Whig Against Tory Part 3

_Gen. P_. "Because, my son, it was here that a great number of tories resided--the worst 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sing 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 refres.h.i.+ng 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 circ.u.mstances, 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 appet.i.te 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, and as willing to hear what could be said, in favour of joining their standard.

"They had much to say--many arguments to support their way of thinking, and strongly did they urge Crosby to go with them. As he was introduced by the farmer, who was known to be a true tory, they talked without disguise--told their plans--spoke of the company which was forming--and particularly of a meeting, which they were to hold a few nights from that time; and now, said they, 'come and join us.'

"Crosby told them that he should think of their proposition, and rather thought that he should contrive to pay them a visit at the appointed time.

"Little did they think, what sort of a visit the soldier was planning.

"In the course of a couple of days, Crosby had gained all the information he wished, and now determined to depart. He told the farmer, therefore, on the morning of the third day, that it was not worth while for him to wait longer--he had a strong wish to join the army, and believed that he should go along.

"The farmer said some things, by way of persuading Crosby to wait a day or two, when the company would meet, and then he could enlist and go with them.

"To this Crosby replied, that unexpected delays might occur, and he thought it would be better for him to proceed.--'But,' said he, as he shook hands with the unsuspicious farmer, and bade him farewell, 'I shall doubtless have the pleasure of seeing the company;' and added, 'It is my intention to _join_ them at----.'

"'Very well, very well!' interrupted the farmer,--his eye brightening at his success, in having, as he thought, made Crosby a convert to the royal cause.

"'I hope it will be well'--whispered Crosby to himself, as he walked down the lane, which led to the road--'I will try to join them; but may be in a manner not so agreeable to them.'

"On reaching the road, to avoid the mischief which might come upon him, if he went directly north--he took the road leading to New-York.

But from this, soldier like, he soon filed off; and crossing a thicket, shaped his course northerly towards the American camp.

"He was soon beyond harm, and now travelled at his ease. He had heard of a Mr. Young, who lived at a distance, in a direction somewhat different from that which he was taking; and as he was said to be a true whig--he concluded to repair to him, and to concert measures to take the company of tories, at the time of their meeting.

"With this resolution he again altered his course, so as to strike the road leading to Mr. Young's. Unexpected difficulties, however, impeded his course--hills, woods, streams, and before he reached the house, it was near midnight.

"It so happened, fortunately, that Mr. Young was still up, although his family had all retired. A light was still burning, and Crosby made for the door, which led into the room where Mr. Young sat.

"He gave a gentle rap at the door, which was soon cautiously opened-- _cautiously_, because it was now late--and, in those times, no one knew when he was safe. The light fell on Crosby's face, and the searching eye of Mr. Young followed.