The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-06-02

= hiRs.
Iron THE PREss.l
John Champe.
EcoNTINUED.I

business the heroic sergeant replied, that if any
means could be devised by which he could testify
his devotion to his country, and his attachment
to his commander-in-chief,c compatible with hon
or, he would cheerfully endure any personal risk;
but his soul abhorred the thoughts of desertion
Major Lee with much difficulty succeeded in
convincing him that in no other way could he
render so important service to his country, and
he was at last prevailed upon to undertake this
hazardous service.
After being furnished with his instruction.
which he hastily took down in character or
rather CIPHER ofhis own, (or he was not permitted
to carry written orderS) his difficulty was to pass
the American lines. The Major was unable to-
promise him any protection, as this would seem
to countenance the plot, and to favor the deser-
ton of others, and the enemy might moreover,
obtain intelligence by that means, discover ands
defeat his object, and he himself suffer the ig-
nominious death of a spy
The Sergeant at length departed, and about
half an hour afterwards, the Col was informed
that one of the patroles had fallen in with q
dragoon who being challenged put spurs to his
horse, and escaped. Lee made light of the in
telligence, and secuted the idea that a dragoon
belonging to his legion should desert 1t was
probably he said countryman, who was alarmed
at the challenge, and might easily in the night
time be mistaken for one of his men
Orders were at length given to examine the
squadron. This command was properly obeyed,
and produced confirmation of the first intelli-
gence, with the further tidings that this indi-
vidual was no other than the Sergeant Major;
as neither himself, his baggage, or his horse were
to be found
Lee now made lighter than ever of the report;
enlarged on the former services of the Sergeant,
and his known and tried fidelity He said that
he had probably followed the pernicious exam
ample set by his officers, who in defiance of
their orders peremptory as they were, occa-
sionally quilted the camp and were never sus-
pected of desertion. All these pretexts having
been exhausted, written orders were at length is
sued, in the usual form Pursue as far as you
can, Sergeant Champe, suspected of desertion
bring him alive that he may suffer in the pres
ence of the army; kill him if he resists, or es-
capes after being TAKEN" Before the pursuing
party set out, Major Lee directed the command
ing officer to be charged, which allowed little
more time to the fugitive.
Pursuit was at length made, and continued
with such eagerness, that Champe escaped at the
distance only of three hundred yards!
The British galleys were lying below Powle's
Hook Champe called to them for protection,
and leaving his horse and baggage, plunged In
to the river, and swan sword in hand One Of
the galleys despatched boat to his assistance,
and fred on his pursuers, by which means Champe
gained the vessel without injury. This was a
bold and desperate undertaking for the Sergeant.
Washington was highly pleased with the result
of this adventure. The eagerness of the pursuit
he thought would be decisive evidence to the
British commander, that this was q real, and not
feigned desertion
Champe was Immediately brought before Sir
Henry Clinton, and questioned by him on va
riety Of subjects, and amongst the rest, If any
american officers aoere suspected Of desertion,
and a0ho those officers acre. The Sergeant was
forwarned on this point, and gave such answers
as would more effectually mislead.
After this examination, he was consigned to
the care of Gen. Arnold and by him retained in
his former rank. Washington hoped and believed
that the trial of Major Andre would occupy
much time, and enable Champe to accomplish
his designs
That gallant officer, disdaining all subterfuge,
completely foiled this hope, by broadly confess
ing the nature of his connection with Arnold.
The commander in-chief offered to exchange
Andre for Arnold, aproposal Sir Henry Clinton,
for obvious motives, declined Had this gallant
officer protracted his trial, and the plot proved
successful. the life of Andre would have been
saved; not by the intreagues of Sir Henry Gin
ton but of Washington in his favor
The honest and preceptible intrepidity of the
British officer, defeated this benevolent project,
and no alternative remained hnt speedy death.
The Sergeant unfortunate as he was in this,
was more successful in obtaining evidence the
most full and satisfactory, that the suspicious
resting on several American officers were foul
and forgery of the enemy
He now determined on making one bold at
tempt for the seizure of Major Arnold Hav-
ing been allowed at all times, free access to Ar
nold marked all his habits and movements, ne
awaited only favorable opportunity for the
execution of his project He had ascertained
that Arnold usually retired to rest about twelve