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1 Vv'lxxJi!’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daring capture of the

 

 

powder ship by Neal Nelan, and his men.

ONS OF LIBERTY;

Or, The Cruise for the Powder Ship.

By Professor .1. E. Ingraham.

    

JANUARY, 1899.

 

 

 

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SONS OF LIBERTY;

—-—()l{.—’—

THE CRUISE FOR THE POWDER SHIP
A Story of erd and Sea in. the War for
‘ I 'Iulcpe'nuc'ncc.

BY Pnor. J. x. INGRAHAI.
CHAPTER I.

THE COMMANDER-IN-CKIEF.

I'r was early in the beginning of that memorable contest
which dismembered “ a powerful and splendid empire," and to
which a brave people were driven by the oppressive measures
of the British ministry, that the following story opens.

Resistance and revolt had taken the place of petitions and re-
mcnstrances; councils of advisement had been converted into
councils of war; and men exchanged the halls of debate upon
civil rights and political oppression for the tent and the battle
field.

The colonies were in arms from Maine to Georgia.

A national congress had concentrated into its hand all the
authority of government.

To reduce the colonies to obedience, England had sent over
immense fleets and large armies.

Boston was in the possession of an English force consisting
of nearly ten thousand men; there being besides in the city
about fifteen hundred Tory families, whose presence and
services were of advantage to the enemy in his operations.

Washington was encamped upon the hills around Boston,
laying ssige to it at the head of an army of fifteen than”
men. The investment of the British in the town become
closer and closer every day. The strict vigilance preserved in
blockading every avenue to the country, out off all supplies.
Intercourse between the beseiged and the main land was en-
tirely suspended, save when a patriot family, eluding the vigi-
lance of their English captors, would safely reach the army
and report the increasing distress of the British army shut up
within.

The Americans at length under cover of darkness and mist
took possession of the heights of Dorchester, and fortified them
in a single night. The appearance of these formidable
redoubts the next morning, commanding the city and harbor,
convinced General Howe that his position was no longer tena-
ble unless he could take possession of the menacing elevations.
It seemed to be another Bunker Hill pouring down upon him
from the south side of the city; and although he feared that
an attempt to dislodge the daring Americans from the height
might bring on another sanguinary battle like that of the
attack on Bunker Hill nine months before, he determined to
make the attack ; but there was no alternative but the instant
evacuation of the city.

A storm, however, rendered the embarkation and passage of
his troops across the intervening space of water impossible
and before he could safely proceed on the enterprise the Amer
icans had so far strengthened their position and approached
the city so near with fresh redoubts, on which they had mount-
ed cannon, th:' 1‘: saw that he must soon capitulate unless he
fled to his ships; and. hills step he perceived he should speedily
have to take, as the patriots were making preparations of an
alarming character to command the channel; when to pass out
with his transports he felt would be hazardous in the extreme,
if not impractiahle.

4 A retreat by sea, open as it still was to him, however pre-
sented great obstacles. General Howe saw that the embarks-
tion of his troops would bring upon him the fire of the Amer-i.
can artillery, who would line the shores; and that the intelli-
gence of his flight would probably expose the greatcr portion
0‘ hisarmytcan attackand capture bythevanof Washing-
ton’s army, which would not fail to pm upon his rear.

 

Under these difficulties Sir William Howe resolved to call a
council of war. An hour or two after issuing this order. on
thc afternoon of the Sabbath, the fourteenth of March, he was
standing upon a terrace in the garden of a mansion which he
had made his head-quarters. It stood upon Beacon Street,
near the site of the present State House, and commanded a
view of the whole circuit round Boston. Upon an elevated
terrace in the garden was an arbor, the favorite resort of the
British General, who was accustomed to pass most of the day
here with his telescope at his eye watching the shores of Box-
bury, Cambridge and Charleston; but for the last few days.
since the night of the fourth of March, when the redoubts
were thrown up like the work of magic on the heights of Der.
cheater, his glass had mostly been directed towards those formi—
dable looking eminences.

By the side of the English General stood a stout, blufl‘, falls
faced man, about forty-eight years of age, in the full dress cl
a rear Admiral. The contrast between the appearance of Howe
and this person was very striking. The figure of the other
was tall and elegant, and although he had passed his fiftieth
year, his air was singularly youthful and his costume graceful
and gay. .

Everything about him betrayed a close observance of the
rules of taste in dress, even to the beautiful sword-knot of
mingled gold and silken threads that dangled at the hilt of his
sword. His hair, was nicely powdered and tied in a queue.
his ruflles were richly laced both at the wrists and bosom; his
waistcoat was of the fairest buff and embroidered with silver;
his yellow tcpboots shone like gold and his steel spurs glistened
with their elborate polish. His air and address were easy and
yet' haughty; and with all his care in dress his military ap-
pearance was striking. He had served before in America, and
had a distinguished reputation as a soldier as well as a skilful
diplomatist, and had been selected by the ministry as the fittest
man in Englandto command in chief the hostile operations by
land against the revolted colonies. In disposition he was
mild by nature, and possessed that indescribable susvity of
manner that rendered him pleasing in intercourse even with
his foes. Yet his opinion of the Americans as rebels led him
to pursue against them the war with a perseverance that ex-
hibited to them only the sterner military features of his
character.

The person standing with him on the outside of the arbor
was Admiral Shuldam in command of the squadron of ships of
war and transports then lying in Boston harbor. He was a
large, fleshy man, and might have sat for a picture of S!
John Falstafi, save that he wanted the knight's merry humor
in his eye; and that the peculiar fiery complexion of his
countenance was wanting in that oily smoothness of rubicu.
dity which can come only from “ good sec ” Admiral Shulo
dam loved brandy rather than sack, and this gave a ruddine-
to his face that seemed to invite tapping. His beard had not
been shaven for a week, Sunday though it was, and his neck»
cloth had not been exchanged in the same time, and so it had
got rolled and twisted under his fat chin, till, though original-
ly white, it had now nearly the hue and appearance of a bight
of rope. .

His hair was without powder, and stood stiflly-up allover his
head. His forehead was as tanned and grained as a piece of
old canvas, and he possessed anose that had a ludicrous cock
in it, which got him the sobriquet in the fleet of “ Old Snub.”
When he looked at any object at a distance, he would throw
back his head and shut the eyelids of his little gray eyes so
close together that,_but for a faint twinkle, just perceptible, he
seemed to have closed them altogether. His dress was as
slovenly as his person. His coat was shabby, and had probably
never seen a brush in the four years and a half that he had
worn it. It had lost a third of its buttons and half of a cd.
His breeches were slouching and loose at one knee; he were
long blue stockings, but so negligently secured that he had every
two or three minutes to stoop with his hand and give them a
pull upward. His shoes were worn brown for want of polish;
and, although they had each a buckle, the settings were mos.
mwm Ehshirtnfluvflm filthbe

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tobacco juice, and his finger nails hideous with a permanent
segment of black ! His head was surmounted by a
naval chapeau, oily and weather-worn. In his hand he held a
a clumsy ship's spy-glass, covered with old leather—an instru-
ment as strikingly contrasting the elegant silver mounted
field telescope which General Howe had at his eye as the Admi-
ral himself the military chieftain.

“ It is very plain, Admiral," said Howe, after a close scrutiny
of the Boston lines in the curve of the shore, where groups
and parties of men were very busily engaged; “ it is very
clear that Washington has made up his mind to make Boston
too warm for me. The rogues are raising a new redoubt there
a half mile in advance of their last.” .

“Yes, yes, I see him, confound him,” observed the Admiral
directing his glass towards the Neck. “ They mean to beat up
until they come fairly along side."

“ I begin to fear the worst, Washington has shown himself
a skillful soldier and a man by no means to be trifled with
rebel as he is i"

“If you followed my opinion, Sir William," said the Admi-
ral, you would once more embark your three thousand men
and make a night descent upon the flat below the Dorchester
heights! You could be aboard of them before they knew of
your being within hail, and my life on it, you would get the
best of it.”

“I have not forgotten Bunker Hill. This would prove an
equally disastrous affair.

“ We lost in killed and wounded over a thousand men, the
flower of the army."

“ And we took possession of their redoubt driving the rebels
from it, killing and wounding five hundred of them.”

“Yet the victory was dearly purchased. Besides they would
not have retreated if their ammunition had not failed. At
Dorchester they will be better prepared. I am persuaded that
an enterprise like that attempted against Bunker’s Hill will
here fail. The dificulties in the way of its accomplishment
are very numerous and well nigh insurmountable i”

“ If you say the word I will warp three of my frigates with-
in point blank range and batter away at them till they are
tired of the sport i”

“The tide would not serve you but three or four hours as
the water is shoal, and you would probably be grounded be-
fore you could return. This course I have thought of and
have questioned pilots touching the depth of water and con-
dition of the tides, and I am satisfied that it is impossible to
do any thing by such means !"

“You do not then seriously meditate evacuating the city—
the only place of importance we hold—without making an
effort to maintain it i"

“ I see no alternative. I will be governed however by the de-

. eision of the council of war which I have called together to
meet me this evening. A second ‘ victory,’ as you are pleased
to term it, like that of Bunker’s Hill, would expose the interest
of England in America to great danger.”

“ What danger could a successful battle bring to his
majesty, I would like to learn? Are not we here to fight the
infernal Yankees when and wherever we can ?”

“ True; but we must act with caution. We must not jeop-
ardize our cause by rashness. Suppose, even, that I should
embark to-night five thousand troops, (for a man less would not
suffice,) and make a successful attack upon the heights of Dor-
chester, and the morning sun should shine upon the flag of
Great Britain waving over its summit P"

“ It would be a glorious achievement, that would crown
with honor your command, Sir William, and place a ooronet
upon your brow." ‘

“ Success,” pursued the British General, “success the most
briliant would be as disastrous us defeat. It would require
half the army now in Boston to maintain the heights after we
had seized them. How can I spare four thousand men out of
but eight thousand and three hundred, which is all I have {it
for duty.”

“ My sailors and marines 1 They are as good men as yours I"

“ True, but these would not give me in all more than ten
thousand effective troop, Of these, half would, as I have said,

hawtobodetstched to take theheizhtasnd than maintain

 

 

them against Washington’s army of fifteen thousand of the
provincial militia that have of late, flocked to his standard.
And if you give me your men, it will leave your ships exposed
to a boat attack from the Americans, who are as alert as foxes
and ready to avail themselves of every opportunity of assail-
ing us. Besides holding the city I have, as you know, to guard
the peninsula of Charleston, lest the Americans seize a second
time upon Breed's Hill. How pray, my dear Admiral, shallI
keep the heights of Dorchestcr, the town of Boston and the
peninsula of Charlesiown, when my present force is hardly
sufficient to ’ op this place ? No, I can’t spare a man 1"

“But I tell you, General," said the Admiral warmly, as he
constantly paced up and down the path before the arbor as if
walking his quarter deck, “I tell you the attack ought to be
made! A battle is necessary to save the reputation of his
majuty’s arms! The rebels are beginning to laugh at us and
to scorn us for our long inaction. They even openly twit us with
your being afraid to risk your men out of Boston since the
Bunker Hill affair i”

“ A victory might be desirable to save the credit of the
royal arms, but we are not sure of a victory. Nor even would
a victory decide affairs in the Province. It would be risking
everything to attempt the enterprise. If a reinforcement of
five thousand men should enter the harbor to-night in less than
twelve hours I would possess myself of yonder threngsd
heights or lay my body in its trenches. As it is the advan-
tages cannot compensate the danger. But we will have the
whole affair discussed in Council. If a majority of the twenty-
one officers who shall there meet mc, divide in favor of an
attempt to dislodge the Americans, I shall not gainsay it; but
when they shall have heard all I have to say, I am satisfied
that they will agree with me that there is no alternative left but
withdrawing from the city in the best manner and with a.
little delay as possible i"

Admiral Shuldam made no reply. He was engaged looking
through his glass in the direction of Cambridge, where a pro-
longed oloud of dust indicated the passage of horsemen. He
evidently heard every word uttered by General Bows,
for his face expressed displeasure, and he bit his lip with
vexation.

Howe levelled his glass in the same direction, and discovered
that a large party of horse and flying artillery were moving
along the road from the centre of Washington's position
towards the left side at Dorchestcr. The cloud of dust ex-
tended for full two-thirds of a mile; but only here and there,
through openings in the wayside trees, was visible, the body
of men thus moving onward.

“ Washington, you see, Admiral, is concentrating his troops
towards the Neck. He means to press us closely, and perhaps
try in a day or two to enter the city by the Roxbury Road.”

“ More reason that you should make a movement to meet
them i” answered the seaman, moodily. “ But have your own
way. I would sink my ship before I would surrender or run
away from a Yankee rebel.”

Thus speaking, the Admiral bowed formally and began to
descend the long flight of stone steps that led from the terrace
to the level lawn in the rear of the house.

“ You will meet me at the council, Admiral,” said General
Howe in a tone perfectly unmoved by the old sailor’s displeas—
uro.

“ No. You know my opinions. Tell the others what I
think. But you will have it all your own way with your
smooth smile. If you want men to do as you would have
them, you smile, and I swear! but somehow that same mail.
has the best of it."

“ I see you are convinced I ought not attack the heights, but
don’t like to confess it, my dear Admiral, I am glad you m
not vexed as you would have me think. There is, indeed,
nothing to be gained by remaining in possession of Boston." ’

“ Where do you expect to go P” asked the Admiral, stopping
on the fifth step and looking back.

“To take possession of New York. It is more central, in :
wholly undefendcd; there is no American army within three * L

hundred miles of it, and it is everywhere 3 more advantageous

cent-s1 position for our operations. We do not so much h V

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
  
   
  
 
    
    
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
 
     
 
   
    
   
  
    
   
   
 
   
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
  
    
    
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

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7, ,, ,u.

from Boswn, dear Shuldam," added llowc, laughing, “ as we
vacate our position for another more favorable 1"

“Well, you would convince the devil, London hadn't a sin-
nor in it. if you decide to give up the ship, just let. me know
in time and l'll have the transports ready."

"You are very good, Admiral, How many transports are
there in all under your command 1’"

" About one hundrn-d and titty, great and small. They are
not enough, but they will hold all your men it they will lie
close."

“ You had better at once get. them ready for sea and provis-
ion them in the best manner you are able. i foresee what the
decision of the council of war will be. There is little proba-
bility that wo shall be here five days longer!”

The Admiral continued his way down the steps of the ter-
racc, crossing the area passed through the hall and so down a
still loftier tlight of steps leadingr into Beacon Street. Hero,
two old tars who were waiting for him as body servants when
he Went ashore, touched their hats to him and fell in his wake
as he moved down tlw middle of the street at a rolling 't'oro
the wind gait, not unlike his own ship of the line when the
Wind was aft.

“ There in no alternative, mused General Howe gravely, as
he took a second look at the moving army in the direction of
Cambridge, " i must retreat on board the ships ere another

.Woek begins. \Vashington seems the last few days to be in
earnest. The opening of Spring has warmed them out as it
does a. hive of bees! The American chief seems, from yonder
long trail of dust to he moving.)r his centre towards his left
Wing or taking from it a large detachment! The head of
War sets towards the southern quarter of the townl I have
no alternative but to run away or stay and capitulate. \Voll,
Jocelyn," he cried suddenly, to a young man in the uniform of
acolonel of hnzzars, who ascended the steps of the terrace
with rapid strides. " \Vhat news hrng you now? From your
looks you have rccmmoitred alone' the line to some purpose F"

" The Americans haw commenced constructing a. rcdoubt on
Nook's Hill, in the peninsula of lhu'elmster, and are furnish-
ing it with heavy artilleer This I learned from a Tory who
crosmd the lines as I was recolnioitcring. 1"rom him I got also
the important information that the enemy were about to occupy
Noddlo's Island, and establish batteries there."

“Then no time is to he lost I" said Howe, with deep interest
in this information. " A battery there will swccp the
surface of the water, stop the passage of the ships, and
reduce us to the necessity of yielding at discretion. I
have been watching the movements on Nook's Hill the last
half hour, and suspected what they Were at."

General Howe then took his glass and levelled it long and
earnestly at Noddlo’s Island which was in full view from his

position.

 

CHAPTER II.
run LETTER.

THE decision of the council of war held on the night of
March 15, 1776, in the cast room of the Phillip's mansion,
occupied by General Howe, as his head—quarters, was, as he
had predicted, in favor of immediate evacuation of the town.
Indeed its occupation for any longer period would have been
nadness. Provisions were cxorbitantly dear, and so very
scarce that hundreds, both of the troops and citizens, rebel as
well as loyal, were in a state of starvation; sickness prevailed
to an alarming extent, both amongst the inhabitants and sol-
dier-y, the latter of whom were great sufferers by their long
confinement in such narrow limits combined with the constant
activity required of them to prevent surprise. Those who
mt out in boats to catch a few fish were fired at from the
main-land: vegetables had been for months unknown, the
bakers had no wood to bake their bread with; and the last
batch baked for General Howe and his staff on the day our
Itoq opened, was from ovens heated by the wood of the pulpit
of the Old South Church; the pews having already been
hokm up and burned by the soldiers and citizens.

Home. were dutroyod for their wood to kindle fires tor

 

cooking and warmth; 4‘Ul1nir‘l's and partitions oi warehouses
and dwelling houses were demolished for the sake of the wood.
Sixtcr-n months the armcd occupation of the town had lasted,
and a crisis had now bw-n reached. beyond which there was no
advancing without ruin or flight. The army under \Vashing—
ton was closing its lines upon the place and the shot from the
American baItv-rics till in the streets of the town, and one
missile from a rwlouht at, t‘amhridge buried itself in the tower
of the church in llrattle street, which was situated in the very
heart of the metropolis. livery moment's delay was danger-
0115. l

The council of war was fully alive to the cxige-ncy of the
situation of the garrison, and it was not requisite that General
Ilowv should six/[[1, or Admiral Slinhlmn .wrcr/r (for the Admiral
was also present. in council}, to produce the result. to which
wisdom and prudence directed them.

“ Now," said General llowe, “ as the council of war snothat it
is expedient for the safety of the garrison as well as for the ulti-
mate success of his Majesty's arms in America, that the place
he forthwith evacuated, it falls upon me to devise some means
whereby this last resort may be achieved without disgrace of
our tlag and danger to the Army l The Americans now oom-
mund the town and are erecting batteries at points that will
in three days have cannons mounted on Noddle's, and the
Islands in the harbor so as effectually to interdict the passage
of our ships. lly the fire of this artillery they will boable
even now to interpose great obstacles to the cmharkation of
our troops. How to obviate this inconvenience becomes now a.
question of infinite moment. You have. decided that it is best
toivaenate tise town to—mcrrow. I will hetWeen this and the
morning try and hit upon some scheme by which the danger
of our movement will he lessenedl I trust I shall have your
hearty (Io-operation in and sanction to any measures I may
take."

