The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-11-17

capture; and when Major Tulimadge could no lon
ger evade direct reply however painful to his
feelings, ho told his shot and simple sory Il had
a much loved class mate in Yale College by the
name ofNathan Hale, who entered The army in
! I775 Immediately after the battle of Long Is
land, General Washington wanted information OF
the strength, position, and the probabI lie move.
ments the enemy. Captain Hale rendered his
services, went over 10 Brooklyn, was taken just as
he was passing the ou,posrs of the British on his
return Turning to Andre, Major Talmadge
said, with emphasis; go you know the sequel of
hntsory?'
sYes,' said Andre; 'he was hung us a spy; but
surely you do not consider his and mine a.
| like?
! Major Tamadge replied 'Yes, precisely similar,
and similar will BIO your fate. From that mo-
! lnent the detection cf his spirits was striking and
painful.
! On the 23th OF September, General Washington
summoned board officers consisting of six Maors
general4 and eight b,gadiors. They were directed
to examine the case of Major Andre, and to report
the facts, with their opinion of the Transactions and
its punishment When the prisoner was brought
before thom, the president informed him that he
al perfect liberty to withhold an answer to
of any legal or technical rights, he proceeded to
give brief narrative of all that had occurred be-
tween his landing from the Vulture and his captures
and stated expressly that he did not come on shore
under the protection ola flag of uce.-El lis de-
pertinent was manly, dgnifed and delicate; and
while he sought no disguise concealment of tho
part he had played in this transaction, he
puousIy careful not to disclose the names and acts
| e IL
officers reported the factsfn DETAIL and their opinion
hat Major Andre ought to be considered spy, &
that according to the laws and usages of nations
ne should suffer death. The voice of humanity
pleaded loudly Tor mercy to Major Andre, but the
stern realities Of the scene which might have pre-
| sontcd had his agency been successful, forbade all
hope -Inexorabe justice, and the stern DEGREES Of
the law, alike required an example, which should
not only prove warning TO all traitors in
times TO come, but convince tLe American people
that their cause was in the hands Of men who
"knew their rights, aud knowing dared maintain
them. Appeals the most powerful were made &
no human effort lie Il nnried TO induce WashinG--
ION 10 save ANDRE but in vain. His heart vas full
of the milk OF human kindness; his sympa,hies
were all enlisted for ie interesting prisoner, whose
life was in his hands, and i, required tho frmness
his own generous nature. But he never shrunk
from the rigid performance Of a public duty, or per
mitct hiss heart to dictate what honor and pa,ri.
oiicmal like forbade.
One plan, however suggested itself to Washing
tom by which, if successful, The life of Andre
might be spared; and that was 10 exchange Andre
for Arnold. II was a forlon hope; but the bare
attempt proves the nobility ot the heart that would
make the suggestion. Washington knew that an
open proposal Of this kind to the British comman
der would be likely, from its publicity, /" be reec-
ted d therefore adopted an expedent. e despatch
ed Captain Aaron Ogden, of New Jersey who was at
that time with Washington, arden,ly engaged in
the OF his country, with the proceedings OF
the Court of Inquiry, toSr Henry Clinton; and he
was directed remain in Jersey city all night, and
in the course of the evening, which he would
spend with the British officers, to speak of tile
rest OF Andre, and to suggest tho certainty of his
death, unless he coul Id be exchanged for Arnold,
After supper he introduced the subject Of painful
interest, and found ready listeners. When he spoke
of the exchange, one of the officers eagerly nqui-
red if he had authority Tor shat remark No said
Captain Ogden 'no directly from General Wash.
ington, but if the proposal is made he will agree to
it, The officer who made the inquiry short
~ seen 10 leave IOOiN CROSSING tHe ilNci "-NS"
York. he went directly to Sir Henry Clinton, and
detailed the remarks of Captain Ogden, The next
morning tho same officer Observed m careless
manner TO Captain Ogden, as he was about to de-
part, that the exchange which he had spoken OF
could not be made; 1T would be such violation o;
honor and military principle that no knew Sir
l Henry Clinton, wou Id not listen to the idea for
moment" Failing in this, General Washington de-
terml ed on still another plan to save the life OF
Andre.-He sent tor Major Lee, and said ia
him
Il have sent Tor you in the expectation that you
havo some one in your corps who is willing TO un
dertake \ hazardous project. Whoever comes for
ward, will confer great obligation upon me per-
sonally and in behalf Of the United States will
reward him amply No time is TO be lost, he
must proceed if possible night. L intend to
seize Arnold and save Andre.
Major Lee selected a MAJ by tho namo o.
Champe, Virginian, OF tried courage and nfexi-
bile perse yer ance He was sent for an" the plan
proposed He was desert and to escape TO New