White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1933-05-18
TheMaster ofChaos

So the American commander in chief
had gained time for needed recupera-
ton.
The spirit of army and people had
improved. The New Jersey folk had
been aroused to fever heat by out
RACES which are the inevitable result
of occupation by the troops of an
enemy. 1t was favorable time for
recruiting, but compared with the
British army, Washington had feeble
force of men, billeted in Morristown.
Soon British spy was discovered in
camp. His name was Luce. Should
they hang him?
"No," Washington said. "We will
make q wise use Of him."
Officers were apparently impressed
by the personality Of Mr.. Luce. They
fattered him with friendly attentions,
giving him much information and no
time to visit the billets.
A plan was made under which the
battalions marching out of cover and
returning to it were paraded three
times before him. False returns on
the number Of troops billeted in that
countryside were scattered carelessly
on the desk Of the adjutant when Mr..
Luce came to dine alone with him.
In the midst of the dinner, the adj
jutant was suddenly called away. The
spy was now loaded and ready to de-
part. An easy way out was prepared
for him. He vanished, taking to Brit
ish headquarters in New York a re-
port Of the force in Morristown which
insured it's safety.
Young Alexander Hamilton was in
great favor with the Chief. At din
ner of the staff Washington called on
him for speech. The young man
acquitted himself with such wit and
charm that the General arose and
shook his hand. After that all the
officers showed him great respect and
the boy was often in their councils.
Summer came. The last detach-
ment of the British had left Amboy
for Staten Island. Burgoyne was ex-
pected in northern New York with an
army from Canada.
The most difficult problem Of the
revolution now challenged the in
genuity of the Commander in Chief.
He must prevent the formidable army
| of Howe on York island from going up
the Hudson to aid Burgoyne. The
force in the Highlands was strength
| ened. Putnam had put powerful
chevaux-de-frise across the Hudson
near Fort Montgomery to prevent
ships from passing and to hold them
under ruinous gunfire. 1t was an i'm
mense iron chain supported by log
booms few feet apart and securely
anchored to both shores. Two forts
| on the river were well manned and
| must be reduced before ships could
pass. Beacon lights on Butter hill at
the northern entrance Of the High
lands would flash the news Of an at
tack to Beacon hill and on southwark
| to Mullender's hill and Snake hill and
the lower Hudson. Howe might win
f! his way but it would be slow-footed,
perilous undertaking. Washington's
problem was to detain Howe and en-
compass Burgoyne who, once landed
at the head of Lake Champlain, could
never hope to return. Howe, having
waited long for reinforcements from
Europe, embarked his army. He
started southwark, evidently heading
for Philadelphia.
Washington now said to his Jersey
yeomen: "Go home and do your har-
vesting and return as soon as pos
sible."
In a camp almost deserted he sat
down with members Of his staff to
consider the great problem. Plans
for the encompassment of Burgoyne
were complete when a messenger came
from congress to announce that Gates
had been given full command in the
north. Washington had ample evil
dence of the ambition of Gates to sup.
plant him and Of his unwholesome po-
litical influence. Schuyler, command
ing in upper New York, was gentle
man to his liking and in the Chiefs
opinion quite equal to the task ahead
Of him. Still, as usual, he must bow
to the will of congress. Gates was a
cunning politician. Morgan's rif1emen
and Arnold's brigade were to be sent
north to help him.
CHAPTER XIII