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Other documents randomly have
different content
The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Boy Spies
of Philadelphia
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States
and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no
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Title: The Boy Spies of Philadelphia

Author: James Otis

Illustrator: George E. Graves

Release date: January 21, 2014 [eBook #44724]

Most recently updated: October 24, 2024

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY SPIES

OF PHILADELPHIA ***
The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Boy Spies of Philadelphia, by
James Otis

Note: Images of the original pages are available through

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 "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 Army at
 Valley Forge

By JAMES OTIS

A. L. BURT COMPANY
Publishers New York

Copyright 1897
By A. L. Burt

Under 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 was
not more than sixteen years of age and the youngest hardly a year
his junior, were standing on that side of the town-house nearest the
pillory, in the city of Philadelphia.
They were not engaged in sportive conversation, nor occupied with
schemes for pleasure, as is usually the case with boys of such age;
but wore a graver look than seemed suitable to youth under ordinary
circumstances.
These boys were witnessing and taking part in events decidedly
startling—events well calculated to impress themselves upon the
minds even 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 took
possession of the city of Philadelphia, and it was yet occupied by the
British forces on this 2d day of April, 1778.
The past winter had been one of gayety for the wealthy Tory
inhabitants of the city, since the English officers were pleased to
spend their time in every form of revelry, and ever ready to accept
the more than generous hospitality which was extended by such of
the citizens as were desirous of remaining under British rule.
The officers of the army indulged to the utmost their love for luxury
and ease while serving in the command of the indolent Howe, and
the privates had so far followed the example set by their superiors
that the king's troops had become more demoralized by this winter
of idleness than could have been possible under almost any other
circumstances.
So great was this demoralization that Benjamin Franklin was able to
say with truth, when taunted with the fact that the enemy had
captured the city:
"General Howe has not taken Philadelphia; Philadelphia has taken
General Howe."
It was at about the time of which this story treats that the British
government decided to give command of the forces under General
Howe to Sir Henry Clinton, and those of the population loyal to the
cause of freedom were considerably exercised in mind as to how this
change of officers might effect them.
The three boys, who have as yet hardly been introduced, were by no
means prominent in the cause of freedom; in fact they had but just
arrived at an age when they began to realize their responsibilities,
and as yet had been powerless to perform any great deed in behalf
of the cause.
The eldest was Jacob Ludwick, son of that Christopher Ludwick,
baker of Germantown, who, having amassed considerable property
before the beginning of the struggle for freedom, gave one entire
half of it for the cause, and swore at the same time never to shave
until the United States were free and independent.
As is known, Washington made him baker-general of the army; but
as yet young Jacob had never been able to gain his father's consent
to his enlisting.
The second of the trio in point of age was Seth Graydon, son of that
Widow Graydon who kept a boarding-house in Drinker's Alley, which
had been largely patronized during the winter by officers of the
Forty-second Highland and the Royal Irish regiments.
The third was Enoch Ball, also the son of a widow, and his mother it
was who had for several years taught French and dancing in her
home on Letitia Street.
These three boys had grown old beyond their years during the past
winter.
They had witnessed, and more particularly in the case of Seth
Graydon, the revelry of the officers who had come to whip into
submission the struggling patriots, and well knew to what desperate
straits, even for the common necessities of life, were driven the
families of those men who had enlisted in the American army.
They saw the invading foe and their sympathizers enjoying every
luxury of the table, while hundreds of the poorer classes were
literally starving.
Those loyal to the American cause had suffered severely from lack of
food and fuel, and were now questioning as to whether, under this
newly appointed commander, they would not be called upon to bear
yet greater troubles.
Neither of these three lads had ever been hungrier than boys of
their age usually are at all times; yet they realized what suffering
might come, if, as had been rumored, Sir Henry Clinton was an
officer who believed harsh measures necessary when dealing with
"rebels."
"There's no doubt about the order having been given," Seth said in
reply to a question from one of his companions. "The officers were
discussing it last evening, and seemed to think, as they always do,
that I can work them no harm through learning their secrets. The
time shall come, however, if they stay here much longer, when I will
prove that 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, to
start at a moment's warning on some maneuver which will be
executed between now and the fifth of this month."
"Do you suppose General Howe intends to march to Valley Forge?"
Jacob asked, with no slight show of anxiety as he thought that his
father might be in danger.
"That cannot be. Since the British took possession of Philadelphia
there have been many better opportunities for them to fall upon
General Washington and his command than now, and it is not likely
the enemy would have remained idle all winter waiting to strike a
blow after our friends 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
the instructions of the Baron de Steuben, the American troops were
never in better condition, so far as discipline is concerned, than they
are at present, and now that the sufferings caused by the severe