The «\i’l’icei‘s of the council unanimously left the further or-
rangmnent of the retreat to his well known judgment, and
depart» d to their several quarters to prepare in hante an
secrecy for the cmbarkation of the ensuing day. ‘

For some time after their departure Gun-oral Howe walked
up and down the hall, where he had taken leave of his officers.
buried in profound thought. At no period of his military
career had he been placed in a position so delicate and trying.
Ten thousand men. not to speak of the honor of the royal arms
and his own reputation as a general, were depending on his
single mind for safety and life. It was true he had in the
emergency called a council of his officers and divided the re-
sponsibility of his task with them, receiving their unanimous
sanction to the proposed step. But, with all this, he felt that
the whole weight of the duty and responsibility, of the odium
at home, of the shame with his foes, rested upon him.

In the open door stood a young man, a mere youth, in a neat
blue naval undress, and a gold laced cap beneath his am.
The evening wind, as he bared his' temples to the cool air of a.
remarkable warm spring day, blew aside his dark brown locks,
and displayed a forehead fair, whom the tresses were lifted,
but browned otherwheres as if by the fawning broezm of the
ocean. He was about nineteen years of age, of a medium
stature but compactly built, with a carriage firm and daring.
He was, what is to he sure, of little importance save in young
females, very handsome; but his beauty was of a manly and
courageous character, as if he had been familiar with dangers
and deeds that curved upon his face the decision of his active
and fearless spirit.

“Neal,” said General Howe, addressing this youth, but with-
out lifting his eyes towards him or stopping in his walk up and
down the hell. ~

“ Sir William,” he responded, in the tone and manner of one
on the most intimate terms with the British general.

“I would have you go forthwith to the town house and 300
if the selectmen are by chance in their oflice Y”

“ It will be a. chance indeed, if I find them there of a. Sun-
day evening, general. These New England folks are great 01)-
servers of the Sabbath. I am more likely to find them It
prayers." This was spoken with a lively air.

“And I warrant you they pray not for the King either!
Go Ind. find than such and all, wherever they my be, and

 

 

*-

 

 

JNA

 

say to them that. I desire a special interview with them to
night on matters touching the present crisis of affairs !"

“I will go, sir! '
to-night P”

“Not if you are sleepy.”

" I am not sleepy,” answered the
ing; “ but I should like to have leav
morning.”

Do you then wish my services further

your:;,' man slightly color-
e to be free from duty ’till

“ Well you have it, Neal. But it seems to m
lover oi your lt isure of late! \Vhere do you spend your time?
Not in your quarters; for I have frequently sent for you there,
after begging leave of absenee, but neither shadow nor sub-
stance were there to be. found !"

“Yet when I was really wanted in my regular service of
duty have I not been easily found and always present i'"

u , . ' . , v v .

Yes, that is it ML! But and here the Lnglish
general fixed his e} es full and searehingly upon the frank
lace of the young man who, though a sailor, acted as his aid-
de-camp. He then turned away saying, “I will not doubt
him i"

“You seem to look upon me strangely, Sir William 'r“

“ It is nothingf"

c you are a great.

 

“ You have heard something against 111': 7"

“Yes, to tell the truth, Neal, I have I"

The youth blushed and hit his lip with a look of ve
He dropped his eyes and seemed embarrassed.

“ What have you heard, sir 'r"

“ It is scarcely worth regarding, as it does you so much in-
justice, It has come to my cars from an anonymous souroc,
that I must be on my guard against you, for you were strongly
affected towards rebellion; and that if I wished proof of it,
to have you watched when you ask leavc of absence and see
where you go, and how you pass your time l"

If General Howe had been looking full in the face of the
young man while speaking, he would have seen a change of
color and a look of confusion that would have continued sus—
picions of his want of loyalty.

“If you do not have full confidence in me, I will return
again on board the frigate and resume my duties under
Admiral Shuldam I"

“No, no! I trust you. Have I not shown that I do, by
making known to you what I have heard. Had I doubted
your loyalty, I should have lot you depart whither you do-
sirc to go, and sent a spy to follow you; for the information I
remivod would make me to believe that you have secret inter-
course with the onch !"

Who could have given you this information, Sir William ?”

" It came to me in writing without signature. I have no
doubt it is from some enemy who would do you an injury!
Do not look so annoyed. You have my unimpaired confidence.
Haste to fulfil your mission to the selectmen, and urge them
to come and wait on me without delay !"

General Howe then entered the room in which he usually
received his officers and transacted business: while the young
man, placing his gold lace chupeau upon his head, descended
the lofty flight of freestone steps leading to the street, and
took his way rapidly towards the centre of the town.

General Howe crossed the hall and rung a small table ball.
A youth entered, to whom he said—“ Follow Neal unseen. If
he quits the town, return, and let me know.”

xation.

CHAPTER III.
WAS RE Rumor on. TORY?

As the British General ro-entered his room, a door. at the
other side, opened, and a lady came in. She was a woman of
noble stature and of a very elegant appearance, with features
pleasing, but too strOng for beauty. She was about thirty-
seven or thirty-eight years of age, with black hair and eyes
and an aspect and air not unlike that supposed to characterize
Indy Macbeth. Her dress was a black satin, with deep lace-
oollar and cuffs, and her hair without powder. Her face wore
a look of anxiety approaching distress.

“ Whnt is this, Sir William, that I have overheard touching
suspicion of Neal‘s loyalty ? What know you against my

?"
wallowing, Isabel,” answered General Howe, composed yet

  

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kindly. as if be respected the feelings of her who inldressed
him the inquiries. “ You have overheard all I know l"

“ And you do not believe it i For this my heart is overjoyed !
I know he is true and loyal! It is the work of an enemy !
What letter did you receive, and when did it come to you 2‘”

“Here it is ! You see it has no signature, and is written in
a disguised hand, evidently."

As General llowo spoke, he took from a little drawer by the
side of his desk, a folded note and placed it in her hand.

W'ith hurried lingers she opened it and read with iurpriso
and alarm as follows :

“Near the Camp at. Cambridge,
March 6.

“ Sm:

“A commandor-in-ohief eannot be. too cautious whom he
employes about his person, and makes eorifidants of his plans
and lllll‘lms‘t's ; i-speeially in the position you are in. surrounded
by enemies whom you have no means of knowing,r are other
than they seem. The writer need not apprize you that the
romantie notions of liberty and independence have seized upon
the minds of more than one youth in the British army, and
that they have beeoine disloyal to their King, and taken arms
with the rebels. it, will not, ilu-i'etoi'e, so much surprise you
to learn the disatl'eetion and disloyalty of one near your own
person, and related to you by ties of consanguinity. I allude
to Neal Nelson. against uhom l deem it. my duty to put you on
your guard. l reeornnn-isl to you to observe closely his con-
duct, and to watch him when he absents himself from head—
quarters. It is easy for a traitor who has the pass-word to g(
out, and in theeity, at will. A word to the wise is onough,‘
and General IIuwe is known not to be wanting in wisdom.”

“ This is a mOst extraordinary communication. orotnor,”
said the lady, with looks of surprise and indignation. “ It is a
plot to ruin Neal! I do not credit a word of the base in-
ninuations. I am glad is has no effect upon you. You did well

not to believe or take unv notice of it."
“I do not altogether disbelicvc it," answered Genera! Howe,

in a serious manner.

“ Do you then doubt Neal's loyalty P" she asked with aston-
ishmcnt.

“l have seen nothing in him—that is in his conduct that
could have raised in my mind the faintest suspicion of his
integrity, if this letter had not come to hand! But since I
have received it I have thought upon it a good deal, (for you
see it’s ingeniously worded and well written, and emanates from
no vulgar source,) and several free sentiments of his, expressed
in conversation from time to time in the past, have flushed up-
on my recollection ; which, however, I did not notice then .1
I had no suspiciOn of his fealty and attachment to the king,
American born as he is! But as I have since reflected on these
remarks of his I have become forcibly impressed with the be-
lief that this letter ought to have weight; and since then I
have marked Neal closely."

“ And what have you discovered ?" asked the lady with deep
emotion. ‘

“Nothing new to confirm my suspicion; but you are swan
he has the last three months abscnted himself from quarters
a. good deal especially at night. This I should not have taken
notice of but for this letter! Besides we should not forget
that Boston is his birth place! This fact is important in our
consideration of the warning in it 1”

“ This letter is a false and. malicious tissue of insinuations,"
answered the lady warmly. “ But if you suspected Neal why
have you trusted him I”

-“Thct I might watch him closely and xmseriuin if he was
false !”

“ And you have found nothing to confirm your suspicions P”
she said with a look of certain triumph.

“ Nothing farther than in his request to be absent again to-
night, and which doubtless you overheard, as the rest of our
conversation reached you i" '

“And why have you told him of your anicic-P Is this
the way to confirm them? It is strange l"

“ I have thought it best, if he is really inclined to disloyalty

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
    
  
   
        
    
   
      
       

4’

 

  

6

   

to let him know that I am not wholly ignorant of his derelic-
tion and to give him an opportunity of stopping where he is}
If I had openly charged him with being a spy or traitor, and
he were really guilty, with his high proud spirit he would have
taken the first occasion, if I saw fit to leave him at liberty, to
go over to the enemy l I have told him of the letter to caution
him if he be really guilty, and have continued at the same
time my confidence to give him an opportunity of saving his
honor 2”

“It is possible, but burva possible, Sir William,” said we
lady, thoughtfully, " that Neal may have acted imprudently
and perhaps have given ground for this letter; for I am not
ignorant of his attachment to his native country. But I trusted
and still believe that it is an attachment to it only in its loyal-
ty not in its revolt. It is possible he may have said or done
something he should not have done; but I am sure it has been
through thouglitlessness and not from intention l"

“ Who do you think the warning letter came from ?”

“ I have not the most distant idea l An enemy of Neal‘s l"

“I think rather a friend of the King, who has discovered
something in Neal which his duty has led him to communicate
to me in this manner l."

“ How can it be a friend to the King when it is dated from
Washington's camp !”

“ Examine the date. It is near the camp at Cambridge.
The letter is probably from a legal tory who resides near the
rebel post; and if I should clearly express all my suspicions,
sister, Ishould say that Neal has been seen by him out of the
city.”

“Impossible !"

“It is not unlikely. If my nephew has been delayed at all,
depend upon it. he has soon the inside of the rebel camp l"

" But what motives could have carried him there ‘r” asked
the mother of tho young man who was the subject of the con-
versation. “IIavc you any suspicion of his being proved a
traitor to your counsels .5”

“ I cannot think that! Nol He is too honorable to not the
spy and repeat what has transpired here l" said Sir William
Howe warmly.

"' Then what has he done? What reason has he for going to
the mainland ? I am sure that the letter is unworthy of atten-
tion and that some one who does not like him,taking advantage
of the fact of his being an American has made this attempt to
destroy him! Perhaps some one in the garrison itself."

“ It may be so. I shall, however, prove Neal. It is due to
him to have a chance of manifesting that he is innocent, and
it is due to ourselves that we know whether we have a traitor
within our.walls."

” I pray he may prove innocent!" cried his mother with
deep emotion. “ if he is a traitor, William, a mother’s bosom
shall not shield him from punishment to which you may see
fit as a military commander, to deliver him up But I have
faith in his loyalty."

“ I trust he will give proof of it,” answered the English
General with sincerity.

“ When he returns will you send him to me ?”

“ 0h, whither can my boy desire to go ! God shield him from
evil ways."

" I shall learn whither he has gone .9" said Sir William Howe
with an impressive manner.

“ Have you sent one to observe him ?" she asked tremblingly.

“ Yes l"

“Then is my boy saved or lost this night," she cried with
deep feeling as hearing steps of men ascending from the street
she left the room.

CHAPTER IV.
run: 'rnucs:
Tn persons whose footsteps were heard by Isabella Nelson

ascending to the door of the mansion, were two in number,
and dreamed. as the hsll lamp showed when they em in front

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4
‘-

of the door, in the plain garb of civilians. One of them was
tall, grave and classical looking, though his occupation was
that of a tradesmen; but being a deacon also, he deemed it
proper to assume as nearly as possible, without infringing too
closely upon the privileges of the “cloth,” the costume of a
man of God. His countenance was strongly marked and
beamed with shrewdness and benevolence. He wore a long
queue bound with black silk ribbon and carried a cane with a
gold head to which appended a tassel. His step was staid and
stately as became a deacon of the church and a selecth of
the town of Boston.

His companion was a man of less stature and more abdomen;
a smooth, oily personage in visage, and one who laughed more
than became the gravity of a dignitary and ruler of the town.
He carried, as was always his custom in fair weather and foul,
a green umbrella which he used as a staff. His knee buckles
of silver shone brightly in rivalry of his shoe buckles
which were of polished stecl, with settings of glass cut in
representation of diamonds. He carried visibly in the pocket
of his brown cloth coat, a blue spotted silk handkerchief, and
held in his hand a tortoise shell snuff-box, out of which every
two minutes and a half, charged his nose with rappee, each of
which charges was duly followed by a sneezing explosion.

“Ah, gentlemen, I am happy to see you,” said the English
General, advancing into the hall to receive his expected guests
“You are prompt in complying with my wishes."

Thus speaking the accomplished English commander extend-

ed his hand to each.
The glasses were emptied and General IIowc entered into

conversation with the two rulers of the town, in which he in-
sidously forced the way for his purposes. At length the re-
mainder of the selectmen arrived, and then closing his door,
the English General opened to them as follows the object of
the interview he sought of them :

“You are aware, gentlemen,” he said, addressing himself
particularly to Mr. Greene the chief of the Board, a man of
intelligence and wisdom, “ you are aware that a crisis in the
state of the garrison occupying your town has been reached.
I need not inform you of what you already know, that Boston
is no longer a safe position for the British troops. Washington
is acquainted with the distresses that prrveil here among us
and is new active in taking advantage of them. In a word,
gentlemen, it must be as clear to your minds as to my own,
that I can no longer hold the post in safety or with honor.”

“We are quite as well convinced of your inability, Sir Wil-
liam Howe, as you seem to be yourself, to maintain the town
many days longer," said Mr. Greene, with dignity; “ I there-
fore trust that you are prepared to capitulate upon terms—”

“Capitulate, sirs l” repeated the British General, haughtilyi
“ The word I am ignorant of while I command in his Majesty’s
name i” ,

“Then for what purpose have vou called us together by a
special and urgent message P"

“ You shall learn, gentlemen, that it is not to sue to you or to
throw myself upon your mercy !" he answered, haughtily.

“This is high language, Sir William Howe, and is well
enough to cover your weakness, but it cannot deceive us,” an-
awered Mr. Greene, with decision. “We are fully informed
and through us, General Washington is, also, of your actual
position. .IVe know that you have not seven thousand troops
out of a nominal force of ten thousand, fit for service. We
know that a thousand of your people are lying ill in your mil-
itary hospitals, and that those who are well are weak and dis-
contented from the privations in food and warmth to which
they have been subjected. We know that disafieetion and
bitterness pervades your garrison, and that only a. spark is
needed to kindle a. flame of revolt throughout the length and.
breadth of your barracks. We know that the American Com-
mander—in-Chief, aware of your situation, proposes to bring the
siege to a close by a. decisive blow. The truth of this you have
evidence of, in the redoubts that are being nightly thrown up
on every side of you, and almost within gunshot of your own
sentries and outposts! We know that you have not provisions
to sustain your men twenty days longer, and that you look for
no reinforcements; for we are not ignorant that you have of
late been bitth in your inventive! against the ministry for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 7

 

 

neglecting you and forgetting you, as you have termed their
silence. Knowing all this, we are prepared to hear from you
prtilxm‘LlH for terms that we may transmit them to General
Washington in your behalf !"

Sir \Villiam Howe listened with surprise and an aneg
frown to this bold address from one of the rebel rulers of tho
town, whom in his pleasure he had permitted to hold otlice and
power. But. he could not but feel the full force of his words.
He knew that the facts were as the Selectmen had represented
them. But the more critical his situation was, the more need-
ful it was for him to put a bold front upon it.

“ if you think I am to be a suppliant to you, Mr. Selectmen,
you are in great error," he said firmly. “I am as fully ad-
vised of my position as you can be. To sue to you or through
you to “rashington, was not my object in sending for you to-
night. I know not only the ditlieultics that. environ me, but I
have confidence. as well in my ability to cope with them. A
British general with eight, thousand regular troops under his
command has victory in his hand whenever he chooses to go to
battle. ‘lVe. do not count \Vashiuqton‘s twenty thousand
rabble as a force at which to be intimidated."

“Then why have you not taken possession of the Heights
of Dorchester, Sir \Villiam 1‘" asked hlr. liuzzvl. who had l)--en
trying for some tim: to get a word in.

“Because, sir, it. is no object for me to hold them. Neither,

gentlemen," he continued, addn ssing them all in a bold
manner, “ neither is it an object for the crown longer to
hold Boston' it is of no further use to his illajesty. in a
word, l woull lct; you see. the p )lioy of the Ministry, at. which
you accuse me of nurrmuring. My instructions new to hold
Boston until I had eoim-utrated the body of the American
forces in the neighlmrhood, ..nd draw upon this single point
the attention and armed pom-r of the whole country. \Vheu
[had done so, my intentions were to withdraw on board the
fleet, which, for this purpose, I have, as you have seen, detained
in port, and embark for some other point of your shores un
guarded, and there take Isissession, and from it, as a centre.
subdue the adincent rmriou. Having, therefore. fulfilled mv
Instructions, I have sent for you to say that it; is my intention,
tomorrow or next day to evacuate the town and n-tire on
board the shipping. It is possible to maintain the town, and I
would maintain it at. all odds were the advantages commen-
surate with the trouble. But. the experience of the last few
months has shown mo that the port of linston is far from heng
conveniently situated to accommodate the future operations of
the army that is expected soon to arrive from England. A
desire to concentrate at this point all the American forces, has
hitherto prevented me from withdrawing from the town. This
motive of delay no longer exists, for in whatever direction I
level my spy-glass around the peninsula I behold the armies of
the rebels gathering and settling themselves like flights of
locusts."

When the British General had ended this subtle address, the
selectmen lucked at one another with blank faces. Surprise
was manifested on each countenance. Even Mr. Greene
appeared amazed at the high position taken by the general who
seemed already in their power: he was, as well as his colleagues
confounded by the new arguments he had advanced. Mr. Buz-
zel took snufl' very rapidly, and looked from one to another as
if uncertain how to take the affair, until he had guessed at the
sentiments of the rest.

“ You have given us, Sir William, 0. fair display of that diplo—
macy for which you have said to be famed,” said Mr. Greene. “ It
may be true that you have had instructions such as you men-
tion. I do not wish to question the veracity of any gentleman,
though he be my country’s foe and invader. But whether or
no your experience has proved to you that Boston Port is not
perfectly accomodated to the future operations of the army;
yet it needs no proof that you are in no condition to remain in
possession of the place, should to-night arrive, from Lord Dart-
mouth, instructions, ordering you to hold it, to use your own
expression, “at all odds.’ Let us perfectly understand each
other, Sir William! Your words have not changed my mind
from the first conviction which it received when your young
sid-de-csmp, Mr. Nelson, brought. no your Inquest to use me
in. my oflainl capacity."

