American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-06-14


ning through the marsh TO the river plunged into
~ calling ON the galleys for help. This was readily
given they hired on our horse, and sent boat to
meet Champe who was taken in and carried on
board, and conveyed to New York with letter from
the captain OF the galley, stating the past scene all
OF which be had seen.
1.-The horse with bis equipments, the sergean,'s
cloak and sword scabbard, were recovered the
sword itself, being held by Champe till he plunged
into the river, was lost Middleton found it neces.
sary to retire without searching for it.
| About three O'Clock in the evening our party
returned and the soldiers, seeing the horse, well
known to them in our possession, made the air re-
sound with EXPLANATIONS that the scoundrel was
killed.
Major Lee, called by this heart rending annun-
clalIon from his tent, saw the sergeants horse led
by one of Middleton's dragons, and began to re-
lproach himself with the blood of the highly priced
faithful, and intrepid Champe. Sitting his agony,
ne advanced TO meet Middleton, and became some.
what relieved as soon as he got enough to dis
Germ the countenance of his officer and party There
was evidence in their looks of disappointment, and
he was quickly relieved by Middleton information
that the sergeant had effected his escape with the
loss OF his horse, and narrated the particulars lust
recited.
"Lee's JOY was now full, as the moment be
lore, his torture had been excruciating. Never
was happier conclusion. The sergeant escaped
unhurt carrying with him to the enemy undeniable
Testimony OF the sincerity Of his desertion,- can
ceiling every apprehension before entertained, lest
the enemy might suspect him OF being what he
really was.
Major Lee impaired to the Commander in
lChei the occurrence, who was sensiby affected by
the hair breadth escape of Champe, and anticipated
with pleasure the good effect sure to follow the en-
emy's knowledge OF its manner.
IS On the fourth day after Channels deparfure
Lee received letter from him, written the day be-
lore In disguised hand without any signature, and
stating what had passed, after he got ON board the
galley, where he was kindly received.
He was carried to the commandant of New York
as soon as he arrived and preseniend the letter adj
dressed to this officer from the captain OF the galley
Being asked TO what corps he belonged and few
other common questions, he was sent under care Of
an orderly sergeant, to the adjutan general, who,
finding that he was sergeant ma or OF the legion Of
horse, heretofore remarkable for their fidelity, he
began to interrogate him. He was told by Champe,
that such the spirit OF detection which prevailed
among the American troops in consequence of
Arnold's example, that he had no doubt, il the tenn
per was properly cherished, Westinghouse ranks
would not only be greatly hinned, but that some of
his best corps would leave him. To this conclu
SION, the sergeant said, he led by his own obser
vaions, and especially by his knowledge Of the dis
contents which agitated the corps to which he had
belonged. His size, place OF birth, his form, coun-
enance, color OF his hair the corps in which he had
served, with other remarks in conformity to the
British usage, was noted in large folio book. After
this was finished, he was sent to the Commander in
Chief in charge of Of the staff, with a letter
from the ad jutant general Sir Henry Clinton trea
ted him very kindly, and detained him more than
an hour, asking him many questions. all Leading
first to know TO what extent this spirit of detection
might be pushed by proper incitements,- what were
the most operating indictments, -whether any gen
etal officers were suspected by Washington con-
cerned in Arnod's conspiracy, any other officers
OF note who they were, and whether the troops
approved or censured Washington's suspicions,-
whether his popularity-in the army was sinking or
continued stationary. What was Major Andres
lstualion, -wheher any change had taken place in
the manner OF his conhnement-whatw was the cur.
rent opinion of his probable fate-and whether it
was thought Washington would treat him as a spy
TO these various interrogations, some OF which
were perplexing, Champe answered warily; ex-
citing, nevertheless hopes that the adoption OF pro-
per measures TO encourage desertlon, OF which he
could not pretend to form an opinion, would Ger.
tainly bring off hundreds Of the American soldiers
including some of the best troops, horse as we'll as
foot. Respecting the fate of Andre, he said he
was lgncraut though there appeared to be gener-
al wish in the army that his life should not be taken ;
and that he believed it would depend more on the
disposition of Congress, than on the will of Wash
ington.
After this long conversation ended, Sir Henry
presented Champe with couple Of guineas, and
recommended him to wait on General Arnold, who
was engaged in raising an American legion in the
service of his majesty. He directed one of his
aids to write to Arnold by Champe, stating who he
was, and what he had said about the disposition in
the army to follow his example, which was very
soon done it was given to the orderly attending on
Champe, to be presented with the deserter to Gen
eral Arnold. Arnold expressed much satisfaction
on hearing from Champe, the manner of his escape,
and the effect of Arnod's example; and concluded
his numer GUS innnrirs by ASSIGNING quarters the