Page:Dorothy's spy; a story of the first "fovrth of Jvly" celebration, New York, 1776.djvu/23

14 of the privateering brig Clinton when she captured the French ship La Pomme.

It was difficult for the children to realize that there were so many seamen hailing from the port of New York, all of whom, if the inscriptions on their banners could be credited, were not only willing, but eager, to do their full share toward proving that the United Colonies were "absolved from all allegiance to the British crown."

It was a brave show which these sailors made, many of whom had fought for the king against France, and even Dorothy and Sarah began to understand, although dimly, that there was very much more to this declaration of independence than parades and a bonfire on Bowling Green.

Shortly after the sailors passed, the Sons of Liberty marched up the street in the direction of the common, and the two girls were literally wild with excitement as they recognized their fathers in the line, for this seemed to be conclusive proof that they had certain rights and privileges in the celebration which could not be enjoyed by those less favored children whose parents took no active part in the proceedings.

One of the banners carried by the "Sons" attracted considerable attention, and provoked loud huzzas all along the line. On it the girls read, without being able fully to understand the meaning: