British lines in New York, he would be detected and hanged as a spy; and
+he saw that the conductor had prepared arms for them, which they were to
+use in taking the life of any one who should attempt to escape. They
+went on with great despatch, but not without difficulty. Lee might now
+have deserted, in this hurry and alarm; but he had made no discovery,
+and he could not bear to confess that he had not nerve enough to carry
+him through. They went on, and were concealed in a barn the whole of the
+next day. Provisions were brought, and low whistles and other signs
+showed that the owner of the barn was in collusion with his secret
+guests. The barn was attached to a small farm-house. Lee was so near the
+house that he could overhear the conversation which was carried on about
+the door. The morning rose clear, and it was evident from the inquiries
+of horsemen, who occasionally galloped up to the door, that the country
+was alarmed. The farmer gave short and surly replies, as if unwilling to
+be taken off from his labour; but the other inmates of the house were
+eager in their questions; and, from the answers, Lee gathered that the
+means by which he and his companions had escaped were as mysterious as
+ever. The next night, when all was quiet, they resumed their march, and
+explained to Lee that, as he was not with them in their conspiracy, and
+was accidentally associated with them in their escape, they should take
+the precaution to keep him before them, just behind the guide. He
+submitted without opposition, though the arrangement considerably
+lessened his chances of escape.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For several nights they went on in this manner, being delivered over to
+different persons from time to time; and, as Lee could gather from their
+whispering conversations, they were regularly employed on occasions like
+the present, and well rewarded by the British for their services. Their
+employment was full of danger; and though they seemed like desperate
+men, he could observe that they never remitted their precautions. They
+were concealed days in barns, cellars, caves made for the purpose, and
+similar retreats; and one day was passed in a tomb, the dimensions of
+which had been enlarged, and the inmates, if there had been any,
+banished to make room for the living. The burying-grounds were a
+favourite retreat, and on more occasions than one they were obliged to
+resort to superstitious alarms to remove intruders upon their path.
+Their success fully justified the experiment; and unpleasantly situated
+as he was, in the prospect of soon being a ghost himself, he could not
+avoid laughing at the expedition with which old and young fled from the
+fancied apparitions.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Though the distance of the Delaware was not great, they had now been
+twelve days on the road, and such was the vigilance and suspicion
+prevailing throughout the country, that they almost despaired of
+effecting their object. The conductor grew impatient, and Lee's
+companions, at least one of them, became ferocious. There was, as we
+have said, something unpleasant to him in the glances of this fellow
+towards him, which became more and more fierce as they went on; but it
+did not appear whether it was owing to circumstances, or actual
+suspicion. It so happened that, on the twelfth night, Lee was placed in
+a barn, while the rest of the party sheltered themselves in the cellar
+of a little stone church, where they could talk and act with more
+freedom; both because the solitude of the church was not often disturbed
+even on the Sabbath, and because even the proprietors did not know that
+illegal hands had added a cellar to the conveniences of the building.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here they were smoking pipes with great diligence, and, at intervals
+not distant, applying a huge canteen to their mouths, from which they
+drank with upturned faces, expressive of solemn satisfaction. While they
+were thus engaged, the short soldier asked them, in a careless way, if
+they knew whom they had in their party. The others started, and took
+their pipes from their mouths to ask him what he meant. 'I mean,' said
+he, 'that we are honoured with the company of Capt. Lee, of the rebel
+army. The rascal once punished me, and I never mistook my man when I had
+a debt of that kind to pay.'</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The others expressed their disgust at his ferocity, saying that if, as
+he said, their companion was an American officer, all they had to do was
+to watch him closely. As he had come among them uninvited, he must go
+with them to New York, and take the consequences; but meantime it was
+their interest not to seem to suspect him, otherwise he might give an
+alarm&mdash;whereas it was evidently his intention to go with them till they
+were ready to embark for New York. The other person persisted in saying
+that he would have his revenge with his own hand; upon which the
+conductor, drawing a pistol, declared to him that if he saw the least
+attempt to injure Capt. Lee, or any conduct which would lead him to
+suspect that his disguise was discovered, he would that moment shoot him
+through the head. The soldier put his hand upon his knife, with an
+ominous scowl upon his conductor; but he restrained himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The next night they went on as usual, but the manner of their conductor
+showed that there was more danger than before; in fact, he explained to
+the party that they were now not far from the Delaware, and hoped to
+reach it before midnight. They occasionally heard the report of a
+musket, which seemed to indicate that some movement was going on in the
+country.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When they came to the bank there were no traces of a boat on the
+waters. Their conductor stood still for a moment in dismay; but,
+recollecting himself, he said it was possible it might have been secured
+lower down the stream; and forgetting every thing else, he directed the
+larger soldier to accompany him. Giving a pistol to the other, he
+whispered, 'If the rebel officer attempts to betray us, shoot him; if
+not, you will not, for your own sake, make any noise to show where we
+are.' In the same instant they departed, and Lee was left alone with the
+ruffian.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He had before suspected that the fellow knew him, and now doubts were
+changed to certainty at once. Dark as it was, it seemed as if fire
+flashed from his eye, now he felt that revenge was within his power. Lee
+was as brave as any officer in the army; but he was unarmed; and though
+he was strong, his adversary was still more powerful. While he stood,
+uncertain what to do, the fellow seemed enjoying the prospect of
+revenge, as he looked on him with a steady eye. Though the officer stood
+to appearance unmoved, the sweat rolled in heavy drops from his brow.
+Lee soon took his resolution, and sprang upon his adversary with the
+intention of wresting the pistol from his hand; but the other was upon
+his guard, and aimed with such precision that, had the pistol been
+charged with a bullet, that moment would have been his last. But it
+seemed that the conductor had trusted to the sight of his weapons to
+render them unnecessary, and had therefore only loaded them with powder.
+As it was, the shock threw Lee to the ground; but fortunately, as the
+fellow dropped the pistol, it fell where Lee reached it; and as his
+adversary stooped, and was drawing his knife from his bosom, Lee was
+able to give him a stunning blow. He immediately threw himself upon the
+assassin, and a long and bloody struggle began. They were so nearly
+matched in strength and advantage, that neither dared unclench his hold
+for the sake of grasping the knife. The blood gushed from their mouths,
+and the combat would have probably ended in favour of the assassin&mdash;when
+steps and voices were heard advancing, and they found themselves in the
+hands of a party of countrymen, who were armed for the occasion, and
+were scouring the banks of the river. They were forcibly torn apart, but
+so exhausted and breathless that neither could make an explanation; and
+they submitted quietly to their captors.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The party of the armed countrymen, though they had succeeded in their
+attempt, and were sufficiently triumphant on the occasion, were sorely
+perplexed how to dispose of their prisoners. After some discussion, one
+of them proposed to throw the decision upon the wisdom of the nearest
+magistrate. They accordingly proceeded with their prisoners to his
+mansion, about two miles distant, and called upon him to rise and attend
+to business. A window was hastily thrown up, and the justice put forth
+his night-capped head, and with more wrath than became his dignity,
+ordered them off; and in requital for their calling him out of bed in
+the cold, generously wished them in the warmest place. However,
+resistance was vain: he was compelled to rise; and as soon as the
+prisoners were brought before him, he ordered them to be taken in irons
+to the prison at Philadelphia. Lee improved the opportunity to take the
+old gentleman aside, and told him who he was, and why he was thus
+disguised. The justice only interrupted him with the occasional inquiry,
+'Most done?' When he had finished, the magistrate told him that his
+story was very well made, and told in a manner very creditable to his
+address; and that he should give it all the weight it seemed to require.
+And Lee's remonstrances were unavailing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as they were fairly lodged in the prison, Lee prevailed on the
+jailor to carry a note to Gen. Lincoln, informing him of his condition.
+The general received it as he was dressing in the morning, and
+immediately sent one of his aids to the jail. That officer could not
+believe his eyes that he saw Capt. Lee. His uniform, worn-out when he
+assumed it, was now hanging in rags about him; and he had not been
+shaved for a fortnight. He wished, very naturally, to improve his
+appearance before presenting himself before the secretary of war; but
+the orders were peremptory to bring him as he was. The general loved a
+joke full well: his laughter was hardly exceeded by the report of his
+own cannon; and long and loud did he laugh that day.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When Capt. Lee returned to Lancaster, he immediately attempted to
+retrace the ground; and so accurate, under all the unfavourable
+circumstances, had been his investigation, that he brought to justice
+fifteen persons who had aided the escape of British prisoners. It is
+hardly necessary to say, to you who know the fate of revolutionary
+officers, that he received, for his hazardous and effectual service, no
+reward whatever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A perilous adventure,&quot; observed Warner, as Kinnison concluded his
+narrative.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was,&quot; replied Davenport. &quot;It seems rather strange how Capt. Lee
+could so disguise himself and impose upon the enemy. But he knew a thing
+or two more than common men, and I shouldn't wonder.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The British had many useful friends in every part of the country,
+during the war, and were enabled to do many such deeds,&quot; remarked
+Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fill up, my friends, another glass of ale, and drink the health of
+Capt. Lee!&quot; added Hand, rising. The company filled their glasses and
+drank the toast. The veterans were not as deep drinkers as their young
+and vigorous friends, and therefore they merely sipped their ale and sat
+it aside.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="GENERAL_DANIEL_MORGAN" id="GENERAL_DANIEL_MORGAN"></a>GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Speaking of brave men,&quot; observed Colson, &quot;I suppose there is not one of
+the company who will doubt the bravery of Gen. Morgan, the hero of so
+many fields.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The man who does doubt it knows not what courage is,&quot; remarked Ransom,
+taking another sip of the ale.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm going to tell you something about his bravery,&quot; said Colson.
+&quot;Men have different ideas of that particular thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This 'thunderbolt of war,' this 'brave Morgan, who never knew fear,'
+was, in camp, often wicked and very profane, but never a disbeliever in
+religion. He testified that himself. In his latter years General Morgan
+professed religion, and united himself with the Presbyterian church in
+Winchester, Va., under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Hill, who
+preached in that house some forty years, and may now be occasionally
+heard on Loudon Street, Winchester. His last days were passed in that
+town; and while sinking to the grave, he related to his minister the
+experience of his soul. 'People thought,' said he, 'that Daniel Morgan
+never prayed;'&mdash;'People said old Morgan never was afraid;'&mdash;'People did
+not know.' He then proceeded to relate in his blunt manner, among many
+other things, that the night they stormed Quebec, while waiting in the
+darkness and storm, with his men paraded, for the word 'to advance,' he
+felt unhappy; the enterprise appeared more than perilous; it seemed to
+him that nothing less than a miracle could bring them off safe from an
+encounter at such an amazing disadvantage. He stepped aside and kneeled
+by the side of a cannon&mdash;and then most fervently prayed that the Lord
+God Almighty would be his shield and defence, for nothing less than an
+almighty arm could protect him. He continued on his knees till the word
+passed along the line. He fully believed that his safety during that
+night of peril was from the interposition of God. Again, he said, about
+the battle of the Cowpens, which covered him with so much glory as a
+leader and a soldier&mdash;he had felt afraid to fight Tarleton with his
+numerous army flushed with success&mdash;and that he retreated as long as he
+could&mdash;till his men complained&mdash;and he could go no further. Drawing up
+his army in three lines, on the hill side; contemplating the scene&mdash;in
+the distance the glitter of the advancing enemy&mdash;he trembled for the
+fate of the day. Going to the woods in the rear, he kneeled in an old
+tree-top, and poured out a prayer to God for his army, and for himself,
+and for his country. With relieved spirits he returned to the lines,
+and in his rough manner cheered them for the fight; as he passed along,
+they answered him bravely. The terrible carnage that followed the deadly
+aim of his lines decided the victory. In a few moments Tarleton fled.
+'Ah,' said he, 'people said old Morgan never feared;'&mdash;'they thought
+Morgan never prayed; they did not know;'&mdash;'old Morgan was often
+miserably afraid.' And if he had not been, in the circumstances of
+amazing responsibility in which he was placed, how could he have been
+brave?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/190.png" width="620" height="909" alt="GENERAL MORGAN" /></p>
+
+<p>&quot;We seldom hear of a man admitting that he was ever afraid,&quot; observed
+Hand. &quot;But the man who never knew fear must be possessed of a small
+degree of intelligence and no sense of responsibility; neither of which
+are creditable. Great generals, and soldiers, in all ages, have boasted
+of their freedom from dread under all circumstances. But it is a mere
+boast. Fear is natural and useful, and I have ever observed that the man
+of most fear is the man of most prudence and forecast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you mean to say that the coward is the wisest man?&quot; enquired
+Kinnison, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no. A coward is one who will not grapple with danger when he meets
+it, but shrinks and flies. A man who is conscious of dangers to be met,
+and feels a distrust of his own power to meet them, is a different sort
+of person,&quot; replied Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that's a very nice distinction,&quot; remarked one of the young men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's truth in what he says, however,&quot; said Ranson. &quot;I have felt a
+fear of consequences many a time, yet I know that I am not a coward;
+for my conduct in the time of battle, and when death was hailing around
+me, proves it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't see any distinction between a coward and a man of many fears,&quot;
+remarked Davenport; &quot;though, of course, I don't know enough of words to
+argue the point.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To make it clearer,&quot; replied Hand, &quot;I will assert that Washington was a
+man fearful of consequences, and some of those who refused to go to the
+aid of the heroes of Bunker Hill were cowards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's all plain enough to me,&quot; observed Colson. But the rest of the
+company, by shakes of the head and meditative looks, indicated that the
+distinction was not perceptible to their mental vision.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_BATTLE_OF_ORISKANY" id="THE_BATTLE_OF_ORISKANY"></a>THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well now, my friends, I can tell you of a brave man who was not fearful
+enough to be prudent,&quot; observed Colson. &quot;I allude to Gen. Herkimer. No
+man can dispute his courage; and it is clear that if he had possessed
+more fear of Indian wiles, he would not have fallen into an ambuscade.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you tell us about the battle in which he fell?&quot; enquired Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was about to do so,&quot; replied Colson. &quot;Brig. Gen. Herkimer was the
+commander of the militia of Tryon County, N.Y., when news was received
+that St. Leger, with about 2,000 men, had invested Fort Schuyler. The
+General immediately issued a proclamation, calling out all the
+able-bodied men in the county, and appointed a place for their
+rendezvous and a time for them to be ready for marching to the relief of
+Fort Schuyler.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to the relief of the
+garrison, and not being disposed to receive him in his camp, St. Leger
+detached a body of Indians and tories, under Brant and Col. Butler, to
+watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his march. The
+surrounding country afforded every facility for the practice of the
+Indian mode of warfare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were
+secure from observation, and to them they could retreat in case they
+were defeated. Finding that the militia approached in a very careless
+manner, Butler determined to attack them by surprise. He selected a
+place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles from the fort there
+was a deep ravine sweeping toward the east in a semicircular form, and
+having a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was
+marshy, and the road along which the militia were marching crossed it by
+means of a log causeway. The ground thus partly enclosed by the ravine
+was elevated and level. Along the road, on each side of this height of
+land, Butler disposed his men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 1777, the Tryon
+County militia arrived at this place without any suspicions of danger.
+The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush,
+entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The advanced guard, with
+about two-thirds of the whole force, had gained the elevated ground, the
+baggage-wagons had descended into the ravine&mdash;Col. Fisher's regiment was
+still on the east side&mdash;when the Indians arose, and with a dreadful yell
+poured a destructive fire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely cut
+off. Those who survived the first fire were immediately cut down with
+the tomahawk. The horror of the scene was increased by the personal
+appearance of the savages, who were almost naked and painted in a most
+hideous manner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, and
+united at the causeway; thus dividing the militia into two bodies. The
+rear regiment, after a feeble resistance, fled in confusion, and were
+pursued by the Indians. They suffered more severely than they would have
+done had they stood their ground, or advanced to the support of the main
+body in front.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The latter course would have been attended with great loss, but might
+probably have been effected. The forward division had no alternative but
+to fight. Facing out in every direction, they sought shelter behind the
+trees and returned the fire of the enemy with spirit. In the beginning
+of the battle, the Indians, whenever they saw that a gun was fired from
+behind a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus firing before he
+had time to reload his gun. To counteract this, two men were ordered to
+station themselves behind one tree, the one reserving his fire until the
+Indian ran up. In this way the Indians were made to suffer severely in
+return. The fighting had continued for some time, and the Indians had
+begun to give way, when Major Watson, a brother-in-law of Sir John
+Johnson, brought up a reinforcement, consisting of a detachment of
+Johnson's Greens. The blood of the Germans boiled with indignation at
+the sight of these men. Many of the Greens were personally known to
+them. They had fled their country, and were now returned in arms to
+subdue it. Their presence under any circumstances would have kindled up
+the resentment of these militia; but coming up as they now did, in aid
+of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most bitter feelings of
+hostility. They fired upon them as they advanced, and then rushing from
+behind their covers, attacked them with their bayonets, and those who
+had none, with the butt end of their muskets. This contest was
+maintained, hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens made a
+manful resistance, but were finally obliged to give way before the
+dreadful fury of their assailants, with the loss of thirty killed upon
+the spot where they first entered. Major Watson was wounded and taken
+prisoner, though afterwards left upon the field.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In this assault Col. Cox is said to have been killed; possessing an
+athletic frame, with a daring spirit, he mingled in the thickest of the
+fight. His voice could be distinctly heard, as he cheered on his men or
+issued his orders, amid the clashing of arms and the yells of the
+contending savages.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;About one o'clock, Adam Helmer, who had been sent by Gen. Herkimer with
+a letter to Col. Gansevoort, announcing his approach, arrived at the
+fort. At two o'clock, Lieut. Col. Willet, with 207 men, sallied from the
+fort for the purpose of making a diversion in favour Gen. Herkimer, and
+attacked the camp of the enemy. This engagement lasted about an hour,
+when the enemy were driven off with considerable loss. Col. Willet
+having thrown out flanking parties, and ascertained that the retreat
+was not feigned, ordered his men to take as much of the spoil as they
+could remove, and to destroy the remainder. On their return to the fort,
+above the landing, and near where the old French fort stood, a party of
+200 regular troops appeared, and prepared to give battle. A smart fire
+of musketry, aided by the cannon from the fort, soon obliged them to
+retreat, when Willet returned into the fort with his spoil, and without
+the loss of a single man. A part of that spoil was placed upon the walls
+of the fortress, where it waved in triumph in sight of the vanquished
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This timely and well-conducted sally was attended with complete
+success. A shower of rain had already caused the enemy to slacken their
+fire, when finding by reports that their camp was attacked and taken,
+they withdrew and left the militia in possession of the field.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Americans lost in killed nearly 200, and about as many wounded and
+prisoners; they carried off between 40 and 50 of their wounded. They
+encamped the first night upon the ground where old Fort Schuyler was
+built.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Among the wounded was Gen. Herkimer. Early in the action his leg was
+fractured by a musket-ball. The leg was amputated a few days after, but
+in consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, and want of
+skill in his surgeons, mortification ensued, and occasioned his death.
+On receiving his wound, his horse having been killed, he directed his
+saddle to be placed upon a little hillock of earth and rested himself
+upon it. Being advised to choose a place where he would be less
+exposed, he replied, 'I will face the enemy.' Surrounded by a few men he
+continued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, and in
+the heat of the battle, he very deliberately took from his pocket his
+tinder-box and lit his pipe, which he smoked with great composure. He
+was certainly to blame for not using greater caution on his march, but
+the coolness and intrepidity which he exhibited when he found himself
+ambuscaded, aided materially in restoring order and in inspiring his men
+with courage. His loss was deeply lamented by his friends and by the
+inhabitants of Tryon County. The Continental Congress, in October
+following, directed that a monument should be erected to his memory, of
+the value of five hundred dollars. But no monument was ever erected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will face the enemy,&quot; said Kinnison, repeating the words of the brave
+Herkimer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heroic words. But the General should have possessed more prudence. He
+had lived long enough in the neighbourhood of the Indians to know their
+mode of warfare, and he should have sent out rangers to reconnoitre his
+route,&quot; remarked Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;However,&quot; observed Kinnison, &quot;the enemy didn't get off whole-skinned. I
+have heard that they had more than 200 killed. It was a hard-fought
+battle, and considering all circumstances, no men could have behaved
+better than our militia did. You see, young men, after they recovered
+from the confusion of the first attack, they found they had no
+ammunition save what they had in their cartouch-boxes. Their
+baggage-wagons were in possession of the enemy, and they could get no
+water, which was in great demand in such warm weather. To fight five or
+six hours under such circumstances was certainly noble conduct.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Another point is to be taken into consideration. The enemy were much
+superior in numbers,&quot; said Colson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course; that's very important,&quot; replied Ranson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose there was little mercy shown by either party. There was too
+much hateful fury,&quot; said Hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're right,&quot; remarked Colson. &quot;Few tories received quarters from the
+militia, and fewer of the militia asked it of the tories.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Herkimer should have been more cautious. Though a brave soldier, we
+cannot consider him a good commander,&quot; said Pitts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nay, I think he was a good commander, friend Pitts,&quot; replied Hanson.
+&quot;He was cool-headed and skilful in the hottest battle; and because he
+neglected sending out scouts on one occasion, you should not conclude
+that imprudence was part of his character.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But a commander, acquainted with Indian warfare, as Herkimer was, must
+be considered imprudent if he neglects such a common precaution as
+sending out scouts,&quot; observed Kinnison.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONCLUSION" id="CONCLUSION"></a>CONCLUSION.</h2>
+
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we won't argue the matter now. It's getting late, and we had
+better break our company,&quot; said Warner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But first we'll have a toast and a song,&quot; replied Hand. &quot;Fill your
+glasses, friends. Heaven knows if we may ever meet again; and your
+company has been too amusing and instructive for us to part suddenly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ale has made me feel very drowsy,&quot; said Kinnison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you may sip our toast. Gentlemen, this is the Fourth of July; and
+surely it becomes us, as Americans, to toast the memory of the men who,
+on this day, pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred
+honors for the support of our independence. I therefore propose, 'The
+memory of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. May the
+brightness of their fame endure as long as patriotism and the love of
+freedom burn in the breasts of mankind!'&quot; exclaimed Hand. This was drunk
+standing, and a short silence ensued.</p>
+
+<p>Hand now proposed that they should have a song, and remarked that he
+knew one appropriate to the occasion, which he would sing, if the old
+soldiers were not too weary to listen. Of course, they expressed it to
+be their pleasure that he should sing it, and he proceeded. &quot;The song,&quot;
+said he, &quot;is called 'The Last Revolutionary.'&quot; The words were as
+follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><br /><table summary="poem"><tr><td align="left">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O! where are they&mdash;those iron men,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who braved the battle's storm of fire,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When war's wild halo fill'd the glen,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And lit each humble village spire;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When hill sent back the sound to hill,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When might was right, and law was will!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O! where are they, whose manly breasts</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Beat back the pride of England's might;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whose stalwart arm laid low the crests</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of many an old and valiant knight;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When evening came with murderous flame,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And liberty was but a name?</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I see them, in the distance, form</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Like spectres on a misty shore;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Before them rolls the dreadful storm,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And hills send forth their rills of gore;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Around them death with lightning breath</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is twining an immortal wreath.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They conquer! God of glory, thanks!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They conquer! Freedom's banner waves</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Above Oppression's broken ranks,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And withers o'er her children's graves;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And loud and long the pealing song</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of Jubilee is borne along.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis evening, and December's sun</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Goes swiftly down behind the wave,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And there I see a gray-haired one,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A special courier to the grave;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He looks around on vale and mound,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then falls upon his battle-ground.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beneath him rests the hallow'd earth,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Now changed like him, and still and cold;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The blood that gave young freedom birth</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No longer warms the warrior old;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He waves his hand with stern command,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then dies, the last of Glory's band.</span><br />
+</td></tr></table><br /></div>
+
+<p>&quot;A very good song, but a very mournful subject,&quot; observed Kinnison. &quot;And
+now, friends, we'll part.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The carriages are at the door,&quot; said one of the young men, as the party
+arose and prepared to descend. The kindest and best wishes were
+exchanged between the old and young men; and over and over again were
+promises made to meet the next year, if possible. At length, the
+veterans were assisted to descend the stairs. When they reached the
+door, they found a crowd collected round it. The sound of the fife and
+drum had drawn these people there, and hearing that the survivors of the
+Tea-party were in the house, they had become very anxious to see them.
+As soon as the old men appeared, they jostled around them, and it was
+with much difficulty that they were safely placed in the carriages by
+their young friends. Hand and his comrades at last bade the veterans an
+affectionate farewell, and the carriages drove away amid cheers given by
+the crowd for &quot;The Boston Tea-party.&quot;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><img src="images/spine.jpg" width="100" height="544" alt="Book Spine" /></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY ***</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Yankee Tea-party , by Henry C. Watson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Yankee Tea-party 
+       Or, Boston in 1773
+
+
+Author: Henry C. Watson
+
+Release Date: May 29, 2005  [eBook #15938]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY ***
+
+
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+      or
+      http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/dl/UF00001775.pdf
+
+
+
+
+
+The Young American's Library
+
+THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY;
+
+Or, Boston in 1773
+
+by
+
+HENRY C. WATSON,
+
+Author of "The Camp-Fires of the American Revolution,"
+"The Old Bell of Independence," etc. etc.
+
+With Illustrations
+
+Philadelphia:
+Lindsay And Blakiston
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+Lindsay & Blakiston's Publications.
+
+THE YOUNG AMERICAN'S LIBRARY;
+
+A USEFUL AND ATTRACTIVE SERIES OF BOOKS FOR
+YOUNG PEOPLE:
+EMBRACING EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE EARLY HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY,
+AND LIVES OF ITS DISTINGUISHED MEN.
+Written with much care, and in an entertaining and instructive manner.
+WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF IMPORTANT EVENTS, AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED
+TITLE PAGES.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+   LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Franklin as a Tallow Chandler.
+   Franklin at the Printing Press.
+   Franklin's first Arrival in Philadelphia.
+   Franklin acting as his own Porter.
+   The Philadelphia Library, founded by Franklin.
+   Franklin attracting Lightning from the Clouds.
+   Franklin Signing the Declaration of Independence.
+   Franklin as a Statesman.
+
+
+   LIFE OF GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Washington at Eighteen.
+   Washington Crossing the Allegheny.
+   Surrender of Cornwallis.
+   A View of Mount Vernon.
+   Washington Crossing the Delaware.
+   Washington at Valley Forge.
+   The Washington Family.
+   The Tomb of Washington.
+
+
+   LIFE OF LAFAYETTE.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Lafayette as Commander of the National Guard.
+   Lafayette Offering his Services to Washington.
+   Lafayette at the Battle of Brandywine.
+   Battle of Monmouth.
+   Lafayette's Final Interview with Washington.
+   Lafayette's Arrival at New York.
+   Triumphal Arch at Philadelphia.
+   Lafayette's Tomb.
+
+
+   LIFE OF WILLIAM PENN.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Portrait of William Penn.
+   Penn receiving Instruction from his Mother.
+   Penn receiving a Visit from his Mother in Prison.
+   Penn Landing at Chester.
+   Visit to the Indian Country.
+   Penn's Treaty with the Indians.
+   Penn's Cottage. Laetitia Court.
+   Penn's Residence at Philadelphia.
+
+
+   LIFE OF MARION.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Marion as a Trooper.
+   The Last Shot.
+   Marion and the Raw Recruits.
+   Sergeant McDonald and the Tory.
+   The Famous Potato Dinner.
+   Colonel Campbell taken Prisoner.
+   Macdonald's Message to Colonel Watson.
+   Mrs. Motte and the Bow and Arrows.
+
+
+   LIFE OF DANIEL WEBSTER.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Young Daniel at the Saw Mill.
+   Webster Fishing at Fryburg.
+   Webster Declining the Clerkship.
+   Webster Expounding the Constitution.
+   The Bunker Hill Celebration.
+   Webster at Faneuil Hall.
+   Marshfield, the Residence of Webster.
+   Webster on his Farm.
+
+
+   LIFE OF HENRY CLAY.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Henry Clay the Statesman.
+   The Village School.
+   The Birthplace of Clay.
+   The Mill Boy of the Slashes.
+   The Debating Society.
+   Bolivar Reading Clay's Speech to the Army.
+   The Residence of Mr. Clay.
+   The Torchlight Procession.
+
+
+   LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   A Portrait of Jackson.
+   Jackson's Presence of Mind.
+   Jackson's Narrow Escape.
+   Jackson and the Acorns.
+   Jackson as Judge.
+   Jackson and the Indian Prisoners.
+   The Battle of New Orleans.
+   Jackson at the Hermitage.
+
+
+   LIFE OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Napoleon's Snow Fortress.
+   The Battle of the Pyramids.
+   Napoleon's Retreat from Russia.
+   Napoleon's Return from Elba.
+   The Bridge of Arcola.
+   The Battle of Marengo.
+   Napoleon before the Battle of Austerlitz.
+   Napoleon Drawing a Plan of Attack.
+
+
+   THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY,
+   AND OTHER STORIES OF THE REVOLUTION.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   The Boston Tea-Party.
+   Hezekiah Wyman.
+   Mr. Bleeker and his Son.
+   Tarleton Breaking the Horse.
+   Lee's Legion.
+   Seizure of the Bettys.
+   Exhibit of Colonel McCain.
+   General Morgan.
+
+
+   THE OLD BELL OF INDEPENDENCE,
+   OR PHILADELPHIA IN 1776.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   The Old State House Bell.
+   Washington's Prayer for the Dying Soldier.
+   Defeat of the Skinners at Deadman's Lake.
+   The Story of the Half-Breed.
+   The Outlaws of the Pines.
+   The Battle of the Kegs.
+   Capture of General Prescott.
+   Riley going to the Place of Execution.
+
+
+   LIFE OF GENERAL TAYLOR.
+
+   ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+   Portrait of General Taylor.
+   Defence of Fort Harrison.
+   Battle of Okee Chobee.
+   Capture of General La Vega.
+   The Streets of Monterey.
+   Capitulation of Monterey.
+   General Taylor Never Surrenders.
+   Charge of the Kentuckians at Buena Vista.
+
+
+   Each of these volumes is well written, in a high, moral tone by
+   responsible authors, and contains numerous anecdotes, illustrative of
+   the early and latter history of our country. The compact style in which
+   these works are written, as well as their _low price_, make them well
+   adapted for Family, School, or District Libraries.
