The native American., 1838-05-19
Ertraet. from Lees Memoirs ofthe Reuolmiona
ry Uar, in the Southern Department.
[coNCLUDEp.] j

[coEcLuDEp]
Lees 10Y was now as full as the moment be-
fore, his torture had been excruciating. Never
was happier conclusion. The sergeant escap-
cd unhurt, carrying with him to the enemy un-
deniable testimony of the sincerity of his deser
ton; cancelling every apprehension, before enter
tanned, lest the enemy might suspect him of be-
ing what he really was.
Major Lee impaired to the commander-in chief
the occurrence, who was sensibly affected by the
hair-breadth escape of Champe, and anticipated
with pleasure the good effects sure to follow the
enemy's knowledge Of its manner.
On the fourth day after Champe's departure,
Lee received a letter from him, written the day
before, in disguised hand, without any sigma
ture, 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 presented the
letter addressed to this officer from the captain Of
the galley Being asked to what corps he be-
longed and few other common questions, he
was sent under care of All orderly sergeant, to
the sdjutant general, who, finding that he was
sergeant major of the legion horse, heretofore re-
markabe for their fidelity, he began to interro-
gate him. He was told by Champe that such
was the spirit of detection which prevailed among
the American troops, iii consequence of Anold's
example, that he had no doubt, if the temper was
properly cherished, Washington's ranks would
not only be greatly thinned, but that some Of his
best corps would leave him. To this conclusion
the sergeant said he was led by his own observa-
tions, and especially by his knowledge Of the dis
contents which agitated the corps to which he be-
longed. His size, place Of birth, his form, coun-
tenance, color Of his hair, the corps in which he
had served, with other remarks, in conformity to
Al DIT ntod Iarr al hoo
After this was finished, he was sent to the COM
mandern-chef, in charge Of one Of the staff, with
letter from the adutant general. Sir Henry
Clinton treated him very kindly, and detained
him more than one hour, asking him many ques-
tions, all leading-frst, to know to what extent
this spirit of detection might be pushed by proper
indictments? What the most operating incite-
ments? Whether any general officers were sus-
pected by Washington as concerned in Arnold's
conspiracy, or any other officers of note! Who
they were, and whether the troops approved or
censured Washington's suspicious! Whether his
popularity in the army was sinking, or continued
stationary? What was Major Andres situation!
Whether any change had taken place in the man
ner of his confinement? What was the current
opinion of his probable fate; and whether it was
thought Washington would treat him as spy!
TO these various interrogations, some Of which
were perplexing, Champe answered warily; en-
citing, nevertheless, hopes that the adoption of
proper measures to encourage desertlon, (o
which he could not pretend to form an opinion,)
would certainly bring off hundreds OF the Ame-
rican soldiers, including some of the best troops,
horse as well as foot. Respecting the late of
Andre, he said he was ignorant, though there ap-
peared to be general wish in the army that his
life should not be taken; and that he believed it
would depend more upon the disposition of Con
gress than on the will Of Washington.
4 After this long conversation ended, Sir Henry
presented Champe with couple Of guineas, and
recommended him to wait upon 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 dis
position in the army to follow his example;
which, very soon done, it was given to the order
ly attending on Champc, to be presented with the
ieserter to General Arnold. Arnold expressed
much satisfaction on hearing from Champe the
manner of his escape, and the effect OF Arnold's
example: and concluded his numerous inquiries
bv ASSIGNING quarters to the sergeant, the same as
were occupied by his recruiting sergeants.
He also proposed to Champe to- DIN his legion,
telling him he would give him the same station
he had held in the rebel service, and promising
further advancement when merited Expressing
his wish to retire from war, ana MS c0nVlcuoH oi
the certainty Of his being hung if ever taken by
the rebels, he begged to be excused from enlist
ment; assuring the general that, should he change
his mind, he would certainly accept his offer.
Retiring to the assigned quarters, Champc now
turned his attention to the delivery OF his letters,
which he could not effect until the next night,
and then only to one of the two incognita to
whom he was recommended. This man re-
ceiyed the sergeant with extreme attention, and,
having read the letter, assured Champe that ne
might rely on his faithful cooperation in doing
every thing in his power, consistent with his
safety. to guard which required the utmost pru'
dence and circumspecton. The sole object III
which the aid Of this individual was required re-
carded the general. and others of our army, Inn
1,l;cated in the information sent to Washington by
him. To this object Champe urged his attention.
assuring him of the solicitude it had excited, ane
telling him that its speedy investigation had indu
ced the general 10 send him into New YORK
Promising to enter upon it with zeal, and enga
ging to send out Champe's letters to MAJOR Lee
he fixed the time and place for their next meet
ing, when they separated.
Lee made known to the general what had peer
.-.u.r,;ttod IN him by Champe and received, II