We must leave the frigate to her fate, only remarking that, although she escaped, with little damage, from the explosion of the gunpowder, yet it was but to find her doom in Hurl-gate. There was only sufficient time for the men on board to escape, when she went to pieces.
CHAPTER VII.
General Washington was now stationed upon the west bank of the Hudson river, about twenty miles from New York. It was young Joinly’s scheme to take his captive directly to the camp, and solicit, in person, an exchange of the British officer for his father. The sloop was, therefore, turned up into a little creek, where Joinly, with one of his companions and the prisoner, were landed. These proceeded on their journey, while the rest of the adventurers found their way safely back to Saybrook in their little vessel.
In the space of two or three days, Joinly reached the American camp, and was soon conducted to the head quarters of the commander-in-chief. That officer was alone, and the young man was ushered into his presence. He told his story with simplicity, and closed with a request that steps might be taken for the release of his father.
“This is a strange feat you have performed,” said Washington, “and you must have had a strong motive for an adventure so perilous.” The tears started to the young man’s eyes as he replied,
“My father, sir, has been in captivity for almost three years. His health is wasted with toil, anxiety and care; his fortune is scattered; his lands are impoverished; his home is desolate. Are not these motives which should make a son forget his own safety and comfort, and think only of his father’s release?”
“I can well believe that they are,” said the general, in a softened tone; “I can well believe that they are. I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with your father, but I know that he is a man of exalted worth. He has suffered deeply for his country; but, alas! this is what all are called upon to endure. He, however, has some compensation, in satisfying the promptings of a patriotic breast and fulfilling the suggestions of a kind and generous heart.
“My young friend, your father is worthy of the effort you have made, and, if I can reconcile it with my sense of duty to the country, your object shall be accomplished. There is one difficulty, however, which you have overlooked. Your father is a colonel, and the officer you have captured is but a captain. Sir Guy Carleton will hardly make an exchange so unequal as to give up the former for the latter. However, if you will call upon me to-morrow, you shall know the result.”
Young Joinly now went away; but, on the morrow, returned to the office of the general at the time appointed. He found him alone, as before. Washington received him with that serene dignity, that mixture of command and kindness, which characterized him. After a brief explanation, he handed the youth a sealed packet, addressed to General Carleton. “My young friend,” said he, “you will take this to Sir Guy, at New York. It contains a proposal for an exchange of Colonel G——, a British officer, who has been recently captured, for your father. I regret that a specific exchange of the officer you have yourself taken, could not be proposed. It would not be consonant to the rules of war, nor would it be accepted by the British general. Here is a letter to your father, expressing my high sense of his generous services and his patriotic sacrifices in behalf of his country. And, for yourself, remember that, if I can ever do you a personal service, it will be cheerfully rendered. Farewell.”
With a mingled feeling of affection and awe toward this remarkable man, young Joinly departed. Being duly provided with a pass, he easily made his way to New York, and presented his communication to Sir Guy Carleton. The proposed exchange was readily accepted, and the youth was permitted to proceed to his father’s quarters and communicate the intelligence of his release.