^ A>^^^<' ^ '^^r ^, EEADIJ^G OK THE EAIL CHAMPE'S ADYENTUPiE BY / GENERAL HENRY LEE NEW-YORK OFiriCE OF a?HE IlEBELLIOI^ RECORD 1864 Entered, accordiag to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by FRANK MOORE, la the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New- York. i? . ^oy" ^1A-" •■•. : CHAMPE'S ADVENTURE. THE treason of Benedict Arnold, tlie cap- ture of Major Andre, and tlie intelligence received by General Washington tLrongli his confidential agents in New- York, tliat many of his officers, and especially a major-general, were connected with Arnold, engrossed his mind entirely, and excited the most unpleas- ant reflections. The moment he reached the army, then under the command of Major- General Greene, encamped in the vicinity of Tappan, he sent for Major Henry Lee,* posted with the light troops some distance in front. This officer repaired to headquar- ters with celerity, and found the General in his marquee alone, busily engaged in * The author of this paper held the rank of major, and was serving under General Washington, on the Hudson River, at the time of the capture of Andre in 1780.. — Ed. 6 champe's adventure. writino;. As soon as Lee entered, lie was requested to take a seat, and a bundle of papers, lying on the table was given to him for perusal. In these much information was detailed, tending to prove that Arnold was not alone in the base conspiracy just detect- ed, but that the poison had spread ; and that a major-general, whose name was not concealed, was certainly as guilty as Arnold himself This officer had enjoyed, without interruption, the confidence of the Command- er-in-Chief throughout the war ; nor did there exist a single reason in support of the accu- sation. It altogether rested ujDon the intel- ligence derived from the papers before him. Major Lee, personally acquainted with the accused, could not refi'ain from suggesting the probability, that the whole was a con- trivance of Sir Henry CJinton, in order to destroy that confidence between the com- mander and his officers on which the suc- cess of military operations depends. This sug- gestion, Washington replied, was plausible, and deserved due consideration. It had early occurred to his own mind, and had not been champe's adventure. 7 slightly regarded ; but Lis reflections settled in a conclusion not to be sliaken ; as tlie same suggestion applied to no officer more forcibly thaii a few days ago it would have done to General Arnold, known now to be a traitor. Announcing this result of his meditations with the tone and countenance of a mind deeply agitated, and resolved upon its course, Lee continuing silent, the General proceeded : " I have sent for you, in the expectation that you have in your corps individuals capable and willing to undertake an indispensable, delicate, ' and hazardous project. Whoever comes forward upon this occasion will lay me under great obligations personally, and in behalf of the United States I will reward him amply. No time is to be lost : he must proceed, if possible, this night. My object is to probe to the bottom the afflicting intelli- gence contained in the papers you have just read ; to seize Arnold, and by getting him to save Andre. They are all connected. While my emissary is engaged in preparing means for the seizure of Arnold, the guilt 8 champe's adventure. . I of otliers can be traced ; and tlie timely de- \ livery of Arnold to me, will possibly put it I into my power to restore the amiable and unfortunate Andre to his friends. My in- structions are ready, in which you will find j my express orders that Arnold is not to be .) hurt; but that he be permitted to escape if ,i to be prevented only by killing him, as his ] public punishment is the sole object in view. '> This you cannot too forcibly press upon whom- \ soever may engage in the enterprise ; and this fail not to do. With my instructions ; are two letters, to be « delivered as ordered, ] and here are some guineas for expenses." . \ Major Lee replying, said, that he had little ! or no doubt but that his legion contained \ many individuals daring enough for any op- eration, however perilous ; but that the one i in view required a combination of qualities j not easily to be found unless in a commis- ; sioned officer, to whom he could not venture j to propose an enterprise, the first step to j which was desertion. That though the ser- geant-major of the cavalry was in all respects i qualified for the delicate and adventurous ; •I champe's adventure. 9 project, and to hiin it miglit be proposed without indelicacy, as Lis station did not in- terpose the obstacle before stated ; yet it was very probable that the same difficulty would occur in his breast, to remove which would not be easy, if practicable. Washington was highly pleased at finding tliat a non-commissioned officer was deemed capable of executing his views ; as he had felt extreme difficulty in authorizing an invi- tation to officers, who generally are, and al- ways ought to be, scrupulous and nice in adhering to the course of honor. He- asked the name, the country, the age, the size, length of service, and character of the ser- geant ^ /^.^ ^i^ Being told his name — that he was a iiative of --Jjondon "County in Virginia ; about twenty- three or twenty-four years of age — that he had enlisted in 1776 — rather above the com- mon size — ^fuU of bone and muscle ; with a saturnine countenance, grave, thoughtful, and taciturn — of tried courage and inflexible ]Der- severance, and as likely to reject an overture coupled with ignominy as any officer in the 10. ' champe's adventure. . ; cori^s — a commission being tlie goal of Ms j long and anxious exertions, and certain on j tlie first vacancy — tlie General exclaimed, that i he was the very man for the business ; that '• he must undertake it; and that going to the i enemy by the instigation and at the request | of his officer, was hot desertion, although it i appeared to be so. And he enjoined that ' this explanation, as coming from him, should ; be pressed on Chamj^e ; and that the vast good in prospect should be contrasted witll the mere semblance of doing wrong, which he | presumed could not fail to conquer every ! scruple. Major Lee assured the General, that j every exertion would be essayed on his part ; to execute his wishes ; and taking leave, re- : turned to the camp of the light corps, which he reached about eight o'clock at night. ; Sending instantly for the sergeant-major, lie i introduced the business in the way best cal- ■ culated, as he thought, to produce his con- ; currence ; and dilated largely on the very i great obligations he would confer on the Com- \ mander-in- Chief, whose unchanging and active beneficence to the troops had justly drawn champe's ADVENTUEE. ' 11 to liim tlieir affection, wliicli would be mere- ly nominal, if, when an opportunity should offer to any individual of contributing to the promotion of his views, that opportunity was not zealously embraced. That the • one now presented to him had never before occurred, and in all probability never would occur again, even should the war continue for ages ; it being most rare for three distinct conse- cjuences, all of primary Aveight, to be com- prised within a single operation, and that operation necessarily to be entrusted to one man, who would want but one or two asso- ciates in the active part of its execution. That the chance of detection became extremely nar- row, and consequently that of success en- larged. That by succeeding in the safe delivery of Arnold, he not only gratified his General in the most accej)table manner, but he would be hailed as the avenger of the reputation of the army, stained by foi^l and wicked perfidy ; and what could not but be highly pleasing, he would be the instru- ment of saving the life of Major Andre, soon to be brought before a court of inquiry, the 12 champe's adveiCtuee. ' decision of wlilcli could not be doubted, from the universally known circumstances of the case, and had .been anticipated in the General's instructions. That, by investigating v^ith dili- gence and accuracy the intelligence communi- cated to him, he would bring to light new guilt, or he would relieve innocence (as was most probable) from distrust ; quieting the torturing suspicions which now harrowed the mind of Washington, and restoring again to his confidence a once honored general, pos- sessing it at present only ostensibly, as well as hush doubts affecting many of his brother soldiers. In short, the accomplishment of so much good was in itself too attractive to be renounc- ed by a generous mind ; and when connected with the recollection of the hio-h honor which the selection shed upon him, as a soldier •he ought not — ^he must not pause. This dis- course was followed by a detail of the plan, with a wish that he would enter upon its execution, instantly. Champe listened with deep attention, and with a highly excited countenance ; the perturbations of his breast champe's adventure. 13 not being hid even by liis dark visage. He briefly and modestly replied, , tliat no soldier exceeded Mm in respect, and affection for tlie Commander-in-Cliief, to serve wliom lie would Mallingly lay down his life ; and that he was sensible of the honor conferred by the choice of him for the execution of a project all over arduous ; nor could he be at a loss to know to whom was* to be ascribed the preference bestowed, which he took pleasure in acknow- ledging, although increasing obligations before great and many. That he was charmed with the plan. Even its partial success would lead to great good; as it would give peace to the General's mind, and do justice, as he hoped, to innocence. Full success, added powerful and delicious j^er- sonal excitements, as well as the gratification of the General and army. He was not, he said, deterred by the danger and difficulty which wa^ evidently to be encountered, but he was deterred ty the ignominy of desertion, to be followed by the hypocrisy of enlist- ing with the enemy ; neither of which com- ported with his feelings, ^and either placed 14 champe's adventuee. an insuj)erab]e "bar in Ids way to promo^ tion. He concluded by observing, tliat if any mode could be contrived free from disgrace, he would cordially embark in tlie enterprise. As it was, he prayed to be excused ; and hoped that services, always the best in his power to perform, faithfully performed, entitled his prayer to -success. The objections at first ap- prehended now to be combated, were extend- ed to a consequence which had not suggested itself Lee candidly admitted that he had expected the first objection made, and that . only ; which had been imparted to the Gen- eral, who gave to it full consideration, and con- cluded by declaring that the crime of deser- tion was not incurred ; as no act done by the soldier at the request of the Commander-in- Chief could be considered as desertion ; and that an action so manifestly jDraiseworthy as that to be i3erformed, when known, would dissipate by its own force the reflections ex- cited by appearances, leaving the actor in the full enjoyment of the rich rewards of his virtue. That the reflecting mind ought not champe's adventure. 15 to balance between the achievement, of so much good and the doing wrong in semblance only ; to which Major Lee subjoined, that he had considered himself and corps highly honored by the General's call npon him for a soldier capable and willing to execute a project so tempting to the brave ; and that he shoulxl feel llimself reduced to a mortify- ino; condition, if the resistance to the under- taking compelled him to inform the General that he must recur to some other corps to pro- vide an agent to execute this bold and im- portant enterprise. He entreated the Sergeant to ask himself what must be the reflections of his comrades, if a soldier from some other corps should execute the attempt, when they should be told that the glory transferred to the regi- ment of which he was one might have been enjoyed by the legion, had not Sergeant Champe shrunk from the overture made to him by his General, rather than reject scruples too narrov/ and confined to be permitted to interfere with grand and virtuous deeds. The es2)rit du coiys could not be resisted ; united 16 CHAMPiil's ADVENTUEE. to Ms inclination, it subdued his prejudices, and lie declared liis willingness to conform to the wishes of the General ; relying, as he confidently did, that his reputation would be protected by those who had induced him to undertake the enterprise, should he be unfor- tunate. The instructions were read to him, and each distinct object presented plainly to his view, of which he took notes so disguised as to be understood only by himself. He was par- ticularly cautioned to use the utmost circum- spection in delivering his letters, and to take care to withhold from the two individuals, addressed under feigned names, knowledge of each other ; for although both had long been in the confidence of the General, yet it was not known by either that the other was so engaged. He was further urged to bear in constant recollection the solemn injunction so pointedly expressed in the instructions to Major Lee, of forbearing to kill Arnold in any condition of things. This part of the business being finished, their deliberation was turned to the manner champe's adventure. 