The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-07-10

comprehend how an obstruction which had
cost SO much time and labor in the construc-
/ ton, should be passed without the least diff
Gully. u was found on inquiry, that secret
| passage had been left for tile river craft. and
'hat the night before an artIiicer acquainted
WIN ITS location had deserted 10 The enemy.
ueherai Putnam who had deliberately viewed
'heir approach from height on the east side
ni me river, u" sooner saw the headmost OF
Inc neet pass through the chevaux-de-irize,
IMAM ne ordered young man by tho name Of
Deiden, 10 cross Ia New Windsor, in his
barge and deliver despatch to Colonel Lee.
AS soon ms the barge had left the shore, the
enemy launched boat armed with swivel
fr,n their headmost vessel, for the purpose Of
interceptihg his passage, and soon afterwards
second, 10 cut oflhs retreat to Fishkill,a avail
ing himself Of strong food tide in the
stream. The BEtton soon neared the rebel
barge and showered grape shot like hail about
her. The result was doubtful for some mi
nntes-every thing hat British force or yam
kee skill could accomplish, was done 10 gain
The race, uptl one Of the yankee bargemen
accidentally unshipped an orr, and the Briiion
shot ahead. In the mean time the second
British hoat was rapidly gaining a position to
cut of her retreat. Finding it wholly impos-
1880 ~ $500 VII WS7i SUI ~ tbS
river, and fearful Of being taken prisoners by
the second British boat If he delayed his re-
treat Belden snddealy put about the barge,
and pulled for the eastern shore with the ut
most speed, second heat now commenced
between the American aud the British boats
which kept up a running FIRE OF grape shot
upon their antagonist. On reaching the east
ern shore, Beldcn perceiving that the enemy
was near him and were preparing The fire
again, ordered his men to leap overheard and
retreat Al this instant the enemy fired, and
the whole charge passed over the Americans
without injury. 4 simultaneous shout from
the surrounding mountains rent the air The
bhrgemen then took secure position behind
the river bank, ut which the enemy fired re-
peatedy without effect.
The British retrea'ed and left the barge as
soon as they perceived body Of Americans
approaching the shore with the intention of
opposing their landing. Belden returned the
despaches 30 General Putnam, who had wit
messed from The height the whole affair, and
publicly thanked him and his comrades for
their gallaniry and good conduct. The
Americans saved the dispatches, but lost the
race. As soon as the British flee, had pass.
ed the Highlands, the American army was
ordered TO march to Kingston, and take the
British prisoner with them. The night be-
fore they marched, the sentinel at the Pro-
vost asked Taylor if he was not afraid he
should be hung. Not the least, he replied,
lin Il firm tone Of voice. not the least. hold
his Majesly's commission; they dare not
hang me. am afraid, Mr. Taylor, rejoined
the senlrv, you will be hung. Don't be
alarmed on my account, SAID the spy, | act
under the orders If Sir Henry Clinton, and
he is bound To protect me. II should be
burg he will lay waste your towns with fire
and sword. A pause of some minutes en-
sued, during which poor Taylor seemed TO
be engaged in deep and anxious thought.
Perhaps he was calculating for the first time,
how much the laving waste Of towns with
fire and sword would benefit dead mamie
then resumed, Why do you think they will
hang me. assuming an air of confidence, be-
cause, said the sentry, the Court Martial, as
| have been informed, have condemned you
as spy. He appeared to be sensihlr affect
ed, aud to conceal his emotions turned igcm
me, wiped the tears from his checks, Which
were trIckling down, said lie was unwel, and
retired TO bed. stood guard that night at
his ptson door it was a hong and anxious
night TO poor Taylor, he slept but little, was
Oiled convulsed, and frequently broke out in
EXPLANATIONS. which testified that he was in
great mental agony. .s.
Early the next day the army marched for
Kingston, and Taylor marched with it. He
left the Provost with apparent j y, having
convinced himself that he should escape the
halter. "lf my death was determined on"
said he, WHY no, hang me at tie Square,
why march me forty miles 10 a grave" Self
love sal !, Judge, and decided IN his favor.
He marched onward with a light heart and
elastic step until lie had arrived at Hurley,
within three miles of Kingston. From this
place We beheld that village wrapped in
flames.
In their pursuit of small game, the enemy
had forgot the great object OF the expedition,
the relicfof l}urgoyue and conquest of Amerl-
GA. and had hetaken themselves to robblng
hen roos,s aud burning villages. The Amerl-
cans halted a, Hurley. Their Indignation
rose 10 phreIzy on bcholding the smoking
ruins before them Here Taylor was doom
ell to exna,e with life, for the cruelty Of the
British in burning Kingston. lie seemed
never to have calculated the risk Of his IN
dcrahug and if he had ever viewed death
in prospect. it was when surrounded with The
..pomp md circumstance Ct war;" he was
too far disant to discern distinctly his grim
visage lie was horror struck, when 1t was
announced that he must prepare to die with
out hope When ne hchcld the fatal moose
suspended from a tree prepared to receive
him, he could not conceal his great alarm and
agitation Unfortunate young man he had
not one friend present to console HIM IN his
deep dstress-he had not one ray Of honor
left To light him 10 the grave. The promise
Of Sir Henry TO avcnge his death with fire
and sword, afforded but miserable consola-
ton 10 tic wrc,ched man about To explore
boundless eternity, from whence he could