winter have come to an end, they are in good spirits."
"But if the command is to be taken from General Howe, why is he
getting ready for any movement?"
"If I could answer that question, Enoch, I might be able to give even
General 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 by
Parliament for his blunder in causing the disaster to Burgoyne's army
by going to the Chesapeake as he did. It seems that he has asked
permission to go home, and that is why Sir Henry Clinton has been
given the command."
"This maneuver to be executed before the fifth may be one which
has been ordered in advance by Clinton," Jacob suggested.
"If such had been the case, the officers who were discussing the
matter would have said so."
"Whether it be the one or the other, I do not understand how we
can be benefited by having the information. Why did you say that at
last we had work to do?"
"For this reason, Enoch Ball: We are now old enough to be of some
service to the cause. Jacob's father refuses to allow him to enlist.
Mother insists I must remain at home while the British are in
possession of the city, and that is also the reason why you are not
already a soldier. Now even though we are not in the army, it may
be possible for us to aid our friends, and surely nothing at this time
can be more important than making them acquainted with the fact
that the Britishers are getting ready for some important movement."
"But how can we let them know?" Enoch asked with considerable
show of trepidation, for it was not yet two weeks since he had seen
a man flogged with an hundred lashes because of its being
suspected that his intention was to enter the American lines.
"It is not impossible for one of us to find an officer within a few
miles of the town who would forward the information. I believe I
know where General Reed and General Cadwalader are, or, at least,
how to reach 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 yet
greater signs of fear.
"Not unless you choose."
"Two can do the work as well as three," Jacob interrupted. "If you
and I go, Seth, there is no reason why Enoch need be afraid, for we
shan't need him."
"But do you think I would let you make an attempt to aid the cause,
and not be with you?"
"You are frightened now at the very thought of it," Jacob replied
scornfully.
"Yes; and if I am, what then? I may be afraid, for it was terrible to
see that poor man's back cut with the lash; but yet I should go if
you went."
"Now you are showing yourself to be brave, Enoch," Seth said
approvingly, but before he could finish the sentence a shouting,
yelling mob turned from High Street[A] into Second, and the boys
darted forward to learn the cause of the commotion.
"They have captured another market-stopper," Jacob said a moment
later as they neared the noisy throng.
The term he used was one given by the British to those Americans
stationed near the city to prevent such farmers as had no scruples
against selling provisions to the enemy from disposing of their wares
save to those who favored the cause.
During the winter just passed General Howe had attempted to do
little more than keep the roads open in order that the country people
might come in with their marketing, and severe was the punishment
he caused to be meted out to those who would thus attempt to shut
off the supplies.
"It is the farmers themselves who should be whipped!" Jacob cried
indignantly. "They care not how much aid is given to the enemy so
that money comes into their pockets, and the freedom of their
country is as nothing compared with the price at which eggs, butter
or potatoes can be 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 of
them should hear your words, that soldier would not be the only one
pilloried this day."
"I do not care to fall into their clutches, and therefore I remain silent
while good patriots like this light-horseman are being abused; but if
it ever happens that the odds are more nearly even I shall say for
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
can fight, while I'm certain great good will be done me by the
opportunity to use my tongue as I please."
"Don't talk so loud," Enoch whispered impatiently. "We shall all find
ourselves in the jail or on the pillory unless you are careful."
It was quite time Jacob put a bridle on his tongue; the throng of
idlers and soldiers who were amusing themselves by pelting the
light-horseman with stale eggs, decaying vegetables, or other filth,
had now approached so near the boys that words even less loudly
spoken could have been overheard.
The prisoner made no effort to protect himself from the unsavory
shower; he probably realized that any attempt to do so would only
result in his being used more roughly, and did his best to appear
unconcerned.
"Do not stay here while he is being whipped," Seth whispered.
"What we saw this day a week ago was more than enough for me,
and I hope I'll never witness another flogging."
"Wait awhile," and Jacob went nearer the prisoner. "I do not think
this one is to be served in that way. See! they are going to put him
on the pillory, and by stopping here until the beasts are weary of
abusing a helpless man we may be able to render him some
assistance."
Seth no longer insisted on leaving the place; the thought had come
into his mind that this soldier could tell him where the information
he believed the Americans should have would be the most valuable,
and it was not improbable they might have an opportunity to talk
with him privately.
During half an hour after the prisoner had been placed in the pillory
the mob jeered, hooted and pelted him with missiles of every
description, and then, one by one, tiring of the inhuman sport, they
left the yard for fresh amusement, until the three boys and the
horseman were alone, save for the curious ones who, passing by on
the street, stopped a moment to look at the soldier.
"It will not always be allowed that the men who are fighting for our
liberties can be treated like this in Philadelphia," Seth said in a
cautious tone as he stepped so near the pillory that those at the
entrance of the yard could not overhear the words.
"Are you a friend?" the prisoner asked with some show of surprise.
"I had begun to think there were none left in this town since Howe
has made 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 the
Britishers came; but it can do no good for that fact to be known
