BOBBIE, THE POWDER BOY
In which a young boy shows great courage in the face of danger.
There was a time when our country needed many men to protect her against her enemies—especially the British. She had to have soldiers on land and on sea. Sometimes boys were accepted to help in the camps and on the vessels.
On board the ship United States was a boy only ten years of age. His name was Bobbie. He was allowed to help but his name could not be placed upon the roll of the ship until he had served a certain length of time. He was very young to be aboard a war vessel, but he was faithful to his duty and served as bravely as he could. At times it was very hard on Bobbie, but even in places of great danger he remained just as brave as ever. One time it looked as if their ship would be lost. A great British vessel was coming towards them. How could the little United States stand against a much larger British vessel?
“Well, Bob,” cried his older comrades, “are you afraid?”
“No, indeed,” cried Bobbie, and he hurried away to find the captain.
“What’s wanting, Bobbie?” said the captain.
“Please, Commodore, will you put my name on the roll before the battle begins?”
“What for, my lad?” asked the Commodore kindly.
“So that I can take a position at the front of the ship when the firing begins,” replied the boy bravely. “We must take that British ship, and I believe we are going to do it.”