"We have had a nice day--a very nice one, I think," remarked Elsie
Raymond, as they sat on the deck of the _Dolphin_ pursuing their
homeward way.
"Where are you going to take us to-morrow, papa?"
"That is a question for the majority of the older people to decide,"
replied the captain, softly stroking her curls--for she was seated
upon his knee--and smiling down affectionately into her eyes.
"That means grandma and mamma, and uncle and aunt, I suppose," said
the little girl, looking round inquiringly upon them. "Please, dear,
good folks, won't you all say what you want?"
"I think we would all be satisfied to go to any one of the many
interesting spots on the banks of this beautiful river," replied
Grandma Elsie.
"As I do," said Mrs. Leland, "but, since a choice has to be made, I
propose that--if no one prefers any other place--we go to West Point
to-morrow."
That motion was put to vote, and the decision given in its favor was
unanimous.
"Thinking of going there reminds me of Arnold and his treachery,"
remarked Lucilla. "Can't we go and see the Robinson House, on the
other side of the river, papa?"
"I don't know that visitors are admitted to the mansion now, but we
can drive past and view the outside and the grounds," replied the
captain. "The house is now called Beverly, the dock from which Arnold
made his escape Beverly Dock."
"He got into a boat, papa?" asked Neddie.
"Yes; into his barge, which conveyed him to the British ship
_Vulture_."
"Oh, can't you tell us the whole story of it now, papa, and let us go
to the place to-morrow?"
"That might be possible," returned the captain, "if no one objects to
hearing a rehearsal of the old story."
No one had any objection, and the captain proceeded with the
narrative.
"Arnold was a brave, daring, and successful soldier in the
Revolutionary War; one who did and suffered a great deal to win his
country's freedom, and perhaps if he had been treated with perfect
justice he might never have turned traitor. He was badly treated by
Congress and by Gates. After that he got into serious trouble through
his own reckless extravagance. He was deeply in debt and ready to do
almost anything for money. He had married into a Tory family, too, and
perhaps they had an influence in lessening his love for the cause of
freedom and making him willing to betray his country for the money he
coveted--for filthy lucre. He learned that Sir Henry Clinton so
coveted West Point that almost any sum of money and any honors would
be given the man who should enable the British to get possession of
that post. He pondered the matter, and resolved to do the dastardly
deed if possible. He had been declining active service on the plea
that his wounds rendered him unfit for riding on horseback. But now
his wounds healed rapidly, his patriotism was freshly aroused, and he
was eager to again serve his bleeding country.
"It was in that way he talked to his friends in Congress,--General
Schuyler and others,--men who, he knew, had influence with Washington.
He also prevailed upon Robert R. Livingston--a member of Congress--to
write to Washington and suggest the giving of the command of West
Point to Arnold.
"Then, under the pretence of having private business in Connecticut,
he went there, passing through the camp and paying his respects to
Washington on the way. But he said nothing about his wish to be
appointed to the command at West Point until he again called on his
return; then he suggested to Washington that on rejoining the army he
would like that post, as suited to his feelings and the state of his
health.
"Washington was surprised, but his suspicions were not aroused. So
Arnold got command of that post with all its dependencies; that is,
including everything from Peekskill to Kings Ferry. His instructions
were dated at Peekskill on the 3d of August, 1780. He went at once to
the Highlands and established his quarters at Colonel Robinson's
house.
"At this time Arnold had been in correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton
for eighteen months. Both wrote over fictitious names, and Clinton did
not know who his correspondent was; at least, for a great part of the
time he was ignorant of his name and character, the letters passing
through the hands of Major Andre. During the previous winter Arnold
had had some connection with a British spy--Lieutenant Hele--in
Philadelphia, where he had been sent with a pretended flag of truce in
a vessel afterward wrecked in the Delaware, when he--Hele--was made
prisoner by Congress."
"I think there was something known of Arnold's plot in England at that
time; was there not, captain?" asked Mr. Leland.
"Yes," replied Captain Raymond; "and great hopes were built upon it
long before it was to take place. Some of the officers who returned to
England in 1780 were often heard to declare that it was all over with
the rebels; that they were about to receive an irreparable blow the
news of which would soon arrive. But they had no more to say on the
subject after the account was received of the plot and the discovery
of the traitor. To resume: Arnold wrote his letters in a disguised
hand and ambiguous style, affixing to them the feigned signature of
'Gustavus.' Andre signed his 'John Anderson.'"
