"YOU SEEM TO BE AFRAID A FELLOW WILL GET AWAY," SETH SAID BITTERLY.]
THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA
The Story of how the Young Spies helped the Continental Armyat Valley Forge
by
JAMES OTIS
A. L. Burt Company Publishers New York
Copyright 1897 by A. L. BurtUnder the Title of With Washington at Monmouth
The Boy Spies of Philadelphia
CONTENTS.
PAGE CHAPTER I. A "Market-Stopper." 1
CHAPTER II. Under Arrest 17
CHAPTER III. In Sore Distress 33
CHAPTER IV. A Bold Scheme 49
CHAPTER V. The Patrol 65
CHAPTER VI. Released 81
CHAPTER VII. On the Alert 98
CHAPTER VIII. Barren Hill 113
CHAPTER IX. Robert Greene 129
CHAPTER X. Conciliatory Bills 144
CHAPTER XI. A Recognition 160
CHAPTER XII. Important Information 176
CHAPTER XIII. The Evacuation 192
CHAPTER XIV. Lord Gordon 208
CHAPTER XV. On Special Duty 223
CHAPTER XVI. Tory Hospitality 240
CHAPTER XVII. In Self-Defense 256
CHAPTER XVIII. Preparing for Action 272
CHAPTER XIX. A Friendly Warning 287
CHAPTER XX. The Victors 305
The Boy Spies Of Philadelphia
CHAPTER I.
A "MARKET-STOPPER."
On the morning of April 2, 1778, three boys, the eldest of whom wasnot more than sixteen years of age and the youngest hardly a yearhis junior, were standing on that side of the town-house nearest thepillory, in the city of Philadelphia.
They were not engaged in sportive conversation, nor occupied withschemes for pleasure, as is usually the case with boys of such age;but wore a graver look than seemed suitable to youth under ordinarycircumstances.
These boys were witnessing and taking part in events decidedlystartling--events well calculated to impress themselves upon the mindseven of children.
It is hardly necessary, because such fact is familiar to all Americans,to say that on the 26th of September, 1777, General Howe tookpossession of the city of Philadelphia, and it was yet occupied by theBritish forces on this 2d day of April, 1778.
The past winter had been one of gayety for the wealthy Tory inhabitantsof the city, since the English officers were pleased to spend theirtime in every form of revelry, and ever ready to accept the more thangenerous hospitality which was extended by such of the citizens as weredesirous of remaining under British rule.
The officers of the army indulged to the utmost their love for luxuryand ease while serving in the command of the indolent Howe, andthe privates had so far followed the example set by their superiorsthat the king's troops had become more demoralized by this winterof idleness than could have been possible under almost any othercircumstances.
So great was this demoralization that Benjamin Franklin was able to saywith truth, when taunted with the fact that the enemy had captured thecity:
"General Howe has not taken Philadelphia; Philadelphia has takenGeneral Howe."
It was at about the time of which this story treats that the Britishgovernment decided to give command of the forces under General Howe toSir Henry Clinton, and those of the population loyal to the cause offreedom were considerably exercised in mind as to how this change ofofficers might effect them.
The three boys, who have as yet hardly been introduced, were by nomeans prominent in the cause of freedom; in fact they had but justarrived at an age when they began to realize their responsibilities,and as yet had been powerless to perform any great deed in behalf ofthe cause.
The eldest was Jacob Ludwick, son of that Christopher Ludwick, bakerof Germantown, who, having amassed considerable property before thebeginning of the struggle for freedom, gave one entire half of it forthe cause, and swore at the same time never to shave until the UnitedStates were free and independent.
As is known, Washington made him baker-general of the army; but as yetyoung Jacob had never been able to gain his father's consent to hisenlisting.
The second of the trio in point of age was Seth Graydon, son of thatWidow Graydon who kept a boarding-house in Drinker's Alley, whichhad been largely patronized during the winter by officers of theForty-second Highland and the Royal Irish regiments.
The third was Enoch Ball, also the son of a widow, and his mother itwas who had for several years taught French and dancing in her home onLetitia Street.
These three boys had grown old beyond their years during the pastwinter.
They had witnessed, and more particularly in the case of Seth Graydon,the revelry of the officers who had come to whip into submission thestruggling patriots, and well knew to what desperate straits, even forthe common necessities of life, were driven the families of those menwho had enlisted in the American army.
They saw the invading foe and their sympathizers enjoying every luxuryof the table, while hundreds of the poorer classes were literallystarving.
