The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1838-03-02
The Fatal silver Bullet,

A TRUE STORY Or IHE hEftLt lAN-''
In the summer aud autumn OF III while
Sir William Howe, with a feet and part
of the royal army we're lying at New iork,
General Bufgoyne with his army were ad.
vancing from Canads toward Albany.
The object aud design Of the enemy we're
10 possess themselves of Lake ChamE'au,
with the whole % The Hudson, and thereby
cut off all intercourse and communication
between the Eastern and Southern States.
For the purpose of watching the moIlous and
aunoylng The operations OF the hostile ar.
mics. General Washington had directed
small bodies of troops "a be stationed at
Fish Mil, Redhook, Grsenbush, and sever
al other places on the East side Of the river,
between New York and Albany, with strict
orders 10 take Up aud eyamlne all strangers
travelling up aud do"n the river, either by
land or water, and II detected IN espionage,
or employed 10 communicating Information
between the British armies, 10 be punished
according to the rules OF war.
Abou. the FIRST of September, a pedestrian
passing northwardly, was hailed aud stopped
bv sentinel of the guard stationed at Red
hook, and commanded BY Car.. John Mans
Geld. of Connecticut. The nan was about
thirty years OF age ard clothed IN the bah
il of farmer. He was conducted 10 the
guard house. Capt w. inquired OF him MS
name, lie place Of his residence, as well as
that to which he was going, his business
there, &c. He replied b. giving name
and stated that he belonged 10 the place be.
low Redhook, and was iarmer-that he
was now 90 his way 10 the next town above,
with view TO purchase pair OF oxen from
farmer ofhls acquaintance living there. tie
was asked whether he had about bun any
letter or other communication from Lord
Howe, or any other British otilcef !. New
York, addressed to Gen. Burgoyne, or any
officer in his armyl 10 which he promptly
answered in the negative. Capt. VI. then
told him that such we're the orders OF his
superior officer, that II became hrs duty
to serch the person Of every traveller IN
der similar circumstances; to which he re
piled. he had no objection to icing search
cd-Capt. VI. then dtrected two or three OF
the guard to take off has coat and examine
the pockets, folds lining, and every other
part critically. Wnle this was doing, one
OF the guard observed the prisoner 10 pass
his hand with quick cotton from his vest
poke: to his mouth, apd by the motion %
his chin seemed to be swallowing something
that went down rather hard, as he ex.
messed himself The search, however con.
,inued and was finished, without any DIS
covery which would justify the farther de.
ten!ion Of she prisoner. Capt. NJ. was then
infor,oed of the suspicious circumstances
noticed BY the guard.
VIVA, vas nov to be done? Strong sns
piciou had attached itself 10 the stranger,
bu, no positive proof had set appeared
gainst hin. An eXpedeut soon suggested
Itself to the ready thou rs oi our Yankee
Captain. He observed % the pflso."r,
g we have detained yoJ " your journey for
some leGgih q time, aud subjected you to
pretty strict evaBfn4il0n. feel bound
by the rules Of clvillty 70 treat YOU 10
bowl Of todJy before you proceed on, and
If YOU will drunk sllt Us 700 shall be made
welcome" The man was pleased with the
invitation and readily agreed TO accept Il.
The Captain took npon blinseit the Office
Of bar. keeper, and soon prepared the toddy.
10 make II genuine and answer the pur-
oose for winch he wanted i BE- stirred N
o,od and sufficient dose Of emetic tartar.
Oar stranger being thirsty aud somewhat
fatgued by travelling, drank very freely OF
the Bryerase While the Captain and others
present barely tasted and passed !! round.