I did not hear the commander-in-chief read the Declaration, because of not being near enough; but shouts from those who were within range of his voice told that the sentiments contained therein were much to their liking, and if there was any Tory among that multitude he had not the courage to raise his head so it might be seen, for I heard neither hiss nor dissenting voice during all the exercise. When the troops departed we of the sloop were well content to return to her, not because of being afraid that we might meet any who would do us harm, for on that day the Tories had little spirit; but in the belief that our parents might pay us a visit, and yet we did not go. Just as we were about starting it was noised around among the multitude of people that the statue of the king which stood on Bowling Green, was to be pulled down, and all the unfortunates confined in the prisons for debt were to be released. It was such a show as we could not well afford to miss seeing, and I would have taken more chances than I believe we then ran, rather than have absented myself voluntarily. And a wild scene it was when night had come. I question whether there will ever again be in New York such enthusiasm and such a spectacle as we saw after the sun had set. Long ropes were fastened to different parts of the king’s effigy, and men and boys tailed on to them, pulling, and shouting, and screaming until the leaden image tumbled headlong to the ground, raising a cloud of dust like as if a dozen cannons had been discharged at the same moment. It was as if all those people had lost their senses with the downfall of the statue--as if they believed that by overthrowing the leaden image they had overthrown the king in America, and a wilder scene I never expect to witness. However great my curiosity to see what might be the outcome of it all, for I fancied the revelers were in such a frenzy that this one act would not satisfy them, I was minded to go back to the sloop, and was saying as much to my companions when some one touched me on the shoulder from behind. Turning I saw Lieutenant Winterbottom, who said in a low tone, as if not caring to be overheard by those near at hand: “Do you lads from the island still hold yourselves as Minute Boys?” “Ay, sir, that we do, an’ shall so long as we live; but thus far it is simply the matter of a name, for we have had no opportunity of showin’ what we might do. No one is needin’ our services. We have, in accordance with your advice, been livin’ aboard the sloop on this side the harbor; but what may only three lads do for the Cause?” “Very much, Ephraim Lyttle, if they be so disposed, and are stout-hearted.” He spoke in such a meaning tone that straightway I took fire, believing there was more in his words than as yet appeared, and wheeling upon him suddenly, I cried hoarsely: “Do you know of aught we may accomplish that would be of benefit to the Cause?”