The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1863-04-28
A Victim 10 Old Puts Gallows.

AN INCIDENT OF TIE hkNoLtIioNAhf -"AN'
Near Peckskill, not far from the main road
stands cump Of forest trees, among which
an aged hickory is somewhat conspicuous.
1t bore for long time. aud still bears,
believe the name of . old Puts Gallows.' res
This tree was termed such from the fact
that many Tory spy, skinner. and thieving
COW boy had swung from its branches when
/ Putnam commanded on the line.
In tho carly part Of August, l777 Gen
eral Tryon was at the British outposts near
Kingsbrdge.
1t will be remembered that he was the
royal Governor of New York at the cofnmon~
cement Of the Revolution, and full Colonel
Of the British Regulars. After the war bad
broke out, and he vas placed in active service,
and raised 10 Generals rank, with power 10
recruit and equip tory corps or brigade from
the Americans who yet remained loyal TO the
crown and government Of Britain.
For long time it had been favoriLe prof.
ect with Putnam, that an attempt sho'd be
made TO re capture the city Of New York, and
from all accounts il appears that Washington
did no, d slke the plan, but with prudent eau,
tion did not wish to hazard at that time the
risk Of defeat Putnam, however, made
I sCNeIhl Icluls ana lhlee tnONctueulo ~ us o"h
posts TO alarm Sir Henry Clinton; in which
lie succeeded. and thus kept the British troops
within the city for i,s protection, that other.
wise aided by the leet, would Lave been rava
girg the adjacent shores Of other States.
4 Ii became necessary to Sir Henry Clinton,
that he should know the condition end posi-
ton Of Putnams's troops more accurately, also
TO 'endcavor, ifpossble, to ascertain what
parties in the city gave Putnam such accurate
knowledge Of all his (sir Henry's) plans
Tryon was busy raising bis new levies, AM
for him Sir Henry Clinton sent.
General Tryon," said he, 81 must know
the position of Punam's troops, and their
sumber, including his fresh battailions Of mil
lila. You ought to find some one--a native
that has enlisted in your corps, that will GO
into the highlands and obtain il for u. The
reward shall be liberal and, if successful, the
person shall be advanced grade"
81 think | have such man, Sir Henry
a sergeant in Delancy's regiment. He enlist
ed only a weak age, and is intelligent and
ambitious. He has friends on the other side
that do not know he has joined us yet"
"Tho very man! Go and send him.
Gen. Tryon was absent about threc hours,
for he lad sent 10 Harlem, where the sergeant
was stationed, undergoing drill, with other
new levies, under their officers,
"lve seen the man and have had long
|. talk with him." said Tryon, when he entered.
He is willing to undertake i, on one cou.
dition, aud that is a common pride"
"What is it"
"Tnat he receives Lieutenants commss
ion a: once. He will then set out the mo
mont you require, and is confident of sue
cess"
"Do you know him TO be worthy of reli
ance
From all can learn and from my own
Judgement, should not doubt it in The least
.'Then let his commission be male out,
and send him with it to mo. IL have the
same opinion Of him ] will sign it,"
The young seargeant soon made his ap-
peafancc.
He was not more than twenty-three years
: of age, of good personal appearance, aud
y cunning twingle about his small black eye
that denoted no want OF confidence in his owl
good opinion.
10 Sir Henry was so well pleased with hin
that lis instructions were soon completed
!. and receiving his commission, he bade th'
British cumn ander farewell, to return in few
= days with the desired information.
: On reaching his quarters he changed bi
military apparel for plain countryman's an'
ripped the lining of bis cooked hat, unde
n which he placed his COMMISSION and which Ii
carefully re scwed, saying to himself
s II think when Miss Rosa Milford se>s m.
- commission as an officer in bis Majesiy's ser
vice, she will no longer refuse tho hand
G Nathan PaimeI.
The next morning he left the further Brit
OF ish outpos,s at Kingsburg, op horsebac
where Gen. Tryon had accompanied him,
pursue his expedition.
1t was beautiful morning, and be locke
forward with all the anticipat'ons of pleasure
nd and hope cleaned warmly in bis breast.
He passed the neutral ground withou
: molc station, and advanced into what was con
sdered the American districts without beio
troubled by any Of the occasional travellers o
e the road although every one was armed an
I'D carried musket. Now and then be met a
las American yeoman or farmer with whom b
was acquainted, that knew bot hs detection
for he was born in that section of the count,
and residents within wide circle were the
considered neghbor.
Late in the afternoon he came within sigh
Of tho regular American ouiposis, when b
turned off the main road 6y a narrow one thi
led to a mill and dwelling.
Let us for moment look into tue dwell
ing and notice its.inmaies.
''' One was girl Of about cighteen, and
= fine rustic beauty, Engaged % some tnvi
housework, put mainly li.'en'og TO the cor
,crsation Of lively, bown complexioue
= Young man in half nj Iary ga'b.
1t is evident that what be said pirased he
for she looked at bin from 4 nc 10 lime
el G suied archly with 'ordaess.
>, These two were Rosa Milf,rd, toe mille
- dauge,er, and William Townley, nelghbo
ing farmers son aud ensjgu intne Amerie'
army lying close by.
Who is that, William, Coming towar'
the mill on horseback 2" asked Rosa.
"As Iive," said the young man, ali
your old spark, that sly rascal, Nathau Paln
er, son of the Old Dominic, who despisir
him, cast him off. Tue rouge! heard in
- priva letter this morning, hat be had e
4. l.. 80.