Unknown

“ The man is gone from home. There's such work now-a-days, that a body don't know nothing what to say or do—pray, what do you carry in that huge pack?'
"'In this pack, madam? only some shoemaker's tools. I am a shoemaker, madam—perhaps, you have some work for me to do? I'll take it off with your leave.'
"'Well, do as you please. Our John wants a pair of shoes; and perhaps the man of the house will give you the job when he comes home.'
"'I shall be glad to do it,' said Crosby. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ The Americans needed more soldiers, and it was thought that unless the friends of liberty came forward—promptly came, the British arms might succeed.
"It was not in such a man as Enoch Crosby, to seek ease, or shun danger, in the hour of his country's trial. He saw others making sacrifices—women as well as men—youth as well age—and he scorned to have it said, that he could not make sacrifices, as well as others. His musket was therefore taken down; and fitting on his knapsack, he took up his march towards the head quarters of the American army on the Hudson. ”

“ If you are ever taken by the Americans, as belonging to the British, we will help you to escape—but, if you cannot let us know, here is a paper, which in the last extremity, you may show, and it will save you.'"
William "What did that paper contain?"
Gen. P. "It was what is called a pass—it was signed by the committee of safety; and ordered, that the person who had it should be suffered to pass without injury.
"In a few days, Crosby was ready. He had provided himself with a peddlar's pack, in which he had put a set of shoemaker's tools. ”

“ They were often soldiers, and received pay, as did the soldiers, and sometimes obtained information, which was very important, especially about the tories, or such Americans as favoured the British cause."
Henry. "Is that the meaning of the word tory?"
Gen. P. "Yes; tories were Americans, who wished that the British aims might succeed, and the king of England might still be king of the colonies. Those who wished differently, and who fought against the British, were called whigs."
John. "Was Crosby a whig?"
Gen. P. "Yes; no man could be more devoted to the liberty of his country." ”

“ P. "Enoch Crosby was born in Massachusetts, in 1750. When he was only three years old, his father took him, and the rest of his family, into the state of New-York to live. He was a farmer, and had bought a farm in Southeast, a town which borders on the state of Connecticut.
"Southeast is a wild, rough, and romantic place. Its hills are high and steep. Several cataracts tumble over precipices, and fall upon the ear with deafening noise. ”

“ They thought them growing too fast— 'They will soon,' said they, 'become proud, and wish to be free and independent—we must tax them—we must take away their money. This will keep them poor and humble.'
"Those things used often to be talked over, at old Mr. Crosby's. The neighbours would sometimes happen in there of a winter's evening to spend an hour, or two—the minister—the schoolmaster—and others—and although Southeast was a retired place, the conduct of the 'mother country,' as England was called, was pretty well understood there, and justly censured. ”

“ P. "Shells are often called bombs, a word which signifies great noise; because, when they burst, they make a great noise. They consist of a large shell of cast iron, which is round and hollow. A hole is made through the shell to receive a fusee, as it is called; this is a small pipe, or hollow piece of wood, which is filled with some combustible matter. When a bomb is about to be fired, it is filled with powder, after which the fusee is driven into the vent, or hole of the shell."
William. "How are bombs fired, father?"
Gen. P. "They are thrown from a kind of cannon called a mortar. ”

“ 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. ”

“ In those times, people laboured harder than now-a-days. Industry was a virtue— idleness a shame. And it was hard labour, and solid fare, that made the men of those times so much stronger, than those of the present generation.
"Enoch loved labour, and was willing to learn a trade. But it was hard parting with friends, when the day arrived, that he was to go from home. It was settled that he should be a shoemaker, and should learn the trade of a man in a neighbouring town. ”

“ P. "True; but when it has nearly spent its force, a person might easily get out of its way. But even when a ball only rolls along the ground, apparently slow, it would be dangerous to attempt to stop it: especially if large. I recollect to have read of a soldier, who saw a ball rolling towards him, which he thought to stop with his foot; but, poor fellow! it broke his leg in an instant.
"Some of the American soldiers at St. Johns, were too intent upon their labour, to pay much attention to the shells. Crosby was one. ”

“ Young—at the same time rising from his seat.
"'I can do more,' rejoined Crosby—and then he went on to relate the interviews which he had had—and about the contemplated meeting of the company, two nights following—'and,' said the soldier, 'if you will assist me, we will join them, as I promised, and make them march to the tune of good old 'yankee doodle,' instead of 'God save the king.'
"'With all my heart,' exclaimed Mr. Young—taking down his hat—'no time is to be lost—the committee of safety are at White Plains—they must know it to-night.'"
William. ”

“ They will welcome such a soldier-like looking lad as yourself. They like men of bone and muscle.'
"In a walk of a few miles, they saw quite a number of the friends of the royal cause. Crosby was introduced as one who was desirous of serving his country, and as willing to hear what could be said, in favour of joining their standard. ”

“ Benedict meant. A battle soon came on, and before night Enoch Crosby was marching into the enemy's fort to the tune of Yankee Doodle, to assist in taking care of the prisoners."
John. "But, I thought he was too ill to fight."
Gen. P. "A soldier, at such a time, and such a soldier as Crosby, would be likely to forget his weakness. He went bravely through the day; and from that time rapidly regained his health.
"Success now followed the American troops, and in November, Montreal was taken. ”

“ But, I tell you vat, you musht go right straight by the parn, and vere you see yon roat dat crooks just so—see here'—bending his elbow—'you must go right strait—ten you vill turn de potato patch round, de pridge over, and de river up stream, and de hel up; and tirectly you see mine prother Haunse's parn shingled mit straw; dat's his house, vare mine prother Schnven lives. He'll tell you so petter as I can. And you go little farther, you see two roats—you musht not take bote of 'em—understand?'
"'Quite plain! quite plain!' said Crosby—adding in a low tone to himself, 'that you are a Dutchman. ”

“ 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'. ”

“ 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 ”

“ 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. ”

“ The next year—in January, I think it was—Enoch's time being out, he left his master, and went to live at Danbury, Connecticut, where he worked at his trade, as a journeyman, and here he continued for several years. ”

“ Well, friend, good morning.'"
* * * * *
"We shall not attempt to follow Crosby on his northern tour; nor to relate the many adventures with which he met during his absence. He proved of great service to the cause of his country; but often suffered much by being taken with tories, whose capture he was instrumental in effecting.
"At length he returned to the theatre of his former operations, but he was now suspected by the tories of being a secret friend to the whigs, and opposed to the royal cause. ”

“ P. "Land mortars are quite short; sea mortars, or such as are used on board vessels, are longer and heavier, because they are usually fired at greater distances. A land mortar, which will throw a shell thirteen inches in diameter, weighs thirteen hundred weight ”

“ Vat for tey rite you?—eh?'
"Crosby waived an answer as well as he was able, informing his host that he must be absent a short time, when he would return, and finish the shoes.
"'Val,' said the Dutchman, 'how you go?—on shank's mare? You no trudge so—you nebber get tere. Here, you Hauns! Puckle tee pest shaddle on mine horse, and pring him to tee horse plock tirectly—you hear?'
"The horse was brought out accordingly, and Crosby was soon on his way to Fishkill. On his arrival, circumstances existed, which rendered it imprudent for him to tarry, and he was directed to go to Dr. ”