+
+   Price per Volume, 56-1/4 Cents, Cloth gilt. In Setts, neatly done up
+   in Boxes, $6 75.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY;
+
+Or, Boston in 1773
+
+by
+
+HENRY C. WATSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In explanation of the plan of this work, it may be stated, that such an
+occasion as that upon which the outline events happened seemed to us
+most proper for the object in view. A Fourth of July festival in the old
+rendezvous of the Boston Tea-party is surely well calculated to excite
+patriotic feeling; and when to those who participated in the festival
+are added a number of the veterans of the War of Independence, filled
+with glorious recollections, the effect is to turn the mind to the
+admiration and veneration of the men and deeds of the "trying time."
+
+No event excites more interest among Americans than the destruction of
+the tea in Boston harbour. Then and there, the unconquerable resolution
+of freemen was first made apparent to the obstinate oppressors of our
+infant country. Yet, until of late years, the history of the affair was
+very imperfectly known, and the names of the men who participated in it
+scarcely mentioned. In these pages will be found a faithful account of
+this glorious exploit, and, in connection with the other narratives, it
+is hoped it will kindle in the breasts of young readers an enthusiasm
+for liberty and a love of heroic excellence.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+THE LEBANON CLUB
+
+THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON
+
+THE FIGHT AT CONCORD
+
+THE FIFER'S STORY
+
+ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION
+
+EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA
+
+PUTNAM'S ESCAPE
+
+THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON
+
+CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN
+
+PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN
+
+ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT
+
+TREASON OF RUGSDALE
+
+CRUELTY OF TARLTON
+
+LEE'S LEGION
+
+ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE
+
+THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN
+
+THE TREASON OF BETTYS
+
+THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL
+
+EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO
+
+EXPLOIT OF COLONEL ALLAN M'LEAN
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE
+
+GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN
+
+BATTLE OF ORISKANY
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+Those who have been associated in the performance of any deed of valor
+or patriotism ever feel attracted to each other by an influence stronger
+and nobler than that of friendship. The daring patriots who joined in
+resistance to the tyrannizing might of Britain, were men pledged to die
+rather than betray each other, and to maintain their rights while they
+could lift the sword or aim the musket; and that pledge made them look
+upon each other in after years, when the storm of war was hushed and
+security dwelt at the fireside, as brothers whom no petty cause could
+sunder nor ill report make foes. These remarks apply, especially, to
+those who first threw themselves into the breach, and resolved that, if
+the British ministry would adopt such measures as the stamp act, their
+execution should be resisted and become difficult, and if such measures
+were passed as the act taxing tea, coffee, and the comforts of life,
+that the tea should never be landed, and thus prove a loss to its
+owners. The men who threw the tea into Boston harbor were patriots
+united by a sense that union was necessary for the salvation of liberty;
+and they were attracted to each other by the same influence during the
+bloody struggle which succeeded. What wonder, then, that they loved to
+meet in after years, to wish each other health and happiness, and chat
+over the stirring events in which they had participated, and to which
+their first bold deed was as the spark to dry hay, kindling to a fierce
+blaze the ready seeds of war.
+
+It was the fourth of July in Boston. Throughout the city which cradled
+the Revolution, the anniversary of the birth of the free and happy
+United States of America was celebrated with rejoicings unknown to the
+shackled people of monarchical countries. Meetings were held in various
+parts of the city, patriotic and democratic speeches made, bells rung,
+cannons fired, pistols, crackers, and fireworks of all descriptions
+discharged, toasts drank, and festivities of all kinds indulged. The
+soldiers paraded the streets with fine bands discoursing most excellent
+music, and followed by the usual crowd. Bunker Hill was the scene of a
+large patriotic meeting, and the events of the 'trying time' were again
+and again recounted with much enthusiasm.
+
+But a more unusual and far more interesting meeting occurred in Boston,
+about a quarter of a mile from the wharf known ever since the
+commencement of the Revolution as Griffin's Wharf. In the upper room of
+an old and somewhat dilapidated tavern were assembled a party of old and
+young men--the representatives of two generations. Three of the old men
+were the remaining members of the famous Lebanon Club; the first liberty
+club formed in the colonies, and the one which designed and executed the
+project of destroying the tea at Boston. They had come from various
+parts of the country, upon agreement, to meet once more in the house
+where the disguised members of the club had met on the evening of the
+sixteenth of December, 1773. The names of the old patriots were David
+Kinnison, Adam Colson, and Lendall Pitts. Five other veterans had joined
+the party by invitation, together with half-a-dozen young men who had
+arranged the meeting and paid all expenses, with a view of passing the
+Fourth of July in a novel and interesting manner.
+
+A well-laden table extended the whole length of the room, and flags,
+banners, and appropriate emblems and devices, were hung on the walls.
+There was no formal organization, as at public festivals, no president
+elected, and no list of toasts prepared. It was intended to be a
+sociable gathering. No band of well-arranged and harmonized instruments
+appeared, but old Jacob Brown and old Samuel Hanson, a fifer and a
+drummer of the continental army, occasionally stirred the hearts and
+fired the eyes of the company with the music which had nerved the
+patriots of Bunker's Hill and Bennington. Each of the veterans sat in an
+arm-chair at the table, the young men being distributed among them so as
+to wait upon them occasionally, and show them every attention.
+
+Mr. Kinnison, though not the oldest man of the company, looked as if he
+had seen the hardest service, and received the hardest buffets of Time.
+His features bespoke a strong and energetic mind, and his eye was full
+of fire and activity. His hair was grey and bushy, partly covering a
+large scar on his high forehead. He had evidently been a man of powerful
+frame, but was now bent with the weight of years, and service. The other
+veterans appeared to be generally of the same age, and to have seen hard
+toil and service. The fifer was the most remarkable of the party. In
+spite of his age and white hair, his puffed cheeks and the sly twinkle
+of his eyes gave him a kind of jolly, frolicsome appearance, which would
+indicate that age could not chill the humor of his heart.
+
+
+
+
+THE LEBANON CLUB.
+
+
+When the company were fairly seated at the table, Mr. Kinnison opened
+the conversation by asking the young men if they had ever heard any
+account of the Lebanon Liberty Club. They replied they had heard of the
+club, but never any definite account.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Kinnison, "I can tell you something about it. Mr.
+Pitts, Mr. Colson, and myself, were members of a club consisting of
+seventeen men, living at Lebanon, up here in Maine. Most of us were
+farmers. We knew what them folks over the river were aiming at, and we
+knew that there was no use of dallying about matters. Our rights were to
+be untouched, or there must be a fight. So, you see, we Lebanon men
+resolved to form a club, to consider what was to be done, and to do
+accordingly. We hired a room in the tavern of Colonel Gooding, and held
+regular meetings at night. The colonel was an American of the right
+color, but we kept our object secret, not even letting him into it."
+
+"If it isn't too much trouble, Mr. Kinnison, we should like you to tell
+us all about what the club had to do with the tea-party, and how that
+affair was conducted," said one of the young men, named Hand, filling
+the veteran's plate.
+
+"He can tell you much better than any one else," remarked Mr. Pitts. "I
+can vouch for the bold part he took in it, and he has a better memory
+than the rest of us."
+
+"No flattery, Pitts," returned Mr. Kinnison. "My memory 's bad enough,
+and as for taking such a bold part in that tea-party, it's all nonsense.
+If there was a leader, you was the man. But I'll tell these young men
+all I know of the affair, and what the Lebanon Club had to do with it."
+
+"Take some of this beef, Mr. Brown?" interrupted Hand.
+
+"Much obliged, sir, but beef is rather too tough for my gums," replied
+the old fifer. "I'll try something else." Mr. Kinnison went on with his
+narrative.
+
+"Well, the seventeen men of our club determined, whether we were aided
+or not, to destroy the tea which the East India Company had sent to
+Boston. The plan was soon formed, as it always is when men are
+determined to do a thing. We wanted no captain--each man could command
+for himself. We resolved to disguise ourselves in Mohawk dresses, and
+carry such arms as would enable us to sell our lives pretty dearly; we
+also pledged ourselves never to reveal the names of any of the party
+while there was danger in it. We expected to have a fight anyhow, and
+the first man who faltered was to be thrown overboard with the tea. We
+came to Boston and found the people ripe for the deed. A great meeting
+was to be held at the old South Meeting-house, and we concluded to wait
+and see what would be done there. We lodged at this tavern, and held our
+councils up in this room. Well, there was a tremendous meeting at the
+Old South, and most of us were there to help to keep up the excitement,
+and to push our plan if a chance appeared. Young Quincy made a speech
+that stirred the people, and made them ready for anything which would
+show their spirit. The people voted with one voice that the tea should
+not be landed. We saw how things were going, came back to the tavern,
+put on our Mohawk dresses, and returned to the meeting. Pitts succeeded
+in getting into the church just about dusk and raising the war-whoop. We
+answered outside. Then Pitts cried out, 'Boston harbor a tea-pot
+to-night!'
+
+"Ay," exclaimed Pitts, brandishing his knife above his head, "and 'hurra
+for Griffin's Wharf!'"
+
+"The crowd echoed Griffin's Wharf," continued Kinnison, "and hurried
+towards that place. Our men joined together, returned to the tavern, got
+our muskets and tomahawks, and collected about seventy men together,
+armed with axes and hatchets. Then we pushed for the wharf where the
+East Indiamen, loaded with the tea, were lying. Let me see!--The ships
+were called the Dartmouth, the--"
+
+"The Eleanor, and the Beaver," prompted Colson.
+
+"Ay, the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver," continued Kinnison.
+"You see, my memory 's weak. Well, when we reached the wharf, there was
+a crowd of people near it. It was a clear, moonlight night, and the
+British squadron was not more than a quarter of a mile distant--so, you
+see, there was a little risk. We didn't halt long. Pitts led the way on
+board the Dartmouth, and we followed, musket and tomahawk in hand.
+Nobody offered any show of fighting for the tea. We cut open the
+hatches, and some of the men went down and passed up the chests, while
+others cut 'em open and emptied the green stuff into the water. The crew
+of the vessel were afeard to stir in stopping us, for we told 'em we'd
+shoot the first man who interfered. I tell you, there was quick work
+there. When we had cleared that ship of the tea, we hurried off to the
+others, Pitts still leading the way, and did the same kind of work for
+them. The people began to crowd on the wharf, and some of 'em came to
+help us. I guess there was about a hundred and fifty of us on the third
+ship, all hard at work passing up the chests, cutting 'em open and
+spilling the tea. Within two hours, about three hundred and fifty chests
+of the tea were thus destroyed. The crowd cheered us once in a while,
+and we knew we'd have friends enough if the red-coats attempted to
+attack us. When we had emptied the last chest that could be found, we
+gave three of the loudest cheers and gained the wharf. A drummer and
+fifer were ready, as Mr. Brown and Mr. Hanson can inform you, and we
+formed a procession and marched up to this tavern. Here the crowd gave
+our band of Mohawks cheer after cheer ond then dispersed. But we didn't
+intend to end the night's work so quietly. We had a supper prepared just
+where we are now eating, and Josiah Quincy and some other big men came
+to join us. We made a night of it, I tell you. Pitts, I think, got very
+drunk, so many wanted to drink with such a bold patriot."
+
+Pitts was rather disposed to deny the assertion that he was actually
+drunk; but Kinnison and Colson said it was a fact, and he, at length,
+admitted that he was considerably excited, perhaps beyond the command of
+his reason. The company laughed at this 'getting around the stump,' and
+one of the young men proposed that Pitts' health should be drank in a
+glass of ale. The beverage was ordered and the health of the patriot
+drank with a hearty relish. The work of demolishing the eatables then
+went bravely on.
+
+"Mr. Kinnison," said Mr. Colson, "there's one incident concerning that
+tea-party that has slipped your memory. As our procession moved from the
+wharf and passed the house of the tory Coffin, Admiral Montague raised
+the window, and said, 'Ah! boys, you have had a fine evening for your
+Indian caper; but mind, you've got to pay the fiddler yet!' Pitts here
+shouted, 'Oh! never mind, never mind, squire! Just come out, if you
+please, and we'll settle that bill in two minutes!' The people shouted,
+and the admiral thought he had better put his head in in a hurry."
+
+"That's true," remarked Kinnison. "Well, you see, my memory is poor.
+Pitts would have mentioned it but for his modesty."
+
+"I recollect it well," said Pitts. "If that tory Coffin had shown his
+face that night, I wouldn't have given three cents for his life."
+
+"I think I would have had a slash at him," observed Kinnison. "I felt as
+savage as a Mohawk on a war-path."
+
+"I don't want to interrupt your eating, Brown and Hanson," said Colson,
+"but couldn't you stir us up a little with the drum and fife?"
+
+"Ay," added young Hand, who seemed to be the general mouth-piece of the
+younger portion of the company, "give us the air you played when you
+marched up from Griffin's Wharf."
+
+"No objection," replied Hanson. "Come, Brown, get out your whistle.
+There's a little music left in it yet, I know."
+
+The old fife was soon produced, and the drum also; and moving their
+chairs a short distance from the table, the veteran musicians struck up
+the stirring air of the old Massachusetts Song of Liberty, once so
+popular throughout the colonies, and supposed to have been written by
+Mrs. Warren.
+
+"Hurra!" exclaimed Hand, when the musicians had concluded. "Three cheers
+for the music and the musicians!" and three cheers were given quite
+lustily by the young men, and some of the old ones.
+
+"I have a copy of that Song of Liberty," said Hand. "Here it is, with
+the music. I'll sing it and you must all join in the chorus."
+
+"Good!" said Kinnison, and the others echoed him. Hand then sang the
+following words, the young men joining in the chorus, and, occasionally,
+some of the veterans attempting to do likewise.
+
+
+    Come swallow your bumpers, ye tories, and roar,
+    That the Sons of fair Freedom are hamper'd once more;
+    But know that no cut-throats our spirits can tame,
+    Nor a host of oppressors shall smother the flame.
+          In freedom we're born, and, like sons of the brave,
+            Will never surrender,
+            But swear to defend her,
+          And scorn to survive, if unable to save.
+
+    Our grandsires, bless'd heroes, we'll give them a tear,
+    Nor sully their honors by stooping to fear;
+    Through deaths and through dangers their trophies they won,
+    We dare be their rivals, nor will be outdone.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Let tyrants and minions presume to despise,
+    Encroach on our rights, and make freedom their prize;
+    The fruits of their rapine they never shall keep,
+    Though vengeance may nod, yet how short is her sleep!
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    The tree which proud Haman for Mordecai rear'd
+    Stands recorded, that virtue endanger'd is spared;
+    That rogues, whom no bounds and no laws can restrain.
+    Must be stripp'd of their honors and humbled again.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Our wives and our babes, still protected, shall know,
+    Those who dare to be free shall forever be so;
+    On these arms and these hearts they may safely rely,
+    For in freedom we'll live, or like heroes we'll die.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Ye insolent tyrants! who wish to enthrall;
+    Ye minions, ye placemen, pimps, pensioners, all;
+    How short is your triumph, how feeble your trust!
+    Your honor must wither and nod to the dust.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    When oppress'd and approach'd, our king we implore,
+    Still firmly persuaded our rights he'll restore;
+    When our hearts beat to arms to defend a just right,
+    Our monarch rules there, and forbids us to fight.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Not the glitter of arms, nor the dread of a fray
+    Could make us submit to their claims for a day;
+    Withheld by affection, on Britons we call,
+    Prevent the fierce conflict which threatens your fall.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    All ages shall speak with amaze and applause
+    Of the prudence we show in support of our cause;
+    Assured of our safety, a Brunswick still reigns,
+    Whose free loyal subjects are strangers to chains.
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+    Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all,
+    To be free is to live, to be slaves is to fall;
+    Has the land such a dastard as scorns not a lord,
+    Who dreads not a fetter much more than a sword?
+          In freedom we're born, &c.
+
+
+The song was much applauded for its spirit, and some of the young men
+wanted to give three more cheers, but Hand said they were already making
+too much noise, and their enthusiasm cooled.
+
+
+
+
+THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON.
+
+
+"Now," observed Hand, "I should like to hear some account of how things
+went on during the war. We are all in the right mood for it."
+
+"I could talk enough to fill whole books about the war," replied
+Kinnison; "but I want to hear Mr. Pitts and Mr. Colson, and the rest of
+the old men, spend a little breath for our amusement."
+
+"Mr. Kinnison was in the fight at Lexington, and all the principal
+battles in the Northern States during the war. I think he could interest
+you more than I," said Colson.
+
+"I'll make an agreement with you," remarked Kinnison. "If I tell you all
+I know of that skrimmage at Lexington, one of you must follow me." The
+agreement was settled, and Kinnison commenced his narrative of how the
+first blow of the Revolution was given.
+
+"You see, after that tea scape, and the quarrels with the red-coat
+troops in Boston, the people of Massachusetts, and, in fact, of nearly
+all New England, began to see that there was no way of upholding their
+rights but by war, and they accordingly began to arm and practise
+military tactics. The fife and drum were to be heard every day all
+around the country. In our village we collected a company of about
+thirty men. My father, and two brothers, Samuel and James, and myself,
+joined the company, and we used to parade and drill every day. A bold
+and knowing fellow, named Jonathan Williams, was our captain. Well,
+early in the fall of 1774, we heard the news that Gage had fortified
+Charlestown Neck, and sent some troops to seize the gunpowder at
+Cambridge. This roused our mettle, and we set into drilling and learning
+manoeuvres with more zeal. At one time a rumor reached us that the
+British fleet had bombarded Boston, and, I tell you, the men did turn
+out. Some of them wanted to march right down to Boston. Everywhere the
+people were crying 'to arms! to arms!' and we thought the war had
+commenced, sure enough; but it didn't just then. However, there was
+about thirty thousand men on the march to Boston, and they wouldn't turn
+back until they found the report was a hoax. Soon after, the Provincial
+Congress met, and they ordered that a large body of minute-men should be
+enrolled, so as to be prepared for any attack. The people of our
+province took the matter into their own hands, and organized a body of
+minute-men without orders. Our company was included. We were all ready
+for fight, but were determined that the red-coats should strike the
+first blow; so we waited through the winter. In March, Gage saw that
+great quantities of powder and balls were taken out of Boston into the
+country, in spite of his guard on the Neck. Every market wagon, and
+every kind of baggage, was stowed with ammunition. He then sent a party
+of troops to Salem to seize some cannon and stores our men had placed
+there; but Colonel Pickering, with a few men, made such a show, that the
+red-coats marched back again, without accomplishing their object. Our
+chief deposit of stores was at Concord, up here about twenty miles from
+Boston; and when our militia-general found that Gage was sending out
+parties to sketch the roads, with the aim of getting our stores into his
+hands, he sent word to our company to be on hand, and, if we could, to
+come up near Concord. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and all of our other
+big men, left Boston and went to Lexington, to keep the people moving
+and ready for an attack."
+
+"Dr. Warren stayed in Boston," interrupted Pitts, "to keep the others
+informed of the movements of the red-coats."
+
+"Yes," continued Kinnison; "the royals, as Deacon Slocum used to call
+'em, didn't hate Warren as much as they did John Hancock and the
+Adamses. Well, when Captain Williams heard of what General Gage was
+after, he told us we had better be prepared to march at a minute's
+warning. Gage sent eight hundred troops, under Colonel Smith and Major
+Pitcorn, on his rascally errand. They started from Boston about nine
+o'clock on the night of the eighteenth of April, never thinking that
+our men knew anything about it--but we were awake."
+
+"Wait a bit," said John Warner, one of the veterans who had not yet
+spoken. "I'll tell you something. I was in Boston when the red-coats
+started, and knew that the country militia were ready to protect the
+stores. I was standing on the Common, talking to a few of my friends of
+my own politics, when I said rather loud, 'the British troops will miss
+their aim.' 'What aim?' inquired a person behind me. 'The cannon at
+Concord,' replied I as I turned to see who asked the question. The man
+was dressed in British uniform, and he walked away as I turned to look
+at him. One of my friends whispered to me that it was Lord Percy. Soon
+after, guards were set at every avenue, and nobody was allowed to leave
+the city."
+
+"I suppose Lord Percy went to Gage and told him what he had heard,"
+remarked Kinnison. "It must have galled him a little to find they were
+so closely watched. Well, Captain Williams was first, aroused by the
+sound of the bells ringing and cannons firing on the Lexington road, and
+he ordered us out to march and join our friends near that place. It was
+a moonlight night, and we marched rapidly. When we got about half-way to
+Lexington, we met a man who told us that the minute-men of Lexington
+were out, but he didn't think there would be much of a fight. Captain
+Williams then thought it would be better for the company to march to
+Concord and help defend the stores, but said that a few of us might go
+to Lexington, and see now things went on. Accordingly, my brother
+Sam--a ripe fellow Sam was--and three others, and myself, were allowed
+to go to Lexington. We arrived there about half-past three in the
+morning, and found the bells ringing, cannons firing, and about a
+hundred minute-men drawn up in front of the meeting-house, waiting the
+approach of the enemy. We joined them, and placed ourselves under the
+orders of Captain Parker. Between four and five o'clock, we caught sight
+of the red-coats coming along the road, with Pitcorn at their head. I
+saw at once that we couldn't make much show against so many regulars,
+and I believe all our men thought the same; but we stood firm, with our
+loaded muskets in our hands. The red-coated troops were drawn up near
+the meeting-house, just opposite to us, and loaded their muskets. For a
+little while, it seemed as if neither party wanted to begin, and that we
+both knew a long war hung on the first fire. At last, Major Pitcorn and
+his officers rode forward, waving their swords and shouting, 'disperse,
+you villains--you rebels! why don't you disperse?' As we didn't stir,
+Pitcorn turned and ordered his troops to press forward and surround
+us.--Just then, a few scattering shots were fired at us, and we Lebanon
+men returned 'em at once. Then Pitcorn fired his pistol and gave the
+word 'fire,' and they did fire. Four of our men fell dead, and our Sam
+was wounded in the leg. We had to retreat, although I felt savage enough
+to fight 'em all myself; and so I fired my musket, and took hold of Sam,
+and helped him to get away with us. The red-coats continued to fire at
+us as we retreated, and some of our men paid 'em in the same coin. Two
+or three of the men were killed as they were getting over a stone fence,
+and Captain Parker, who wouldn't run, was killed with the bayonet. I
+hurried Sam into a house near by, saw him safe in the cellar, where the
+owner of the house said he would attend to him, and then joined the
+other Lebanon men, who were running towards Concord."
+
+
+
+
+FIGHT AT CONCORD.
+
+
+"You must tell us what took place at Concord, also," said young Hand.
+
+"Certainly," replied Kinnison. "Now, that I've got into the thing, I
+wouldn't mind telling you the whole war--but Concord will do for the
+present. Well, after a hard run, we reached Concord, and found the
+minute-men collecting from all quarters, and under the command of
+Colonel James Barrett. The women and children were hard at work removing
+the stores to a wood a considerable distance off. We joined Captain
+Williams, and told him there had been a skrimmage at Lexington, and that
+Sam was wounded. Colonel Barrett collected all the minute-men about the
+place, and drew 'em up in two battalions, on the hill in the centre of
+Concord. We had hardly formed, when we saw the red-coats coming up only
+about a quarter of a mile off. Our officers held a short council. Some
+were for making a bold stand where we were; but the greater number said
+it would be best to retreat till we were reinforced. Accordingly, the
+back-out advice was adopted, and we retreated over the North Bridge,
+about a mile from the common. I saw the royals come up and enter Concord
+in two divisions. Soon after, some of their companies took possession of
+the bridges, while the others hunted the stores. About sixty barrels of
+flour were broken open, a large quantity of cannon-balls thrown into the
+wells, the liberty-pole cut down, and the court-house set on fire. But
+the greater part of the stores were saved. In the meantime, the
+minute-men had come in from Acton, Carlisle, Weston, Littleton, and all
+around, and our force swelled to about four hundred men. I tell you,
+when the men saw the houses in Concord burning, they got a _leetle_
+excited--they did. Adjutant Hosmer made a speech to them, and they
+wanted to go right down and attack the red-coats at the North Bridge.
+Our company was very anxious to go, and it was settled that the attack
+should be made. Major John Buttrick took command, and ordered us to
+follow. There was about three hundred of us, the Acton company, under
+Captain Isaac Davis, taking the lead. We marched in double file, with
+trailed arms. I felt anxious to have a good fire at the rascals. They
+were on the west side of the river; but when they saw us coming, they
+crossed over and commenced pulling up the planks of the bridge. Major
+Buttrick called out to them to quit, and told us to hurry on to save the
+bridge. The red-coats formed for action, and, when we were near the
+bridge, fired a few shots at us. Captain Davis and Adjutant Hosmer were
+killed, and one Acton man wounded. Davis and Hosmer were both brave
+men, and they died like heroes. Seeing these men fall, Major Buttrick
+called out, 'Fire, for God's sake, men, fire!' and we did pour a volley
+into the redcoats. I brought down one man, and he never got up again. We
+were getting ready to give them another, when the cowards retreated. We
+found three of the enemy had been killed, and the Acton company took
+several of the wounded prisoners. I saw a mere boy, with a hatchet in
+his hand, run up to a Britisher who wasn't quite dead, and kill him with
+one blow. That I didn't like, though the boy's spirit and courage
+pleased me."
+
+"It was butchery," said Pitts.
+
+"So it was," replied Kinnison; "and it caused a report to be spread that
+we killed and scalped all the men who fell into our hands. As I said, I
+didn't like it; but we had no time for thinking. The enemy saw how fast
+our men were coming in from all quarters, for, by that time, the whole
+province was aroused, and they thought it would be best to think of
+getting back to Boston. Well, they started from Concord about twelve
+o'clock. As the main body marched along the road, the flanking parties
+tried to cover them, but it was of little use. We followed, and kept
+picking off men from their rear, while it seemed as if there was a
+minuteman behind every fence or tree by the road. We didn't march under
+any regular orders, but each man tried to do all he could with his
+musket. I and two or three other Lebanon men kept together, and managed
+to pick off some men at every by-road. At one time, we just escaped the
+attack of a flanking party who killed some of the militia a short
+distance from us. We lay concealed in the bushes till they went by, and
+then followed them up as before. At two or three points, some companies
+of minute-men attacked the enemy in the open field, and killed a
+considerable number of them. When they reached Lexington they were
+almost worn out, and could not have marched much farther. Just then, we
+saw a large reinforcement of the red-coats, under Lord Percy, coming
+along the Roxbury road, and we had to hold off awhile. You ought to have
+seen those royals, how they lay stretched on the ground, with their
+tongues hanging out of their mouths. I got on the top of a stone barn,
+and saw Percy's men form a hollow square about Smith's troops, in order
+to protect them while they got a little breath. But they could not halt
+long. The woods were swarming with minute-men; and, if they waited,
+their retreat would have been cut off. Well, they started again, and our
+men followed as before, picking off men from the flanks and rear. At
+West Cambridge, we met Dr. Warren with a party of our men, and attacked
+the enemy boldly. But their bayonets kept us off, and we only roused 'em
+so much that they plundered and burnt some houses along the road, and
+butchered some women and children. Well, after a hard struggle, the
+enemy reached Charlestown, and then General Heath called us from the
+pursuit."
+
+"I've read," remarked Mr. Hand, "that the British loss during that day
+was nearly three hundred--that is, including wounded and prisoners."
+
+"It amounted to that, at least," replied Kinnison; "and our loss was
+less than one hundred men. I think the royals got a taste of our spirit
+that day."
+
+"Here's a man can tell you something about the retreat of the enemy,"
+said Pitts, pointing to one of the old men, named Jonas Davenport.
+
+"Yes," said Jonas; "I know a little about it. I lived near Lexington. My
+house stood on the road. I joined the minute-men when I heard of the
+comin' of the British troops, and left my wife and two children home,
+under the care of my father, then about sixty. I told 'em to keep as
+quiet as possible and they would be safe. Well, as I said, I joined the
+minute-men, and, when the rascals retreated from Concord, followed and
+did some execution with my firelock. But one of 'em shot me in the
+shoulder, and I couldn't point my gun any more. I waited till the enemy
+had got a considerable distance on the road towards Boston, and then
+managed to reach my house--but such a house as I found it! The windows
+were broken in, the doors torn off their hinges, and the furniture
+broken and thrown about in heaps. I called for my father and wife, but
+received no reply. I crawled up stairs, for I was nearly exhausted from
+loss of blood, and there I found my father and oldest child stretched on
+the floor dead. The old man had his gun still clenched in his hand, and
+he had, no doubt, done the enemy some damage with it. But his face was
+beaten in, and he had two or three bayonet stabs in his breast. The
+little boy had been shot through the head. I was a pretty tough-hearted
+man, but I fainted at the sight; and, when I came to myself, I found my
+wife and the youngest child bending over me crying. How they did hug and
+kiss me when they saw me revive! I think I did as much to them, for I
+never expected to see them alive. My wife told me that the old man would
+fire at the British as they were passing the house, and some of them
+stopped, broke open the doors, and knocked the things about. The old man
+and the little boy ran up stairs, while my wife and the other child ran
+from the house towards a neighbor's. As she ran away, she heard the
+muskets fired, but couldn't stop, as she thought the rascals were after
+her. She had returned as soon as she knew they were far on the road. I
+didn't grieve long; but sent her for the doctor at Lexington to dress my
+wound. Boys, boys, I've made many a red-coat pay for the lives of that
+old man and child. I hated them enough before, but that day's work made
+me all gall!" The memory of gratified revenge lighted up the old man's
+eyes as he spoke. He was a man of stern spirit, and no thought that such
+revenge was wrong ever crossed his mind.
+
+"I can tell you folks of something more about that retreat from
+Concord," continued Davenport. "The story is generally known up around
+the country here, but some of you may not have heard it. It's about old
+Hezekiah Wyman, who gained the name of 'Death on the pale horse.'"
+
+"I heard the story, and saw the old man on his white horse," remarked
+Kinnison; "but it will interest the young men, no doubt--so drive on."
+
+[Illustration: HEZEKIAH WYMAN.]
+
+"Well, you see," began Davenport, "the window of old Hezekiah Wyman's
+house looked out on the ground where the British shot our men at
+Lexington. The old man saw the whole affair, and it made him so savage
+that he vowed to revenge his countrymen if he fell in doing it.
+
+"'Wife,' said he, 'is there not an old gun-barrel somewhere in the
+garret.'
+
+"'I believe there was,' said she; 'but pray what do you want with it?'
