Read Ebook: Whig Against Tory Or The Military Adventures of a Shoemaker a Tale of the Revolution by Unknown

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Ebook has 308 lines and 16936 words, and 7 pages

"Between the two armies, therefore, was the county of West Chester, the centre of which being occupied by neither, was called the 'neutral ground.' But, in reality, it was far from being a neutral spot."

"Crosby, as I told you, had reached a part of this ground, on his way to the American camp. It was just at evening, that he fell in with a stranger, who appeared to be passing in the same direction with himself.

"'Good evening,' said the stranger--'which way are you travelling?-- below?'"

"'Well,' said the stranger, 'listen to me; it will soon be dark--go with me--I live but a short distance from this--you shall be welcome.'

"Crosby thanked him, and said he would gladly accept his kind invitation.

"'Allow me to ask,' said the soldier, 'your advice, as to the part which a true friend of his country should take, in these times?'

"'Do I understand you?' inquired the stranger--his keen eye settling on the steady countenance of Crosby--'do you wish to know, which party a real patriot should join?'

"'I do,' said Crosby.

"'I hope I am honest,' replied Crosby.

"'Why so?' asked Crosby.

"'Why, friend, they read, that we must submit to the powers that be; and, besides, they think king George is a good friend to America, notwithstanding all that is said against him.'

"'Could you introduce me to some of your neighbours of this way of thinking?' asked Crosby.

"'With all my heart,' replied the stranger, 'I understand they are about forming a company to go below, and I presume they would be glad to have you join them.'

"'I do not doubt it,' observed Crosby.

"Crosby, I said, slept well. In the morning, a better breakfast than usual graced the farmer's table, and the keen appetite of the soldier, after a good night's rest, did it honour.

"When breakfast was over, Crosby reminded his host of his last night's promise to introduce him to some of his neighbours thereabouts-- particularly to those, who were about forming a company.

"'True,' said the farmer, 'I will accompany you. They will welcome such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself. They like men of bone and muscle.'

"In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of the royal cause. Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of serving his country, and as willing to hear what could be said, in favour of joining their standard.

"They had much to say--many arguments to support their way of thinking, and strongly did they urge Crosby to go with them. As he was introduced by the farmer, who was known to be a true tory, they talked without disguise--told their plans--spoke of the company which was forming--and particularly of a meeting, which they were to hold a few nights from that time; and now, said they, 'come and join us.'

"Crosby told them that he should think of their proposition, and rather thought that he should contrive to pay them a visit at the appointed time.

"Little did they think, what sort of a visit the soldier was planning.

"In the course of a couple of days, Crosby had gained all the information he wished, and now determined to depart. He told the farmer, therefore, on the morning of the third day, that it was not worth while for him to wait longer--he had a strong wish to join the army, and believed that he should go along.

"The farmer said some things, by way of persuading Crosby to wait a day or two, when the company would meet, and then he could enlist and go with them.

"'Very well, very well!' interrupted the farmer,--his eye brightening at his success, in having, as he thought, made Crosby a convert to the royal cause.

"'I hope it will be well'--whispered Crosby to himself, as he walked down the lane, which led to the road--'I will try to join them; but may be in a manner not so agreeable to them.'

"On reaching the road, to avoid the mischief which might come upon him, if he went directly north--he took the road leading to New-York. But from this, soldier like, he soon filed off; and crossing a thicket, shaped his course northerly towards the American camp.

"He was soon beyond harm, and now travelled at his ease. He had heard of a Mr. Young, who lived at a distance, in a direction somewhat different from that which he was taking; and as he was said to be a true whig--he concluded to repair to him, and to concert measures to take the company of tories, at the time of their meeting.

"With this resolution he again altered his course, so as to strike the road leading to Mr. Young's. Unexpected difficulties, however, impeded his course--hills, woods, streams, and before he reached the house, it was near midnight.

"It so happened, fortunately, that Mr. Young was still up, although his family had all retired. A light was still burning, and Crosby made for the door, which led into the room where Mr. Young sat.

"'Sir,' said Crosby, in haste to make his excuse, 'I understand you are a true friend to your country, and I have important--'

"'Come in, come in,' said Mr. Young--the expression of Crosby's face carrying more conviction of honesty, than words could do--'come in-- you travel late--'

"'I have reason for it,' replied the now animated soldier--' I am told you are a friend to the upper party--I have something to tell you which may be important."

"'What is it,' asked Mr. Young.

"'Sir,' said Crosby--'do you know the character of the people who live around you?'

"'I think I do,' said Mr. Young.

"'They are traitors,' said Crosby.

"'Many are--too many,' said Mr. Young--'but they pass for friends, and it is difficult to discriminate--difficult to bring them to justice.'

"'Well!' said Crosby, 'I have the means of pointing them out. I have been among them--I know them--I know their plans--and--'

"'Can you give me their names?' eagerly inquired Mr. Young--at the same time rising from his seat.

"'With all my heart,' exclaimed Mr. Young--taking down his hat--'no time is to be lost--the committee of safety are at White Plains--they must know it to-night.'"

"Mr. Young and Crosby were soon on their way to White Plains, which lay but a few miles distant. Crosby was not a little fatigued; but his zeal was now all alive, and made him quite forget his weariness.

"It was near two o'clock, before they reached the quarters of Mr. Jay. He was soon summoned, and listened with deep interest to the tale of Crosby. It was important intelligence--precisely the information desired, he said; and he promised, at early dawn, to call the committee together, and consult what should be done.

"Mr. Young and Crosby now retired to a neighbouring inn. But the door was fastened, and the landlord was fast locked in sleep. They rapped at the door, and called, and, as you say, Master Henry, when you speak Monsieur Tonson--

"'And loud indeed were they obliged to bawl, Ere they could rouse the torpid lump of clay.'

"The door, however, was at length opened, and after receiving a growl from the landlord, and a snarl from the landlady, that their rest should be thus broken--they were shown to a bed room, where both in the same bed soon forgot the toils of the night, in a refreshing sleep.

"The committee were together at an early hour, as had been promised. Again Crosby told over his story--and when he had finished,--'Are you willing,' asked the committee, 'to accompany a body of horse to the spot, and attempt to take the traitors?'

"'You shall have an opportunity,' said the committee. 'Hold yourself in readiness, and may success crown the enterprise.'

"'What noise is that!' asked one--rising from his seat, and turning his ear towards the quarter whence the sound came.

"'Something more serious, perhaps,' said the farmer, with whom Enoch Crosby had quartered, 'that yankee!'

"'Where is he?' asked a dark eyed, keen sighted tory, rising from his seat--'I didn't much like his looks, the other day.'

"'Something serious abroad!'--exclaimed several at the same time rising--'Captain! Captain!'

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