"He wasn't so bad a man as Arnold, was he, uncle?" asked Eric.
"I think not, by any means," replied Captain Raymond. "He was a fine
young man who enjoyed the unbounded confidence of Sir Henry Clinton.
He had been an aide-de-camp of the commander-in-chief, and was now
adjutant-general of the British Army.
"Before Arnold's trial by a court-martial Clinton had come to the
belief that he was his correspondent. That trial made him seem of less
value; but when he got command of West Point his traitorous advances
to his country's foes assumed increased importance. So their plans
were made. Clinton was to send a strong force up the Hudson at the
moment when the combined American and French forces should make an
expected movement against New York. That last was one of Washington's
plans which Arnold had revealed to the British general. It was
thought that West Point would be the repository of the ammunition and
other stores of the allied armies. It was reported that the French
were to land on Long Island, and from there march against New York,
while Washington would approach it from the north with the main army
of the Americans; and the plan of the enemy was to send up the river
at that precise time a flotilla bearing a strong land force. When they
reached West Point, Arnold was to surrender to them under pretence of
a weak garrison.
"With the view of carrying out that plan, the British troops were so
posted that they could be put in motion on very short notice, while
vessels, properly manned, were kept in readiness on the Hudson.
"But now Clinton felt it necessary to make certain of the identity of
his correspondent; so he proposed a personal conference, and Arnold
insisted that Major Andre should be the one sent. Clinton had already
fixed upon Andre as the most suitable person to whom to intrust that
important mission, and so sent him. I do not know that Andre went
unwillingly, but he did not seek the service, though once engaged in
it he did his best.
"The love of money seems to have been Arnold's greatest temptation to
the treachery of which he was guilty. His first plan was to have the
interview with Andre at his own quarters in the Highlands, Andre to be
represented as a person entirely devoted to the American cause and
possessing ample means for gaining intelligence from the enemy. As
secret agents were frequently employed to procure intelligence, this
was safe ground to go upon. He sent a letter to Andre telling him of
this arrangement, and assuring him that if he could make his way
safely to the American outpost above White Plains, he would find no
difficulty after that.
"On the east side of the Hudson at that time was a detachment of
cavalry under the command of Colonel Sheldon, who had his
headquarters, with a part of his detachment, at Salem. Arnold gave him
notice that he was expecting a person from New York whom he was to
meet at his quarters for the purpose of making important arrangements
for obtaining early intelligence from the enemy. Also he asked
Sheldon to send him word to the Robinson House when this stranger
arrived.
"But the arrangement was distasteful to Andre, who had no disposition
to act as a spy. He therefore wrote a letter to Colonel Sheldon,
knowing that it would be put into Arnold's hands. He proposed a
meeting with Arnold at Dobbs Ferry, upon the Neutral Ground, on the
next Monday, the 11th instant.
"That letter puzzled Colonel Sheldon, because he had never before
heard the name of John Anderson, or anything from Arnold about
expecting an escort. But he supposed it was from the person expected
by the general, therefore enclosed it to him, writing at the same time
that he himself was not well enough to go to Dobbs Ferry, and hoped
that he would meet Anderson there himself. It was somewhat difficult
for Arnold to explain matters to Sheldon so that his suspicions should
not be excited, but he seems to have been skilful in deception, and
managed to do so. He left his quarters on the 10th, went down the
river in his barge to King's Ferry, and passed the night at the house
of Joshua Hett Smith, near Haverstraw."
"That Smith was a traitor too, was he not, captain?" asked Evelyn.
"Probably; though there is a difference of opinion on that point; he
acted a part in the work of treason, but was perhaps only Arnold's
dupe. Early the next morning Arnold proceeded toward Dobbs Ferry,
where Andre and Colonel Robinson were waiting to meet him, but as he
drew near he was fired upon and closely pursued by the British
gunboats. That, of course, made it necessary to defer the conference.
"Having gone down the river openly, Arnold thought it necessary to
make some explanation to Washington, so wrote him a letter in which he
mentioned several important matters connected with his command at West
Point and incidentally referred to having come down the river to
establish signals as near the enemy's lines as possible, that he might
receive prompt notice of any fleet or troops coming up the Hudson.
