The native American., 1838-05-12

indelcacy, as his station did not nterpose the OBJ
stacle before stated, yet it was very probable tina
the same difficulty would occur in his breast, tc
remove which would not be easy, if practicable
Washington was highly pleased with finding
that non-commissioned officer was deemed ca
pable of executing his views as he had felt ex
treme difficulty in authorizing an. invitation te
officers who generally are, and always ought tc
be, scrupulous and nice in adhering to the course
| of honor. He asked the name, the country, the
age, the size, length Of service, and character, o
| the sergeant.
Being told his name, that he was a native Of
Loudoun county, in Virginia, about twenty three
or twenty-four years of age, that he had enlisted
in l776, rather above the common size, full ol
bone and muscle, with saturnine countenance
grave, thoughtful and taciturn, of tried courage
and infexible perseverance,, and as likely to re-
ject an overture coupled with ignominy as any
officer in the corps; commission being the goal
lof his long and anxious exertions, and certain on
the first vacancy.
The general exclaimed that he was the very
man for the business; that he must undertake il;
and that going to the enemy by the instigaton
and at the request of his officer was not deser-
ton, although it appeared to be so; and he en-
joined that this explanation, coming from him,
should be pressed on Champs; and that the vast
good in prospect should be contrasted with the
mere semblance of doing wrong, which he pre-
sumed could not fail to conquer every scrupe.
Major Lee assured the general that every exer-
ton would be essayed on his part to execute his
wishes; and, taking leave, returned to the camp oi
the light corps, which he reached about eight o.
clock at night. Sending instantly for the SER
geant major, he introduced the business in the
way best calculated, he thought, TO produce his
concurrence, and dated largely on the very great
obligations he would confer on the commander
in-chief, whose unchanging and active benef-
cence to the troops had Justly drawn to him their
affection, which would be merely nominal, if
when an opportunity should offer to any indivi.
dual ofconributing to the promotion of his views
that opportunity was not zealously embraced
That the one now presented to him had never be.
fore occurred, and in all probability never would
occur again, even should the war continue fol
ages: it being most rare for three distinct conse
quences, all Of primary weight, to be comprised
within single operation, and that operation ne.
cessarily to be intrusted to one man, who would
want but one or two associates in the active par
ofits execution. That the chance of detection be-
came extremely narrow, and that consequently
that Of success enlarged. That, by succeeding in
the safe delivery of Arnold, he not only gratified
his general in the most acceptable manner, but he
would be hailed as the avenger of the reputation
of the army, stained by foul and wicked perfdy
and, what could not but be highly pleasing, HI
would be the instrument of saving the life of Ma
ljor Andre, soon to be brought before court o
inquiry, the decision of which could not be doubt
ed, from the universally known circumstances o
the case, and had been anticipated in the generals
instructions. That by investigating with dill
gence and accuracy the intelligence communicated
L., l:,rht Il
would relieve innocence las was most probable)
from distrust; quieting the torturing suspicious
which now narrowed the mind of Washington,
and restoring again to his confidence once-hon-
ored general, possessing it at present only osten-
sibly, as we'll as hush doubts affecting many of his
brother soldiers.
In short, the accomplishment of so much good
was in itself too attractive to be renounced by a
generous mind; and, when connected with the
recollection of the high honor which the selection
shed upon him, as a soldier, he ought not, he
must not, pause. This discourse was followed
/ by detail Of the plan, with wish that he would
enter upon its execution instantly. Champe list
ened with deep attention, and with highly excl
| ted countenance; the perturbations of his breast
not being hid even by his dark visage. He brief
ly and modesty replied, that no soldier exceeded
him in respect and affection for the commander
in-chef, to serve whom he would willingly lay
down his life; and that he was sensible of the
honor conferred by the choice of him for the exc.
cution of project all over arduous; nor could he
| be at loss to know to whom was to be ascribed
the preference bestowed, which he took pleasure
in acknowledging, although increasing obligations
before great and many.
That he was charmed with the plan. Even its
partial success would lead to great good; as i
would give peace to the generals mind, and dc
Justice, as he hoped, to innocence. Full success
added powerful and delicious personal excite
mens, as we'll as the qualification of the general
and army. He was not, he said, deferred by the
danger and difficulty which was evidently to bt
encountered, but he was deterredby the ignominy
of desertion, to be followed by the hypocrisy o
enlisting with the enemy, neither of which com
ported with his feelings, and either placed an in
superable bar in his way to promotion.
He concluded by observing, if any mode coult
be contrived free from disgrace, he would cordi
ally embark in the enterprise as it was, he prayed
to be excused; and hoped that services, Away:
the best in his power to perform, faithfully per
formed, did entitle his prayer to success The
objections at first apprehended now to be com
bated, were extended to a consequence which hat
not suggested itself. Lee candidly admitted tha