The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-12-31
JOHN CHAMPE AND HIS
ATTEMPT TO BRING THE
TRAITOR BACK ALIVE
By LEONORA W. WOOD,
In the. Baltimore Sunday Sun

county, there is a spot known as
Haunted Gate" Close by the gate
there remain a few ruins of the site
of stone house, built during the Rev.
dictionary War, and for many years
shrouded in deepest mystery. 1t was
doubtless the mysterious appearance
of John Champe, who built and occu-
pied the house for thirty years, that
gave rise to many supernatural
stories, woven around the immediate
locale of the house.
During the first years of Champe's
abode, in what was then a remote
section of Virginia frontier, there
were but few who knew the reason for
his seclusion; it was not until after
his death that it became generally
known that Washington had sent him
here to keep him from falling into the
hands of the British who probably
would have executed him for a spy.
At last, however, nearly everyone
knew that this silent, self-effacing
man who had struggled so valiantly
against the ravages of poverty, was in
reality a hero, who had sacrificed all
that he had on the altar of patriot
ism.
John Champe, of Loudoun county,
Virginia, enlisted in the Continental
Army in 1776; and though only 20
years of age, his commander, Major
Henry Lee, regarded him as a worthy
member of the legion of Virginia cav
alrymen over which he had command.
Within a short time he had advanced
to the rank of sergeant-major, with
promise of a commission.
***
At this time there was much unrest
among the American forces. Wash
ington was greatly disturbed because
of the treason of Benedict Arnold, to-
gether with persistent rumors that
other officers of high rank contem-
plated desertion. Then, too, he was
anxious to save the life of Major John
Andre, the young British soldier who
had been detailed by Clinton to go to
Stony Point and arrange with Arnold
for the surrender of the American
stronghold at West Point. If Arnold
could be brought back into the Ameri-
can lines and executed, other deser-
tions might be forestalled, public SEN
timent might be made to prove stron-
ger than military law, and the unfor-
tunate Andre kept from hanging.
Therefore Washington determined
that all the power and ingenuity at
his command would be used to formu-
late a plan for the capture of Arnold.
Major Henry Lee, Washington's
staunch friend and a man in whom he
had implicit confidence, was called in
to conference. Together they formu-
lated a plan for Arnold's capture, but
to execute their plans most unusual
man must be found: man of unques-
tionable patriotism, one who possess
ed keen intelligence, dauntless cour-
age, desperate determination, and who
might be depended upon to keep his
head under all circumstances. This
man, when found, must be persuaded
to feign desertion to the British, and
having made his way into the enemy's
lines bide his time to kidnap Arnold,
and escape with him into the Ameri-
can lines.
After careful consideration Major
Lee named John Champe as the man
in his command best suited for this
hazardous task.
Champe was sent for, and listened
eagerly to the plot as outlined by
Washington. He was greatly moved
by the confidence placed in him by his
superior officers, and declared that he
was ready, if need be, to give his life
for his country, but could not do this
thing that might bring shame and dis
grace on his own name and be used as
further proof of American disloyalty.
At last, however, the arguments of
Washington and Lee prevailed, and he
was persuaded that such a task, I'M
dertaken at the request of those at the
head of the American forces, was
patriotic duty and would not bring
dishonor to his name.
Carefully written instructions were
given him. He was to read and re-
read them until every detail was clear,
then destroy them. Two letters were
given him to be delivered to men in
New York, who would furnish all nee
essary funds and assistance that
Champe might require for carrying
through the project. But one restric-
ton was placed upon him: under no
consideration was he to kill Arnold.
He must bring him back alive.
***
By II o'clock that night Champe
had made all necessary preparation.
Equipped with his cloak, valise, order
ly book and three guineas, he secretly
mounted his horse and started for
New York.