Gilpin observer., 1901-06-27

IdnlllaT records OIL MS lie at tne Time
when the call to arms was first heard.
In addition to his other gifts and
graces, he was handsome, vigorous and
athletic, all in an extraordinary de-
gree. If he had lived in our day he
might have pulled the stroke oar at
New London or pitched for the college
nine.
The officers were conversing in a
group. No one had as yet spoken the
decisive word. Colonel Knowlton ap-
pealed to French sergeant, an old
soldier of former wars, and asked him
to volunteer.
mo. no." said he. II am ready to
fight the British at any place and time,
but do not feel willing to go among
them to be hung up like dog"
Captain Hale Joined the group of
officers. He said to Colonel Knowl-
ton:
Il will undertake it."
Some of his best friends remon-
strated. One of them. afterwards the
famous Gen. William Hull, then a cap
tain in Washington's army, has re-
corded Hale's reply to his own attempt
to dissuade him.
Il think" said Hale, II owe to my
country the accomplishment of an OBJ
| ject so important. l am fully sensible
| of the consequences of discovery and
capture in such situation. But for
| year l have been attached to the army,
| and have not rendered any material
| service, while receiving compensa-
| tion for which l make no return.
wish to be useful. and every kind of
service necessary for the public good
| becomes honorable by being neces-
sary."
He spoke. as General Hull remem-
bered. with earnestness and decision,
| as one who had considered the mat
| ter we'll. and had made up his mind.
Having received his instructions, he
| Travelled fifty miles along the Sound as
| far as Norwalk, in Connecticut. One
| who saw him there made very wise
remark upon him. to the effect that he
was too good looking" to go as a spy.
He could not deceive. Some scrubby
fellow ought to have gone" At Nor
walk he assumed the disguise of
Dutch schoolmaster. putting on a suit
OF plain brown clothes and round,
broad -brimmed hat. He had no diff
Guilty in crossing the Sound. since he
bore an order from General Washing
ton which placed at his disposal all
the vessels belonging to Congress. For
several days everything appears to
| have gone well with him. and there is
reason to believe that he passed
| through the entire British army with
| out detection or even exciting suspi
| cion.
Finding the British had crossed to
New York, he followed them. He made
| his way back to Long Island, and near
| ly reached the point opposite Norwalk
where he hand originally landed Rem
dered, perhaps, too bold by success. he
went into a well-known and popular
| tavern. entered into conversation with
| the guests and made himself very
agreeable. The tradition is that he
made himself too agreeable. A man
present, suspecting or knowing that
he was not the character he had as
sumed. quietly left the room, commun-
icated his suspicious to the captain OF
British ship anchored near. who dis
patched a boats crew to capture and
bring on board the agreeable stranger
His true character was Immediately re-
vealed. Drawings of some OF the Brit
ish works, with notes In Latin. were
found hidden In the soles OF his shoes
Nor did he attempt to deceive his cap
tors. and the English captain, lament
ing. as he said. that so fine fellow
had fallen into his power" sent him
to New York in one OF his boats. and
with him the fatal proofs that he was
a spy.
September 2lst was the day on which
he reached New York-the day OF the