The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-11-24
RAMAP0 PASS.

! Na9ith1tcn lay lpf Six weeks at Dobt
Ferry, on the Hudson. Every day 81
Henry Clinton, who was in comman
Of the British in New York had bee
expecting an attack, and we now kno'
Washington had been preparing I
move against the city, but the failur
( Of Count de Grasse, who was holding
the French fleet at the West Indies, L
cooperate with the troops on land ha'
compelled him to abandon the project
and he had decided to move rapidly Z,
the south and attack Cornwallis, VIII,
was then in Virginia.
But he was very desirous that CIin
ton should not suspect his plan, for h,
might prevent the march or send re
endorsements TO CORVALLIS, and eilhel
acton would hinder if it did not defea
his project. So the American com
man6er bent all his energies to deceiv,
the British and make them think thai
New York was still the place to De at
tackled. Indeed We know that even
after the march was begun the French
troops, who went by the way of Perth
Anboy, there stopped to build oven.
and boats and gave out that they were
about to attack the posts on Staten
Island and then move against the city.
There were other means that Wash
ington used, however, to produce the
same Impression even before his army
left Dobbs Ferry, and it is with one Of
these that this story has to do.
ST want to see Dominic Montagnier'
said an orderly to a company of men
who were seated near a tent in the
camp at Dobbs Ferry.
"There he is over there,n replied one
of the soldiers, pointing to young
man not far away.
''That Dominic Montagnier' said
the orderly. "Why, he's only a boy.''
"Boy or not, he's one Of the stanehest
Wings in all this region. There isn't
a better man in all the Continental
army" replied the soldier.
The orderly left, aud as heapproach-
ed the young man shrewd's scanned
his face. Evidently he was satisfied
with what be saw, for he at once ad-
dressed him:
''Is this Dominic Montagnie?"
"Yes, > replied the young preacher,
returning the look to the officer.
"WelI, General Washington wants
to see yoa at once.n
wants to see nne? What for?v
81 don't know. Come with me and
you viii soon KNOW
Young Montagnie asked no further
questions, but arose and accompanied
his guide to the quarters of the COM
mander. He had never spoken to him
before, but he shared fully in the feel
ing of respect which ali the army had
for their leader, and he was somewhat
abashed when the general rose to re-
ceive him and could scarcely reply to
the kind words he spoke when he was
presented.
ayes, 1 have known of you," said
Washington, "and from all can hear
l am certain 1 can rely upon you. Is
this true?p
II try 20 do my best, general, " said
MOntagnie modestly.
That's right Now, / have very
important commission for you" And
the general paused moment to note
the effect of his words, but the yonng
man only bowed, and he continued:
AZ want to send some dispatches by
you to Morr stown. You will cross the
river at Kings Ferry, go up by Haver-
straw and through Ramapo pass"
Montagnie looked up quickly at the
words "Ramapo pass" Yes, he knew
the place and too well. 1t was a mar
row defile among the hills Of New
Jersey and already had been the scene
of some of the most exciting events in
the Revolution. And now the cow
boys and skinners held it, and if he
should once fall into their hands he
knew what would occur.
"But, general he ventured to stam-
mer, "Ramapo pass is one of the head
quarters of the Tories, and shall sure
ly be taken if l try to go that way.
Why may not go by the upper road?
1 am familiar with every foot of the
country
Young man." said Washington,
stamping his foot in real or pretended
anger, "your duty is not to talk but to
obey"
The young preacher saw that all
reInonstrance would be in vain, and,
although he could not understand why
he should not be left to select his own
route, especially since he was to go
through country he knew thorough
iy, he only bowed his head and prom
ised to do his best.
"When am l to go?" he inquired.
"Now-just as soon as you can get
ready"
Just at dusk, dressed in citizens
clothing and with the dispatches sew
ed inside the lining of his sleeve, young
Montagnie was carried across the river
and started on his journey. Even a
horse was denied him, but the hardy
young Continental cared little for that,
and all night long be kept steadily on
his way.
1t was about a half hour before sun
rise when he came near to Ramapo
pass. 'My time has come" he said to
himself. "If can once get safely
through this place, l have no fear of
the rest OF the way" But he was more
excited than he knew, aud he was
breathing rapidly as he entered the
pass. He grasPed his heavy walking
stick more tightly and glanced about
him. The passage between the hills
was becoming very narrow. Beside
the roadway there were only narrow
little strip of land and the swift dow-
ing stream that ran noisily on its way.
The steep hillsides rose abrupt and
rocky. The damp, cool air Of the early
morning, the noise of the stream, the
threatening cliffs and bowlders, which
might conceal some OF his enc
,nies. all increased the nervous dread
80 ,,asss,,,,ar end haouickened his