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THIS fort—which commands the military position of West Point, and
which was considered so important during the Revolutionary war—is now
in ruins, but is visited by all travellers in this region for the superb
view which it affords of the sublime pass of the Highlands. This was the
great key which Arnold’s treachery intended to give into the hands of
the English; and associated with the memory of the unfortunate André,
and with other painful events of the conspiracy, it possesses an
interest which is wanting to other objects of the same description in
our country.
Washington’s visit of inspection to Fort Putnam and the other redoubts
on this side the river was made only two or three hours before his
discovery of the treason of Arnold, at that moment, as he supposed, in
command at West Point. The commander-in-chief was expected to arrive the
evening before; and had he done so, Arnold would probably never have
escaped. Having accidentally met the French minister, M. de Lucerne, at
Fishkill, however (eight miles above), he was induced to pass the night
there for the purpose of some conference, and set off early in the
morning on horseback, sending on a messenger to Mrs. Arnold that himself
and suite would be with her to breakfast. Arriving opposite West Point,
near a small redoubt called Fort Constitution, Washington turned his
horse from the road. Lafayette, who was then in his suite, called out,
“General, you are going in the wrong direction; you know Mrs. Arnold is
waiting breakfast for us.” “Ah,” answered Washington, “I know you young
men are all in love with Mrs. Arnold, and wish to get where she is as
soon as possible. Go and take your breakfast with her, and tell her not
to wait for me; I must ride down and examine the redoubts on this side
the river.” Two of the aides rode on, found breakfast waiting, and sat
down at once with General Arnold and his family. While they were at
table a messenger came in with a letter for Arnold, which announced the
capture of André, and the failure and betrayal, of course, of the whole
conspiracy. Showing little or no emotion, though his life hung upon a
thread, he merely said to one of his aides that his presence was
required at West Point; and leaving word for General Washington that he
was called over the river, but would return immediately, he ordered a
horse and sent for Mrs. Arnold to her chamber. He then informed her
abruptly that they must part, possibly forever, and that his life
depended on his reaching the enemy’s lines without delay. Struck with
horror at this intelligence, she swooned and fell senseless. In that
state he left her, hurried downstairs, mounted a horse belonging to one
of his aides that stood saddled at the door, and rode with all speed to
the bank of the river. A boat with six men was in waiting; and
pretending that he was going with a flag of truce, he pulled down the
stream, and arrived safe on board the “Vulture” sloop of war, lying some
miles below.
Meantime Washington, having finished his inspection of the redoubt,
arrived at Arnold’s house, received his message, and concluded to cross
immediately and meet Arnold at West Point. As the whole party were
seated in the barge moving smoothly over the water, with the majestic
scenery of the Highlands about them, Washington said, “Well, gentlemen,
I am glad, on the whole, that General Arnold has gone before us, for we
shall now have a salute; and the roaring of the cannon will have a fine
effect among these mountains.” The boat drew near to the beach, but no
cannon were heard, and there was no appearance of preparation to receive
them. “What!” said Washington, “do they not intend to salute us?” At
this moment an officer was seen making his way down the hill to meet
them, who seemed confused at their arrival, and apologized for not being
prepared to receive such distinguished visitors. “How is this, sir,”
said Washington, “is not General Arnold here?” “No, sir,” replied the
officer, “he has not been here these two days; nor have I heard from him
within that time.” “This is extraordinary,” said Washington; “we were
told that he had crossed the river, and that we should find him here.
However, our visit must not be in vain. Since we have come, we must look
round a little, and see in what state things are with you.” He then
ascended the hill, examined Fort Putnam and the other fortifications,
and returned to Arnold’s house, where the fact of the treason was at
once revealed. This had occupied two or three hours, however, and Arnold
was beyond pursuit. Washington retained his usual calmness, though
Arnold was one of his favorite officers, and had been placed at West
Point by his own personal influence with Congress. He called Lafayette
and Knox, showed them the proofs, and only said to the former, “Whom can
we trust now?”
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