Part 54 (1/2)
A military band escorted a regiment of redcoats down to the dock, and the necessary papers for the transfer of the prisoners were exchanged.
Then across the gangplank walked Ethan Allen and Eben Pike, handcuffed together.
The people on the dock pushed and stared at the Green Mountain men.
”Why, they aren't green!” exclaimed one of the bystanders with disgust.
”No, they aren't Americans; they're Irish,” said another.
”Of course they're Irish; Americans are black.”
”No, red.”
”Not by a long shot; they're all as yellow as guineas.”
Absurd as it may appear at this day to have to record such ideas, it is an absolute fact that when it was rumored that the Green Mountain heroes were on their way to England the prevalent idea was that they derived their name from the color of their skin.
When the other prisoners disembarked the march was commenced to the barracks.
The people flocked round the prisoners so that progress was impeded.
The soldiers had to charge the crowd with bayonets many times.
”What did they mean by saying they thought we were Irish?” asked Eben.
”I heard an Englishman say in New York that if it had not been for the Irish the Americans would not have rebelled. Of course it was nonsense, but the people do not know us yet, while they do know the Irish.”
At the barracks the prisoners were received with as much curiosity as we can imagine was shown by Ferdinand and Isabella when Columbus presented the American Indians in 1492.
Every man was made to answer a lot of questions, and many times over.
Allen was questioned about the strength of the American army, and replied:
”I know not its numbers, but it is well equipped and can beat all the armies you can send over there.”
”They are rebels, and only the lowest people sympathize with them.”
”Do you call George Was.h.i.+ngton a common man?” asked Allen.
”He is a rebel, and ought to know better.”
”And Richard Montgomery, who fought with you at Havana and Martinique?”
”Is he with the rebels?”
”I had the honor of serving under him.”
”He will be hanged, for he was a soldier of his majesty.”