Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-10-17
OLD PUTS aALLows.

Near feekskll, not lar from the main road,
stands small c!ump of forest trees, among
which an aged hickory is conspicuous.
1t bore for long time, and still bears, be-
leve, the name of "Old Puts Gallows," from
the fact that many tory spy, skinner and
thieving boy had swung from its branches
when Putnam commanded on the lines.
In the early part OF August HI, General
Tyron was at the British outposts near Kings
bridge. 1t will be remembered that he was
royal Governor of New York at the commence
ment of the Revolution, and Colonel of Brit
ish regulars. After the war broke out he was
placed in active service, and raised to a gen.
erals rank, with power to recruit and equip
tory corps or brigade from the Americans who
still remained loyal to the crown and the Gov
eminent.
For long time it had been favorite project
with Putnam that an attempt should be made
to recapture the City of New York. From all
accounts it appears that Washington did not
dislike the plan, hut with prudent caution, did
not wish to hazard, at That time, the risk of
defeat. Putnam, however, made several feint
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 protection, that otherwise, aided by the
fleet, would have been ravaging the adjacent
ia Sir Henry Clinton that he should know the
position and situation of Putnam's troops more
accurately also endeayor, If possible, TO ascer-
tain what parties in the city gave Putnam such
accurate knowledge Of all his (Clinton's) plans.
Tyron was busily engaged in raising his "new
levies," when Sir Henry went for him.
General Tyron," he said 81 must know the
position of Putnam's troops and their num-
bers, including his fresh battalions of militia.
You ought to find some one--a native-who
has enlisted in your corps, that will go into the
Highlands and obtain it for u.s. The reward
shall be liberal, and, if successful, the person
shall be advanced grade"
81 think have such man, Sir Henry-a
sergeant in DeLayee's Regiment. He enlisted
only week ago, and is intelligent and am
bilious He has friends on the other side that
do not know he has joined yet"
"The very man. Go and send him."
General l'yron absent about two hours,
for he had to send to Harlem, where the ser
geant was stationed, undergoing a drill with
others of the "new levies," under their officers.
II have seen the man, and had long con-
versation with him." said Tyron. when lie en-
tered. ale is willing to undertake it on one
condition, and that is only condition of pride"
"What is it Pr
"That he shall receive lieutenant's commits
sion at once. He will then depart the instant
you require, and is confident of success"
"Do you know him 10 be person il whom
reliance could be placed P"
"From all ! can learn, and from my own
Judgment, | should not doubt it in the least"
"'Then let the commission be made out, and
send him with it to me. If have the same
opinion of him, will sign it,
The young sergeant made his appearance.
He was not more than three and twenty years
Of age, Of good personal appearance, with
cunning twinkle about his small black eve, de-
noting no want of confidence in his own good
opinion Sir Henry was so well pleased with
him that instructions were soon complete 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 countrymans suit, ripped
the lining off his cooked hat, under which he
placed the commission, which he carefully re-
viewed, saying to himself,
81 think when Miss Rosa Milford sees my
commission as an officer in his Maje>ty's SER
vice. she will no longer refuse the hand Of Ma.
than Palmer
The next morning he left the further British
outposts at Kingsbridge, on horseback, where
General Tyron had accompanied him, to pur-
sue his expedition. 1t was beautiful morn
ing, and he looked forward with all the antci-
pations of pleasure, and hope cleaned warmly
in his breast. He passed the natural ground
without molestation, and advanced into what
was called the American district without being
troubled by any of the occasional travellers or
the road, although every one was armed and
carried musket. Now and then he met ar
American yeoman or farmer with whom he was
acquainted that knew not of his detection, fol
he was born in that section of the country, ant
residents within wide circle we're then oon
sidered neishbors. Late in the afternoon he
came in sight Of the regular outposts, when he
turned off the main road by narrow one that
led to mill and dwelling on small but rapid
stream. Let us look for moment into the
dwelling aud notice the inmates. One was
girl of about eighteen, fine rustic beauty, en-
gagged in some trihing house work. but mainly
listening to the conversation Of vely-ook
ing. brown-complexone young man in hall
military garb. 1t was evident that what he
said pleased her, for she looked at him from
time TO time as be fondy smiled on her. These
two were Rosa Milford, the miller's daughter
and William Townley. neighboring faimer''
son, an ensign in the American army lying
near.
"Who is that, William, coming toward the
mill on horseback ?"
Gas live" said the young man, "it is your
old spark, that sly rascal, Nathan Palmer the
cast him off. Tbs rogue heard in private this
morning, had enlisted in the refugee corps. i
knew certain he should swing for it, DEPEND
upon it, Rosa, he is here for no good purpose.
"Do not be Sc N, William, leave me to man
age him."
The young man retired by back door, bu
not out of hearing, as the tory Lieut.. entert
the front. He advanced with bold step.
"Miss Rosa, | have but little time to spare
and want you to answer me at once. Read
this"
He took the commission from the lining o.
his hat and placed it before her saying:
"Some difference between holding a COM
mission in King Georges service and being
ragged continental
Nathan Palmer" said Rosa sternly, 81 al
ways disliked you now hate you y and sh
handed him his commission.
"Do you refuse to be my wife nowp"
"Your wife leave the house, or shall b
tempted to loose the dogs at the mill upon you
"Good by, Miss Rosa" he said, grinding hi
teeth in anger "Look to your fathers house
his mill, yourself. | will be avenged" An
mounting his horse he rode swiftly away.
Rosa fastened to the back door to look afte