 

 

“ And, pray, sir, what was this conviction ?” asked the Eug-
lish General, appearing slightly confused.

“ That you saw the strait in which your garrison was placed
and desired to arrange terms of Capitulation for the safety of
all ; for you are well aware that our cannon already commands
or will do so before you could embark, the passage of the har—
her, and that it is impossible for you to escape without the
consent of your enemies."

The English (‘reneral-iu-Chief colored deeply at this asser-
tion. lIo wcll knew the fact. He was perfectly aware that
in twenty-four hours more the Americans would interdict the
passage to sea; and that he could, in less time, scarcely hope
with the greatest. haste of departure, to embark his numerous
forces. For a few moments he remained silent. He saw that
it was useless to attempt longer to trille with the body of men
he had called before him, or to endeavor to make them believe
to save the credit of the royal arms, that he was voluntarily
leavin: the town. He, therefore, resolved to enter at once
upon the matter in a frank, l‘usiness manner.

“ \Vlm.tevel'l)e the immediate cause of the act, gentlemen, it, is
not material to our purpose," he said, in a gram: manner; “ let
it. sutliee for you to know that I have resolved to abandon the
town of Boston and retire on board the fleet. It is my inten-
tion to withdraw payee/11w], if your countrymen are disposed,
on their part, to act in the same manner. I have sent for you
to malm known to you this my purpose, that you may wait on
(lemeral \Vashington and report to him what I say to you and
to him through you."

“ You are no doubt willing enough to retirounmolcsted, sir,"
said Mr. Farringtou. stinalin': up and stretching his tall, guant
form to its loftiesr, dixnansioau ‘ but it is a. question whether
0111‘ ‘llltrum‘d and indignant country will be so willing to let
you retire in this manner. You have no choice! Retire you
mustl Your situation admits neither of hesitation or dolayl
ThCN‘fUm you cannot say, you will not withdraw if we will not
give 0111‘ promise to let you go quietly, you with your goods,
your arms, your camp furniture, and your spoils; for you
must go, whatcvor we do, or remain and give yourselves up

Jurisoncrs of war!"
“ Sir," said Mr. Buzzel, looking very red in the cheeks and

rapping his snuff-box cover with an emphasis that made a re-
port like that of a pocket-pistol. “ Sir, do you suppose, sir, that
Sir William, sir, that. we are going to let you g3 in peace with
your wives and little ones, flocks and herds, gods, and god-
desses, as my friend the Deacon just l't "

“I said nothing about gods and goddesses, squire," inter-
rupted the Deacon, sternly.

“ True, deacon, but its no matter, sir I I did l Do you think,
Sir William, sir, that we who have been sixteen months shut
up here, starving, frcczing, dying with the plague for want of
food and tire wood, and innumerable other evils too numcmus
to enumerate—do you suppose, sir—l No sir! I would buckle
on my sword, sir, first,sir, and stand at the head of Long
Wharf, sir, with it drawn in my hand, sir, and would singly
stay your departure, if I had to lay down the last drop of
blood I had in my body, sir! Yes, sir !"

Here Mr. Buzzcl took a huge pinch of snuff, and drank a
glass of Sir William‘s Burgundy, it being the eighth bumper
he had taken, which will account for his very extraordinary
speech; for between snuff, wine, and patriotism, Mr. Buzzel
was very tipsy.

“Mr. Buzzel," said deacon Furrington, laying his large hand
upon the little man’s shoulder, “you have this day brought
discredit upon the good name of the rulers of the town. You
have drank wine beyond sobriety. Be silent, sir, for when the
wine is in the wit is out i"

“ I cannot see, General Howe, on what grounds you can Ink
leave of us, to he suffered to retire in peace,” said Mr. Greene.
“ You have brought by your presence 8 blight upon the land,
and vengeance and justice cry for retribution!"

“On the ground of your own interest and safetyl Although
compelled to retire, I am not: impotent! I have caused to be
prepared, several tons of combustible materials to set: fire to
the city, should the provincisls molest me in my departure in
any shape. One word from me and your fair town would be
laid in ashes! Further, I invite you, gentlemen, to rodeo.
upon the dangers which must inevitably result, for you and
your habitstions and those of the numerous families friendly

 

 

8 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

 

to your side of; tho quarrel now in the city if a battle should
be fought between the garrison and the American forces under
Washington, in your streets. For the distress and misery of
such a deplorable event, fall upon your own heads, not on
mine. I have offered to retire peaceably. T will do so if I am
unmolested. lint if in case i co1111ncnce embarking my troops
they are molested, i will fire and sack the city ere I leave it 1"

“Such a proceedure would recoil on yourselves,” said ll'lr.
Greene, firmly. " Not a transport would ever quit the harbor
Hnot a ll] itish soldier would t‘St‘uiM- alIVe. ’

“ That may be. lint is not forlu-arancc with your city
whole and your citizens secure better than these alternatives to
either of us P If therefore, you have the interest of your
town and the happiness of your fellow-citizens at heart, I
would exhort you to see General \Vashington early in the
morning, Repeat to him what you have heard from me, and
say to him that l demand the following conditions: that I have
fiftyhours to embark my troops in from the time he grants the
terms of tho truce: that. l depart with all the munitions of
war in my possession; that 1 shall be permitted to take with
me as many of the loyalist families with their <,-tl'eots as desire
to abandon the country; and that those which remain shall
have their personal liberty secured to them; that i shall be
permitted to remain anchored in the, harbor until the wind,
now uni'av 1rable, shall permit the fleet to depart i”

“We will wait upon (‘rcneral Washington, sir,” said Mr.
Greene, after he and his colleagues had converscd apart for a.
little while; “ lint. I do not think he will consent tb all the
conditions you demand l"

“General Vashington is a wise man, and will not let a
temporary advantage pievent the accomplishment of so desire-

«blc 21 result on my departure from Boston.”

The selectmen waited upon the American commander-111-
ahief on tho ensuing morning. They laid before him the proposi-
tions of Sir William Howe. At first he rejected them; but
finally, on their making a very effecting representation of the
situation of the city he consented to all the conditions demanded

rave the removal of the munitions. The English General

vieldcd this exception and prepared gladly to withdraw from a
position which he could no longer hold in safety.

CHAPTER V.
THE EVACUATION or 'run 'rowx.

ON the seventecnthof March, sixteen hours after the ratifies;
1ion of the truce required by Sir William Howe, the British
troops were in motion preparatory to embarkation. So early
as four o’clock, long before the first light of dawn began to
show itself in the E'LHt, the garrison marched out of barracks
and formed along Cornhill, Deacon street and upon the Com-
mon. The morning broke upon eight thousand wearied and
worn troops, suffering by cold, scanty clothing and hunger,
drawn up in lines, each man burdened with what he could
carry upon his back. The morning was chilly and foggy and
contributed to the (lispirited air of the men who felt that
their condition was likely to be but improved by being crowded
on board transports and subjected to the dangers of the in-
hospitable seas of that region and the horrors of sea-sickness.
Not a company when its rolls was called. was found complete.
Numbers preferring to be taken prisoners by the Americans or
desiring to join their standard had secreted themselves in the
barracks and houses under cover of the darkness.

At five o’clock the order for the line to form in column and.
march was communicated; and without colors displayed and
merely with the tap of a drum commenced its melancholy re-
treat through Cornhill and State street and in the direction of
long Wharf. Here they were embarked as fast as the boats
from the one hundred and fifty transports could be filled with
men and rowed off to the ships to return. and take fresh num-
bers.

The American citizens of the town remained quiet spectators
d the retreat of their baths; being ordered by General Hove

 

 

 

to keep in their houses. ll“ 5 rerun d the roofs and balconies
to observe their march through the town to the waterside;
but not a shout or cry of derision was raised. They gazed in
the same silent-c with which the troops moved by.

There were in the town fifteen hundred loyalists or Tories,
who, many of them were wealthy citizens, and had been born
i'1 Boston. They now began to feel the effects of their blind
attachment to the royal side. (Joinpelled with infinite dejection
and tears of regret to abandon residences so long dear to them
they had been engaged since the evening before, when the orders
was issued from head quarters to prepare for evacuating the
City in twelve hours, in packing up their personal property and
securing their valuables. \Vhen the morning dawned, hun—
dreds of these families were seen hurrying from their homes,
where they had long dwelt in luxury, and enjoyed years of
felicity and seeking an asylum on board the ships. There was
no distinction of suffering. The rich who had the most Valua—
bles to remove sullen-d more than others; for the poor man
could carry all his load upon his shoulders and upon the backs
of his wife and children; but the rich. weary with much
goods, were dependent upon carts and wagons to remove to the
wharf what he would carry away. But such was the scene of
confusion and distress, and so great was the demand for w: wens
that all could not be supplied ; and seine of the fathers of
families, once among the most influential in the Commonwealth,
were now bending under burdens which they could get no man
to carry. :Mothers, young and delicately reared, carried their
children and took their way weeping towards the decks; “the
last salutations," says the eloquent historian Betta, “ the fare—
well embraces of those who departed ' and of those who
remained, the sick, the wounded, the aged, the infants, would
have moved with compassion the witnesses of their distress, if
the care of his own safety had not absorbed the attention of
each one.

The carts and beasts of burden became the occasion of sharp
disputes and in various parts of the town fierce battles took
place between the soldiers who would seize upon them and the

tqrv inhabitints who would maintain them. Even the march
of the main column was more than once obstructed by fearful

contests between the loyalists themselves for the possession of
horses and wagons with which to convey their effects to the
shipping. Added to this one’s fear lest he should be left be- A
hind to fall into the hands of the enemy, and a desire to secure
first a bet th on board the transports. Whither the fleet which
received them was destined, no one knew and the uncertainty
was an additional cause of anxiety and distress to the more
intelligent portion of the flying loyalists.

Meanwhile, a desperate band of English soldiers and sailors
who had fallen into the rear of the embarking army took ad-
Vantage of the confusion to force doors and pillage the houses
and shops of whatever the loyalists could not remove; and
even attempted the dwelling of the provinciuls who, however,
met them with such firmness that they were under the necessity
of confining their lawless depredations exclusively to the
deserted abodcs of the tories, in which they founda great
deal that was valuable that had been deserted by the owners
least delay should lose them a chance of getting a berth in the
ships. These desperadges destroyed what they could not
carry away. The city before this presented an appearance
melancholy enough but now it had an aspect of devastation
that it was painful to contemplate. Thrice they fired the
houses they had pillaged, but by the prompt energy of the
citizens the flames were extinguished and the town saved from
eonflagration.

By ten o’clock in the forenoon the whole garrison was em-
barked on board the shipping, and in the very face of the
American batteries which completely commanded the embark-
ation. But the latter only remained distant and quiet specta-
tors of the scene. The vessels, many of which were small,
overladed with men and baggage, and the fruits of the indis-
criminate pillage, as well as with the effects of the unhappy
loyalists. Provisions were very scanty, not enough being on
board at first for the full allowance of the crews and soldiers;
and the loyalists had brought only plate and other articles
which at that crisis were of less value than bread. Confusion
reigned throughout the fleet. Every deck of the one hundred

 

 

and fifty-three transports was a scene of discord unparalleled.
Women weeping, infants screaming, men meaning and lament-
ing the loss of property left behind, soldiers cursing and drink-
ing, and the seamen, unable to do anything, swearing at all.

Soarchy had the last crowded boat load of soldiers left the
end of Long Wharf when the rear of cannons from the Ameri-
can lines south of the town announced that Washian had
commenced the march of his army to take possession of the
deserted town. The report of the artillery was responded to
by the citizens with loud shouts of gratitude and joy. They
now poured from their houses in the streets and hastened to-
wards the Neck to receive the Deliverer. ‘

General Howe ; who was the last man to embark, had hard-
ly placed his foot in the boat that was to take him
to the shipping, when Washington entered the town on the
other side, with colors displayed, drums beating, “ Yankee
Doodle,” and all the forms of victory and triumph. Mounted
upon a snow white charger, and attended by his general aids,
among whom rode Neal Nelson, the chief, triumphantly entered
the principal street of the city, and at, every step of his
advance was hailed by the citizens so long forcibly held pris-
oners to the garrison, as a delivercr and conqueror.

“ Their joy," says the historian, “ broke forth with more
vivaoity as their sufferings had been long and cruel. For more
than sixteen months they had endured hunger, thirst, cold, and
the insults of an insolent soldiery, who deemed them rebels;
and sufl‘cring in common with the garrison, the horrors of
famine. they had been reduced even to subsist on the flesh of
horses!

The victorious besieging army, numbering sixteen thousand
organized troops, peased into town, battalion after battalion,
and, dter passing through the whole length of Comhill,
marched to the common, and then formed.

On riding over the town, and receiving the reports of the
selectrnen and citizens of the sufferings of the inhabitants,
which were apparent in their hollow cheeks and emaciated
forms, Washington was seen to be so deeply moved as to shed
teen. He found that the English had left a great quantity of
artillery and munitions; but among them little or no powder,
of which the army was nearly destitute.

Thus, after a siege of long duration the capital of the prov-
vinee of Massachusetts fell again into the hands of the Ameri-
cans.

CHAPTER VI.
A son or LIBERTY.

Contrary winds, succeeded by a dead calm, prevented the
English fleet from getting to sea until the eighth day after the
troops were taken on board—a period of intense suffering and
privatiovn to all on board.

At length the wind became favorable, and the fleet sailed.
Its destination was unknown. The general opinion was, that
it was destined for Charleston or New York; but it actually
sailed for Halifax, where it arrived after a remarkably short

For the subsequent movements of General Hows, the
reader is referred to the histories of the period.

As the evacuation of Boston could not be known to English
vessels then at sea, or to others just about sailing from Europe
for the port of Boston, Admiral Shuldam had left in the waters
of Boston Bay a small squadron, under the command of Com-
modore Banks, to protect the navigation of the vessels of the
King, which, in ignorance of the evacuation of the city, might
continue their voyage towards it. “ This precaution, however,
had not all the effect,” says Betta, “ that was desired; the bay
being extensive, the American cruisers lay in concealment be-
hind the numerous little islands with which it is interspersed,
and sprang suddenly upon the ships that presented themselves
without mistrust. It is at this crisis, and amid these islands,
that our story will be resumed when we shall have followed our
hero, Neal Nelson: after his departure from the presence of his
uncle, Sir William Howe, on his mission to the tmen.
But we will first explain why a sailor, as he was, should have
Ibeen made an aid of the military Commandebin-Chief.

Isabella Howe, the General’s sister, had early manned I

THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 9

 

 

young lieutenant without any other qualifications than his
sword, a handsome person, great courage, and an honorable
fame. This marriage was kept secret for some time, as she
knew that her family would refuse its sanction. It was, how-
ever disoovered, and to escape persecution, Lieutenant Nelson
fled with his wife to Boston. Onthe birth of heronly child, Neal,
she wrote and made it known to her brothers, who, however,
were so exasperated, that they succeeded by their influence in
getting her husband removed to the East India station in a
time of great mortality, where he fell a victim to the climate.

Subsequently Sir William regretted the act, and as an
atonement, sent for his sister and got a midshipman‘s berth in
the service for his nephew. Neal was seven years old when he
left Boston for England with his mother. At eleven he
entered the navy under his uncle, lord Admiral Howe. When
he reached his nineteenth year he accompanied General Sir
William Howe to Boston in Admiral Shuldum‘s frigate to
which he was attached. When General Howe took up his
quarters on shore he invited Neal to take up his abode with
him. \Vhile he was here, his mother, who had not seen her
son for several years, came over to visit him and became an in-
mate of Sir William's abode. Neal was daily in the presence
of his uncle, and in his full confidence. In his charmzter he
was frank and manly, and every feeling of rectitude and
honor inspired his conduct. His very face invited confidence;
and no one who knew him could believe that. ho would be
guilty of any act of dishonor. His mother, whom he tenderly
loved, was proud of the high tone of his feelings, and antici-
pated for him the most brilliant career. Sir William regarded
him with affection and relied impliein upon his loyalty and
good faith.

Neal was all that his mother or his uncle believed him to be.
He was honorable, noble in mind, truthful and sincere in ohmi-
actor. But all was consistent with sympathy for the wrongs
of the land which gave him birth ! From the time he set foot
on shore at Boston, six months previous to its evacuation, he
could not forget that he was born there—that he was an Amw-

idea. He remembered, as he roamed‘about the town, the Com-
mon, Beacon and Copp's Hill, all the places which in his early

boyhood he had frequented. His spirit from every scene
drank in that love of country which is so strong in the Ameri-
can boy.

By degrees his mind, naturally active and intelligent, began
to examine the quarrel between the land of his birth and the
mother country. He found among his provincials who were
retained in the town, an old man, who related to him the
whole history of grievances; who unfolded to him the tyrranny
and oppression of England, the forbearance and suffering of
the Colonies in their true light. His heart was fired by the
recital, and his sympathies gradually became enlisted with
those who were so bravely battling for independence. Yet he
by no means thought of joining his countrymen. The idea. of
quitting the service of his king never for a moment entered
his mind. He felt for and sympathized with the Americans,
but he dreamed not of disloyalty. He could admire the spirit
of the patriots without feeling any desire to desert the service
of the king.

But the seeds of liberty once sown in the heart will first
take root downward and then spring its stalk upward into
open view. Neal’s was a mind well fitted for the promo“
of the up-springing of such a plant. The subject was over
open his mind. The character of Washington commanded
his admiration and respect. Te patience and perseverance and
endurance of the American soldiery astonished him. Daily ho
thought upon their cause, until, at length, he found himself, in
the presence of his uncle, speaking warmly in praise of the
American General, and wishing that the King and min”,
would do justice to the Colonies.

“ And do you think they are doing injustice, Neal ?” ubd
Sir William Howe surprised.

“ Yes, sir !" said the young man firmly. “ I have erminod
the whole ground of quarrel, and I feel satisfied that England
is in the wrong. I am satisfied, also, that if the ministry
would look to it im artially they would see that they cannot
be sustained in equity in the course they have taken l” 3 '

“Youhadbutgo home in akigato,nephew, and mirth,

 

 

10 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

ministry," said Sir William Howe, laughing. "If you will
undertake the mission, I will despatch a ship with you to-
morrow."

Neal's cheek burned, and he felt a little vexed and mortified;
but the reception his opinion had met with, did not diminish
his awakening patriotism The sneering manner in which his
uncle had replied to him stung and angered him. A few days
afterwards he was led a second time to speak, with unguarded
zealof the bravery which a. party of Americans had exhibited in
a certain encounter with a detachment of the British on a
foraging expedition, and Sir William Howe could not but see
from his eye and tone, as well as from his words, that his sym-
pathies went strongly with the American party, and. that he
:felt glad at the defeat of the British; for the latter had been
discomfited and driven within their lines‘with the loss of
many men killed and taken prisoners.

“ You had best join the rebels at once, Neal 1” answered his
uncle, fixing upon the young seaman a keen look.

“I have no wish to join them, sir,” he answered firmly;
“but I still feel persuaded that they are fighting in a cause
that will be ultimately successful. Such men can never be
conquered."