"This letter was dated at Dobbs Ferry, September 11th, and that night
he returned to his quarters at the Robinson House. He desired to have
his interview with Andre as speedily as possible, because he knew that
Washington was going to Hartford to hold a conference with the newly
arrived French officers, and that the best time to carry out his plans
for betraying his country would be in the absence of the
commander-in-chief. And as Washington would cross the Hudson at King's
Ferry, it was very necessary that until his departure no movement
should be made that might excite his suspicion.
"Two days after Arnold had returned to his quarters he wrote again to
Andre telling him that a person would meet him on the west side of
Dobbs Ferry on Wednesday, the 20th inst., and conduct him to a place
of safety where the writer would meet him. 'It will be necessary,' he
added, 'for you to be in disguise. I cannot be more explicit at
present. Meet me if possible. You may rest assured that if there is no
danger in passing your lines, you will be perfectly safe where I
propose a meeting.'
"Arnold also wrote to Major Tallmadge, at North Castle, instructing
him that if a person named John Anderson should arrive at his station,
to send him on without delay to headquarters under the escort of two
dragoons.
"The house in which Arnold was living at that time had been the
property of Colonel Robinson, but was confiscated because he had
become a Tory. The two had been corresponding for some time under the
pretence that Robinson was trying to recover the property through
Arnold. Sir Henry Clinton had sent Robinson up the river on board the
_Vulture_ with orders to proceed as high as Teller's Point. It is
probable that Robinson knew all about Arnold's treasonable plans and
purposes. He now wrote a letter to General Putnam asking for an
interview with him on the subject of his property, and, pretending
that he did not know where Putnam was, he enclosed his letter to him
in one addressed to Arnold, requesting him to hand the enclosed to
Putnam, or, if that officer had gone away, to return it by the bearer,
adding 'In case General Putnam should be absent, I am persuaded, from
the humane and generous character you bear, that you will grant me
the favor asked.'
"The _Vulture_ was then lying six miles below Verplanck's Point, and
the letters were sent to the Point under a flag of truce. Arnold went
down to that point some hours before Washington was to arrive there on
his way to Hartford, and received and read Colonel Robinson's letter.
Arnold took Washington and his suite across the river in his barge and
accompanied them to Peekskill. He laid Robinson's letter before
Washington and asked his advice. Washington replied that the civil
authority alone could act in the matter, and he did not approve of a
personal interview with Robinson. Arnold's frankness in all this
effectually prevented any suspicion of his integrity as commandant of
West Point.
"After receiving Washington's opinion in regard to the matter Arnold
dared not meet Robinson; but he wrote to him, and in that letter told
him that on the night of the 20th he should send a person on board of
the _Vulture_ who would be furnished with a boat and a flag of truce,
and in the postscript he added, 'I expect General Washington to lodge
here on Sunday next, and I will lay before him any matter you may wish
to communicate.' It was an ingenious and safe way of informing the
enemy just when the commander-in-chief would return from Hartford."
"That looked as though he wanted to put Washington in peril," said
Lucilla.
"I think it did," said her father. "That letter was sent to Sir Henry
Clinton, and the next morning Andre went to Dobbs Ferry. Clinton had
given him positive instructions not to change his dress, not to go
into the American lines, not to receive papers, or in any other way
act the character of a spy.
"It was expected that Arnold would visit the _Vulture_ and there hold
his interview with Andre. But Arnold had arranged a plan which would
be safer for himself, though a greater risk for Andre.
"About two miles below Stony Point lived a man named Joshua Hett
Smith, who had been employed by General Robert Howe, when in command
of West Point, to procure intelligence from New York. Which--as Howe
was a loyal American officer--would seem to be good reason for
supposing that Smith was esteemed a patriotic citizen. Lossing tells
us that Smith occupied a respectable station in society, and could
command more valuable aid in the business in question than any other
person. Arnold went to him and told him he wanted his services in
bringing within the American lines a person of consequence with
valuable intelligence from New York. It would seem that Arnold had
resolved not to adventure himself on the British ship, but to have
Andre take the risk of coming on shore that they might hold their
contemplated interview. Arnold seems to have expected it to prove a
protracted interview, and arranged with Smith to have it take place
partly in his house. Therefore Smith took his family to Fishkill to
visit friends, and on his return trip stopped at the Robinson house
and with Arnold arranged the plan for getting Andre on shore for the
desired interview.
