They urged at much length, that at that particular moment, the good cause stood in great need of a confidential agent to reside with the enemy for special pur-poses; they expressed the exalted opinion entertained by them of his fidelity and address; declared that of all the persons they could think of he was the one best fitted for the required service, and concluded by appealing to his patriotism, for the sacrifice of all feelings that stood in the way of his consent. He replied that he was ready at all times to do whatever was just and reasonable in the cause in which they had all em-barked: that if his country required it, he would surrender for her sake, everything he possessed except his honor, but that he would not forfeit his good name by acting in the infamous capacity of a spy. When the officers present again persisted in pressing the subject upon his consideration, he rose from the table, and after expressing in a few words, his regret that the Commander-in-chief and company had not conceived a more favourable opinion of his principles, abruptly took his leave. So profoundly disgusted was he at this attempt to draw from him services which he deemed dishonorable, that he resigned his employment as a guide, and withdrew to a distant part of the country; and, it was not till after the expiration of several months, and after much entreaty that he consented to return and resume his situation. Once during the war Oakley was taken prisoner and con-fined along with his brother Isaac in the old Sugar House, but after a while effected his escape. At his request, some friends in New York City, furnished him with citizens clothes, where-upon he laid aside his military dress and announced to his brother his resolution of regaining his liberty.