Those loyal to the American cause had suffered severely from lack offood and fuel, and were now questioning as to whether, under this newlyappointed commander, they would not be called upon to bear yet greatertroubles.
Neither of these three lads had ever been hungrier than boys of theirage usually are at all times; yet they realized what suffering mightcome, if, as had been rumored, Sir Henry Clinton was an officer whobelieved harsh measures necessary when dealing with "rebels."
"There's no doubt about the order having been given," Seth said inreply to a question from one of his companions. "The officers werediscussing it last evening, and seemed to think, as they always do,that I can work them no harm through learning their secrets. The timeshall come, however, if they stay here much longer, when I will provethat even a boy can be of service to his country."
"But what is the order?" Enoch Ball asked impatiently.
"The entire army is to be in readiness, with three days' rations, tostart at a moment's warning on some maneuver which will be executedbetween now and the fifth of this month."
"Do you suppose General Howe intends to march to Valley Forge?" Jacobasked, with no slight show of anxiety as he thought that his fathermight be in danger.
"That cannot be. Since the British took possession of Philadelphiathere have been many better opportunities for them to fall upon GeneralWashington and his command than now, and it is not likely the enemywould have remained idle all winter waiting to strike a blow after ourfriends were prepared for it."
"But _are_ they prepared for it?" Jacob asked.
"So I heard Lord Gordon say last night. He declared that, thanks to theinstructions of the Baron de Steuben, the American troops were never inbetter condition, so far as discipline is concerned, than they are atpresent, and now that the sufferings caused by the severe winter havecome to an end, they are in good spirits."
"But if the command is to be taken from General Howe, why is he gettingready for any movement?"
"If I could answer that question, Enoch, I might
be able to give evenGeneral Washington information for which he would thank me."
"Do you know why General Howe is to be removed from his command?"
"I have heard the British officers say he was severely censured byParliament for his blunder in causing the disaster to Burgoyne'sarmy by going to the Chesapeake as he did. It seems that he has askedpermission to go home, and that is why Sir Henry Clinton has been giventhe command."
"This maneuver to be executed before the fifth may be one which hasbeen ordered in advance by Clinton," Jacob suggested.
"If such had been the case, the officers who were discussing the matterwould have said so."
"Whether it be the one or the other, I do not understand how we can bebenefited by having the information. Why did you say that at last wehad work to do?"
"For this reason, Enoch Ball: We are now old enough to be of someservice to the cause. Jacob's father refuses to allow him to enlist.Mother insists I must remain at home while the British are inpossession of the city, and that is also the reason why you are notalready a soldier. Now even though we are not in the army, it may bepossible for us to aid our friends, and surely nothing at this time canbe more important than making them acquainted with the fact that theBritishers are getting ready for some important movement."
"But how can we let them know?" Enoch asked with considerable showof trepidation, for it was not yet two weeks since he had seen a manflogged with an hundred lashes because of its being suspected that hisintention was to enter the American lines.
"It is not impossible for one of us to find an officer within a fewmiles of the town who would forward the information. I believe I knowwhere General Reed and General Cadwalader are, or, at least, how toreach them."
"Would you attempt to leave the city on such an errand?"
"I would, and will."
"And you expect us to go with you?" Enoch continued, showing yetgreater signs of fear.
"Not unless you choose."
"Two can do the work as well as three," Jacob interrupted. "If you andI go, Seth, there is no reason why Enoch need be afraid, for we shan'tneed him."
"But do you think I would let you make an attempt to aid the cause, andnot be with you?"
"You are frightened now at the very thought of it," Jacob repliedscornfully.
"Yes; and if I am, what then? I may be afraid, for it was terrible tosee that poor man's back cut with the lash; but yet I should go if youwent."
"Now you are showing yourself to be brave, Enoch," Seth saidapprovingly, but before he could finish the sentence a shouting,yelling mob turned from High Street[A] into Second, and the boys dartedforward to learn the cause of the commotion.
"They have captured another market-stopper," Jacob said a moment lateras they neared the noisy throng.
The term he used was one given by the British to those Americansstationed near the city to prevent such farmers as had no scruplesagainst selling provisions to the enemy from disposing of their waressave to those who favored the cause.
During the winter just passed General Howe had attempted to do littlemore than keep the roads open in order that the country people mightcome in with their marketing, and severe was the punishment he causedto be meted out to those who would thus attempt to shut off thesupplies.
