human
Indeed, continued the young officer,
gpt
Your Excellency will excuse me for saying that, from all the information in my possession--information upon which I insist that you can implicitly rely--it is beyond question that the population, through which the invading column has passed and is passing, is favourable to their cause. A trumpery proclamation written by General Washington himself, and translated into French, has been distributed among them, and they have been carried away by its fine sentences about liberty and independence. These facts account for all the misleading and false reports which we have hitherto received concerning the expedition. We have been purposely and systematically kept in the dark in regard to it. Left to itself, Arnold's army would have disbanded through insubordination, or perished of starvation and hardship in the wilderness. Comforted and replenished by His Majesty's own subjects, it is now marching with threatening front toward Quebec.
human
Traitors to the King in the outlying districts cannot unfortunately be so easily reached as those who lie more immediately under our eyes. But their time will come yet. Meanwhile, we have to keep a sharp watch over disaffection and treason within the walls of this very city,
gpt
This parcel may probably assist Your Excellency in doing so,
human
What have we here?
gpt
Letters from Colonel Arnold to General Schuyler, the original commander of the army of invasion. Arnold will be surprised, if not chagrined, to learn that Schuyler has been succeeded by Montgomery.
human
Ah! I see. Well, as these letters are not addressed to General Montgomery, and as Gen. Schuyler has left the country, it will be no breach of etiquette on our part if we open them. No doubt they will furnish very interesting reading. And these?
gpt
They are letters from Arnold to several prominent citizens of Quebec.
human
Impossible.
gpt
Your Excellency will please read the addresses.
human
Mr. L.--It does not surprise me.
gpt
Mr. F.--I shall inquire into it.
human
Mr. O.--As likely as not.
gpt
Mr. R.--Must be some mistake. He is too big a fool to take sides one way or the other.
human
Mr. G.--His wife will have to decide that matter for him.
gpt
Mr. X.--I'll give him a commission, and he'll be all right.
human
Mr. N.--I don't believe a word of it.
gpt
Mr. H.--Loose fish. He was false to France under Montcalm. He may be false to England under Carleton.
human
Mr. B.--Impossible! My best friend! But what if it were true? Who knows what these dark days may bring about? B--! B--! I will see to it at once.
gpt
Have you anything else to say to me, my young friend?
human
Nothing more, sir, unless it be to apologize for having occupied so much of your time, and especially at this hour.
gpt
Never mind that. If what you have told me is all true, the information is incalculable in importance. I shall lose no time in acting, and shall not forget you, nor your old servant. I will send out scouts at once, and proceed myself to the examination of these letters which you have placed in my hands. The situation is grave, young man. You have done well, and to show you how much I appreciate your conduct, I intend employing you on a further mission. You have not slept this night?
human
No, Your Excellency.
gpt
It is now half-past five. Go and rest till noon. At that hour come to me with the best saddle horse in your regiment. I will give you your instructions then.