while we are powerless to act."
"You are old enough to serve in the ranks, and should be there, if
you would aid the cause."
"So we shall be in good time, friend; but it is not all who are the
most willing that can do as they choose. This boy," and Seth pulled
Jacob forward, "is the son of Ludwick the baker, of whom you must
have heard."
"Heard, lad? Why I know Chris Ludwick as well as I know myself! Do
you tell me that he won't allow his son to enlist?"
"He has promised to give his consent this spring, and when Jacob
signs the rolls Enoch and I will go with him."
"Then you will have done only that which is your duty. If General
Washington could have as many men as he needs, this war would
soon be ended, with the United States free and independent."
"We shall do our share," Seth replied, speaking more hurriedly lest
those who had captured the prisoner should put an end to the
interview before he had accomplished his purpose. "If you believe us
to be friends, 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 to
answer your question I should hesitate about giving any information
until I had better surety of your purpose than words which might be
spoken by any one."
"Then you shall know why I asked, and after that say if we may be
trusted. My mother keeps a boarding-house, and among her guests
are several British officers; last night I heard them talking about an
order which has just been issued, to the effect that a large portion of
the army is to be ready to move at a moment's warning. From what
they said, it seems certain some important move is to be made
before the fifth of the month."
"Why are you so certain as to the date?" the man asked after a brief
pause, during which he appeared to be settling some question in his
own mind.
"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 talking
appeared to be ignorant of what it meant."
The prisoner remained silent several moments, and then said in a
whisper:
"I shall trust you, lads, for it seems necessary the information should
be known at headquarters. If you are deceiving me, you must
always remember 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
would be the penalty if we were discovered trying to send
information to the Continental army, and yet we are willing to take
all the risks, if thereby we can aid our friends."
"That you can, lad, if it so be what you have heard is true. Will you
be able to leave town at once?"
"Within an hour."
"Very well, you cannot go too soon. If you travel six miles on the
Delaware Road I'll answer for it that you meet some of our friends
who will conduct you to those whom you wish to see. Don't tell your
story to any officer lower in rank than a colonel, and do not be
surprised if those whom you meet give rough usage at first. Hold
both your tongue and your temper until the purpose has been
accomplished, and then I warrant you will be well thanked for the
service."
"We will go at once," Jacob said decidedly. "Is there anything we can
do 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 I should be thankful for being let off so lightly."
"Indeed you should!" Enoch replied quickly. "The Britishers have
been flogging 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
with me when you have valuable information to give our friends.
When you meet with soldiers of our army, say that Ezra Grimshaw
sent you to speak with Colonel Powers."
"Is your name Grimshaw?" Enoch asked.
"Yes, lad. If you can get speech with Colonel Powers you need have
no fear of rough treatment. Now set out, for time may be precious.
Which of you is to do the work?"
"All," Enoch replied quickly, as if fearing that, because of the timidity
he had displayed, his friends might deprive him of the opportunity to
do his share.
"There is no need of but one," Grimshaw said decidedly, "and many
reasons why three should not make the venture, chiefest of which is,
that so many might attract the attention of the enemy's patrol, while
a single boy on the road would pass unchallenged."
"It is not right one should have all the honor, while the others are
deprived of their share," Enoch replied decidedly.
"Lad, is it honor for yourself or the good of the country you have
most at 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
yourselves as 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 without delay."
There was no opportunity for him to say more; at that moment a
party of British officers entered the yard, evidently bent on amusing
themselves by making sport of the prisoner, and the boys were
forced to step aside.
Seth beckoned for his comrades to follow him, and not until he was
on High Street did he speak. Then it was to say:
"Grimshaw was right; we must not quarrel as to who shall go, but
settle the matter at once. Of course each one wants—"
"I should have the chance," Jacob said decidedly. "Either of you may
have some trouble to get away; but it is not so with me. My aunt will
not worry if I am absent a week; she knows I—"
"Either Enoch or I would have permission to leave home if we
explained the reason for going, and, therefore, are as much entitled
to the position 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 an
instant, saying, as he faced them once more, "I have broken the
straw into one long and two short pieces. He who draws the longest
shall start at once."
Jacob insisted on making his choice first, arguing that such
advantage should 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 his face.
Enoch was no more successful, and Seth said triumphantly, as he
held up the piece remaining in in his hand:
"It is for me! If you two will tell mother where I've gone I'll start at
once."
"That part of the work shall be done properly," Jacob replied, all
traces of ill-humor vanishing from his face. "If she allows it, I'll take
your place till you get back."
"Mother will be glad to have you there. Try to hear all the officers
talk 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 be
back to-night, or early to-morrow morning, for I don't intend to let
the grass grow under my feet."
"Keep out of the Britishers' way, or we may have to go down to the
town-house in order to see you again," Enoch said with a furtive
hand-clasp as the three separated, two to go to Drinker's Alley, and
the third to render to the cause what service was in his power.
 CHAPTER II.
UNDER ARREST.

