John Andre, a British officer, was clerk in a mercantile house in
London; being anxious for a military life, he obtained a commission
as ensign in the regiment commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, then about
to embark for America. His energetic and enterprising spirit soon
raised him to the rank of major and aid-de-camp to Sir Henry. Benedict
Arnold, the American traitor, a man guilty of every species of artifice
and deception, smarting under the inflictions of a severe reprimand
from his superiors, for misconduct, was resolved to be revenged by
the sacrifice of his country. By artifice he obtained command of the
important post of West Point. He had previously, in a letter to the
British commander, signified his change of principles, and his wish to
join the royal army. A correspondence now commenced between him and Sir
Henry Clinton, the object of which was to concert the means of putting
West Point into the hands of the British. The plot was well laid,
correct plans of the fort drawn, and as they supposed, the execution
certain. The arrangement was effected by Major John Andre, aid-de-camp
to Sir Henry Clinton, and adjutant-general of the British army. Andre,
who had effected all the arrangements with Arnold, received from him a
pass, authorizing him, under the feigned name of Anderson, to proceed
on the public service to the White Plains, or lower, if it was required.
He had passed all the guards and posts on the road without suspicion,
and was proceeding, with the delicate negotiation, to Sir Henry, who
was then in New York.
Having arrived within a few miles of Tarrytown, he was accosted by
three individuals who appeared loitering on the road. One of them
seized the reins of his bridle, while another in silence pointed a
rifle to his breast. Andre exclaimed, “Gentlemen, do not detain me;
I am a British officer on urgent business; there is my pass,” at the
same time drawing from his breast a paper, which he handed to one of
the three, while the other two, looking with anxious scrutiny over the
shoulders of their comrades, read as follows:--
_Head Quarters, Robinson’s House, Sept. 22d, 1780._
Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the White
Plains, or below, if he chooses. He being on public business by
my direction.