“ \Ve shall at least try to conquer them, nephew,” said the
English General in a tone of derision. “If you have such
sentiments as these, you had best dismiss them at once from
your mind, or not give them utterance l"

“ I do not fear to speak as I think,” said Neal firmly.

“It is not always safe to do so, young’man. Your language
has treason in it, and if spoken before such men as Shuldam or
Gage, would lose you your liberty. But I am aware of the
warmth of your feelings, and know you are more thoughtless
than traitorous. So let me hear no more of this i" This con-
versation took place about three weeks preceding the evacu-
ation of the place.

Neal obeyed his uncle. From that day he was careful to
conceal from him his thoughts, not, however, because he had
been commanded to do so, but because a change had taken
'nlaoein his character and feelings that rendered precaution
necessary for his safety; for he had in the interval, fully com.
mitted himself though secretly, in the rebel cause; and so far
as to lead him to resclve when an opportunity should offer, to
withdraw from the town, and attach himself to the provincial
party.

How this change and determination was brought about- and
the instrument that achieved it, will be explained in the next

chapter.

CHAPTER VII.
COLONEL JOCELYN scsrno'm.

THE severity with which Sir William Howe reprimanded
his youthful relative for the free expression of his opinion, ac-
companied as the reproof was with ridicule, vexed Neal not a
little. His pride was touched by the contempt with which
his bold avowal of his sentiments had been waived. He was
at that age, and of that frank, ingenuous temper which knows
no double dealing, and which fearlessly manifests its emotions.
Neal saw nothing to occasion surprise, that, because he thought
the Americans were right in resistance, he should say so. He
had not lived so long in the world as to learn that the truth
must sometimes be withheld; and that men must speak as in~
forest and prejudice dictate. Though serving England he did.
not feel himself the less competent to see the difference be-
tween right and wrong; nor, seeing it, did he suspect that he
was doing anything reproachable in making known his senti-
manta.

He was therefore not a little annoyed by the manner in
whichhis uncle had received his opinions. For this uncle,
he had not of late felt a very ardent attachment. He had, not
many days before, learned from his mother for the first time,
the history of her marriage, of her persecution, of her father’s
wicked death, and the relentless conduct of her uncle towards
hinudhsr. Helmhwhcn she discovered hsrhoneltindic-

«.._ . ,,.. 

 

 

 

*-
‘-

nation, pledged himself to his,mother not to show any ill-will
Sowards Sir William Howe, but t6 manifest the same respect
'83 formerly towards him. The promise was easier than its ox-
ecution. Neal could not from that day but feel that he was in
the presence of a‘man that had proved the greatest enemy to
his parents. Tliisvfeeling of resentment went far to sever his
jattachment both to hisuncle'and to the royal cause. He felt
that bone longer owed to his uncle duty or service.

Themanner in Which his free expression of opinion was re-
oeiveda fewdaysrafter his mother's communication, did not
by any means serve to increase his regard for his distinguished
relative ’ A few moments afterwards he left the room to retire
ostensibly to his quarters, which were a few doors farther east
bu the same street. Instead of entering the dwelling where
his room was, he passed by it and took his way rapidly down
School street and across Cornhill in the direction of Fort Hill.
It was seven o'clock in the evening and the air was filled with
snow, for it was the last of January, about six weeks previous
to the evacuation of the town. Here and there at the corners
of the streets, or in passing guard houses he was challenged by
the sentries, who, enveloped in their thick winter coats, paced
up and down at a quick tread on their posts, and looking, by
the light of the lamps swung above the sentry-box, like shaggy
Greenland bears. I

As he passed the old South which was occupied as a barracks
for a corps of cavalry he saw an officer just dismounting at the
West door, who throwing his bridle to a sergeant crossed the
walk as he went by so as to intercept him. Neal was en-
veloped in a storm jacket such as naval officers stand watch in,
in heavy weather, and perhaps was recognized by it, rather
than by his features, which were nearly concealed within the
meeting collar.

“ Ah, Nelson, is it you P”

“ Yes, Colonel Jocelyn. How do you do to-night ?”

“Cleverly, thank you! But whither away such a bluster-
ing night ? Come in and take something to warm yourself.
I have been out the last two hours towards the Roxbury lines
mtching the movements of a party of infernal rebels who
have been skulking since sumdown about the Neck as if bent
on mischief. We sent a few shot at them but they took no
more notice of the balls than as if they had been wooden
bowls and themselves so many nine-pins. I received orders to
be ready to make a cavalry charge upon them if they came
nearer, but they have at length retired, and so I am at liberty
to go to sleep, a luxury I havn’t enjoyed this thirty-six hours,
save in the saddle.”

“ Where are your men P” asked Neal carelessly.

“They came up in advance of me a quarter of an hour ago,
and I dare say sound asleep in the galleries of this puritan
conventicle, every soul of them. But come in, I have shed
and a bumper for you."

“ Thank you; I have an engagement,” answered Neal.

“ With a pretty rebel, I dare sWear,” responded Jocelyn,
laughing. “Do you know I have heard of your being a very
frequent guest with that old rebel, Colonel Parks. They say
he has a pretty niece ; but I have not had the pleasure of seeing
her yet; for she secludes herself like a nun."

Neal colored in spite of an effort to command the expression
of his face, and said in a gay tone:

“ Rebel Colonels may have fair nieces enough in.Boston, and
the gallant Col. Jocelyn may be far more wise upon the matter
than I.”

With this reply he passed on, bidding the buzzer oflcer good
night. He turned into Milk street, and so on, to what is now
known as Pearl street. He ascended it about half-way, and
then stopped in front of a stater mansion, three stories in
height, facing the West, and separated from the street by a
terrace garden.

After looking carefully about him, to see if he was observed,
he entered the gate, and, ascending to the front door, knocked
for admittance.

After a little delay, the door was opened by an old man,
erect stately in his figure, and with an air at once venera-
ablo an ilitary. When be recognised his visitor, he smiled
and “tended his hand with cordial and affectionate welcome.

 "n"

 

  
 

 

 

 

 

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THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 11

 

 

“Come in, my son: the storm is most too violent for you to
be abroad.”

“ I am a seamen, sir, and little regard the weather," answered

Neal, as he entered.
I “ Come in and let me hear what news you have. We live so
retired we get nothing certain, though strange accounts are
continually coming to us through our domestics. Never mind
stopping to knock off the snow outside. Hang your coat in
the hall as it is. We New Englanders are not afraid to have
snow brought into our houses."

Neal removed his rough coat, which was fairly whitened with
the flakes, and followed the old gentlemen into a small com-
fortable parlor, warmed by a blazing wood fire. The whole
apartment wore an air of quiet, grave respectability, without
ostentation or luxury. An old fashioan calico sofa and two
arm chairs, the backs embroidered \vith lwraldio (l('ngllN,ln-
Yitcd to comfortable repose. Over the mantle pierc was a por-
trait of Queen Anne, and around the walls hung pictures of
battles in Flanders, set in carved franws, of great antiquity.
The andirons were brass dog's, and shone like the sun; while
the brass latchosand lot-ksot' the doo s "ixalloql them in lustre.
A pipe upon the mantle showed that the host loved to smoke;
and a book-ease of tlll't-U or four hundred volumes, partly hid
by a green curtain, betrayed his love for literature.

On one side of the fire-place stood a small work-table, on
which lay a piece of needle-work in a state of progress, and the
needle sticking in it, the low rocking chair still in motion : a
lady's handkerchief lying on the floor betrayed that the em-
broidcrer had but the instant before deserted it. probably on
hearing the rap at the door.

Neal looked at the little work-table and chair as he entered
with the animated look of one about to address some one whom
he expected to find occupying it; but the instant change that:
passed across his face showed his disappointment.

“ Anne will return in a moment, Neal. She did not know
it was you or she would not have run.”

But her father was mistaken. It was because she knew it
was Neal that she did fly ! She flew to change her dress, for
not expecting any visitors so stormy a night she was in a sort
of home undress ; which though sweetly becoming, and displayed
her exquisite shape to the most unconeeivable advantage, she
did not think it proper to appear in before a young gentleman ;
for Anne Parks, though possessed of excellent taste, had not
yet learned that our sex are most charmed with simplicity of
costume in hers.

“What is this rumor, my young friend, that Sir William
Howe proposed to march out with the whole garrison to.
morrow, and give General Washington battle 1*” asked Colonel
Parks, after Neal had seated himself in the opposite arm chair
to his own, leaving the low-cushioned rocking-chair to be oc-
cupied by her for Whose return his throbbing heart and listen-
ing ears were waiting.

“ There is no foundatidn for the rumor, ripe as it is.

“ Yes, there is no question but that such a report had been
circulated by General Howe.”

“ Yes; his motive in doing it, I can now say to you, sir,
without betraying his confidence in me, was to draw \Vashing—
ton’s forces all to one focus at: Roxbury; when taking advan-
tage of the open country he meant to land a large detachment
at Leehmere Point, to forage for provisions. But as the Amer-
ican General, with his ch23" icteristic penetration, has seen
through the ruse, and ke'_ . his army quiet, the plan has
failed.” \

“ I guessed this was his mative. Howe is in no situation to
fight a battle. He is growing each day weaker, and in six
months" time unless he is reinforced from England he will
have to capitulate or withdraw on board the shipping.”

“ One of these results is inevitable. But my sympathies are
no longer with the royal cause.”

“Indeed! are you then become one of us ?” asked the old
man with sparkling eyes. “ I, have been looking for this! I
have hoped for it. I have refrained from advising or urging

to be with us. I have satisfied myself with explaining to
you all the causes of our differences with England and the
motive which led us to take up arms, leaving the interferences
so your own good new and justice. I have understood rally

 

 

 

your position and nephew and aid of the General-in-chief, and
I have forborne to influence you, though I have felt that time
would produce a. change and lead you to right decision and
acting l’f

“Yes, decision and action is what I have been deficient in,
air. But I fear you place more meaning upon my words than I
meant to give them. I meant to say that I am satisfied that
the King is wrong, and the Provincials right; that the latter
have my hearty wishes for their ultimate independence of the
crown." ‘

“I did then give too much meaning to your words, my
young friem ," said the venerable patriot with a look of disapn
pointment.

"I can condemn the course of England, and yet remain in
her service."

“ True, true! There are others in your army that do not
approve of the war against us, yet are prepared to slaughter
us!"

“They cannot resign without ruining themselves, or doubt-
less they would do so." -

“ Is there no other course for them to take? Is nothing also
suggested to their minds:’ Must they remain in service or
Sink into beggary ? Shall I speak more plainly ? aro tlwro not
two sides to this quarrel; are them not two armies? If one is
engaged in a wronpr cause. is not the other in a right one 1’"

Neal listened with Mll‘pl‘isv‘. He had never conceived that
the legitimate fruit of his growing dissatisfaction ought to be

the arming himself in the cause of freedom. He had not
thought of joining \Vashington, if he should withdraw from
IIowe and the service: or, if such ideas had occurred to him

thcv were vague and indecisive.

(‘IlAl’TER VIII.
NEAL ’I‘() run imchl.

Such were Neal's feelings when he received the reproof from
his uncle which had <,Itl’LsInled his pride. “I will, frcm this
time, cause to share in this quarrel. No gratitude binds m
to my uncle. No honor binds me to my country’s service in a
wicked cause. I will resign, and let the odium of that inva-
sion of the Colonies rest with those who war against them. I
will bear none of it longer on my conscience."

It was with such feelings that he left: his presence and
sought secretly the abode of Colonel Park. This gentleman
had been a distinguished oflicer in the early French wars, and
had returned from the army a few years before the breaking
out of the revolution, and resumed the practice of law in Bos-
ton. IIere he resided when General Gage then in command.
committed those acts of aggression upon him. the scorn of all
men, and raised the spirit of resistance. Boston wwurround-
ed by an army, and Gage began to fortify the town to stand a
siege. The citizens in alarm begun to fly to the country least
they should be shut up with the garrison.

At; first be permitted them to go after first stacking their
arms in Faneuil Hall; but discovering that they conveyed
away a great deal of valuable property beside provisons,
and seeing that each man would increase the strength
of the rebel forces, he suddenly issued an order for-
bidding any more to depart. The promulgation of this order
found a large number of the citizens still in town, who were
subsequently involved in all the miseries of the siege of six-
teen months which followcd. Among these citizens wan
Colonel Parks and his family, which consisted of a nephew and
neice and a maiden sister. The nephew succeeded afterwardli
in effecting his escape and joining Washington. When this
was discovered, a. sentry was placed at the door of the family\
mansion.

One day not long after the guard was placed there, Neal was
passing and saw a. young and beautiful girl endeavoring to
prevail upon him to pennit her to enter the house. N cal any
the soldier was insolent and the female was very much
alarmed; for two or three tipsy young officers were 01mins
the street towards her, singing a gay song. .

“What means this, fellow ?” demanded Neal of the sentinel

“ I have orders not. to let any one pass out without a permit.”

 

 

 

 

 

12 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

answered the man respimt'ully. as he recognized the general’s
nephew.

“ You wish to go in,l believe," said Neal, addressing the
shrinking and terrified girl.

“ Yes, air."

He regarded her an instant with deep admiration and then
Mid, With courtesy :

“Suffer in!» to escort you I The soldier is insolent and shall
be arrested."

He offered her his arm and attended her to the door of tho
mansion. The grateful girl turned and thanked him with a
372mm that thrilled to his soul, and in avoice that sounded
sweeter to his charmed cars than any music that had ever fall-
en upon them.

She was scarcely eighteen, with heavenly blue eyes, and soft
fair hair, and one of those pure complexions that are the index
of a sunny spirit. She was slight in person, and airy as a
Bylph in her movements. Neal's heart was at once taken cap—
tive Yet the lovely Anne lurks was all unconscious of her

pwwm‘. .
“ You w.ll be so kind as to come in and let my uncle thank you,
sir, she said, in a way that was totally irresistible. “ I ought

not to have gone out without him; but a poor woman whose
son is in prison on suspicion of having tried to escape to the
army, and who is in great distress, sent for me; and, forget-
ful of the peril of being abroad, I hastened to her. On my
return another soldier was on duty before the door, who re-
fused to let me enter, when you were so good as to interposc in
my behalf." '

“I am most happy to serve you. The sentry shall at
once and altogether removed from your door."

“I thank you sir, if you have influence enough with General
Howe "

“You may depend upon the removal of this annoyance," he
said. very decidedly.

Ho accepted his invitation to enter the house, wondering
how so much beauty had been so long secluded in the town
from his view or knowledge. He did not go in because he
wished her father to be thanked. The gratitude of the lovely
provincial was enough, He wished to know and see more of
her, and to learn who she Could be.

The result of all was that he became a frequent guest at the
house of the old soldier, he passed there the hours in which
he absented himself from his quarters. Colonel Parks soon
discovered the worth and excellency of character in his
young visitor, and conversed with him freely upon the state of
afl‘airs. conveying instruction and truth in all he said. Neal
became a gratified listener, for Anne in whom he had discover-
ed a. playmate of his childhood listened also! In this way he
became acquainted with the great principles which actuated the
Americans, and convinced of the injustice of England.
Neither father nor daughter used an argument to bring him
over to the provincial party. Colonel Parks contented himself
with stating facts leaving the result to his own mind. Anna
had faith that its final decision would be the right one.

Colonel Parks was the honorable also to seek to corrupt the
integrity of his young friend by drawing from him informa-
tion that might be useful to Washington, and Neal was too
faithful, while he remained in the service of the king,to betray
the trust reposed in him.

The visits of Neal to the house of the provincial were made
always by night. and with caution; for he did not like the
ridicule of the officers, and he feared, too that his motive might
be misinterpreted to the injury of the fair girl 5 good name.
He also did not like to give occasion for any suspicion to be
fastened upon his loyalty. The withdrawal of the sentry
favored the secrecy of his visits. Colonel Parks was not blind
to the attachment of the young aid-de-camp to his neice; nor
that it was reciprocated by her. But hohad no fears of the in-
tegrity of the young man, for whom he himself had conceived
I strong affection.

Affairs remained in this condition up to the stormy evening
on which we accompany him on his usual visit to the house of
the venerable provincial.

 

(‘HAPTER IX.

THE MESSENGER mum THE REREL CAMP-

BEFORE Neal could decide what sort of a reply to make to
the searching question of the old Provincial Colonel, the door
of an inner room opened and Anne Parks came in. She smiled
but blushed also as she gave her hand to Neal, who rose and
approached her with ardent affection beaming in his fine counte-
nance. Our hero’s check reflected the hue of her own, as he
pressed her small, warm hand in his, and led her to the vacant
seat.

“ You were sitting here at your embroidery, Anne,” said he,
tenderly. “and ran away when I knocked. Did you think I
was a stranger ? Have you forgotten my rap ?" and he smiled
in her eye, and she looked down as she replied :

“ No, but ” Here she hesitated and took up her
work

“ But she did not think she was in trim to see you, I sus~
pect," said her uncle; “ for I see that she has not on the same
dress that "

“ Dear uncle

“ \Vcll, I wont expose you, child P"

“I think you havedono so already," she answered laughingly.

“I am sorry you should make a stranger of me more than
you would of your brother,” said Neal. “ Have you heard
from him of late ?" '

 

 

n

 

“Not for two weeks. I am very anxious to learn if he is
well P"

“ If he had been ill you would have heard from him.”

“ Perhaps not," said Colonel Parks; “besides communication
is now nearly imlmssihle, both sides observes such vigilance.
But I trust he is well, and serving his country faithfully.”

The old gentleman then took his pipe in his hand, as if he
learned from experience, that Neal had no ear for him while
Anne was by; and saying he believed he would go into his
bed-room and smoke, he rose and left the lovers together.

Neal looked very well pleased, and taking up Anne's hand
be pressed it to his lips: and then would have drawn her
towards him with his arm about her slender waist when she
reservedly drew back.

“Why, Anne! This is not usual!” he exclaimed, hurt.

“ I have been thinking, Neal, "

And she hesitated, and in trying to take a stitch in her
work pricked her finger with her needle.

“What have you been thinking, dear Anne ?"

“ That we ought not to be so intimate.”

“ Do you not love me, then ‘P”

“ I will not unsay what I have said 1” she said, quietly.

“Then you really love me! If so, why shrink from me, as
you did at this moment.”

“ I have thought ”

“Thought! I wish you would let your thoughts alone,
Anne. if they are to grieve me in this way.”

“ I do not wish to grieve you, Neal, indeed, I do not,” she said
earnestly. “But we ought not to see each other any more!
You do not now come here to converse with my uncle but to
sit with me i”

“ And do you not like it? Does it displease you 7"

 

 

“Oh, nol But I know it will end in making us both very2

unhappy.” .

“ Why P How, dearest Anne ?”

“I will deal frankly, Neal,” said the beautiful provincial
maiden elevating her deep blue eyes to his face, beaming with
an expression full of sincerity and devotion; “ we are both
very much attached to each other. Each day will strengthen
it in both our hearts! In a few weeks General Howe wrll
depart or surrender, my uncle thinks, and then we must sepa-
rate, you to go to England or perhaps to prison, and I shall be
left in tears and ' "

Here her voice trembled and her eyes filled with glittering
drops.

