Whig Against Tory | Page 4

haughty and oppressive. The Americans waxed more firm and confident. Several events tended to make the breach wider and wider. The British parliament taxed the Americans--next the people of Boston threw into the sea a large quantity of tea, belonging to people in England, because a tax was laid upon it. Then, by way of revenge for this, the parliament ordered that no vessel should enter Boston harbour, or leave it. And, finally, the king sent a large body of English soldiers to America, to watch the people here, and force them to submission.
"Things now became quite unsettled. The Americans felt injured--they were provoked--nothing was before them but war or slavery. This latter they could not bear. They scorned to be slaves. Besides, they saw no reason why they should be slaves. They knew war was a great evil. But it was better than slavery. And now they began to talk about it; and to act in view of it. In almost every town--especially in New England--the young men were enrolled; that is, were formed into companies, and were daily exercised, in order to make them good soldiers. These were called 'minute men'."
Henry. "Why were they called 'minute men,' father?"
Gen. P. "Because they stood ready to march at a minutes warning, should occasion require."
John. "Was Enoch Crosby a minute man?"
Gen. P. "No; he was not; but he stood ready to enlist, at any time when his services were needed.
"We will now pass on to the year 1775. In April of that year occurred the famous battle of Lexington. A party of British troops had been sent from Boston, to destroy some military stores, belonging to the Americans, at Concord, north of Boston. On their way thither, they came to Lexington; and here they fired upon a small company of Americans, and killed several.
"It was a cruel act--worthy only of savages. But it roused the Americans in that part of the country; and they immediately sent expresses--that is, men on horseback--to carry the tidings abroad.
"One of these expresses was directed to take his course for Danbury, and to speed his flight. On his arrival, he told the story.
"It produced alarm--and well it might; but it also produced resolution. The bells were rung--cannon were fired--drums beat to arms. Within a few hours, many people had assembled--the young and the old--all eager to do something for their country. One hundred and fifty young men came forward, and entered their names as soldiers-- chose a captain Benedict to lead them--and begged that they might go forth to the war. Enoch Crosby was the first man that entered his name on this occasion.
"Not long after, the regiment to which Crosby belonged marched to the city of New-York. Here they were joined by other companies, and sailed up Hudson's river to assist in taking Canada from the British.
"A short time before this, Ticonderoga, a fortress on lake Champlain, had been surprised by Col. Ethan Allen and his troops, and to them it had surrendered. This was an important post. Great rejoicings took place among the Americans, when it was known that this fort had fallen into their hands.
"The troop to which Crosby was attached, passed this fort, and proceeded to St. Johns, a British fort 115 miles north of Ticonderoga.
"This fort it was determined to attack. The troops were therefore landed, and preparations were made. Their number was one thousand--all young men,--brave--ardent--resolute.
"Being formed in order of battle, the intrepid officers led them to the attack. As they advanced, the guns of the fort poured in upon them a tremendous fire. This they met manfully, and, though some fell, the others seemed the more determined. But, just as they were beginning the attack in good earnest, a concealed body of Indians rose upon them, and the appalling war whoop broke upon their ears."
[Illustration]
"This savage yell they had never before heard--such a sight they had never before witnessed. For a moment, alarm spread through the ranks. But courage--action was now necessary. Death or victory was before them. The officers called them to rally--to stand their ground--and they did so. They opened a well directed fire upon their savage foes, and only a short time passed before the latter were glad to retreat.
"The savages having retired, the men were ordered to throw up a breast work, near the place, to shelter themselves from the guns of the fort. This was done expeditiously. Trees were felled, and drawn to the spot by some; while others were employed in throwing up earth.
"During these labours of the Americans, the enemy continued to annoy them, by throwing shells from the fort."
William. "Pray, father, what are shells? I have read of them; but I do not know more than that they are a kind of shot."
Gen. P. "Shells are often called bombs, a word