+
+"'I should like to see if it is fit for service,' replied he. 'If I am
+not mistaken, it is good enough to drill a hole through a rig'lar.'
+
+"'Mercy on me, husband! are you going mad? An old man like you--sixty
+years last November--to talk of going to war! I should think you had
+seen enough of fighting the British already. There lies poor Captain Roe
+and his men bleeding on the grass before your eyes. What could you do
+with a gun?'
+
+"The old man made no reply, but ascended the stairs, and soon returned
+with a rusty barrel in his hands. In spite of his wife's incessant din,
+he went to his shop, made a stock for it, and put it in complete order
+for use. He then saddled a strong white horse, and mounted him. He gave
+the steed the rein, and directed his course toward Concord. He met the
+British troops returning, and was not long in perceiving that there was
+a wasp's nest about their ears. He dashed so closely upon the flank of
+the enemy that his horse's neck was drenched with the spouting blood of
+the wounded soldiers. Then reining back his snorting steed to reload,
+he dealt a second death upon the ranks with his never-failing bullet.
+The tall, gaunt form of the assailant, his grey locks floating on the
+breeze, and the color of his steed, soon distinguished him from the
+other Americans, and the regulars gave him the name of 'Death on the
+pale horse.' A dozen bullets whizzed by his head, when he made the first
+assault, but, undismayed, the old patriot continued to prance his gay
+steed over the heads of the foot-soldiers--to do his own business
+faithfully, in the belief that, because others did wrong by firing at
+him, it would be no excuse for him to do wrong by sparing the hireling
+bullies of a tyrannical government. At length, a vigorous charge of the
+bayonet drove the old man, and the party with which he was acting, far
+from the main body of the British. Hezekiah was also out of ammunition,
+and was compelled to pick up some on the road, before he could return to
+the charge. He then came on again and picked off an officer, by sending
+a slug through his royal brains, before he was again driven off. But
+ever and anon, through the smoke that curled about the flanks of the
+detachment, could be seen the white horse of the veteran for a
+moment--the report of his piece was heard, and the sacred person of one
+of his majesty's faithful subjects was sure to measure his length on
+rebel ground. Thus did Hezekiah and his neighbors continue to harass the
+retreating foe, until the Earl Percy appeared with a thousand fresh
+troops from Boston. The two detachments of the British were now two
+thousand strong, and they kept off the Americans with their artillery
+while they took a hasty meal. No sooner had they again commenced their
+march, than the powerful white horse was seen careering at full speed
+over the hills, with the dauntless old yankee on his back.
+
+"'Ha!' cried the soldiers, 'there comes that old fellow again, on the
+white horse! Look out for yourselves, for one of us has got to die, in
+spite of fate.' And one of them did die, for Hezekiah's aim was true,
+and his principles of economy would not admit of his wasting powder or
+ball. Throughout the whole of that bloody road between Lexington and
+Cambridge, the fatal approaches of the white horse and his rider were
+dreaded by the trained troops of Britain, and every wound inflicted by
+Hezekiah needed no repeating. But on reaching Cambridge, the regulars,
+greatly to their comfort, missed the old man and his horse. They
+comforted themselves by the conjecture that he had, at length, paid the
+forfeit of his temerity, and that his steed had gone home with a bloody
+bridle and an empty saddle. Not so.--Hezekiah had only lingered for a
+moment to aid in a plot which had been laid by Amni Cutter, for taking
+the baggage-waggons and their guards. Amni had planted about fifty old
+rusty muskets under a stone wall, with their muzzles directed toward the
+road. As the waggons arrived opposite this battery, the muskets were
+discharged, and eight horses, together with some soldiers, were sent out
+of existence. The party of soldiers who had the baggage in charge ran to
+a pond, and, plunging their muskets into the water, surrendered
+themselves to an old woman, called Mother Barberick, who was at that
+time digging roots in an adjacent field. A party of Americans recaptured
+the gallant Englishmen from Mother Barberick, and placed them in safe
+keeping. The captives were exceedingly astonished at the suddenness of
+the attack, and declared that the yankees would rise up like musketoes
+out of a marsh, and kill them. This chef d'oeuvre having been concluded,
+the harassed soldiers were again amazed by the appearance of Hezekiah,
+whose white horse was conspicuous among the now countless assailants
+that sprang from every hill and ringing dale, copse and wood, through
+which the bleeding regiments, like wounded snakes, held their toilsome
+way. His fatal aim was taken, and a soldier fell at every report of his
+piece. Even after the worried troops had entered Charlestown, there was
+no escape for them from the deadly bullets of the restless veteran. The
+appalling white horse would suddenly and unexpectedly dash out from a
+brake, or from behind a rock, and the whizzing of his bullet was the
+precursor of death. He followed the enemy to their very boats; and then,
+turning his horse's head, returned unharmed to his household.
+
+"'Where have you been, husband?'
+
+"'Picking cherries,' replied Hezekiah--but he forgot to say that he had
+first make cherries of the red-coats, by putting the pits into them."
+
+"That old man was sure death," remarked Kinnison. "I knew the old fellow
+well. He had the name of being one of the best shots around that part of
+the country. I should never want to be within his range."
+
+"The old man immortalized himself," said Hand.
+
+"It served the 'tarnal rascals right," observed Hanson. "They only
+reaped what they had sown. War's a horrible matter, altogether, and I
+don't like it much; but I like to see it done up in that old man's
+style, if it is done at all."
+
+"I should like to have seen that royal officer that said he could march
+through our country with three regiments," said Kinnison. "If he was
+with Smith and Pitcorn that day, he saw there was a little of the
+bulldog spirit in the Yankees."
+
+"I think," observed Pitts, "we might have that old, heart-firing,
+arm-moving tune called Yankee Doodle. Come, Brown, pipe."
+
+"Ay," replied Brown, "that tune came out of this here fife
+naturally--almost without my blowing it. For some time, I couldn't work
+anything else out of it."
+
+"Come, pipe and drum the old tune once more," cried Colson; and it was
+piped and drummed by Brown and Hanson in the real old continental style.
+The effect on the company was electric. Knives, and forks, and feet,
+kept time to the well-known music. Some of the old men could scarcely
+restrain themselves from attempting a cheer, and the young men felt
+themselves stirred by a feeling of patriotism they had scarcely known
+before. The spirit of 1775 dwelt in the music, and, as the quick notes
+started from fife and drum, visions of farmers leaving the plough in the
+furrow and shouldering the rusty and unbayoneted firelock--of citizens
+leaving their business and homes to grasp the sword and gun--of
+stout-hearted, strong-armed minute-men, untrained to war's manoeuvres,
+marching and battling with the well-disciplined, war-schooled, and
+haughty Britons, made confident by a more than Roman career of
+victory--and of the glorious fight at Breed's Hill--came to the minds of
+all present. Three cheers were given, when the musicians had concluded,
+for the tune itself, and three more for those who had played it.
+
+"More ale," called out Hand, and more ale was brought; and then Hand
+proposed as a toast--"The memory of the men who fell on the 19th of
+April, 1775." This was drank standing, and a short pause ensued.
+
+
+
+
+FIFER'S STORY.
+
+
+"Now," said Kinnison, "I expect that some of you men who know something
+about them times shall keep your promise of following my story."
+
+"I'll tell you a story," replied Brown, the fifer. "P'raps some of you
+won't swallow it; but it's all fact, and that you'll find if you choose
+to hunt for the papers. It's chiefly about me and my fife, and Hanson
+and his drum."
+
+"Pipe away, Brown," said Kinnison.
+
+"Well, you see," began Brown, "Hanson and I were drummer and fifer in
+Colonel Brooks' regiment, at Saratoga, and we were in the battle of
+Stillwater, fought on the nineteenth of September. I'm not going to
+'spin a yarn,' as the sailors say, in the way of an account of that
+battle, for that has been said and sung often enough. It is sufficient
+for me to say, that it was the hardest fought, and the bloodiest battle
+that ever I saw, and Hans n and I were in the thickest of it, where the
+bullets were hailing. Our regiment suffered a good deal in the way of
+losing men, and I saw many an old friend fall near me. But at dusk, when
+most of the Americans were ordered to camp, I and Hanson were unhurt.
+Colonel Brooks kept the field when the other officers retired with their
+forces. Some of the men of his regiment were tired and grumbled, but he
+wanted to show the enemy that they had gained no advantage over us, and
+that our spirits were as strong as when the day's work commenced. This
+conduct you might have expected from what you have heard of Brooks'
+character. He was all game--Brooks was. One of those whip or die men,
+that are not to be found everywhere. Well, as I said, our regiment
+remained on the field, and finally got into a skirmish with some of the
+German riflemen. We knew they were German riflemen by the brass
+match-cases on their breasts. In this skirmish, a ball struck me on the
+hand, went through it, and knocked my fife clear away beyond our flank.
+Well, I couldn't part with my Yankee Doodle pipe in that way, without
+trying to get hold of it again. So I told Hanson, and he put down his
+drum, and proposed that we should go and get it; and we did go out
+together, while the balls were whizzing round our ears, and got the
+pipe."
+
+"Hold on, Brown," interrupted Kinnison. "Wasn't it a dark night?"
+
+"Yes," replied Brown; "but we saw where the fife lay, by the quick
+flashes of the guns. Didn't we, Hanson?"
+
+"Yes; it's a fact," replied the drummer; "and when we returned, I found
+a couple of balls had passed through the heads of my drum."
+
+"I told you I thought you wouldn't swallow it," observed Brown; "but
+here's the fife, and here's the mark where the ball passed through my
+hand." Brown exhibited the scar, and doubt seemed to be set at rest.
+Kinnison, however, shook his head, as if unsatisfied.
+
+"There wasn't a great deal in the mere going after the fife at such a
+time," continued the fifer, "but I thought I'd mention it, to give you
+an idea of Hanson's spirit."
+
+"Very well," remarked Hand, "we are satisfied now that both Mr. Brown
+and Mr. Hanson are really men of spirit."
+
+
+
+
+ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION.
+
+
+"Mr. Davenport," said one of the young men, "won't you entertain us with
+an account of something you saw or joined in, or did yourself, during
+the war?"
+
+"Were any of you at Quebec, with Arnold and Montgomery?" inquired one of
+the veterans who had been an attentive and silent listener to the
+preceding narratives.
+
+"I accompanied Colonel Arnold on the expedition up the Kennebec,"
+replied Davenport.
+
+"Then tell us about it, won't you?" eagerly exclaimed one of the young
+men.
+
+"Ay, Davenport, tell us about it," added Kinnison. "I've never heard
+anything I could depend on about that march through the wilderness. Old
+Joe Weston tried to give me an account of it; but his memory was very
+weak, and he hadn't the knack of talking so that a person could
+understand him."
+
+"Well, you see," began Davenport, "I was livin' up here on the Lexington
+road, when I hear that General Washington had planned an expedition to
+Canada by way of the Kennebec and the wilderness north of it, and that
+Colonel Arnold had been appointed to command the troops who were to
+undertake it. I was preparing to join the army at Cambridge; but I
+thought that Arnold's expedition would suit me better than staying in
+camp around Boston. So I furnished myself with many little knick-nacks,
+shouldered my musket, and started off to offer my services. They placed
+me in one of the companies of Major Bigelow's battalion. I believe there
+was about eleven hundred men, in all, under Arnold's command, who
+marched from Cambridge to Newburyport. There we embarked on board of
+eleven transports, and, on the nineteenth of September, sailed for the
+Kennebec. I must confess, I didn't like the idea of starting so late in
+the year, because I knew we'd meet with some of the coldest kind of
+weather before we reached Canada; but I had to be satisfied. At the end
+of two days, we had entered the Kennebec and reached the town of
+Gardiner. The only accident we had met with was the grounding of two of
+our transports; but we got them off without much difficulty. I forgot to
+mention, however, that two hundred carpenters had been sent up the
+river, before we started from Cambridge, with orders to build two
+hundred batteaux at Pittston, opposite Gardiner. Well, when we arrived
+at that place, we found the batteaux ready, and immediately transferred
+our baggage and provisions to them, and pushed up the river to Fort
+Western. At that place our real work was to commence. Colonel Arnold
+knew a great deal about the route, and he had undertaken it because he
+knew what he had to encounter, and how much glory he would win if he
+succeeded; but we men, who were to work and suffer most, knew nothing
+about the route; except that it was through a wilderness where few white
+men had set foot. Before the army started from Fort Western, two small
+parties were sent forward to survey and reconnoitre the route as far as
+Lake Megantic and the Dead River. Next, the army began to move in four
+divisions. Morgan and his riflemen went first; next day, Green and
+Bigelow, with three companies; next day, Meigs, with four companies; and
+the next day, Colonel Enos, with the three other companies. You see, the
+divisions started a day apart, so as to prevent any difficulty in
+passing rapids and falls. Colonel Arnold waited to see all the troops
+embarked, and then passed the whole line till he overtook Morgan. On the
+fourth day after our party--that is, Green and Bigelow's--started from
+Fort Western, we arrived at Norridgewock Falls. You may recollect, there
+used to be a tribe of Indians called the Norridgewocks, who had a
+village near these falls. I saw the plain where the village stood, and
+the ruins of the church which was destroyed by Captain Moulton during
+the war with the tribe. At the falls, all the batteaux had to be taken
+out of the river and transported a mile and a quarter by land. You may
+suppose, there was some work about that part of the journey. The banks
+on each side of the river were very rugged and rocky; and we had to
+carry the greater part of our baggage on our backs. One half of the
+party helped the oxen to draw the boats up to the place where they were
+to be put into the water again. We found some of the boats were leaky,
+and a great deal of the provisions damaged, which was a matter of
+importance, as you will see when I get farther on in my story. We were
+seven days in passing round that fall and repairing our boats. During
+those seven days, we worked as I had never seen men work before; and,
+strangely enough, there were very few grumblers in our party. We joked
+and sang lively songs, even during the hardest labor; and I got into a
+much better humor than I was in when I started. We had an Irishman,
+named Jim O'Brien, in our mess, who was one of the best hearted and
+quickest-witted chaps I ever encountered; and we had a friend of his,
+named Murtough Johnson, who was as dull and blundering as O'Brien was
+keen and ready. So, you see, with O'Brien's jokes and Johnson's blunders
+we had something to amuse us. I recollect, at one time, we were pushing
+our boat up on the bank clear of the water, and Johnson handled his pole
+so clumsily that he fell into the river. O'Brien hauled him out after he
+had a severe ducking in rather cold water. The officers worked as hard
+as the men. Every sinew and muscle was brought into use. Colonel Arnold
+seemed to be ever active, cheering on the men, and often lending his
+hand to aid them."
+
+"What sort of a looking man was Arnold at that time?" inquired Hand.
+
+"He was then about thirty-five years old," replied Davenport; "of the
+middle size, and rather stout, his face was rather handsome; but there
+was an iron look about his mouth that many a man would not like; his
+eyes were of a dark grey, and full of fire and restlessness. He seemed
+never to be satisfied unless he was moving about and doing something."
+
+"Exactly as I knew him," remarked Kinnison.
+
+"Well," said Davenport, "I'll return to my story. At the end of seven
+days we were ready to move on; and we soon arrived at the Carratunc
+Falls, where there was another portage. We got round that, however,
+without much difficulty. The banks were more level and the road not so
+long; but the work afterwards was tough. The stream was so rapid that
+the men were compelled to wade and push the batteaux against the
+current. There was a little grumbling among us, and quite a number of
+the men deserted. Two days after reaching the Carratunc Falls, we came
+to the Great Carrying Place. There work was to begin to which all our
+other work was play. The Great Carrying Place extended from the Kennebec
+to the Dead River, about fifteen miles, and on the road were three small
+ponds. Before we took our batteaux out of the water of the Kennebec, we
+built a block-house on its banks, as a depository for provisions, so as
+to secure a supply in case of retreat."
+
+"I thought you said you had no extra quantity of provisions," said
+Pitts.
+
+"I did," replied Davenport. "We did not intend to leave any of our
+provisions at the block-house. It was built as a repository for
+supplies ordered up from Norridgewock. Well, we took the boats out of
+the water, and took most of the baggage and provisions out of the boats,
+and toiled up a steep, rocky road for more than three miles to the first
+pond. There the boats were put into the water, and we had a short rest.
+We caught plenty of fresh salmon-trout in the pond, and Colonel Arnold
+ordered two oxen to be killed and divided among us, as a sort of treat.
+At the second portage we built another block-house for the sick. At that
+time I felt sick and worn out myself, but I couldn't think of stopping,
+so I kept my sufferings hidden as much as I could from everybody but
+O'Brien, who did all he could to help me. After crossing the last pond,
+we had several marshes and deep ravines to cross. Sometimes we had to
+wade up to the knees in mud and water, carrying heavy bundles of baggage
+on our shoulders, and in constant danger of sinking into deep mud holes.
+Ha! ha! I recollect, O'Brien, Johnson and myself were toiling along
+through one of the marshes, Johnson a short distance behind, when
+O'Brien and I heard a yell and a cry of 'Och, murther!' The yell, I
+thought might have come from a savage, but the 'Och, murther!' I knew
+never could. O'Brien's quick eye soon discovered what was the cause of
+it, and I followed him back. There we found Johnson, up to his neck in
+mud and water, yelling for help to get out of the bloody dirt. I was the
+first to grasp his hand, but in pulling, my foot slipped, and I fell in
+alongside of Johnson. O'Brien was more careful; he got on the baggage
+that Johnson and I had thrown down, and by great exertions, dragged us
+both out; but in such a condition--covered with mud from head to foot.
+Of course, O'Brien and I laid it all on Johnson's blundering. O'Brien
+said he believed Johnson's birth was a blunder of nature, she had
+regretted ever since; and that if he fell into a mudhole again, he
+should stick there. Johnson admitted that he was thinking of home when
+he fell into the dirty place; he was just kissing his darlin' Mary when
+his foot slipped. Well, we shouldered our wet baggage, and waded on to
+the rest of the party, and soon after, we reached Dead River. This river
+seemed to have a smooth current, broken by two or three little falls,
+and we thought we could have quite an easy progress. The boats were
+easily pushed along, and the men got the rest they wanted. As we were
+going slowly along the river, we discovered a high mountain, the summit
+of which appeared to be whitened with snow. Near the base of the
+mountain we found Arnold, with the two first divisions, encamped. We
+were all very glad to see a camp once more and enjoyed it, I tell you,
+as much as a good meal after a hard day's work. On the day after the
+arrival of our party, Colonel Arnold raised the pine-tree flag over his
+tent, the men firing a salute and giving three cheers, as soon as it was
+raised. On the same day, Major Bigelow went up to the top of the
+mountain, expecting to see the spires of Quebec. But he weren't a Moses;
+he didn't see the promised land. After that, I believe the people gave
+the Major's name to the mountain. Ninety men were sent back to the rear
+for provisions which now began to grow scarce. It began to rain before
+we left the encampment, and it rained the best part of three days; every
+man and all the baggage were drenched with water. Morgan and Arnold,
+with the first and second divisions had gone ahead, and we followed. One
+night, we landed at a rather late hour, and were trying to get a little
+rest, when we were awaked by the freshet, which came down upon us in a
+torrent; O'Brien waked Johnson and myself just in time to allow us to
+get out of the way. The water arose to a great height, covering the low
+grounds on each side of the river, and the current became very rapid. As
+the batteaux moved on they would get entangled among the drift wood and
+bushes. Sometimes we wandered from the main stream into the branches,
+and then we would have to fall back into the proper course. The number
+of falls seemed to increase as we advanced, and of course, there was a
+portage at every one. I was almost worn out with toil and sickness, yet
+I was sustained by the hope of succeeding in the expedition, and of
+doing some injury to the enemy before I died. You know how an excited
+spirit will overcome weakness of body. At length a disaster happened to
+our party which almost checked the expedition. By some bad management,
+and partly by accident, seven of our batteaux were overset; O'Brien,
+Johnson and myself were among the men thrown into the water, and we had
+a terrible time of it, clinging to the bottom of the batteaux. We pushed
+the boats ashore, and not a single man was drowned; but all the baggage
+and provisions in the boats were lost. That made such a breach in our
+provisions, that the boldest hearts began to be seized with despair. We
+were then thirty miles from the head of Chaudiere river, and we had
+provisions for twelve days at the farthest. A council of war was held,
+and it was decided to send the sick and feeble men back, and press
+forward with the others. Colonel Arnold wrote to Colonel Greene and
+Colonel Enos, who were in the rear, to select such a number of their
+strongest men that could supply themselves with fifteen days'
+provisions, and to come on with them, leaving the others to return to
+Norridgewock. You know how Colonel Enos acted upon that order; he
+marched back to Cambridge, while Colonel Greene obeyed Colonel Arnold's
+instructions."
+
+"People have different opinions of that man's conduct," said Kinnison.
+"For my part, I think he was a poor-spirited man, if not a coward."
+
+"I think so too," said Davenport. "Although his court-martial acquitted
+him, General Washington, and other officers showed such dissatisfaction,
+that he resigned his commission."
+
+"Never mind the shirk," said Pitts: "tell us how the men of the right
+grit made out."
+
+"Well," said Davenport, "after Colonel Arnold had arranged his plans, he
+hurried forwards with sixty men, intending to proceed as soon as
+possible to the inhabitants on the Chaudiere and send back provisions to
+the main body. When we started again, the rain had changed to snow,
+which fell two inches deep. Ice formed on the surface of the water
+through which we were forced to wade and drag the boats. You may talk
+about suffering at Valley Forge, but I tell you it was no kind of
+circumstance to what we men endured. We were cold, hungry and tired all
+the time, and yet we couldn't rest, for fear of starvation in the
+wilderness. I always think my living through it all was owing to
+O'Brien's care and his trying to keep me in good spirits. Poor fellow!
+he met his death at Quebec. I'll never forget him. The man who could
+forget such service at such a time would be a blot upon the name of
+humanity." Davenport paused, as if indulging mournful memory, and then
+proceeded. "Near the source of the Dead River, we had to pass through a
+string of small lakes, choked with drift-wood and rocks. So it seemed as
+if we met greater difficulty at every step of our advance. At last we
+reached the four-mile carrying place, from the Dead River to the stream
+that leads into Lake Megantic. We took the batteaux out of the water and
+dragged and carried them over the highlands till we reached the little
+stream, which conducted us by a very crooked course into Lake Megantic.
+I began to think our toils and dangers would soon be over, and of course
+worked with a light heart. At the Lake, we found Lieutenant Steel and
+the exploring party which had been sent forward to explore and clear the
+path at the portages. The night after our party entered the Lake, we
+encamped on the eastern shore, where a large Indian wigwam that appeared
+as if it had been used for a council, served to shelter us from the cold
+winds. Colonel Arnold ordered Hanchet and fifty men to march by land
+along the shore of Chaudiere River, and he, himself, embarked with
+Captain Oswald, Lieutenants Steel and Church and thirteen men,
+determined to proceed as soon as possible to the French inhabitants, and
+send back provisions to the army. This was the only plan to save the men
+from starvation. You see the Chaudiere is a rough rapid river, the water
+in some places boiling and foaming over a rocky bottom. The baggage had
+to be lashed to the boats. Arnold's party fell among the rapids. Three
+of the boats were overset, dashed to pieces against the rocks and their
+contents swallowed up by the waves. Six men struggled for some time in
+the water, but were saved. That accident turned out to be a lucky one,
+for no sooner had the men dried their clothes and re-embarked, than one
+of them, who had gone forward, cried out 'a fall ahead,' and thus the
+whole party was saved from destruction. Soon after we entered the
+Chaudiere we worked round several falls and kept clear of the rapids for
+a while; but it couldn't last. We lost boats here and there, till we
+hadn't enough to carry the men and what baggage we had with us, and so
+we took to the land, and began our march through the woods along the
+banks of the river. Now a kind of suffering began, which we hadn't
+dreamed of when we started, but which we had been expecting before we
+lost our boats. We had to drag ourselves along, over rocks and ravines
+and through thick underwood, with starvation staring us in the face. I
+had never been a hearty feeder, and could bear the want of provisions
+better than those in good health and who had accustomed themselves to
+cramming. But poor Johnson fainted several times on the march, and
+O'Brien suffered more than he would tell. Every thing eatable was at
+length entirely used. Several dogs, generally favourites of their
+owners, had been killed and entirely devoured, even to the entrails.
+O'Brien, Johnson and myself boiled our moccasins, to see if any
+nourishment could be drawn from the deer-skin. But the skins were dry.
+It seemed as if we were doomed to starvation. No game of any kind
+appeared, and even the eatable roots were not to be found. I remember
+seeing a party of men, Johnson among them, discover a well-known root in
+the sand and rush for it as if it had been a diamond. The man who got it
+devoured it instantly, though at any other time it would have made him
+sick."
+
+"I wonder how those men would have acted if they had met such a loaded
+table as this in the woods," said Hand.
+
+"Acted!" said Davenport. "Like wolves, whose bellies had been pinched
+with hunger for a week. You may judge from what I tell you. As we were
+marching slowly through the woods, a set of ragged skeletons, the
+foremost of the party caught sight of some Canadians and Indians coming
+towards us, with great packages and bundles which we knew were the
+provisions sent by Colonel Arnold. There was a perfect yell of joy, and
+the whole party rushed towards them. But Major Bigelow and his officers
+kept the men off from the food, at the sword's point. The food was then
+distributed in very small quantities to each man. How it disappeared! I
+venture to say that ten minutes after the men received their shares,
+they had devoured them all. The Canadians and Indians were ordered to
+keep enough provisions for the other troops, who were fed as they came
+up. At last we caught sight of the French settlement of Sertigan, where
+Colonel Arnold had arrived some days before. The people came out to
+receive us; but they wondered at us as if we were more than men. They
+offered us plenty of food and clothing, and took care of the sick.
+Within four or five days, the whole army was collected by small parties
+at Sertigan."
+
+"What was the number of the troops who arrived safe?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"About five hundred and fifty men, I suppose," replied Davenport. "The
+rest had either gone back with Enos, deserted, or been left at the
+block-house, sick."
+
+"How long did the expedition occupy?" enquired Hand.
+
+"About two months," replied Davenport. "For thirty-two days we traversed
+a dreary wilderness without meeting a human being."
+
+"It was a great feat, and the men who performed it are entitled to high
+renown," said Hand.
+
+"Many of them afterwards became distinguished," said Davenport. "Morgan,
+Dearborn, Meigs, Febiger, Greene and others were known to the enemy in
+after years."
+
+Mr. Hand now proposed three cheers for the men of Arnold's expedition
+and three more for Mr. Davenport, both of which propositions were acted
+upon in the heartiest manner by the young men. Mr. Hand then said he had
+a song to sing to the tune of "Ye Mariners of England." It was not his
+own composition; he had found it in print, and knowing the music,
+thought it would be acceptable. Being pressed to sing, he complied,
+singing the following words:--
+
+
+    Ye freemen of Columbia,
+      Who guard our native coast,
+    Whose fathers won your liberty,
+      Your country's pride and boast;
+    Your glorious standard rear again,
+      To match your ancient foe,
+    As she roars on your shores,
+      Where the stormy tempests blow;
+    As she prowls for prey on every shore,
+      Where the stormy tempests blow.
+
+    The spirits of your fathers
+      Shall hover o'er each plain,
+    Where in their injured country's cause
+      The immortal brave were slain!
+    Where bold Montgomery fearless fell,
+      Where carnage strew'd the field,
+    In your might shall you fight,
+      And force the foe to yield;
+    And on the heights of Abraham
+      Your country's vengeance wield.
+
+    Columbia fears no enemy
+      That ploughs the briny main;
+    Her home a mighty continent,
+      Its soil her rich domain!
+    To avenge our much-loved country's wrongs,
+      To the field her sons shall fly,
+    While alarms sound to arms,
+      We'll conquer or we'll die.
+    When Britain's tears may flow in vain,
+      As low her legions lie!
+
+    Columbia's eagle standard
+      Triumphant then shall tower,
+    Till from the land the foe depart,
+      Driven by its gallant power.
+    Then, then, ye patriot warriors!
+      Our song and feast shall flow,
+    And no more, on our shore,
+      Shall war's dread tempests blow;
+    But the breeze of peace shall gently breathe,
+      Like the winds that murmur low.
+
+
+The song was well received by the company, who were not disposed to be
+critical. The drum and fife were then brought into play, Brown and
+Hanson, without entreaty, striking up, "Come out, ye Continentallers."
+This rollicking tune called up such laughable associations, that one of
+the young men proposed that it should be sung. No one knew it entire,
+except Brown, the fifer, who had been the musician of his mess as well
+as of the company, and Brown complied with the repeated entreaties of
+the young men, singing the following ludicrous words in a cracked and
+weak remnant of a voice.
+
+
+    Come out, ye continentallers!
+      We're going for to go
+    To fight the red-coat enemy,
+      Who're plaguy "cute," you know.
+
+    Now, shoulder whoop!--eyes right and dress--
+      Front!--Davis, wipe your nose--
+    Port whoop!--that's slick--now, carry whoop!
+      Mike Jones, turn out your toes.
+
+    Charge bagnet!--that's your sort, my boys:
+      Now, quick time!--march!--that's right;
+    Just so we'd poke the enemy,
+    If they were but in sight.
+
+    Halt!--shoulder whoop!--stop laughing, Nick--
+      By platoons, wheel!--halt--dress!
+    Hold up your muzzles on the left;
+      No talking, more or less.
+
+    Bill Sneezer, keep your canteen down,
+      We're going for to travel;
+    "Captain, I wants to halt a bit,
+      My shoe is full of gravel."
+
+    Ho--strike up music--for'ard march!
+      Now point your toes, Bob Rogers;
+    See! yonder are the red-coat men--
+      Let fly upon 'em, sogers.
+
+
+This song was written in the early part of the revolutionary war to
+burlesque the meeting of the country militia, and afterwards became very
+popular. Although Brown had not much voice, he managed to give a correct
+and exceedingly laughable expression to the old song.
+
+"That may be all true enough of some of the country militia," said
+Robinson, "but in our village, there was no such foolery. Regulars--and
+British ones at that--couldn't have gone through a better training, or a
+better rill. One of the British officers at Saratoga said that the New
+England militia were equal to regulars; and as far as marching up to
+cannons' mouths and driving back dragoons goes, I think they were,
+myself. You see, for a long time previous to the battle of Lexington, we
+had trainings all around the country, and some of our officers were men
+who had seen some hard service in the old French War. Why, just look at
+the men that Ethan Allen and Arnold led against Ticonderoga, as strong a
+place as was ever fortified in the northern states. There was not a
+bolder or better conducted enterprise in the whole war."
