did not hear the click of their muskets, as each was cocked, it was because the roar of the falling rain overpowered the sound.

"A friend," was the reply. "Advance and give the countersign." The demand was complied with, and the stranger passed on. At the guard-house he was again challenged, and, having given the countersign, entered the rude building, and placed a sealed note in the hands of the officer of the guard. It was an order from the Commander-in-chief himself, directing the officer to furnish the bearer, Lieutenant Folger, with such men and assistance as he might require. The officer glanced at the drenched figure before him, with a look half doubting-but in his hand was the signature of Washington, and the party who presented it, though apparently a mere boy, wore a dilapidated uniform of the rank indicated in the order. "What do you require, sir," he inquired, after a moment's hesitation.

"First inform me of the state of the tide," replied Folger, as we shall now call him.

"The tide is now at the ebb,-in an hour it will be low water."

"Good-let me have two boats, two men, and three oars. Be ready instantly, as I wish to take advantage of the heavy darkness that now hangs over the river; the shower is passing away, and by the time you are ready, there will be no lightning to betray us."

The order was obeyed. Folger directed the men to enter one of the boats, while he, with a single oar, sprang into the other. He then made his own prow fast to the stern of the first, and ordered them to tow him into the stream. Having reaching a distance to preclude the possibility of being seen from either shore, the oarsmen, by Folger's direction, turned their course up the river, against the current, guided on their way by the occasional lights which appeared on shore. Thus they proceeded, till nearly opposite Corlaer's Hook, when the Lieutenant, in a low voice, called a halt, siezed his oar, cast off the tow line, and ordered the men to return. Waiting, with his oar in the scull, until they were quite out of sight, our young hero then turned his prow towards the encampment of the enemy, and with vigorous arms plied for the shore.

There is at times pathos even in degradation, as the world esteems it. The character of a spy has been stamped as infamous in the lexicon of warfare, and its doom has been written in the most ignominious of punish

ments; yet, that spirit which has the daring to confront usage, and the virtue to scorn a false theory, and take upon itself the inky mantle of disgrace, in a cause so holy as that of human emancipation, becomes, in the very act, an object of universal admiration and awe. Such was the attitude occupied by our young hero, who, although he went forth under the guise of secresy, known only to Washington himself, and with a name not his own, assumed the responsibility of disgrace, consequent upon exposure, and an ignominious death, if detected in his mission. Custom pronounced him guilty of violating the honorable usages of war, and yet strange anomaly-no war was ever carried on without the use of this system of espionage.

Before this young man left the quiet pursuits, the green hills, and the sweet valleys of his native State, to offer up his life on the altar of his country, his true soul had borne the sneers and taunts of tory associates. Every one of the original States was more or less infested with those detested excrescences, and even Massachusetts and Connecticut were not free from them. Some, by specious and smoothfaced hypocrisy, pretending to favor the cause of freedom, wrought like serpents in the grass, and brought many a worthy spirit to untimely doom, or torturing imprisonment-others, more bold, gave intelligence openly to the enemy; and others again were rewarded for their loyalty with commissions or warrants in the service of their Royal master, "the good King George." Among these, was one whose polluted name dwells not now in my memory-we will call him Cobra for our present purpose. He was own cousin to the young patriot whom we know as Harry Folger, and many a time had his cowardly and treacherous soul striven to coerce by threats and contumely, the noble-spirited youth, to his own base level. His efforts were vain; thorn and nettle could not thrive on a soil intended by nature for better fruits,the fragrance of the rose would not mingle with the stramonium, and the tory saw the playmate of his childhood enrolled among the martyrs of Liberty, while he was plotting destruction to her altars!

These two had grown up side by side together they had conned the same lessonsread from the same book,--wrought in the same field, and mingled in the same sports and pastimes; and on one occasion, when Cobra, in the recklessness of his nature had ventured into the water beyond his depth, and would have

drowned, his younger companion, with that generous impulse which always characterizes the true nobility of manhood, plunged into the wave at the risk of his own life, and bore to him the means of reaching the shore in safety. How such discordant materials could grow from the same culture, I leave to philosophy to determine. It is my purpose, in this sketch, to state only the facts.

Soon after the departure of young Folger, Cobra was suddenly and mysteriously missing. None knew the time of his going, nor his whereabout, and few paused to inquire, though many a heart beat lighter, and many a farmer felt safer in his chattels, in Cobra's absence. The burning of a barn, the driving off of cattle, and the destruction, in various ways, of the property of those who were known to favor the cause of the colonies, were no uncommon events; and this Cobra, with a few tory confreres were more than suspected as the promoters of the depredations. Subsequent events showed that this treacherous wretch joined the ranks, and fought under the standard of the tyrannous oppressors of his native land.

