Question

Both the British and the Americans frequently used horseback riders to carry messages, and both sides tried to capture the riders and get the messages. The rider who lost one of Washington's important messages was Tallmadge himself. It happened when Tallmadge and some of his men were attacked by British troops near the Connecticut–New York border. Tallmadge escaped unharmed but lost a saddlebag full of secret papers.
Luckily, Tallmadge's code did not fall into British hands. But among the papers was a letter from Washington in which he carelessly gave the name and address of an agent, George Higday, saying that he was a man who would probably "convey intelligence to me." Higday was arrested, but he had managed to destroy all evidence of spying. That move probably saved him from hanging.


Which statement best expresses the central idea of the excerpt?

Answer 1

Answer: Losing secret papers to the enemy could have serious consequences.

Explanation:

The central idea here is that when secret papers are lost to the enemy, they could have serious consequences. This is why the both the British and the Americans tried to capture riders conveying messages for the other side so that they could get the messages.

If these messages were found, they could help in the war effort by implicating spies such as George Higday who would be put to death should evidence be found of their treachery. This would be good for the side that was being spied on as less information would be leaked and bad for the other side as they will have less information to act on.

Answer 2

Answer:

B. Giving up information could be a disaster for either side.

Explanation: