Year: 1859

ed to repel the many sorties made by the
enemy against them. 1t required con-
slant and careful watch upon the part of
the Commander-in-chief to prevent a sur
prise, and the more surely to effect this.
a system of observation was maintained
along the road, so that information pass
ed from point to point, was sure to reach
the camp ere the British could carry out
their designs. The majority Of persons
living on the line from the city to Kings
bridge, gladly aided in this plan of police,
and thus rendered essential service to the
cause. One of this number, however, a
Mr.. Jennilg, at last took umbrage from
some order of Washington or his suhor-
dinate, and with reprehensible cunning,
he determined to abandon the Americans
and serve the interests of the foe. So
secretly were these plans eoncocted and
carried out, that no one outside of his own
family suspected his disafection.


The British general accepted the offer
ed services, and pledged himself to pay
largely for them. Itwas proposed thata
number of his troops should march as far
as bis neighbors, who would, of course,
communicate their movements to Jenning
who in his turn, instead of passing the
warning, was to conceal the forces until
reinforcements could arrive, and formid-
able demonstration could be made against
the fort.


And for your services in any event you
shall have thousand pounds said the
British general to the traitor Should
it eventuate in the entire overthrow Of
the rebels, the sum shall be trebled, while
other rewards shall be freely bestowed.
You are certain that you have confded
the matter to no one?


Not a soul, save those of my own
family know it, Jenning replied.


OF whom does your family consist?'


My wife, who is an invalid, and an
only daughter


How are they affected by your
change?'


/ know not, nor do care. But Of
course they will follow my wishes, which
have ever been law to them. My daugh-
ter is the only one who would think of q
difference of opinion, and even she would
never dare to give it expression


I have heard that the majority ot
your American females have imbibed a
sort of romantic attachment to George
Washington, which might lead them tc
sympathize with him. But of course
you are sure of your child, and can an
swer for her.


With my life ?


Suppose you allow me TO invite hel
here. 1t would be a safe thing, and at the
same time remove her from suspicion OIL
collusion, should you be discov cred.


L cannot part with her, sir? She has
aided me heretofore and can do so again
She is very obedient, so we need not feal
her


Enough! Manage the matter your
self. I am content! Now for our plans
Tomorrow at dusk a company of Cap
tain Trevor's command will be put in mo
ton, and arrive about midnight at you
house. You will conceal them and wal
the others. When all are gathered yol
will guide them to the attack. The reb
els being off their guard will fall an cas-.
preyP


So far as the intentions of the Britis
officer was concerned, the meditated plan
were carried out, a number of picke
men were concealed at the house Of Jer
ming and at proper time marched tc
wards their destination. Under cover {
the night they had proceeded to the mex

station on the road. when their advanc
was suddenly checked.


A sharp rattle of musket balls whic
seemed to have been designedly fire
above their heads, brought them to an in
mediate halt. A second discharge CAV
them to understand that their furthe
progress would be dangerous. Captai
Trevor who was in command, immediate
ly gave orders for counter-mareh, an
in less than ten minutes the whole bod
were in a retrograde position.


We can hardly venture to describe th
feelings of chagrin entertained by th
original Plotter of this expedition, whe
informed by Trevor of the unsatisfactor
result, as that officer handed him the gol
which had been promised, he threw
TO the ground with violent gesture an
with an oath swore that he would murde
the informer, whoever it might be, tbi
had thus defeated his hopes. In va
the kings officer strove to calm him; Il