It was a gorgeous September morning, that which found Harry Folger a prisoner in the custody of a British guard, on the green shores of Brooklyn. The electric shower that had just passed over the face of the earth and the waters, seemed to have borne away from the atmosphere all imperfections, and left it in a state of crystal purity-the sweet odor of new flowers rose freshly to the senses, and the rays of the early sun, which came sharply through the fine air, were reflected vividly back from the burnished arms of the sentinels on the opposite shore. That narrow stream, whose clear waters swept noiselessly by from the ocean, divided for the time the contending hosts. On the one hand, lay a people struggling for independence—an embryo nation merging into existence: on the other, the mercenary minions of a giant power-on the one hand was GEORGE WASHINGTON, with Putnam, Sullivan and Stirling on the other, General Howe, with Sir Henry Clinton, Grant, and De Heister with his Hessian horde. In that still hour earth seemed a paradise. and the sweet and peaceful aspect of external nature, smiled in rebuke upon the contending passions of man.

The young adventurer, having thrown himself into the hands of the enemy, demanded to be led to the commanding general. This demand was, of course, denied; but as he avowed himself an officer just fled from the rebel army,

he was permitted to address a brief note to General Howe, and a messenger was dispatched with it to head-quarters. About ten o'clock orders were received at the guard-house, commanding the rebel to be brought before the General forthwith. He had already been searched, but no papers were found upon him save the commission of Harry Folger. This was placed in the hands of a sergeant, who, with a file of men, escorted our hero into the presence. Howe read the commission with the eye of a critic and a veteran, and with a piercing glance, scanned the unshaken youth. "You are young, my friend," he said at length; "you are young to hold a commission of this rank."

"I am young, it is true, sir; but there are captains in the rebel army not older than myself," answered Folger.

Why do you leave a service that rewards so liberally? You have honors and pay that many an officer in the Royal Army has toiled a life-time to obtain."

"In the American Army, sir, there is at present more honor than pay-if it be an honor to fight in a cause that seems hopeless."

"I perceive; you have two motives in leaving the rebel service you would be better paid, and at the same time fight on the strongest side. Is it not so ?"

"It is but natural, your Excellency, that one should seek a fitting reward for his services; and equally so that he should desire victory to 'light on the banner under which he fights.God grant it may be so with me!"

"Can you give me information as to the strength of the forces now in New-York, and what are the intentions of the rebel general ?” "I might inform your Excellency on many matters of importance. But you may perceive, sir, that a change of dry apparel in lieu of my wet coat, would enable me to appear more appropriately in your presence, and at the same time add to my comfort."

Timely spoken, young man," answered Howe. "You shall have apparel more becoming your fine figure than that which now disgraces it. At noon wait on me."

Folger was immediately placed on parole, a change of dress was provided, and punctually at noon he was closeted with the commander of the British forces.

The result of that interview appears to have been satisfactory to the parties. The object of Folger was entirely unsuspected, and it was not long ere he had obtained the information

that he sought. The most difficult part of his adventure was, however, yet to be performed. viz., a return to the American camp; and the information that he possessed was of such a nature as to require, if possible, immediate transmission to the Commander-in-chief of the American Army. There was not a soul in whom he could confide within the British lines, or, at least, he knew of none- -every foot of the shore was under the eyes of watchful sentinels--and there seemed no possibility of obtaining either the means or the opportunity to re-cross the river.

Thus perplexed, he was standing near the Commissariat, when a wagoner, with produce, drove his heavy vehicle close past him. Raising his eyes momentarily, he recognized in the driver the features and person of an aged farmer, who, when he, with a part of the Connecticut regiment were in camp near that spot some three weeks before, resided within the lines, and at that time expressed himself warmly in the patriot cause. The recognition was mutual, and the wagoner, half bewildered, instinctively stopped his horses.

ready to jeopardize all their earthly posses sions, and even their lives, in anything that would assist General Washington in his holy efforts. The coming evening had been set apart by General Howe for a grand camp festival, in honor of his recent victory over the rebel army, and our young friend anticipated an easy escape while all others were engaged in the pleasures of the time. He had been honored with an invitation to head-quarters, where a grand ball was to be given, and for which preparations were then going forward on a liberal scale. Folger determined to join the festivities; to be absent would perhaps create suspicion and inquiry, while his presence at the hateful ceremonies, even for an hour, would effectually prevent them. He had not yet been assigned to any special duty, and the leisure afforded him during the remainder of the day was employed in reconnoitering the ground over which he must pass at night to gain the appointed rendezvous, and in noting the least guarded avenues. He noticed that a considerable portion of the line of high bluff which fronts the river was comparatively un

"Stay, my friend," said the officer, in the same cautious tone-"You seem surprised at seeing me here, but how is it that I find you furnishing provisions to the enemies of your Country?"

"God knows it's only by compulsion I do it, young man," answered the old patriot; "but although old and feeble, and compelled to feed them, I would not bear arms! No, I would not bear arms

"Good man!" exclaimed the youth, "I see I may trust you. I am here in the service of Washington. Go on-we shall be observed, but do not leave the camp until I have spoken with you again."

The countenance of the old man glowed for an instant with an almost unnatural smile; but he suppressed it and went forward.

