The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-10-04
NJ I S 6 E l. L A N ECU S.
II he Spy
An Incident of the Revolutionary Var,

Near Peeksville, not far from the main
road, stands clump of forest trees, among
which an aged tree is conspicuous. 1t
bore for long time, and still bears, be-
lieve, the name of .OldPu6s gallows,' from
the fact that many tory spy, skinner and
thieving cowboy had swung from its
branches when Putnam commanded on
the lines.
In the early part OF August, l777, Gen.
Tyron was at the British out posts near
kingsbridge. 1t will be recolIected that
he was Royal Governor of New York, at
the commencement of the Revolution, and
a full Colonel of British Regulars. After
the war broke out he was placed on active
service and raised to a Generals rank,
with power to recruit and equip tory
corps or brigade from the Americans who
yet rem aimed loyal to the crown and gov
ernment of Great Britain.
For long time it had been favorite
project with Putnam, that an attempt
should be made to re-capture the city of
New York. From all accounts it appears
that Washington did not dislike the plan,
but with prudent caution did not wish to
hazard at that time the risk of a defeat
Putnam, however, made several feints and
false movements at his out posts to alarm
Sir Henry Clinton, in which he succeeded
and thus kept the British troops within the
city for its protection, that otherwise, aided
by the fleet, would have been ravaging the
adjacent shores of other states. 1t be-
came necessary to Sir Henry Clinton that
he should know the position and condi-
ton of Putnam's troops, more accurately,
and also endeavor if possible, what parties
in the city gave Putnam such accurate
knowledge of all his, Clinton's plans.
Tyron was busy raising his new Ievies'
and for him Sir Henry sent.
General Tyron'' said he, Il must know
the position of Putnam's troops, and their
number, including his fresh battallions of
militia. You ought to find some one-a
native, who has enlisted in your corps
that will go into the highlands and obtain
it for us. The reward shall be liberal,
and if successful, the person shall be ad-
vanced to grade.
Il think have such man, Sir Henry,
a sergeant in De Lancy's regiment. He
enlisted only a week ago-and is intelll-
gent and ambitious. He has friends on
the other side that do not know that he has
loined us as yet.
Inc very man, go anu senu hlh-
Gen. Tyron was absent about two hours
for he had to send to Harlem, where the
sergeant was stationed, undergoing drill
with others of the new levies, under their
officers.
Il have seen the man, and had long
conversation with him. said Tyron as he
entered, 'he is willing to undertake it on
one condition, and that is only a condition
of PRIDE
What is it!'
That he shall receive Lieutenant's
commission at once. He will then depart
the instant you require, and is confident of
success
DO you know him to be worthy ofrell-
ance.'
From all that can learn, and from my
OWE judgement, should not doubt it in
the least
Then let his commission be made ont.
and send him with it to me. If have
the same opinion of him will sign it,
The young sergeant soon made his an
pearance he was not more tnan twenty
three years Of age, good personal ap-
pearance, and a cunning twinkle about his
small black eye denoted no want of conf