Fremont Weekly Freeman

How the Spy was Detected.

The Washington correspondent of the Charleston News says an ingenious mechanic in Washington has invented a kind of telegraphic hollow bullet, consisting of two parts screwed together. In this bullet despatch of several lines written on thin paper may be compressed and then fired from a musket to a considerable distance. In time of war this contrivance might be made very useful in conveying intelligence into a besieged fortress or city. The screw bullet, however, he adds, is no new thing, as the following account will prove:—

In the year 1775, when Gov. George Clinton resided in Albany, there came a stranger to his house, one cold winter morning, soon after the family had breakfasted. He was welcomed by the household and hospitably entertained. A breakfast was ordered, and the governor, with his wife and daughter who were sitting before the fire employed in knitting, entered into conversation with him about the affairs of the country, which naturally led to the inquiry what was his occupation. The exemption and hesitation with which the stranger replied aroused the suspicion of the keen-sighted Clinton. He communicated his suspicion to his wife and daughter, who closely watched his every word and action. Inconscient of this, but finding he had fallen in among enemies, the stranger was seen to take something from his pocket and swallow. Madam Clinton, with the ready tact of the woman of those troublous times, went quickly into the kitchen, ordered hot coffee to be immediately prepared, and added to it a strong dose of tartar emetic. The stranger delighted with the smoking beverage, partook freely of it, and Madame Clinton soon had the satisfaction of seeing it produce the desired effect. True to Scripture, "out of his own mouth he was condemned." A silver bullet appeared which, upon examination, was unscrewed, and found to contain an important despatch to Burgoyne. The Spy was tried, convicted and executed, and the bullet is still preserved in the family.