On Monday about noon, the 7th of January last, 1776, major Cox, major Bayard, and Mr. Marshall, senior, three of the committee of observation for the city and liberties of Philadelphia, called on Mr. Duane in congress, and acquainted him that a discovery had been made, that his servant, James Rattle, was concerned in carrying on a correspondence with governor Tryon: and after mentioning the circumstances, added, that in delicacy to him, as a member of congress, the committee did not chuse to interfere, but left the further detection and punishment of the offence to himself. He thanked them for their politeness, but assured them, that they would encrease the ogligation by assisting him in bringing the matter to light, and the offender to justice: They asked him then, whether it would be convenient for him to attend that evening, promising all the aid in their power; he observed, that if it was so long delayed, a suspicion of the discovery might reach Rattle, and he make his escape, and that it was therefore best to seize him and search his papers immediately. This plan was accordingly executed, and his pocket-book, cloaths, bedding, &c. the places where it was suspected he might have concealed any thing examined, but nothing could be discovered. We then proceeded with him to the house of Mr. ---- [Paul Fooks], whose apprentice lad first gave the information, he repeated the circumstances with all the appearance of truth and sincerity, and in the manner they were told to him, as he alledged, by his sister Rose, who was courted by Rattle. The lad was then confronted with his sister, and repeating the same story, she with much reluctance and entreaty, and evident marks of concern, lest Rattle's life might be brought into danger, confirmed the truth of the information, which was to the following effect: That Rattle had frequently told her, that his master and all the congress would be hanged: That last new-year's day he told her, that some person came to Philadelphia and engaged him to give intelligence to governor Tryon of what passed in this city, and in reward he was promised a place as a merchant in a vessel trading between New-York and Boston. That he accordingly gave governor Tryon intelligence of the vessels of war which were fitting out at this port, and of the time of their sailing. That this last advice he had communicated in a letter which had been sent with his master's dispatches by colonel [Abraham] Brashier. The letter Mr. Duane well remembered, it was directed to Leslie a barber in New-York and when Rattle requested it might be sent by colonel Brashier, he told him, it enclosed or gave an account of money which he had received from Mr. [Thomas] Cushing, then a delegate for Massachusetts, for Leslie: She added further, that Rattle told her, he was one day writing intelligence for governor Tryon, and his master came upon him unexpectedly, that he was so much frightened lest he might make a discovery; that it threw him into a fit of sickness. Rattle and Rose were then confronted, and he denied every word of the charge: but the proof being positive, the committee as well as Mr. Duane, concluded that he was guilty, and it was agreed, that a constable should be sent for and he be committed to goal. Mr. Duane then recollected, that he had a suit of blue cloaths, which on the search we had not seen, and that as he had no chest or trunk, it was probable that he might have secured his papers in them. Doctor Cox and Mr. Duane took him up stairs, to examine those cloaths, but making no further discovery, his master told Rattle, that he believed he was a rascal, and that he would never have any further concern with him; that he should give him an account of the money he received and expended for him, which a few days before he had ordered him to draw out, and take away his cloaths. He desired leave to change his breeches, and for that purpose, and to get the account, went into the next room. In the meantime Doctor Cox discovered a basket with papers standing in the passage, between the two rooms,on the top of a cloaths press. Mr. Cox and Mr. Duane returned to the light to examine the papers, which took three or four minutes, and making no discovery form them, went down to join the other gentlemen of the committee, who had remained in the parlour below, and where it was expected to find Rattle; but missing him, searched the house, yard and stables, to no purpose: At length one of the children of the family told us, he had gone out of the yard door. Mr. Marshall then proposed, that Mr. Duane should apply to a magistrate for a warrant to apprehend him, but as the nature of the complaint did not regularly fall under such a mode of proceeding, it was concluded by us all, it would be best for the committee to have him procured and brought before them, which they undertook to do, and gave directions accordingly. He, however, made his escape.