“ Why should we separate ?” he said with warmth. “ I will

 

 

 

 

 

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THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 1 3

 

not go to England! I will not leave you l If i go to England
by and by you shall accompany me as your bride l Nay—look
not so coldly. Have I not breathed before to thee this sweet
word—this delightful thought ? Why this grave look that
you wear ?”

“It is because I can never be yours, Neal, that I look grave
-—that I have said our intimacy shoul d cease 2’"

“And why shall you not be mine? I am young—hut in
less than a year I shall be of age, and inherit a fortune left.
me by my aunt. You shall live with me in England, and—”

"‘1 can never live in the land of my country‘s oppressors !"
she said firmly, yet with a check very pale.

Neal started with surprise. IIe regarded her for a moment
with looks of saddess.

‘ “Yes, it is the land of oppression to you, Anne ! You speak
truly! England is unjust. But there will be peace by and
by. Then your objection will he removed.”

“I cannot be the bride of one who now, there is war, is in
arms on the side of my country‘s oppressors 'r”

“ Anne! are you in earnest i’”

"‘ Do you wish me to repeat my words, Neal ?"

“ No. They are ringing now in my ears ! Is this decision
the result of what you have been thinking upon ‘8”

‘1 Yes]!

“ And you are firm ?"

“Neal: strongly as my heart is linked to you, I would break
it are I would become your wife while you are in arms against
the land of my birth. I should be unworthy to he called an
American woman should I forget my country in myself, Neal."

“ It is a noble sentiment, Anne ! A cause must prosper that
inspires such a spirit throughout all classes without distinction
of age or sex as this which you love so warmly. From this
hour, Anne, I cease to serve the King!” he added, with de-
cision. “I will to—morrow tender my resignation to General
Howe, and to Admiral Shuldam. Ieontess that I ought not
to continue in arms with the opinions I entertain, and which I
have learned from you uncle and you I I will frankly confess
"o arr-v uncle my objection to serving longer, and then, free '~ -
the bird that hastens from the storm cloud to its nest, will I fly
to you. I have been offended by my uncle to-night, and I owe
him little gratitude. 'I'o-morrow I will resign and come
hither and lay my sword at your feet.”

“Are you sincere? Can I believe this, Neal 1’" asked the
young girl with cheeks glowing with pleasure, and her eyes
sparkling with delighted hope.

“ For your sake, I will to-morrow cease to sanction this war
of oppression, by attaching myself to its leaders. You shall
then be mine. I will sail with you and my mother to France,
and there remain until peace is restored, and then return to
England.”

“ Neal, are you of England—are you English born, that you
must think only of that proud and wicked land l You as well
as I are American born. Boston is your native town—~New
England your native land. What have you to do with Eng-
land but to resist her oppression of your country P You have
not done enough when you only resign? You have not done
what is due to yourself, Neal, when you only cease to serve the
tyrant ?”

“What could you have me do more, Anne? Turn traitor
and take up arms against the king “r”

“ Is there any alteration for a brave man who has arrived to
a true knowledge of his country's wrongs? Your reward is
due to America! Your arms, your voice, your influence, your
country most sacredly claims! You have been a traitor, Neal,
to her not to be so to England. Have I not heard you speak
with pleasure of your boyhood, and nay, have I not heard you
express your happiness that you were born where I was '1’
What is there that attaches me to New England that does not
equally bind you? What is there that makes me an American
-a patriot, that does not make you the same? Throw ofi' this
blind prejudice, which, like a. veil obscures the-true nobility
of your soul, Neal, and from this hour give to your country
your sword, and, it need is your life. You are convinced of

, the oppression and tyranny of the king and of the injustice of

his cause. What more should you do to bear testimony to the
use of he: injustice b] siding your oppressed countrymen to

 

 

 

resist it. Do not foreigners, from love of liberty and hatred
of oppression, flock to our standard! and lay down their lives
upon asoil far more their ownl What higher motive have
you who—” I

“Enough—enough, dearest Anne,” exclaimed Neal, kneel-
ingion one knee by the side of the eloquent girl, who, inspired
by patriotic love for her country and her solicitude for her
honor of him whom she so devotedly loved; “yell have pro-
vailed. I feel as if I had just awakened from a lethargy!
You are rightl I have been a traitor to my country! I will
return for allegiance. From this hour I am an American.”

The ardent and joyful girl could not restrain the tears that
rushed to her eyes. She suitcer him to press her to his heart
unrcsistingly.

“ Now, Neal, I am happy. Oh, how I have longed to make
this appeal to you; but I have retrained, not wishing to in-
fluence you, lost I might be actuated in doing so, by selfish
rather than by higher motives which ought to govern me. But
you have made me happy. You will now be joined hand in
hand with my noble brother instead of against him, and "

“ And with the sister heart and hand instead of separating
from her," continued Neal, with a smile. “I have been, it

 

seems, willfully blind, I never can he too grateful to you,
Anne, for teaching me my duty. I am an American. I will
prove myself to he one."

At this moment the hall door softly opened, and a man
enveloped in snow from head to foot entered, and stood gazing
upon them with an air of hesitation and wuriness, as it doubt-
ful, whether to advance. or retreat. At first his complexion
could not be made out for the snow that lay on his cheeks, but
as it was rapidly dissolving it displayed shortly the glossy hue
of an Ethiopian.

“ It is Jesse I" cried Anne, springing from her elixir and run-
ning towards him.

“Who can ‘Jesse' he?" thought Neal, as he surveyed the
tall, ungainly shape of the negro.

“ Jesse ! bless us, is Jesse here ’r" cried the old otfiorr coming
in with his pipe in one hand and his red night-cap in the other.

CHAPTER X.
nnAL rmeomss A REBEL.

“ How have you got into town Jesse?" inquired Anne. asshe
untied a large mufl'lor that enveloped “ Jesse's" neck.

“ And where is Frederick P" asked the Colonel, as he pushed
the old negro into his own arm chair.

“ Is he well, and why have you come, and in such a storm P
What can have made you venture to try and see us through so
many dangers P"

“ Why, Miss Army, and master," answered Jesse, after
having taken off his fur cap, displaying a head as grey with
age as his coat collar was with snow, “ it 8. mos’ impossible for
do poor nigger answer sich a sight 0' questions all at onct. I’se
glad I got her safe tho’ and bress de lord I finds you both safe
and well. "

“ Where did you leave my brother ?” asked Anne. “ This,
Neal,” she added observing his look of curiosity, “this is our
old servant who accompanied Frederick in his escape, from the
town five months ago, when he went to join Washington. We
have not seen him since then; and so you will not be longer
surprised at our reception of him. Where is Frederick? is he
well, and did he send you P”

“I worry sorry, missis, but young master unt verry well."
responded the old man shaking his head sadly.

“ Sick ? my dear brother ill ?”

“Is my boy hurt—is he wounded?”

“ Yes, master, that is it 1 You see yesterday dare was a boat
full 0' walusble perwiseions and arms goin’ to the Merihn
army from below when do wind blew contrary and drive do
boat ober on to do flat on dis side ; and when do English see it.
day start a hundred red cost from deir lines to take it.

u-Master Frederick he vos ridin’ with about twenty horse
along the shore goin' to relieve a post, when he sees the perdik.
current of the boat and gives the command to his men to keep
the English from gettin' it. So they galloped on for more thin
smiles. but as they could spur and reach. tho ho“ ‘2‘.

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THE (ZAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

 

 

But the English corned up and attack ’em, but master Fred-
erick had so much fight in him he sarved ’em so they run’d away
and then he got the boat safe ; but he was shot bad in the side
and in the forehead, though he didn‘t mind it till he got the
boat clear, but there was five 0’ the T‘ngish killed and seven-
teen wounded, and this was satisfaction to me and master
Edward wy he and I was the ony one’s hit on our side i”

“I heard of the exploit, but didn’t know that the cavalry
cfiicer who executed it was my nephew,” said the old soldier,
With a tone of pride, while tears glistened in his eyes.

i

“Oh, tell me, Jesse, is he badly hurt I?" cried Anne, pale
with sisterly alarm.

“Why, pretty bad, missesl He can’t set up, and his head
pains him werry hard. The doctor distract one ball from his
side and half a ball from his forehead, coz you see that the
bone split it. But he ant in no danger ! He only told me to
try and get into the town and tell you ’xaetly how he was, so
you mustn’t be alarmed: for he was ’fraid you might hear he
was killed out and out !”

“Then he is in no present danger, good Jesse .9" asked the
Colonel.

“ No, masterl he ony have good deal pain !"
“ And do you say you were in tho skirmish!"

“ Yes, master ! I always go win-re young master goes!"

“And where were you wounded? not badly, I hope i" said
the Colonel with concern.

“Not much, massa. I only got a shot in let" arm. Its only
a flesh wound! Doctor sew it up, and nigger good as new I”

“ Are you sure you are not much hurt, Jesse '1" inquired
Anne, with beautiful solicitude, for the moment forgetting her
brother in her grateful interest in the fate of his faithful ser-
vant.

“Not a bit! Do doctor cut him bullet out clean, and dere
he is,“ he added, taking the leaden bullet out of his pocket and
exhibiting to them. “I keep him, master, coz I mean to send
him back again to ’em afore a week I"

“And how did you get in so safely, brave Jesse, with all the
avenues so vigilently kept P" asked Neal.

Jesse surveyed the speaker a moment, and discovering the
English unaform he started back, as if he had for the first time
noticed him.

“Brass me, ant this a enemy, master P“

“No, Jesse. He is an American and a true friend of the
cause,” answered Anne, with a tone of pride.

“Has he, indeed, become one of us, Anne P” asked Colonel
Park with a glow of pleasure.

“Yes, sir; I am not Worthy of the land of my birth,”
answered Nealfirmly. “ I have seen that the officer who feels
the injustice of England has something more to do than resign
and return home! especially if he be by birth an American.
My decision is made. I resign to—morrow and the sword I
withdraw from tyranny I consccratc to liberty l"

The old Provincial officer made no reply; but he went up
and embraced him and called him affectionately “his son 1”

“ Come and kiss him girl i” he said to Anne. “ He deserves
this i”

Anne did not obey. Perhaps she thought Neal had already
taken his reward! she blushed deeply and looked very happy.
But the next instant the situation of her brother filled all her
thoughts.

“If this young gemman be a true friend then I answers his
guestions,” said Jesse. “I lef’ the camp just afore dark and
made for the lines. I know’d the snow and dark would help
me, and so I walk on fast. When I get near the lines it was
dark as pitch and the snow as thick as feathers. Sol kept
along till I come to the first sentry. But he did‘nt see me for
the snow—and taking care of his own eyes and I went by him
within two rods. In dis way I paSSed ’em all but de last one
when I step on a. stick which crack and he look and see me.
But afore he could fire I caught him by do freat and fling him
down and stuff his mouth full 0’ snow, keep him from hollerin‘
and dare leave him arter I’d taken his gun. And when I lef’
him I advise him to go over to the rebels for if General Howe
knew he’d lost his musket he’d have him shot. He not rite

 

up and went strait as I advise, like a wise man la—The rest 0’
the way I got here easy enufl'. I stood my musket up in the
back entry eoz I crept in the house that way I”

“ You have done bravely, Jesse,” said Colonel Park. “ New
relieve Anne’s anxiety who fears you have not told all the
truth about her brother! Is your young master in any
danger P"

“ Wall, to tell the truth his situation is pretty bad."

“Did he not tell. you to represent his case as lightly as
possible ?” asked Anne.

“That is just his words, Miss Anna."

“ He must be dangerously wounded, uncle 1 Oh, that I was
with him. In the camp and without proper attention he will
suffer—perhaps die! I might save his life. Where is he,
Jesse P Where did you leave him 1‘”

“ At General VVashington’s own quarters. The General had
him removed there.”

“ Then he must be very ill to call for such attention. Jesse,
do you intend to return to-night ?"

“Yes, misses, I mean to go rite back."

“ Then I will accompany you.”

“ You, Annci" exclaimed her uncle and Neal in the same
breath.

“I must see my brother, I must be near him in his illness!
I will brave every danger. is he not wounded in the service,
of his country! What can woman do less than devote herself
to those whoblced for this struggling land. What can a sister
do but watch by a brother’s couch? I am resolved, unelel I
will go out of the city with Jesse! If he can risk his life for
Frederick, shall not I ‘r"

“Nothing is impossible to resolute affection and sacred
duty.”

“ The fatigue,” said Neal.

“ I shall not feel it !"

“The peril—"

“Shall I fear anything that I may reach my wounde
brother’s side ? Jesse. refresh yourself, and in an hour I will b0
ready to go with you.”

“If this is your determination, Anne.” said Neal, “ I will go
also. I shall thus prove to you the sincerity of my conver.
sion 1”

CHAPTER XI.
IN WASHINGTON’S TENT.

Tun limits of our story will not permit us to accompany the
party, composed of Neal, Anne and the faithful black, each
step of their progress on their dangerous enterprise. Favored
by the storm and darkness and by the direction of the sentry
whom Jesse had disarmcd, they passed the outposts and reached
the American lines in safety. Neal's British uniform was con-
cealed by his seaman’s jacket, in'whieh he had enveloped him’
self. Anne was protected by a cloak and furs, and bravely
stood the fatigue of the three miles walk which intervened be-
tween the out posts of the British garrison and centre of the
American camp at Cambridge.

Jesse proved an excellent guide; and always having ready
pass-word and countersign which challenged, in two hours
after leaving her uncle’s house within the besieged towns,
Anne was in front of the quarters occupied by General Wash’
ington.

Neal’s feelings Were sufliciently novel at finding himself in
the American camp, and about to be ushered within the pres‘

ence of the Commandenin-chief of the army opposed to that;

commanded by his uncle and to which he had hitherto owed
service and allegiance. But he did not hesitate. He had no
feeling of regret. He had become fully alive to the course of
duty: and if duty and honor did not point hm to serve the
American cause, love for the fair girl resting upon his arm un-
disputably did so.

The hour was near midnight: but light was visible in several
of the windows as, after passing the sentry, Jesse knocked at
the door. It was opened by a black ,footman .who, 
Jesse, threw wide the door, and admitted them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 15

   

 

 

“How is Master Frederick P" asked Jesse in a low tone.

“About us he was when you left him, but some little more
fever. He has asked after you it good many times."

“Miss Anne, you and young master Neal stop here in the
hall a bit : and I'll jist go up and tell him you are here and all

about it, so he needn’t he took by surprise."

The hall in which J csse left them plainly enough indicated
the military occupation of the house. Swords, and bolts, cha-
peaus and pistols, were hanging from pegs around tho walls, or
strewn on the tables and settces. Miltary uniforms and camp-
coats lay about, and the place had that air of negligence which
a common hall might be supposed to wear after midnight when
all had retired. ‘

“Which is General Washington’s apartment P" asked Neal
of the footman.

"' That front one,” he answered, pointing to a door on their
left. “It is his sleeping and eating room. The other rooms
are occupied by his staff, and one by young Captain Parks
who was wounded yesterday in rescuing a barge from the
enemy.”

" ‘Vas ho badly wounded ?" asked Anne, tremblingly.

“ He received a spent bull in his forehead, and was severely
'Wountled in the side; but the doctor thinks he may live.”

“ illug/ live ? Then is his danger imminent. I can never
be too thankful, Neal, that I have come."

“ I fear your fatigue and exposure will endanger your own
life. dear Anne."

“ No! I can never suffer from what I have this night done.
'Here comes Jesse." V

“ Come up, Miss Anne l Master Frederick is told you is
'here. He wants to see you.’

Anne flew pp the stairs, but Neal followed at her side.

“ I will not go in at present, Anne. I would you should
‘first let him know who I am. I hope you will find him better
than you hope for.”

The reception of Anne by her brother was very affecting.
‘He blamed her for adventuring so much, but expressed his
gratitude in the some words, that he was without paim‘thougb

V the had been severely wounded.

“ Is there no danger of your dying, my dear brother?” she
asked with solicitude. '

“None! The wounds are not mortal. But the doctor says
‘1' must be kept quiet; and that everything depends on good
nursing for a week or two. I em glad you are here. You
were very kind and brave to come. And how you have
changed. “You are paler yet lovelier than when we parted six
months ago. Are you not wearied with your walk ?”

“ Neal'and Jesse carried me in their arms a great part of the
way.”

“‘Nome Jesse! And who is this Neal, sister, that has risked

danger with you? Jesse says he is a. young English ofioer.
Can it be possible ?” ,

In a few words, with hesitation and blushing thatbetrayed ,
[to her brother the secret of her heart, she told him who he

was; beginning with her first seeing him when he rebuked the
insolence of the sentry, up to the present evening.

“ The nephew of General Howe ! and an American by birth !
Educated In England and attached to its naval service; and
now an aid of the English General. I have heard of him! I
 he is all you say he is; and that his conversion is
ainoero !” I

“It is, brother i you have evidence of it in his being now in.

the  camp!" ' r .

“Let me be made known to himl Nay, don’t object. 1
:ohon't talk too much. I wish to see him, and thank him! I
wish   to how himl'; ‘ »

,Neol was in a moment or two afterwards introduced by

. .Anne to her brother. The two young men not with frankness
fluid mutual prepossession one for each other. In a. few minutes

my oonvouod together like long known friends. Neal ‘fre‘oly
W change inhllVlOWQ and feelings, and spokg of
hi: intention to icinithe American army so soon as ho should
«sign his mt position. ‘ . ‘ ‘

f,

‘the hand, “come, tell us your hair-breadth escapes from rebel , .-

' as barber and dentist, and loft in the same dress.” -

, men appeared warmly clad and, contented, and sppoorod to,“

 

 
  
    
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
     
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
 
    
   
 
  
  
  
   
 

"Yes. I intend to return to the city before dawn and web
ing an interview with my uncle, freely and openly explain to
him my intention no longer to bear arms against my native
country. I might now remain with your army,” he added,
“ but I do not wish to take the step I contemplate in a clandes-
tine way. I will resign in person into my uncle’s hands the
trust I received at them, and returning to Admiral Shuldam
my commission, will again see you !” l‘

It was in vain that both urged him to stay while he was in
safety. In vain Anne held out to him the probability that his
uncle would place hiin under arrest as a traitor, or hold him in
prison as a rebel. Neal’s high sense of honor was superior
even to the wishes and tours of Anne: and after remaining
two hours with them he took his leave, promising soon to
return.

The storm which still raged favored his entrance into the
city. The morning found him early in his uncle’s presence,
which he had sought with the mo rely patriotic determination
to resign his position and explain to him his reasons for so do-
ing. But the time happened to be rife with excitomenton
account of a. rumor that the citizen rebels had formed a plan
tofiro the town and then compel the garrison to leave the
place.

CHAPTER XII.
A oannn srnnrnonx.

A gay captain of the Light Hussars came dashing along the
street until he alighted before the head-quarters of the com-
mander-in-obief, and he must have been in, great favor with
the G ueral, for he carelessly threw his rein over the neck of
his powerful charger, and, after giving a low orders to his at-
tendant, he passed the sentinel, who stood at the door at the
footof the stairs. An orderly met him in the waiting-room,
who, upon seeing the captain, politely accosted him : L ' .

"The General is most anxious to see you, Captain Sparks;
and requested me to admit you to his presence humedlmoly.
upon your arrival.” He then ushered in the once. to tho
presence of the stately commander of this mulesty's 10min

the colonies, who greeted the captain with a. hearty shake of

 

ropes and soldiers; and who! about this man Washington ‘2" r
" I penetrated into the very center of their camp‘ln disguise 

 
 
 

‘The General smiled, and jocosely- remarked :—" The foal"
breath from the traitor-cue throats of these rebels had more to
do with those decayed pledges of your success, than the
choicequality of their food. Youysaw Washington, then ‘2"! .. i:
“ Yes,” replied the captain, depositing the teeth with 
greatest care in his breast-pocket ; " and in perlect health and
surrounded by as determined a staff as any rebel \chiottoin“
would wish to gaze upon." -. '
“ Good subjects, for the hangmab." I '-
" They do not think so, General,” replied the captoln. “The

     
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
   
  

possess the most abiding confidence in the wisdom and ability '
of the arch traitor, who is really a‘ commanding paranoid,
and, saving your presence, equal to any chieftoin of put his»
tory, so faithfully described by novelioti." . ' x =
“The truth is, Captdn,” aid the Gonorol, in o madam
tone choice. “ I an not ct all utiofied with our present on?
dition. Them-my must be fed end we cannot long 
shipping. And though Admiral Shuldom u deolrous tor-c»
tolmmedistoly attack-but of what cull—only tho  >
my brovo gnnodion without ultimate profit." " " 
" Then you intend to eucuoto‘ and move to the Still“: .
“ 1 am not preporod to giro on answer. But of th 
uwuyouconldgueuw "  ’5'
“ Between twelve or fifteen thousand, I should mini
dolly inert-alum”. And then, elm-1 portloululy  .
the character of the troop: out! the number of m, I
«1.5 ,"lt-will Ibo noon-Ry, M, for you W 
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16 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

 

strictest vigilance over your nephew. He is already suspected
by several of the staff. In other words he is in love, and the
tinder passion is all powerful."

” I will see him," replied the General, evidently amazed by
the captain’s remark.

"I think he would do better by attending to the rigging
dliis ship, and making love to the mermaids in the harbor,"
and the Captain coughed, as he bowed himselfout at the door
but the General wore a serious aspect, and remarked, “ Pray
do me the service to mark his road and discover through

whose in finance he is being led astray.”
'X *

* it It

General Howe was surrounded with officers and messengers,
and Neal postponed his purpose till another time. He then
went privately to inform Colonel Parks of the success of
Anne's escape and the condition of his nephew. He at the
same time laid before him his intentions. The Colonel tried
to prevail upon him to give up this “Quixotic idea,” as he
termed ii. assuring him that How: would put him under
arrest.

Nt'fll promised to think upon it; but Colonel Parks would
take no delay of decision. and Neal finally consented to depart,
leaving a letter behind to his uncle explaining his motives.
The letter was written and Neal was about to take his final
departure under cover of the darkness, and had walked to the
mansion of Colonel Parks to bid him ad'ieu, when he found
the house in the possesion of a guard of soldiers. 0n inquir-
ing, he learned that the old soldier had been arrested on sus-
picion of communicating with the enemy.

Angry. grieved and surprised at this intelligence, Neal felt,
nevertheless, that if he wished to serve him effectually he
must act with caution and si-crucy.

He, at length, learned that Jt-sso had been folloWetl from
the lines by a tory who was skulking about seeking for plun-
der, and who saw him cross them, disarming the soldier and
proceed to the house of Colonel Parks, and, that afterwards
saw three persons leave it, whom he followed, and saw pass
the post. into the Country. This account confirmed by the

absence of tlic rlti-a way sentry, had led to the arrest of the

venerable patriot

Until he should effect his release. Neal resolved to be silent
respecting his change of opinion for he knew that if his uncle
knew that he was a friend to the rebels his opportunity for
aiding the father of Anne would be lost. With some man-
agement he succeeded in getting an interview with the Colonel
in prison to whom ho made known his p' e of efi'ecting
his release, either by entri-aty or stratagem.

It was several days before Neal became fully satisfied that
it was his uncle’s intention to keep the old soldier aclose
prisoner in spite of all his efforts in his behalf; and of the
petitions of the American citizens in the town for his libera-
tion.

Three nights of this period of imprisonment, Neal had pass-
ed in the American camp, whither, having the pass of the
garrison, he Went without any difficulty. With Anne and her
brother be here discussed plans for the release of the prisoner;
and returned to town before morning to try and carry them
into cxocution. But all his schemes failed from the fact that
the guard ovor the prisoner was unusually strict; and that
his apartment was changed every night, lest there should be
an attempt made to aid his escape, for General Howe was
aware that the citizens were highly indignant at the arrest
of the Venerable fluldlvr and patriot whom they believed was
innocent of the charge brought against him.

Afl'airs Were in this situation when the English General
ordered Neal, who still held his post near him in the hope of
yet aiding the prisoner by his presence, to summon the selec
fiouof the town to a consultation.

The assembling of the rulers of the city, and the conferenCe
between them and Sir William IIowo has already been made
known, with the subsequent truce and evacuation of the town
by the enemy.

Having now brought up our story to the evening of Neal’s
departure from General Howo’s head-quarters to summon the
Selectmen to wait upon him, we will now follow him in his
farther adventures. We have now seen that his uncle's Inc.

 

picions Were not without good ground; and that if he had
been cognizant of what is known to the reader, instead of
sending his nephew on a mission to the Selectmen he would
haw sent him under guard to prison.

Neal delivered his several messages to the members of the
corporation, and then, from the town hall, took his way rapid
ly in the direction of the prison where Colonel Parks was
confined. Although he had in no one act betrayed Sir Wil-
liam Howe’s confidence in him by giving the information he
might have done to Washington concsrning the garrison, he
now resolved, since he saw that his uncle had suspicions of
his loyalty, to use the power his position near him gave him
to see the prisoner, and boldly effect his release. The evening
before when he parted from Anne in his brother’s room, he
had pledged himself that he would not cross the lines again
but in company with her uncle. He now resolved to redeem
this pledge.

“ Who is on guard to-night ? " he asked of a sergeant who
stood in front of the prison.

“ I am with my men."

“Then my business is with you, Murray.”

“ What is your wish. sir ? ”

“ The prisoner, Colonel Parks,I wish brought out privately
and escorted to Head Quarters. Yourself and four men will
serve a sufficient detachment.”

The sergeant did not hesitate to obey an order brought by
the nephew of the General. He led the way to the prison and
showed Neal into the apartment where the old soldier was
confined. .

“ Orders, sir, to march under guard to Head Quarters," said
the sergeant in a formal tone. “ Get ready to leave."

0n seeing Neal, Colonel Parks was about to express his
pleasure, when the young man placed his forefinger on his lip,
with a look of caution.

" Sergeant, I will assist the prisoner in getting his overcoat
on, while you draw out your man,” and the sergeant retired
along the gloomy corridor of the prison. '

“ Now, my friend, I am about to restore you to liberty and to
your family," said Neal, quickly. “I have done all I can
to effect your release by an honorable discharge ; but in vain.
Within three days the garrison will withdraw from the town
and I fear you may be conveyed on heard one of the ships and
there held a prisoner till you can be exchanged. I'm also
suspected and may share your fate. The sergeant will escort
you to the Head Quarters of Sir William Howe. All you
have to do is to follow me and Iwiil conduct you to your
niece "

The sergeant soon returned to receive the prisoner, and es»
corted by four soldiers the prisoner left leaning on Neal's
arm. The night was dark but clear, and the hour about half-
past seven. The escort took his way through Common street
into Beacon and so up to the Head Quarters of the General.
They halted at the foot of the steep flight of steps where
stood a sentry.

" Halt, here, sergeant with your prisoner till I return to
you,” said Neal.

He then ascended to the door and entered the hall with a
bold, free tread. He learned from a servant that his uncle.
was already in conference with the Selectmen.

" Then all is as I expected it would be. The way will be
free,” he said, with animation. He was about to return to the
sergeant: when his mother, seeing him, approached from the
extremity of the hall.

“Neal,.I am glad you are returned. I would speak with
you."

“ Well, mother.”

" This is no place. Come into my room."

“ I am somewhat engaged. But I will give you a moment
here, mother.”

“ Do you know you uncle suspects you of being disloyal to
the king’s cause ‘t”

“ Yes ; he told me as much. But my uncle’s suspicions so
not confirmed.”

"I do not like your tone, Neal. If I thought you were false

 

.__..._,..‘ "“ 0.....-

.e- .

THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

 

f5.1.9.£‘..::11;._.w~; _,  y

to your country I would be the first to cry out for your
arrest.”

“1 am false to my country only when 1 take sides with its
oppressors, mother,” said Neal, evasively. “ What have you
more to say, dear mother? "

" To caution you. If you are getting rebel notions, banish
them. You are in danger. My brother will not spare even
you.”

“ Mother, why should I not be a rehvl ‘f “ l is raid with a
Imile. “ Is not America my birth—plact ' ‘9 it not England
drive you and my father to these short-M: What harm or
wonder would there be ii‘I should be a little rebellish ‘2 But
here is a packet for you, which I wish you to read. dear
mother. I have another, something similar, for my uncle.
Good night. I shall soon see you again."

Thus speaking, he pressed her hand, and hurriedly descend-
ed the steps to where he had left the sergeant with the
prisoner. ,

“Sergeant, the General is at this moment engaged in coun-
cil. You will march your prisonvr up the yard by the wall,
and so to the side door."

The sergeant obeyed, and halted his men at a door that led
from the carriage yard up to thi- kitchen.

‘ “You will wait hero with your men till the prisoner re-
turns,” he said. “Follow me, sir,” he added sternly to the
prisoner.

He entered the door and ascended a steep, winding stair-way
closoly followed by the Colonel. At the landing he turned to
the right. and traversing a narrow passage, opened a door at
its extremity, which led into the garden.

“ Now, my dear sir, lean on me and move on as quickly as
possible,” said Nt-al, giving him his arm.

He rapidly crossed the lower parterre and then ascending
the steps of the terrace to the summer-house, passed it. and
crossing the elevated summit of the garden, descended by a
steep path on the farther side which terminated in a gate.
They passed t trough this, and entered a lane which led to-
wards the waéside on the west of the town.

"Now, my war friend,” said Neal, "we are almost in
security. You can understand now that the order to march
you from prison to the head-quarters was a. ruse to deceive
the sergeant, and get you lrom his power. In five minutes
mtire, if all is as I hope for, we shall be beyond pursuit.”

“ But thure is little probability that my uncle will end his
conlerence under an hour, and during that time the sergeant
and his men will not discover the deception I have practised
on them.”

-“ Noble young man! I know not how to thank you for your
interest in my behalf."

" I am fully rewarded in your liberty, sir,” answvred Neal,
who also thought of the sweet reward he should be sure to
obtain from l.er whom he loved better than life.

In ten minutes afur leaving the garden gate, they came to
the water-side, at a point where a ravine penetratrd the land
for some rods. IIvro Ni-al stopped and listened. As he did
so he heard on one side, and on the other 0! him, the cries of
the sentinels that guarded the beach of “ All is well,” sound
answvring to sound, for many a winding mile of the guarded
shore. He could also hear it from the American side coming
faintly and far-dis ant over the water. After all was still, he
took up a stone and threw it far out into the dark water.
After a pause, long enough to count fifty, he cast another. A
third after a similar interval, followed, each striking sharp
into the wave, ike the light splash of a small fish springing
into the air and falling back again. The fall of the last stone
was answered by three low splashes upon the water, not many
yards off; but in the darkness nothing was visible.

“The cry of ‘ all’s well ” has alarmed the fish, Bill," said
one sentry calling to another.

“Yes, they seem to be quite lively tonight. But when one
wants to catch one to keep from starving, they are as scarce as
guineas in a canteen.” I

“I am glad they are gossiping to one another," said Neal.
" Now step softly, air. The breaking of \ dry stick would
betray in."

 

CHAPTER x111.
THE ESCAPE.

NEAL took the old patriot by the hand and led him with
caution along tho bottom of the ravine and following it about
twalve yards they came to its outlet. Here they stopped and
Neal looked abroad upon the waters and listened. The next
moment he saw a bout appear close at hand and moving with
noiseless colority. It touched the shore. The faint outline of
a single human [iguro was perceptible in the bow.

“Jesse ! ” whispered Neal.

" Master Nvlson l " answered the negro in the samo cautious
tone. “I glad you lit-re. ls (lat old massa?” '

“ Yt-s. Push your boat round so he can sit-p into hillt stern.
Be cautious for there are enemies close at hand."

“ I know it. Ihave been layin' oii' hero tivo hour and hear
’cin talk. Bless you old massa‘. Miss Anny ho mighty glad
to see you."

“ IIist, Jesse,” said Neal warningly.

'I‘lie‘old man stopped by his ai'l into the skiff, and Neal
springing in Ji-sse pushed it Ilolst‘lvssly from the bank and
slidt out into tho boy. Not a Word was spolwn lor some
minutes. Neal sat Watching anxiously tho Hlloro and Jesse
plied tln- paddli- with pt-rst-vei'oiico and skill.

Gradually the confused soundsof tlu- town gri-w loss and
less distinguishable and the lights of the American camp in-
creased in size.

“ Now, Colonel," said Neal, taking his hand in his and press-
ing it warmly, “ now, sir, you are ll‘ol'. We are beyond pur-
suit. Our escape has been undiscovered."

“Thanks. Blessings on your head!" answered the grateful
American.

" Massa, lot Jesse shake hands with you too."

“Yes, Jesse, I shall never forget you. But is it you were
waiting there i” '

“ That is my plan," answered Neal. “For five nights
Jesse has been waiting in this skiff off that inlet. Only to-
night has he been successful with taking you on board, 1
arranged that he should come, for I did not know what might
occur, and I wanted souie means of getting you to the main
land knowing you could not well stand the land route by the
rock. The signal which you heard us exchange I also at»
rapged with Jesse. Too much praise cannot be bestowed
upon him for his faithful watching and his skill and caution
in bringing the plan to a successful termination. I resolved,
air, a week ago, that if you were not released by the General
I would release you though at the expense of the confidence
he placed in me.”

“It you are a true born American and really love your
country and feel for her wrongs now that you know them,you
have broken no faith I you 11mm done nothing 1),“th in war
is declared lawful and honorable.”

“ I do not feel any regret; I have well weighed the result.
I only wish my mother was with me in the cause I have
now espoused."

“ She is a strong partisan of the royal side.”

“Yes. But I have written and left with her a letter in
which I have gone over the whole ground of my change of
opinions with all its probable arguments. I have told her
that if she is convinced that England is wrong and America
right she will remain in the city when the garrison is with-
drawn; for, sir, not many hours hence Sir William will retire-
If he can do so unmolested, on board the shipping.”

“This is an event devoutly to he wished."

"Imow that this is his purpose. So I have left it with
my mother either to remove and be with me or to depart with-
..he eral. I have told her if she propose“ 80ml! ‘0 Enflllnd
I will visit her after the war is ended. I trust she will. hOV’
ever. and cast in her lot with mine." ,

The boat at length arrived on the patriot side of the Back
Bay and the party landed: Jesse drawing the skiff up high
on shore and eclicealing it under some bushes that overhung
the bank. Conducted by Neal, the escaped prisoner then took
'hll way in the direction of the American camp, at which on

 

18 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

three arrived about ten o'clock, two and a half hours after
leaving the sergeant and his men standing guard before the
side door at the head quarters of the English General.

0n the departure of the Selectmen from the presence of
Sir William Howe after their conference, a rap at his door
called his attention from the deer meditation into which he
had fallen upon the fearful crisis of affairs.

“Come in l” he answered, and advancing a step towards
the door as if anticipating who it was,

" Ah, you are returned,” he said to the person he had order-
ed to follow Neal.

" Yes, Sir William."

“ And what is the result? Where went he?"

“ To summon the Selectmen.”

" That I know. Where afterwards?"

“ To the prison.”

“ Did he go in?”

“ Yes, Sir William. But he shortly after came forth again
and brought the prisoner here, as you ordered."

“ As I ordered. What prisoner? "

“ Why, I learned from the guard whom I questioned while
he was in, that he had gone there by an order from you to
escort the old rebel Colonel to you.”

“ This did you hear? "

“ Yes, Sir William. And I waited till Mr. Nelson came out
again with the prisoner; and then I followed him and the
Sergeant and four men at a distance.

“Do you mean to say that 9. Sergeant and four men accom-
panied Neal and the prisoner from the prison."

“ Yes, Sir William."

“ This is strange and unaccountable Where did they go ?"

“ Have you not seen them ‘I ”

“ Sven who ‘2 ”

" The prisoner and Mr. Nelson."

“ Nol "

“ I followed them hither to head-quarters."

Neal left his prisoner and guard at the front gate and came
into the house. In a few minutes he returned, and I heard
him say that you were engaged in council, and for the present
the prisoner must await your leisure in a rear room of the
house. So he ordered the guard round to the east door and
there they remain supposing that the prisoner was with you.
as certainly I did, for I saw them ascend the stairs together,
as I supposed, to the ante-room. If I have been in error,’ sir,
I could not help it; for I supposed that you had sent fat the
prisoner, and that Mr. Nelson was acting under your instruc-
tions. I thought you only wished me to follow him while he
was abroad ; not in your own house." ~

Sir William Howe stood for a few moments over-powered
with surprise. At length he said :

" Is the Sergeant at the door?"

“ Yes, Sir William."

“Send him to me."

From this man the British General learned the ruse Neal
had practised to get possession of the prisoner. Instant
search was made throughout the house and gardens, but he
could not be discovored, neither he nor the prisoner. Sir
William Howe then gave orders to have every avenue strictly
guarded, and patrols were sent in every direction to intercept
the fugitives in their escape.

After he had givsn his orders, and was pacing up and down
the room, thinking of Neal’s defaction, the door opened and
Madame Nelson, his sister, entered with a face flashed with
angry emotion.

“ Neal has gone over to the rebels, brother."

" I know it.”

" Here is a letter stating his reasons for doing so. I want
you to read it. Perhaps you will not censure him so severely
when you bear in mind that he is a native of the country.”

“ Ah I are you, too, about to prove disloyal."

" No; but Neal's arguments are very forcible. I never be-
bre viewed this contest in the light he represents it."

" Sir William, here is a package for you," said a servant,
entering.

The English General took it, and, glancing at the address,
laid, with angry surprise :

‘

 

“It is the young traitor’s handwriting! Does he address
the, too, seeking to make a rebel of me.”

Without further words, his uncle broke the seal, and sat
down to peruse the letter which Neal had left for him. When
he had ended it, he took up that written to his mother, and
read that also to the end.

