and there, the unconquerable resolution
of freemen was first made apparent to the obstinate oppressors of our
infant country. Yet, until of late years, the history of the affair was
very imperfectly known, and the names of the men who participated in it
scarcely mentioned. In these pages will be found a faithful account of
this glorious exploit, and, in connection with the other narratives, it
is hoped it will kindle in the breasts of young readers an enthusiasm
for liberty and a love of heroic excellence.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

THE LEBANON CLUB

THE SKIRMISH AT LEXINGTON

THE FIGHT AT CONCORD

THE FIFER'S STORY

ARNOLD'S EXPEDITION

EXPEDITION AGAINST TICONDEROGA

PUTNAM'S ESCAPE

THE BATTLE OF BENNINGTON

CAPTURE OF GENERAL SULLIVAN

PATRIOTISM OF MRS. BORDEN

ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN PLUNKETT

TREASON OF RUGSDALE

CRUELTY OF TARLTON

LEE'S LEGION

ATTACK ON GENERAL WAYNE

THE MUTINY AT MORRISTOWN

THE TREASON OF BETTYS

THE BATTLE OF BUNKER'S HILL

EXPLOITS OF PETER FRANCISCO

EXPLOIT OF COLONEL ALLAN M'LEAN

THE ADVENTURE OF MAJOR LEE

GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN

BATTLE OF ORISKANY

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION.

Those who have been associated in the performance of any deed of valor
or patriotism ever feel attracted to each other by an influence stronger
and nobler than that of friendship. The daring patriots who joined in
resistance to the tyrannizing might of Britain, were men pledged to die
rather than betray each other, and to maintain their rights while they
could lift the sword or aim the musket; and that pledge made them look
upon each other in after years, when the storm of war was hushed and
security dwelt at the fireside, as brothers whom no petty cause could
sunder nor ill report make foes. These remarks apply, especially, to
those who first threw themselves into the breach, and resolved that, if
the British ministry would adopt such measures as the stamp act, their
execution should be resisted and become difficult, and if such measures
were passed as the act taxing tea, coffee, and the comforts of life,
that the tea should never be landed, and thus prove a loss to its
owners. The men who threw the tea into Boston harbor were patriots
united by a sense that union was necessary for the salvation of liberty;
and they were attracted to each other by the same influence during the
bloody struggle which succeeded. What wonder, then, that they loved to
meet in af