New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-16

or Huguenot ancestry, Boudinot represented
ono of the most important elements in the popu-
,at,on that created the Republic BY wealth and
social position he belonged to a class which was
nerhaps less enthusiastic in the revolt against
England than other classes. a characteristic re-
mark of Washington reveals the state of things.
There was task partly civil. partly military,
which the commander-in -chief wishes Boudinot
n undertake. The latter was reluctant even 10
the point of downright refusal. whereupon Wash
,npton kindly but forcibly objected to the conduct
of gentlemen of the country who claimed to be
natriots and vet denied him their aid in the ardu-
Gus struggle for liberty For his own part he
had no other aim than the salvation OF the coun-
try but It was impossible for him to accomplish
this alone All his efforts would be lost II men of
character and influence did not come to his help.
Washington undoubtedly forgot or ignored some
Of the difficulties with which he had to contend,
for when he congratulated Congress on the close
of the war he spoke as II all had worked with
equal fervor in the cause of Independence. Boudi-
not felt the justice of Washingtons personal APP
peal to him, and took up the task assigned him.
that of Commissary- General of Prisoners of
War.
He was az the time a prosperous lawyer. ard
some Of the vanities OF the civilian chung TO him.
He gided the Objectionable office of Commssary-
General with the fancy that 1t would enable him
to have an eye the military power 80 as 70 pre-
vent It's encroachments on the civil authority In
the case OF citizens suspected Ot Royalist SYM
pathies he foresaw chance Of tyranny worse
than that of the English Parliament But he soon
had an opportunity TO form a new estimate Of the
character Of Washington On the morning Of
April -. III, the American Army was treated
to a sensation In an attempt by Lord CORVALLIS
TO capture General Lincoln in his quarters at
Bound Brook The British raid was so we'll man.
aged that the American pickets and sentries were
completely deceived. Several men were Killed.
some guns were captured, and General Lincoln
narrowly escaped by rear door While confused
disturbance went on in front Of his quarters. No
body could explain the mystery Of the affair for
some time. But at last Boudino; .elinc1 from 1
gentleman who had been with the British ut New
Brunswick that a farmer inside ;he American
lines disclosed the countersgn. The gentleman
insisted on strict secrecy as himself declaring
that his life would be forfeited IL he were known
TO have given the information. That such
traitor should exist stirred Boudinots wrath. and
he hurried to General Washington with As news;
but as he had promised, rot disclosing the maine
Of his informant Washington listened quietly,
not only to the story, but TO the urgent appeal
that the man should be punished forthwith an
example. He remained silent for some time after
ward. Then he said: "Did you not tell me that the
life OF your informant depended on vow secrecy?
Would you take up a citizen and coniina him with
out letting him know his crime and his accuser?
No: let him alone for the present, watch him
carefully, and II you can catch him In any other
crime. as to confront him by witnesses. we Will
then punish him severely Colonel Boudinot
withdrew. rather abashel. In the memoirs which
he wrote later in life. and which are now in the
collection OF John Nicholas Brown. of Providence
he described wildly the modification he felt 10
think that after entering the Army 10 watch the
soldlery and to guard the civil rights Of citizens
he should incur such n reproof from a military
man. Il received IT, he says oandldly. las 4 Sc
we're lecture on my own mprudence"
Shortly afterward Washington had occasion to
give him another lesson. The American Army
was encamped at White Marsh watching the
movements OF Lord CORVALLIS and General Howe
In addition TO his duties as Commissary-Genera
OF Prisoners. he was now at the head OF what
might be called the Intelligence Department OF
the Army. While he investigated the state Of af-
fairs at the outposts ana in the country near
Philadelphia, he was called upon at dinner by a
little old woman. who gave him a dirty needle
book. in the remotest pocket Of which was tiny
roll Of paper which purported to give details Of
General Howes force and movements. Colonel
Boudnots inference that Howe meant to
feign a march 10 New-York ana then fall upon
the unprotected rear Of the American Army He
worked up quite plausible theory about crossing
and recrossng the Delaware River and the cut
ting Off OF the baggage train. and even the de-
struction Of the army. Again Washington Listened