" Well, the boy is a thorough faced rebel, bone and blood.
The rogue reasons well, and would, I dare say, convince any
man but an Englishman that we are unjust and tyrannical,
and the cause of the revolters is a sacred one. There is no
doubt but that he has escaped with Colonel Parks to the
rebel army If so, I am sorry; for I hoped much from him.
But if he attaches himself to this cause, which he loftily
styles ‘his country’s,’ he will fall with it, and all his hopes in
life ruined forevtsr. The Colonists, though we are now some-
what closely prossed by them, must eventually yield submis-
sion to the royal arms, and then infamy will follow all those
visionary and romantic lgentlemen who have deserted the
king for the standard of revolt." /

The next day the English General as has been already seen,
was too much occupied with arranging for the secure retreat
of his garrison to think much of Neal. His mother, partly
influenced by his arguments, but mainly governed by mater-
nal feelings, resolved to remain behind; which in the con-
fusion of the evacuation she was enabled to do, without
drawing the attention of her brother to the fact until he was
already embarked and missed her on board. The departure
of the fleet for Halifax we have already mentioned, with the
repossession of the town by the Patriots. Neal, our hero, we
have also seen enter riding among the young officors compos-
ing the stafl'of Washington.

He had been presented to Washington in Frederick's cham-
ber several eVenings before, and when he reached his quarters
with Colonel Parks, this gentleman so warmly spoke in his
praise, relating his history, that “Washington at once ap-
pointed him to a position near his. person, the same which
Frederick had occupied before he was wounded. In Boston
he found his mother, and embraced her with joyful emotions.

Having thus brought our hero to honor and credit among
his own counrymen, and to favor with Washington, we need
not assure the reader that Anne had become the happiest
maiden in all the land. Her brother was rapidly recovering,
and a warm friendship had sprung up between him and Neal.
He sanctioned her heart's choice of the noble young seaman,
and her uncle had giVen her his consent to the union with his
young friend so soon as the war should terminate ; " for," said
he, “ the cmnp is no place for bridals.” As there seemed a
prospect, from the present aspect of afi‘airs, that the war
would speedin be brought to an end, the lovers were not im-
patient so long as they could see each other daily.

CHAPTER XIV.
T0 PROVE ms LOYALTY.

The face of things after the entrance of the American army
into Boston, began to Wear a different aspect. The mined
and dismantled houses Were repaired ; churches demented
to riding circuses for cavalry, and to the use of barracks,
were restored ; the town was open to the country people ; and
the markets Were once more filled with abundance. Pr: para-
tions ware at once made for fortifying the harbor, and making
it defensive in case the enemy should attempt to re-occupy the
town with a fresh army.

Cannon, muskets and ball were now plenty among the
Americans, but there was no powder, If tbrts were built and
redoubts armed, there was no powder to render them of ser-

-vice in case of an attack. This deficiency, 80 scrim“. was

irremediable. There was no manufactory 0f gunp‘Wde’
then established in New England, and the army was depend-
ant wholly upon supplies from abroad.. Vessels diegulsed
under English colors had been despatched to the calls! 0‘
Africa to purchase powder from the British forts there. I’M
they had not returned; and there was no visible means of
getting a supply. Up to this time the Amer-inns had no
navy.

'1‘th had never thought of competing on the sea with .

 

 

THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 1 9

 

formidable a power as that of England—the mistress of the
ocean. Two letters of Marque, indeed, had been fitted out,
one under the heroic Captain Manly, who, having captured an
English provision ship and brought her safe into Salem won
for himself a high reputa-tion; for it was the first conquest
over England upon the ocean. This success led to the arm-
ing of other private cruisers as well as an order from the Pro-
vincial Congress to build several thirty-two gun frigates.

But at the period of the repossession of Boston by Wash-
ington's army, none of these frigates had been launched, and
all the armed marine of the country consisted in four or five
small cruisers to which letters of marque had been granted by
Congress. These little vessels were generally fast sailors, and
manned with very resolute men. As yet none of them had
made any captures, save Manly's schooner. This was not_
however, from want of zeal or courage, but from the difficulty
of cutting ofl‘any of the English merchav‘tmen or transports
that were bound into Boston to Howo's army. They were
daring enough, and often risked capture by the English
frigates, through their boldness. They would secrete them-
selves in the small harbors along the coast, or in the mouth
of the rivers, or behind some one of the numerous islands of
Boston Bay, and from these positions dart upon the enemy,
sometimes running him fairly into port, under the very guns
of Shuldam's ships-of-war.

The departure of the one hundred and fifty British trans—
ports was a source of very particular gratification to the com-
manders of these cruisers. They foresaw that many English
provision and powder ships would still make for the port,
ignorant of the departure of the fleet and garrison : and these
they resolved to make prizes. Admiral Shuldam, however,
was too shrewd a man to leave such unsuspecting vessels to
fall into the hands of the rebel cruisers, that, hawk-like,
would be ready to pounce upon them. He therefore, in“
Commodore Barker, with a small force of one frigate and
three sloops, to protect them, and warn them off the coast.

The American cruisers were not, lioWevcr, to be intimidated
by such precautions Stretching boldly out to sea in the
night, they run by daylight far eastward of the squadron and
out of sight of it ; and placing themselves in the track of ves-
sels bound in lay in wait for them, John Bull believing he had
the rogues blockaded in shore of him.

Five days after the sailing of tho transports with Sir Wil-.
liam Howe’s forces, the citizens of BOston were surprised and
alarmed one morning at dawn by firing of cannons in the
direction of the harbor. 0n hastening to their roofs and
look-outs they beheld a large English ship, the British ensign
hoisted underneath the stars and stripes, coming in past the
Castle a prize to a small schooner that was a cable’s length in
advance. .

She proved to be a store-ship bound to Boston to supply
the garrison. The cruiser had fallen in with her fifty miles
at sea early the evening before and captured her ; and though
discovered by an English frigate four hours later and chased
by her, she reached port in safety with her valuable prize.
This event gave new impulse to public feeling. The stores
on board the prize were very much needed, but there was no
powder, the article most in requisition.

“ If one hundred of those barrels had been filled with gun-
powder, instead of flour,” said General Washington, “it would
have been more valuable than gold dust. The captain of the
cruiser that should capture a powder ship, deservss a frigate."

This speech did not fall unheeded upon the ears of Neal
Nelson, who was present and heard it. He had an hour be-
fore been insulted by Frederick Parks; and but for his love
for Anne, he would have resented it at once. But this re-
strained him ; and he had sought Washington to desire to be
sent on some duty of danger and importance, that he might
show the charge which Frederick rashly fastened upon him
was false. Anne, young and beautiful, had more admirers
than our hero. In the American army were several young
men who admired her and sought her society. They were
not long in discovering that Neal was the monopolizer of all
her smiles. Jealousy was awakened, and envy roused. This
led to an investigation of his claims and then whispered
doubts as to the sincerity of his attachment to the Amoriun

 

cause. “ Spy of" llowe !" dropped from more than one young
man’s lips. The cars of Frederick were poisoned, and though,
at first he warmly took the part of his friend, he was finally
led to doubt his good faith. lie went to him, frankly told
him the suspicious he entertained of him.

With the resolution that he would perform some not that
would forever silence calumnies that he knew originated in
jealousy, he sought the presence of the (l(imtiian(ler-inCliief.
He waited until \Vashington was alone, and then said, firmly
and respectfully :

“ Sir, you have kindly placed confidence in me, and sta-
tioned me near your person, though I so lately formed a.
portion of the military household of the English general.
Your favor towards me, and. some other light causes, have
drawn upon me the dislike of rimo of the young officers. I
am accused of being c. spy of Sir \Villiam Howe! Will you,
sir, confide to me some duty of (“nger and necessity where by
my conduct I may silencz) my c 'lumniators i ’

“ What service would yon like?" asked Washington, after
questioning him more clrzily ;"1(l in a friendly manner as
to the difference between llll'l and the Other young officers.

“I am a sailor. I would I‘m to cruise in Search of a.
powder-ship, your excelluncy. There are tab to be destined
for this port. The cruiser that captured t‘ it English ship
is about to sail tomorrow. The second old/2": in command
is Wounded, and the place is vacant. Your interest will
obtain it for me."

" You shall have it,” answered Washington very positively.

CHAPTER XV.
'rns. REBEL CRUISER.

IT was twilight of the day on which our hero had received
the promiso of General Washington that he would use his
influence to get him appointed to the second station in tho
cruiser schooner, “ The Rebel," which had brought the Eng»
lish storoehip as a prize. Washington had redeemed his
pledge and sent hint the commission. .

As soon as he had received it, he first hastened to return
him his grateful thanks for this mark of his confidence in
him, and then flow to take a farewall of Anne; for that night,
with the tide, the schooner was to sail.

It was twilight, and the lovers stood together in the door
of the mansion.

" It is not necessary you should take this course, to main-
tain your honor,” said Anne, sadly. " I have talked with my
brother, and he is now ready to apologise to you. He is per-
suaded that he was misled: and he regrets deeply that he
should have forgotten so soon all your kindness to him and
uncle. He will soon be at home ; and I entreat you will wait
and be reconciled to him ‘2"

“I would gladly be so. I have no animosity towards
Frederick. I am glad he expresses confidence in me. But
the whisper has gone abroad. It is on many lips. I must
give evidence by my acts that I am no spy—but a true
patriotnthough a late one. Icannot delay. I have here the
commission. The cruiser weighs in an hour, and I burn to
do something to distinguish myself and to silence calumny."

" How happy I am that. General Washington's faith in you
remains firm. How noble in him to trust in you when such
reports were flying abroad.”

“ Circumstances look strong against me. The fact that I
am the nephew of General Howe, and have been his old
and an officer also in the King's service, these facts are
gumciem to lead persons to believe such reports easily. None
know, as you do, Annie, the peculiar motives which actuated
me,” be “up looking up and smiling. " None know the
“gamut, by which I was converted. Men only see the
enema act, They lock upon it, naturally. with suspicion.

" They readin believed I may be I» m1 But 1 MP“ ‘° W"
that I am true to the cause I have embraced l I have cartel!
knowledge that two powder-ships, containing, of cont”.
other stores besides arms, are on their way from Portsmouth
tone-ton. It is for the protection of these ships when they

 

 

20 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

come on the coast. that Admiral Shuldam has lift the squadron
under Commodore Bankes; for he well knew the value they
would be to his too, should they or one of them fall into his
hands. Now, it is my hope to fall in With and capture one of
these ships. No service that could be performed would be so
highly estimated by \Vashington or the country as such a. cap-
ture When I heard Washington thisniorning so warmly, ex
press his wish that the prize had contained powder, I internally
resolved that I would embark, even as a common Seaman, in
” The Rebel” and endeavor to be at least one of the, party that
should bring such a prize into port. But I hold the rank of
second in command, and this will give me an opportunity of
winning fame and name! for I am resolved that if I can have
any influence with my voice, that the cruisers shall not return
to port Without one or the other of these ships.”

In a few moments afterwards, while they were still linger-
ing at their parting, the signal gun sounded from the port.
Neal once more enibracled the weepingr girl and hastened to
the pier. The last boat was just leaving it. He sprung on
board and in five minutes stood upon the deck of the little
vessel. There wasjust light enough for him to distinguish
the captain, whom he recognized‘by his chapeau and sword,
not. having yet seen him.

" This is Captain Derby, I believe,
from the gangway.

" Yes, sir," answered a. short, full-faced man, thirty-tive
years of age, with a keen look, and u. v~:ry firm, but pleasing
expression of countenance

“ Yes: is this Mr. Nelson?’

Neal replied in the affirmative.

“ I am glad to see you on board, sir, as the use will soon
serve. “ I am prepared to find you a good officer. The gen—
eral has spoken to me favorably of you.”

Neal bowed, and then said, “I will. if you please, assume
my duties.”

“Yea, take the deck, while! go below to finish a letter I
have to send on shore,” and he handed him the trumpet

Neal, prepossessed in favor of his captain, began to take
upon himself the command of the deck, by giving,r two or
three necessary orders in a tone that at once showed the men
they had a seaman to command them who must be obeyed.

At eight o’clock the schooner loosed her foretopsail and jib,
and, tripping her anchor, was. in fivu minutes afterwards
bowling down the harbor at the rate of seven knots.

The night was starry, with drifting clouds; the wind steady
from NN.\V. The scliuotif‘r was about 100 tons burthen, a
very fast sailor, with unusual breadth of beam. She carried
eight twelven and one twenty-four on a carriage, upon a. sort
of top-gallant forecastle, which seemed to have been con-
structed on purpose to sustain the gun at this elevation. The
crew consisted of sixty man.

All these facts Neal learned before they had passed the
Castle. Up to this time, Captain Derby had taken no active
part in the command, although he had been on deck since the
anchor was weighed. He seemed to have all to his new
oflicer, that he might test his qualities as an ofliCer and as a
Seaman.

After they passed Nix Mate and left the Light house a
mile or two astern, Captain Derby approached Neal as he
stood near the helmsman conning the sailing of the vessel.

" Well, Nelson, I am very well satisfied with General
Washington’s appointment! I see you understand your
business. I don’t want a bet‘er Oflicvr if "on turn out to be
as good as you’ve begun.”

"I am gratified at your approval, sir," answered Neal.

“ Now, we are in blue w uter we have got to keep a sharp

y

‘ said Neal, walking aft

look out. Bankes is cruising in our present neighborhood.

and can’t be far ofl'at this moment ; for he was in the offing
at sunset, with the frigate that chased me in, and a sloop.
We must take in all the sail we can spare so as not to be con-
spicuous if they sweep the Sea with their night glasses: at
the some time we must carry enough to get off the coast be-
' fore daylight and far outside of him."

“Have you any particular object in view this cruise, sir ‘I"

" Particulan Yes. very particular. I mean to capture tho
Int British vessel that will strike to me."

 

fl

" I mean is there any vessel in particular that you are do»
sirous of capturing?"

“ No! I shall watch for any that are bound this way."

" Vi’onld you not like to fall in with a ship laden with pow-
der, Captain Derby 'f"

“I would rather make such a capture than capture a frigate
if she had no powder on board’!"

' You porhaps,kuow that though I am now in the Pro»
vincial service, I was recently in the British l”

“ Yes, the general told me part of your story; but old
Colonel Parks sent for me and gave me a. full account of you i"

" Then I have only to add that I learned while I was in the
king's service that two ships laden with powder and muni—
tions of war were to sail from Bristol or Portsmouth the last.
of February i It. is now the tWenty-eighth of March l”

‘ Do you mean to say that the ships were destined for
Boston ‘2"

" YeS' to supply Sir \Villiam Ilowe’s army! It is more
particularly to watch for the approach of these two ships
that Commodore Bankos has been left to cruise off the port."

“ This is brave news! Last of last month they were to
sail! They have been to sea now thirty days or an! Excel--
lent news! Now if I could fall in with one of these powder-
monkeys I would tie his tail to my tafl‘rail and tow him into,
Boston I”

‘ It is with the prospect of your being able to make a cap
um; i:’ one of these vessels I have shipped with you; for I
wrual share in the credit of the enterprisel”

‘ I would never ask another earthly favor if I might come
athwart one of these gentlemen l” said Captain Derby, with
animation walking up and down the deck and rubbing his
hands ‘ Boys!" he suddenly cried out to his men! " there
are two powder-ships making for Boston, thirty days out.
We will have them if we have to fight Bankes’s squadron.
Hey, boys?"

" Aye, aye, sir i" was the. general response in a hearty tone.

|' Keep a good look out there, bows? Open your eyes there
In the fore-topmast head! You have got to see double and
look out for prizes as well as John Bull's frigates! Have. the
men all ready at their guns, Mr. Nelson! These store ships
show fight sometimes and have to be Whippet]! The prize
we took yesterday give us nine round shot besides a. sprink-
ling of musketry, Harry Cowell, my second, and three men
got hit! We must be prepared for the rogues!

The vessel ploughed her way along over the undulating
billows, under shortened sail to present as little surface to the
eyes of the enemy as possible, and not making full six knots.
Her course was E. S. East, wing and wing, the wind being
dead aft. At least a dozen men Were engaged in looking out
from the deck and aloft, some directing their eyes abeam, and
others astern ; for Captain Derby knew that ships which had
kept no look out over the course they had crossed, had some
times found themselves over-hauled by the enemy coming up
under their stern.

It was about five minutes after seven bells had struck in
the middle watch, Whin Neal, who pacing the deck, suddenly
stopped. He had been walking and thinking upon Anne and.
anticipating the time when, if fortune favored him, he should
return with honor and silence forever all doubts of the sin-
cerity of allegiance to the patriot cause At intervals, mind-
ful of his duty, he had sent his keen glance ahead and around
him; and at. the moment he stopped, his eye was arrested by
a star rising, but which he believed at first to be the light of
a. vessel it was visible so low upon the horizon. Taking his
glass he examined it and was satisfied that it was the star
Aldsharan. He put down his glass and remained watching
its slow altitude, when he saw it all at once disappear and
the next instant reappear as if an opaque object had passed
between it and his line of sight. The idea that it was a ves-
sel flashed upon his mind; and again seizing his glass. he
levelled it in the direction, and was satisfied that there was a
ship ahead about three points off the starboard bow and
standing close hauled, but on what tack he was unable to
determine, the whole mass was so indistinct. Coptain Derby

 

 

THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 2 1

 

 

was lying asleep upon the deck with his jacket under his
head for a pillow; for he was too anxious to go below; Neal
awoke him and directed his attention to the sail.

“It is a large ship, and I think standingr upon the larboard
tack, S. by E. She is one ofBanke‘s t'rigutws. (IlVl' tho word
quietly, Mr. Nelson, to haul nit the fore and main sheets, and
let us steer a. point or two nighel', till We can better make her
out. Drop both the peaks, and take a double reef in the thre-
snil and mainsail, so that we can lay as low in the water as
possible. All our top canvas is l'urled as it should be in such
a dangerous neighborhood.”

These orders were eonvoyr-d to the men by Nelson in an
under tone, for the wind blew directly towards the stranger,
and it was important that no sound should be borne to them ;
fr... at sea, the slightest noise is heard at an inconceivable
distance.

" We can run down close under her counter, with the low
nail we carry," said Neal, “ and can see what she looks like.
We shall not be discovered if we let go our halyards as we
come close to her.”

“ You are both bold and wise, I see, Mr. Nelson. I love a
brave man! Take the command, as it is your watch, and
manage her as you will! I will play passenger and look on!
It is my opinion it is the frigate.”

“ No, sir,” responded Neal, who had the glass at his eye;
“she is too small for a‘ frigate! It is one of the sloops or a
large merchantman."

“ Then it is one of the store-ships."

“ I sincerely hope so. We shall, however, soon know, as
we are now not more than a. mile from her."

The schooner, with not a yard of canvas hoisted twenty
feet above the decks, lying low and crouching upop the water:
like a hound upon its haunches, moved steadily dad silently
down towards the dark tower of canvas that lay between
her and the sky. As they came nearer, it was plain that the
ship was beating westward on the larboard tack, with top-
gallant-sails set, and royal-yard across.