17 of 01iam]3e's desertion ; for it was well known to them botli that to pass the numerous patrols of horse and foot crossing from the stationary guards, was itself difficult, whicli was now rendered more so by parties throwu occasionally beyond the place called Liberty Pole, as well as by swarms of irregulars, in- dtuced sometimes to venture down to the very point at Paulus Hook with the hope of pick- ing up booty. Evidently discernible as were the difficulties in the way, no relief could be administered by Major Lee, lest it might in- duce a belief that he was privy to the -deser- tion, which opinion getting to the enemy would involve the life of Champe. The Ser- geant was left to his own resources and to his own management, with the declared deter- mination, that in case his departure should be discovered before morning, Lee would take care to delay pursuit as long as practicable. Giving to the Sergeant three guineas, and presenting his best wishes, he recommended him to start without delay, and enjoined him to communicate his arrival in New- York as soon as he could. Champe pulling out his 18 champe's adventure. watcli, compared it witli the Major's, remind- ing tlie latter of tlie importance of holding back pursuit, wliich lie was convinced ^vould take place in the course of the night, and which might be fatal, as he knew that he should be obliged to zig-zag in order to avoid the patrols, which would consume time. It was now nearly eleven. The Sergeant return- ed to camp, and taking his cloak, valise, and orderly book, he drew his horse from the picket, and mounting him, put himself upon fortune. Lee, charmed with his expeditious consummation of the first part of the enter- prise, retired to rest. Useless attempt ! the past scene could not be obliterated ; and, in- deed, had that been practicable, the inter- ruption which ensued would have stopped repose. Within half an hour Captain Carnes, officer of the day, waited upon the Major, and with considerable emotion told him that one of the patrol had Mien in with a dragoon, who, being challenged, put spur to his horse and escaped, though instantly pursued. Lee com- plaining of the interruj)tion, and pretending champe's adventuee. 19 to be extremely fatigued by liis ride to and from headquarters, answered as if lie did not understand what had been said, which compelled the Captain to repeat it. '' Who can the fellow that was pursued be ?" inquired the Major ; adding, a " countryman, probably." " No," replied the Captain, " the patrol sufficient- ly distinguished him to know that he was a dragoon ; probably one from the army, if not certainly one of our own." This idea was ridiculed from its improbability, as during the whole war but a single dragoon had de- serted from the legion. This did not convince Carnes, so much stress was it now the fashion to lay on the desertion of Arnold, and the probable effect of his example. The Captain withdrew to examine the squadron of horse, whom he had ordered to assemble in pursu- ance of established usage on similar occasions. Very quickly he returned, stating that the scoundrel was known, and was no less a per- son than the Sergeant-Major, who had gone off with his horse, baggage, arms, and orderly book — so presumed, as neither the one nor the other could be found. Sensibly affected 20 champe's adventuke. at tlie supposed baseness of a soldier extreme- ly respected, the Captain added tliat he had ordered a party to make ready for pursuit, and begged the Major's written orders. Occasionally this discourse was interrupted and every idea suggested which the excellent character of the Sergeant warranted, to induce the suspicion that he had not deserted, but had taken the liberty to leave camp with a view to personal pleasure — an example, said Lee, too often set by the officers themselves, destructive as it was of discipline, opposed as it was to orders, and disastrous as it might prove to the corps in the course of service. Some little delay was thus interj)osed ; but it being now announced that^ the pursuing party was ready, Major Lee directed a change in the officer, saying that he had a particular service in view, which he had determined to entrust to the lieutenant ready for duty, and which prol)ably must be performed in tlie morning. He therefore directed him to sum- mon Cornet Middleton for the present com- mand. Lee was induced thus to act, first to add to the delay, and next from his knowledge champe's adventure. 21 of tlie tenderness of Midclleton's disposition, wliicli lie lioj)ed would lead to tlie pro- tection of Chanipe, slionld lie be taken. Witliin ten minutes Middleton appeared to receive Ms orders, wliicli wer^ delivered to liim made out in tlie customary form, and signed by tlie Major. " Pursue as far as you can witli safety Sergeant Champe, wlio is sus- pected of deserting to tlie enemy, and lias taken tlie road leading to Paulus Hook. Bring him alive, that lie may suffer in the presence of the army; but kill Mm if lie re- sists, or escapes after being taken." Detaining tlie Cornet a few minutes long- er in advising him what course to pursue — uro-ino; him to take care of the horse and ac- coutrements, if recovered, and enjoining him to be on his guard, lest he might, by his eager pursuit, impro violently fall into the hands of the enemy, the Major dismissed j\Iiddleton, wishing him success. A shower of rain fell soon after Champe's de]3arture, which enabled the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of his horse; knowing, as offi- cer and trooper did, the make of their shoes, 22 champe's adventuee. the impression of wliicli wa^ an unerring guide.