Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-05-14

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on which three or four men, with blue coats,
Icockades, aud strait swords, were resting their
mugs, he received his poa,ion, with the addition,
also, Of pipe aud tobacco. Leaving him 10
discuss iheso at disclosure, rheobect of ale.housa
curiosity and the centre Of sundry ominou5 CLAN.
ces, we will change our scene 10 the quarters Of
sir Henry Clinton.
CHAPTER II.
At the period of our story, the British army,
under general Clinton, had possession Of New
York. Sir George Rodney, with u feet, recent
Y arrived from Great Britain, rode at anchor in
the bay. General Washington, with his army,
lay at West Point and along both shores of the
Hudson, augmenting his forces, and making ex-
raordinary preparations with the Corporation Of
the French fleet and army, under count de Roch.
ambeau, and the cheyaler de Ternev, living at
Rhode lsland) to attack New York. With this
object in view, vast magazines Of military stores,
including vessels, baeax. cannon aud provisions,
had been collected at West Point. Sir Henry
Clinton was informed Of this through spies; aud
it became an object with him to get possession of
this post, not only that he mightdeeat the scheme
Of the Americans, but also open an avenue of
communication with the army in Canada. But
Independent Of either Of these objects, he saw,
indeed, that on the possession of the highlands
by the British army, rested solely the tenure by
which New York could much longer be held by
the crown. Therefore, he prepared to direct all
his energies TO the accomplishment Of this design
TO concentrate all his strength to this one oh.
ject. with the determination to seek no other con-
quest until the flag Of Great Britain should float
above The citadel Of West Point and its depen-
dcnces.
The quarters Of sir Henry Clinton were in
mansion called the "kennedy House." on the
southwest corner of Broadway, adjoining the bat
terry. About eight O'Clock on the evening Of our
story, 1t presented gayscene. Boorethc door,
military band were, al intervals, PLAYING popu-
lar national airs; officers were promcnading up
and down, or Iounging about the hall entrance in
conversation; horses, held by orderIes, champ.
cd their bits impmienlly, and paved the ground;
The apartments were brilliant with lights, and
from the open windows, came the laughter and
musical voice Of women; children were payng
about The equestrian Statue of George the second,
in the BowImg-grecn; aud little further off, on
the sward, party of youths and madens Of the
city, taking advantage Of waltz played by the
band; were whirling round in dizzy circles, with
great spirit. All was life and gayely, and no
where were visible any signs Of the sanguinary
war that filled the land.
Within til mansion, and in a small, plain, but
richly furnished apartment sat around Il liable, 10
which the wine and desert had been transferred
from the adjoining dinngroom, party, consist
ing altogether Of gent 3man. Atlhy time w4grr
to them, one Of the number, Il middle |
aged man, with an air Of command, and habted
in military surout, which betrayed no insignia
OF the wearor's rank waswarmy speaking, while
others were interested listeners.
"Now, gentlemen, | have shown you the i'm
portance OF the secret correspondence have SO
long been engaged in through Major Andre, with
this unknown individual. That he is in the con
hdence OF Washington. is certain. His nlorma-
non has never, IN single instance, proved incor-
rect. In his last communication he said that the |
Tune had at length arrived when ii had become
expedlenl, and was for our interest to bring the |
affair to crisis: saying, farther, that, if | COM
piled with his terms, action should at once take |
theplace Of writing. These terms, aud lhemeans |
OF Obtaining an interview with him, he did not
mention, but promised to send us, oy a special !
a full exposition of his views, and his
real name, for which, hitherto, he has adopted
N'''''N N''' 80 -AN . HNo tlttt VI Jbiit NllAtlSOI
"Have you any idea, sir Henry, who your
correspondent may be!' asked gen
lleman in the uniform of British Armira, who
was seated opposite to him.
81 have my suspicious Rodney; but until the
arrival of the letters to destroy or confirm them.
will not injuro the fair fame even of foe, by
thom."
At this instant a slave, in livery of silver
and green, entered the room with coffee, when,
through the haIEopen door; noise came from |
The street, of voices in uproarious alteration.
"Whal's thedisturbance ewhout, there, Nero!" |
demanded sir Henry Clinton, half rising from the
able.
"Ony de press gang, mossa! Dey cotch big
rebel at black Sam's--ho no want to go board
ship, mas Rodney--so am yell little bit-dal's
all, massy Kuyhoos 'um."
81 was afraid, general Kuyphauscn," ;" said Gin.
ION, rosuming his seat, and addressing Stout
corpucnt officer, with staff, white hair, highly
powdered, wearing the uniform Of foreigner Of
high military rank--"l was afraid your thick
'kulIed Germans and my English guards We're at
oggerheads again. Hark! what is thuti"
ITO the maln-yard with him! Drag him on to
he sugar-house Give him a berth in the Old
Jer5ey!" mingled with The cIashing of weapons,
come loudly from the street.
"It is time for me to interfere" said Clinton,
rising and advancing through the hall, followed
BY the others. "They have harder case than
common to deal with; and fear, notwihstand-
ng my strict orders, blood will be shed in their
'nxlely to secure him."
When they reached the door, they saw, by the
'ght OF the lamps, gigantic few, with his back
planted against the iron railing enclosing the
equestrian statue of the King, defending himsoIfIi
With huge broadsword from the assault of half
dozen men in blue coats and cockades, who
we're thruSng al him with swords, but unable,
from the circllng sweep of his powerful weapon,
with which he kept clear a wide space around
him, to get near enough to use them with efTocl.
"Hold, men!' cried general Clinton, as the