"Arnold gave Smith the usual pass for a flag of truce, and an order on
Major Kierse at Stony Point to furnish him with a boat whenever he
should want one, and he directed Smith to go to the _Vulture_ the next
night and bring ashore the person who was expected to be there.
"Smith did not succeed in getting such assistance as he needed in
boatmen, so failed to visit the _Vulture_ at the appointed time. He
sent a messenger to Arnold with a letter telling of his failure. The
messenger rode all night and reached the Robinson House at dawn.
"Having received the message, Arnold went down the river to
Verplanck's Point and from there to Smith's.
"At the Point, Colonel Livingston handed him a letter just received
from Captain Sutherland of the _Vulture_. It was a complaint that some
one of the Americans had violated the rules of war--showing a flag of
truce on Teller's Point, and when in response a boat with another flag
was sent off, as soon as it neared the shore it was fired upon by some
armed men who were concealed in the bushes.
"The letter was signed by Sutherland, but was in the handwriting of
Andre. Arnold at once understood that the sight of that handwriting
was meant to inform him that Andre was on board of the vessel, and,
perceiving that, he set to work making arrangements to bring him
ashore. He ordered a skiff to be sent to a certain place in Haverstraw
Creek, then went to Smith's house. They soon had everything ready
except the boatmen to row the skiff. Samuel and Joseph Colquhon were
asked to serve, but refused until Arnold threatened them with
punishment, when they yielded.
"It was near midnight when at last they pushed off from the shore, and
so still that not a leaf stirred in the forests, and there was not a
ripple on the water. When they neared the ship they were hailed by the
sentinel on its deck. Smith gave some explanation of their errand, and
after some rough words was allowed to go on board. He found Captain
Sutherland and Beverly Robinson in the cabin. He had a missive for the
latter from Arnold, but though addressed to Robinson its contents were
evidently meant for Andre--inviting him to come ashore and assuring
him of safety in so doing. Robinson understood it and, I presume,
explained it to Andre. Two passes signed by Arnold, which Smith
brought, made still plainer Arnold's wish that Andre should come
ashore. Andre yielded and went with Smith, who landed him at the foot
of a great hill called Long Clove Mountain, about two miles below
Haverstraw, on the western side of the river.
"This was the place Arnold had set for the meeting with Andre, and he
was there hidden in the bushes. Smith took Andre to him, then left
them alone together, and for the first time they heard each the
other's voice. They were plotting the utter ruin of this land, and the
darkness and gloom of the place seemed to suit the nature of the
wicked work. They had not finished their conference when Smith
returned to give warning that dawn approached and it would be
dangerous for them to linger longer. Smith's house was four miles
away. Arnold proposed that they should go there to finish their talk,
offering Andre a horse which he called his servant's, though it is
altogether probable it had been brought there for this purpose. Andre
reluctantly complied with the request. He did not know that he was
within the American lines until he heard the voice of a sentinel near
the village of Haverstraw. His uniform was concealed by a long blue
surtout, but he knew that he was in real danger because he was within
the enemy's lines without a flag or pass. At dawn they reached Smith's
house, and at the same moment heard the sound of a cannonade on the
river. It was in the direction of the _Vulture_."
"Fired by the Americans, papa, or by the British?" asked Elsie.
"The Americans," replied her father. "It was an attack upon the
British ship _Vulture_. Colonel Livingston had heard that she lay so
near the shore as to be within cannon shot and had conceived the idea
of destroying her, and during the night had sent a party with cannon
from Verplanck's Point; and at dawn, from Teller's Point, they opened
fire upon the _Vulture_; so severe a one that the vessel's crew raised
her anchor and moved down the river.
"Colonel Livingston had asked Arnold for two pieces of heavy cannon
for the purpose of destroying the _Vulture_, but on some slight
pretence Arnold refused, and Livingston's detachment could bring only
one four-pounder to bear upon her.