* When Middleton de|)arted, it was a few minutes past twelve ; so that Champe had only tfee start of rather more than an hour — by no means as long as was desired. Lee became very unhappy, not only because the estimable and gallant Champe might be in- jured, but lest the enterprise might be delay- ed ; and he spent a sleepless night. The pur- suing party during the night was, on their part, delayed by the necessary halts to ex- amine occasionally the road, as the impression of the horse's shoes directed their course ; this was unfortunately too evident, no other horse having passed along the road since the shower. When the day broke Middleton was no long- er forced to halt, and he pressed on with rapidity. Ascending an eminence before he reached the Three Pigeons, some miles on the * The horses being all shod by our own farriers, the shoes were made in the same form ; which, with a private mark an- nexed to the fore-shoes, and known to the troopers, pointed out the trail of our dragoons to each other, which was often very useful. champe's adventuee. 23 north of the village of Bergen, as the pursuing party reached its summit, Champe was de- scried not more than half a mile in front. Kesembling an Indian in vigilance, the Ser- geant at the same moment discovered the party, whose object he was no stranger "to, and giving spur to his horse, he determined to outstri]^ his pursuers. Middleton at the same instant put his horses to the top of their speed ; and being, as the legion all were, well accjuainted with the country, he recollected a short route through the woods to the bridge below Bergen, which diverged from the great road just after you gain the Three Pigeons. Beaching the point of separation, he halted, and dividing his party, directed a sergeant with a few dragoons to take the near cut, and • possess with all possible despatch the bridge, while he with the residue followed Champe, not^doubting but that Champe must deliver himself up, as he would be closed be- tween himself and his sergeant. Champe did not forget the short cut, and would have taken it himself, but he knew it was the usual route of our parties when returning in the day from 24 champe's adventure. tlie neigliborliood of tlie enemy, properly pre- ferring tlie woods to tlie road. He conse- quently avoided it ; and persuaded tli^^t Mid- dleton would avail himself of it, wisely resolved to relinquisli his intention of getting to Paulus Hook, and to seek refuo^e from two British galleys lying a few miles to the west of Bergen. This was a station always occupied by one or two galleys, and which it was known now lay there. Entering the village of Ber- gen, Cham]3e turned to his right, and dis- sruisins: his chano:e of course as much as he could by taking the beaten streets, turning as they turned, he passed through the village and took the road toward Elizabethtown Point. Middleton's sergeant gained the bridge, where he concealed himself, ready to pounce upon Champe when he came up ; and Middle- ton, pursuing his course through Bergen, soon got also to the bridge, when, to his extreme mortification, he found that the Sergeant had slipped through his fingers. Beturning up tlie road, he inquired of the villagers of Ber- o-en, wdiether a drao:oon had been seen that champe's adventure. 25 morning aliead of liis party. He was answer- ed in tlie affirmative, but could learn nothing satisfactorily as to tlie route he took. Wliile engaged in inquiries himself, he spread his party through the village to strike the trail of Chanij)e's horse, a resort always recurred to. Some of his dragoons hit it just as the Sergeant, leaving the village, got in the road to the Point. Pursuit was renewed with vigor, and again Champe was descried. He, apprehending the event, had prepared himself for it, by lashing his valise (containing his clothes and orderly book) on his shoulders, and holding his drawn sword in his hand, liaving thrown away the scabbard. This he did to save what was indispensable to him, and to prevent any interruption to his swim- ming, should Middleton, as he presumed, when disappointed at the bridge, take the measures adopted by him. The pursuit was rapid and close, as the stop occasioned by the Sergeant's preparations for swimming had brought Mid- dleton within two or three hundred yards. As soon as Champe got abreast of the two galleys, he dismounted, and running through 26 . champe's adventure. tlie marsli to tlie river, plunged into it, calling upon tlie galleys for help. Tliis was readily given ; tliey fired upon our liorse, and sent a' boat to meet Cliampe, who was taken in and carried on board, and conveyed to New- York with a letter'*' from the captain of the galley, stating the circumstances he had seen. The horse with his equijmients, the Ser- geant's cloak and scabbard, were recovered ; the sword itself, being held by Chanipe until he plunged into the river, was lost, as Middle- ton found it necessary to retire without search- in a for it. About three o'clock in the evening our party returned, and the soldiers seeing the well-known horse in our possession, made the ail" resound with exclamations that the scoundrel was killed. Major Lee, called by this heart-rending an- nunciation from his tent, saw the Sergeant's horse led by one of Middleton's dragoons, and began to reproach himself with the blood of the high prized, faithful, and intrepid Champe. Stilling his agony, he advanced to meet Mid- dleton, and became somewhat relieved as chamfe's adventure. 27 soon as lie got near enougli to discern tlie countenance of Ms officer and party. There was evidence in their looks .of disa]3|)oint- ment, and lie was qnickly relieved by Mid- dleton's information that the Sergeant had effected his escape with the loss of his horse, and narrated the particulars just recited. Lee's joy was now as full as, the moment before, his torture had been excruciating:. Never was a happier conclusion. The Ser- geant escaped unhurt, carrying with him. to the enemy undeniable testimony of the sin- cerity of his desertion — cancelling every ap- j)rehension before entertained, lest the enemy might suspect him of being what he really v/as. Major Lee imparted to the Commander-in- Chief the occurrence, who was sensibly affect- ed by the hair-breadth escape of Champe, and anticipated with pleasure the good effect sure to follow the enemy's knowledge of its manner. On the fourth day after Champe's depart- ure, Lee received a letter from him, written the day before in a disguised hand, without any 28 CHAMPES ADVENTURE. signature, and stating wliat liad passed after lie got on board tlie galley, where lie was kindly received. He was carried to the Commandant of 'Ne^Y- York as soon as lie arrived, and presented tlie letter addressed to tliis officer from the captain of the galley. Being asked to what corps he belonged, and a few other common questions, he was sent under care of an or- derly sergeant to the Adjutant- General, who, finding that he was sergeant-major of the legion of hor^, heretofore remarkable for their fidelity, began to interrogate him. He was told by Champe, that such was the spirit of defection which prevailed among the Am- erican trooj)s in consequence of Arnold's ex- ample, that he had no doubt, if the temper was properly cherished, "Washington's ranks would not . only be greaj;ly thinned, but that some of his best corps would leave him. To this conclusion, the Sergeant said,"he was led by his own observations, and especially by his knoAvledge of the discontents which agi- tated the corps to which he had belonged. His size, place of birth, form, countenance, champe's adventuke. 29 hair, tlie corps in whicL. lie liacT served, witli otlier remarks in conformity to tlie British usage, was noted down. After this was finished, he was sent to the Commander-in- Chief, in charge of one of the staff, with a letter from the Adjutant-General. Sir Henry Clinton treated him very kindly, and de- tained him more than one hour, asking him many questions, all leading — first, to kno^v to what extent this spirit of .defection might be pushed by proper incitements — what the most operating incitements — wljether any gen- eral officers were suspected by Washington as concerned in Arnold's conspiracy, or any other officers of note — who they were, and whether the troops approved or ' censured Washington's suspicions — whether his po])- ularity in the army was sinking, or continued stationary. What was Major Andre's situa- tion — whether any change had taken place, in the manner of his confinement— what was the current opinion of his probable fiite — and whether it was thouo^ht Washino^ton would treat him as a spy. To these various inter- rogations, some of which were perplexing, 80 - ciiampe's adventure. Cliampe answered warily ; exciting, nevertlie- lesSj hopes tliat tlie adoption of proper mea- sures to encourage desertion (of wliicli he could not pretend to form an opinion) would certainly biing off hundreds of the American soldiers, including some of the best troops, horse as well as foot. Respecting the fate of Andre, he said he was ignorant, though there appeared to be a general wish in the army that his life should not be taken ; and that he believed it ^vould depend more upon the disposition of Congress, than on the will of ' Washington. After this long conversation ended. Sir Henry presented Champe with a coujDle of guineas, and recommended him to wait upon General Arnold, who was engaged in raising an American legion in the service of his majes- ty. He directed one of his aids to write to Arnold by Champe, stating who he was, and what he had said about the disposition in the army to follow his example ; which being soon done, the letter was given to the or- derly attending on Cliampe to be presented with the deserter to General Arnold. Arnold champe's adventure. 81 expressed mucli satisfaction on hearing from Champe tlie manner of liis escape, and the effect of Arnold's example ; and concluded his numerous inquiries by assigning qu*arters to the Sergeant — the same as were occupied by his recruiting sergeants. He also proposed to Champe to join his legion, telling, him he would give him the same station he had held in the rebel service, and promising further advancement xhen merited. Expressing his wish to retire from war, and his conviction of the certainty of his hieing hung if ever taken by the rebels, he begged to be excused from enlistment ; as- suring the Greneral, that should he change his mind, he would certainly accept his offer. Eetiring to his quarters, Champe now turned liis attention to the delivery of his letters, which he could not effect until the next night, and then only to one of the two incogniti to whom he was recommended. This man received the Sergeant with extreme attention, and having read the letter, assured Champe that he might rely on his faithful cooperation in every thing in his power consistent with 32 champe's adventuke. Ms safety, to guard wliicli required tlie utmost prudence and circumspection. The sole ob- ject in wliicli the aid of this individual was required, regarded the general and others of our army, implicated in the information sent to Washington by him. To this object Champe urged his attention, assuring him of the solicitude it had excited, and telling him that its speedy investigation had induced the General to send him to New- York. Promising to enter upon it with zeal, and engaging to send out Champe's letters to Major Lee, lie fixed the time and place for their next meeting, when they sej)arated. Lee made known to the Greneral what had been transmitted to him by Champe, and received in answer directions to press Champe to the expeditious conclusion of his mission, as the fate of Andre would be soon decided, when little or no delay could be admitted in executins: whatever sentence the court might decree. The same messenger who brought Champe's letter, returned with the ordered communication. Five days had near- ly elapsed after reaching New- York, before champe's adventure. 