CHAPTER XV.
Nor envy shame it with one mingling weed,
This to thy deeds doth public Justice give,
That with thy country shall thy glory live."
Mrs. Morton.
"The sergeant-major of dragoons," continued General ———," was kindly received on board the British gallies, and sent to New-York. After passing the usual interrogations before the adjutant-general, he was taken into the presence of Sir Henry Clinton. Not doubting the sincerity of a man who had encountered such dangers in order to join his standard, he inquired with great emphasis—
"How may this spirit of defection among the American troops be best excited? Are any general officers suspected of being concerned in the conspiracy of Arnold? What is the prevailing opinion respecting the doom of André? Is not the popularity of Washington with the army declining?
"To these insidious questions Champé returned wary answers. The haughty features of Clinton relaxed into a sarcastic smile, and putting gold into his hand, he directed him to wait on General Arnold.
"He is forming," said he, "an American legion for the service of his Majesty. You must have a command in it since you so well understand how to baffle the rebels."
