Whig Against Tory | Page 7

enemies which the Americans had to contend with."
Henry. "Worse than the British, father?"
Gen. P. "In several respects worse. The tories, in general, were quite as
unfriendly to American liberty, as the British themselves. And, besides,
living in the country, and being acquainted with it, they could do even

more injury than strangers.
"Many of this description of persons lived on the 'neutral ground;' and,
what was worse, they often pretended to be Whigs--and passed for
such--but in secret, did all in their power to injure their country.
"Crosby, as I told you, had reached a part of this ground, on his way to
the American camp. It was just at evening, that he fell in with a
stranger, who appeared to be passing in the same direction with
himself.
"'Good evening,' said the stranger--'which way are you travelling?--
below?'"
William. "Which way was that?"
Gen. P. "Towards New-York. The British were sometimes called the
'lower party'--the Americans the 'upper party' because the latter lay
north of the former. The stranger meant to ascertain which party
Crosby was going to join."
Henry. "And did Crosby tell him?"
Gen. P. "No: he replied, that he was too much fatigued to go much
farther that evening, either above or below; but he believed he should
join himself to a bed, could he find one.
"'Well,' said the stranger, 'listen to me; it will soon be dark--go with
me--I live but a short distance from this--you shall be welcome.'
"Crosby thanked him, and said he would gladly accept his kind
invitation.
"'Allow me to ask,' said the soldier, 'your advice, as to the part which a
true friend of his country should take, in these times?'
"'Do I understand you?' inquired the stranger--his keen eye settling on
the steady countenance of Crosby--'do you wish to know, which party a
real patriot should join?'

"'I do,' said Crosby.
"'Well! you look like one to be trusted----'
"'I hope I am honest,' replied Crosby.
"'Why,' observed the stranger, 'one mus'n't say much about oneself, in
these days; but----but----some of my neighbours would advise you to
join the lower party.'
"'Why so?' asked Crosby.
"'Why, friend, they read, that we must submit to the powers that be; and,
besides, they think king George is a good friend to America,
notwithstanding all that is said against him.'
"'Could you introduce me to some of your neighbours of this way of
thinking?' asked Crosby.
"'With all my heart,' replied the stranger, 'I understand they are about
forming a company to go below, and I presume they would be glad to
have you join them.'
"'I do not doubt it,' observed Crosby.
"'Well, friend,' said the stranger, 'say nothing--rest yourself to night;
and, in the morning, I will put you in the way to join our-- the
company.'
"By this time, they had reached the stranger's dwelling. It was a farm
house, situated a short distance from the main road--retired, but quite
neat and comfortable in its appearance. Here the soldier was made
welcome by the host and his family. After a refreshing supper, Crosby
excused himself--was soon asleep--and 'slept well.'"
John. "Was that man a tory, father?"
Henry. "Why, John, you know he was. It is as clear as day."

Gen. P. "Yes, my son, he was a tory--in heart a firm tory--but he
intended to be cautious. He intended to ascertain, if possible, which
side Crosby favoured, before he expressed his own views. But, when
Crosby asked to be introduced to some of his neighbours, he concluded
that if urged, he would go below--and after this was more unreserved."
William. "Did Crosby tell him that he would go below?"
Gen. P. "No, no, he only asked to be introduced to some of the tories."
Henry. "But did he not do wrong to conceal his opinions?"
Gen. P. "Certainly not. A person is not under obligation to tell all about
his opinions, to every one. When a man speaks, he should indeed tell
that which is true; but he is not bound, unless under certain
circumstances, to tell the whole truth.
"Crosby, I said, slept well. In the morning, a better breakfast than usual
graced the farmer's table, and the keen appetite of the soldier, after a
good night's rest, did it honour.
"When breakfast was over, Crosby reminded his host of his last night's
promise to introduce him to some of his neighbours thereabouts--
particularly to those, who were about forming a company.
"'True,' said the farmer, 'I will accompany you. They will welcome
such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself. They like men of bone and
muscle.'
"In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of the
royal cause. Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of serving
his country,