83 Champe saw tlie confidant to whom only the attempt against Arnold was to be intrusted. This person entered with promptitude into the design, promising his cordial assistance. To procure a proper associate for Champe was the first object, and this he promised to do with all possible despatch. Furnishing a conveyance to Lee, we again heard from Champe, who stated what I have related, with the additional intelligence that he had that morning (the last of September) been ap- pointed one of Arnold's recruiting sergeants, having enlisted the day before with Arnold, and that he was induced to take this afflicting step, for the purpose of securing uninterrupt- ed ingress and egress to the house which the General occupied, it being indispensable to a speedy conclusion of the difficult enter- prise which the information he had just re- ceived had so forcibly urged. He added, that the difficulties in his way were numerous and stubborn, and that his prospect of suc- cess was by no means cheering. With respect to the additional treason, he asserted that he had every reason to believe that it was 34 champe's adventuee. grounclless ; that tlie report took its rise in tlie enemy's camp, and that he hoped soon to clear up that matter satisfactorily. The pleasure which the last part of this communi- cation afforded was damped by the tidings it imj)arted respecting Arnold, as on his speedy delivery depended Andre's relief. The interposition of Sir Henry Clinton, who was extremely anxious to save his aid-de-camp, still continued ; and it was expected the examina- tion of witnesses and the defence of the pris- oner, would protract the decision of the court of inquiry, now assembled, and give sufficient time for the consummation of the project committed to Champe. A complete disap- pointment took place from a quarter unfore- seen and unexpected. The honorable and accomplished Andre, knowing his guilt, dis- dained defence, and prevented the examina- tion of witnesses by confessing the character in which he stood. On the next day (the second of October) the court again assem- bled ; when every doubt that could possibly arise in the case having been removed by the previous confession, Andre was de- champe's adventure. , 35 dared to be a spy, and condemned to suffer accordingly. The sentence was executed on tlie subse- quent day in tlie usual form, tlie Commander- in-Chief deeming it improper to interpose any delay. In this decision he was warranted by the very unpromising intelligence received from Champe, by the still existing implica- tion of other officers in Arnold's conspiracy, by a due regard to public opinion, and by real tenderness to the condemned. Neither Congress nor the nation could have been with propriety informed of the cause of the delay, and without such information it must have excited in both alarm and sus- picion. Andre himself could not have been intrusted with the secret, and would conse- quently have attributed the unlooked-for event to the expostulation and exertion of Sir Henry Clinton, which would not fail to produce in his breast expectations of ultimate relief; to excite which would have been cruel, as the realization of such expectation de^Dend- ed upon a possible but improbable contin- gency. The fate of Andre, hastened by 36 champe's adventure. himself, deprived tile enterprise committed to Cliampe of a feature wliich had been highly prized by its projector, and which had very much engaged the heart of the indi- vidual chosen to execute it. Washington ordered Major Lee to communi- cate what had passed to the Sergeant, with directions to encourage him to prosecute with unrelaxed vigor the remaining objects of his instructions, but to intermit haste in the ex- ecution only as far as was compatible with final success. This was accordingly done by the first op- portunity. Champe deplored the sad neces- sity which had occurred, and candidly con- fessed that the hope of enabling Washington to save the life of Andre, (who had been the subject of universal commiseration in the American camp,) greatly contributed to re- move the serious difficulties which opposed his acceding to the proposition when first pro- pounded. Some documents accompanied this communication, tending to prove the innocence of the accused general ; they were completely satisfactory, and did credit to the discrimina- champe's adventuee. - 87 tion, zeal, and diligence of tlie Sergeant. Lee inclosed tliem immediately to the Commander- in-Chief, who was pleased to express the satis- faction he derived from the information, and to order the Major to wait npon him the next da J, when the whole subject was re- examined, and the distrust heretofore enter- tained of the accused was for ever dismissed.* ISTothing now remained to be done but the seizure and safe delivery of Arnold. To this subject Champe gave his undivided attention ; and on the nineteenth October, Major Lee received from him a very particular account of the progress he had made, with the out- lines of his plan. This was, without delay, * Cojpy of a letter from General Washington to Major Lee, m his oion handwriting. October 13, 1780. Dear Sir : I am very glad your letter, of this date, has given strength to my conviction of the innocence of the gentleman who was the subject of your inquiry I want to see you on a particular piece of business. If the day is fair, and nothing of consequence intervenes, I will be at the Marquis's quairters by ten o'clock to-morrow. If this should not happen, I shall be glad to see you at headquarters. I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, G. Washington. 38 champe's adventure. submitted to WasMngton, witli a request for a few additional guineas. The General's letter,* * Goj^y of a letter from General 'Wasliington to Major Lee^ in Ms own liandwriting. Headquakters, October 30, 1780. Dear Sir : The plan proposed for taking A d (the outlines of which are communicated in your letter, which was this mo- ment put into my hands without date) "has every mark of a good one. I therefore agree to the promised rewards ; and have such entire confidence in your management of the business, as to give it my fullest approbation ; and leave the whole to the guidance of your own judgment, with this expressed stipulation and pointed injunction, that he (A d) is brought to me alive. No circumstance whatever shall obtain my consent to his being put to death. The idea which would accompany such an event, would be that ruffians had been hired to assassinate him. My aim is to make a public example of him ; and this should be strongly impressed upon those who are employed to bring him off. The Sergeant must be very circumspect — too much zeal may create suspicion, and too much precipitancy may defeat the project. The most inviolable secrecy must be observed on all hands. I send you five guineas ; but I am not satisfied of the propriety of the Sergeant's appearing with much specie. This circumstance may also lead to suspicion, as it is but too well known to the enemy that we do not abound in this article. The interviews between the party in and out of the city, should be managed with much caution and seeming in- difference ; or else the frequency of their meeting, etc., may be, tray the design, and involve bad consequences ; but I am per- suaded you will place every matter in a proper point of view to the conductors of this interesting business, and therefore I shall only add, that I am, dear sir, etc., etc., G. Washington. champe's adventure. 