Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-16
From the Boston Telegraph.

The following communication is from the
Rev. A b. a Presbyterian clergyman Of this
county
Coopsr's "Spy ollie Neutral Ground" or the
true Harvey Birci.-Tbis gentleman, far gone
in wears; whose real name is &c, re-
sides in the town of G.. in the State Of New
of York. about IL miles from "the Fishkil
Highlands" He is worthy man, posed Of a
fine farm; and for many years has sustained the
Office Of Deacon in the Congregational Presby.
,crian Church Of G-Soeiety, Mr.. Cooper
has given US an accurate description Of his per
son, which is tall and meagre, and indicative OF
great muscular strength. Reserved in his man
ncrs, and maintaining an invarable rigidity OF
features, one would find it extremely difficult 10
discover any emotion Of his mind. He seldom
feels disposed to speak Of his hair.breadth es-
capes and severe privalions, while engaged in
the service Of his country, during the Revo!u-
,ionary struggle. But whenever he enters up.
on this story, it is with modesty and selfabasc-
ment that he was so criminal as to act the part
Of "Hushai the Archie" in the presence Of the
servants of George the Sd. The writer Of This
article has heard him utter such expressions as
these. "How great has been the mercy ofGod
10 me, that was not cut Oft in the midst oil
my career If deceit and wickedness! have
acted too much from the principle mentioned
BY the Apostle Paul, 'let US do evil that good
may come
IN the year 1875, if remember right, he was
employed as spy BY the friends Of American
liberty. He then lived in the county Of West
chester, little south Of the chain OF mountains
called "the Highlands" During this year he
travelled to Canada and back again for the pur-
pose Cf learning the sentiments Of the people
concerning the war, and Of ascertaining who
were the most active and dangerous men "a
mong the tories. To this class ofmen, he pro-
fessed great friendship for the British ministry
and expressed fears that he should become
prisoner 10 the wings, who would deprive him
Of life The information obtained by the spy,
occasioned the arrest and imprisonment of sew
eral roYalisls.
In the year l777, he was frequently in New
York, in company with the principal officers Of
the British army, who placed in him the utmost
condensation this time TO the end of the
war, he was considered as spy for the royal
lists, and the principal theatre Of his operations
was in the country contiguous to New York
and the Highlands" Under different DISCUS.
es and assumed names, such as John Smith,
Harvey Wright, and Harvey Birch, he travel.
led through many towns, obtaining important
Information which he communicated TO the A.
merican generals. His employment necessarily
subjected him to perils. Sometimes he was
shot at blythe friends Of liberty,who were eager
TO destroy one engaged Gas they thoughJ in the
service OF their enemies. Several times he was
their prisoner, but hts ingenuity effected his
escape.
Several companies of tories, differed with
men from the British army, fell into the hands
OF the Americans, in consequence of his adroit.
ness. 1t was customary with the British off.
GERS 10 steal their way into the country, and
obtain recruits from among the tories. which
were marched to the support of the British ar.
my: i.he Spy enlisted several times undo.
such officers, and when he had ascertained the
time liked upon for marching to unite with the
myrmldons Of King George, he never failed oil
secretly apprizing some principal officer ofthe
American army, who, Of course, was no. tardy
IN effecting their surrender at discretion. Ir
such instances, the Spy became prisoner, but
favored by friends, who knew his real charac.
ter, he always "took French leave Of absence"
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