The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-11-24

The Traitors Child.
The energies of the American troops
stationed at Fort Washington after their
evacuation Of New York, were fully taxed
to repel the many sorties made against
them by the enemy. 1t Itrequired constant
and careful watch upon The part of the
Commander-in-chief to prevent a surprise,
and the more surely to effect this, q system
of observation was maintained along the
road, SO that information passed from point
to point, was sure to reach the camp ere
the British could carry out their designs.
The majority of persons living on the line
from the city to Kingsbridge, gladly aided
in this plan of police, and thus rendered
essential service to the cause. One of this
number, however, Mr.. Jenning, at last
took umbrage from some order Of Wash
ington or his subordinates, and with a
reprehensible cunning, he determined to
abandon tie Americans, and serve the
interests of the foe. So secretly were
these plans conceded and carried out, that
no one outside his own family suspected
his disaffection.
The British general accepted the offered
services, and pledged himself to pay
largely for them. 1t was proposed that a
number of his troops should march as far
as his neighbors, who would, Of course,
communicate their movements to Jenning,
who, in his turn, instead Of passing the
warning, was to conceal The forces until
reinforcements could arrive, and formi-
dable demonstration could be made against
the fort.
';And for this service, in any event, you
shall have thousand pounds" said the
British General to the traitor. '!Should it
eventuate in the entire overthrow of the
rebels, the sum shall be trebled, while other
rewards shall be freely bestowed. You are
certain that you have eonfded the matter
to no one Z"
F 9''Not soul, save those of my own
family know fit" Jennipg replied.
s.Of whom. does, your farnily consist? 2"
.'Of my wife, who is an invalid, and az
only daughter"
'.How are they affected by your change? ?"
81 know not Dor DO L care But of
course they will follow my wishes, which
have ever been law to them. My daughter
is the only one who would think of diff
ference of opinion, aud even she would
never dare to give it expression"
81 have heard that the majority of your
American females have imbibed sort of
romantic attachment to George WashiEg-
ton, which might lead them to sympathy
with him. But Of course you are sure Of
your child, and can answer for her."
'With my life :" ua
"Sunpose you allow me to invite her
here. ; 1t would be safe thing, and at the
same time remove her from the suspicion
Of coflusion, should you be discovered"
81 cannot part with her, sir. She has
aided me heretofore, and can do SO again.
She is very obedient, SO we need not fear
her..
Enough Manage the matter yourself
[ am content. Now for our plans. AT
dusk, tomorrow, a company Of Captain
Trevor's command viii be put In motion,
and arrive about midnight at your house.
You will conceal them and await the
others. When they are all gathered, you
viii guide them to the attack. The reb-
els, being off their guard, will fall an easy
prey" -. -.-...,-.
So far as the intentions of the British
officer were concerned, the meditated plan
was carried cut A number of picked
men were concealed at Jennings house,
and at tine proper time marched towards
their destination. Under cover Of night
they had proceeded to the next station on
the road, when their advance was suddenly
checked.
" A sharp rattle Of musket balls, which
seemed to have been designedly fired above
their heads, brought them to an immediate
hall. A second discharge gave them to
understand that their further progress
would b. dangerous. Captain Trevor, who
was in command, Immediately gave orders
for. a countermarch, and in less than ten
minutes the whole body was in retrograde
position. s,a 4s5f os ss.no..sias,
We can hardly venture to describe the
feelings of chasrin entertained by the
fa.s -rEff.r