The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1879-02-14
JOHN CHAMPE'S DESERTION,

The outbulst of popular Indignation
when it was announced that a monument
was to be put up on American soil to the
spy who plotted with Benedict Arnold the
capture of George Washington, aud the
popular response to the suggestion of q
monument to the heroic Nathan Hale.
prove that the fires Of patriotism still burn
brightly in American hearts. May they
never be quonched
But my purpose in this letter was to re
call a romantic episode of the Andre-Ar-
mold affair, which some Of tie Suns read
ers may have forgotten, and with it one of
the nOblesJ figures of the revolutionary
epoch-a man who risked his life as brave
ly for his country as did Hale himself
Sergeant John Champe, of the Virginia
Light Horse Cavalry.
All Americans knOT how anxious Wash
ington was to capture Benedict Arnold
But all do not know Of the weightiest rea-
sons for this anxiety. IfArEold had fallen
who could be trusted? Who could tell how
far the treason had sapped its way unsus-
pected Strange rumors were in the air
about other officers high in rank. one of
whom enjoyed in an eminent degree the
confidence and esteem Of Washington
On bis arrival at the camp be sent for Ma
Jor Henry Lee, the father Of the late
Robert t, Lee, uubosomed himself fully 10
him, and asked if among tile bold Virginia
spirits under lis command thele was one
who would be willing to risk life, liberty
and honor on desperate stake for the
good of his country. Lee replied that lie
had such a man in his legion, a native of
bis own county of Loudoun, John Champe.
his Sergeant Major, who, although but
twenty four years old, possessed a courage
equal to any danger. His only doubt was
whether Champe would accept any service
on which the shadow Of dishouor rested
Washington gave minute and accurate in
structions to Major Lee, who repaired to
his camp and sent for Champe He was
handsome, finely -propoItioned young man,
of grave cOuutenance, with deep set black
eyes, When the scheme was unlolde6 TO
Champe he shrank from the idea of deser-
tion. He declared his life was at the ser
vice of Washington, but that his honor
was his own. Lee, as a last inducemeut.
pronounced the name of the suspected
General whose character Washington was
anxious to clear. Champe started, declar-
ed that the army held no man more loyal,
and yielded.
He FASTENED to make his preparations.
He knew that his first danger was from
the pursuit of his own comrades, rendered
doubly watchful and suspicious by the
crime of Arnold. Major Lee was sitting
in his tent when it was reported to him
that a dragoon had been seen to leave the
camp, who, when challenged by the sentry.
put spurs to his horse and escaped. Aux-
ious to give his Sergeant every possible op-
pOrtunity, Lee first affected to misunder-
stand. and next to doubt she correctness of
the report. 1t was undoubtedly, he said,
some countrymau. 1t was impossible any
member Of the Virginia legion could be
guilty of such an act. The officer making
the report was somewhat indignant, and
replied that the deserter was believed to
be no less person than the Sergeant Ma
jor, as his horse and arms were missing
A pursuing party was soon equipped. AT
ter inspecting them, Lee suddenly remem
bered that he had other duty for the Lien
tenant in command, and sent for CoIuot
Middleton to take his place. lie did this
partly to create a delay, partly from a
knowledge of Middletou's kindly DISPOSE
tion. His instructions were to bring the
man alive to camp, thai he might suffer, if
guilty, in the presence of the army, but to
Kill him if he resisted. 1t was midnight,
aud the rain fell in torrents. just at day
break, from au eminencs some miles from
Bergen, near the "Three Pigeous.' - tav-
ern KEPT at the present day, the dragons
deserted Champe about half mile in ad.
vance. He put spurs to his horse, aud
made for the village of Bergen, determined
to seek refuge on board one of the two
British gal3eys, which usually lay in New
ark Bay, mile or two distant. Presently
he heard the pursuers again at his heels
But few hundred yards separated them.
y long marsh and deep waters lay between
him and safety. He spraug from EIs horse
and plunged into the morass. His pursu.
ers came up and dismounted also. Strug-
Cling through the mud and slime, with his
drawn sword held above his head, Champe
reached the rivers brink, plunged in ana
swan toward the galleys. His cloak aud
scabbard had been thrown away, but for
time be still grasped his trusty blade
This slipped from his hand and was lost.
The scene had been watched with great
interest and rightly interpreted by those on
board the galleys. Fire was opened on the
dragons, some of whom were preparing
to follow Champe in the water, while .
light boat quickly picked up the fugitive.
Champe was kindly received on board
the British galley aud sent at once to Nes