39 wi^itten on the same day, (twentietli October,) evinces liis attention to tlie minutiae of busi- ness, as well as his immutable determination to possess Arnold alive, or not at all. This was his original injunction, which he never omitted to enforce upon every proper occa- sion. Major Lee had an opportunity in the course of the week of writing to Cliampe, when he told him that the rewards which he had promised to his associates would be certainly paid on the delivery of Arnold; and in the mean time, small sums of money would be furnished for casual expenses, it being deemed improper that he should appear with much, lest it might lead to suspicion and detection. That '^ve guineas were now sent, and that more would follow when absolutely necessary. Ten days elapsed before Champe brought his measures to a conclusion, when Lee re- ceived from him his final communication, ap- pointing the third subsequent night for a party of dragoons to meet him at Hoboken, when he hoped to deliver Arnold to the offi- cer. Champe had, from his enlistment into 40 champe's adventuke. tlie American legion, (Arnold's corps,) every opportunity lie could wisli to attend to tlie habits of tlie General. He discovered that it was his custom to return home about twelve every night, and that previous to going to bed he always visited the garden. During this visit the conspirators were to seize him, and being prepared with a gag, intended to have applied the same instantly. Adjoining the house in which Arnold re- sided, and that in which it was designed to seize and gag him, Champe had taken out several of the palings and replaced them, so that with care and without noise he could readily o]3en his way to the adjoining alley. Into this alley he meant to have conveyed his prisoner, aided by his companion, one of two associates who had been introduced by the friend to whom Champe had been orginally made known by letter from the Commander- in-Chief, and with whose aid and counsel he had so far conducted the enterprise. His other associate was with the boat prepared at one of the wharves on the Hudson River, to receive the party. champe's adventuee. 41 Cliampe and his friend intended to have placed themselves each under Arnold's shoulder, and to have thus borne him through the most unfrequented alleys and streets to the boat, representing Arnold, in case of being ques- tioned, as a drunken soldier whom they were conveying to the guard-house. When arrived at the boat the difficulties would be all surmounted, there being no danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey shore. These particulars, as soon as known to Lee, were communicated to the Commander- in-Chief, who was highly gratified with the much-desii'ed intelligence. He directed Major Lee to meet Cliampe, and to take care that Arnold should not be hurt. The day arrived, and Lee with a party of dragoons left camp late in the evening, with three led horses ; one for Arnold, one "for the Sergeant, and the third for his associate, never doubting the success of the enterprise, from the tenor of the last received communication. The party reached Iloboken about midnight, where they were concealed in 'the adjoining wood — Lee with three dragoons stationing himself near the 42 champe's adventuee. I'iver-sliore. Hour after hour passed — ^no boat approached. At length the day broke and the Major retired to his party, and with his led horses returned to camp, when he proceed- ed to headquarters to inform the General of the disappointment, as mortifying as inexplica- ble. Washington having perused Champe's plan and communication, had indulged the presumption that at length the object of his keen and constant pursuit was sure of ex- ecution, and did not dissemble the joy such conviction jD^'oduced. He was chagrined at the issue, and apprehended that his faithful Sergeant must have been detected in the last scene of his tedious and difficult enterprise. In a few days, Lee received an anonymous letter from Champe's patron and friend, in- forming him that on the day previous to the night fixed for the execution of the plot, Arnold had removed his quarters to another part of the town, to superintend the embarka- tion of troops, preparing (as was rumored) for an expedition to be directed by himself; and * that the American legion, consisting cliiefiy of deserters, had l)een transferred from their champe's adventure. 43 barracks to one of the transports ; it being ap- preliencled that if left on shore until the ex- pedition was ready, many of them might de- sert. Thus it happened that John Champe, instead of crossing the Hudson that night, was safely deposited on board one of the fleet of transports, from whence he never departed until the troops under Arnold landed in Vir- ginia! l^ov was he able to escape from the British army until after the junction of Lord Cornwallis at Petersburgh, when he deserted ; and proceeding high up into Virginia, he passed into North-Carolina near the Saura towns, and keeping in the friendly districts of that State, safely joined the army soon after it had passed the Congaree in pursuit of Lord Rawdon. His appearance excited extreme surprise among his former comrades, which was not a little increased 'when they saw the cordial reception he met with from Lieutenant- Colonel Lee. His whole story soon became known to the corps, which reproduced the love and re- spect of officer and soldier, heightened by uni- versal admiration of his daring and arduous attempt. 