Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-10-09
ITO he cOntinued.)
HARVEY BIRCH.
The Most Famous Spy of the Revolution.
Rochester Union.

Rochester Union
Cooper's Spy is, undoubtedly the
ablest and most fascinating of all that
great American noveiists works. His
historical novels are true to the incidents
of history, and his descriptions of American
scenery, American autumn, the American
Indian and American character are equal
ly true.
1t will be remembered that it was Wash
ington policy to employ in the war of the
revolution certain persons IN secret service.
men OF the rarest capacity Disgusting them
selves and appearing IN various characters.
The most prominent OF these was Harvey
Birch, who was so successful in gather
ing valuable materials for WASHINGTON. in
the character of royal spy, that great
efforts were made by the American troops
to capture him. So consummately did he
manage that he always had access to the
British lines, the British soldiers believing
him spy in then service, when he was,
In reality, a most artful American spy,
conveying to Washington some of the
most important plans and proposed move
ments of the enemy. 1t was a matter of
wonder to the British how Washington
always had such perfect knowledge OF the
desi gns and plans of their campaigns,
which was furnished him by Harvey
Birch, whom the British regarded as in
their service. This man would sometimes
appear disguised as a woman, then again,
as a plain farmer. then as preacher and
then as a doctor. But the character in
which he was best known, and in which he
was most successful, was that of peddler,
traversing what was called the neutral
no
passing with IMMUNITY from one to the
intent on selling his goods and nothing else
ly escaped death. Ii. some mysterious man
ner, and as is believed by many historians,
through the secret influence Of Washing
ton himself.
But when the war finally closed, he had
the reputation of having been spy
against his country, md was looked upon
with hatred by the people N the new gov
eminent, although, in fact, he was sim
cere and exceedingly useful patriot. 1t is
believed by many that it WIS Harvey
Birch, who successfully, and almost like q
phantom called the attention of the captors
of Andre. while they were engaged in a
game of cards in the ticket, and would
have failed to discover him as he passed
them, had it not been for the singular
notice of his approach they received from
| Birch.
Harvey Birch, though advanced in
years, was, with the American troops, en-
gagged In the battle of Lundv's Lane where
he was killed in the terrible charge upon
the British batteries, so wildly described
by Mr.. Proctor The following is Cooper 5
description Of the death scene.
! Near where young officer lay on the
, battlefield. badly wounded, was the body
of an elderly man, ying On his back, with
his face exposed to the glazing light of q
fusee, his eyes closed, as if in slumber,
his lips, suDken with years, were slightly
moved from their natural position, but il
seemed more like smile than a convul-
sion which had caused the change His
musket lay near him; his hands were press
ed upon his breast, and one of them con,
tanned substance that glittered like silver
All officer stopped and removing the limbs
perceived the pla,e where the bullet haC
found passage to his heart The subject
! of his last care was a tin box; through
which the fatal lead HAD gone; and The
! dying moments Of the old soldier must
! have passed in drawing it from his bosom
The box was opened. and IN it was founc
a paper which read as follows:
Circumstances of political Importance
which involve the lives and fortunes o.
many, have hitherto kept secret what thi.
paper now reveals. Harvey Birch has fol-
years been faithful and unrequited ser
vault of his country. Though man doe
not, may God reward him for his patriotic
conduct.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.