The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1897-11-13
RAMAPO PASS.

In tho summer of 1871 the forces OF
Washington lay six weeks at DobDs
Ferry on the Hudson. Every day
Sir Henry Clinton, who was In COM
mand of the British in New York, hao
been expecting IN attack, and we now
know Washington had been preparing
20 move against the city, but the
roilure of Count de Grasse, who was
holding the French feet at the West
indies, to cooperate with the troops
On land, had compelled him to aoan,
don the project, and he had decided
10 move rapidly to the south and at
tack CORVALLIS, who was then IN
Virginia. ,.
But he was very DESTROYS that Gin
ton should not suspect his plan, Tor
he might prevent the march or SEND
achievements to Cornwaliis' anu
either action would hinder, II 1t dla
not defeat, his project. So the Amerl-
IAN commander bent all his energies
10 deceive the British, and make them
think that New York was still the
olace to be attacked. Indeed, we
know that even after the march was
bepus the French troops, who went
nv the way of Perth Amboy, there
stopped to build ovens and boats ana
gave out that they were about to at,
tack the posts on Staten Island and
then move against the city. There
we're other means that Washington
nsed. however, to produce the same
impression even before his army lei
Dobbs Ferry, and it is with one o
these that this story has to do. :.
81 want to see Dominic Montagnie!
said an orderly to company OF me-
who were seated near tent In til
camp at Dobbs Ferry. :.
ssThere he is over there, reple
one of the soldiers. pointing to
Young man not far away.
aThat Dominic Montagnie!' sal
the orderly. ''Why he's only a boy,
'sBoy or not, he's one OF the stanci
est Wings in all this region. Ihel
isn't better man in all the Contlnel
tal army" replied the soldier.
The orderly left, and as he a
preached the young man shrewd
scanned his face. Evidently he WI
satisfied with what he saw, for he
pnce addressed him:
sis this Dominic Montagnle!
EYES," replied the young preacht
returning the look to the officer.
.sWell, Gen. Washington wants
see you at once. -,
"Wants to see me9 What for?"
at don't know. Come with me q
you will soon know"
Young Montagnie asked no furtf
questions, but arose and accompan
his guide to the quarters of the CO
mander. He had never spoken to
before. but he shared fully in
feeling of respect which all the ar
had for their leader, and he was sol
what abashed when the Gene
rose to receive him, and could scare
reply to the kind words ne SIP
when he was presented.
Eyes, / have known OF you,
Washington, s'and from all / can
am certain can rely upon you.
this true?"
81 try to do my best, el
said Montagnie modestly.
"That's right Now. l have
;mportant commission for you,
the General paused moment to
the effect Of his words, but the y
man only bowed, and he contin
IT want to send some despatche
you to Morristown. You VIII
the river at Kings Ferry, go u
Haverstraw and through IA
Pass"
Montagnie looked up quick
ne words. 'sRamapo Pass"
he knew the place, and too vel
WAS 4 narrow defile among the n
New Jersey, and already had bee
scene Of some of the most ex
events in the Revolution. Ano