The Dare Boys in New York
An orderly knocked at the door of the room occupied by General
Washington, in the old Fraunces' Tavern, the building used as patriot
headquarters, and on being commanded to enter, opened the door and
said:
"A young man wishes audience with you, your excellency."
General Washington, the great man on whose shoulders rested such a
serious responsibility, now that the people of the Colonies had
declared for Independence, sat at his desk, looking over some papers.
He now glanced up at the orderly.
"Who is the young man, orderly?" he queried.
"He says his name is Richard Dare."
"I have never heard of him," with a shake of the head. "Did he state
his business?"
"No, your excellency. I asked him, but he said he preferred seeing you
and stating his business direct."
Washington was thoughtful for a few moments, and then said:
"He is a young man, you say?"
"Yes, your excellency; or rather, I should perhaps have said youth. I
doubt if he is more than eighteen or nineteen years of age."
"H'm," murmured the commander-in-chief; "I am pretty busy, but will
see him briefly. Show him in."
"Yes, your excellency," and the orderly withdrew.
He was back again in a few moments, however, and ushered in a
handsome, manly-looking youth, at the same time announcing:
"Richard Dare, your excellency." Then he withdrew, leaving the two
alone.
General Washington glanced up as his visitor was announced, and when
his eyes took in the handsome face, the fine physique and perfect
poise of the youth, he gave a slight start and eyed him keenly and
somewhat searchingly, with considerable interest.
"You are Richard Dare?" the commander-in-chief remarked.
"Yes, your excellency," saluting.
"Very good, Mr. Dare. Now if you will be so kind as to state your
business as briefly as possible, I will hear you. I am quite busy, as
you may well suppose."
"Pardon me for taking up your time, sir," said Dick, "but I wished to
see you in person, as I have come to make you an offer."
"Ah, indeed? What kind of an offer, my young friend?"
"I will tell you, sir: I and two friends of about my own age have come
to New York from our homes in the western part of New Jersey. We
arrived here only this morning, and I, as their spokesman, have come to
offer our services to you, sir. We are ardent patriots and desirous of
fighting in our country, for the freedom and independence of our
people."
"Well, well," said Washington, looking at the youth with renewed
interest. "Bravely spoken! Your desire is a commendable one, and
certainly I shall be glad to accept of your offer, if your parents are
willing that you shall enter the army. You are mere youths, as it
were, and I would not want to take advantage of your offer unless it
were satisfactory to your parents. They have knowledge of you
project?"
"Oh, yes, your excellency. We have done this with the knowledge and
approval of our parents. My father, however, was captured in his own
dooryard, less than two weeks ago, by a gang of Tories, and I and my
brother Tom decided to join your army, to take father's place, as he
had intended to join, and also with the hope of finding and rescuing
him. One of our friends, when he heard that we were going to do this,
came and told us that he wanted to come, too, and here we are. I hope
you will accept us, sir, and give us a place in your army."
"I shall be pleased to do so, Dick Dare," was the hearty reply. "From
this moment you are a member of the Continental Army, as are your
companions also. I thank you, Dare, for your interest in the welfare
of our country, and pray extend to your companions my thanks, and tell
them that I shall expect to hear a good report from them when it comes
to actual conflict with the enemy."
"I think they will give a good account of themselves, your
excellency," said Dick, quietly but modestly. "I am sure they will
fight hard for freedom."
"I have no doubt about it, my boy. Well, the matter is settled, then.
Here, take this order and present it to Colonel Morgan, who will find
room for you in his regiment, now in process of formation."
The commander-in-chief hastily wrote the order and handed it to Dick,
who took it and saluted.
"Thanks, your excellency," he said. "I will do as you have commanded.
My companions will be delighted when I make my report to them."
Then, saluting again, Dick left the presence of the great man, and was
quickly back with Tom and Ben, who were quartered in a building only
about a block distant.
They greeted him eagerly.
"Did you see General Washington, Dick?" cried Tom Dare.
"Yes, Tom, I saw him," was the reply.
"And what did he say?" queried Ben Foster. "Did he accept our offer of
our services?"
"Yes, Ben," replied Dick. "He seemed to be pleased, and said that he
hopes to hear a good report concerning us when we come in actual
conflict with the British."
"I think he will be satisfied on that score," said Ben, a grim look on
his face. "I think we will be as good fighters as any of them, when we
get started, eh, Tom?"
"Yes, I think so, Ben," nodded Tom, his eager eyes sparkling.
"Get ready and come with me, boys," said Dick, beginning to gather up
his belongings, which were not many, as the youths had not brought
very much luggage with them.
"Where to, Dick?" queried Tom.
"We are to report to Colonel Morgan, and will be assigned to his
regiment."
"Good!" said Ben. "Then we will be genuine soldiers, eh, Dick?"
"Yes, indeed."
"Say, that will be fine!" said Tom. "I'm ready. Lead the way to
Colonel Morgan's quarters, Dick."
A few minutes later the youths set out. They found Colonel Morgan and
Dick gave him the note from the commander-in-chief, whereupon they
were assigned to their new quarters, their names having been enrolled
on the membership list of the regiment.
"Now we are soldiers, sure enough!" murmured Tom Dare, his eyes
shining. "Hurrah!"
"Yes, patriot soldiers, Tom," said Dick, quietly. There was an air of
satisfaction on his face also.
"We will be ready to take part in the first battle that takes place,"
said Ben. "Say, that'll be fine. I am eager to be in a battle!"
"And I," said Dick. "I want to fight for Independence and the freedom
of the American people. And, too, I want to fight and rescue our
father, Tom."
"Yes, yes, Dick. We won't forget that part of our work!" said Tom.