The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1827-07-12
From the Boston Telegraph.

The following communication is fian the
Rev. A. b. q Presbyterian clergyman OF this
county.
Cooper's"Spy of the Neutral Ground" or tie
true Hurrey Birch.-This gentleman, far gone
| in years, whose real name is F. c., re-
sides in the town ofC--, in the State of New
York, about twelve miles from the "Fishklll
Highlands" He is worthy man, possessed OF
a fine farm, and for many Years has sustained TIC
office of Deacon in the Congregational Presbyte-
rian Church Of c. Society 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
ners and maintaining an nvarabe rlgldity OF
features one would find it extremely difficult to
discover any emotion of his mind lie seldom
feels disposed to speak of his hair.breadth es-
capes and severe privations, while engaged III
the service of his country, during the Revolu-
tionary struggle: But whenever he enters up
on this story, it is with modesty and self abase-
nent that he was criminal as to act the part
Of ''litlshai the hrchte," in the presence OF the
servants of George the Sd. The writer of this
article has heard him utter such expressions AS
these GLOW great has been the mercy ot God
TO me, that was not cut off in the midst Of my
career Of deceit and wickednes,! have acted
too much from the principle mentionpd by the
/ Apostle Paul. 'let us 10 evil that good may come
In the year 1775, Gf remember right, he
was employed as i spy by the friciids OF Aneri-
can Liberty. He then lived in the county Of
Wcstchestcr, little south Of the chain OF noun
tains called ''tlie Highlands" During this year
he travelled to Canada anil back again, for the
purpose of learning the sentiments OF the peo-
pie concerning the;~ar, and OF asccv;aimng who
were the most active and dangerous mcr among
the tories. To this class OF men, he protested
great friendship for the British ministry, anGs ex-
pressed fears that he should become a prisoner
to the wings, who would deprive him ot NJ, =
The information obtained by the spy, ocra.Aon-
ed the arrest and imprisonment OF several roya,.
lists.
In the wear i1-, he was frequently in New-
York, in company with the principal officers Of
the British army, who placed in linn the utrln,t
confidence. From this time to the cwl ct The
war, he was considered as a spy for thc rnSasts,
and the principal thcatr, Of his operations waa
! in the country contiguous - New York and the
"Ilighhnds.' Under different DISCUSSES and
assumed names, such as John Smith, Harvey
/ Wright, and IIar cy Birch, he travelled throussl
many towns, obtaining important information
which he communicated to the American gem
erals. His employment necessarily subjected
him to perils. Sometimes he MAS shot At by
the friends Of liberty, who were eagrc to d-stroy
one engaged Gas they thousht) in the service OF
< their enemies. Several times lie "1s their prls.
oncr, but his ingenuity effected his escape,
Several companies Of tories, oiiicered with
men from the British army, fell into thr hlm!s
oi the Americans, III consequence of his aGralt
ness. 1t was customary With the British officers
TO steal their way into the country, and obt.n
recruits from among the torres, which were
marched to Tie Support Of the lrirlsh army
The Spy enlisted several tunes n,ider snch o't
\ Gers aud when hc had asccrtained the .mc fix
ei upon for marching 70 unite With the myrmi
dons Of King Gcorgr, lic never failed Of secret
" appr4ng soTac principal officer Of the Amer
can amy, who, oi cour,r, was not tardy in 1t
frcting thcw surrender at discretion In sucl
instances, the Spy became prisoner, hut t.r,or
ed by friends, who knew his real character, h
always to0k French leave of absence"