There was no doubt in Seth's mind but that it would be

comparatively easy to perform the mission which he had taken upon
himself.
He believed the only difficulty to overcome would be that of finding
Colonel Powers, or an officer equal or superior to him in rank.
So far as making an excursion on the Delaware Road was
concerned, it seemed an exceedingly simple matter, and Seth
thought, as he set off at his best pace, that it was possible a fellow
could aid the cause very materially without being called upon to
endure much suffering, or to perform any severe work.
He met several of the country people coming into the city with
poultry, eggs or butter, they being quick to take advantage of the
fact that the road had been lately cleared of market-stoppers by the
raid which resulted in making of Ezra Grimshaw a prisoner.
During the first half-hour of his journey he fancied that every person
he met looked at him scrutinizingly, as if suspicious because he had
left the city; but this sensation soon wore away as the time passed
and no one molested him, after which he really began to enjoy this
impromptu excursion.
When an hour had passed, during which time Seth walked at his
best pace, he decided he was at least four miles from the town, and
the likelihood of being stopped by the British patrol no longer
seemed probable.
Grimshaw had told him if he traveled six miles in this direction he
would meet with detachments of Americans, and he believed he was
now in that portion of the country where his mission should be
successfully ended.
There had not come into his mind the possibility that he could by
any chance be considered a suspicious character by those whom he
would aid, and he thought that it had been an excess of precaution
to send word regarding the journey to his mother.
"I shall be back by the time Jacob and Enoch have had a chance to
tell the story," he muttered, "and it would have been as well if I
hadn't allowed mother an opportunity to worry about me. General
Howe must have little fear of those whom he calls rebels if he allows
people to leave the city as readily as I have done."
Twenty minutes later he was made glad by the sight of half a dozen
horsemen on the road in advance of him, for he felt positive they
were none other than those whom he wished to meet.
Now it was no longer necessary he should press forward rapidly in
order to accomplish his purpose, for the mounted party came toward
him at full speed.
"Where are you from, lad?" the leader asked as he drew rein directly
in front of Seth.
"From the town," the young patriot replied readily, positive of
receiving a friendly greeting as soon as his errand was made known.
"I want to see Colonel Powers. Ezra Grimshaw told me I would find
him hereabouts."
"Where did you see Grimshaw?" the horseman asked more sternly
than Seth thought necessary.
"On the pillory. He was captured by the Britishers somewhere out—"
"Yes, we know all about that," the man interrupted, "but Grimshaw
would never have told anybody where we might be found."
"But he did," Seth replied stoutly, "and it was under his advice that I
came out here to see Colonel Powers."
It seemed strange that this statement should be questioned, yet the
young messenger was quite certain from the expression on the faces
of the horsemen that such was the case, and as they glanced at
each other suspiciously and incredulously, he hastened to add:
"I have information which should be made known to the leaders of
the Continental army, and Grimshaw told me to come here and
repeat it to Colonel Powers."
"You have information?" the leader asked sharply. "And who may
you be, sir?"
"Seth Graydon."
"Are you the son of that widow Graydon who keeps the boarding-
house for English officers?"
"Yes," Seth replied without hesitation. "I heard—"
"How did you get speech with Grimshaw if he was on the pillory?"
