Year: 1879

do not know replied the officer.


In obedience to this order, went to
his quarters at the time appointed; but
my mind was greatly harrassed toknow
whether Ihad discharged my duty Alright
the night previous. gave the alarm at
the door, and the servant appeared.


Inform General Washington, said
1, 3" that the person he ordered to his
quarters at nine o'clock is now at the
door,


The servant made the report, and i'm
mediately came and bade me go in, and
conducted me to the General ROOM
When entered he addressed me:


care you the sentinel who stood at
my door at nine o'clock last night 2"


Yes, sir, and endeavored to do my
duty"


"I wish all the army understood it as
well as you do" said the General. This
relieved burden off my mind.


The General then continued: "Can
you keep secret ?'


81 can try"


Are you willing to have your name
struck from the roll of the army, and
engage in secret service at the hazard
of your life, for which l promise you
forty dollars month !"


Il am willing to serve my country in
any way you may think best"


Call here precisely at seven o'clock
this evening and l will give you further
instructions"


then retired, and precisely at seven
o'clock returnal. The General then
presented me with a sealed letter with
out any superscription. He asked me if
had ever been on Roxbury Heights
told him had, and at his request, L
described the level ground on the top
He gave me the countersign, lest l should
not be able to return before the sentinel
received it; and then told me to go the
heights, and on the way to converse
with no one, and endeavor not to pass
any person if possible, and if I should
observe any person, who 1 observed to
notice me particularly, not to go on the
height until out of his sight. And when
assembled to the height, must look
round carefully, and if l discovered any
person, l mast keep at a distance from
him, and suffer no one to take me. If
everything appeared to be quiet, must
go on the west side of the plain, there
should see fiat rock which I.could raise
by one hand, a round stone about four
feet from it; L must take the round stone
and place it under the edge of that flat
rock, which would raise it high enough
% put my hand under it " You must
then feel under the rock" said the Gen.
eral, till you find small hollow if
there is letter in it, bring it me, and
put this letter in the same place."


Having received my instructions,
made my way for the height, and moth
ing occurred worthy of note, except
found the rock and stone as described,
and in the hollow, letter sealed with
out any superscription. then adjusted
the rock, and placed the stone as found
it, L returned to the Generals quarters
and delivered the letter found under
the rock. The General broke the seal
and read it to himself. He then said:


You may retire and appear here at
seven o'clock to morrow evening""


This did for some time, carrying and
bringing letters, without being annoyed
in any respect At length observed
person at some small distance travelling
the same way 1 was going, and he eyed
me with more attention than was pleas
ing to mel took rather a circuitous
route, and when ] came on the height,
was confident l saw two persons, if not
more, descend the hill on the opposite
side, among the savins. 1 went even to
the savins to make discovery, but could
see no one. This told the General on
my return.


He upbraided me for my presumption.
He said "they might have sprung on
you and took you. Never do the like
again.


When returned the next evening, he
gave me stricter charge than before.
There was nothing occurred till / as
cended the height. then plainly saw
three persons dodge behind the savins.
hesitated what to do. 1 placed my
head to the ground to obtain clearer
view ON the opposite side. In an instant
three men rushed from behind the
savins on the other side, in full run to
me. rose and ran with all my speed.