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SERGEANT CHAMFE. |
831 |
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Sir Henry Clinton. He detained him more than an hour, questioning him in reference to the state of the army since the desertion of Arnold, the probable fate of Andre, and the popularity of Washington, all of which he answered warily. Placing two guineas in his hand, he advised Champe to visit Arnold. On seeing him, the traitor expressed great satisfaction, and pressed him to join a new legion he was raising. After some delay, Champe enlisted, for the purpose of securing the freedom of Arnold's house, which would further the plans of taking him when the time should arrive.
He now turned his attention to the delivery of letters he had brought, to the agents of Washington. On the following night he delivered one, but it was not until five days after he saw the person to whom the other was addressed, and who was to aid him in the capture of Arnold. While these things were transpiring, Andre was hung. Nothing now remained but to seize and deliver Arnol! safely to Major Lee, who at an appointed time, was to be ready on the Jersey shore to receive him. Champe, from his enlistment, had every opportunity to notice the habits of Arnold. He discovered it was his custom to visit the garden on his return home every night. During this visit he was to be seized, gagged and carried into an adjoining alley, where Champe's friends Avere to recei\"e and bear him to a boat in the North river.
On the night appointed, Major Lee left camp, Avith a body of cavalry and three led horses, one for Arnold, one for Champe, and a third for his friend ; never doubting the success of the adventure. The party reached Hoboken about midnight, and concealed themselves in an adjoining Avood. Lee, Avith three dragoons, Avent doAvn to the bank of the river. The night passed away, and no boat approached, Avhen Lee returned to camp, much chagrined and disappointed at the issue of the project.
Soon after, Lee received a letter from the friend of Champe, informing him that on the very night appointed for the execution of the plot, Arnold had removed his epiarters to another part of the town, to superintend the embarkation of troops, and the corps to which Champe belonged had already gone on board the transports. |
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