The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1851-09-16

iment had quilted, for the purpose Of settling
affairs.
From this fact it appeared evident, that while
this mighty captain Of the Kings Host was
securing the woods in the neighborhood OF
Yorktown, devising ways and means whereby
to extrcate his brother 10 distress, Lord George
CORVALLIS, from the pit where Washington
had ensnared him, he himself was caught in a
thickct by beautiful littlo rebel maiden, whom
he saw in in a field as she "came singing thro'
the rye" She tied his rists behind his back
with her silkon girdle with three fold cord of
her zephyr-like veil she bandaged his eyes,
leading him captive at her will till she bound
him to the horns of the altar, and thus she be-
came his companion in Arms.
On a certain day, our captain was journoyiDg
in Loudon county, attended by his servant on
horseback, when, said ho, was brought to u
stand still at the close ofa summer day by the
occurrence Of three roads leading as many diff
ferent ways. felt good deal puzzled, ,-af-
ter hesitating some, struck into one oi the
paths which appeared to be more inviting than
the rest. But tho road began to twist and turn
carrying me deeply into the heart of a forest,
and the night was coming on with every appear
ance of a thunder storm. began to grow i'm
patient and uneasy. and pressed my jaded beast
into trot. But darkness so dense set in, that
ible. We consulted. and finally concluded to
rsmain where we were, and having fastened our
horses 10 a huge tree, we sat down with our
backs ag ainst its trunk. We had not yet fin
ished our preparations for the night, when the
rain began 10 descend 10 torrents. turned
round and round, N endeayoriug TO fiud bet
ter shelter. when beheld, by flash Of light
ming, an opening 10 the forest, at ;he extremity
Of " hich stood a house. We advanced towards
il with the utmost cauiion,--our course was
presently stopped by deep river. gave my
horse TO the servant, aud set out alone. found
myself 10 a log house,-the inmates were NOV
ing; they heard my cries,-the door was open
ed. and a man hu,ned out with torch. | led
the way; my new acquaintance crossed the
bridge, and in less than half an hour returned
with man and horse, both wet and weary.
II the exertions Of the stranger had been wor
thy of praise, his hospitality, now the danger
was past, was unbounded. He would not allow
master or man TO touch the horses, but insisted
that we should enter the house, where fire and
change Of raimnent awaited us. He himself
led the jaded animal TO the barn and provided
them with forage. / entered his house, TO
W hich a comey dame made me welcome, our
wet clothes were exchanged for dry. and we
soon found ourselves seated by well stocked
supper table. In due time, our host came in
and the first glance satisfied me that he was no
stranger. The second glance set everything
like doubt at rest; Sergeant Champe stood be-
fore me.
cannot say that tho recognition was very
agreeable. Istarted and he observing the move
ment, examined my face very closely, and a
light appearing to burst all at once on his men,
Dry, he ran towards the spot where sat.
Welcome, welcome. Captain Cameron; you
are a thousand times welcome to my roof. You
behaved well to me while under your command
snd deserve more hospitality than possessthe
power to give. But whatI do possess is at your
service, and happy am that Providence has
Dro't us together. You have doubtless looked
on me as a two-fold traitor, and cannot blame
you: We, wish to stand we'll in your estima-
lion. and WILL if you please, give faithful mar
ration of the causes which led to my arriva. In
New York, and to my abandonment OF the Brit
sh army. But you are tired we Will postpone
tho subject till tomorrow, when hope to place
nv character i'm an honorable light In the est-
nation of the only British officer OF whose good
opinion am covetous."
Next morning atbreakfast, he made no allu
sion to our conversation of the previous evening
but when he heard me talk of getting our hors-
es. he requested few minutes conversation.
"You remember under what circumstances |
came to you in New York; came as des-
erter. But. Sir. / was no deserter. Mine was
deed unusual allow, but it was performed at
The desire and sanction Of General Washington.
Listen, and will tell you all, Sir. Arnold's
treason created great sensation throughout
our army. No man could trust his BROTHER
hat the General shared in this uneasiness, all
ranks acknowledged. But the extent to which |
this ieelng on his part was carried, was only
known to Major Lee and myself. You doubt
oss recollect while Arnold and the British com
n-chief were carrying on their traitor
pus correspondence, our army occupied posi-
lion in the vicinity of Tappan. Lees legion,
of which was sergeant-major, held the out
posts. Ono night received message from
Lee that he wished to see me. | found him
walking in his room apparently much excited
he asked me to bolt the door, l did so,-he
turned to me.
"'Champe." said he, "if there is a man in
the regiment in whom, more than all the rest,
am disposed to place reliance, 1t is yourself.
am going to put all your good qualities to the
test"
81 thanked him and replied, that whatever
man could do for him or for America, would
at least attempt. With his eyes fastened on
mine, says he.
"'Champe, you must go over to the enemy"
"I started at this, but before could interposo
a word he went on
"'Hear me OUT" said he, "'and say il you
are willing to accomplish the wishes Of your
chief, for I am but medium of
between Washington and your
self"
".You are aware,'" ho continued, "'of the
consequences of Arnold's treason,-l
of the anxiety and misgivings which it has oc-
casioned throughout the army. and the peril
into which he has brought tho life of the Eu-
glish Major, Andre; you cannot, however, know
till tell you how the General is affected by it.
The detection of Arnold has SO shaken the con-
fidence of Washington in certain officers, that
he knows not whom to trust; this he told me to-
day with flushed cheek and choking voice.
and he added that it was necessary some trus-
ty person should pass to New York and hold
verbal Intercourse with the informants; but he
does net intend that the services of his agent
shall END here. II Arnold could be seiz-
ed and brought back to camp. not only might