Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1849-09-27

A Victim Of Old Puts CtalIows.

"A V1CCk1n u O1u Il JUS CFd14OWS'
Sometime ago, we published an anecdote
Of Gen, Putnam, with which was connect.
ed the celebrated brief and blunt letter to
the British commander at New York, Gen
Tryon, relative to the hanging of spy.
We find in the Sunday Times, of this city,
some interesting particulars, by H. A. Buck
ingham, Esq, relative to the capture of
that same 1t. Palmer, the spy aforesaid, -
The story has touch of romance con.
nected with it, and will be read with inter-
est,-N. y Dispatch.
Near PeekskilI not far form the main
road, stands a clump of forst trees, among
which an aged hickory, is conspicuous
j bore for a long time, and still bares be.
loye, the name of odd Puts gaIows, from
the fact that many tory spy, skinner, and
tbieyng cowboy, had swung from its
branches when Putnam commanded on the
lines.
In the early part of August, III, Gen.
Tryon was at the British out-posts, near
Kngsbrdge. 1t will be remembered 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, lie was placed on active
service, and raised to aGeneral's rank, with
power to recruit and equip tory corps or
brigade from the Americans who yet re-
manned loyal to the crown and government
of Great Britain.
For a long time it had been a fayorie
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 project, but,
with prudent caution, did not wish to haz-
ard, at that time tn risk Of def,at. Put
nam, however, made several feints and false
movements at his out-posts to alarm SIR
and thus KEPT the DrItisn troops within the
city for its protection, that otherwise,
with the aid of the fleet, would have been
ranging the adjacent shores of other
States. 1t became necessary to Sir Henry
Clinton, that he should know the position
and condition Of PutnamS troops more ac-
curatcly, and also endeayor, if possible, to
ascertain what parties in the city gave Put.
nam such accurate knowledge Of all his
(Sir Henry Clinton's) plans,
Tryon was busy raising his new leyies,
and for him Sir Henry sent.
Gen Tryon, he said, i must know the
position OF Putnams troops, and theirnum-
ber including his fresh battaIions Of mill
tia. You ought to find some one-a ma
tivo-who has enlisted in your corps, that
will 90 into the highlands and obtain it for
US. The reward shall be liberal, and il
successful, the person shall lie advanced a
grade.
Think | have such mar, Sir Henry
sergeant in De Lancey's regiment. He
enlisted only week ago, and is intelligent
and ambitious lie has friends on the 9th
er side, who do not know that lie has Joined
lis as yet
The very man. Go, and send him.
General Tryon was absent about two
hours, for he had to send to Harlem, where
the sergeant was stationed, undergoing a
drill, with others Of the new cvies under
their officers.
4 have seen the man and had a long
conversation with him. said Tryon when
he entered He is willing to undertake il
on one condition, and that only a condition
Of pride.
what is it.
That he shall receive lieutcnants com
mission at once. lie will depart the instan
you require, and is confident of success.
DO you know him to be worthy of relil
ancc!
From all that | can learn and from my
own judgment, | should not doubt it IN the
least
Then let his commission be made, anc
send i: with him to me. II | have th'
same opinion Of him will sign it,
The young sergeant soon made his ap
pearance He was not more than twenty
three years of age, of good personal ap
pearance and cunning twinkle about hi
small black eye denoted no want Of conf
dence in his own good opinion. Sir Hen
ny was so well pleased with him that hi
instructions were soon complete; and re
ceived his commission, the new ieutenan
babe the British commander farewell, tore
turn in a few days with the desired inlo
nation. On reaching his quarters he chang
ed his military apparel for a plain countr!
mans suit, ripped the lining of his cock
ed hat, under which he placed his commits
sion, which he carefully reserved, sayin
to himself
4 think when Miss Rosa Milford SEE
my commission as an Office IN his majesty
service she will no longer refuse the han
of Nathan Palmer
The next morning he left the iurthc
British outposts at Kingsbridgo, on hors
back, where General Tryon had accomp
MED him, to pursue his expedition Itw
beautiful morning, and he looked forwal
with all the anticipations of pleasure, ar
hope cleaned warmly in his breast +
passed the neutral ground without mole
tation, and advanced into what was cons
cred the American district without bel
troubled by any of the occasional travele
on the road, although almost every one WI
armed and carried his musket Now at
then he met an American yeoman or farr