The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1892-10-28
A SPY'S STRATAGEM.
How a British Onlcer Secured Infor-
nation Of Washington's Army.

Early in the winter of 1870 Washing
tons array was cncampcd at Morris
town: aud about twenty miles west OF
that place was the residence OF Squire
John kitchcll, one Of the most widely
known and unyielding patriots Of north
ern New Jersey. His farm and dwell
ing bordered on The main road; and one
evening, late in November, the usual
family worship had just closed, his
wife and his daughters had retired up
stairs, and the squire was quaffing his
niphtcap of sweet cider. when his ear
caught the hoof- be ats of a horse outside
Presently a step sounded on the
stoop and when the squire unfastened
the door his fiaring candle shone mt
fully upon the long beard and blue
caped cloak Of stranger. The new
conner. somewhat bent by the weight OF
apparently sixty years, asked the favor
of a nights hay for his horse and, Tor
himself, only permission to rest IN the
barn beside him; for his purpose was
to depart before sunrise. lie was on
his way to the American army with
supplies. he said. and his laoen wagon
was but half days journey behind
him. lie supported his request by
showing a pass which allowed Capt.
Job Spring. with his team, safe pas
sage to the army and return to the
Delaware river.
To all this the So uire replied that he
was welcome to such quarters for him
self and horse as he could find in the
barn. Taking lantern, he led tho
way. adding that in one Of the stalls nc
had. an hour before, given lodging to
young man about 10 join the patrio'
ranks. and that his farmland. Blacl
Tom. also slept in the hay near by
After seeing the stranger ana his ROAD
stcr fairly accommodated, the squirs
bade him good night and returned 4
his homestead.
I. was ut least an hour after MD
night when the rcposc OF tie sicrnini
household was rudcly disturbed IN IN
tramp OF horses and the voices Of
body of men demanding abundance
The alarmed inmates hastily answere
the summons.
ESQUIRE kitchcll. -ou arc my pris
oncr," cried the leader Of the party.
"Wh, are you, sir, and where is you
warrant?"
1--WE are all true blue and belong I
the Sussex militia. and here Is the wal
rant of the county committee TO arre'
Won for communicating secretly wit
King Georges commander IN Ne
York.
pooh. Pooh- lightly exclaimed II
squire. Everybody knows ! am
good wing: and when you bring me b
fore Gen. Washington he'll just laup
at YOU and tell you to go about bett'
business.
well, you won't go before &c
Washington, and we have no time
waste any words. Wen just sear'
your house and then escort you safe
70 our county Jail at Newton"
Here's more Of EN-, leftcnant
cried a couple Of troopers, hastl
entering. in charge Of Capt. job Sprin
together with the young man who u
occupied stall near him. and B'a
Tom. the farmland.
strap the niger fast behind one
The men and see that he don't cscal
Squire. YOU and these other two "
~ into the parlor and keep quiet ths
along with your family, while
search upstairs for your freasona'
papers. Sergeant, place scntin
around the house and one outside I
parlo. door, and sec that no one lea
the ROOM
Then the leader and his men rusi
upstairs to begin their search.
The prisoners were left alone IN
parlor, and the door was closcd; but
his tramp and voice they knew thai
sentry was stationed m the hall
side. a candle on the table fec
illuminated the room, and the silc
was broken only by the sobs OF
squirc's wife and daughters.
length the old gentleman SCOT
them and then seized the opportui
TO explain the situation 10 his gu
Capt. Spring, and solemnly to pro
his entire Innocence Of the cha
alleged against him.
Squire Kitchcll. | believe you y
all my heart" replied the capt
''and this will vet prove TO be .