Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-02-18
The Spy.
A SKETCH OF THE REVOLUTION.
BY FSPERANZA.

Night closed upon the American en-
campment. A solemn stiffness dwell
'ronnd. No sound of mrth or jollity was
heard, for the patriots Of America, the con.
querors Burgoyne and Cornwalis-with-
out food and without shelter, looked for
ward to that gloomy perod, as not far dis
tant, when they should be compelled to sub.
init to the power Of The oppressor.
! 1t was the night of the twenty-fifth Of
! Deeember-just eighty-one years ago
that young officer, OF commanding figure.
was seen slowly approaching the camp of
4 his general. He soon arrived at a log hut
the headquarters of Washington-and
was Immediately admitted TO his presence
After the usual salutation>, they began bus
mess, which, however, was carried on in
such a tone as rendered it impossible to be
overheard, except when, carried away by
the feelings of the moment, they SO far
forgot themselves as TO disregard this PIE
caution.
!" spy !" exclaimed the young man.
" Can an officer descend to the perform
ance Of such duty?"
Do you love your country?" was the
calm reply of Washington.
God knows | do. will do anything
consistent with my honor But TO enter an
enemy's camp as spy-to be discovered
to suffer an ignominous death on the
scatfold fear not death, | have courted
il in battle, but if ] fall, must fall with
honor As a spy, l shall only be remem-
bered with Indignation and contempt"
This is true" replied the general Il
will force no man 10 undertake such duty
against his viii. But this is the hour Of
or country's peril A moment may de-
eide her destiny. You are an officer and
therefore ought not to be required to un-
dertake this Office but you alone are
qualified, and on your decision the fate of
your country may depend. Reflect; aud
if the cause is worth the sacrifice Of your
life, depart, and take such precautions as
you may ueem necessary.
He bowed and lett the apartment The
officer stood transiixed When-having
slowly recoverable returned TO his quar-
ters, his cheek was flushed, his step was
hasty, and he was, evidently, in great agi-
talion Of mind. On reaching his tent, he
terew himself on his bed and gave way to
the torrent of his emotions, but, comforting
himself with the consolng reflection that it
was for his country he risked his life, and
that in the camp OF the enemy, as well as
on the field OF battle, an Almighty God
was his protector, he took such precautions
as were necessary for his success, and, with
one companion, Immediately proceeded on
his perilous duty, using great circumspec-
tion to prevent his person from being dis
covered by the scouts Of the enemy, who
occupied the road. +
They had not proceeded more than
mile before the sky became overcast, the .
wind arose in its strength. and blew with
such force that nothing could be heard but
the groaning OF the forests, as their huge
trunks bent to the blast. From storm it
soon became hurricane. Vast branches
were torn from the trees, and hurled inio
the air, the giant oaks, with crash, were
thrown TO the ground, the thunder roared,
the lightning cleaned, and Nature seemed
a. if in the throes of death.
Steadily they proceeded n their way,
congratulating themselves upon the uproar
Of the elements, as most likely to favor
heir purpose. Mile ssrer mile did they