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA.
+
+
+"Were either of you in the expedition against Ticonderoga?" enquired
+Hand, wishing to learn the particulars of that affair.
+
+"Ay," replied a little old man, who had quit eating and fallen asleep
+during Davenport's narrative, and had only wakened up at the sound of
+the drum and fife, playing "Come out, ye Continentallers." "I was with
+Ethan Allen. I was one of the Green Mountain Boys, that did the thing."
+
+"Then perhaps you can tell us something about it," said Kinnison, "and
+about the quarrel between Allen and Arnold. I never heard the facts of
+the case, but from what I know of the two men, I feel sure Arnold was
+wrong."
+
+"To be sure he was," said old Timothy Ransom. "To be sure he was. But
+I'll tell you all I know about the matter. I was at work on my farm when
+I heard of the battle of Lexington. I belonged to a regiment of militia
+that used to meet for drill on a neighbouring farm. Ethan Allen was the
+Colonel, and he was fit to be the leader anywhere. He would lead where
+any would follow, was as honest a man as ever breathed, and had a great
+share of strong sense. As soon as Colonel Allen heard that the war had
+really begun, he determined to seize Ticonderoga, where a great quantity
+of munitions of war were stored. I forgot to tell you, however, that
+Allen was commissioned a colonel by the government of Vermont. He
+collected our boys at his residence, and marched to Bennington, where he
+expected to be joined by more volunteers. At Bennington we met Colonel
+Easton, with some men from his regiment of militia. Our party then
+amounted to two hundred and seventy men; and, though I was one among
+'em, I may be allowed to say, that a more daring, and a tougher set of
+men were never assembled. About dusk on the 7th of May, we reached
+Castleton--that's about fourteen miles east of Skenesborough. There we
+were to make our final arrangements. A council of war was held. Colonel
+Allen was appointed commander of the expedition, Colonel Easton second
+in command, and Seth Warner, third. Allen, with the main force, was to
+march to Shoreham, opposite Ticonderoga, Captain Herrick with thirty men
+was to push up to Skenesborough, and capture the young Major Skene,
+confine his people, and seizing all the boats he could find there,
+hasten to join Allen at Shoreham; and Captain Douglas was to proceed to
+Panton, beyond Crown Point, and secure all the boats that should fall
+in his way. On the 9th of May, Arnold arrived at Castleton, with a few
+officers and men, and after introducing himself to our officers, showed
+a commission from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, by which he
+claimed the supreme command. But our boys wouldn't hear anything of the
+kind. We all said that Ethan Allen was our leader, and if he had not the
+command, we would march back to our homes. So Colonel Arnold found that
+he would have to join us without a command, or go back where he came
+from. He chose to join as a mere volunteer, smothering his claim till
+another occasion. On the same day on which Colonel Arnold arrived, Mr.
+Phelps, one of the Connecticut Committee who were with us, disguised
+himself as a countryman who wanted to be shaved, and visited
+Ticonderoga, to spy into the condition of the garrison. He found that
+the walls of the old fort were broken down, and that the small garrison
+were careless of all discipline. As soon as Colonel Allen was informed
+of this state of things, he resolved to move on at once. We marched to
+the shore of the lake, opposite Ticonderoga, during the night of the 9th
+of May. Allen had secured a guide in a boy named Nathan Beman, who was
+fully acquainted with every secret way that led into the fortress. But
+we found that we hadn't boats enough to carry all the party over the
+lake. Allen, Arnold, Easton, and eighty-three of the men, of whom I was
+one, had crossed just as the day was beginning to dawn. To wait would
+have been too hazardous, as the garrison, if aroused, might make a stout
+resistance; and we wanted to buy success as cheap as possible. Colonel
+Allen resolved to commence the attack at once. We were drawn up in three
+ranks on the shore nearly opposite the fort. Allen then made a short
+address to us. He was never a man of many words. He said he knew our
+spirit, and hoped we would remember the cause for which we were about to
+strike; that would nerve the arm of a coward. He concluded by conjuring
+us to obey orders strictly, and to commit no slaughter that could be
+done without. Then, with Arnold at his side, Allen led us stealthily up
+the rocks to the sally-port. I saw the sentinel snap his fusee at our
+bold leader, and rush into the covered way that led into the fort. We
+followed upon his heels, and were thus guided right into the parade
+within the barracks. There another sentinel made a thrust at Easton. But
+Colonel Allen struck him on the head with his sword and the fellow
+begged for quarter. As we rushed into the parade, we gave a tremendous
+shout, and filed off into two divisions. The men of the garrison leaped
+from their beds, seized their arms, and rushed into the parade, only to
+be seized by our men. I snatched a musket from a red-coat's hand just as
+he was taking aim at Captain Herrick, and made the fellow shriek for
+quarter, by merely striking him alongside of the face with my fist.
+While we were securing the men, Colonel Allen and the boy, Nathan Beman,
+went up stairs to the door of the room in which Captain Delaplace and
+his wife were sleeping. Allen gave three loud raps with the hilt of his
+sword on the door, and with his strong voice, ordered the captain to
+surrender, or the whole garrison should be slaughtered. Our shouting had
+awakened the captain and his wife, and they sprang to the door.
+Delaplace appeared in his shirt and drawers, and recognising Colonel
+Allen as an old friend, boldly demanded why he was disturbed. Allen
+replied, by ordering him to surrender instantly. Delaplace then said,
+'By what authority do you demand it?' 'In the name of the Great Jehovah
+and the Continental Congress,' replied Colonel Allen, with the full
+thunder of his voice, as he raised his sword over the head of the
+Captain. This convinced the captain that the wisest course was to
+comply, and so he gave the order for the troops to parade without arms.
+Forty-eight British regulars surrendered prisoners of war, and the fort
+and every thing in it became ours. The regulars, with the women and
+children, were sent to Hartford. We found nearly two hundred pieces of
+ordnance, and an immense quantity of ammunition of all kinds and plenty
+of eatables. Just after the surrender, Seth Warner, with the rear
+division, crossed the lake and joined us. The prisoners were secured and
+then we all took a hearty breakfast. We had been up and on duty all
+night, and that, together with our success, made us enjoy that breakfast
+more than an every-day one. Colonel Arnold again attempted to take the
+command of our men and the fort. But none of us would obey his orders,
+and the Connecticut Committee said that Colonel Allen was the rightful
+commander, as the men were to be paid by Connecticut, and Massachusetts
+had furnished nothing for the enterprise, and Allen had been formally
+chosen. Arnold was forced to yield; but he sent a statement of the
+matter to the Massachusetts Assembly. That body confirmed Allen's
+appointment and directed Arnold not to interfere. On the day of the
+capture of Ticonderoga, Colonel Seth Warner, with a small body of our
+men, was sent to take possession of Crown Point. But a tremendous storm
+arose, and Warner was compelled to put back and pass the night with us.
+But the next day, he started and captured Crown Point without firing a
+shot. You see the garrison only amounted to a serjeant and eleven men,
+and they didn't expect an attack; so that Warner had only to come
+suddenly upon them, and make a bold show, and they surrendered. More
+than one hundred cannon were taken at that place, and thus, you see, we
+had something to begin the war with. Colonel Arnold gave up the idea of
+commanding at Ticonderoga, but he would command somewhere, and so he
+soon after undertook an expedition against St. John's. It appears to me,
+Arnold was very wrong in attempting to remove such a man as Allen from
+the command. But I believe he was always thinking of himself alone."
+
+"I can't agree with you, Ransom," said Jonas Davenport. "I think he was
+a selfish man in general; but I know he could be generous sometimes. In
+that expedition to Canada, he helped his men whenever he could in the
+smallest matters, when many other commanders would have minded their own
+comfort alone. Let us have justice done to every man. I never liked
+Arnold as a man; but I think he was as good a soldier and general as I
+ever knew."
+
+"Certainly as good a soldier," said Kinnison.
+
+"His generalship," said Pitts, "never had much play. As far as he had
+the chance, he proved that he had the skill and knowledge for planning
+military enterprises."
+
+"I preferred old Putnam to Arnold," said John Warner. "He was quite as
+daring, and a much better-hearted man."
+
+"Ay, a braver man than General Putnam never drew a blade," said
+Kinnison. "That man's adventures would make as interestin' a book as
+you'd wish to read."
+
+"I should like to hear some of them," said Hand.
+
+"You've heard of his great feat at Horseneck, I suppose," said Jonas
+Davenport.
+
+"Yes," replied Hand, "and often wondered at it."
+
+
+
+
+PUTNAM'S ESCAPE.
+
+
+"I happened to be on the spot and see that affair," said old John
+Warner. "I was on a visit to a friend at a farm near Horseneck, when the
+news of Governor Tryon's approach, with a large force, reached me. I
+hadn't joined the regular army, for a great many reasons; but I always
+took advantage of an opportunity to serve the right side. General
+Putnam's picket of one hundred and fifty men, with two field-pieces, was
+the only force in that neighbourhood; but I knew Old Put. would have a
+shot at the enemy, no matter how few men he had with him. So I
+shouldered my firelock and went and offered my services. General Putnam
+planted his cannon on the high ground near the meeting-house, and
+awaited the approach of the enemy. Directly, we saw Tryon, with a great
+force of regulars, coming along the road. Our cannon blazed away at them
+and checked their advance for a short time. But pretty soon, we saw the
+dragoons and infantry preparing to make a charge, and Old Put. knew
+there wouldn't be much chance of our withstanding the shock. So he
+ordered us to retire into the swamp just back of our position, where we
+would be safe from dragoons, at least, and where we would have an even
+chance with the infantry. I expected to see the general follow us; but
+he turned his horse towards the stone steps that led down the rocks from
+the meeting-house. As we fell back I had time to observe him. When he
+reached the head of the steps, the horse stopped as if afraid of the
+attempt. But Old Putnam knew there was no time to lose, as the dragoons
+were nearly upon him. So he struck his spurs into the horse's sides, and
+they plunged down the steps together. I lost sight of the horse and
+rider just then; but saw the red-coat dragoons stop short at the head of
+the precipice, and fire their pistols after them. Not one among the
+red-coats dared to follow, and ten chances to one if they had attempted
+it, they would have broken their necks; for the precipice was so high
+and steep as to have one hundred steps cut in it. Before they could get
+round the brow of the height by the ordinary road, the General was far
+beyond their reach. Tryon didn't attempt to follow us into the swamp,
+but soon after commenced his retreat. We fell back to Stamford, where we
+met the General with some militia he had collected, and marched back in
+search of Tryon. The red-coats had completed their work and were out of
+our reach."
+
+"That ride was but one of a whole life of such deeds," said Kinnison.
+"There never was a man who dared more than Putnam. In the old French
+War, he astonished the boldest savages and rangers by his feats, often
+throwing himself into the arms of death, as it were, and escaping
+without any serious hurt."
+
+"It was a great pity," said Colson, "that Putnam was not a younger man
+when the revolutionary war broke out. He had spent his best years in
+fighting for the old country, against the French and Indians."
+
+"Perhaps it was better as it was," said Davenport. "I think there were
+brave men enough in our army." It was clear that Davenport was disposed
+to argue the respective merits of the generals of the revolution. Hand
+thought argument might check the flow of good-feeling, and therefore
+suggested that they should have more drum and fife music. Brown and
+Hanson agreed, and upon request struck up the "White Cockade." This was
+spirit-stirring, and called forth much applause. Another song was called
+for, and one of the young men sang the following song, written for the
+occasion, but which his modesty had hitherto held back. The music was
+that of "Rule, Brittania!"
+
+
+    When our great sires this land explored,
+      A shelter from tyrannic wrong!
+    Led on by heaven's Almighty Lord,
+      They sung--and acted well the song,
+    Rise united! dare be freed!
+    Our sons shall vindicate the deed.
+
+    In vain the region they would gain
+      Was distant, dreary, undisclosed;
+    In vain the Atlantic roar'd between;
+      And hosts of savages opposed;
+    They rush'd undaunted, Heaven decreed
+    Their sons should vindicate the deed.
+
+    'Twas Freedom led the veterans forth,
+      And manly fortitude to bear;
+    They toil'd, they vanquished I such high worth
+      Is always Heaven's peculiar care.
+    Their great example still inspires,
+    Nor dare we act beneath our sires.
+
+    'Tis ours undaunted to defend
+      The dear-bought, rich inheritance;
+    And spite of each invading hand,
+      We'll fight, bleed, die, in its defence!
+    Pursue our fathers' paths of fame,
+    And emulate their glorious flame.
+
+    As the proud oak inglorious stands,
+      Till storms and thunder root it fast,
+    So stood our new unpractised bands,
+      Till Britain roar'd her stormy blast;
+    Then, see, they vanquish'd! fierce led on
+    By Freedom and great Washington.
+
+
+The song had very little poetry and less music in it; but patriotism
+applauded its spirit. Mr. Hand again directed the conversation in such a
+manner as to glean as much information from the veteran patriots as
+possible, and enquired if any of them had seen the hero of
+Bennington--General John Stark.
+
+"Oh! yes," replied Timothy Ransom, "There was very few of the
+right-side-up men in Vermont, that I didn't see and know too. See
+General Stark! I guess I did; and seen a leetle of him at Bennington,
+too."
+
+"I thought General Stark belonged to New Hampshire," said Hand.
+
+"So he did," replied Ransom. "The country that now makes the states of
+Varmount and New Hampshire was then called the New Hampshire Grants, and
+was governed by one assembly and one council."
+
+"What sort of a looking man was Stark?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"Well, he weren't much to look at," said Ransom. "He was about the
+middle height, and strongly built. He had a firm look about the face,
+and you might have been sure of his doing what he said he would do,
+just from hearing him talk. Blunt and downright, he was--and didn't
+stop to pick words. He had seen a tougher life than any of his
+neighbours--fighting as a ranger and regular soldier--and you might
+suppose there was no nice affectation in his dress and manners like you
+find in some of our generals. He was a man made for service."
+
+"That's the man exactly as I saw him at Saratoga," said Kinnison.
+
+"Did you say you was with General Stark, at Bennington?" enquired Hand.
+
+"Ay, and did my share of that day's work," replied Ransom. "That _was_ a
+battle, my boys. If you had seen the way that the militia walked up to
+the enemy's cannon, and fought with regulars, you'd have said at once,
+there was no use of Great Britain trying to subdue such men."
+
+"Not having had the pleasure of seeing it," replied Hand, "I should like
+to hear what you saw of it. Tell us about the affair, and how you won
+such a victory."
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
+
+
+"You shall hear about the battle of Bennington," said Ransom. "At the
+time Burgoyne was advancing towards the Hudson, the people of
+Massachusetts and the New Hampshire Grants were alarmed, and feared that
+Burgoyne would march towards Boston. The whole frontier was uncovered.
+But the people began to feel the necessity of taking measures to check
+the advance of the enemy. General Stark was then at home, angry with
+Congress on account of his rank not being equal to his services. He had
+resigned his commission in the regular army. I was then at my farm,
+having gone home after serving with Colonel Allen. I expected to be
+called into service again, but didn't intend to fight under any other
+orders than those of John Stark; because I knew the man had been badly
+treated, and I and most of the militia felt for him. The New Hampshire
+Assembly met, and began to adopt measures for the defence of the
+country. The militia was formed into two brigades. General Whipple was
+appointed to command the first, and General Stark the second. Stark
+refused to accept the appointment. But finding that his name was a host,
+he was induced to yield his private griefs for the public good. He said
+he would assume the command of the troops, if he was not desired to join
+the main army, and was made accountable to no authority but that of New
+Hampshire. His conditions were accepted, and he went to Charlestown to
+meet the Committee of Safety. As soon as I heard that General Stark was
+in the field, I hurried off to Charlestown to join the militia, I knew
+would assemble there. I found the men were coming in from all
+directions, and all were in high spirits. Stark sent us off to
+Manchester, twenty miles from Bennington, to join Colonel Warner's
+regiment. You know after that skrimmage at Hubbardton, Warner could
+scarcely muster more than two hundred men, and we who were sent from
+Charlestown were to fill out his regiment. I found most of the men had
+been in service since the war began, and knew what fighting was; and I
+thought they were a match for twice their number; but I had some near
+neighbours in the regiment of Colonel Nichols at Bennington: I went and
+joined him. As our regiment was filling up, General Stark arrived at
+Manchester, where he met General Lincoln, who had come to conduct the
+militia across the Hudson to General Schuyler; but Stark told him that
+the men were called together to protect their homes in New Hampshire,
+and could not be taken out of that part of the country. I heard
+afterwards that General Lincoln informed Congress of the state of
+things in our neighbourhood, and that Congress censured General Stark;
+but he didn't care for that. He knew he was right in staying in New
+Hampshire, and that the men who censured him knew nothing about the
+state of things there. Well, we were called upon to meet the enemy
+sooner than we expected, for it appeared that Baum, with his Germans and
+Indians, was on his march towards Bennington. Soon after, I arrived at
+Manchester. About four hundred men had collected at Bennington, when
+General Stark arrived there, and more were coming in constantly. I guess
+it was on the 13th of August when we received information that some of
+Baum's Indians had been seen near Cambridge--that's about twelve miles
+from Bennington. Then there was a stir among the men, and all sorts of
+preparation for a desperate battle. We all knew that we were going to
+fight for our homes, and that made us eager to meet the enemy. All the
+men of Bennington who could bear arms joined us, and the old men and
+women and boys did all they could to get us information, and to supply
+our wants. General Stark sent Lieutenant-Colonel Gregg, with two hundred
+men, to check the enemy. In the course of the night we were informed
+that the Indians were supported by a large body of regulars, with a
+train of artillery; and that the whole force of the enemy were in full
+march for Bennington. General Stark immediately called out all the
+militia, and sent word to Colonel Warner to bring his regiment from
+Manchester. Before daylight on the morning of the 14th of August,
+General Stark had about eight hundred men under his command, including
+Colonel Gregg's detachment. We then moved forward to support Gregg.
+About four or five miles from Bennington, we met our detachment in full
+retreat, and the enemy within a mile of it. Stark ordered us to halt,
+and we were then drawn up in order of battle. Baum saw we were prepared
+to make fight, and halted, instead of coming up to the work like a man.
+A small party of our men were forced to abandon Van Shaick's mill, where
+they had been posted, but not before they had killed a few of the enemy.
+Stark found that the enemy were busy entrenching themselves, and he
+tried to draw them from their position by sending out small parties to
+skirmish; but it was of no use, they wouldn't come out and fight; so
+Stark fell back a mile, leaving a part of our regiment to skirmish. Now
+you know that's a kind of fighting in which the Green Mountain Boys were
+always first best. Before we fell back to the main body, we had killed
+and wounded more than thirty of the enemy, including two Indian chiefs,
+without losing a man."
+
+"The battle should have been all skirmishes," said Kinnison. "You might
+have cut the enemy up piece-meal."
+
+"We tried it next day," said Ransom. "It was rainy, and Stark thought it
+best not to attempt anything more than skirmishing. Our light parties
+appeared in the woods on every side of the enemy, and picked off the men
+so fast that the Indians became disheartened, and began to desert Baum.
+The rain, which prevented our troops from attacking the enemy, enabled
+them to complete their entrenchments, and send to General Burgoyne for
+reinforcements; but on the morning of the 16th of August, we found that
+General Stark and a council of war had agreed upon a plan of attack, and
+intended to execute it that day. I don't think there was a man among our
+troops who was not anxious for a fight. Our skirmishes had put us in the
+humour for it. I can't exactly give you an idea of the position of the
+enemy, and of the real amount of skill General Stark displayed in his
+plan of attack. But I'll try to do the best I can. The Germans were
+posted on a rising ground near a bend in Wallomsac Creek, which is a
+branch of the Hoosic River. The ground on both sides of the creek is
+rolling, and the position of the Germans was on the highest of the small
+hills. Peter's corps of Tories were entrenched on the other side of the
+creek, nearly in front of the German battery, and on lower ground.
+During the night of the 15th, Colonel Symonds with about one hundred
+Berkshire militia, arrived in camp. Parson Allen, who, you may have
+heard, was such a zealous whig, was with the Berkshire men, and he
+wanted to fight right off. But General Stark told him if the next day
+was clear, there would be fighting enough. Well, when the morning of the
+16th of August came; it was clear and bright. Both armies seemed to know
+that day was to decide between them. General Stark had given his orders
+to all the colonels of his regiments. Colonel Nichols, with our corps of
+about two hundred men, marched up the little creek just above the
+bridge, to attack the rear of the enemy's left; while Colonel Herrick,
+with three hundred men, marched to attack the rear of the right, with
+orders to join our party before the assault was made. Colonels Hubbard
+and Stickney were ordered to march down the Wallomsac, with three
+hundred men, near the Tories, so as to turn Baum's attention to that
+point. We started about noon, and marched through the thick woods and up
+from the valley towards the enemy's entrenchments. Our march was rapid
+and silent, and the enemy didn't see us until we were near. We gave the
+first volley, and rushed upon them. I saw through the smoke, Colonel
+Herrick was coming up. We had the Indians between us, and you should
+have heard them yell, and whoop, and ring their cow-bells, but they
+wouldn't stand; they fled through our detachments and left the Hessians
+to shift for themselves. Soon after we commenced the attack, General
+Stark made that short address you have heard so much about. Josiah
+Wemyss, one of my old friends, was near the General when he spoke. He
+told me Stark raised himself in his stirrups, and said: 'See there, men!
+there are the red-coats; before night they are ours, or Molly Stark will
+he a widow! Forward!' and they did forward and rush upon the Tories with
+such force that they drove 'em across the stream, upon the Germans, who
+were then forced from their breastworks on the heights. Then the battle
+became general. Such a tremendous fire I never saw before, and never
+expect to see again. Colonel Baum and his dragoons fought like brave
+men, and for a long time could not be broken. We attacked them on one
+side, and Stark on the other, but they stood their ground, and when
+their powder gave out, Colonel Baum led them to the charge with the
+sword. But it couldn't last: our men were fighting like mad, and our
+firelocks brought down the enemy at a tremendous rate. Many of us had no
+bagonets--I among them, yet we marched up to the Germans just the same
+as if we had the best arms. At last, the Germans gave way and fled,
+leaving their artillery and baggage on the field. Our men didn't pursue.
+You see, General Stark, in order to give the men every inducement to do
+their best on the field, promised them all the plunder that could be
+taken from the enemy; and as the Germans fled, we all scattered to seize
+on what they had left. I had the good luck to get a sword and one of the
+heavy hats which the dragoons wore. I didn't care much about the value
+of the things in regard to the money they'd bring, but I thought they'd
+be somewhat to keep in the family, and make them remember that battle.
+While I was looking for more things, I caught sight of a man riding at a
+furious rate towards General Stark. He called out, 'Rally! rally! more
+Germans! rally!' and sure enough, we saw a large body of the enemy
+coming out of the woods, in good order. It was the reinforcement Baum
+had sent for. General Stark had collected a small body of men, when I
+hurried to join a few of our regiment that Colonel Nichols had rallied.
+I thought that our victory was about to be snatched from us; but just
+then Colonel Warner's regiment arrived from Manchester, fresh and
+well-armed. They attacked the Germans at once, while Stark, with about
+two hundred of us, pushed forward to aid them. Then began an obstinate
+struggle, not like the other fight with the Germans and Tories; but a
+running fight on the hills and plains, just the kind of skrimmage in
+which a hundred Green Mountain Boys were worth double their number of
+redcoats. About sunset, the greater part of our men were engaged, and
+the enemy was beaten in every part of the field. We drove them from the
+hills down towards Van Shaick's, killing, wounding, and taking prisoners
+all the time. At Van Shaick's mill they made their last stand. They had
+placed a small party of Tories in the building, and a party of Germans
+rallied in front of it. But it was no use, the Germans were driven away
+and the men in the house forced to surrender. Our men pursued the enemy
+to the Hoosick, and captured the greater part of 'em. I really believe,
+if night hadn't come on, we would have taken every man of 'em. But
+General Stark ordered the men to return, for fear they would fire upon
+each other in the gloom. Before I came back, however, I caught a Tory
+lurking near the edge of the woods. Now I hated Tories worse than the
+Britishers or Germans, and I had a strong notion to shoot him, and I
+told him so; but he begged hard for his life, and said he never intended
+to take up arms against his countrymen again: I took him back to our
+troops and put him with the other prisoners."
+
+"What was the loss of the enemy that day?" enquired Pitts.
+
+"I heard since, that it was nine hundred and thirty-four men, including
+killed, wounded, and prisoners," replied Ransom. "I recollect we buried
+two hundred and seven of them. Our own loss was one hundred killed, and
+about the same number wounded. Besides the prisoners, we took four
+pieces of brass cannon, more than two hundred and fifty swords, several
+hundred muskets, several brass drums, and four ammunition wagons. So you
+see, we had plenty of plunder."
+
+"I suppose the men were not allowed to take any thing but the swords and
+muskets," said Kinnison.
+
+"Yes, the baggage fell to us," said Ransom, "and all the fixins of the
+German camp; the cannon, drums, wagons and standards were not taken
+away."
+
+"I guess that was one of the completest victories ever gained," said
+Kinnison. "Only to think of militia flogging regulars in that style.
+What could the enemy expect from our regulars?"
+
+"There's as much credit due to General Stark for that victory, as was
+ever given to him or as we could give to a general," said Ransom. "If he
+had not taken command of the troops, there would have been very little
+resistance to Baum's advance. The plan of attack was formed with great
+skill, and the general went into the battle with the determination to
+win it or leave his body on the field. Such a man as John Stark would
+make soldiers out of cowards."
+
+Mr. Hand here proposed three cheers for General Stark and his Green
+Mountain Boys, and they were given with a hearty will. One of the young
+men then announced that he had a song, which had been sung at an
+anniversary of the battle of Bennington, and which he would now sing,
+if the company wished it. Of course, the company did wish it, and the
+young gentleman sang the following words:--
+
+
+    Remember the glories of patriots brave,
+      Though the days of the heroes are o'er;
+    Long lost to their country and cold in their grave,
+      They return to their kindred no more,
+    The stars of the field, which in victory pour'd
+      Their beams on the battle are set,
+    But enough of their glory remains on each sword
+      To light us to victory yet.
+
+    Walloomsack! when nature embellished the tint
+      Of thy fields and mountains so fair,
+    Did she ever intend a tyrant should print
+      The footsteps of slavery there!
+    No! Freedom, whose smiles we shall never resign,
+      Told those who invaded our plains,
+    That 't is sweeter to bleed for an age at thy shrine,
+      Than to sleep for a moment in chains.
+
+    Forget not the chieftain of Hampshire, who stood
+      In the day of distress by our side;
+    Nor the heroes who nourished the fields with their blood,
+      Nor the rights they secured as they died.
+    The sun that now blesses our eyes with his light,
+      Saw the martyrs of liberty slain;
+    O, let him not blush when he leaves us to-night,
+      To find that they fell there in vain!
+
+
+Brown and Hanson had prepared their instruments during the singing, and
+immediately followed it with Washington's march, to which knives and
+forks kept time.
+
+[Illustration: MR. BLEEKER AND HIS SON.]
+
+"An incident occurred just after the battle of Bennington, which showed
+the spirit of the people of the neighbourhood," said Ransom, when the
+musicians had concluded. "Old Zedekiah Bleeker, who lived in Bennington,
+sent five bold sons to join our little army, just before the battle. One
+of them--Sam. Bleeker--was killed; and one of the old man's neighbours
+came to tell him about it--'Mr. Bleeker,' said the neighbour, 'your son
+has been unfortunate.' 'What!' said the old man, 'has he misbehaved? Did
+he desert his post or shrink from the charge?' 'Worse than that,'
+replied the neighbour; 'he was slain, but he was fighting nobly.' 'Then
+I am satisfied,' said the old man; 'bring him to me.' Sam's body was
+brought home. The old man wiped the blood from the wound, and while a
+tear stood in his eye, said it was the happiest day of his life, to know
+that he had five sons fighting for freedom and one slain for the same
+cause. There was a spirit of patriotism for you."
+
+"I can tell you of an instance quite as good," said old John Warner.
+"Perhaps it is better; for in this instance, a woman displayed the like
+spirit. A good lady in 1775, lived on the sea-board, about a day's march
+from Boston, where the British army then was. By some unaccountable
+accident, a rumour was spread, in town and country, in and about there,
+that the _Regulars_ were on a full march for the place, and would
+probably arrive in three hours at farthest. This was after the battle of
+Lexington, and all, as might be well supposed, was in sad
+confusion--some were boiling with rage and full of fight, some with
+fear and confusion, some hiding their treasures, and others flying for
+life. In this wild moment, when most people in some way or other, were
+frightened from their propriety, our heroine, who had two sons, one
+about nineteen years of age, and the other about sixteen, was seen
+preparing them to discharge their duty. The eldest she was able to equip
+in fine style--she took her husband's fowling-piece, 'made for duck or
+plover,' (the good man being absent on a coasting voyage to Virginia)
+and with it the powder-horn and shot-bag; but the lad thinking the duck
+and goose shot not quite the size to kill regulars, his mother took a
+chisel, cut up her pewter spoons, and hammered them into slugs, and put
+them into his bag, and he set off in great earnest, but thought he would
+call one moment and see the parson, who said, well done, my brave
+boy--God preserve you--and on he went in the way of his duty. The
+youngest was importunate for his equipments, but his mother could find
+nothing to arm him with but an old rusty sword; the boy seemed rather
+unwilling to risk himself with this alone, but lingered in the street,
+in a state of hesitation, when his mother thus upbraided him. 'You John
+Haines, what will your father say if he hears that a child of his is
+afraid to meet the British: go along; beg or borrow a gun, or you will
+find one, child--some coward, I dare say, will be running away, then
+take his gun and march forward, and if you come back and I hear you have
+not behaved like a man, I shall carry the blush of shame on my face to
+the grave.' She then shut the door, wiped the tear from her eye, and
+waited the issue; the boy joined the march. Such a woman could not have
+cowards for her sons."
+
+"I heard of many such instances," said Kinnison; "such a spirit was
+common at the time, not only in New England, but throughout the States.
+Look at the noble conduct of some of the people of New Jersey, during
+Washington's retreat, and afterwards. The women did all they could to
+lessen the sufferings of the men, and many an old man wanted to join the
+army, knowing how much he would have to endure."
