St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1861-01-10
Secret Service in the Revolution.

of all the mysteries that occurred
in the American Revolution, the en-
ployment of Rivington, editor OF the
Royal Gazette, in the secret service
of the American Commander, is the
most astounding.
Rivington proved faithful to his
bargain, and often would give intelli-
gence of great Importance, CLEANED
in the convivial moments at Sir Will
liam's or Sir Henry's table, and be in the
American camp before the cornwall
lists had slept off the effects of their
wine.
The business of the secret service
was so we'll managed, that even a
suspicion never arose as to the mcdI-
UNI through which intelligence of vast
Importance was continually received
in the American camp from the very
headquarters of the British army,
and had suspicion arisen the Kings
printer would have been probably the
last man suspected for during the
whole of his connection with the Sc
cret service, his Royal Gazette literal
ly piled up abuse of every sort upon
the American General and the cause
of America.
In 1888 this remarkable mystery
was solved. When Washington en-
tered New York as congueror, on the
evacuation by the British forces, he
said one morning to two or his OIL
GERS, Suppose, gentlemen, we walk
down to Rivington'S bookstore !; he is
said to be very pleasant kind of a
fellow" Amazed as the officers were,
at the idea of visiting such man,
they of course prepared to accompany
the Chief. When they arrived at the
bookstore, Rivington received his Wis
itors with great politencss for, in
deed, he was one 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 Exccllcncy do me the honor to
step into an adjoining room for a mo
mcnt 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 so good as now. The door
, of Rivington's private room closed
: very imper'cctly, and soon became
aiar, when the officers distinctly heard
the chinking of two heavy purses OF
} gold, as they were successfully lad
I on table.
b. The party soon returned from the
inner room when Rivington pressed
y. upon his guests a glass of Madeira
which he assured them was prime
t article, having imported it himself
t and it having received the approba
k ton of Sir Henry and the most distin
. guished BON rirants of the British
army.
! The visitors now rose to depart
e Rivington on taking leave of the
y Chief, whom he escorted to the door
said =" Your Exccllency may rel.
on my especial attention being glvel
to the agricultural works, which, OF
! their arrival will be Immediately fol
4 warded to Mount Vernon, where
IT trust they will contribute to your graf
4. fication amid the shades of domestl
= retirement"
w. Rivington remained for severe
Is wears in New York after the peace {
to 1882. 1t was the general opinion
rs that time, that if Rivington had bee
+ closely pressed on the delicate sui
iect of the secret service, character
u of greater calibre might have appca
IS ed on the tapis than the Kings prin
n er.--Mem0irs Of Washington.