human
Will you tell me a story this evening, father?
gpt
And what story shall I tell you, my son?
human
Something about the war, father.
gpt
You are always for hearing about the war, William, said General P.
human
I have told you almost all the stories I recollect. And besides, William, if you love to hear about war so well, when you are young, you will wish to be a soldier, when you become a man.
gpt
And would you not wish to have me a soldier, father, if war should come?--you was once a soldier, and I have heard people say, that you was very brave, and fought like a hero!
human
Well, well, William, said the general,
gpt
I must tell you one story more. Where are Henry and John? You may call them--they will like to hear the story too.
human
Father! William says you are going to tell us a story about the war! what----
gpt
Shall you tell us about some battle, where you fought?
human
Sit down, my children, sit down. Did I ever tell you about _Enoch Crosby_?
gpt
Nor did I.
human
I suppose not; but he was a brave man, and did that for his country, which is worthy to be told.
gpt
Was he a general, father?
human
No; he was a _spy_.
gpt
A spy! a spy! father, I thought a spy was an odious character?
human
Well, a real spy is generally so considered. I think it would be more appropriate to say, that he was an _informer_. During the war, many Americans were employed to obtain information about the enemy. They were often soldiers, and received pay, as did the soldiers, and sometimes obtained information, which was very important, especially about the _tories_, or such Americans as favoured the British cause.
gpt
Is that the meaning of the word tory?
human
Yes; tories were Americans, who wished that the British aims might succeed, and the king of England might still be king of the colonies. Those who wished differently, and who fought against the British, were called _whigs_.
gpt
Was Crosby a whig?
human
Yes; no man could be more devoted to the liberty of his country.
gpt
Whence were the names whig and tory derived?
human
Do you wish to know the _original meaning_ of the words, my son?
gpt
Yes, sir.
human
The word _tory_, the learned Webster says, was derived from the Irish, in which language it signifies a _robber. Tor_, in that language, means a _bush_; and hence _tory_, a robber, or bushman; because robbers often secrete themselves in the bushes. The meaning of the word _whig_, I am unable to tell you. Its origin is uncertain. It was applied, as I told you, to those who fought for the liberty of America.
gpt
If the word tory means a robber, it was very properly applied to those, who wished to _rob_ the people of America of their rights--don't you think so, father?
human
Exactly so, William--a very just remark.
gpt
Father! I thought you was going to tell about Enoch Crosby?--
human
True, master John, we will begin.