Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-26
MISCELLANEOUS.
From lhe american DaaoA-
The Spy.

Inc SPY
Ii was a short time before the famous
baslle which resulted in the surrender of
the British force under Burgoyne, that
Young man named Corson left the Anieri-
can camp in the dangerous capacity of
spy.
youth, well fitted for the perilous duties
that devolvcd upon him. His love OF life
was second to his love Of glory; and his
love of country overbalanced every other
affection SO that he was ever ready to risk
anything inthe service oftheland that gave
him birth. He was an able bodied, hand
some man, feet Of foot and terrible in bat
f!e.~
Corson was successful in gaining the in
,elligence the American General required,
and set out to return to the camp.
It was the close Of beautiful day. The
sun had disappeared, and as night came
on space, the sky became overcast with
clouds.
IL is well for me- said the spy, as he
took his way along the borders of dense
forest. 1t is well for me that yonder dense
clouds loom up from the horizon to shut out
the light fihc moon, for the most danger
ous part of my undertaking has yet to be
completed. There are British scouts In this
vicinity, and my chance of escaping them
is better where there is no. moonlight to fl-
vor pursuit
The reflection was just but it was pre-
mature. for ii was not yet dark enough for
the absence Of the moon to have any inhu-
cncc over his fortunes. In fact scarcely had
he spoken, when he heard the tramp ofsol-
iicry. and Immediately after saw issuing
from the forest directly in front OF him,
small company ofred-coats.
Corson was unarmed, and on foot, and
could scarcely hope to escape the foe-yet
he was resolved not to fall into the hands Of
the British alive. there being papers, about
him that would prove his death insurance
in case OF his capture. The appearance of
the scouting party was so'sudden that he
had no time to fly before they discovered
him; yet in the imminent peril of being shot
down atthc attempt, he immediately darted
into the forest
At this moment, there was a sharp report
of muskctry, and half dozen bullets whis-
tied by his ears. Yet strange to say he
was unhmt. Not bullet took effect. and
with renewed energies he dashed alongthe
ohowy forest trees.
But the foe was in hot pursuit and occa-
sionally there was report Of firearms and
singing of swift lead through drowsy air
Once a bullet struck tree SO close to him
that the splintered bark was thrown into
Il bs. Gxl, b.,l lrea ~ h,
lcaden messenger on his very check.
With hcadlong haste he dashed into
ravine. then mounted boldly steep bill in
full view of his pursuers He reached the
eummit as they were climbing the acclivity
behind him. and the next moment he was
hidden from their sight.
Now peiils awaited him. Unfortunately,
in his cndeavors TO show his pursuers of
his track. he so changed his course. that af-
ter running several minutes, be came in full
view of five armed men. They We're part
Of the first body hehad seen, the party hav-
ing broken up in the pursuit.
Once more with deadly foes in front and
rear. Charles Corson ran for his life. To
avoid both parties, he struck out to the left
and pursued his way towards the borders
ofthe forests, still exposed to the uncertain
fire ofthe red-coats.
But the brave youth had cxerted all his
strength IN the beginning of the race, and
the fresh party of his pursuers had him at
great advantage. Their shots did not take
effect and the firing soon gave place to
race for life or death between him and three
of the soldiers.
He had now run some time and his
strength was beginning to fail him. How
ever. the approaching darkness gave him
hope. andh dashed swiftly along the edge
Of the woods. Ii was fearful race. The
pursuers KEEP, him in view, and were gain
ing on him faster at every moment. Soon
they were at his very back. and had their
pieces been loaded. they could easily have
shot him down, but asi it was. ali that they
,olld hope to do was to pierce him with
their bayoncts.
Suddenly Charles heard fall and cry
behind him, and casting glance around,
beheld red-coat sprawling upon the
ground. He was close to him. and the re-
maindcr Of his pursuers were at a distance
in tho rear. A thought struck the bold
youth. With bound he turned upon the
fallen soldier, who proved to be an officer.
and stunned by the shock, and snatched his
sword from its sheath unrcsis,ed He took
no vengeance on the fallen man, but with
the weapon he had learned to use, once
more resumed his fight.
1t may serve n,ein time of ncedr though.
Corson. as brandishing the naked sword,
he fed awav with halfa-dozen red coats
close upon him.
1t was nearly dark, but the pursuers los,
not sight oftheir victim. He looked eager
ly about for some shelter against which he
could place his back and sell his life as sdear-
lyas possible.
Suddenly a dusky object loomed up in
the darkness before him. II was house.
Dizzy and faint from excessive exertion. he
staggered forward and fell heavily against
the rough boards Of the building.
Charles Corson lay but moment upon
the ground. for the sight of his pursners
rushing down upon him aroused him to
fresh exer,ion. The pause had given him
time to catch his breath, and with energy
of despair be placed his back against the
house, brsndishing his weapon in the faces
ofthe soldiers.
1t was sodark that they did not perceive
him at first, thinking perhaps he had es
capped into the house the doors of which
were closed. bu, they soon discovered their
mistake, and sprang upon him. Fortunate
ly for Charles, they came singly. else their
bayonets had pierced his breast at the first
onset; as it was, he parted the thrust of
A sheforemostantagonis, andr himthrough
lssfhe shoulder
In. Yc.rs..,l L.. L.. s....as. ......