The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-15
gflisteIlaneous.
OLD PUTS GALLOWS.


road, stands small clump Of forest trees,
among which an aged hickory is conspicu.
Gus.
it bore for long time, and still bears, |
believe, the name Of "Old Puts Gallows,"
from the fact that many tory spy, ,'skinner,
and thieying cowboy had swung from its
branches when Putnam commanded on the
lines.
In the early part Of August, l776, Gen.
eral Tryon was a, the British outposts near
King bridge. 1t will be Remembered that
that he was royal governor Of New York at
the commencement Of the revolution, and q
colonel Of British regulars. After the war
broke out he was placed in active service,
and raised to generals rank, with power to
reeruit and equip q tory corps or brigade
from the Americans who still remained 10y
al to the crown and the government.
For long time 1t had been a favoritc pro-
iect with Putnam that an attempt should be
made to recap.ure the city of New York
From all accounts il appears that Washing
ton did not dislike the plan, but with pru-
dent caution, did not wish to hazard, at that
time, the risk Of defeat. Putnam, how
ever, made several feints and false movements
at his outposts to alarm Sir Henry Clinton,
in which he succeeded, and thus kept the
British troops within the city for its pro-
lection, that otherwise aided by the fleet,
would have been ravaging the adjacent shores
Of other states. Ii became necessary to Sir
Henry Clinton that he should know the posi-
ton and situation of Putnam's troops more
accurately also endeavor, If possible, to as
certain what parties in the city gave Putnam
such accurate knowledge Of all his (Clin-
tons plans.
Tryon was busily engaged in raising his
..ncw levies," when Sir Henry sent for him.
"General Tryon," he said, al must know
the position Of Putnam's troops, and their
numbers, including his fresh battalions OF
militia. You ought to find some one-a
natiye-who has enlisted in your corps, that
will 90 into the Highlands and obtain it for
us. The reward shall be liberal, and il
successful, the person shall be advanced a
grade"
III think have such man, Sir Henry-a
sergeant in Delayce's Regiment. lie enlisted
only q week ago, and is intelligent and am-
bitious. lie has friends on the other side
that do not know he has joined yet"
"The very man. Go and send him."
General TyrOn was absent about two hours,
for he had TO send to Harlem, where the ser
gcant was stationed, undergoing n drill with
Others of the "new levics," under their
officers.
al have seen the man, and had u long con-
versation with him." said Tryon, when he
entered. "lle is willing to undertake il on
one condition, and that is only condition OF
PRIDE"
"What is it?"
"That he shall receive lleutcnant's COM
mission at once. He will then depart the
instant you require, and is confident of sue
cess"
"Do you know him to be personin whom
reliance could be placed?"
"From all can learn, and from my own
judgment.l should not doubt il in the least. "
"Then let the commission be made out,
and send him with it to me. have the
same opinion OF him will sign it."
The yound sergeant made his appearance.
He was not more than three and twenty years
of age, OF good personal appearance, with a
cunning twinkle about his small black eye,
denoting no want Of confidence in his own
good opinion. Sir Henry was so well pleased
with him that instructions were soon COM
plete and receiving his commission, the
new lieutenant babe the British commander
farewell, to return in few days with the
desired information. On reaching quarters
he shifted his military apparel for plain
countryman's suit, ripped the lining of his
cooked hat, under which he placed the COM
mission, which he carefully reviewed, saying
to himself
81 think when Miss Rosa Milford sees my
commission as an officer in his majesty 's
service, she will no longer refuse the hand Of
Nathan Palmer"
The next morning he left tho further
British outposts at Kingsbridgc, on horse
bacs, where General Tyron had accompanied
him. to pursue his expedition. 1t was a
beautiful morning, and he looked forward
with all the anticipation Of pleasure, and
hope cleaned warmly in his breast. lie
passed the "neutral ground without mo-
lestation. and advanced into what was call
ed the American district without being trou-
bled by any of the occasional travellers on
the road, although every one was armed and
carried musket. Now and then he met an
American ycoman or farmer with whom he
was acquainted that knew not Of his dcfec-
ton, for he was born in that section Of the