 
Gen. P. "Before night, Enoch reached his new home. His countenance had somewhat brightened; yet his heart felt sad, for some days. "On the following morning, his master introduced him into the shop. He had a seat assigned him provided with awls, thread, wax, and the more solid, but equally needful companion, a lapstone. "Enoch proved a good apprentice. At first, the confinement was irksome. He had been used to the open air—to the active exercise of the field—to the free, healthful breeze of the mountain. It was tiresome to sit all day, in a confined shop. But he made himself contented, and, in a little time, found his employment quite pleasant." John. "Didn't he want to see his mother?" Gen. P. "Doubtless he did. He would not be likely to forget her; and I hope he did not neglect her good advice. And, when permission was given him, he went home to visit his friends, and always with delight. "In 1771, the apprenticeship of Enoch ended. He was now twenty-one years old—a man grown—industrious—honest—and ready to begin business for himself. "Old Mr. Crosby was a strong whig—a man of reading and information— one who took a deep interest in the welfare of his country. "About the time that Enoch first left home to learn his trade, the troubles of America began with England. The king and his ministers became jealous of the Americans. 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. "Old Mr. Crosby, especially, condemned the conduct of England. He said, for one, he did not wish to be trampled on. 'They have no right to tax us,' said he,—'it is unjust—it is cruel—and, for myself, I am ready to say, I will not submit to it. And, mark my word, the time will come, when the people will defend themselves, and when that time comes, I hope,' said he—looking round upon his sons, especially upon Enoch—'I hope my boys will not shame their father—no, not they.' "Enoch thought much of his father. He was a grave man—one who sat steady in his chair when he talked—and talked so slowly, and so emphatic, as always to be heard. Enoch, though a boy, listened—he was then interested—and as he grew older and was at home occasionally, on a visit, and these subjects were discussed—he took a still deeper interest, and would sometimes even mingle in the animated talk, round the fire side of his father. "And, then, there were times, too, when he was seated on his bench, thinking over what he had heard; or sat listening to some customer of his master, who happened in, on a rainy day—and who had seen the last paper which gave an account of some new attempt to oppress the colonies—at such times, he would almost wish himself a soldier, and in the field fighting for his country. And then the hammer, it was observed, would come down upon his lapstone with double force, as if he were splitting the head of one of the enemy open, or his awl would go through the leather, as if he were plunging a bayonet into the belt of a soldier." Illustration_3 "Such were the workings of Enoch Crosby's mind—the work of preparation was going on there—the steam was gradually rising—and though he realized it not—he was fitting to become a zealous and active soldier, in his country's service. "On the 5th of March, 1770, nearly a year before Enoch's time was out, the 'Boston Massacre' happened." Henry. "The 'Boston Massacre!' father—pray, what was that?" Gen. P. "William! you know the story, I trust—can you tell it to your brother?" William. "I have read about it; but I don't know well how to tell it. Will you tell it, father?" Gen. P. "Tell it as well as you are able, my son. It is by practice that we learn to do things well." William. "One evening some British soldiers were near a ropewalk in Boston. A man, who worked in the ropewalk, said something to them which they did not like, and they beat him. "Three days after, on the 5th of March, while the soldiers were under arms, some of them were insulted by the citizens, and one, it is said, was struck. This soldier was so angry, that he fired. Then, six others fired. Three citizens were killed, and five were wounded. "All Boston was soon roused. The bells were rung. Many thousand people assembled, and they said that they would tear the soldiers to pieces, and I don't know but that they would have done so, if Gov. Hutchinson had not come out, and told the people, that he would inquire into the matter, and have the guilty punished. This pacified them." Gen. P. "Well done—quite well done, master William. You now know, Henry, what is meant by the 'Boston Massacre.'" Henry. "It was a bloody affair, I think." Gen. P. "Bloody indeed!