one of the men asked abruptly.
"I, with two friends, was near the town-house when those who
made the capture brought him in, and by waiting until the curious
ones had gone away it was not difficult to speak with him privately."
"Was he flogged?" the leader asked.
"No, sir."
"Nor treated more severely than being put on the pillory?"
"No, sir."
"And yet he told where we could be found?"
"Yes, because he was eager one of us should have speech with
Colonel Powers."
"If the British officers who board with your mother have sent you on
this errand they will be disappointed at the result of their scheme.
The Tories of Philadelphia are not giving out valuable information to
those who are faithful to the cause."
The leader spoke so sternly that for the first time since he parted
with his comrades Seth began to feel uncomfortable in mind.
"But I am not a Tory!" he cried stoutly.
"Then you have not taken due advantage of your surroundings," the
officer said with a laugh. "A great hulking lad like you would be in
the Continental army if he had any love for the cause, instead of
playing the spy for the sake of British gold."
"But I am not playing the spy," and now Seth began to grow angry.
"I came out here to render you a service, at the risk of being flogged
if it is known that I left the city for such a purpose. I intend to enlist
as soon as the Britishers have left Philadelphia."
"Indeed? Is that true, my lad? You will enlist when we are on the
winning side, and not before, eh?"
"Can I see Colonel Powers?" Seth asked hotly. "Or will you take me
to some one equal in rank with him?"
"You shall have an opportunity of seeing an officer in the Continental
army, don't fear as to that; but if you count on going back to
Philadelphia in time to give valuable information to the Britishers,
you are mistaken. They will look for their spy quite a spell before
seeing him."
"I tell you I am not a spy!" Seth interrupted.
"That you shall have an opportunity to prove. Have you any
weapons?"
"Indeed I haven't."
"Look him over, Hubbard, and make certain he isn't telling more
lies," the leader said to one of his followers, and the man
dismounted at once, searching Seth's person so roughly that the boy
forgot Grimshaw's warning to control his temper.
"You shall be made sorry for this!" he cried hotly. "You shall learn—"
A blow on the side of the head caused him to reel, and he would
have fallen but that he staggered against one of the horses.
"Howe's Tory brood grow bold, thinking their master as powerful as
he would make it seem," the leader said with a laugh, and added in
a threatening tone to Seth, "March ahead of us, young man! Don't
make the mistake of thinking you can give us the slip! Your desire to
see an officer in the Continental army shall speedily be gratified."
"If this is the way you treat those who would do you a service, it is
little wonder you fail to receive much valuable information!" the boy
cried angrily.
"Keep your tongue between your teeth, and march on! Any further
insolence, and you shall be made to understand that Howe is not the
only person who can order floggings administered. Forward, men,
and shoot the Tory spawn if he makes any attempt to escape."
Seth recognized the fact that it would be worse than useless to
resist, and obeyed sullenly.
At that moment he was very nearly a Tory at heart, for such
treatment seemed brutal in the extreme after he had ventured so
much in the hope of being of service to his country.
"If this is the way those who would aid the cause are received I
don't wonder General Washington finds it difficult to raise recruits,"
Seth said to himself. "When I have told Jacob and Enoch of my
reception by those whom we called friends there will be three who
won't enlist as was intended."
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