Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-08-28
THE TRAITORS CHILD.

The energies of the American troops sta
TONED at Fort Washington after their evacua-
ton of New York, were fully taxed to repe
the many sorties made by the enemy against
them. 1t required a constant and careful
watch upon the part of the Commander-in-
Chief to prevent a surprise, and the more
surely to effect this, system of observations
was maintained along the road, so that infor-
matioE passed from point TO point. was sure
to reach the camp before the British could
carry out their designs. The majority of per-
sons living on the line from the city to Kings
bridge, gladly aided in this plan of police,
and thus rendered essential service to the
cause. One of this number, however, Mr..
Jennings. at last took um bragg from some or
der of Washington or his subordinate, and
with -eprehensible cunning, he determined
to abandon the Americans, and serve the in
tsrests of the foe. So secretly were these
plans concocted and carried out, that no one
outside of his own family suspected his disaf-
fection. t
The British General accepted the offered
services, and pledged himself TO pay largely
Tor them. 1t was proposed that number of
his troops should march far as his neigh
bors, who would, of course, communicate their
movements to Jenning, who in his turn, in
stead of passing the warning, was to conceal
the forces until reinforcements could arrive,
and formidable demonstration could be made
against the fort.
And for this service, in any event you
shall have Thousand pounds said the Brit
ish General TO the traitor. s.Should il even
iuate in the entire overthrow of the rebels,
the sum shall be trebIed, while other rewards
shall be freely bestowed. You certain
that you have eontided the matter to no one 20
''NOt soul, saTe those of my own family
know it,' Jenning replied.
"Of whom does your family consist 2"
"My wife who is an invalid, and an only
daughter.
"How are they affected by your change 7''
81 know not, nor do | care. But of course
they will follow my wishes, which have ever
been law to them. Ny daughter is the only
one who would think of difference of opin-
ion and even she would never dare to give it
expression"
Il have heard that the majority of your A
merican females have imbibed sort of ro-
maatic attachment to George Washington,
which might lead them TO sympathize with
MIN, but of course you are sure of your child,
and can answer for her,
"With my 'life!''
"Suppose you allow me to invite her here.
1t would be a safe thing, and at the same time
remove her from the suspicion of colluson,
should you be discovered.
81 cannot part with her sir : She has aided
me heretofore and can do so again. She is
very obedient, SO we need not fear her,
"Enough! Manage the matter yourself,
sm content. Now for our plans. Tomorrow
at dusk company of Capt. Trevor's COM
mand will be got in motion, and arrive about
midnight at your house. You will conceal
them and await the others. When they are all
gathered together you will guide them to the
attack. The rebels being off their guard will
fall an easy prey 20
So far as the intentions Of the British officer
was concerned, the medtated plans were car
riaA ont har nfyaic tr.aI
cealed at the house of Jennings and at prop
er time marched towards their destination.
Under cover of the night they proceeded to,
the next station on the road when their ad!
vance was suddenly checked.
A sharp rattle of musket balls which SEEM
10 have been designedly fired above their
heads, brought them to an immediate halt.
A second discharge gave them to understand
that their further progress would be danger
Gus. Captain Trevor who was in command
immediately gave orders for countermarch,
and in less than ten minutes the whole body
were in retrograde position.
We can hardly venture to describe the feel
ings OF chagrin entertained by the original
potter of the expedition, when informed by
trevor of the unsatisfactory result. As that
officer handed him the gold which had been
promised, he threw it to the ground with a
violent gesture and with an oath swore that
he would murder the informer whoever it
might be, that thus defeated his hopes. In
vain the kings officer strove to calm him !;
ihe darker passions of his nature were aroused
and would not be exercised. While he was
mus storming and invoking malediction upon
the head of the culprit, fair girl entered the
apartment. There was look of Intelligent
nrmnes. upon her pale countenance, as her
eyes met those of her father and qualed not.
"Come hither, Hester 70 he cried. "Do
you know ought of this matter7 Can you tell
me ms who sent word to Washington, respecting
this expedition 7''
lester cast an annaalinn look nnnn the Off ]