44 champe's advexture. Cliampe was introduced to General Greene, wlio clieerfully complied witli tlie promises made by tlie Commander-in-Chief, as far as in his power ; and having 23rovided the Sergeant with a good horse and money for his journey, sent him to General Washington, who munifi- cently anticipated every desire of the Sergeant, and presented him wdth a discharge from fur- ther service,^^* lest he might in the vicissitudes of war, fall into the enemy's hands, when if recognized, he was sure to die on a gibbet. * When General Washington was called by President Adams to the command of the army prepared to defend the country from French hostility, he sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Lee to in- quire for Champe, being determined to bring him into the field at the head of a company of infantry. Lee sent to Loudon County, where Champe settled after his discharge from the army, and learned that the gallant soldier had- removed to Kentucky, and had soon after died. champe's adventure. 4:5 SERGEANT CHAMPE. A BALLAD OF THE REVOLUTION. Come, sheathe your swords ! my gallant boys, And Hsten to the story, • How Sergeant Champe, one gloomy night, Set off to catch the tory. You see the General had got mad, To think his plans were thwarted, And swore by all, both good and bad, That Arnold should be carted. So unto Lee he sent a line. And told him all his sorrow, And said that he must start the hunt. Before the coming morrow. Lee found a sergeant in his camp. Made up of bone and muscle^ "Who ne'er knew fear, and many a year With tories had a tussle. Bold Champe, when mounted on old Rip, All buttoned up from weather, Sang out "good-by !" cracked off his whip, And soon was in the heather. He galloped on toward Paulus Hook, Improving every instant — Until a patrol, wide awake. Descried him in the distance. On coming up, the guard called out, And asked him where he's going — 46 champe's adventure. To which he answered with his spur, And left him in the mowing. The hushes passed him Hke the wind, And pebbles flew asunder. The guard was left far, far behind, All mixed with mud and wonder. Lee's troops paraded, all alive, Although 'twas one the morning. And counting o'er a dozen or more. One sergeant is found wanting. A little hero, full of spunk. But not so full of judgment. Pressed Major Lee to let him go. With the bravest of his reg'ment. Lee summoned Cornet Middleton, Expressed what was urgent, And gave him orders how to go To catch the rambling Sergreant. < Then forty troopers, more or less, Set off across the meader ; 'Bout thirty-nine went jogging on A-following their leader. At early morn adown a hill They saw the Sergeant sliding ; So fast he went, it was not ken't, Whether he's rode, or riding. None looked back, but on they spurred, A-gaining every minute. To see them go, 'twould done you good, You'd thought old Satan in it. champe's adventure. 47 The Sergeant missed 'em, by good luck, And took another tracing, He turned his horse from Paulus Hook, Elizabethtown facing. It was the custom of Sir Hal To send his galleys cruising, And so it happened just then, That two were at Van Deusen's. Straight unto these the Sergeant went, And left old Rip, all standing, A-waiting for the blown cornet, At Squire Van Deusen's landing. The troopers didn't gallop home, But rested from their labors ; And some 'tis said took gingerbread And cider from the neighbors. 'Twas just at eve the troopers reached The camp they left that moiwing. Champe's empty saddle, unto Lee, Gave an unwelcome warning. " If Champe has suffered, 'tis my fault ;" So thought the generous Major : " I would not have his garment touched For millions on a wager !" The Cornet told him all he knew, Excepting of the cider. The troopers, all, spurred very well, But Champe was the best rider ! And so it happened that brave Champe Unto Sir Hal deserted, 48 champe's adventure. Deceiving him, and you, and me, . And into York was flirted. He saw base Arnold in his camp, Surrounded by the legion, And told him of the recent prank. That threw him in that region. Then Arnold grinned, and rubbed his hands, And e'enmost choked with pleasure. Not thinking Champe was all the while A " taking of his measure." " Come now," says he, " my bold soldier, As you're within our borders. Let's drink our jBU, old care to kill, To-morrow you'll have orders." Full soon the British fleet set sail ! Say ! wasn't that a pity ? For thus it was brave Sergeant Champe Was taken from the city. To Southern climes the shipping flew, And anchored in Virginia, When Champe escaped and joined his friends Among the picinnini. Base Arnold's head, by luck, was saved, Poor Andre was gibbeted. Arnold's to blame for Andre's fame, And Andre's to be pitied. Price 15 Cents. J4 READING ON THE RAIL. 1 CHAMPE'S ADYENTURE. BY GES". HEFET LEE. NEW-YORK : j I OFFICE OF THE REBELLION RECORD. % 1861. Copies inailed f)-ec on ^•"■ceipt of the p'L NOTE. : i The design of this Series is to afford in- structive, substantial, and remunerative entertain- ment to persons who desire at once to improve ; their moral and intellectual condition, and at the i j same time to preserve their eye-sight ; the char- I i acter of the volumes and the size of the type | tending to that result. \ PRICES. i Books for. One Hour's Reading,. . 15 Cents. ! Two '' " . 25 " j Three " " . . 30 " ' And larger volumes in proportion. • Address, ] REBELLION RECORD, j 4|.i Broadway, N. Y. ADVERTISEMENT. Persons noticing the omission of any im- portant facts, documents, narratives, rumors, in- cidents, or poetry, in the volumes of the Re- bellion Record, will obh'ge the Editor by calling his attention to such. FRANK MOORE, Editor Rebellion Record. New- York, April, 1864. THE G}-R,E^T " LIVIjSrC3^ HISTORY." f* REBELLION RECORD, EDITED BY FRANK MOORE. THIS " CYOLOPyEDiA OF THE "War '' IS tliG grcat storeliousc of authen- tic information on all points connected with the gigantic Southern conspiracy and rebellion against the Union and the Government. It includes all state papers and official documents of value, both National and Eebcl, without note or comment; and comprises, besides, a compre- hensive repository of curious and valuable materials for history ; spirited and pictui'esque letters and narratives ; anecdotes, lyrics, etc., etc. Near- ly five hundred diifercnt newspapers, North and South, have been col- lected regularly and carefully throughout the war, in order that all facts and reports might ho thoroughly collated and digested. 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