Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-02-12

ter tho baltic of Bennington. beardless lad APP
parcn.ly not more than fifteen, offered his scrvi-
ces to the commander of the company 10 which
the Elvertons were attached. which were accept
cd. lie gave his name Robert WILDER. Not
outstanding his youth, his swartiy complexion
indicated that he had been accustomed to labor
under tho scorchna rnys of the summer sun,
and his sparkling eye, as he inquired for the Off
Ger, sufficient proof that he was willing, If
not ablo, 10 endure the tatigucs of campaign.
/ This company with several others set off, with
all possible dispatch, 10 join Gen. Gates; where
il expected that "a severe and decisive battle
would take place. Bufga"ne was the more anN-
ious for it, havin. ascer,aincd that the 4 American
force daily and rapidly increasing.
! Early in the evening Of the 9TH of October. a
British sentinel introduced himself to one Of the
pioue, guards Of the American army, III the
character of q dcscrtcr from tho British camp:
but was Immediately arrested as spy, and car
rcd before General Gates. Alarmed for his per-
sonal safety, the prisoner offered to give the Eng
ish countorslgn for that night, and remain close
prisoner until it was ascertained whether or not
no was decoiving them. Of the intended move
ments of the cnony he knew nothing. lie gave
the countersign TO Gates, and was placed under
strong guard.
Taking advantage of tho timely and uncx pect-
cd intelligence. Gen. Gates Immediately sum
rnoned council Of officers. -nrdo- to '"1ui' .
whetfrcr- any bravo spirit could be found who
would run the almost desperate risk Of entering
the British camp, that night, for the purpose Of
containing nearly as possible, thoir force and
{ intended movements.
The project was Immediately made known to
the chosen few, whose zeal in the cause could not
be doubted; when about thirty of tho number,
whose enthusiasm overcamo all fears of danger,
except for their common country, simultaneously
volunteered to make tho rash attempt. Lots
were cast. and the important and daring entcr-
prise dcvolvcd upon young WILDER. For mo-
! checks could
not conceal tho flush with which they wore sut-
fused; but as it only for moment, score OF
hardy New England hunters o1orod themselves
as substitutes.
mo, replied WILDER, with firmness, "should |
consent, should deserve towards fato. Il
has fnllon to my lot, and let mine be tho perll.
| Rash youth, said tho Gcneral-"lcave this
danger ous undertaking to some one OF the many
who have already offered their services, and who
| if they have not stouter hearts, must be supposed
to have more physical energy than possibly could
be expected in 4 lad of your age. l doubt not
your patriotism, but Old soldiers, and have
but few among US, efficient III such
cases than mere school boys.
..sSir, said WILDER, Il am no school boy. My
appoa rance deccivcs you. | have recently passed
fcarcsslv through moro trying struggle than
this; then do not compel either to shun tho
danger which would attend tho failure. the
glory which would crown the success of tho
tcrprise."
Enough replied tho General, '.but remember
on YOU, perhaps than on myself, depends
tho fate of our little army" Ihen calling WI
Der aside he cave the English countersgn, with
such advice and directions as he thought would
DO Of service to the young soldier, who imrncdi-
atoly commenced making propa ratlons Tor placing
himself between 4 bare chance Of life, and almost
certain death. Arrayod in the uniform of a
British soldier, and wrapped i'll dark cloak. he
was conducted by officer to the outposts Of tho
American camp, when bidding farewell to his
comrades, he directed his steps towards the camp
! of the enemy. In short time he found himself
within hailing distance Of British pquct.
"Who goes therc!' demanded the sentinel in
rough voice.
! "A friend.''
| WILDER advanced to the point of the sentineFs
bayonct, and opening his cloak sufficiently to
show his uniform. whispered, SUCCESS.
Right replied the unsuspectng sentinel,
''what news from Without
II have boon in tho rebel camp was tho roply.
..Thcr force is small, but rapidly increasing. and
they are not expecting an attack from US tor scv-
eral days.
! "Thon they will be Disappointed replied the
British solder. "Even now Gen. Burgoyno IS
preparing to attack them. Beforo sunrise We
must Ill be undor arms.
Il know it, replied WILDER, land they will fall
an easy proy to us, but must hasten to Join my
company; and throwing off his disguise, he was
soon in tho hoart of the enemys camp. There
hustle and activity in anticipation of the
mex. days conflict, and all were elated with the
certainty of easy and ignoblo victory.
Having satisfied himself, after half an hours
rambIc among the fonts, of tho danger to procure
any further information, and aware of tho in-
portance of Immediately conveying to the Amer
lean General the little intelligence which he had
received. he cautiously, but boldly left the camp
by different direction from that by which he en-
tered it. He met with no detention until accos'ed
by the piquct guard
"Who goes there!''
"A friend.''
Tho countersign!'
Success.
Whittier bound!'
tho IN mn Of the rohaIs c11est of intcIi-