The quartermaster suddenly discovered that four of the cannon captured in the Mexican war by General Scott's army had been stolen.
These guns had been lying for years in Fort Clinton, which is an earthwork overlooking the Hudson River, and only about four hundred feet from the row of brick houses occupied by the officers of the post.
One of these guns was particularly valued by the War Department, as it had been captured at Monterey.
The cannon had been in the fort for many years, and as it was never supposed that they would be stolen, there had been no special guard placed over them.
No one had the slightest idea how the guns had been stolen. Every attempt was made to discover the thieves, and at last Colonel Ernst, who is the commander of the post, obtained a clue which may lead to the discovery of the miscreants.
It seems that a carter, who has been going back and forth to West Point for a very long time, carrying packages and supplies, is the suspected person.
He has lately taken to lingering around the post until after dark.
The sentries have stated that on several occasions it was quite late when he drove past them.
He always gave a good excuse for his delay, and being a well-known character at the Point, he was allowed to pass.