"It is the farmers themselves who should be whipped!" Jacob criedindignantly. "They care not how much aid is given to the enemy so thatmoney comes into their pockets, and the freedom of their country is asnothing compared with the price at which eggs, butter or potatoes canbe sold."
"It is better to keep a quiet tongue, Jacob Ludwick," Seth whispered."There are too many redcoats for us in the crowd, and if one ofthem should hear your words, that soldier would not be the only onepilloried this day."
"I do not care to fall into their clutches, and therefore I remainsilent while good patriots like this light-horseman are being abused;but if it ever happens that the odds are more nearly even I shall sayfor once to a redcoat what is in my mind."
"And get a flogging for your pains, without having done any one good?"
"As to whether I am whipped depends upon how well the Britisher canfight, while I'm certain great good will be done me by the opportunityto use my tongue as I please."
"Don't talk so loud," Enoch whispered impatiently. "We shall all findourselves in the jail or on the pillory unless you are careful."
It was quite time Jacob put a bridle on his tongue; the throngof idlers and soldiers who were amusing themselves by pelting thelight-horseman with stale eggs, decaying vegetables, or other filth,had now approached so near the boys that words even less loudly spokencould have been overheard.
The prisoner made no effort to protect himself from the unsavoryshower; he probably realized that any attempt to do so would onlyresult in his being used more roughly, and did his best to appearunconcerned.
"Do not stay here while he is being whipped," Seth whispered. "What wesaw this day a week ago was more than enough for me, and I hope I'llnever witness another flogging."
"Wait awhile," and Jacob went nearer the prisoner. "I do not think thisone is to be served in that way. See! they are going to put him on thepillory, and by stopping here until the beasts are weary of abusing ahelpless man we may be able to render him some assistance."
Seth no longer insisted on leaving the place; the thought had comeinto his mind that this soldier could tell him where the informationhe believed the Americans should have would be the most valuable, andit was not improbable they might have an opportunity to talk with himprivately.
During half an hour after the prisoner had been placed in thepillory the mob jeered, hooted and pelted him with missiles of everydescription, and then, one by one, tiring of the inhuman sport,they left the yard for fresh amusement, until the three boys and thehorseman were alone, save for the curious ones who, passing by on thestreet, stopped a moment to look at the soldier.
"It will not always be allowed that the men who are fighting for ourliberties can be treated like this in Philadelphia," Seth said ina cautious tone as he stepped so near the pillory that those at theentrance of the yard could not overhear the words.
"Are you a friend?" the prisoner asked with some show of surprise. "Ihad begun to think there were none left in this town since Howe hasmade so brave a show, while we at Valley Forge have been starving."
"There are as many friends to the cause in the city as before theBritishers came; but it can do no good for that fact to be known whilewe are powerless to act."
"You are old enough to serve in the ranks, and should be there, if youwould aid the cause."
"So we shall be in good time, friend; but it is not all who are themost willing that can do as they choose. This boy," and Seth pulledJacob forward, "is the son of Ludwick the baker, of whom you must haveheard."
"Heard, lad? Why I know Chris Ludwick as well as I know myself! Do youtell me that he won't allow his son to enlist?"
"He has promised to give his consent this spring, and when Jacob signsthe rolls Enoch and I will go with him."
"Then you will have done only that which is your duty. If GeneralWashington could have as many men as he needs, this war would soon beended, with the United States free and independent."
"We shall do our share," Seth replied, speaking more hurriedly lestthose who had captured the prisoner should put an end to the interviewbefore he had accomplished his purpose. "If you believe us to befriends, tell me where we can find an officer of the American army?"
"I have heard you say you were friends; but even if I was able toanswer your question I should hesitate about giving any informationuntil I had better surety of your purpose than words which might bespoken by any one."
"Then you shall know why I asked, and after that say if we may betrusted. My mother keeps a boarding-house, and among her guests areseveral British officers; last night I heard them talking about anorder which has just been issued, to the effect that a large portion ofthe army is to be ready to move at a moment's warning. From what
theysaid, it seems certain some important move is to be made before thefifth of the month."
"Why are you so certain as to the date?" the man asked after a briefpause, during which he appeared to be settling some question in his ownmind.
"It was so said by the officers."
"And you have no idea of what may be on foot?"
"I know nothing, except as I have told you. Those who were talkingappeared to be ignorant of what it meant."
The prisoner remained silent several moments, and then said in awhisper:
"I shall trust you, lads, for it seems necessary the information shouldbe known at headquarters. If you are deceiving me, you must alwaysremember it as a scurvy trick, and one not worthy even a Tory."
