The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-11-06
THE TWO TORY SPIES-A TALE OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
BY REV. CHAs. W. DENIsoN.

j
extensive the plot was for the surrender Of
West Point into the hands of the enemy.
The traitorous proceedings of Conway and
Lee, on previous memorable occasions, had
awakened the most serious fears for other
general officers, while the continued wants
and sufferings of the troops were calcu
lated to engender the most wide spread
mutnies, if not universal revolt and
abandonment of the revolutionary cause.
There We're many surmises afoat after the
arrest of Andre was known, to the effect
that be must have received cooperation
from some unknown person ON the west
side of the Hudson. Some of the worst
tories of the day were on that side, and sew
eral of them had been arrested and dealt
with as spies on the outskits of Washing
toms camp. 1t was evident that there were
others of this dangerous and detestable
class still secreted in the vicinity, for it had
been discovered that by some mysterious
means authentic and valuable information
had been recently communicated to the Eng
lish lines. How was it done? Who was
making known some of the deepest secrets
of the American Commander-in-ch chief to
the enemy's general? The startling devel-
opments of Andre and Arnold, on the East
bank of the river, were followed by others
equally startling from undiscovered foes on
the west bank. Who were they? How should
they be found out and summarily punished?
These were questions of vast moment to
Washington, that lay with ponderous weight
on his noble soul.
sWho goes there?'
a friend.'
sGive the countersign.'
'DeGh 10 fditOrS'
'Right. Pass on!'
This short colloqny took place before
day. light one morning, within few feet of
the rear door of Washington's Head Quar-
ters. The sentry had hailed an old man
who was in the habit of visiting the spot
He came to bring provisions to the comman-
der in chief and his immediate household.
His name was well known. and his position
supposed to be one of strong friendship for
the Americans. No one suspected Ira Flan-
ders of being tory.
But Ira knew his business. He came for
an object. Under cover of trading with the
butler of Washington, by permission of the
commissary, he had access to the culinary
department, and "A room or two adjacent.-
In one of these rooms, over Washington's
private parlor, where he met his officers in
his most secret councils of war, Ira had
placed number of boxes and barrels,
which he usually kept filled with certain
products from surrounding farms. The floor
Of this room was rudelv constructed, so that
in places there were apertures opening down
to the parlor below. To this upper depart
ment, Ira Flanders could approach at any
time, having with the butler sole charge of
the key. Rude chests, high, old-fashioned
and capacious, occupied some Of its darkest
corners, where the quilts and abandoned
clothing of the family had long been accus-
toned to rcpose--the cynosures of mimic
palaces of dust, and festooned with the cob
web drapery of departe years. Silence and
solitude reigned all over the gloomy apart
ment, save when Ira threaded his way
through its dim mazes to deposit what he
had brought for the butler.
sNow, Munsur Fricasee,' he used to say,
addressing the butler, who had been brought
over from France by Layfayette, and was
named Pellissier, you see I've carr'd up
the things as you'll want 'em; and you
needn't put yourself to the trouble, Munsur,
of ransackng for 'em through the ROOM
The beets is in the right chist; the taruups
is in the left one, close by the pertaturs is
altogether in a heap right between; and be-
vond, there aint nothn' worth speakin' on
sAh!' cried the butler, who understood
English quite well, but who spoke it more
imperfectly. 'Ah! pardonne- moi! l sal
take your word for it, Monsieur lie lrah! lie
pon,ne de ferre above le bonnie boeuJ below.
All right. care no more. NimpOrte'
sAll right muttered Flanders, between
his clenched teeth. Yes, indeed, it is all
right, ADORE and belo,c too
The day was near breaking. The dim
light came across the tops of the hills, and
fell in linked flakes of silver and gold across
the silent waters of the Hudson. The SEN
try paced his solitary round, and all was still
on the outside Of the head quarters. With
in no one was string, save the butler who
had risen early to receive the visit and pro-
visions of Ira. AS the old man passed out,
carving with him his empty basket, he met
with no obstruction from the guard, for he
had correctly given the password On going
in.
That morning the fresh eggs, and sweet
butter, and creamy milk, and early vegeta-
bles Of Ira Flanders RECALLED the palates of
Washington and the officers invited to
special breakfast and council with him
The repast over, the secret consultation be-
gan. Arnod's treachery, Andres arrest,
the disposition of the American army, the
weak points of the defences, the number of
the available forces, were all discussed and
passed upon. Future plans were proposed,
debated, adopted, as the illustrious patriot
chief suggested, with all that eoolness, pre-
cision, foresight and prudence for which he
was SO remarkable. .=
The morning was not far advanced, so
early had the council been summoned by
Washington, when the officers not of the
immediate family of the chief rose to depart.
AS they moved away from the table, small
object was observed to fall from the ceiling,
coming down near the seat just occupied by
Washington.
sWhat is this?' asked the private secretary
as he took rp the article from the floor.
'Let me have it, said the commander-in-
chief. sTt is brief but correct transcript,
in pencil, of the proceedings Of our council
this morning! How did it come from the
ceil;sg?' rs~ .s- .'.51
All eyes were turned upward at once
Two Of the officers, near the centre, drew
their swords and thrust their sharp points
along the plastcring, until they came to the
aperture, that had been most ndroit!y con-
ceafed. Piercing the hole with his weapon,
and springing into chair as the blade en-
tered, the private secretary cried out:
More treason! May il please your excel
lency, our council is betrayed. There are
traitors above us in this house, as well as
beiow on the river 5 sd Z.
'Silence. gentlemen said Washington,
calmly. Let not word be spoken, for a
few moments. Officer of the guard'
This last order was issued in n loud COM
manding tone, such as Washington knew SO
well how to use. r