SC-L15 The Carpenter and the Drummer Boy

The Carpenter and the Drummer Boy by Duncan Searl

John Potter gathered planks for his uncle's new ship. He was only twelve, but he was already a good carpenter. He had personally helped build three ships at his uncle's boatyard in Bristol Harbor, Rhode Island.

Those ships had all been burned. John's uncle was a Patriot, and the British were at war with Patriots. Earlier that year, redcoats had marched into Bristol and set the ships on fire.

John and his uncle were not discouraged. They were building a new ship. When it was finished, they would sail again. Maybe they would fight the redcoats in it!

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Thomas Strand was British. He was a drummer boy with his father's regiment at Newport, Rhode Island. Wherever the soldiers marched, Thomas led the way. A long line of redcoats followed his drum's sharp rat-a-tat-tat-tat.

"Thomas," the British major called one morning. "Assemble the men!" Thomas began a long drumroll. The redcoats rushed to organize themselves into position.

"We're heading to Bristol!" the major said.

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The march to Bristol was long, hot, and dusty. Thomas did not feel well. Usually, he loved nothing more than drumming a steady marching beat. Today this chore seemed *tedious*.

In Bristol, John Potter was alone in the boatyard. He saw the British soldiers coming, and tried to run, but it was too late. The redcoats quickly captured him and tied his hands.

The soldiers were *efficient*. It took them no time to set fire to the new ship. Then they started the march back to Newport, with John as their prisoner.

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The smoke from the burning ship had brought tears to John's eyes. He wouldn't be sailing with his uncle anytime soon. Worse yet, he was a prisoner. What would the British do with him? John started to feel better when he realized that the march would take them right past his home. Maybe he would catch a glimpse of his mother or sister before going to a British prison.

Thomas Strand was feeling worse and worse. As he led the redcoats along the rural road, he became hungry and tired. Gradually his drumming slowed. Then it stopped completely.

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As the redcoats approached John's farmhouse, Thomas fainted and fell to the ground. The major sent two of his men to the house to ask for water.

At first, Mrs. Potter and her daughter Eliza were not anxious to help the redcoats. Then they saw the sick drummer boy lying in the road. "He's no older than our John," Eliza said to her mother. They brought some bread and tea out to Thomas.

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Of course, it wasn't long before Mrs. Potter spotted her son. "John!" she called, rushing toward him. "Why are you here with the redcoats?"

"I'm their prisoner, Mother," he replied softly.

Mrs. Potter turned angrily to the major. "What do you mean by this, sir? What right do you have to make my son your prisoner?"

"It is the king's order, Madam," the major answered. "Burn the ships at Bristol and take the Patriots prisoner. That is what we were ordered to do."

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John's sister Eliza spoke in a soft voice. "I know the king would be grateful that we helped his drummer. I think he would show his thanks by freeing my brother now."

"I'm not sure about the king," said the major, "but I will release your brother."

John was untied and freed. He and his mother promised to return Thomas to Newport when he felt better.

Later that day, John and Eliza rowed Thomas back to Newport. "When the war is over," said Thomas, "I will come back here. Maybe I can help you build a new ship."

"Maybe you can," said John.

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Children of the 1700s

In the 1700s, children dressed like their parents. They didn't get new shoes often, as shoes were expensive. All shoes were the same whether they were for the left or the right foot. It was easy to **organize** them!

Many towns didn't have a school. If they did, children from ages six through twelve would share the same room. It wasn't a very **efficient** way to learn!

Most children had to work doing dull chores, and they found the work **tedious**. Boys started to learn a trade at the age of nine. Girls would make cloth, candles, and soap at home.

Many colonists lived on **rural** farms. Even very young children in these areas worked hard in the fields.

Boys as young as twelve served as drummers in the army during the Revolution. The drummer would **personally** lead the soldiers into battle.

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1. Having children of all ages share a schoolroom is not a very _______________ way to learn.

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2. It is easy to _______________ your shoes if they all look exactly the same.

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3. Much of the work that children had to do was _______________.

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4. What is something that most people like, but which you personally do not like?
___________________________________________________________
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5. What can you expect to see in a rural area?
___________________________________________________________

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1. Why is Thomas Strand a drummer boy for the British?

2. Compare how Mrs. Potter and Eliza act when they find that John is a prisoner.

3. What does John Potter expect to happen to him, and what actually happens to him?

4. Why do you think the major decides to free John in the end?