Hi, folks. I came across this story about an 18th Century resident named Clem Hathaway. If anyone knows more about Clem or this incident, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks Mark E. Dixon Wayne, PA > During the Revolutionary War, my great grandfather Richard (Clayton), was > the keeper and proprietor of the hotel at the head of the pier at Port > Penn, Delaware. He had a hostler named Clem Hathaway. When the British > Fleet sailed up the river, a few enthusiastic patriots secured an old > cannon which they planted upon the pier and opened fire upon the passing > fleet, which immediately poured a broadside into the town. > > Clem was half asleep, with his head resting between his hands, and his > elbows on his knees, sitting in front of the old-time fireplace, when he > was suddenly aroused by a cannon ball which pierced the wall about six > inches above his head, imbedding itself in the brick chimney and covering > him with red dust. Without a word he arose and walking deliberately out to > the end of the pier, he turned his back to the enemy, bending himself > forward so as to present a target for the British sharp-shooters on the > ships. He remained in this defiant position for about ten minutes. The > musket balls fell like hail around him but did not as much as scratch his > skin. He then straightened himself up, adjusted his clothing and > deliberately returned to the hotel. It is needless to add that from that > time till his death, a few months after, he was the hero of the town. His > daring defiance of the British Fleet gave him a free "admittance to the > bar," and too much indulgence in his new privilege soon ended his days.