+
+
+
+
+THE CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN.
+
+
+"The women were all right during the Revolution," said Pitts. "I can
+tell you of an instance in which a woman displayed both patriotism and
+wisdom, though it may be rather a long story."
+
+"Oh! the longer the better," said Hand.
+
+"Very well," said Pitts, "I'll tell you about it, as near as I can
+recollect. One night, while the British army was encamped on Long
+Island, a party of the redcoats, galled by the death of Major Andre,
+formed a plan to cross over to the Connecticut side and capture General
+Sullivan, who commanded some of the Americans stationed there, and hold
+him in revenge for Andre's death.
+
+"It was a hazardous project, but four bold men pledged themselves to
+undertake it. John Hartwell, a brave young officer was selected as their
+leader.
+
+"Soon as arranged they proceeded to a boat, and made the best progress
+they could across the river; on gaining the shore, they made for a
+small clump of underwood, where they lay concealed, until they noted
+what direction it was best to take.
+
+"Here too may be seen the tents where repose the brave men who have
+sworn to protect their homes and country, or die in its defence against
+the invaders, who seek to control their free rights. Near may be seen a
+spacious farm house, the abode of General Sullivan--the brave soldier
+and faithful friend--who now slept, unconscious of danger. Through some
+neglect, the sentinels on duty had wandered from their posts, never
+dreaming it possible that any one would risk a landing, or could pass
+the tents unobserved. By a circuitous route they gained the house, and
+here the faithful watch-dog gave the alarm; a blow soon silenced him;
+and ascending the piazza, Captain Hartwell opened the casement, and
+followed by his men, stepped lightly into the sitting-room of the
+family.
+
+"They now struck a light, and with caution proceeded on their
+search--they passed through several apartments, while, strange to
+relate, the inmates slept on, unconscious of this deed of darkness.
+
+"They at length reached the General's room--two of the men remained
+outside, while Captain Hartwell, with another officer, entered, and
+stood in silence, musing on the scene before them.
+
+"A night-lamp burnt in the room, dimly revealing the face of the
+sleepers--whose unprotected situation could not but awake a feeling of
+pity even in their callous hearts.
+
+"'Jack,' whispered his companion, 'by heaven I wish this part of the
+business had been entrusted to some one else--I could meet this man face
+to face, life for life, in the field of battle--but this savors too much
+of cowardice.'
+
+"'Hold your craven tongue, Low,' answered Captain Hartwell, 'perform
+your part of the play, or let some one else take your place--you forget
+the scrape we are in at the least alarm. We might happen to salute the
+rising sun from one of the tallest trees on the General's farm--an idea
+far from pleasing.'
+
+"'For my part, I could wish myself back on Long Island--but our general
+expects every man to do his duty--let yours be to prevent that female
+from screaming, while I secure her husband.'
+
+"The ear of woman is quick, and from their entering the room, not a word
+had escaped Mrs. Sullivan. At first she could scarce refrain from
+calling out, but her uncommon strength of mind enabled her to master her
+fear--she scarce knew what to think: her husband's life, herself and
+family, were at stake, and her courage rose in proportion as her sense
+of danger increased.
+
+"She scarcely dared to breathe, and even the infant at her breast seemed
+to partake of its mother's anxiety, and nestled closer to her bosom.
+
+"The curtains partly shaded where she lay, and breathing a prayer to
+Heaven for protection, she silently stepped from the bed, scarce knowing
+how to proceed.
+
+"Her woman's tact led her to appeal to their sympathies, if sympathies
+they had--if she died, she but risked her life for one dearer than
+herself whose existence to his country was invaluable--and perhaps by
+this means enable him to escape. In an instant she was before them, her
+infant at their feet, her pale beseeching face imploring what speech
+refused to utter.
+
+"The officers started--this sight was unexpected--the least hesitation,
+and all would be lost.
+
+"Captain Hartwell threw aside his heavy watch-cloak and said--
+
+"'Madam, let this uniform be the warrant for our honour--our object is
+to take your husband alive, if possible--that depends, however, on your
+silence.'
+
+"At this moment General Sullivan awoke, and finding his wife in the
+hands of men whose calling he knew not, his good sword was soon in his
+hand, but a strong arm wrested it from him--handcuffs were placed on his
+wrists, and he stood their prisoner.
+
+"He enquired by what right they entered his house! 'Our object, sir,'
+replied the officer, 'is to convey you to Long Island--the least
+expression of alarm from you, that moment you breathe your last--if
+peaceable, no violence will be offered.' Mrs. Sullivan threw herself
+before them, and entreaties for mercy gushed from her agonized heart.
+'Oh! spare him--take what money is here, but leave me my husband, the
+father of my children. Think, if you have wives or families, what their
+sense of bereavement would be to see some murderous band tear you from
+their arms, and they left in horrid uncertainty as to your fate. Take
+all that we have, but leave him.' A sneer of scorn curled the officer's
+lip, as he coolly replied--
+
+"'Madam, we are neither robbers nor assassins--the compliment on our
+part is quite undeserved. We are British officers.'
+
+"'Then, sir,' exclaimed Mrs. Sullivan starting to her feet--her eyes
+flashing, her proud form trembling, as her own wrongs were forgot in
+those of her country--'Shame on the cause that sanctions such a deed as
+this--in the silence of night to enter a peaceful dwelling and take an
+unoffending man from the arms of his wife and family--Truly, such an act
+as this would well need the covering of darkness. You may call
+yourselves servants of Britain--that is your fit appellation. Take
+him--another victim is required for my country. But the vengeance of
+Heaven is abroad, and, ere long, the men who war for the price of blood,
+will find the arm of him who fights for his fireside and liberty, nerved
+by a stronger consciousness of right.'
+
+"'Madam,' interrupted the officer, awed by the stern majesty of her
+manner, 'I came not here to interchange words with a woman, or, I might
+speak about warring against our lawful king.--But you know, Tom,'
+turning to his companion, 'I never was good at preaching.' 'Not to a
+woman, certainly,' said Tom, laughing, 'or rather you could never bring
+one to your way of thinking.'
+
+"A slight noise warned them of the impropriety of their longer
+remaining. The General having completed dressing, took an affectionate
+farewell of his wife, assuring her he would soon be enabled to return.
+They left the house--but to gain the shore was a matter of some
+difficulty. The general was rendered incapable of making the slightest
+noise if he had wished to, and they had tied Mrs. Sullivan, and bound
+her mouth to prevent her giving any alarm. But the tents were not so
+easily passed. The morning was fast approaching, and the route they came
+would occupy too much time to retrace it--their only plan now was to
+make as straight a line as possible to the shore. Already had they
+passed one tent, when the cry 'who goes there' was heard. In a moment
+they gained the shadow of an adjoining tent, when a man suddenly stept
+before them and demanded their business. No time could be lost--the two
+officers proceeded on to the boat with the general, while the remainder
+overpowered the sentinel and joined their companions as the dawn was
+faintly perceptible in the east. By the time an alarm was given, they
+were far beyond the reach of pursuit.
+
+"Their prisoner was borne triumph to their commander, who intended
+waiting superior orders as to the disposal of him.
+
+"In the meanwhile, Mrs. Sullivan was not idle. A council was called, and
+every plan was proposed that could tend to liberate her husband.
+
+"The womanly wit of Mrs. Sullivan suggested that they should cross the
+river in the same manner as the British had done, and seize the person
+of one of their influential men, and hold him as an hostage until terms
+could be agreed upon for the exchange of prisoners. It was a risk, and
+if discovered, no mercy could be expected.
+
+"The nephew of the general, a young officer of merit, and several
+others, volunteered their services. The following night was arranged for
+the purpose.
+
+"The difficulty, when the time arrived, was to procure some mode of
+getting over. A whale-boat was at length found, into which the
+adventurers got, disguised as fishermen. They soon arrived at Long
+Island and proceeded to the residence of Judge Jones.
+
+"With some difficulty they secured that worthy functionary, and
+notwithstanding his assurance as to being a good patriot, which they
+assured him they did not in the least question, conveyed the good man to
+the boat, in spite of his wish to finish his sleep out, and embarked
+pleased with their success. On reaching the house of Mrs. Sullivan they
+introduced their prisoner. Mrs. Sullivan courteously apologized for the
+necessity they had been under for requesting his society without due
+time for preparation; a suring him that the house and all in it were at
+his service while he honoured it as his abode.
+
+"The Judge was taken quite at a loss. At any time he was a man of a few
+words, but the sudden transition had quite bewildered his faculties. At
+times he doubted whether the good old cogniac, of which he had taken a
+plentiful supply before retiring to rest, had not turned his head.
+
+"He stood in the centre of the apartment gazing listlessly around him,
+until the voice of Mrs. Sullivan, politely inquiring if her guest stood
+in need of any refreshment, recalled his fleeting thoughts. The tempting
+repast set before him did wonders in restoring his good humor, his sail
+having given him quite an appetite, and at any time a lover of the good
+things of life, and knowing arguments could produce no alteration in his
+fate, he submitted with as much good grace as possible, a little
+alleviated by the reflection that a woman's care was not the worst he
+could have fallen into. By a singular coincidence, Mrs. Sullivan learnt
+that her husband was an inmate in the house of the Judge, an assurance
+in every way relieving, having been placed in his charge until conveyed
+from Flatbush.
+
+"Letters were soon interchanged, the Americans refusing to yield their
+prisoner without the British doing the same. Terms were accordingly
+entered into, and the Judge prepared to take leave of his fair hostess
+at the same time her husband was taking leave of the Judge's wife.--The
+Judge had been highly pleased with the manners of Mrs. Sullivan, who did
+every thing in her power to make his stay agreeable.
+
+"The two boats with their respective prisoners at length set sail, and
+meeting on the river, they had an opportunity of congratulating each
+other on the happy termination of their imprisonment, which, thanks to
+woman's wit, so fertile in expedients, had saved them from what might
+have been a tragedy. With assurances of friendship they parted, the
+wives soon having the pleasure of embracing their husbands. Subsequently
+letters couched in terms of the warmest gratitude were exchanged
+between the two ladies, for the attention paid to their respective
+husbands."
+
+"That Mrs. Sullivan was a remarkable woman," remarked Colson. "But so
+were most of the women of our side at that time; and the fact is, such a
+cause as ours would have made heroes and heroines out of the weakest.
+Besides, what won't a woman do to save her husband, at all times?"
+
+"A good stratagem--that of Mrs. Sullivan's," said Hand.
+
+"Equal to some of Washington's generalship," remarked Kinnison. Each one
+of the party had some remark to make upon the courage and resource of
+Mrs. Sullivan, except Brown, the fifer, who was enjoying the dreams of
+Morpheus, and therefore deaf to the narrative.
+
+
+
+
+THE PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN.
+
+
+"I heard of an instance in which a woman was still more heroic than Mrs.
+Sullivan," said Ransom, "Because, in this case, the lady suffered for
+maintaining the cause of her country.
+
+"When New York and Rhode Island were quietly possessed by the British
+armies, and the Jerseys, overrun by their victorious generals, opposed
+but a feeble resistance to their overwhelming power, Lord Cornwallis,
+commanding a large division of their troops, stationed at Bordentown,
+addressing Mrs. Borden, who resided on her estate in a mansion of
+superior elegance, demanded in an authoritative tone, 'Where, Madam, is
+your rebel husband--where your rebel son?' 'Doing their duty to their
+country, under the orders of General Washington,' was the prompt reply.
+'We are well apprized,' rejoined that officer, of 'the influence you
+possess over the political creed of your family, and that to them your
+opinion is law. Be wise, then, in time, and while mercy is tendered to
+you, fail not to accept it. Bid them quit the standard of rebellion, and
+cordially unite with us, in bringing his Majesty's deluded subjects to
+submission, and a proper sense of their errors and ingratitude, to the
+best of kings. Your property will then be protected, and remain without
+injury in your possession. But, should you hesitate to profit by our
+clemency, the wasting of your estate and destruction of your mansion
+will inevitably follow.' 'Begin, then, the havoc which you threaten,'
+replied the heroic lady: 'the sight of my house in flames, would be to
+me a treat, for, I have seen enough of you to know, that you never
+injure, what it is possible for you to keep and enjoy. The application
+of a torch to it I should regard as a signal for your departure, and
+consider the retreat of the spoiler an ample compensation for the loss
+of my property.'
+
+"This was one of those threats which the British never failed to carry
+into execution. The house was burnt, and the whole property consigned to
+waste and desolation. But, as had been foreseen, the perpetrator of the
+ruthless deed retreated, to return no more."
+
+"Just like Cornwallis and his red-coats," said Kinnison, "burning
+people's houses and wasting their lands was a way of making converts,
+which they discovered and practised with a vengeance. Mrs. Borden was a
+strong-minded woman to have endured all this."
+
+
+
+
+THE ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT.
+
+
+"Yes," said Warner, "Mrs. Borden was a heroine as wouldn't have
+disgraced the Romans. But what would you think of a mere girl, whose
+family was opposed to our cause, exerting herself to procure the freedom
+of one of our officers, who had been taken by the British?"
+
+"I should say it's what young girls in love have done many a time," said
+Kinnison.
+
+"Not under such circumstances," said Warner. "But I'll tell you about it
+as it was told to me. Captain Plunkett was a bold-spirited Irishman, who
+held a commission in our army. In some way or other--it may have been at
+the battle of Brandywine--Plunkett was taken by the enemy, and soon
+after placed in a prison in Philadelphia. Previous to that, he had made
+many friends among the Quakers of that city--and, indeed, his manners
+made him a general favourite, wherever he went. Plunkett suffered much
+in prison, and his friends pitied him; but dared not attempt his
+release. However, there was a young girl of great beauty and strength of
+mind, who resolved to release the suffering soldier, at all hazards. It
+accidentally happened, that the uniform of Captain Plunkett's regiment
+bore a striking resemblance to that of a British corps, which was
+frequently set as a guard over the prison in which he was confined. A
+new suit of regimentals was in consequence procured and conveyed,
+without suspicion of sinister design, to the Captain. On the judicious
+use of these rested the hopes of the fair Friend to give him freedom. It
+frequently happened that officers of inferior grade, while their
+superiors affected to shun all intercourse with the rebels, would enter
+the apartments of the prisoners, and converse with them with kindness
+and familiarity, and then at their pleasure retire. Two sentinels
+constantly walked the rounds without, and the practice of seeing their
+officers walking in and out of the interior prison, became so familiar,
+as scarcely to attract notice, and constantly caused them to give way
+without hesitation, as often as an officer showed a disposition to
+retire. Captain Plunkett took the advantage of this circumstance, and
+putting on his new coat, at the moment that the relief of the guard was
+taking place, sallied forth, twirling a switch carelessly about and
+ordering the exterior door of the prison to be opened, walked without
+opposition into the street. Repairing without delay to the habitation of
+his fair friend, he was received with kindness, and for some days
+secreted and cherished with every manifestation of affectionate regard.
+To elude the vigilance of the British Guards, if he attempted to pass
+into the country, in his present dress was deemed impossible. Woman's
+wit, however, is never at a loss for contrivances, while swayed by the
+influences of love or benevolence. Both, in this instance, may have
+aided invention. Plunkett had three strong claims in his favour: he was
+a handsome man--a soldier--and an Irishman. The general propensity of
+the Quakers, in favor of the Royal cause, exempted the sect in a great
+measure from suspicion, in so great a degree indeed, that the barriers
+of the city were generally entrusted to the care of their members, as
+the best judges of the characters of those persons who might be allowed
+to pass them, without injury to the British interests. A female Friend,
+of low origin, officiating as a servant in a farm near the city, was in
+the family, on a visit to a relative. A pretext was formed to present
+her with a new suit of clothes, in order to possess that which she wore
+when she entered the city. Captain Plunkett was immediately disguised as
+a woman, and appeared at the barrier accompanied by his anxious
+deliverer. 'Friend Roberts,' said the enterprising girl, 'may this
+damsel and myself pass to visit a friend at a neighbouring farm?'
+'Certainly,' said Roberts, 'go forward.' The city was speedily left
+behind, and Captain Plunkett found himself safe under the protection of
+Colonel Allen M'Lean, a particular friend of his. Whether Captain
+Plunkett ever married the young girl who had rendered him such service,
+I cannot say; but you may fancy he did, and it will make a pretty
+story."
+
+"Well, now we have had enough of the women," said Kinnison.
+
+"Yes," said Hand, "and now we must have something more of the men of the
+Revolution. Come, which of you will tell something about George
+Washington--the Father of his Country?"
+
+"I can tell you of an important incident in the career of Washington,
+which was told to me by a man who witnessed a part of it, and heard the
+rest," said Colson.
+
+"Then strike up, old boy," said Kinnison, familiarly.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASON OF RUGSDALE.
+
+
+"What I am now about to tell you occurred in the fall of 1782," began
+Colson. "General Washington was then at West Point. One evening he was
+invited to a party given at the house of one Rugsdale, an old friend.
+Several other officers were invited to accompany him. The general seldom
+engaged in festivities at the period, but in respect to an old
+acquaintance, and, it is whispered, the solicitations of the daughter of
+Rugsdale, he consented to honour the company with his presence. He
+started from West Point in a barge, with some officers and men. As the
+barge gained the opposite bank, one of the rowers leaped on shore, and
+made it fast to the root of a willow which hung its broad branches over
+the river. The rest of the party then landed, and uncovering, saluted
+their commander, who returned their courtesy.
+
+"'By ten o'clock you may expect me,' said Washington. 'Be cautious; look
+well that you are not surprised. These are no times for trifling.'
+
+"'Depend on us,' replied one of the party.
+
+"'I do,' he responded; and bidding them farewell, departed along the
+bank of the river.
+
+"After continuing his path some distance along the river's side he
+struck off into a narrow road, bordered thickly with brushwood, tinged
+with a thousand dyes of departed summer; here and there a grey crag
+peeped out from the foliage, over which the green ivy and the scarlet
+woodbine hung in wreathy dalliance; at other places the arms of the
+chestnut and mountain ash met in lofty fondness, casting a gloom deep
+almost as night. Suddenly a crashing among the trees was heard, and like
+a deer an Indian girl bounded into the path, and stood full in his
+presence. He started back with surprise, laid his hand upon his
+sword--but the Indian only fell upon her knee, placed her finger on her
+lips, and by a sign with her hand forbade him to proceed.
+
+"'What seek you, my wild flower,' said the General.
+
+"She started to her feet, drew a small tomahawk from her belt of wampum,
+and imitated the act of scalping the enemy; then again waving her hand
+as forbidding him to advance, she darted into the bushes, leaving him
+lost in amazement.
+
+"There is danger," said he to himself, after a short pause, and
+recovering from his surprise. "That Indian's manner betokens no good,
+but my trust is in God; he has never deserted me!" and, resuming the
+path, he shortly reached the mansion of Rufus Rugsdale.
+
+"His appearance was the signal of joy among the party assembled, each of
+whom vied with the other to do him honour. Although grave in council,
+and bold in war, yet in the bosom of domestic bliss no one knew better
+how to render himself agreeable. The old were cheered by his consolatory
+word; the young by his mirthful manner; nor even in gallantry was he
+wanting, when it added to the cheerful spirit of the hour. The
+protestations of friendship and welcome were warmly tendered to him by
+his host. Fast and thick the guests were assembling; the laugh and
+mingling music rose joyously around. The twilight was fast emerging into
+night; but a thousand sparkling lamps of beauty gave a brilliancy of day
+to the scene; all was happiness; bright eyes and blooming aces were
+every where beaming; but alas! a serpent was lurking among the flowers.
+
+"In the midst of the hilarity, the sound of a cannon burst upon the ear,
+startling the guests and suspending the dance. Washington and the
+officers looked at each other with surprise, but their fears were
+quickly dispelled by Rugsdale, who assured him it was only a discharge
+of ordnance in honour of his distinguished visitors. The joy of the
+moment was again resumed, but the gloom of suspicion had fallen upon the
+spirit of Washington, who sat in moody silence apart from the happy
+throng.
+
+"A silent tap upon the shoulder aroused him from his abstraction, and
+looking up he perceived the person of the Indian standing in the shadow
+of a myrtle bush close to his side.
+
+"'Ha! again here!' he exclaimed with astonishment; but she motioned him
+to be silent, and kneeling at his feet, presented him with a bouquet of
+flowers. Washington received it, and was about to place it in his
+breast, when she grasped him firmly by the arm, and pointing to it, said
+in a whisper '_Snake! Snake!_' and the next moment mingled with the
+company, who appeared to recognise and welcome her as one well-known and
+esteemed.
+
+"Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; her words and singular
+appearance had, however, sunk deeper into his heart, and looking closer
+upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the
+midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and
+horror-stricken, read, '_Beware! you are betrayed_!' It was now apparent
+that he was within the den of the tiger; but to quit abruptly, might
+only draw the consummation of treachery the speedier upon his head. He
+resolved therefore that he would disguise his feelings, and trust to
+that Power which had never forsaken him. The festivities were again
+renewed, but almost momentarily interrupted by a second sound of the
+cannon. The guests now began to regard each other with distrust, while
+many and moody were the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance
+began to show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and anon he looked from
+the window out upon the broad green lawn which extended to the river's
+edge, as if in expectation of some one's arrival.
+
+"'What can detain them?' he muttered to himself. 'Can they have deceived
+me? Why answer they not the signal?' At that moment a bright flame rose
+from the river, illuminating, for a moment, the surrounding scenery,
+and showing a small boat filled with persons making rapidly towards the
+shore. 'All's well,' he continued; 'in three minutes I shall be the
+possessor of a coronet, and the cause of the Republic be no more.'
+
+"Then gaily turning to Washington, he said, 'Come, General, pledge me to
+the success of your arms.' The eye of Rugsdale at that moment
+encountered the scrutinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the ground;
+his hand trembled violently, even to so great a degree as to partly
+spill the contents of the goblet. With difficulty he conveyed it to his
+lips--then retiring to the window, he waved his hand, which action was
+immediately responded to by a third sound of the cannon, at the same
+moment the English anthem of 'God save the King,' burst in full volume
+upon the ear, and a band of men attired in British uniform, with their
+faces hidden by masks, entered the apartment. The American officers drew
+their swords, but Washington, cool and collected, stood with his arms
+folded upon his breast, and quietly remarked to them, 'Be calm,
+gentlemen--this is an honour we did not anticipate.' Then, turning to
+Rugsdale, he said, 'Speak, sir, what does this mean?'
+
+"'It means,' replied the traitor, (placing his hand upon the shoulder of
+Washington,) 'that you are my prisoner. In the name of King George, I
+arrest you.'
+
+"'Never,' exclaimed the General. 'We may be cut to pieces, but surrender
+we will not. Therefore give way,' and he waved his sword to the guard
+who stood with their muskets levelled, as ready to fire, should they
+attempt to escape. In an instant were their weapons reversed, and,
+dropping their masks, to the horror of Rugsdale, and the agreeable
+surprise of Washington, his own brave party, whom he had left in charge
+of the barge, stood revealed before him.
+
+"'Seize that traitor!' exclaimed the commander. 'In ten minutes from
+this moment let him be a spectacle between the heavens and the earth.'
+The wife and daughter clung to his knees in supplication, but an
+irrevocable oath had passed his lips that never should treason receive
+his forgiveness after that of the miscreant Arnold. 'For my own life,'
+he said, while tears rolled down his noble countenance at the agony of
+the wife and daughter: 'For my own life I heed not; but the liberty of
+my native land--the welfare of millions demand this sacrifice. For the
+sake of humanity, I pity him; but my oath is recorded, and now in the
+presence of Heaven, I swear I will not forgive him.'
+
+"Like a thunderbolt fell these words upon the wife and daughter. They
+sank lifeless into the hands of the domestics, and when they had
+recovered to consciousness, Rugsdale had atoned for his treason by the
+sacrifice of his life.
+
+"It appears that the Indian girl, who was an especial favourite and
+domesticated in the family, had overheard the intentions of Rugsdale to
+betray the American General, and other valuable officers, that evening,
+into the hands of the British, for which purpose they had been invited
+to this 'feast of Judas.' Hating, in her heart, the enemies of America,
+who had driven her tribe from their native forests, she resolved to
+frustrate the design, and consequently waylaid the steps of Washington,
+as we have described, but failing in her noble purpose, she had recourse
+to the party left in possession of the boat.
+
+"Scarcely had she given the information, and night closed round, when a
+company of British soldiers were discovered making their way rapidly
+towards the banks of the Hudson, within a short distance of the spot
+where the American party was waiting the return of their commander. Bold
+in the cause of liberty, and knowing that immediate action alone could
+preserve him, they rushed upon and overpowered them, bound them hand and
+foot, placed them with their companions, and sent them to the American
+camp at West Point. Having disguised themselves in the habiliments of
+the enemy, they proceeded to the house of Rugsdale, where, at the
+appointed time and sign made known by the Indian, they opportunely
+arrived to the relief of Washington, and the confusion of the traitor."
+
+"Who told you that story?" enquired Kinnison.
+
+"An old friend of mine, named Buckram; he was one of the men who
+disguised themselves," replied Colson.
+
+"I'm inclined to believe it's a tough yarn," said Kinnison. "It's true
+enough to the character of Washington. He never let his feelings swerve
+him from the strict line of duty. But all that stuff about the Indian
+girl is somebody's invention, or the most extraordinary thing of the
+kind I've heard tell of. I don't doubt your friend's veracity, but it's
+a tough yarn."
+
+"Probable enough," remarked Hand.
+
+"It's a very pretty story," said Ransom, "and I'm inclined to swallow it
+as truth."
+
+"I'm satisfied of its truth," said Colson. "But I wouldn't ask any of
+you to believe it, if there's anything in it staggers you."
+
+"I think Rugsdale was served as all such traitors in such times should
+be served," said Hanson. "Hurra! for Gineral Washington."
+
+"Three cheers for General Washington!" suggested Hand, and the three
+cheers were given. A song was called for by several voices, and a young
+man volunteered to favour the company with "Liberty and Washington," the
+song which follows:--
+
+
+    When Freedom, from her starry home,
+      Look'd down upon the drooping world,
+    She saw a land of fairy bloom,
+      Where Ocean's sparkling billows curl'd;
+    The sunbeams kiss'd its mighty floods,
+      And verdure clad its boundless plains--
+    But floods and fields and leafy woods,
+      All wore alike a despot's chains!
+    "Be free!" she cried, "land of my choice;
+      Arise! and put thy buckler on;
+    Let every patriot raise his voice
+      For Liberty and Washington!"
+
+    The word went forth from hill to vale,
+      Each patriot heart leapt at the sound;
+    Proud Freedom's banner flapp'd the gale,
+      And Britain's chains fell to the ground.
+    Man stood erect in majesty,
+      The proud defender of his rights:
+    For where is he would not be free
+      From stern oppression's deadening blights!
+    Be free--be free then, happy land!
+      Forever beam the light that shone
+    Upon the firm and dauntless band,
+      Who fought beside our Washington!
+
+    Lo! where the forest's children rove
+      Midst woody hill and rocky glen,
+    Wild as the dark retreats they loved--
+      What now are towns were deserts then.
+    The world has marked her onward way,
+      Beneath the smile of Liberty;
+    And Fame records the glorious day
+      Which made the western empire free.
+    Be free--be free then, glorious land!
+      In union be thy millions one;
+    Be strong in friendship's holy band,
+      Thy brightest star--our Washington!
+
+
+This song and the applause which succeeded wakened the sleeping fifer,
+Brown, who looked around him as if wondering where he was.
+
+"Hallo, old boy," said Kinnison, "you look frightened. What's the matter
+with you?"
+
+"I was dreaming," replied Brown. "I thought I was at the battle of
+Lexington, and the roar of the British guns was in my ears. But I find
+it is only the roar of your voices. Liberty and Washington was our
+war-cry on many a field, and I thought I heard it again."
+
+"It was our peace cry," said Hand.
+
+Some of the young men, we regret to say, were not members of any of the
+temperance societies; and as they had partaken freely of the stimulating
+beverages which had been called for, they were getting very noisy and
+losing much of that bashfulness which had hitherto kept them silent. In
+this state of things, Mr. Hand was forced to entreat one of the veterans
+to amuse them with some interesting incidents of the Revolution.
+
+"There was a British officer, whose career has often interested me,"
+said Hand, "and that was Colonel Tarleton. He was a daring, fiery
+soldier, according to the accounts of him; but a savage man."
+
+
+
+
+THE CRUELTY OF TARLETON.
+
+
+"Tarleton was a regular blood-hound," said Pitts, "A savage, though
+among civilized men. I always admired his fiery spirit and daring
+courage, but never could regard him as a civilized warrior. I'll tell
+you of an instance in which Tarleton displayed his character in full. I
+had a Tory relative in North Carolina, who died not long ago. When
+Colonel Tarleton was encamped west of the Haw River, Cornwallis received
+information that Lee's fiery Legion had recrossed the Dan, cut up
+several detachments of Tories, and was scouring the neighbouring country
+in search of parties of the enemy. The British general immediately sent
+information to Colonel Tarleton, to warn him to guard against surprise.
+My Tory relative was the messenger, and he told me about what he saw at
+Tarleton's camp.
+
+"As soon (says the old Tory) as I came in view of the British lines, I
+hastened to deliver myself up to the nearest patrol, informing him that
+I was the bearer of important despatches from Lord Cornwallis to
+Colonel Tarleton. The guard was immediately called out, the commander of
+which taking me in charge, carried me at once to Tarleton's marquee. A
+servant informed him of my arrival, and returned immediately with the
+answer that his master would see me after a while, and that in the mean
+time I was to await his pleasure where I then was. The servant was a
+grave and sedate looking Englishman, between 50 and 60 years of age, and
+informed me that he had known Colonel Tarleton from his earliest youth,
+having lived for many years in the family of his father, a worthy
+clergyman, at whose particular request he had followed the Colonel to
+this country, with the view that, if overtaken by disease and suffering
+in his headlong career, he might have some one near him who had known
+him ere the pranksome mischief of the boy had hardened into the sterner
+vices of the man. 'He was always a wild blade, friend,' (said the old
+man) 'and many a heart-ache has he given us all, but he'll mend in time,
+I hope." Just then my attention was arrested by the violent plungings of
+a horse, which two stout grooms, one on each side, were endeavouring to
+lead to the spot where we were standing. He was a large and powerful
+brute, beautifully formed, and black as a crow, with an eye that seemed
+actually to blaze with rage, at the restraint which was put upon him.
+His progress was one continued bound, at times swinging the grooms clear
+from the earth, as lightly as though they were but tassels hung on to
+the huge Spanish bit, so that with difficulty they escaped being
+trampled under foot. I asked the meaning of the scene, and was informed
+that the horse was one that Tarleton had heard of as being a magnificent
+animal, but one altogether unmanageable; and so delighted was he with
+the description, that he sent all the way down into Moore County where
+his owner resided, and purchased him at the extravagant price of one
+hundred guineas; and that moreover, he was about to ride him that
+morning. 'Ride him?' said I, 'why one had as well try to back a streak
+of lightning!--the mad brute will certainly be the death of him.' 'Never
+fear for him,' said my companion; 'never fear for him, his time has not
+come yet.' By this time the horse had been brought up to where we were;
+the curtain of the marquee was pushed aside and my attention was drawn
+from the savage stud, to rivet itself upon his dauntless rider. And a
+picture of a man he was. Rather below the middle height, and with a face
+almost femininely beautiful, Tarleton possessed a form that was a model
+of manly strength and vigor. Without a particle of superfluous flesh,
+his rounded limbs and full broad chest seemed moulded from iron, yet at
+the same time displaying all the elasticity which usually accompanies
+elegance of proportion. His dress (strange as it may appear) was a
+jacket and breeches of white linen, fitted to his form with the utmost
+exactness. Boots of Russet leather were half-way up the leg, the broad
+tops of which were turned down, and the heels garnished with spurs of an
+immense size and length of rowel. On his head was a low-crowned hat
+curiously formed from the snow white-feathers of the swan; and in his
+hand he carried a heavy scourge, with shot well twisted into its knotted
+lash. After looking round for a moment or two, as though to command the
+attention of all, he advanced to the side of the horse, and disdaining
+the use of the stirrup, with one bound threw himself into the saddle, at
+the same time calling on the grooms to let him go. For an instant the
+animal seemed paralyzed; then, with a perfect yell of rage, bounded into
+the air like a stricken deer.
+
+"The struggle for the mastery had commenced--bound succeeded bound with
+the rapidity of thought; every device which its animal instinct could
+teach, was resorted to by the maddened brute to shake off its unwelcome
+burthen--but in vain. Its ruthless rider proved irresistible--and,
+clinging like fate itself, plied the scourge and rowel like a fiend. The
+punishment was too severe to be long withstood, and at length, after a
+succession of frantic efforts, the tortured animal, with a scream of
+agony, leaped forth upon the plain and flew across it with the speed of
+an arrow. The ground upon which Tarleton had pitched his camp was an
+almost perfectly level plain, something more than half a mile in
+circumference.
+
+"Around this, after getting him under way, he continued to urge his
+furious steed, amid the raptures and shouts of the admiring soldiery,
+plying the whip and spur at every leap, until wearied and worn down with
+its prodigious efforts, the tired creature discontinued all exertion,
+save that to which it was urged by its merciless rider.
+
+[Illustration: TARLETON BREAKING THE HORSE.]
+
+"At length, exhausted from the conflict, Tarleton drew up before his
+tent and threw himself from his saddle. The horse was completely
+subdued, and at the word of command followed him like a dog. The victory
+was complete. His eye of fire was dim and lustreless--drops of agony
+fell from his drooping front, while from his labouring and mangled sides
+the mingled blood and foam poured in a thick and clotted stream.
+Tarleton himself was pale as death, and as soon as he was satisfied with
+his success, retired and threw himself on his couch. In a short time I
+was called into his presence and delivered my despatches. Immediate
+orders were issued to make preparation for a return to Hillsborough, so
+soon as all the scouts had come in; and the next morning early found us
+again beyond the Haw River--and in good time, too, for as the last files
+were emerging from the stream, the advance of Lee's Legion appeared on
+the opposite bank, and, with a shout of disappointed rage, poured a
+volley into the ranks of the retreating columns.
+
+"I have witnessed many stirring scenes," said the old man, "both during
+the Revolution and since, but I never saw one half so exciting as the
+strife between that savage man and savage horse."
+
+"It was almost equal to Alexander and Buce--Buce--Alexander the Great,
+and that wild horse you know he tamed when a boy--what was its name?"
+said Kinnison.
+
+"Bucephalus," said Hand.
+
+"That's the name," said Kinnison. "Tarleton was more savage, however,
+than even that conqueror."
+
+"The same relative told me of several other instances in which Tarleton
+displayed his savage and merciless nature," said Pitts. "After the fall
+of Charleston, a young man named Stroud, who had taken a British
+protection, resumed arms in defence of his country. Shortly after,
+Tarleton captured him, and without any shadow of a trial, hung him up by
+the public road, with a label attached to his back, announcing that such
+should be the fate of the man who presumed to cut him down. The body was
+exposed in that manner for more than three weeks, when the sister of the
+young man ventured out, cut the body down and gave it decent burial. At
+another time, a young man named Wade, who had been induced to join
+Tarleton's Legion, deserted, to unite with his countrymen. He was taken,
+tried and sentenced to receive a thousand lashes. Of course the poor
+fellow died under the punishment."
+
+"The wretch!" said Hand. "I suppose if he had fallen into the hands of
+our men, they would have strung him up without mercy."
+
+"He never would have fallen alive into the hands of our men," replied
+Pitts. "Such men know that they must expect vengeance. He came near
+losing his life in various battles. At Cowpens, Colonel Washington cut
+him with his sabre, and would have killed him, if be had turned and
+fought like a man; at the Waxhaws, Captain Adam Wallace made a thrust at
+Tarleton that would have done for him, if a British trooper had not
+struck Wallace to the earth just at the time."
+
+"There were many Tarletons among the enemy," said Colson, as "far as
+cruelty is considered, but most of them lacked his activity, and were
+therefore less formidable."
+
+"It seemed," said Pitts, "as if Tarleton never aimed to win merely, but
+to destroy. He said that severity alone could establish the regal
+authority in America. If a party of Americans were surprised, they were
+not made prisoners, but slaughtered while asking for quarter. He was a
+tiger that was never satisfied until he had mangled and devoured his
+enemy." And so the veterans went on, talking of the cruelties of
+Tarleton, giving his character no more quarter than he had given his
+unfortunate prisoners.
+
+"There was another British officer, up in these parts, who was nearly
+equal to Tarleton," said Davenport. "I mean General Grey--the man who
+massacred our men at Paoli and Tappan. Both these were night-attacks, it
+is true, and we always expect bloody work on such an occasion. But it is
+known that our men were bayoneted while calling for quarter, which can't
+be justified. Did Wayne slaughter the enemy at Stony Point? No; he
+spared them, although they were the men who had acted otherwise at
+Paoli."
+
+"Grey was known as the no-quarter General, I believe," said Hand.
+
+"Yes," said Davenport; "and he was always selected to do the bloodiest
+work--the hangman of the enemy, as we might say."
+
+"Hang Tarleton and Grey," said Hand. "Tell us something of our own men.
+Did either of you ever see Henry Lee? he was always one of my favourite
+heroes."
+
+
+
+
+LEE'S LEGION.
+
+
+"Oh! yes," said Kinnison, "I frequently saw Lee, before he went south
+with his Legion. He was a noble-looking young man, with the judgment of
+a skilful general, and the fire of a natural soldier. I knew several of
+his men, who were with him through the whole campaign, under General
+Greene. You may have heard what Greene said of him. Speaking of the
+principal officers under him, he said Colonel Lee was the eye of the
+army, and Colonel Washington its arm; and he afterwards said that he was
+more indebted to Lee's judgment and activity for success, than to the
+qualities of any other officer. It was Lee who advised Greene to recross
+the Dan, and pursue Cornwallis in North Carolina. Even Tarleton was very
+careful to keep out of the Legion's reach, when numbers were anything
+like equal."
+
+"I always liked Henry Lee," said Warner. "But he was too severe
+sometimes. See how he slaughtered the Tories with Colonel Pyle at their
+head."
+
+"Yes, he cut the poor rascals to pieces," said Pitts. "I heard that
+about three hundred out of four hundred men were butchered on that
+occasion."
+
+"It's a fact," said Kinnison; "but I can't think Lee was too cruel
+there. You see, it's often necessary to strike a heavy blow to effect an
+object; and Lee wanted to put an end to the movements of the tories, who
+were collecting in great numbers to join Cornwallis. There was no better
+way than the summary one he adopted, of making them feel the consequence
+of being traitors to their country and to freedom."
+
+"It served them just right," said Davenport.
+
+"I don't wish to defend the tories," said Hand; "but I think in many
+instances, great injustice was done to them. Many of them were honest,
+true-hearted men, who didn't think as the Whigs did, or whose thinking
+did not lead them to the same conclusion. I scarcely think such men
+could be called traitors to their country."
+
+"No; you talk very well," said Davenport; "but if you had suffered from
+them, you would have hated the tories just as much as we did."
+
+"Well, don't dispute about it," said Kinnison. "We were talking of
+Colonel Henry Lee, and his brave Legion. Cornwallis said he never felt
+secure while Lee was anywhere in his neighbourhood; and that he knew how
+to seek the weak points of an enemy and strike a blow as well as any
+partisan officer he ever knew. He feared Lee as much as Tarleton feared
+the night-attacks of the Swamp-Fox, Marion. My friends in the Legion
+told me that Lee had as daring and enterprising officers under his
+command as the service could boast. Captains Rudolph, Armstrong, and
+O'Neil, and many others were the boldest kind of partisans. Rudolph was
+a very small-sized man, but one of that sleepless, open-eyed and
+determined kind that seems born for enterprise and command. He led the
+forlorn hope in the attack on Paulus Hook, and at the sieges of the many
+forts in Georgia and the Carolinas; and he it was, who led the famous
+charge with the bayonet at Eutaw Springs."
+
+"I saw him soon after he joined the Legion," said Hanson. "Colonel Lee
+considered him his best officer, I believe."
+
+"Yes," said Kinnison, "he was one of the best officers in the
+army--conducting sieges as well as he did partisan movements. Not long
+before the British evacuated Charleston, Captain Rudolph performed two
+remarkable exploits that tell the character of the man better than words
+can. The left of the British line was at a place called the Quarter
+House, near Charleston, on what is called the Neck. To protect this post
+on the water-side, the enemy had a large armed galley, well manned and
+equipped. Captain Rudolph, gaining a knowledge of the exact position of
+the galley and her force, formed a plan to capture, or least destroy
+her. He chose only sixteen men--the most daring and enterprising in the
+Legion, and informed them of his scheme. They were eager for such
+enterprises, and everything was soon arranged. A night was fixed upon,
+and boats prepared. There was no moon upon that night, which made it
+favourable to secrecy. At the appointed time, Rudolph and his men rowed
+with muffled oars and ready weapons towards the place where the galley
+was anchored. They had to pass very near the British sentinels on the
+Neck, but were not discovered; and they reached the side of the galley
+before any of the British were aware that the enterprise was afoot.
+Twenty-six men who were aboard the galley were made prisoners with
+scarcely any resistance, so sudden was the attack. These prisoners were
+hurried into the boats; and then Captain Rudolph, seeing that he
+couldn't get the galley away from the place in time to get out of the
+enemy's reach, set fire to her. The party then gave a shout and pulled
+away towards the shore from which they had started. The enemy were
+alarmed by the firing of the sentinels, the glare of the burning galley
+and the shout of the daring band, and fired some of their artillery
+after Rudolph. But it was too late; the Americans escaped, and the
+galley was burned to the water's edge."
+
+"That was equal to Decatur's burning of the Philadelphia," said Hand.
+
+"It was," replied Kinnison. "Rudolph was very much of a Decatur in
+spirit. Soon after the enterprise I've just mentioned. Captain Rudolph
+attacked a party of black dragoons who were out foraging for the
+British. The blacks were defeated, and many of them taken. In the course
+of the fight, Rudolph engaged one of the largest-sized and boldest of
+the black dragoons in a regular hand-to-hand combat; and in a very short
+time dismounted and captured him."
+
+"The war in the Southern States had more of romance and daring
+enterprise connected with it than the war in the North," said Hand;
+"though it must be owned, that the movements of the Northern armies were
+of more consequence in the long run."
+
+"Yes, there was more that most young men like to read about in the
+Southern war," said Warner; "plenty of dare-devil movements, but no
+Canadian expedition, nor Saratoga."
+
+"It's a pity there are no soldiers of the Southern army here to reply to
+your sneers," said Kinnison. "I know from what I've heard, there never
+were better soldiers than the men who fought under Lee and Morgan, and I
+scarcely think that George Washington himself was a better general than
+Nathaniel Greene. But I was going to tell you of some other officers of
+Lee's Legion; there was Lieutenant Manning, an Irishman, who was very
+much of a favourite among his brother officers on account of his
+good-humour in company, and his coolness and bravery in battle. Many
+anecdotes are told of him which speak his parts, and if agreeable, I'll
+tell some of them to you as they were told to me."
+
+"Very agreeable," said Hand.
+
+"The kind of stories I like to hear," said another of the young men.
+
+"Well, you shall hear, if I can recollect aright," said Kinnison. "The
+intrigues and efforts of Lord Cornwallis, to excite insurrection, backed
+by a very formidable force, had produced among the Highland emigrants a
+spirit of revolt, which it required all the energies of General Greene
+to counteract, before it could be matured. The zeal and activity of
+Lieutenant Colonel Lee, united to his acuteness and happy talent of
+obtaining intelligence of every movement, and of the most secret
+intentions of the enemy, pointed him out as the fittest man for this
+important service. He was accordingly selected with orders to impede the
+intercourse of Lord Cornwallis with the disaffected; to repress every
+symptom of revolt, and promptly to cut off every party that should take
+up arms for Britain. Constantly on the alert, he was equally anxious to
+give security to his own command, while he harassed the enemy. A secure
+position was, on one occasion, taken near a forked road, one division of
+which led directly to Lord Cornwallis' camp, about six miles distant.
+The ground was chosen in the dusk of evening; and to prevent surprise,
+patrols of cavalry were kept out on each fork during the night. An order
+for a movement before day had been communicated to every individual, and
+was executed with so little noise and confusion, that Lieutenant Manning
+waking at early dawn, found himself, excepting one soldier, left alone.
+Stephen Green, the attendant of Captain Carns, lay near him, resting on
+the portmanteau of his superior, and buried in profound sleep. Being
+awakened he was ordered to mount and follow, while Manning, hastening
+towards the fork, hoped to fall upon the track, and speedily rejoin his
+regiment. Much rain had fallen during the night, so that, finding both
+roads equally cut up, Manning chose at hazard, and took the wrong one.
+He had not proceeded far, before he saw at the door of a log-house, a
+rifleman leaning on his gun, and apparently placed as a sentinel.
+Galloping up to him, he inquired if a regiment of horse and body of
+infantry had passed that way? 'Oh, ho,' cried the man, (whistling
+loudly, which brought out a dozen others completely armed, and carrying
+each a red rag in his hat,) 'you, I suppose, are one of Greene's men.'
+The badge which they bore, marked their principles. Without the
+slightest indication of alarm, or even hesitation, Manning pointed to
+the portmanteau carried by Green, and exclaimed--'Hush, my good
+fellow--no clamour for God's sake--I have _there_ what will ruin
+Greene--point out the road to Lord Cornwallis' army, for all depends
+upon early intelligence of its contents.' 'You are an honest fellow (was
+the general cry), and have left the rebels just in time, for the whole
+settlement are in arms to join Colonel Pyle tomorrow (naming the place
+of rendezvous), where Colonel Tarleton will meet and conduct us to
+camp.' 'Come,' said the man, to whom he had first spoken, 'take a
+drink--Here's confusion to Greene, and success to the King and his
+friends. This is the right road, and you will soon reach the army; or
+rather let me conduct you to it myself.' 'Not for the world, my dear
+fellow,' replied Manning; 'your direction is plain and I can follow it.
+I will never-consent that a faithful subject of his Majesty should be
+subjected to the dangers of captivity or death on my account. If we
+should fall in with a party of rebels, and we cannot say they are not in
+the neighbourhood now, we should both lose our lives. I should be hanged
+for desertion, and you for aiding me to reach the British army.' This
+speech produced the effect he desired. The libation concluded, Manning
+rode off amid the cheers of the company, and when out of sight, crossed
+to the other road, and urging his horse to full speed, in a short time
+overtook and communicated the interesting intelligence to his commander.
+Lee was then meditating an attack upon Tarleton, who had crossed the Haw
+River to support the insurgents; but, perceiving the vast importance of
+crushing the revolt in the bud, he informed General Greene of his plan
+by a confidential messenger, and hastened to the point of rendezvous,
+where Pyle, with upwards of four hundred men, had already arrived. You
+have heard of the bloody work that ensued. Pyle and his Tories believed
+to the last that the soldiers of the Legion were Tarleton's men, and
+were therefore easily surprised About three hundred of them were
+killed--the rest fled or were made prisoners. I don't want to justify
+such butchery; but our men ought to be excused, according to the laws of
+war, when we consider that these same Tories and their red-coat friends
+never gave the Whigs quarter in case of a surprise, and that some such
+slaughter was necessary to make them feel that they couldn't murder
+without paying for it."
+
+[Illustration: LEE'S LEGION.]
+
+"We've already argued that question," said Davenport, "and in my mind,
+it is a settled point that Lee was right." Nobody seemed disposed to
+revive the argument, and Kinnison continued.
+
+"In this instance you see how ready Manning was to break a net or weave
+one. I can tell you of another instance in which he showed his daring
+courage, and quickness of resource in time of danger. At the battle of
+Eutaw, after the British line had been broken, and the _Old Buffs_, a
+regiment that had boasted of the extraordinary feats that they were to
+perform, were running from the field, Manning, sprang forward in
+pursuit, directing the platoon which he commanded, to follow him. He did
+not cast an eye behind him until he found himself near a large brick
+house, into which the York Volunteers, commanded by Cruger, were
+retiring. The British were on all sides of him, and not an American
+soldier nearer than one hundred and fifty or two hundred yards. He did
+not hesitate a moment, but springing at an officer who was near him,
+seized him by the collar, and exclaiming in a harsh tone of voice--'Damn
+you, sir, you are my prisoner,' wrested his sword from his grasp,
+dragged him by force from the house, and keeping his body as a shield of
+defence from the heavy fire sustained from the windows, carried him off
+without receiving any injury. Manning has often related, that at the
+moment when he expected that his prisoner would have made an effort for
+his liberty, he, with great _solemnity_, commenced an enumeration of his
+titles--I am, Sir Henry Barry, Deputy Adjutant General of the British
+Army, Captain in the 52d Regiment, Secretary to the Commandant of
+Charleston.' 'Enough, enough, sir,' said Manning, 'you are just the man
+I was looking for; fear nothing for your life, you shall screen _me_
+from danger, and I will take special care of _you_.' He had retired in
+this manner some distance from the brick house, when he saw Captain
+Robert Joiett of the Virginia line, engaged in single combat with a
+British officer. They had selected each other for battle a little
+before, the American armed with a broad-sword, the Briton with a musket
+and bayonet. As they came together, a thrust was made at Joiett, which
+he parried, and both dropping their artificial weapons, being too much
+in contact to use them with effect, resorted to those with which they
+had been furnished by nature. They were both men of great bulk and
+vigour, and while struggling each anxious to bring the other to the
+ground, a grenadier who saw the contest, ran to the assistance of his
+officer, made a longe with his bayonet, missed Joiett's body, but drove
+it beyond the curve into his coat. In attempting to withdraw the
+entangled weapon, he threw both combatants to the ground; when getting
+it free, he raised it deliberately, determined not to fail again in his
+purpose, but to transfix Joiett. It was at this moment that Manning
+approached--not near enough, however, to reach the grenadier with his
+arm. In order to gain time, and to arrest the stroke, he exclaimed in an
+angry and authoritative tone--'You damn'd brute, will you murder the
+gentleman?' The soldier, supposing himself addressed by one of his own
+officers, suspended the blow, and looked around to see the person who
+had thus spoken to him. Before he could recover from the surprise into
+which he had been thrown, Manning, now sufficiently near, struck him
+with his sword across the eyes, and felled him to the ground; while
+Joiett disengaged himself from his opponent, and snatching up the
+musket, as he attempted to rise, laid him dead by a blow from the
+butt-end of it. Manning was of inferior size, but strong, and remarkably
+well formed. Joiett was almost a giant. This, probably, led Barry, who
+could not have wished the particulars of his capture to be commented on,
+to reply, when asked by his brother officers, how he came to be taken,
+'I was overpowered by a huge Virginian.'"
+
+"Manning was a cool and ready soldier," observed Pitts. "I saw him once
+in Philadelphia, before his Legion went south. He had a most determined
+look in spite of the good-humoured leer of his eye. He was one of the
+last men I should have wished to provoke; he was a complete
+Irishman--blunders and all. I heard of his telling a black servant who
+was walking barefoot on the snow to put on a pair of stockings the next
+time he went barefoot."
+
+"Great things were done by the soldiers, as well as by the officers of
+that Legion," said Kinnison. "At the siege of the Stockade Fort at
+Ninety-Six, Colonel Lee, who had charge of all the operations of the
+siege, thought that the Fort might be destroyed by fire. Accordingly,
+Sergeant Whaling, a non-commissioned officer whose term of service was
+about to expire, with twelve privates, was detached to perform the
+service. Whaling saw that he was moving to certain death; as the
+approach to the Fort was to be made in open day, and over clear, level
+ground, which offered no cover. But he was a brave man, and had served
+from the commencement of the war. It was his greatest pride never to
+shrink from his duty. He dressed himself neatly--took an affectionate
+but cheerful leave of his comrades, swung his musket over his shoulder,
+and with a bundle of blazing pine torches in his hand, sprang forward,
+followed by his little band. They reached the Stockade before the enemy
+fired a shot. But a deliberate aim killed Whaling and all his men except
+one, who escaped unhurt. It was the opinion of most of the officers of
+the Legion that Whaling's life was sacrificed in attempting to carry out
+a rash idea. But we oughtn't to judge Colonel Lee without being more
+certain of the facts."
+
+"But we know enough to say it was a very wild idea to send men up to a
+fort in open day, and over ground where they could have no cover,"
+remarked Ransom. "I know General John Stark would never have sacrificed
+his men in that way."
+
+"Perhaps," said Hand, coming to the rescue of his hero, "a desperate
+measure was necessary. I've heard that at the time, Lord Rawdon was
+marching very rapidly to relieve the garrison, and Colonel Lee thought
+that every means should be tried to reduce the Fort ere the siege was
+abandoned."
+
+"You say well," said Kinnison. "As I said before, we should never judge
+commanders without knowing the facts of the case. Never say a man has
+committed a fault, unless it sticks out plain to the eye. Harry Lee was
+as a common thing very sparing of the lives of his men, and he never
+made any military movement without very strong driving from reason, as
+General Greene himself would have told you. Whaling was a brave man and
+a strict soldier, or he would never have dared to approach the fort in
+such a way. But as I said before, they were all daring men that belonged
+to Lee's Legion. There were two soldiers of the cavalry, named Bulkley
+and Newman, who had been the warmest and the closest friends from
+infancy. They had both joined the army at the same time--that is, at the
+commencement of the war; and through the greater part of the southern
+campaign, they fought side by side, and each one strove to lighten the
+sufferings of the other. Brothers could not have been more attached to
+each other. In the fight at Quimby, where Captain Armstrong made a
+famous dragoon charge upon the 19th British regiment, the friends were
+among the foremost. The dragoons had to pass a bridge in which the enemy
+had made a large gap. Captain Armstrong led the way, but not more than a
+dozen men followed, to support him. At the head of this little band,
+Armstrong cut his way through the entire British regiment. But then a
+well-aimed fire brought down several of the dragoons. Bulkley and Newman
+were mortally wounded at the same fire, and fell, locked in each other's
+arms."
+
+"A kind of Damon and Pythias friendship," observed Hand.
+
+"Yes, I believe they would have died for each other," said Kinnison. "A
+friend told me that they were never separated, in camp or field. If one
+was sick, the other watched by his side. I had a comrade of the same
+kind during the greater part of my life; his name was Williams, and he
+was one of the best-hearted men I ever knew. We fought through the
+Revolution together, and both entered the army in 1812. But I lost him
+during the attack on Fort Erie. Poor Williams was killed by a shell. It
+has been a long while since then, but I still feel as if I had lost a
+part of my heart when he fell. Poor Williams!" and Kinnison appeared to
+be busy with the mournful recollections of the "friends of his better
+days."
+
+"Well, you may talk as much as you please about Henry Lee and Marion,
+and your other men in the south," said Ransom, "but John Stark or Ethan
+Allen was worth as much as either of them."
+
+"My favourite leader was Mad Anthony Wayne," said Colson. "A better
+soldier or a more wide-awake general was not to be found in the army
+during the revolution."
+
+"I know General Wayne was a whole soldier," observed Davenport.
+
+"Did any of you ever hear or read an account of the night-attack on
+General Wayne, near Savannah, just before the close of the war?"
+enquired Colson.
+
+"I have read something about it, and know it was a warm struggle," said
+Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+THE ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE.
+
+
+"One of Parker's Light Infantry told me all about it," said Colson. "He
+says that General Wayne, with eight hundred men--infantry, artillery and
+dragoons--were encamped at Gibbons' Plantation, about five miles from
+Savannah, where the British were posted. It was the early part of
+February. General Wayne had no idea that an enemy was nearer than
+Savannah. But the brave Creeks had been taken into the pay of the
+British, and their chief, Gurestessego, formed a plan to surprise the
+Continentals. Never was an attack better planned; our men were sleeping
+with a feeling of security, when, about midnight, the Creeks fell upon
+the camp. The sentinels were captured and the Indians entered the camp,
+and secured the cannon; but while they were trying to make the cannon
+serviceable, instead of following up their success, Wayne and his men
+recovered from their surprise and were soon in order for battle.
+Parker's Infantry charged with the bayonet and after a short struggle
+recovered the cannon. Gunn, with his dragoons, followed up the charge,
+and the Creeks were forced to give way. General Wayne encountered the
+chief Gurestessego in hand-to-hand combat--the General with sword and
+pistols, and the chief with musket, tomahawk and knife. The struggle was
+fierce but short. The chief was killed, and Wayne escaped without any
+serious injury. Seventeen of the Creeks fell and the rest escaped in the
+darkness, leaving their packhorses and a considerable quantity of peltry
+in the hands of the victors. Wayne conjectured at once that the Indians
+would not have dared to make an attack, without being assured of the
+approach of the British or Tories to support them, and a rumour spread
+that Colonel Browne was marching towards the camp for that purpose. In
+the fight, Wayne had captured twelve young warriors, whom he doomed to
+death to prevent them joining the enemy. This was a rash act. The rumour
+of Browne's approach was false; but the young warriors had been
+sacrificed before this was known. General Wayne felt many a pang for
+this rash command, as he was a man who never would shed blood without it
+was necessary in the performance of his duty."
+
+"Why didn't he send the Indians to Greene's camp, or some other American
+post?" enquired Hand.
+
+"There was no time or men to spare if the rumour had been true," said
+Colson. "Most commanders would have acted as Wayne did, under the
+circumstances. Though I think the execution of the order might have been
+delayed until the enemy came in sight."
+
+"The General no doubt had good reason for his course," said Kinnison.
+"He believed it to be his duty to do everything for the safety of the
+men he commanded, and expecting to be assailed by a much larger force
+than his own, he did right to destroy the foes he had in camp. I know it
+must have shocked his feelings to give the order, but he was a man who
+couldn't shrink or be driven from the plain line of duty. Now, there was
+that affair with the Pennsylvania line, at Morristown. I've heard
+several men who were at Morristown at the time, say that Wayne was wrong
+in daring to oppose the mutineers--that their demands were just and
+reasonable, and he ought rather to have led, than opposed them. But
+every man who knows anything of the duty of a general and a patriot must
+applaud Wayne."
+
+"Can't you give us an account of that mutiny at Morristown?" enquired
+Hand.
+
+
+
+
+THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN.
+
+
+"I can tell you what was told me by men who engaged in it," said
+Kinnison. "For myself, I was at that time, with the Massachusetts troops
+at Middlebrook. The Pennsylvania line, numbering about two thousand men,
+was stationed at the old camp ground at Morristown. Most of these men
+believed that their term of service expired at the end of the year 1779,
+though Congress and some of the generals thought otherwise, or that the
+men were enlisted to serve until the end of the war. This difficulty
+about the term of enlistment was the seed of the mutiny. But there were
+many other things that would have roused any other men to revolt. The
+Pennsylvanians had not received any pay for twelve months, and during
+the severest part of the fall, they suffered for the want of food and
+clothing. To expect men to bear such treatment and remain in the army
+when there was the slightest pretext for leaving, it was building on a
+sandy foundation. Patriotism and starvation were not as agreeable to
+common soldiers as they were to some members of Congress. Even some of
+the officers--men who depended upon their pay to support their families
+while fighting for liberty--grumbled at the conduct of those who
+should have supplied them. This gave the men courage, and they
+determined to act boldly. They appointed a serjeant-major their
+major-general, and at a given signal on the morning of the 1st of
+January, the whole line, except a part of three regiments, paraded under
+arms, and without their regular officers, marched to the magazines,
+supplied themselves with provisions and ammunition, and secured six
+field-pieces, to which they attached horses from General Wayne's
+stables. The regular officers collected those who had not joined the
+mutineers, and tried to restore order; but some of the mutineers fired,
+killed Captain Billings, and, I believe, wounded several of his men.
+They then ordered those who remained with the officers to join them or
+meet death by the bayonet, and they obeyed. Then General Wayne appeared,
+and, by threats and offers of better treatment, endeavoured to put an
+end to the revolt. The men all idolized Wayne; they would have followed
+him almost anywhere, but they would not listen to his remonstrances on
+this occasion. Wayne then cocked his pistol as if he meant to frighten
+them back to duty; but they placed their bayonets to his breast, and
+told him that, although they loved and respected him, if he fired his
+pistols or attempted to enforce his commands, they would put him to
+death. General Wayne then saw their determination, and didn't fire; but
+he appealed to their patriotism, and they spoke of the impositions of
+Congress. He told them that their conduct would strengthen the enemy.
+But ragged clothes and skeleton forms were arguments much stronger than
+any Wayne could bring against them. The men declared their intention to
+march to Congress at Philadelphia, and demand a redress of grievances.