—inhuman and highly provoking. The news of it spread—spread rapidly, in every direction. The country was filled with alarm. War was seen to be almost certain; such an insult—such a crime could not be forgotten. Even at Phillipstown, where Crosby was at his trade, the story was told. It roused his spirit. He thought of what his father had said. And he was even now desirous to enlist as a soldier, to avenge the slaughtered Americans. "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. "During this time, the difficulties between England and America increased. The king and his ministers grew more 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_4 "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 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. It has its name from its resemblance to a common mortar. The lower part of the mortar is called the chamber, which contains the powder. When fired, the powder in the chamber not only sends the bomb, but at the same time, sets fire to the fusee, which continues to burn slowly, as it passes through the air, and the calculation always is, to have the fire from the fusee reach the powder in the shell, at the moment the latter reaches the ground. It then bursts, and the scattering fragments of iron often do horrible execution." William. "Did you say, father, that mortars Were short guns?" Gen. 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; the weight of the shell is about one hundred and seventy-five pounds; it contains between nine and ten pounds of powder; and is fired by means of about the same quantity of powder." William. "Pray, father, who invented bombs?" Gen. P. "The inventor is not known; they have been in use since the year 1634. "Some years after the above affair, Crosby himself related the manner in which the soldiers contrived to escape unhurt. When a shell rose in the air, every one would stop working, and watch its course, to ascertain whether it would fall near him. If it appeared to approach so near, as to endanger any one, he would dodge behind something, till it had burst, or passed by." John. "Father, could a soldier dodge a cannon ball?" Henry. "Why, John! I should think you knew enough, not to ask so foolish a question." Gen. P. "Not so bad a question neither, master Henry; under some circumstances, a cannon ball might he avoided." William. "Not when it is first fired, father." Gen. 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. All on a sudden, a fellow-soldier near by called out in a tone of thunder, 'Crosby! look out! take care! take care!' Crosby looked up, and directly over him, a shell was descending." Illustration_5 "He had but a minute to think—he dropped flat upon the ground, and the shell just passed over him. 'A miss,' thought he, 'is as good as a mile;' but he said, after such a warning, he kept one eye upon the enemy. "The rude fortification was soon completed, and served as a shelter till night, when the American troops silently departed. Taking to their boats, the next day they reached the Isle Aux Noix?" William. "Is not that a French name?" Gen. P. "Yes; my son—a name given to the Island, while the French had possession of it. Do you know where it lies?" William. "It is a small island, near the northern extremity of Lake Champlain." Gen. P. "Right. It is pronounced Eel-o-nwar; and signifies the island of nuts." John. "Did the people find walnuts there, father?" Gen. P. "Some kind of nuts doubtless, my son; but whether walnuts, or hazel nuts, or some other kind, I am unable to say." Henry. "Pray, John, don't ask so many foolish questions, I want to hear the story." Gen. P. "But you would wish your brother to know the reason of things, would you not, master Henry? It was quite a proper question, and one it seems none of us can answer. We must examine the point some time, and let master John know. "The American troops had not been long a this island, before many of them were taken sick and sent to the hospital. Crosby was of the number. But he had no idea of confinement. In a few days, he resolved to join the army again. To this the surgeon remonstrated. It might be his death he said; but the valiant soldier could not be persuaded, and again appeared at camp. "'What!' exclaimed Capt. Benedict, when he saw him, 'have you got back, Crosby? I never expected to see you again. You look too ill to be here. You would make a better scare-crow than soldier, I fancy, just now.' "'Well, captain! said Crosby, 'if I'm a scare-crow, I can frighten the enemy, if I cannot fight them—so I shall be of some service.'" John. "Well, father, did they hang up Crosby for a scare-crow?" Henry. "Why, you simpleton, John, don't you know better?" Gen. P. "Crosby was quite ill, but his resolution made him forget how feeble he was. He was a scare-crow to the enemy in a different way from that which Capt. 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. "The time, for which Crosby had enlisted, had now expired, and he concluded to return home. Accordingly, he embarked with several others, in a small schooner, for Crown Point, twelve miles north of Ticonderoga. Thence they came by land to this latter place; from which they proceeded home ward for some distance by water, and then by land. Their rout lay through a wilderness. It was now winter, and the cold was intense. Provisions were scarce. Comfortable lodgings were not to be found. Their prospects were often gloomy, and their distress indescribable. "At length, however, they reached their respective homes. After a short stay with his friends, Crosby once more returned to Danbury, and again betook himself to the peaceful occupation of shoemaking." CHAPTER III. |
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