The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-03-29

knew nothing. He gave the counter
sign to Gates and was paced under 6
strong guard.
Taking advantage of this timely and
unexpected intelligence, Gen. Gates
Immediately summoned a council Of of.
icers in order to enquire whether any
brave spirit could be found under Their
respective commands, who would vol
unfairly run the almost desperate risk
Of entering the British camp that night
for The purpose ofascertainiDg as near
Iy as possible, their force and intended
movement. The project was speedily
made known to chosen few, whose
zeal in the cause could not be doubted,
when about thirty ofthe number, whose
enthusiasm overcame all fears and dam
ger exec Ut for their common country,
simultaneously volunteered to make the
rash attempt. Lots were cast, and the
important and daring enterprise devolv-
ed on young Wilber! For moment.
even his apparently sunburnt cheeks
did not conceal the flush with which
they were sufiused; it was only for a
moment--and within that moment a
score of New England hunters offered
themselves as substitutes.
'No,' replied WiIber with frmness,
should | consent, should be d&erv-
ing coword's fate. 1t has fahen to
my lot. and let mine be the peril
'Rash youth, said The general, 'leave
this dangerous undertaking to some one
Of the many who have already offered
their services, and wh. if they have not
stouter hearts must be supposed to have
had more experience, and to possess
more physical energy.ttan could possi-
bly, be expected in a lad Of your age.
| doubt not your patriotism, but old
soldiers, and we have but few am ng
us, are more efficient in such cases
thar mere school boys.'
'Sir,' said Wilber,I Il am not school
boy! my appearance deceives you. ]
have recently passed fearlessIv through
a more trying struggle Than this; then
do not compel me either to shun the
danger which would attend failure, or
the glory which would crown the en-
terprise.
Enough replied the general, but re-
member that on you. perhaps even
more than myself depends the fate of
nur gallant little army. Then calling
Wilber aside he gave him the English
:ountersign, with such advice and d.
'ections as he thought would probably
De of service 20 the young soldier, who
Immediately ommenced making prep
'ralions for placing himself between a
,are chance for life, and the almost GER
ainty of death. Dressed in the uni
orm ofa British soldier and wrapped in
dark cloak, WILDER was conducted
" an officer Of the guard to the out
,osts of the American camp, when
bidding farewell to bis comrades, he di-
ected his steps toward the camp of the
nemy.
He had now moment for reflection. !
lie thought Of his late peaceful and
appy home, of the parents whom he
nd left clandestinely, and Of the prob
hility ofnever again meeting them on
arth, but he thought of his country
90, land pressed forward. In a short
me he found himself within hailing
istance ola British piquet.
'whu goes therer demanded the sen.
me. in rough voice.
"a friend.'
sTive the countersign.'
Wilber advanced 10 the point Of the
entiners bayonet and opening his
loak sufficiently to show his uniform
whispered success
Right, replied the unsuspecting sem
incl, 'what news from without
i have been into the rebel camp
vas the reply. 'Their force is small.
ut rapidly increasing and they are
ot expecting an attack from US for sew
raj days
Then they will be Disappointed re-
lied the British soldier. even now
,en. Burgoyne is attempting to attack
lem. Before sunrise, we must all be
nder arms I,
Il know it, replied Wilber, .and they
i'll fail an easy prey to us, but must !;
lsten 10 join my company;' and throw
g of' his disguise he was soon in the $
cart of the enemy's camp. There all /
as hustle and aclivi y, in anticipation !
thenext days conflict; an,i all were !
ated With the certainty ufan easy and I
noble victorva /
Having satisfied himself, after an t
,ur's rambIe among the tents, OF the +
niger to procure any further informa- $
IN, and aware of the importance of Et