“ Whether she is an armed vessel or not, . be hanged If I

can make out," said Captain Derby. ” But she looks to me
like a merchar ship! Hark, there is eight bellsl Now
listen." _

The loud, pmlonged call ot the “ larboard watch, ahoy ! "
reached their ears.

" That settles it, sir," said Neal with animation.

“Yes, I think it does,” said the Captain. "A man-of-war
novor calls a watch in that style."

“No. She is a. trader.”

“ I hope she is a store-ship, filled with powder.”

“That remains to be seen! But look to the leeward of
her! There is another ship looming up against the sky like
a cloud! We are in ticklish company! It can't be that they
are both the powder-ships."

“I think the one the other side of her must be one of
Banke's frigates," said Neal, levelling his glass at the new-
comer. " Hark ! there's a boatswain's whistle ! See! a lin-
stock is flashing on her decks! Let go halyards there, that
the flash of the gun, if they fire, shall not expose us! Easy——
without noise !

Hardly had the sails descended to, the deck ere a bright.
flashillumined the sea. By it, the ship first discovered was
plainly seen to be a large store-ship, painted black, with
white bands. It also displayed the vessel from which it came.
She was plainly made out to be a frigate of the first class. A
loud report resounded across the water, and died away in the
distance.

" That gun is for the ship to heave-to, not for us," said Neal.
“Hal-kl bear the yards swing round! She is laying her
Inalntopsail aback! Listen! they hail her from the frigate’s
deck."

“ Ship, ahoy! what ship is that '2"

“ The George the IIId—store-ship! bound to Boston."

“ Aye, aye! Glad to fall in with you! Have spoken your
consort six hours ago, and ordered her to put away for Halifax.
The garrison is withdrawn from Boston, and the Yankees are
In possession again. Happy to fall in with you, Captain.
Fill away and lay your course for Hali‘" !"

 

v-7 _ .._. .7.7v7.7 .4,_._.

" Aye, aye, sir. What. frigate is that ‘2"

“ Ilis Britannic majesty's frigate the Sphynx.”

” Thank you, sir, tor your warnng l”

“ Keep in my wake till daylight, and I will protect you til
you get a hundred miles or so lflzistward. 'l‘heroaresomo
inIi-rnal I‘i-lwl cruisers abroudnmd they are in want 0fpow~
(lt‘l‘. So you must. keep a sharp look out."

“Ayn, aye, sir. But we are a heavy sailor and may fall
astern."

" Fill away with me and steer E. N. East, and if you lose
sight of me you will be sure I am alh-arl. if I lose sight of
you for any length of time Iwill lay by and wait till you
collie up."

“ Thank you, sir.”

The order “ brace round the yards,” then reached the ears
of Neal and Captain Derby from tho powder-ship, and the
frigate putting up her helm took the lead, t'ollowud by the
other.

“ Now, if I do not hang upon your track like a blood.
hound," said Neal within himself, “ I hope never to see Anne.
Captain Derby, that ship must be our prize before another
hour."

“ Impossible.”

“ It is possible, sir."

“ She is under the protection of the frigate."

“Therefore can we take her easier. She will feel the more
secure.”

“ How can it be efl‘i-cted ?"

“It is plain, though we have been within hail, we have not
been discovered. That trigato therefore cannot see us a mile
distant, is very plain. This store-ship is a bad sailor, so says
her captain. She is now a third of a mile at the start astern
of her convoy, and in half an hour will be likely to double
this space. My plan is, sir,to follow close in her wake, and
when I get near enough, hail her, and demand to know if she
is the store-ship “ George III.” On receiving a reply, we will
inform them of the evacuation of Boston, and warn them not
to proceed, passing ourselves off as one of Banke‘s cruisers.
Our gratuitous inthrnmtion will gain their confidence, and I
will gradually fall alongside. It' you will have the boarders
ready to leap away at the word, in three minutes she will be
in our hands. All we shall then have to do, will be to stick
her head on the other tack, and heat back to windward. It
will be some time, perhaps an hour or two, before the frigate
will miss her altogether and put back to look her up. By
that time we shall have so'tar got the weather gage as to
laugh at the Commodore should he be in sight at daybreak."

“ Mr. Nelson,”said Captain Derby grasping; his hand, “you
have my hearty concurrence in this plan. it is well conceiv-
ed. It does you honor. You shall have the credit of carrying
it out."

The schooner was the next moment under press of still
Steering in the wake of the store-ship, which was now distant
about half a mile ahead.

CHAPTER XVI.
'rrrs. POWDER—sum

THE attempt about to be made for cutting ofl' the powdu-
ship from the protection of the frigate, was one of singular
boldness and temerity. But our hero was Well fitted for an
enterprize like this. Brave and skilful, and as cool as he was
courageous, he knew no difficulties where be resolved to suc-
ceed. Captain Derby was scarcely less daring in spirit and
action himself; and his crew Were full of animation and lea].
The most perfect silence, consistent with the working of the
vessel, prevailed on board ; and all Were in eager expectation.
Groups of men crowded the fore-castle, intently watching the
two vessels ahead, but also the dark cloud-like outline or the
frigate in the distance beyond her. The schooner's shoots
were drawn aft nearly sharp, though the wind was several
points tree, in order to present as narrow a surface as poulqu
totho eyes of those on the deck of the enemy while their

 

22 THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY.

 

 

broad yards presented a large object to the vision of their
pursuers.

"How does she go?” asked Captain Derby, as Neal laid
down the thirty-second glass, after ordering the reel to he
held.

“ Five and a half.”

“That is fair. We plainly gain upon them.”

“ Yes; after We get a cable's length nigher they will of
course discover us; and then we had better make sail and
run boldly up alongside and hail : for if they see us lagging
behind they will take the alarm and perhaps fire a gun to
attract the attention of the frigate! "

" You are right, Mr. Nelson! Steady as you are, helme-
man i"

“ Steady, sir i” answered the man in the low, grufl' tone,
peculiar to men when at the helm.

“ She looms up bravely! There is a light moving on
board I" said Captain Derby. “ Stand up at your guns, men,
for we must be ready for any emergency."

" Let every man have his boarding pike and cutlass ready
to his grasp," said Neal a few moments afterwards. “Be
silent in treading about the decks. Be ready to board when
you shall see me spring into the hammock nettings and call
boarders away! But let there be no pistols fired or taken;
for this ship must be carried with as little noise as possible!
We must get possession of her before she can have time to
fire a gun or give any alarm."

The schooner stood on about five minutes longer, when
Neal, for Captain Derby had given the whole conduct of the
enterprise to him as its originator, gave an order to ease of
the fore and the main sheets and keep away a couple of points.
The long boom moved out broadly over the bulwarks and the
little vessel freed from her temporary restraint swept dashing
forward boldly in a direction and at a rate that in ten minutes
brought her within hail under the lee-counter of the ship.
She was already discovered by. the sound of commotion
which the wind bore to their ears; but Neal without giving
them time to speculate upon his character or to bail him first
soiled his trumpet, and waiting until the schooner came so
near that his voice could not be heard by the frigate, he
hailed in true man-of-War style,

“ What ship is that ‘2”

“ Tue George III. store-ship bound to Boston ‘1 What
schooner is that ‘t”

“ His Britannic majesty’s cruiser, Bull Dog.”

“ From your course I suppose you are bound into Halifax,
and have heard of the evacuation of Boston?"

“Yes.”

" What ship is that ahead ?"

“ His Majesty's frigate the Sphynx l"

“80 I supposed! There are several of the fleet cruising
about here to warn vessels ofi'i Helmsman, lufi‘ a point!
Come up directly abeam so as to run the end of the jibboom
into her fore-rigging. Stand by in the quarter boat with
the grapnels and be ready to cast them into her mizzen-chains
at the word! (These orders were spoken by Neal in an
undertone.) You are under convoy of the frigate, I suppose?"

" Yes."

. “Very well, then I will not keep company with you!
Good night and a pleasant passage."

“ Thank you, sir, good night i”

The two vessels were standing on their course all the while,
the ship under top gallant sails, her courses brailed up, the
schooner under her fore and main sail and her jib and fore top-
sail. They were moving at about the rate of seven'to five
so that the schooner was each instant overlapping the ship’s
quarter with her bows. The space between the vessel’s
abeam was about one hundred feet.

“I will pass ahead of you and speak the frigate,” said
Neal.

“ You seem to be a light sniler, and could make a circle
,round me if you chose,” answered the English Captain.

" Have you any late London papers ‘2"

“ Yes; I will throw you one, if you will lufl‘a little closer.”

Neal heard the captain give an order to his steward to go
into the cabin to bring the newspapers.

 

“Now stand by, bnurucra, an 2. Captain Derby you may
head the party bows or asternl I do not wish to rob you of
any honor in this atl‘air!”

“I am too fat to do service leading boarders! I will remain
and look after the schooner, for you may have to retreat
aboard again 3"

“ Not while I have a life to lose! IIelmsman, now is your
time to shoot the jib-boom in her fore-rigging l"

“ Tell your men to keep away a little, sir, you will be afoul
of us i” cried the English Captain, with quick apprehension.

Before he had done speaking, the jib-boom of the schooner
showed itself between the rattlins of the fore-rigging, and
the same instant the stern swung toward the ship's quarter!

“ Cast your grapnels i" cried Neal. “ Now, boarders, away i
Captain l” he cried to the English commander, “ I will come
on board in person and take your papers.”

The next instant he was upon the deck of the ship with
thirty men at his back. The struggle was short. Taken by
surprise the English Captain made but little resistance, and
fled to his cabin. Two British Colonels and three or four
young military officers, who were passengers going over to
join Howe‘s army, made a courageous defence, and were
finally only secured after they had killed three of the boarders
and wounded Neal in the sword-arm. As they had not an-
ticipated a surprise there was fortunately no pistols on deck,
and none were discharged in the melee. The crew of the
ship, driven to the forecastle, made no resistance, but our
rendered at discretion. In four minutes after Neal had
boarded, the ship was in his possession, and the captain and
'sighteen seamen, besides the military oflicors, prisoners.

80 complete had been the surprise, and so successful the
capture, that the vessel continued on her course, Neal having
the first thing sent a man to take the helm which the English
sailor had deserted. The ship proved to be armsd with four
twelve pounders; but they were unloaded; and although a
circle of boarding pikes surrounded the main-mast, not one of
them had been removad from the beckets.

" I regret, my dear sir, I should have to take you into
Boston after all,” said Neal to the discomfitted British Cap-
tain ; “ but as that is the port for which you sailed, it will not
be any infringement upon your ship’smpapers !"

“ I would like to know if you are a Yankee cruiser ‘?" asked
the Captain, whom Neal had invited on deck.

“ Yes. This is the American schooner Rebel, Captain Derby,
along side; and we left Boston not many hours since on pur-
pose to capture you or the “ William and Mary.” But as she
has been warned and is making the best of her way to Hali-
fax, I must be content with George III. How much powder
have you on board ‘2"

“ You will find out before you get into port. I will blow
you sky-high if I can get a match.”

“You are very kind to inform me of your intentional I
will have you put in irons. A guard is already placed over
the magazine‘s hold! 80 don‘t think of doing anything so
rash, dear captaind It is very natural that you should fume
and swear a little, for it must be provoking to be captured.
right under the stern of a frigate l”

- “ None but a madman would have attempted it. The frigate

is not three quarters of a mile 013'. I wish Ihad a pistol or
musket for a moment to fire and let ’em know what a fix we
are in. You keep standing on ; do you mean to take the
frigate too ‘3”

“ Not quite , I stand on to lull any suspicions that any
noise, if heard, might have roused. If they heard our board-
ing you, and seeing the ship sailing steadily in her wake, she
will not stop to inquire what was the matter; but if I had
instantly put about, as I mean to do in a few moments, she
would be putting back to look after us.”

“You are confoundly shrewd. So I suppose if the frigate
don’t happen to look back, I shall have to go into Boston?"

“Yes. The Americans are in great want of gunpowder;
and this supply you have brought over is very swasonable.
No doubt the city of Boston will present you with a vote of
thanks"

 

THE CAMP-FIRE LIBRARY. 2 8

 

"You are very merry, young gentleman."

" Caption Derby" said Neal, looking over the side, “ now
you have cast ofi‘ the schooner, perhaps you had best drop
astern. and lay your course to windward. As the frigate may
I00 you when you quit the ship’s side, you had best stand
away in such a line that the prize will cover you till you get
out of sight. I shall gradually shorten sail and fall astern
till I lose sight of the frigate, and then follow you.”

Captain Derby followed successfully the suggestions of his
young officer, and dropping astern, leaving thirty of the
cruiser’s crew in the prize with Neal, he was in ten minutes
invisible in the gloom of the midnight sea.

The frigate was now about a mile ahead standing on her
course totally unsuspicious of events that had transpired on
board the powder-ship in convoy. Neal had thought he could
safely drop astern and gave orders to furl the main and miz-
zen top-gallant sails. Soon afterwards he brajled up the
miuen and main topsail, leaving the head-sails standing as
they were so as to decieve the frigate and give the appearance
of being under full sail.

“ Is there no way in which we can give the frigate intima-
tion of our situation?” asked one of the British colonels of
the Captain in an under tone.

“None unless by discharging firearms. The report of a
pistol would attract her attention and bring her to! But we
are so closely guarded by the Yankee, there is no access to
such a weapon. We must take it philosophically, trusting
that the frigate will miss us and put back after us; for you
see we are falling astern fast under our short sail, and in ten
minutes we shall have lost sight of her i”

“This capture is characteristic of all that I have heard of
those rebellious Yankees. They are bold, daring devils, and
attempt to achieve enterprizes no other people would think
of. Who would have thought of or dared to boards ship
within less than a mile of a frigate, when the firing of a sin-
gle pistol would have betrayed them, and brought the frigate
down upon them."

“Not exactly down upon them, Colonel,” responded the
Captain; “ for the frigate is ahead of us, and of course to
leeward. She would have to beat up to us, and it would
have been a long chase. This the Yankee knows and cal-
culated upon. The fact is, we are fairly outwitted, and must
content ourselves with going into Boston prisoners. You
can scarcely make her out. She gradually fades away in
the darkness and distance, and now she is fairly out of
sight."

" Ready about i" cried Neal, in a quick exulting tone.

" You see that the young fellow knows what he is about 1”
continued the Captain. ” He will have it all his own way
now. The frigate keeps on as ignorant of our being in the
hands of the enemy as a Port Admiral parading Portsmouth
Pier that his flashy pocket handkerchief has been picked out
of his pocket."

The order given by the young seamnn was obeyed by his
crew, with alacrity. They had discovered before Neal had
been an hour in the schomier, that they had a second oficer
who knew his business ; and his suCCess had now bound them
to him with a devotion nothing could destroy. He had not
merely shown himself a seamen, but a brave man, who could
handle a. cutlass as Well as a trumpet. He had conquered for
them a ship of inestimahle value, enriching with her wealth
each man of them all. They sprung to their posts with a
glad cry as they heard the order to put about, and with a
hearty lieave-ho-yeo, that even the vicinity of the frigate
could not check, they swung the yards around and brought
the ship braced sharp up on the larboard tack.

" Lay aloft, and make sail,” cried Neal, as the ship met her
helm and lay snugly to the wind.

The inizzen and main topmast were loosed and the top-gal-
hntsalls set again and the ship began to toss the sea from
alder her bows, leaving the frigate rapidly in the distance.

 

*—
4—

“ Keep a good look-out forward there, and aloft, for we are
not yet safe in port," cried Neal to his men. “ There is another
frigate and three eighteen gun sloops yet cruising about us.
We are, besides, twenty leagues east of our port, with g M
wind in our teeth."

The prize proved, indeed, a very heavy sailei. . ith a
breeze that eight knots could have been freely got out of the
schooner, but five and a half could be made by the ship.

After standing on about an hour, a sail was discovered
ahead. Neal had his men called to quarters, and stood on till
he was satisfied that it was the schooner on the opposite tack.
They hailed as they passed, and, Captain Derby saying he
would keep in company, fell astern, and followed in her wake,
under shortened sail 1

In less than twenty minutes arterwaros, the cry, " sail no I"
was again heard from aloft. Neal sprang forward, and saw
that a. large ship was very near crossing his forefoot. He
knew that if she was a frigate he could not escape her, so re-
solved to put the best face on the matter, luifed to give her
room to pass.

" What ship is that 1’" came hoarsely from tiie deck of the
stranger, which he now saw plainly was a sloop-of-war.

" The George Ill. store ship, bound for Boston 1" answered
Neal

“Then tack ship and .ay your course for Haiiiax. The
port of Boston has been deserted by his Majesty's fleet and
garrison, and is in Washington's hands. Lay your course for
the port of Halifax."

“ Aye, aye, sirl Many tnanks .or your kindness."

" What schooner is that in company ‘l"

“ A Newfoundland fishing schooner we liaVe jus. spoken."

The ships parted. The sloop-of-wnr was soon lost in the
darkness. and the prize kept boldly on her way crowding all
sail to get as far to windward as possible.

The daylight dawned upon the prize ship and cruiser within
sight of Cape Cod, the Sphynx frigate hull down to the East,
her topsails just dipping, and evidently in pursuit of the store
ship. The prize, however, safely reached port about four
o'clock in the afternoon, and with “ The Rebel" in company,
saluted flie town with thirteen guns and anchored off the end
of Long Wharf, abreast of the other prize."

The joy this capture produced throughout the army, the
nuwn, and all New England, cannot be conceived of at this
period of time. The prize contained elevq‘, hundred casks of
powder, besides cast shot, lead, muskets, swords, pistols, and
provisions to a large amount. Captain Derby generously
waived all the credit of the capture, and Neal received the
public congratulations, not only of Washington and the
selectmen of the town, but a vote of thanks from Congress.
The command of the first frigate that should be ready for sea
was conferred upon him. He silenced completely the
calumnies that had been circulated ngainst him; and even
his enemies were constrained to do him reverence. The joy

,of Anne can be better imagined than described. Col. Parks

embraCed his young friend with fatherly pride and affection,
and said it Would be the happiest day of his life when he
should see him united to Anne. Frederick cordially acknowl-
edged the injustice lie had done him, and the two friends re-
conciled, Were in a few days more closely bound to each other
as brothers, for Anne and Neal were united on the fourth of
July, ten weeks after the departure ofthe English garrison, at
the altar of Christ’s Church, Salem street. Washington, giving
away the bride.

Thus we terminate our story ; wnicn we save wrmen
mainly to illustrate the important historical events connected
with the siege and evacuation of Boston ; knowing, that
history reflected from the mirror of romance, sometimes
catches with its lustre the youthful eye, which otherwise
would but faintly be impressed by its sober presence; and in
making use of history, to further our purpose, We have in no
instance deviated from its integriv.

THE END.

 

 

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330(531208:hes 5:23):th Col. P. Ingraham.  By Colonel Prentlsa Ingraham. I By Albert w, Aiken, ‘

 

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