The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-04-03
SECRET SERVICE IN THE REVOLT
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Of all the mysteries that occurred in the
American Revelation, the employment OF RlVlng-
ton, editor of the Royal Gazette, in the secret
service of the American Commander, is the most
astounding.
Rivipgton proved faithful to his bargain, and
often would carry intelligence of great Importance
CLEANED in the convivial moments at Sir W Ililams
or Sir Henry's table, to the American camp before
the convivalists had slept off the effects of their
wine.
The business of secret service was so well man.
aged, that even a suspicion never arose as to the
medium through which intelligence of vast impor-
lance was continually being received in the Amerl-
can camp from the very headquarters of the Brit
ish Army, and, had suspicion arisen, the King
printer would have been, probably, the last man
suspected; for during the whole of his connection
with the secret service his Regal Gazette literally
piled up abuse of every sort upon the American
General and the cause of America.
In 1888, the remarkable mystery solved.
When Washington entered New York, as conquer
or on the evacuation of the British forces he said
one morning to two ofhis officers: Suppose, gen.
tlemen, we walk down to Rivington's bookstore;
he is said to be very pleasant kind of fellow"
Amazed, the officers were, at the idea ofVisiting
such a man, they of course prepared to accompany
the chief When they arrived at the bookstore,
Rivngton received his visitors with great polite
ness; for, indeed, he of the most elegant
gentlemen and best bred men of the age.
Escorting the party into parlor, he begged the
officers to be seated, and then said to the chief,
"Will your Excellency do me the honor to step in
to the adjoining room for a moment that | may
show you list of the agricultural WORKS | am
about to order out from London for your special
use?" They retired The locks on the doors of
the houses of New York more than three-score
years ago, were not good as now. The door of
Rivingtons private room closed very imperfectly,
and soon became ajar, when the officers distinctly
heard the thinking of two heavy purses of gold, as
they were successfully laid on the table.
The party soon returned from the inner room,
when Rivington pressed upon his guests glass of
Madeira, which he assured them was a prime ar
ticle having imported it himself, and it having re-
ceived the appreciation of Sir Henry and the most
distinguished bon UiUants of the British army.
The visitors now to depart. Rivington, on
taking leave of the chief whom he escorted to the
door, said: 'Your Excellency may rely my
especial attention being given to the agricultural
works, which, on their arrival, will be Immediately
forwarded to Mount Vernon, where l trust they
will contribute to your qualification amid the
shades of domestic retirement
Riyington remained for several years in New
York, after the peace of 1888. 1t the gener-
al opinion at that time, that if Rivngton had been
closely pressed the delicate subject of the secret
service, characters of greater calibre might have
appeared on the taps than the Kings printer.
EXTENSIVE COURTING CAMPAlGN.-We were
yesterday made acquainted with gentleman of
very sta i'd unsophisicated eccentric, humorous
disposition from Chesterfield, who we afterwards
learned had been counting his sweetheart for four
teen years, went to SEQ her every evening, dis
lance of three miles, and attended her from church
every Sunday-making about 5000 miles walk
ing. For the first seven years he only stood and
courted on the door porch; but since then he has
ventured to take the liberty of hanging his hat on
peg in the passage and sit on the door step. 1t
is even said that he has also had the courage to
kiss her hand once besides fondling her poodle dog
and driving her mothers COW home for her to milk
He is certainly jewel of modesty. Wonder if he
will ever propose?- Petersburg Express.
any MARY anna New York correspond