Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-25

stoned SPY IA the Continental service failed O
return. Those who did not know Bissel cursed
him as q traitor and q deserter. Washingto8
and Bissels immediate superior, Lieut.. Col. Rob-
ert Hanson Harrison, knew otherwise howevez.
But they entertained grave fears that the ser~
geant's mission had been discovered and hts
life exacted In punishment.
Great was WasR1ington's delight and aston
ishment when Sergt Bissel walked into the
formers headquarters one September day
more than year from the time Of his disap-
pearance-with a narrowing story of his ess
periences His verbal report remarkably re-
plete with vital details regarding the British
army, was taken down by Lieut.. Col. David
Humphreys.
THE first four pages of this report are In
Humphreys Handwriting" Mr.. Fitzpatrick says,
"and Bissel himself wrote the last three. It -
a remarkably clear statement of facts; what
the sergeant knew from personal observation
being distinguished carefully from what was
reported to him by others and what was mere
heresay. He described the Staten Island forts
and gave minute descriptions, with sketches,
Of the forts in New York and Long Island
Washington Endorsed the report in his own
handwriting: "Sergt. Bissel's acct. of tl19
enemys force and works at New Yk. 81 c."
From his study Of the report Mr. Fitzpatrick
learned that once Bissel got inside the British
lines, he was unable to get out again. Enlist
ing with the British army he served for 6
whole year In New York City and on Long and
Staten Islands.
His life hung by thread every moment OF
this time" Mr.. Fitzpatrick points out. when
he first entered New York there was a hot naval
press going on and to escape being forced into
the British feet Bissel enlisted in Benedict
Arnolds corps. He made notes and kept memo
randa of troop strengths and locations and
checked his information, one item against an-
other. until he knew, practically, the exact SITE
uation of the British forces and their condition
Then the enemy became suspicious of some-
thing and an order was issued that any soldier
found with written information on him would
be treated as a spy. To save his life, Bissel was
forced to destroy his precious memoranda, but
he had a good brain and used it to advantage.
When he escaped in 1882 he went at once to
hea dquarters."
From the very nature of the exploits which
won for Sergts. Churchill, Brown and Bissel
the Revolutions only medal of honor, 1t is clear
that the Badge of Merit Of the Purple Heart
was a rarely bestowed honor There may have
been a few other members Of the Continental
Army who received the decoration, but so,
the records fail to show it.
In reviving it as q modern military award,
the War Department intends to uphold its ira
ditional dignity. It win not be distributed
promiscuously. Just as Gen. Washington's
board of awards made careful inquiry into the
"pretensions Of candidates" for the decoration,
staff will exercise great care in examining into
the qualifications of men recommended for the
honor
The Purple Heart, it is expected, win b. q
worthy substitute for decorations heretofore
awarded but which no longer may be given to
new candidates from the ranks of World War
veterans