The Boy Spies of Philadelphia

n sixteen years of age and the youngest hardly a year his junior, were standing

s for pleasure, as is usually the case with boys of such age; but wore a

ts decidedly startling-events well calculated to i

on the 26th of September, 1777, General Howe took possession of the city of Philad

cers were pleased to spend their time in every form of revelry, and ever ready to accept the more than gene

indolent Howe, and the privates had so far followed the example set by their superiors that the king's troops had b

anklin was able to say with truth, when taunted w

n Philadelphia; Philadelph

nd of the forces under General Howe to Sir Henry Clinton, and those of the population loyal to the ca

e of freedom; in fact they had but just arrived at an age when they began to realize their res

considerable property before the beginning of the struggle for freedom, gave one entire half of it for

the army; but as yet young Jacob had never been

ho kept a boarding-house in Drinker's Alley, which had been largely patronized durin

and his mother it was who had for several years tau

wn old beyond their year

come to whip into submission the struggling patriots, and well knew to what desperate straits, even for t

enjoying every luxury of the table, while hundr

and fuel, and were now questioning as to whether, under this newly appoi

all times; yet they realized what suffering might come, if, as had been rumored, Sir Henr

ere discussing it last evening, and seemed to think, as they always do, that I can work them no harm through learning their secret

rder?" Enoch Ball

tions, to start at a moment's warning on some maneuver whic

ley Forge?" Jacob asked, with no slight show of anxi

nities for them to fall upon General Washington and his command than now, and it is not likely the ene

prepared for i

, the American troops were never in better condition, so far as discipline is concerned, than they are at pr

en from General Howe, why is he

might be able to give even General Washingt

ral Howe is to be rem

n causing the disaster to Burgoyne's army by going to the Chesapeake as he did. It seems that h

fifth may be one which has been ordered

e officers who were discussing

tand how we can be benefited by having the informati

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 a

for it was not yet two weeks since he had seen a man flogged with an hundred lashes

s of the town who would forward the information. I believe I know where

to leave the city

ld, an

you?" Enoch continued, showi

ess you

rrupted. "If you and I go, Seth, there is no reaso

you make an attempt to aid t

t the very thought of it,

r it was terrible to see that poor man's back cut

fore he could finish the sentence a shouting, yelling mob turned from High Stree

-stopper," Jacob said a moment lat

the city to prevent such farmers as had no scruples against selling provisions

open in order that the country people might come in with their marketing, and severe was the

ow much aid is given to the enemy so that money comes into their pockets, and the freedom of th

re are too many redcoats for us in the crowd, and if one of them should he

d patriots like this light-horseman are being abused; but if it ever happens that t

your pains, without ha

itisher can fight, while I'm certain great good will be

ently. "We shall all find ourselves in the j

sing themselves by pelting the light-horseman with stale eggs, decaying vegetables, or other filth

er; he probably realized that any attempt to do so would only result

red. "What we saw this day a week ago was more than enoug

d in that way. See! they are going to put him on the pillory, and by stopping here until t

ier could tell him where the information he believed the Americans should have would be the mos

ery description, and then, one by one, tiring of the inhuman sport, they left the yard for fresh amusement, until the three boy

e treated like this in Philadelphia," Seth said in a cautious tone as he stepped so

I had begun to think there were none left in this town since Howe ha

before the Britishers came; but it can do no good for

n the ranks, and should be the

t willing that can do as they choose. This boy," and Seth pulled Jacob

s well as I know myself! Do you tell me

this spring, and when Jacob signs the

ral Washington could have as many men as he needs, this war wo

the prisoner should put an end to the interview before he had accomplished his purpose. "

your question I should hesitate about giving any information until I had

ritish 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 t

asked after a brief pause, during which he appe

said by the

o idea of what

ld you. Those who were talking appea

lent several moments, an

ould be known at headquarters. If you are deceiving me, you must al

alty if we were discovered trying to send information to the Continental army, a

hat you have heard is true. Will

in an

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

id decidedly. "Is there anythi

rivance, and that is exactly what you can't help me in the doin

he Britishers have been flogging the market-st

ose. But do not stand here talking with me when you have valuable information to give our friends. W

e Grimshaw?"

u need have no fear of rough treatment. Now set out, fo

cause of the timidity he had displayed, his friends

hould not make the venture, chiefest of which is, that so many might attract the atte

e honor, while the others are deprived

he good of the country you have mos

one who did not remain

to who shall go, and then let the other two aid him all they can. Do not

British officers entered the yard, evidently bent on amusing themselves

ow him, and not until he was on High S

l as to who shall go, but settle the ma

you may have some trouble to get away; but it is not so with

explained the reason for going, and, therefore, are as much e

shall it b

Here is a straw; wil

nt the chance to

t, saying, as he faced them once more, "I have broken the straw into one

dvantage should be his because he was the eldest, and, after c

senger was not for him, and stepped back with an

eth said triumphantly, as he held u

will tell mother where I'v

lied, all traces of ill-humor vanishing from his face. "I

to hear all the officers talk about; but d

Shall we walk a mi

r I shall be back to-night, or early to-morrow morning,

o see you again," Enoch said with a furtive hand-clasp as the three separated, two to go