Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-02-18

traverse the country, and they began TO
fear they had lost the road, when on turl-
I ing corner, they found themselves direct
/ " before large watchfire. Many men
] We're hanging around. Some were Sleep
ing, others talking---but all too busy 10 no.
iice our heroes. Fortunately for them, the
sentinefS back was turned at The time, and
before he again performed his round, they
had concealed themselves in shallow
trench, dug for agricultural purposes. which
ran nearly parallel with the encampment.
Here the officer, whom we will call Alfred
Post, directed his companion to remain con-
cealed, and gather what information he
could, while he resorted to the other side
tor similar purpose; but charging him by
no means to leave the place till his return.
| Having gwen these orders, he proceeded
up the trench upon his hands and knees I;
now, upon the approach of the sentinel, ly-
ing quite stil-now proceeding steaiihilv
upon his way. In this manner he perform
ed the circuit of the camp, noting the po-
shion and the strength of each regiment,
as nearly as he could datermine. Having
tins important information, he returned to
his comrade, desiring him to hasten, with
all speed, 10 deliver it to Washington, while
he intended TO penetrate the camp itself, If
possible, and gain more accurate informa-
ton. The storm, which had gradually
abated, now wholly ceased, but still the
heavens We're concealed under thick mass
OF clouds. While in the trench, he acci-
dentally overheard the watchword, he hoped
that, with this and the darkness of the
night, he might with safety pass the OUT
posts and penetrate into the camp; and he.
therefore, immediately proceeded TO the ex-
ecution Of his project. He reached the
sentinel, gave the word, and was about to
pass, when the moon, bursting from under
the clouds, shone d wn upon the scene.
Stand, or die /" was the prompt de-
mand OF the sentinel as the American uni |
form met his eye.
Escape was impossible. The grenadier
held loaded musket to the breast of Post, /
which, upon the least sign of resistance,
would have been discharged into his body. /
In word lIe was soon prisoner, and on |
his way TO the tent Of Colonel Rawdon
The commander of the British army was /
sitting in his tent, in company with several
OF his highest officers, engaged in arrang-
u.
On the entrance of the prisoner, the con-
yersation ceased, and after short intero-
CATION, orders were issued for a coart-mar-
tial to sit the next morning.
Post was conducted to another tent, and
a guard placed over him and, notwith-
standing his dreadful situation, on the very
verge of eternity, he soon fell into a deep
sleep, from which he was aroused by his
JaiIor, TO conduct him TO his trial The tri-
al was short. The prisoners guilt was
manifest; and verdict Of gully was re-
urned by the court.
Colonel Rawdon arose, and was about TO
address the court when the shrill report OF
i've hundred rifles rung on the air. And {,
he next moment, the whole American ar
my, charged with an irresistible force. The
enemy was driven from the field, and AL
rel Post through the tim ly Interference
1t his friends, was once more restored to ,
ais friends and couatry.-N. r. Mercary.