New-York tribune., 1902-03-16

The gallant Continental officer who prevented the
| escape OF Andre. Benjamin Tallmadge had a thrill
| ing experience off NoTWak in the last winter OF
the Revolution. Through his private emissaries he
| had obtained accurate Information that OF the
public armed vessels appointed to cruise I'm Long
| Island Sound to protect the American commerce
and prevent the Illicit traffic known as the London
| trade actually engaged in carrying 1t on
Learning that this vessel. soop named Shuldham an.
would be at Norwalk given day and that In her
| hold would be a cargo OF the -cOntraphnd goods.
| Tallmadge went there with few Dragons. Seeing
the sloop up the harbOr, he secured a war
| rant. got a constable ANA when the Shuldham had
! anchored at OLA We'll took boat and went out TO
! her After the usual formal salutations he took
the captain into the cabin and informed him OF hiS
| suspicious and errand. Co. YOU" the cap
! tains response I'm throw You overheard Sir
| said TallmadSe, amy such action would be futile
| 1t would only convince me OF your guilt am your
| superior officer, sir and disobedienCe TO my com
| mandS will make serious trouble for YOU" The
| captain deck and ordered the sails hosted
and the anchor weighed This did not please Tall
madge. who intended 10 accomplish his mission.
Soon the sIoop standing ont of the harbor be-
I order you. sir, to put back" was TaImadge's
am 1 : you, sir you I shall not Yoq p|, spy |
4 shall most certainly take you over with me Il
you attempt TO carry out that threat eooy replied
The vessel continued its course across the Sound
Island. where the enemy's fleet lay at anchor;
W
Tailmadge remarked:
Il suppose YOU understand that the offence YOU
are committing under martial law exposes You to
the punishment of DEATH
II don't care what the consequences are, - 1t,
IN do Just as - please said the captain.
i now again order you to put about this vessel
and return 10 Norwalk IL YOU refuse to obey my
command and continue Ia your present course III
have YOU hanged az hish "a llamau II ever re-
tuIn-and do not doubt that shall"
The situation was becoming critical for the
Shuldham was rapidly approac ching the enemy under
the Influence OF the brisk wind TaIlmadge decided
TO again Try the effect OF his authority.
/ ShaH not repeat my orders many times more.
sir direct that YOU Immediately put about" said
the intrepid officer.
The captain began to show signs Of hesitation and
course. lie steered directly into Norwalk Ilarbor
and Hs soon as the anchor Was down went ashore
saw him again. Opening the hatch Tallmadse found
that his Information regarding the cargo was
Irct
Treasured away in boxes in an old house near
Norwalk Centre number of gowns which
have romantic history. There Empire gowns.
embroidered and figured rich sinks. are
In the fashion OF pUl0uaist familiar In
OF the Revolutionary period Several OF these
gowns were made from materials sent to this
country from Great Britain by British officers who
had returned after the close Of the Revolution as
ihal period. The officers this WAY OF shown
ihrr appTt lHlion OF the social pleasures they had
eHJ"A ed "mlr quarterrd IN New York. They often
Ioltiu liidl ilnt dragged upon tnrr hands. Hud 10
relieve the t"dium parties given. These sis
ier>, being numbered among ia" bellies OF the
period were often invited tu attend although luNaI
lu the BRUSH officers that they were frequently
asked to go slcighridng with Them When the
british saliantS went the close or the war
they presented their horses to the women az an
indication or their appreciation Of the cOUTtpSlpS
in Norwalk