The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-15
BIDDEFoRD, MAINE, MORNING, NOVEMBER

country, and residents within wide circl,
were then considered neighbors. Late in tn,
afternoon he came in sight Of the regular
outposts, when he turned of the main roat
by narrow one that led to mill and dwell
ling on small but rapid stream. Let III
look for moment into the dwelling and
notice the inmates. One was girl Of about
eighteen, a fine rustic beauty. engaged in
some trilng housework, but mainly listening
to the conversation Of a lively looking, brown
complcxioned young man in halt.military
garb. 1t was evident that what he said
pleased her, for she looked at him from time
to time as he fondly smiled on her. These
two were Rosa Milford, the miller slaughter,
and William Townlcy,a "a neighboring farmers
son, an ensign in the American army lying
near.
"Who is that, William, coming toward
the mill on horseback"
GAS livc," said the young man, "it il
your old spark, that sly rascal, Nathan Pal
mer, the dOminie's nephew, who despises him
and who cast him of. The rogue, heard
in private this morning, had enlisted in the
refugee corps. II knew certain, he would
swing for it. Depend upon 1t, Rosa, hc is
here for no good purpose.
"Do not be seen, William. Leave me to
manage him.
The young man retired by back door,
but not out of hearing, as tho tory lieutcn-
ant entered the front. Ile advanced with a
bold step.
"NIiss Rosa, have but little time to spare
and | want you to answer mo at once. Read
this"
lie took the commission from the lining Of
his hat and placed it before her, saying:
"Somc difference between holding COM
mission in King Georges service and being a
ragged contincntal!"
"Nathan Palmer" said Rosa, sternly, al
always dislikcd you ; now hate you :" and
she handed him his commission.
"Do you refuse to be my wife now'"
"Your wife leave the house, or shall be
tempted to loose the dog at the mill upon
you"
"Good by, Miss Rosa" he said, grinding
his teeth in anger. "Look to your fathers
house, his mill yourself. I will be avenged" T"
And, mounting his horse, he rode swiftly
away.
Rosa FASTENED to the back door to look
after her lover. He was just leaving for the
camp, and the wave Of his hand indicated
that he knew Palmer's errand. He hastencd
to the camp, had an interview with Putnam,
and the latter issued his private orders
Palmer came to the lines that night with the
freedom Of an old companion, and, having,
as hc supposed, accomplished his errand, was
about taking .his departure, when he was
urrtsttu, anu tHc ia"i SVmhio'ioh was
full proof Of his being spy.
After brief trial. he was sentenced to be
hung on "0ld Puts Gallows" the next after.
noon.
Before the hour Of the execution came,
Tyron, who had heard Of the arrest Of Pal.
mer, sent in Dag, declaring it murder to
hang mere Gillian who happened to be q
loyalist, and threatening retaliation. He
was not aware that Palmer's commission
had been found on his person. Putnam sent
back this brief but remarkable note:
HEAD QUARTERS, Aug. 7, l777.
Sir: Nathan Palmer, q lieutenant in your
Kings service, was taken in my camp as spy.
lie was tried as a spy, condemned rs n spy,
and, YOU may rest rssured, sir, he shall be
hanged as a spy. have the honor, &c:.
lsRAEL PUTNAM.
Ills excellency, Gen Tryon.
S.-Aiternoou. lie is hangel.
Such was "Old Put"-prompt to decide
and execute. The hickory tree still remains
standing rear Peckskill.