Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1864-11-30
TALES G. STRETCHES
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. Itrequired constant
and careful watch upon the part of the
Commander-in.ch chief to prevent surprise,
and the more surely to effect this, 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 es-
sential service to the cause One of this
number, however, a MIR Jenning, at last
took umbrage at some order Of Washington
or his subordinates, and with reprehensi-
BILE cunning, he determined to abandon the
Americans and serve the interests of the
foe. So secretly were these plans concoct,
ed and carried out, that no one outside his
own family suspected his disatfection.
The British general accepted the offered
services, and pledged himself to pay large.
ly for them. 1t was proposed that a num-
ber of his troops should march as far as
his neighbor's, who would of course com
municate their movements to Jenning, who
IN his turn instead of passing the warning
WIS to conceal the forces until reinforce
ments could arrive, and formidable dem
onstration 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 9TH
er rewards shall be freely bestowed. You
are certain that you have confded the mat
ter to no one p
"Not soul save those of my own fam
lily know of it," said Jenning
"Of whom does your family consist"
"Of my wife, who IS an invalid, and an
only daughter" FL.
How are they affected by your change?"
81 know not, nor do | 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, and even she would
never dare to give it expression"
81 have heard that the majority of your
American females have imDibed sort of
romantic attachment to George Washing
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 w
suppose you allow me to invite her
mere Ii would be a safe thing, and at the
same time remove her from the suspicion
OF coliuslon should you be discovered"
l 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, to morrow, a company of Captain
Trevor's command will be put in motion
and arrive about midnight at your house.
You will conceal them and await the 9TH
ers. When all are gathered, YOU will
guide them to the attack. The rebels. be.
ing off their guard, will fall an easy prey"
So far as the intentions of the British
officer were concerned, the meditated plan
was carried out. A number of picked