The Scout of '76

# Catalog Description

The Scout of '76; or, The Old Dutch Blunderbuss by Herrick Johnstone is a historical fiction tale set in Revolutionary War New York. The narrative begins at the Golden Shark tavern on Broadway in August 1776, where young Continental soldier Joseph Wilder reunites with his sweetheart Katrina, the daughter of the tavern's Dutch proprietor Gotlieb Von Snooze. Joseph presents Katrina with an engagement ring despite her concern about his finances. When Gotlieb discovers them, he delivers stern fatherly disapproval in dialect, though ultimately approving of Joseph's military aspirations. Joseph departs to pursue a captain's commission. Encouraged by news that General Washington seeks a scout for dangerous duty, Joseph presents himself to headquarters. Washington himself receives the youth, learns of his personal circumstances, and enlists him for a covert mission: to eavesdrop on British General Howe's tent at Bushy Cove on Long Island to anticipate an impending attack. The narrative combines romance, patriotic service, and espionage during the Revolutionary War's opening campaign.