+Wayne then changed his policy and resolved to go with the current and
+guide it. He supplied the men with provisions to prevent them from
+committing depredations on the people of the country, and marched with
+them to Princeton, where a committee of serjeants drew up a list of
+demands. They wanted those men to be discharged whose term of service
+had expired, and the whole line to receive their pay and clothing.
+General Wayne had no power to agree to these demands, and he referred
+further negociation to the government of Pennsylvania, and a committee
+to be appointed by Congress. But the cream of the matter is to come. The
+news of the revolt reached General Washington and Sir Henry Clinton on
+the same day. Washington ordered a thousand men to be ready to march
+from the Highlands of the Hudson to quell the revolt, and called a
+council of war to decide on further measures. This council sanctioned
+general Wayne's course, and decided to leave the matter to the
+settlement of the government of Pennsylvania and Congress. You see,
+General Washington had long been worried by the sleepy way Congress did
+business, and he thought this affair would wake them up to go to work in
+earnest. The British commander-in-chief thought he could gain great
+advantage by the revolt, and so he very promptly sent two
+emissaries--one a British serjeant and the other a Tory named Ogden--to
+the mutineers, offering them pardon for past offences, full pay for
+their past service, and the protection of the British government, if
+they would lay down their arms and march to New York. So certain was
+Clinton that his offers would be accepted, that he crossed over to
+Staten Island with a large body of troops, to act as circumstances might
+require. But he was as ignorant of the character of our men as King
+George himself. They wanted to be fed and clothed, and wanted their
+families provided for; but they were not soldiers fighting merely for
+pay. Every man of them knew what freedom was, and had taken the field to
+secure it for his country. You may judge how such men received Clinton's
+proposals. They said they were not Arnolds, and that America had no
+truer friends than themselves; and then seized the emissaries and their
+papers and handed them over to Wayne and the mercy of a court-martial.
+The men were tried as spies, found guilty and executed. A reward which
+had been offered for their apprehension was tendered to the mutineers
+who had seized them. But they refused it. One of them said that
+necessity had wrung from them the act demanding justice from Congress,
+but they wanted no reward for doing their duty to their bleeding
+country. Congress appointed a commissioner to meet the mutineers at
+Princeton, and soon after their demands were satisfied. A large part of
+the Line was disbanded for the winter, and the remainder was well
+supplied with provisions and clothing. About the middle of January, the
+greater part of the New Jersey line, which was encamped near Pompton,
+followed the example of the Pennsylvanians, and revolted; but different
+measures were taken to quell them. General Washington ordered General
+Robert Howe to march with five hundred men, and reduce the rebels to
+submission. Howe marched four days through a deep snow, and reached the
+encampment of the Jersey troops on the 27th of January. His men were
+paraded in line, and he then ordered the mutineers to appear unarmed in
+front of their huts, within five minutes. They hesitated, but on a
+second order, they obeyed. Three of the chief movers in the revolt were
+tried and sentenced to be shot. Two of them suffered, and the third was
+pardoned as being less to blame. The two who were shot fell by the hands
+of twelve of the most guilty of the mutineers. That, I think, was piling
+it on rather too thick. General Howe then addressed them by platoons,
+and ordered their officers to resume their commands. Clinton had again
+sent an emissary to make offers to the mutineers; but the man heard of
+the fate of the Tory and the British serjeant, and he took his papers to
+General Howe instead of the men. These Jersey mutineers were reduced to
+submission, without much difficulty. But the Pennsylvanians displayed a
+determination to fight if their demands were not satisfied, and so they
+gained their point."
+
+"Perhaps," said Hand, "the Jersey troops had not as much reason to
+revolt as the Pennsylvanians."
+
+"I know they hadn't as much reason," said Kinnison. "They had suffered
+as much for want of food and clothing, but their term of service was
+more certainly known."
+
+"How nobly the men treated the offers of Sir Henry Clinton!" said Hand.
+"I should think the British government might have learned from that
+affair, the spirit of the Americans, and the futility of efforts to
+conquer men with such motives and sentiments."
+
+"They might have learned it if they had wished to learn," said Pitts.
+"They might have learned the same thing from the Boston tea-party. But
+they determined that they had a right to act towards us just as they
+pleased, and their pride was blind to consequences."
+
+"One may look through Greek and Roman history in vain to find men
+holding such noble and patriotic sentiments, while harassed with want of
+every kind," said Hand, growing eloquent.
+
+"Ah! those were times to try the metal men were made of," said Colson.
+"The men who took up the sword and gun for freedom were resolved to win
+their country's safety or die in the attempt, and such men will not be
+bought at any price. Arnold was a mere soldier--never a patriot."
+
+"I might combat that last remark," said Davenport, "but I'll let it go."
+
+"Come, Brown, more music," exclaimed Warner. "The dinner and the dull
+conversation makes some of us drowsy. Stir us up, man!"
+
+"There's nothing like the fife and drum for rousing men," said
+Kinnison. "I hate these finnicking, soft and love-sick instruments, such
+as pianos, guitars and some others they play on now-a-days. There's no
+manliness about them."
+
+Brown and Hanson, having produced their old martial instruments, then
+struck up "The Star-Spangled Banner," the best of the national anthems
+of America. Soon after the last roll of the fife had ended, Hand,
+without invitation, struck up the anthem itself, and sang the words with
+great force, the whole company joining in the two last lines of every
+verse. The music and the anthem thoroughly roused the old as well as the
+young members of the company, and, at its conclusion, three cheers were
+lustily given for the stars and stripes. One of the young men then said
+that he had a song to sing, which would be new to the company; but still
+was not an original composition. The music was stirring and appropriate.
+The words were as follows:--
+
+
+    Freemen! arise, and keep your vow!
+      The foe are on our shore,
+    And we must win our freedom now,
+      Or yield forevermore.
+
+    The share will make a goodly glaive--
+      Then tear it from the plough!
+    Lingers there here a crouching slave!
+      Depart, a recreant thou!
+
+    Depart, and leave the field to those
+      Determined to be free,
+    Who burn to meet their vaunting foes
+      And strike for liberty.
+
+    Why did the pilgrim cross the wave?
+      Say, was he not your sire?
+    And shall the liberty he gave
+      Upon his grave expire!
+
+    The stormy wave could not appal;
+      Nor where the savage trod;
+    He braved them all, and conquer'd all,
+      For freedom and for God.
+
+    We fight for fireside and for home,
+      For heritage, for altar;
+    And, by the God of yon blue dome,
+      Not one of us shall falter!
+
+    We'll guard them, though the foeman stood
+      Like sand-grains on our shore,
+    And raise our angry battle-flood,
+      And whelm the despots o'er.
+
+    We've drawn the sword, and shrined the sheath
+      Upon our father's tomb;
+    And when the foe shall sleep in death,
+      We'll sheath it o'er their doom.
+
+    Firm be your step, steady your file,
+      Unbroken your array;
+    The spirits of the blest shall smile
+      Upon our deeds to-day.
+
+    Unfurl the banner of the free
+      Amidst the battle's cloud;
+    Its folds shall wave to Liberty,
+      Or be to us a shroud.
+
+    O'er those who fall, a soldier's tear
+      Exulting shall be shed;
+    We'll bear them upon honour's bier,
+      To sleep in honour's bed.
+
+    The maiden, with her hurried breath
+      And rapture-beaming eye,
+    Shall all forget the field of death
+      To bless the victory.
+
+    The child, O! he will bless his sire,
+      The mother bless her son,
+    And God, He will not frown in ire,
+      When such a field is won.
+
+
+"Good!" exclaimed Kinnison, when the song was done. "That is a war-song
+of '76, I know."
+
+"It is," replied the singer; "and judging from what I have heard you
+say, it expresses in it the feeling of the period."
+
+"A truce to songs and music," said Davenport. "I never was fond of any
+kind of music but that of the fife and drum, and I never needed that to
+put me in a condition to stand fire."
+
+"You are too gloomy," said Kinnison.
+
+"I have had cause enough for gloominess," said Davenport.
+
+"But I wanted to talk to you about something--and that was my reason for
+checking you. You talk so much about the treason of Arnold, and say that
+he never was a patriot, that I wanted to tell you of another man's
+treason, not to excuse Arnold, but to show you that he wasn't alone in
+preferring the British side of the question, and that there were bolder
+patriots than Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, the captors of Andre.
+
+"We know there were plenty of traitors and patriots in the country
+without a showing," said Kinnison, "but go on with your narrative."
+
+"But this will prove that all censure should not be heaped upon Arnold's
+head, nor all the praise on the militia-men of Tarry-town," observed
+Davenport.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREASON OF BETTYS.
+
+
+"When the Revolutionary War broke out," said Davenport, beginning his
+narrative, "there was a man named Joseph Bettys, who lived in Ballston,
+New York, remarkable for his courage, strength and intelligence. Colonel
+Ball of the Continental forces saw that Bettys might be of great service
+to our cause, and succeeded in enlisting him as a serjeant. But he was
+soon afterwards reduced to the ranks, on account of his insolence to an
+officer, who, he said, had abused him without cause. Colonel Ball was
+not acquainted with the facts of the affair, but being unwilling to lose
+so active and courageous a man, he procured him the rank of a serjeant
+in the fleet commanded by General Arnold, on Lake Champlain. Bettys was
+as skilful a seaman as could be found in the service, and during the
+desperate fight between the fleets which occurred in the latter part of
+1776, he rendered more service than any other man except Arnold himself.
+He fought until every commissioned officer on board of his vessel was
+either killed or wounded, then took command himself, and fought with
+such reckless and desperate spirit, that General Waterbury seeing the
+vessel was about to sink, ordered Bettys and the remnant of his crew to
+come on board his vessel. Waterbury then stationed Bettys on his
+quarter-deck, and gave orders through him until his vessel was crippled,
+and the crew mostly killed or wounded, when the colours were struck to
+the enemy. After that action Bettys went to Canada, and, turning
+traitor, received an ensign's commission in the British army. He then
+became a spy, and one of the most subtle enemies of our cause. But our
+men were wide awake. Bettys was arrested, tried and condemned to be hung
+at West Point. His old parents and many influential Whigs entreated that
+he should be pardoned, promising that he would mend his life. General
+Washington, you know, never took life where it could be spared, and so
+he granted the pardon. But it was generosity thrown away; Bettys hated
+the Americans the more because they had it in their power to pardon him,
+and resolved to make them feel he could not be humbled and led in that
+way. The Whigs regretted the mercy that had spared the traitor. Bettys
+recruited soldiers for the enemy in the very heart of the country;
+captured and carried of the most zealous patriots, and subjected them to
+great suffering. Those against whom he had the most hatred, had their
+houses burned, and often lost their lives. The British commander paid
+him well, for he was one of the best spies and most faithful messenger
+that could be found. His courage and determination overcame every
+obstacle and encountered every danger that would have appalled weaker
+men. He proclaimed himself to be a man who carried his life in his hand,
+and was as reckless of it as he would be of that of any who should
+attempt to catch him. It was well understood that Bettys meant precisely
+what he said, and that he always had a band of refugees ready to
+support him in any rascality he might conceive. Still, there were some
+bold men, who had suffered from Bettys' depredations, and who determined
+to catch him at every hazard. Many attempts were made, but he eluded his
+pursuers by his stratagems and knowledge of the country, until early in
+January, 1782, when he was seen in the neighbourhood of Ballston, armed,
+and with snow-shoes on. Three men, named Cory, Fulmer, and Perkins,
+armed themselves and proceeded in pursuit. They traced Bettys by a
+round-about track to the house of a well-known Tory. They consulted a
+few minutes, and one of them reconnoitred to see the exact position of
+Bettys. The traitor was at his meal, with his pistols lying on the table
+and his rifle resting on his arm, prepared for an attack though not
+suspecting foes were near. The three men, by a sudden effort, burst open
+the door, rushed upon Bettys, and seized him in such a manner that he
+could make no resistance. He was then pinioned so firmly that to escape
+was impossible; and so the desperado, in spite of all his threats, was a
+tame and quiet prisoner, and no one hurt in taking him. Bettys then
+asked leave to smoke, which was granted; and he took out his tobacco,
+with something else which he threw into the fire. Cory saw this
+movement, and snatched it out, with a handful of coals. It was a small
+leaden box, about an eighth of an inch in thickness, containing a paper,
+written in cypher, which the men could not read. It was afterwards found
+to be a despatch to the British commander at New York, with an order
+upon the Mayor of that city for thirty pounds, if the despatch was
+safely delivered. Bettys knew that this paper alone would be evidence
+enough to hang him, and he offered the men gold to let him burn it. But
+they refused his highest offers. He had a considerable quantity of gold
+about him, and he offered them not only that but much more if they would
+allow him to escape; but their patriotism could stand gold as well as
+the gold could stand fire. They took Bettys to Albany, where he was
+tried as a spy and hung. The only reward that the three men ever
+received was the rifle and pistols of Bettys. The men who captured Andre
+were patriotic enough, but their work was easy compared with that of
+Cory, Fulmer and Perkins. Yet the names of these heroes are scarcely
+ever mentioned, and the story of their daring exploit is not generally
+known."
+
+[Illustration: SEIZURE OF THE BETTYS.]
+
+"Did this affair happen before that of Andre's?" enquired Hand. "If so,
+these men only imitated the noble example of Paulding, Williams and Van
+Wert."
+
+"It did occur after the capture of Andre," replied Davenport. "But that
+takes nothing from the danger of the attempt, or the amount of the
+temptation resisted."
+
+"That's true," replied Hand; "but the capture of Andre, and the favour
+with which our countrymen regarded his captors, may have stimulated many
+to patriotic exertions, and thereby have made such deeds so common as
+not to receive special notice. I've no doubt the researches of
+historians will yet bring to light many such deeds."
+
+"How the conduct of such men as Arnold and Bettys contrasts with that of
+Samuel Adams and his fellow-patriots!" remarked Warner. "When the first
+resistance was made to quartering the British troops in Boston, Samuel
+Adams was the leader and mouth-piece of the patriots, and the royal
+rulers of Massachusetts tried every way to induce him to abandon the
+cause he had espoused. In the first place, they threatened him with
+severe punishment. But they couldn't scare him from his chosen course.
+Then they flattered and caressed him, but it was of no effect. At last,
+Governor Gage resolved to try whether bribes wouldn't work a change. So,
+he sent Col. Fenton to him, as a confidential messenger. The Colonel
+visited Adams, and stated his business at length, concluding with a
+representation that by complying, Adams would make his peace with the
+king. The stern patriot heard him through, and then asked him if he
+would deliver his reply to Governor Gage as it should be given. The
+Colonel said he would. Then Adams assumed a determined manner, and
+replied, 'I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of
+kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the
+righteous cause of my country. Tell Governor Gage, it is the advice of
+Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated
+people.' There was the highest reach of patriotic resolution."
+
+"Aye, Samuel Adams was whole-souled and high-souled," said Davenport.
+"No one will dispute that, who knows any thing of his history."
+
+"New England had a host of patriots at the same period," observed
+Kinnison. "Many of them did not possess the talents and energy of Samuel
+Adams, but the heart was all right."
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL.
+
+
+"Well, gentlemen," said Mr. Hand, "there is a most important matter,
+which you have omitted. You have told us nothing of Bunker Hill's
+memorable fight, in which, as Bostonians and friends of liberty, we feel
+the deepest interest. Which of you can oblige us by giving us your
+recollections of our first great struggle?"
+
+"Mr. Warner was one of Col. Starke's men. He can tell you all about it,"
+said Colson.
+
+"Aye, if memory serves me yet," said Warner, "I can tell you much of
+that day's struggle. I joined Col. Starke's regiment shortly before the
+battle. I always admired Starke, and preferred to serve under him. I
+suppose you are acquainted with the general features of the battle, and
+therefore I will not detain you long, with reciting them.
+
+"On the sixteenth of June, 1775, it was determined that a fortified post
+should be established at or near Bunker's Hill.
+
+"A detachment of the army was ordered to advance early in the evening
+of that day, and commence the erection of a strong work on the heights
+in the rear of Charlestown, at that time called Breed's Hill, but from
+its proximity to Bunker Hill, the battle has taken its name from the
+latter eminence, which overlooks it.
+
+"The work was commenced and carried on under the direction of such
+engineers as we were able to procure at that time. It was a square
+redoubt, the curtains of which were about sixty or seventy feet in
+extent, with an entrenchment, or breast-work, extending fifty or sixty
+feet from the northern angle, towards Mystic river.
+
+"In the course of the night, the ramparts had been raised to the height
+of six or seven feet, with a small ditch at their base, but it was yet
+in a rude and very imperfect state. Being in full view from the northern
+heights of Boston, it was discovered by the enemy, as soon as daylight
+appeared; and a determination was immediately formed by General Gage,
+for dislodging our troops from this new and alarming position.
+Arrangements were promptly made for effecting this important object. The
+movements of the British troops, indicating an attack, were soon
+discovered; in consequence of which orders were immediately issued for
+the march of a considerable part of our army to reinforce the detachment
+at the redoubts on Breed's Hill; but such was the imperfect state of
+discipline, the want of knowledge in military science, and the
+deficiency of the materials of war, that the movement of the troops was
+extremely irregular and devoid of every thing like concert--each
+regiment advancing according to the opinions, feelings, or caprice, of
+its commander.
+
+"Colonel Stark's regiment was quartered in Medford, distant about four
+miles from the point of anticipated attack. It then consisted of
+thirteen companies, and was probably the largest regiment in the army.
+About ten o'clock in the morning, he received orders to march. The
+regiment being destitute of ammunition, it was formed in front of a
+house occupied as an arsenal, where each man received a gill-cup full of
+powder, fifteen balls, and one flint.
+
+"The several captains were then ordered to march their companies to
+their respective quarters, and make up their powder and ball into
+cartridges, with the greatest possible despatch. As there were scarcely
+two muskets in a company of equal calibre, it was necessary to reduce
+the size of the balls for many of them; and as but a small proportion of
+the men had cartridge-boxes, the remainder made use of powder-horns and
+ball-pouches.
+
+"After completing the necessary preparations for action, the regiment
+formed, and marched about one o'clock. When it reached Charlestown Neck,
+we found two regiments halted, in consequence of a heavy enfilading fire
+thrown across it, of round, bar, and chain shot, from the Lively
+frigate, and floating batteries anchored in Charles river, and a
+floating battery laying in the river Mystic. Major M'Clary went forward,
+and observed to the commanders, if they did not intend to move on, he
+wished them to open and let our regiment pass: the latter was
+immediately done.
+
+"Soon after, the enemy were discovered to have landed on the shore of
+Morton's Point, in front of Breed's Hill, under cover of a tremendous
+fire of shot and shells from a battery on Copp's Hill, in Boston, which
+had opened on the redoubt at day-break.
+
+"Major-general Howe and Brigadier-general Pigot, were the commanders of
+the British forces which first landed, consisting of four battalions of
+infantry, ten companies of grenadiers, and ten of light infantry, with a
+train of field-artillery. They formed as they disembarked, but remained
+in that position until they were reinforced by another detachment.
+
+"At this moment, the veteran and gallant Colonel Stark harangued his
+regiment, in a short, but animated address; then directed them to give
+three cheers, and make a rapid movement to the rail-fence which ran to
+from the left, and about forty yards in the rear of the redoubt, towards
+Mystic river. Part of the grass, having been recently cut, lay in
+winnows and cocks on the field. Another fence was taken up--the rails
+run through the one in front, and the hay, mown in the vicinity,
+suspended upon them, from the bottom to the top, which had the
+appearance of a breast-work, but was, in fact, no real cover to the men;
+it, however, served as a deception on the enemy. This wag done by the
+direction of the 'Committee of Safety,' as I afterwards heard. That
+committee exerted itself nobly.
+
+"At the moment our regiment was formed in the rear of the rail-fence,
+with one other small regiment from New Hampshire, under the command of
+Colonel Reid, the fire commenced between the left wing of the British
+army, commanded by General Howe, and the troops in the redoubt, under
+Colonel Prescott; while a column of the enemy was advancing on our left,
+on the shore of Mystic river, with an evident intention of turning our
+left wing, and that veteran and most excellent regiment of Welsh
+fusileers, so distinguished for its gallant conduct in the battle of
+Minden, advanced in column directly on the rail-fence; when within
+eighty or an hundred yards, displayed into line, with the precision and
+firmness of troops on parade, and opened a brisk, but regular fire by
+platoons, which was returned by a well-directed, rapid, and fatal
+discharge from our whole line.
+
+"The action soon became general, and very heavy from right to left In
+the course of ten or fifteen minutes, the enemy gave way at all points,
+and retreated in great disorder; leaving a large number of dead and
+wounded on the field.
+
+"The firing ceased for a short time, until the enemy again formed,
+advanced, and recommenced a spirited fire from his whole line. Several
+attempts were again made to turn our left; but the troops, having thrown
+up a slight stone-wall on the bank of the river, and laying down behind
+it, gave such a deadly fire, as cut down almost every man of the party
+opposed to them; while the fire from the redoubt and rail-fence was so
+well directed and so fatal, especially to the British officers, that
+the whole army was compelled a second time to retreat with
+precipitation and great confusion. At this time, the ground occupied by
+the enemy was covered with his dead and wounded. Only a few small
+detached parties again advanced, which kept up a distant, ineffectual,
+scattering fire, until a strong reinforcement arrived from Boston, which
+advanced on the southern declivity of the hill, In the rear of
+Charlestown. When this column arrived opposite that angle of the redoubt
+which faced Charlestown, it wheeled by platoons to the right, and
+advanced directly upon the redoubt without firing a gun. By this time,
+our ammunition was exhausted. A few men only had a charge left.
+
+"The advancing column made an attempt to carry the redoubt by assault,
+but at the first onset every man that mounted the parapet was cut down,
+by the troops within, who had formed on the opposite side, not being
+prepared with bayonets to meet the charge.
+
+"The column wavered for a moment, but soon formed again; when a forward
+movement was made with such spirit and intrepidity as to render the
+feeble efforts of a handful of men, without the means of defence,
+unavailing; and they fled through an open space, in the rear of the
+redoubt, which had been left for a gateway. At this moment, the rear of
+the British column advanced round the angle of the redoubt, and threw in
+a galling flank-fire upon our troops, as they rushed from it, which
+killed and wounded a greater number than had fallen before during the
+action. The whole of our line immediately after gave away, and retreated
+with rapidity and disorder towards Bunker's Hill; carrying off as many
+of the wounded as possible, so that only thirty-six or seven fell into
+the hands of the enemy, among whom were Lt. Col. Parker and two or three
+other officers, who fell in or near the redoubt.
+
+"The whole of the troops now descended the north-western declivity of
+Bunker's Hill, and recrossed the neck. Those of the New Hampshire line
+retired towards Winter Hill, and the others on to Prospect Hill.
+
+"Some slight works were thrown up in the course of the evening,--strong
+advance pickets were posted on the roads leading to Charlestown, and the
+troops, anticipating an attack, rested on their arms.
+
+"It is a most extraordinary fact that the British did not make a single
+charge during the battle, which, if attempted, would have been decisive,
+and fatal to the Americans, as they did not carry into the field fifty
+bayonets. In my company there was not one.
+
+"Soon after the commencement of the action, a detachment from the
+British forces in Boston was landed in Charlestown, and within a few
+moments the whole town appeared in a blaze. A dense column of smoke rose
+to a great height, and there being a gentle breeze from the southwest,
+it hung like a thunder-cloud over the contending armies. A very few
+houses escaped the dreadful conflagration of this devoted town."
+
+
+
+
+EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO.
+
+
+"I say, men, the story of Bunker Hill is old enough, and the events of
+that day have caused enough dispute already. We know that we taught the
+red-coats a good, round lesson, and we shouldn't fight about
+particulars. Now, young men, I'll tell you a story about a real hero,"
+said Pitts.
+
+"Who was he?" enquired Hand.
+
+"His name was Peter Francisco, and he was a trooper in our army,"
+replied Pitts. "Now, I'll tell you what he did.
+
+"While the British troops were spreading havoc and desolation all around
+them, by their plundering and burnings in Virginia, in 1781, Peter
+Francisco had been reconnoitring, and whilst stopping at the house of a
+Mr. Wand, in Amelia county, nine of Tarleton's cavalry coming up with
+three negroes, told him he was a prisoner. Seeing himself overpowered by
+numbers, he made no resistance; and believing him to be very peaceable
+they all went into the house, leaving the paymaster and Francisco
+together. He demanded his watch, money, &c., which being delivered to
+him, in order to secure his plunder, he put his sword under his arm,
+with the hilt behind him. While in the act of putting a silver buckle
+into his pocket, Francisco, finding so favourable an opportunity to
+recover his liberty, stepped one pace in his rear, drew the sword with
+force under his arm and instantly gave him a blow across the skull. His
+enemy was brave, and though severely wounded, drew a pistol, and, in the
+same moment that he pulled the trigger, Francisco cut his hand nearly
+off. The bullet grazed his side. Ben Wand (the man of the house) very
+ungenerously brought out a musket, and gave it to one of the British
+soldiers, and told him to make use of that. He mounted the only horse
+they could get, and presented it at his breast. It missed fire.
+Francisco rushed on the muzzle of the gun. A short struggle ensued, in
+which the British soldier was disarmed and wounded. Tarleton's troop of
+four hundred men were in sight. All was hurry and confusion, which
+Francisco increased by repeatedly hallooing, as loud as he could, 'Come
+on, my brave boys! now's your time! we will soon despatch these few, and
+then attack the main body!' The wounded man flew to the troop; the
+others were panic-struck, and fled. Francisco seized Wand, and would
+have despatched him, but the poor wretch begged for his life; he was not
+only an object of contempt, but pity. The eight horses that were left
+behind, he gave him to conceal. Discovering Tarleton had despatched ten
+more in pursuit of him, Francisco then made off, and evaded their
+vigilance. They stopped to refresh themselves, and he, like an old fox,
+doubled, and fell on their rear. He went the next day to Wand for his
+horses; Wand demanded two for his trouble and generous intentions.
+Finding his situation dangerous, and surrounded by enemies where he
+ought to have found friends, Francisco went off with his six horses. He
+intended to have avenged himself on Wand at a future day, but Providence
+ordained he should not be his executioner, for he broke his neck by a
+fall from of the very horses."
+
+"Francisco displayed great courage, daring and presence of mind in that
+scrape," observed Kinnison. "But I have heard of several encounters
+quite equal to it."
+
+"Yes, Francisco displayed great presence of mind, and that's the most
+valuable quality of a soldier--it will save him when courage and
+strength are palsied. Francisco performed many singular exploits down
+South, and had a high reputation. He had much of the dare-devil in his
+nature, and it seemed as if dangerous adventures agreed with him better
+than easy success. He fought bravely in several battles, and was known
+to many of the enemy as a man to be shunned. There wasn't a man among
+the red-coats stout-hearted and strong-limbed enough to dare to meet
+him. But you said you had heard of several encounters equal to the one I
+just narrated," said Pitts.
+
+"I did," replied Kinnison. "Have you ever seen a painting of the fight
+between Colonel Allan M'Lean and some British troops? It used to be a
+common thing in Boston."
+
+"I have seen the picture," said Hand, "and I should like to hear the
+story of the affair. It must have been a desperate fight."
+
+"It was," replied Kinnison. "A man who was intimately acquainted with
+McLean, and heard the account from his own lips, told me of it. You may
+boast of Francisco's exploits, but here was a man who united the most
+daring courage and strength with a very intelligent and quick-working
+mind."
+
+
+
+
+THE EXPLOIT OF COL. ALLAN M'LEAN.
+
+
+"While the British occupied Philadelphia," said Kinnison, "Col. M'Lean
+was constantly scouring the upper end of Bucks and Montgomery counties,
+to cut off scouting parties of the enemy and intercept their supplies of
+provisions."
+
+"Having agreed, for some purpose, to rendezvous near Shoemakertown, Col.
+M'Lean ordered his little band of troopers to follow at some distance,
+and commanded two of them to precede the main body, but also to keep in
+his rear; and if they discovered an enemy, to ride up to his side and
+inform him of it, without speaking aloud. While leisurely approaching
+the place of rendezvous in this order, in the early gray of the morning,
+the two men directly in his rear, forgetting their orders, suddenly
+called out, 'Colonel, the British!' faced about, and putting spurs to
+their horses, were soon out of sight. The colonel, looking around,
+discovered that he was in the centre of a powerful ambuscade, into
+which the enemy had silently allowed him to pass, without his observing
+them. They lined both sides of the road, and had been stationed there to
+pick up any straggling party of the Americans that might chance to pass.
+Immediately on finding they were discovered, a file of soldiers rose
+from the side of the highway, and fired at the colonel, but without
+effect; and as he put spurs to his horse, and mounted the road-side into
+the woods, the other part of the detachment also fired. The colonel
+miraculously escaped; but a shot striking his horse upon the flank, he
+dashed through the woods, and in a few minutes reached a parallel road
+upon the opposite side of the forest. Being familiar with the country,
+he feared to turn to the left, as that course led to the city, and he
+might be intercepted by another ambuscade. Turning, therefore, to the
+right, his frightened horse carried him swiftly beyond the reach of
+those who had fired upon him. All at once, however, on emerging from a
+piece of woods, he observed several British troopers stationed near the
+road-side, and directly in sight ahead, a farm-house, around which he
+observed a whole troop of the enemy's cavalry drawn up. He dashed by the
+troopers near him without being molested, they believing he was on his
+way to the main body to surrender himself. The farm-house was situated
+at the intersection of two roads, presenting but a few avenues by which
+he could escape Nothing daunted by the formidable array before him, he
+galloped up to the cross-roads, on reaching which, he spurred his active
+horse, turned suddenly to the right, and was soon fairly out of reach
+of their pistols, though as he turned he heard them call loudly to
+surrender or die! A dozen were instantly in pursuit; but in a short time
+they all gave up the chase except two. Colonel M'Lean's horse, scared by
+the first wound he had ever received, and being a chosen animal, kept
+ahead for several miles, while his two pursuers followed with unwearied
+eagerness. The pursuit at length waxed so hot, as the colonel's horse
+stepped out of a small brook which crossed the road, his pursuers
+entered it at the opposite margin. In ascending a little hill, the
+horses of the three were greatly exhausted, so much so that neither
+could be urged faster than a walk. Occasionally, as one of the troopers
+pursued on a little in advance of his companion, the colonel slackened
+his pace, anxious to be attacked by one of the two; but no sooner was
+his willingness discovered, than the other fell back to his station.