"But we are not deceiving you, nor are we Tories. You know what wouldbe the penalty if we were discovered trying to send information tothe Continental army, and yet we are willing to take all the risks, ifthereby we can aid our friends."
"That you can, lad, if it so be what you have heard is true. Will yoube able to leave town at once?"
"Within an hour."
"Very well, you cannot go too soon. If you travel six miles on theDelaware Road I'll answer for it that you meet some of our friends whowill conduct you to those whom you wish to see. Don't tell your storyto any officer lower in rank than a colonel, and do not be surprised ifthose whom you meet give rough usage at first. Hold both your tongueand your temper until the purpose has been accomplished, and then Iwarrant you will be well thanked for the service."
"We will go at once," Jacob said decidedly. "Is there anything we cando for you, friend?"
"What I most want is to get my neck and wrists out of this contrivance,and that is exactly what you can't help me in the doing. I suppose Ishould be thankful for being let off so lightly."
"Indeed you should!" Enoch replied quickly. "The Britishers have beenflogging the market-stoppers, and that punishment is truly terrible."
"I have seen those who had a taste of it," the prisoner said grimly,"and have no desire to take a dose. But do not stand here talking withme when you have valuable information to give our friends. When youmeet with soldiers of our army, say that Ezra Grimshaw sent you tospeak with Colonel Powers."
"Is your name Grimshaw?" Enoch asked.
"Yes, lad. If you can get speech with Colonel Powers you need have nofear of rough treatment. Now set out, for time may be precious. Whichof you is to do the work?"
"All," Enoch replied quickly, as if fearing that, because of thetimidity he had displayed, his friends might deprive him of theopportunity to do his share.
"There is no need of but one," Grimshaw said decidedly, "and manyreasons why three should not make the venture, chiefest of which is,that so many might attract the attention of the enemy's patrol, whilea single boy on the road would pass unchallenged."
"It is not right one should have all the honor, while the others aredeprived of their share," Enoch replied decidedly.
"Lad, is it honor for yourself or the good of the country you have mostat heart?" Grimshaw asked sternly.
"I want to be known as one who did not remain idle when he was needed."
"If you really desire to do good to the cause, decide among yourselvesas to who shall go, and then let the other two aid him all they can.Do not spend the time in squabbling, but set about the business withoutdelay."
There was no opportunity for him to say more; at that moment a party ofBritish officers entered the yard, evidently bent on amusing themselvesby making sport of the prisoner, and the boys were forced to stepaside.
Seth beckoned for his comrades to follow him, and not until he was onHigh Street did he speak. Then it was to say:
"Grimshaw was right; we must not quarrel as to who shall go, but settlethe matter at once. Of course each one wants----"
"I should have the chance," Jacob said decidedly. "Either of you mayhave some trouble to get away; but it is not so with me. My aunt willnot worry if I am absent a week; she knows I----"
"Either Enoch or I would have permission to leave home if we explainedthe reason for going, and, therefore, are as much entitled to theposition of messenger as you," Seth interrupted.
"Then how shall it be decided?"
"We will draw lots. Here is a straw; will you hold it, Jacob?"
"Not I, for I want the chance to make my choice."
"Then I will do it," and Seth turned his back to his companions aninstant, saying, as he faced them once more, "I have broken the strawinto one long and two short pieces. He who draws the longest shallstart at once."
Jacob insisted on making his choice first, arguing that such advantageshould be his because he was the eldest, and, after considerable study,drew one of the fragments from Seth's hand.
It was so short that he knew the position of messenger was not for him,and stepped back with an expression of bitter disappointment on hisface.
Enoch was no more successful, and Seth said triumphantly, as he held upthe piece remaining in in his hand:
"It is for me! If you two will tell mother where I've gone I'll startat once."
"That part of the work shall be done properly," Jacob replied, alltraces of ill-humor vanishing from his face. "If she allows it, I'lltake your place till you get back."
"Mother will be glad to have you there. Try to hear all the officerstalk about; but do not let it appear that you are listening."
"Don't fear for me. Shall we walk a mile or so with you?"
"It would do no good, and might not be safe. Tell mother I shall beback to-night, or early to-morrow morning, for I don't intend to letthe grass grow under my feet."
"Keep out of the Britishers' way, or we may have to go down to thetown-house in order to see you again," Enoch said with a furtivehand-clasp as the three separated, two to go to Drinker's Alley, andthe third to render to the cause what service was in his power.
Footnote:
[A] Now Market Street.