Another brief interview was obtained, during which it was agreed that the old man and his son would have a boat in readiness, at a spot designated, at the coming midnight, and Folger was confidently assured, that if he could manage to be there, he would find two true hearts

steep, that it was considered impossible for a human being to pass that way, either ascending or descending, and hence less vigilance was employed in guarding it. The young man saw that if he could reach the brow of the cliff under cover of the night, he would be able to make a footing down the bank; and once at the foot. he could in the darkness easily reach the water, which came within a few yards of the base of the bluff, and then swim to the place where the boat was to be in waiting. This plan determined upon, he returned to his quarters.

Night came, laden with intense emotions. In New-York, Washington rested for the time upon his crippled arms; none knew his weakness but himself. Upon the opposite heights lay the overpowering army of the foe to Freedom, reveling in all the pride and flush of temporary success; and in the bay slept a moving armament that waited but a signal to send its blazing messengers into the helpless town. Our young friend felt with an almost overpowering sensation the importance of his mission. He held in his possession, perchance, the destinies of a new-born Nation, and he panted for the moment when he should lay down his trust at the feet of the illustrious man who alone seemed destined to wield them. He entered the gay halls, and seemed to mingle in

their delights. The hour of eleven had arrived, and he was about to glide unobserved from the scene, when a voice near his elbow uttered a single word which went like an ice-bolt to his heart, and in an instant froze the current of his youthful blood. He paused, and listened in terror. It was repeated. "NATHAN!"

In a low, sarcastic tone, that single word rung like a death-knell on his ear. The name which it pronounced was his own-the voice that uttered it was that of the tory, COBRA!

"I know you," he said, laying his hand upon his arm, for the youth had not yet turned to meet him. "I know you--you are NATHAN HALE, and you are here as a spy from the rebel camp. Nothing else would have brought you in this company.”

"Well?" responded the other, in a tone of inquiry, but without changing his position. "Your plan shall be defeated. I will denounce you to General Howe."

"No! Cobra, no, you will not do that!" "I will by G! and you shall hang for this piece of knavery."

"Cobra," said the young man, deigning for the first time to look the wretch in the face"Cobra, you are the son of my mother's brother -you will not betray me-or if you must, I pray you do it not here, at the festival."

Nathan Hale, for it was indeed he, well knew that no appeal to patriotism could move the breast of the tory, and for that reason he tried the force of consanguinity. But even that availed not with his base and heartless kinsman. Hale was denounced, and when dragged before General Howe, and in his presence accused with the object of his mission, he boldly and frankly avowed it, and without further trial was ordered to be executed on the following day!

*Captain Cunningham, the Provost Marshal, was the same that had charge of the prisoners at the old jail in New-York. This wretch was executed in London for forgery in 1791, and in his dying confession uttered the following words

"I shudder to think of the murders I have been accessory to, both with and without orders from government, especially while in New-York. during which time there were more than two thousand prisoners starved in the churches, by stopping their rations, which I sold. There were also two hundred and seventy-five American prisoners and obnoxious persons executed."

the consummation of that brief and terrible sentence, he entreated the common privilege of conference with a clergyman, to aid in preparing his mind for death. In reply to this, he was told that he would "hang just as well without a priest as with one;" and the request was denied. He then asked that they would at least furnish him with a Bible, by the perusal of which to lighten his last moments. This also was refused. When taunted with his ignominious fate, he replied:

"The death that I shall die, will be a proud one. I shall die for my Country."

was,

At daylight, on the morning of his execution, he began writing letters to his mother and friends, and thus occupied the time until called out for execution. All his letters were destroyed, and when afterwards the inquiry was made, why this had been done, the answer "that the rebels should not know they had a man in their army who could die with so much firmness." The grim visage of death daunted him not. He approached the fatai moment, as one proud in the consciousness of integrity to his country, and his sole regret was that the object of his mission had been unfulfilled.

Thus died NATHAN HALE, as brave a patriot, and as pure a martyr, as ever gave a life in the cause of Civil Liberty. But what has Civil Liberty done for his name? Where rest his ashes? Where is the monument to record alike the virtues of the dead, and the sympathies of a grateful nation? Alas! the highest honor that his country has conferred upon his memory, was the privilege of mingling his dust with her own free soil, while Andre, the spy of her oppressor, lies gorgeously entombed by the side of England's Kings, heroes, and sages, in Westminster Abbey.*

*The following extract from a valuable work, called "The Artist, Merchant and Statesman," by our fellow

countryman, C. Edwards Lester, Esq, is appropriate here.

"Even Andre the spy was brought across the Atlantic, by a solemn Act of Parliament, and entombed by the side of heroes, and over him breathes the marble of a great sculptor.

And where does Hale, the American spy, a loftier and a nobler character, sleep? Nobody appears to know, except a few fair, brave women of Connecticut, who are building his monument with their needles; and I need not say that every stitch is to our government a stitch of shame! When another General Washington wants another spy. he will be found, in spite of the treatment the gener ous Hale has had from our hands; but the commander who sends him will have had too much experience of the gratitude of our country to tell him: If worse comes to worst, my brave fellow, you will have a grave in your na tive soil, and a monument from your country.""