you, Major Lee,' Washington said to him, 'in the
expectation that you have in your corps individuals capable and
willing to undertake an indispensable, delicate, and hazardous
project. Whoever comes forward on this occasion will lay me under
great obligations personally, and in behalf of the United States I
will reward him amply. No time is to be lost; he must proceed, if
possible, to-night.'

"He then went on to explain what he wanted, and Lee promptly replied
that he had no doubt his legion contained many men daring enough to
undertake any enterprise, however perilous; but for the service
required there was needed a combination of talent rarely found in the
same individual. He then suggested a plan which was highly approved
by Washington. He said that Champe, the sergeant-major of his cavalry,
was one very well qualified for the service, but he feared that his
sense of personal honor would not allow him to take the first step in
the perilous expedition,--desertion,--for he was anxiously awaiting a
vacancy in the corps to receive a promised commission.

"John Champe was a Virginian, a native of Loudon County; he was
twenty-three or twenty-four years of age; he had enlisted in 1776; he
was a grave, thoughtful man and as unlikely as anyone to consent to do
anything ignominious. Lee sent for him at once, told him what
Washington wanted, and used all the eloquence of which he was master
to persuade him to undertake the perilous work. Champe listened with
the closest attention and evident excitement, and, when Lee had
concluded, said that he was charmed with the plan and the proposed
results; then went on to say that he was ready to attempt anything for
his country's good, no matter how dangerous, that did not involve his
honor; but the idea of desertion to the enemy and hypocritically
espousing the king's cause was an obstacle in his way too grave to be
disregarded; so he must ask to be excused.

"Lee earnestly replied to these arguments; told him that desertion at
the request of his beloved commander, and for such reasons, carried
with it no dishonor; it was a laudable purpose; success would bring
him personal honor, and the stain upon his character would last only
till prudence would allow the publication of the facts.

"A great deal of persuasion was necessary, but at last Lee succeeded;
Champe consented to undertake the perilous task, and they at once set
about the necessary preparations.

"Washington had his ins