+They at length approached so near, that a conversation took place
+between them; the troopers calling out, 'Surrender, you damn'd rebel, or
+we'll cut you in pieces!' Suddenly one of them rode up on the right side
+of the colonel, and, without drawing his sword, laid hold of the
+colonel's collar. The latter, to use his own words, 'had pistols which
+he knew he could depend upon.' Drawing one from the holster, he placed
+it to the heart of his antagonist, fired, and tumbled him dead on the
+ground. Instantly the other came on his left, with his sword drawn, and
+also seized the colonel by the collar of his coat. A fierce and deadly
+struggle here ensued, in the course of which Col. M'Lean was
+desperately wounded in the back of his left hand, the sword of his
+antagonist cutting asunder the veins and tendons. Seizing a favourable
+opportunity, he drew his other pistol, and with a steadiness of purpose
+which appeared even in his recital of the incident, placed it directly
+between the eyes of his adversary, pulled the trigger, and scattered his
+brains on every side of the road! Fearing that others were in pursuit,
+he abandoned his horse in the highway: and apprehensive, from his
+extreme weakness, that he might die from loss of blood, he crawled into
+an adjacent mill-pond, entirely naked, and at length succeeded in
+stopping the profuse flow of blood occasioned by his wound. Soon after,
+his men came to his relief. Now, I think, Mr. Pitts, your hero was at
+least equalled in Col. M'Lean."
+
+[Illustration: EXPLOIT OF COLONEL M'LEAN.]
+
+"Beaten, beaten!" exclaimed Pitts. "I admit that, in resolution and
+daring, Francisco was surpassed by M'Lean. He _was_ a hero!"
+
+"Major Garden, in his Anecdotes of the Revolution, eulogizes McLean's
+courage and enterprise," said Hand.
+
+"If courage and resolution make up the hero, our country didn't hunger
+for 'em during the Revolution," said Davenport.
+
+"Yes, it's a difficult and nice matter to say who bears away the palm.
+But I do not believe that Col. M'Lean was surpassed," said Kinnison.
+"Col. Henry Lee was a man of the same mould," added Colson.
+
+"Aye, he was; and that reminds me of an adventure of his which displays
+his courage and resolution," replied Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE.
+
+
+"In the Revolution, a prison was erected at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for
+those red-coats who fell into our hands. The prisoners were confined in
+barracks, enclosed with a stockade and vigilantly guarded; but in spite
+of all precautions, they often disappeared in an unaccountable manner,
+and nothing was heard of them until they resumed their places in the
+British army. It was presumed that they were aided by American tories,
+but where suspicion should fall, no one could conjecture. Gen. Hazen had
+charge of the post. He devised a stratagem for detecting the culprits,
+and selected Capt. Lee, afterwards Maj. Lee, a distinguished partisan
+officer, to carry out his plan. It was given out that Lee had left the
+post on furlough. He, however, having disguised himself as a British
+prisoner, was thrown into the prison with the others. So complete was
+the disguise, that even the intendant, familiar with him from long daily
+intercourse, did not penetrate it. Had his fellow-prisoners detected
+him, his history might have been embraced in the proverb, 'Dead men tell
+no tales.'
+
+"For many days he remained in this situation, making no discoveries
+whatever. He thought he perceived at times signs of intelligence between
+the prisoners and an old woman who was allowed to bring fruit for sale
+within the enclosure: She was known to be deaf and half-witted, and was
+therefore no object of suspicion. It was known that her son had been
+disgraced and punished in the American army, but she had never betrayed
+any malice on that account, and no one dreamed that she could have the
+power to do injury if she possessed the will. Lee matched her closely,
+but saw nothing to confirm his suspicions. Her dwelling was about a mile
+distant, in a wild retreat, where she shared her miserable quarters with
+a dog and cat.
+
+"One dark stormy night in autumn, Lee was lying awake at midnight. All
+at once the door was gently opened, and a figure moved silently into the
+room. It was too dark to observe its motions narrowly, but he could see
+that it stooped towards one of the sleepers, who immediately rose. Next
+it approached and touched him on the shoulder. Lee immediately started
+up. The figure then allowed a slight gleam from a dark lantern to pass
+over his face, and as it did so whispered, impatiently, 'Not the
+man--but come!' It then occurred to Lee that it was the opportunity he
+desired. The unknown whispered to him to keep his place till another man
+was called; but just at that moment something disturbed him, and making
+a signal to Lee to follow, he moved silently out of the room. They found
+the door of the house unbarred, and a small part of the fence removed,
+where they passed out without molestation. The sentry had retired to a
+shelter, where he thought he could guard his post without suffering from
+the rain; but Lee saw his conductors put themselves in preparation to
+silence him if he should happen to address them. Just without the fence
+appeared a stooping figure, wrapped in a red cloak, and supporting
+itself with a large stick, which Lee at once perceived could be no other
+than the old fruit-woman. But the most profound silence was observed: a
+man came out from a thicket at a little distance and joined them, and
+the whole party moved onward by the guidance of the old woman. At first
+they frequently stopped to listen, but having heard the sentinel cry,
+'All's well!' they seemed reassured, and moved with more confidence than
+before.
+
+"They soon came to her cottage. A table was spread with some coarse
+provisions upon it, and a large jug, which one of the soldiers was about
+to seize, when the man who conducted them withheld him. 'No,' said he,
+'we must first proceed to business.'
+
+"The conductor, a middle-aged, harsh-looking man, was here about to
+require all present, before he could conduct them farther, to swear upon
+the Scriptures not to make the least attempt at escape, and never to
+reveal the circumstances or agents in the proceeding, whatever might
+befal them. But before they had time to take the oath, their practised
+ears detected the sound of the alarm-gun; and the conductor, directing
+the party to follow him in close order, immediately left the house,
+taking with him a dark lantern. Lee's reflections were not now the most
+agreeable. If he were to be compelled to accompany his party to the
+British lines in New York, he would be detected and hanged as a spy; and
+he saw that the conductor had prepared arms for them, which they were to
+use in taking the life of any one who should attempt to escape. They
+went on with great despatch, but not without difficulty. Lee might now
+have deserted, in this hurry and alarm; but he had made no discovery,
+and he could not bear to confess that he had not nerve enough to carry
+him through. They went on, and were concealed in a barn the whole of the
+next day. Provisions were brought, and low whistles and other signs
+showed that the owner of the barn was in collusion with his secret
+guests. The barn was attached to a small farm-house. Lee was so near the
+house that he could overhear the conversation which was carried on about
+the door. The morning rose clear, and it was evident from the inquiries
+of horsemen, who occasionally galloped up to the door, that the country
+was alarmed. The farmer gave short and surly replies, as if unwilling to
+be taken off from his labour; but the other inmates of the house were
+eager in their questions; and, from the answers, Lee gathered that the
+means by which he and his companions had escaped were as mysterious as
+ever. The next night, when all was quiet, they resumed their march, and
+explained to Lee that, as he was not with them in their conspiracy, and
+was accidentally associated with them in their escape, they should take
+the precaution to keep him before them, just behind the guide. He
+submitted without opposition, though the arrangement considerably
+lessened his chances of escape.
+
+"For several nights they went on in this manner, being delivered over to
+different persons from time to time; and, as Lee could gather from their
+whispering conversations, they were regularly employed on occasions like
+the present, and well rewarded by the British for their services. Their
+employment was full of danger; and though they seemed like desperate
+men, he could observe that they never remitted their precautions. They
+were concealed days in barns, cellars, caves made for the purpose, and
+similar retreats; and one day was passed in a tomb, the dimensions of
+which had been enlarged, and the inmates, if there had been any,
+banished to make room for the living. The burying-grounds were a
+favourite retreat, and on more occasions than one they were obliged to
+resort to superstitious alarms to remove intruders upon their path.
+Their success fully justified the experiment; and unpleasantly situated
+as he was, in the prospect of soon being a ghost himself, he could not
+avoid laughing at the expedition with which old and young fled from the
+fancied apparitions.
+
+"Though the distance of the Delaware was not great, they had now been
+twelve days on the road, and such was the vigilance and suspicion
+prevailing throughout the country, that they almost despaired of
+effecting their object. The conductor grew impatient, and Lee's
+companions, at least one of them, became ferocious. There was, as we
+have said, something unpleasant to him in the glances of this fellow
+towards him, which became more and more fierce as they went on; but it
+did not appear whether it was owing to circumstances, or actual
+suspicion. It so happened that, on the twelfth night, Lee was placed in
+a barn, while the rest of the party sheltered themselves in the cellar
+of a little stone church, where they could talk and act with more
+freedom; both because the solitude of the church was not often disturbed
+even on the Sabbath, and because even the proprietors did not know that
+illegal hands had added a cellar to the conveniences of the building.
+
+"Here they were smoking pipes with great diligence, and, at intervals
+not distant, applying a huge canteen to their mouths, from which they
+drank with upturned faces, expressive of solemn satisfaction. While they
+were thus engaged, the short soldier asked them, in a careless way, if
+they knew whom they had in their party. The others started, and took
+their pipes from their mouths to ask him what he meant. 'I mean,' said
+he, 'that we are honoured with the company of Capt. Lee, of the rebel
+army. The rascal once punished me, and I never mistook my man when I had
+a debt of that kind to pay.'
+
+"The others expressed their disgust at his ferocity, saying that if, as
+he said, their companion was an American officer, all they had to do was
+to watch him closely. As he had come among them uninvited, he must go
+with them to New York, and take the consequences; but meantime it was
+their interest not to seem to suspect him, otherwise he might give an
+alarm--whereas it was evidently his intention to go with them till they
+were ready to embark for New York. The other person persisted in saying
+that he would have his revenge with his own hand; upon which the
+conductor, drawing a pistol, declared to him that if he saw the least
+attempt to injure Capt. Lee, or any conduct which would lead him to
+suspect that his disguise was discovered, he would that moment shoot him
+through the head. The soldier put his hand upon his knife, with an
+ominous scowl upon his conductor; but he restrained himself.
+
+"The next night they went on as usual, but the manner of their conductor
+showed that there was more danger than before; in fact, he explained to
+the party that they were now not far from the Delaware, and hoped to
+reach it before midnight. They occasionally heard the report of a
+musket, which seemed to indicate that some movement was going on in the
+country.
+
+"When they came to the bank there were no traces of a boat on the
+waters. Their conductor stood still for a moment in dismay; but,
+recollecting himself, he said it was possible it might have been secured
+lower down the stream; and forgetting every thing else, he directed the
+larger soldier to accompany him. Giving a pistol to the other, he
+whispered, 'If the rebel officer attempts to betray us, shoot him; if
+not, you will not, for your own sake, make any noise to show where we
+are.' In the same instant they departed, and Lee was left alone with the
+ruffian.
+
+"He had before suspected that the fellow knew him, and now doubts were
+changed to certainty at once. Dark as it was, it seemed as if fire
+flashed from his eye, now he felt that revenge was within his power. Lee
+was as brave as any officer in the army; but he was unarmed; and though
+he was strong, his adversary was still more powerful. While he stood,
+uncertain what to do, the fellow seemed enjoying the prospect of
+revenge, as he looked on him with a steady eye. Though the officer stood
+to appearance unmoved, the sweat rolled in heavy drops from his brow.
+Lee soon took his resolution, and sprang upon his adversary with the
+intention of wresting the pistol from his hand; but the other was upon
+his guard, and aimed with such precision that, had the pistol been
+charged with a bullet, that moment would have been his last. But it
+seemed that the conductor had trusted to the sight of his weapons to
+render them unnecessary, and had therefore only loaded them with powder.
+As it was, the shock threw Lee to the ground; but fortunately, as the
+fellow dropped the pistol, it fell where Lee reached it; and as his
+adversary stooped, and was drawing his knife from his bosom, Lee was
+able to give him a stunning blow. He immediately threw himself upon the
+assassin, and a long and bloody struggle began. They were so nearly
+matched in strength and advantage, that neither dared unclench his hold
+for the sake of grasping the knife. The blood gushed from their mouths,
+and the combat would have probably ended in favour of the assassin--when
+steps and voices were heard advancing, and they found themselves in the
+hands of a party of countrymen, who were armed for the occasion, and
+were scouring the banks of the river. They were forcibly torn apart, but
+so exhausted and breathless that neither could make an explanation; and
+they submitted quietly to their captors.
+
+"The party of the armed countrymen, though they had succeeded in their
+attempt, and were sufficiently triumphant on the occasion, were sorely
+perplexed how to dispose of their prisoners. After some discussion, one
+of them proposed to throw the decision upon the wisdom of the nearest
+magistrate. They accordingly proceeded with their prisoners to his
+mansion, about two miles distant, and called upon him to rise and attend
+to business. A window was hastily thrown up, and the justice put forth
+his night-capped head, and with more wrath than became his dignity,
+ordered them off; and in requital for their calling him out of bed in
+the cold, generously wished them in the warmest place. However,
+resistance was vain: he was compelled to rise; and as soon as the
+prisoners were brought before him, he ordered them to be taken in irons
+to the prison at Philadelphia. Lee improved the opportunity to take the
+old gentleman aside, and told him who he was, and why he was thus
+disguised. The justice only interrupted him with the occasional inquiry,
+'Most done?' When he had finished, the magistrate told him that his
+story was very well made, and told in a manner very creditable to his
+address; and that he should give it all the weight it seemed to require.
+And Lee's remonstrances were unavailing.
+
+"As soon as they were fairly lodged in the prison, Lee prevailed on the
+jailor to carry a note to Gen. Lincoln, informing him of his condition.
+The general received it as he was dressing in the morning, and
+immediately sent one of his aids to the jail. That officer could not
+believe his eyes that he saw Capt. Lee. His uniform, worn-out when he
+assumed it, was now hanging in rags about him; and he had not been
+shaved for a fortnight. He wished, very naturally, to improve his
+appearance before presenting himself before the secretary of war; but
+the orders were peremptory to bring him as he was. The general loved a
+joke full well: his laughter was hardly exceeded by the report of his
+own cannon; and long and loud did he laugh that day.
+
+"When Capt. Lee returned to Lancaster, he immediately attempted to
+retrace the ground; and so accurate, under all the unfavourable
+circumstances, had been his investigation, that he brought to justice
+fifteen persons who had aided the escape of British prisoners. It is
+hardly necessary to say, to you who know the fate of revolutionary
+officers, that he received, for his hazardous and effectual service, no
+reward whatever."
+
+"A perilous adventure," observed Warner, as Kinnison concluded his
+narrative.
+
+"It was," replied Davenport. "It seems rather strange how Capt. Lee
+could so disguise himself and impose upon the enemy. But he knew a thing
+or two more than common men, and I shouldn't wonder."
+
+"The British had many useful friends in every part of the country,
+during the war, and were enabled to do many such deeds," remarked
+Colson.
+
+"Fill up, my friends, another glass of ale, and drink the health of
+Capt. Lee!" added Hand, rising. The company filled their glasses and
+drank the toast. The veterans were not as deep drinkers as their young
+and vigorous friends, and therefore they merely sipped their ale and sat
+it aside.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.
+
+
+"Speaking of brave men," observed Colson, "I suppose there is not one of
+the company who will doubt the bravery of Gen. Morgan, the hero of so
+many fields."
+
+"The man who does doubt it knows not what courage is," remarked Ransom,
+taking another sip of the ale.
+
+"Well, I'm going to tell you something about his bravery," said Colson.
+"Men have different ideas of that particular thing."
+
+"This 'thunderbolt of war,' this 'brave Morgan, who never knew fear,'
+was, in camp, often wicked and very profane, but never a disbeliever in
+religion. He testified that himself. In his latter years General Morgan
+professed religion, and united himself with the Presbyterian church in
+Winchester, Va., under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Hill, who
+preached in that house some forty years, and may now be occasionally
+heard on Loudon Street, Winchester. His last days were passed in that
+town; and while sinking to the grave, he related to his minister the
+experience of his soul. 'People thought,' said he, 'that Daniel Morgan
+never prayed;'--'People said old Morgan never was afraid;'--'People did
+not know.' He then proceeded to relate in his blunt manner, among many
+other things, that the night they stormed Quebec, while waiting in the
+darkness and storm, with his men paraded, for the word 'to advance,' he
+felt unhappy; the enterprise appeared more than perilous; it seemed to
+him that nothing less than a miracle could bring them off safe from an
+encounter at such an amazing disadvantage. He stepped aside and kneeled
+by the side of a cannon--and then most fervently prayed that the Lord
+God Almighty would be his shield and defence, for nothing less than an
+almighty arm could protect him. He continued on his knees till the word
+passed along the line. He fully believed that his safety during that
+night of peril was from the interposition of God. Again, he said, about
+the battle of the Cowpens, which covered him with so much glory as a
+leader and a soldier--he had felt afraid to fight Tarleton with his
+numerous army flushed with success--and that he retreated as long as he
+could--till his men complained--and he could go no further. Drawing up
+his army in three lines, on the hill side; contemplating the scene--in
+the distance the glitter of the advancing enemy--he trembled for the
+fate of the day. Going to the woods in the rear, he kneeled in an old
+tree-top, and poured out a prayer to God for his army, and for himself,
+and for his country. With relieved spirits he returned to the lines,
+and in his rough manner cheered them for the fight; as he passed along,
+they answered him bravely. The terrible carnage that followed the deadly
+aim of his lines decided the victory. In a few moments Tarleton fled.
+'Ah,' said he, 'people said old Morgan never feared;'--'they thought
+Morgan never prayed; they did not know;'--'old Morgan was often
+miserably afraid.' And if he had not been, in the circumstances of
+amazing responsibility in which he was placed, how could he have been
+brave?"
+
+[Illustration: GENERAL MORGAN.]
+
+"We seldom hear of a man admitting that he was ever afraid," observed
+Hand. "But the man who never knew fear must be possessed of a small
+degree of intelligence and no sense of responsibility; neither of which
+are creditable. Great generals, and soldiers, in all ages, have boasted
+of their freedom from dread under all circumstances. But it is a mere
+boast. Fear is natural and useful, and I have ever observed that the man
+of most fear is the man of most prudence and forecast."
+
+"Do you mean to say that the coward is the wisest man?" enquired
+Kinnison, in astonishment.
+
+"Oh, no. A coward is one who will not grapple with danger when he meets
+it, but shrinks and flies. A man who is conscious of dangers to be met,
+and feels a distrust of his own power to meet them, is a different sort
+of person," replied Hand.
+
+"Well, that's a very nice distinction," remarked one of the young men.
+
+"There's truth in what he says, however," said Ranson. "I have felt a
+fear of consequences many a time, yet I know that I am not a coward;
+for my conduct in the time of battle, and when death was hailing around
+me, proves it."
+
+"I can't see any distinction between a coward and a man of many fears,"
+remarked Davenport; "though, of course, I don't know enough of words to
+argue the point."
+
+"To make it clearer," replied Hand, "I will assert that Washington was a
+man fearful of consequences, and some of those who refused to go to the
+aid of the heroes of Bunker Hill were cowards."
+
+"It's all plain enough to me," observed Colson. But the rest of the
+company, by shakes of the head and meditative looks, indicated that the
+distinction was not perceptible to their mental vision.
+
+
+
+
+THE BATTLE OF ORISKANY.
+
+
+"Well now, my friends, I can tell you of a brave man who was not fearful
+enough to be prudent," observed Colson. "I allude to Gen. Herkimer. No
+man can dispute his courage; and it is clear that if he had possessed
+more fear of Indian wiles, he would not have fallen into an ambuscade."
+
+"Will you tell us about the battle in which he fell?" enquired Hand.
+
+"I was about to do so," replied Colson. "Brig. Gen. Herkimer was the
+commander of the militia of Tryon County, N.Y., when news was received
+that St. Leger, with about 2,000 men, had invested Fort Schuyler. The
+General immediately issued a proclamation, calling out all the
+able-bodied men in the county, and appointed a place for their
+rendezvous and a time for them to be ready for marching to the relief of
+Fort Schuyler.
+
+"Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to the relief of the
+garrison, and not being disposed to receive him in his camp, St. Leger
+detached a body of Indians and tories, under Brant and Col. Butler, to
+watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his march. The
+surrounding country afforded every facility for the practice of the
+Indian mode of warfare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were
+secure from observation, and to them they could retreat in case they
+were defeated. Finding that the militia approached in a very careless
+manner, Butler determined to attack them by surprise. He selected a
+place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles from the fort there
+was a deep ravine sweeping toward the east in a semicircular form, and
+having a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was
+marshy, and the road along which the militia were marching crossed it by
+means of a log causeway. The ground thus partly enclosed by the ravine
+was elevated and level. Along the road, on each side of this height of
+land, Butler disposed his men.
+
+"About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 1777, the Tryon
+County militia arrived at this place without any suspicions of danger.
+The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush,
+entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The advanced guard, with
+about two-thirds of the whole force, had gained the elevated ground, the
+baggage-wagons had descended into the ravine--Col. Fisher's regiment was
+still on the east side--when the Indians arose, and with a dreadful yell
+poured a destructive fire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely cut
+off. Those who survived the first fire were immediately cut down with
+the tomahawk. The horror of the scene was increased by the personal
+appearance of the savages, who were almost naked and painted in a most
+hideous manner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, and
+united at the causeway; thus dividing the militia into two bodies. The
+rear regiment, after a feeble resistance, fled in confusion, and were
+pursued by the Indians. They suffered more severely than they would have
+done had they stood their ground, or advanced to the support of the main
+body in front.
+
+"The latter course would have been attended with great loss, but might
+probably have been effected. The forward division had no alternative but
+to fight. Facing out in every direction, they sought shelter behind the
+trees and returned the fire of the enemy with spirit. In the beginning
+of the battle, the Indians, whenever they saw that a gun was fired from
+behind a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus firing before he
+had time to reload his gun. To counteract this, two men were ordered to
+station themselves behind one tree, the one reserving his fire until the
+Indian ran up. In this way the Indians were made to suffer severely in
+return. The fighting had continued for some time, and the Indians had
+begun to give way, when Major Watson, a brother-in-law of Sir John
+Johnson, brought up a reinforcement, consisting of a detachment of
+Johnson's Greens. The blood of the Germans boiled with indignation at
+the sight of these men. Many of the Greens were personally known to
+them. They had fled their country, and were now returned in arms to
+subdue it. Their presence under any circumstances would have kindled up
+the resentment of these militia; but coming up as they now did, in aid
+of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most bitter feelings of
+hostility. They fired upon them as they advanced, and then rushing from
+behind their covers, attacked them with their bayonets, and those who
+had none, with the butt end of their muskets. This contest was
+maintained, hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens made a
+manful resistance, but were finally obliged to give way before the
+dreadful fury of their assailants, with the loss of thirty killed upon
+the spot where they first entered. Major Watson was wounded and taken
+prisoner, though afterwards left upon the field.
+
+"In this assault Col. Cox is said to have been killed; possessing an
+athletic frame, with a daring spirit, he mingled in the thickest of the
+fight. His voice could be distinctly heard, as he cheered on his men or
+issued his orders, amid the clashing of arms and the yells of the
+contending savages.
+
+"About one o'clock, Adam Helmer, who had been sent by Gen. Herkimer with
+a letter to Col. Gansevoort, announcing his approach, arrived at the
+fort. At two o'clock, Lieut. Col. Willet, with 207 men, sallied from the
+fort for the purpose of making a diversion in favour Gen. Herkimer, and
+attacked the camp of the enemy. This engagement lasted about an hour,
+when the enemy were driven off with considerable loss. Col. Willet
+having thrown out flanking parties, and ascertained that the retreat
+was not feigned, ordered his men to take as much of the spoil as they
+could remove, and to destroy the remainder. On their return to the fort,
+above the landing, and near where the old French fort stood, a party of
+200 regular troops appeared, and prepared to give battle. A smart fire
+of musketry, aided by the cannon from the fort, soon obliged them to
+retreat, when Willet returned into the fort with his spoil, and without
+the loss of a single man. A part of that spoil was placed upon the walls
+of the fortress, where it waved in triumph in sight of the vanquished
+enemy.
+
+"This timely and well-conducted sally was attended with complete
+success. A shower of rain had already caused the enemy to slacken their
+fire, when finding by reports that their camp was attacked and taken,
+they withdrew and left the militia in possession of the field.
+
+"The Americans lost in killed nearly 200, and about as many wounded and
+prisoners; they carried off between 40 and 50 of their wounded. They
+encamped the first night upon the ground where old Fort Schuyler was
+built.
+
+"Among the wounded was Gen. Herkimer. Early in the action his leg was
+fractured by a musket-ball. The leg was amputated a few days after, but
+in consequence of the unfavourable state of the weather, and want of
+skill in his surgeons, mortification ensued, and occasioned his death.
+On receiving his wound, his horse having been killed, he directed his
+saddle to be placed upon a little hillock of earth and rested himself
+upon it. Being advised to choose a place where he would be less
+exposed, he replied, 'I will face the enemy.' Surrounded by a few men he
+continued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, and in
+the heat of the battle, he very deliberately took from his pocket his
+tinder-box and lit his pipe, which he smoked with great composure. He
+was certainly to blame for not using greater caution on his march, but
+the coolness and intrepidity which he exhibited when he found himself
+ambuscaded, aided materially in restoring order and in inspiring his men
+with courage. His loss was deeply lamented by his friends and by the
+inhabitants of Tryon County. The Continental Congress, in October
+following, directed that a monument should be erected to his memory, of
+the value of five hundred dollars. But no monument was ever erected."
+
+"I will face the enemy," said Kinnison, repeating the words of the brave
+Herkimer.
+
+"Heroic words. But the General should have possessed more prudence. He
+had lived long enough in the neighbourhood of the Indians to know their
+mode of warfare, and he should have sent out rangers to reconnoitre his
+route," remarked Colson.
+
+"However," observed Kinnison, "the enemy didn't get off whole-skinned. I
+have heard that they had more than 200 killed. It was a hard-fought
+battle, and considering all circumstances, no men could have behaved
+better than our militia did. You see, young men, after they recovered
+from the confusion of the first attack, they found they had no
+ammunition save what they had in their cartouch-boxes. Their
+baggage-wagons were in possession of the enemy, and they could get no
+water, which was in great demand in such warm weather. To fight five or
+six hours under such circumstances was certainly noble conduct."
+
+"Another point is to be taken into consideration. The enemy were much
+superior in numbers," said Colson.
+
+"Of course; that's very important," replied Ranson.
+
+"I suppose there was little mercy shown by either party. There was too
+much hateful fury," said Hand.
+
+"You're right," remarked Colson. "Few tories received quarters from the
+militia, and fewer of the militia asked it of the tories."
+
+"Herkimer should have been more cautious. Though a brave soldier, we
+cannot consider him a good commander," said Pitts.
+
+"Nay, I think he was a good commander, friend Pitts," replied Hanson.
+"He was cool-headed and skilful in the hottest battle; and because he
+neglected sending out scouts on one occasion, you should not conclude
+that imprudence was part of his character."
+
+"But a commander, acquainted with Indian warfare, as Herkimer was, must
+be considered imprudent if he neglects such a common precaution as
+sending out scouts," observed Kinnison.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+"Well, we won't argue the matter now. It's getting late, and we had
+better break our company," said Warner.
+
+"But first we'll have a toast and a song," replied Hand. "Fill your
+glasses, friends. Heaven knows if we may ever meet again; and your
+company has been too amusing and instructive for us to part suddenly."
+
+"The ale has made me feel very drowsy," said Kinnison.
+
+"But you may sip our toast. Gentlemen, this is the Fourth of July; and
+surely it becomes us, as Americans, to toast the memory of the men who,
+on this day, pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred
+honors for the support of our independence. I therefore propose, 'The
+memory of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. May the
+brightness of their fame endure as long as patriotism and the love of
+freedom burn in the breasts of mankind!'" exclaimed Hand. This was drunk
+standing, and a short silence ensued.
+
+Hand now proposed that they should have a song, and remarked that he
+knew one appropriate to the occasion, which he would sing, if the old
+soldiers were not too weary to listen. Of course, they expressed it to
+be their pleasure that he should sing it, and he proceeded. "The song,"
+said he, "is called 'The Last Revolutionary.'" The words were as
+follows:--
+
+
+    O! where are they--those iron men,
+      Who braved the battle's storm of fire,
+    When war's wild halo fill'd the glen,
+      And lit each humble village spire;
+    When hill sent back the sound to hill,
+    When might was right, and law was will!
+
+    O! where are they, whose manly breasts
+      Beat back the pride of England's might;
+    Whose stalwart arm laid low the crests
+      Of many an old and valiant knight;
+    When evening came with murderous flame,
+    And liberty was but a name?
+
+    I see them, in the distance, form
+      Like spectres on a misty shore;
+    Before them rolls the dreadful storm,
+      And hills send forth their rills of gore;
+    Around them death with lightning breath
+    Is twining an immortal wreath.
+
+    They conquer! God of glory, thanks!
+      They conquer! Freedom's banner waves
+    Above Oppression's broken ranks,
+      And withers o'er her children's graves;
+    And loud and long the pealing song
+    Of Jubilee is borne along.
+
+    'Tis evening, and December's sun
+      Goes swiftly down behind the wave,
+    And there I see a gray-haired one,
+      A special courier to the grave;
+    He looks around on vale and mound,
+    Then falls upon his battle-ground.
+
+    Beneath him rests the hallow'd earth,
+      Now changed like him, and still and cold;
+    The blood that gave young freedom birth
+      No longer warms the warrior old;
+    He waves his hand with stern command,
+    Then dies, the last of Glory's band.
+
+
+"A very good song, but a very mournful subject," observed Kinnison. "And
+now, friends, we'll part."
+
+"The carriages are at the door," said one of the young men, as the party
+arose and prepared to descend. The kindest and best wishes were
+exchanged between the old and young men; and over and over again were
+promises made to meet the next year, if possible. At length, the
+veterans were assisted to descend the stairs. When they reached the
+door, they found a crowd collected round it. The sound of the fife and
+drum had drawn these people there, and hearing that the survivors of the
+Tea-party were in the house, they had become very anxious to see them.
+As soon as the old men appeared, they jostled around them, and it was
+with much difficulty that they were safely placed in the carriages by
+their young friends. Hand and his comrades at last bade the veterans an
+affectionate farewell, and the carriages drove away amid cheers given by
+the crowd for "The Boston Tea-party."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YANKEE TEA-PARTY ***
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