"Colonel Lamb of West Point furnished the ammunition--but grudgingly,
saying that firing at a ship with a four-pounder was, in his opinion,
a waste of powder. As Lossing remarks, he little thought what an
important bearing that cannonade was to have upon the destinies of
America. It drove the _Vulture_ from her moorings, and was one of the
causes of the fatal detention of Andre at Smith's house. The _Vulture_
was so seriously damaged that had she not got off with the flood tide
she would have had to surrender to the Americans. Andre was anxious
and troubled at sight of her retreat, but when the firing ceased his
spirits revived. He and Arnold went on arranging their plot, and
settled upon the day when it should be consummated.
"Andre was to go back to New York; the British vessels, carrying
troops, were to be ready to come up the river at a moment's notice,
and Arnold was to weaken the post at West Point by sending out
detachments among the mountain gorges under the pretence of meeting
the enemy, as they advanced, at a distance from the works; and that
the river might be left free for the passage of the British vessels a
link from the great chain at Constitution Island was to be removed. So
the enemy could take possession with very little resistance.
"Also Arnold supplied Andre with papers explaining the military
condition of West Point and its dependencies, asking him to place them
between his stockings and his feet, and in case of accident to destroy
them. He also gave him a pass; then bade him adieu and went up the
river in his barge; probably feeling greatly satisfied with the
thought that he had at last fully succeeded in carrying out his wicked
scheme to betray his country.
"Andre remained where he was until evening, then asked Smith to take
him back to the _Vulture_. Smith refused, saying he was not well--had
the ague. Probably, though, it had been caused by the firing upon the
_Vulture_, as he was willing to go with Andre if he would take the
land route.
"To that Andre finally consented, as he had no other means of reaching
the vessel. Arnold had persuaded him that in case of taking a land
route he would better exchange his military coat for a citizen's
dress, and that he did. Both that and the receiving of papers were
contrary to the orders of Sir Henry Clinton; but Andre felt obliged to
be governed by the unforeseen circumstances in which he was now
placed. He and Smith started on the short journey together, Smith
promising to conduct him as far as the lower outposts of the American
line.
"A little before sunset, on the evening of September 22d, they crossed
King's Ferry, accompanied by a negro servant, and at dusk passed
through the works at Verplanck's Point and turned toward White Plains.
They had gone as far as Crompond, a little village about eight miles
from Verplanck's Point, when they were hailed by a sentinel who
belonged to a party under Captain Boyd. That officer asked the
travellers many searching questions, and would not be satisfied that
all was right until they showed him Arnold's pass. He had a light
brought and examined the pass, and, seeing that it was genuine, he
gave them permission to go on, after he had apologized for his doubts
of them and given them a friendly warning of danger from the Cowboys
in the neighborhood. He advised them on that account to travel no
farther till morning; but Smith said their business was urgent and
they must make haste to reach White Plains.
"At that the captain went on to speak very strongly of the dangers of
the way, till he so aroused the fears of Smith that he was disposed to
tarry where they were for the rest of the night. Andre was not so
inclined, and it was some time before Smith could induce him to stay
and take lodging in a near-by cottage.
"They occupied the same bed, and Smith afterward told that it was a
weary and restless night for Andre. They left their bed at dawn and
again started upon their journey. As they neared Pine's Bridge, Smith
assured Andre that they were beyond patrolling parties, and Andre at
once shook off his depression and talked gaily, discoursing upon arts,
literature, poetry, and the common topics of the day. Near Pine's
Bridge they separated; Smith went to Fishkill, stopping at the
Robinson House on his way to tell Arnold the particulars of his little
journey with Andre and where he had left him.
"Smith and others had advised Andre not to take the Tarrytown road
because of the many Cowboys in that neighborhood, but Andre,
considering them his friends, disregarded the advice, and, in
consequence, met his sad fate."
"It was a pity for him, but a good thing for our country," remarked
Lucilla.
"Yes," her father said. "On that very morning a little band of seven
volunteers went out near Tarrytown to prevent cattle from being driven
to New York, and to arrest any suspicious characters who might be
travelling that way. A man named John Yerks proposed the expedition
the day before, and enlisted several others to take part in the
enterprise. They reached Tarrytown early on the day Andre did. Four of
them agreed to watch the road from a hill above, while Paulding, Van
Wart, and David Williams were to conceal themselves in the bushes
beside the stream and near the post road.
"Eleven days after that, at the trial of Smith, Paulding and Williams
told the story of their capture of Andre. Paulding testified that he,
Isaac Van Wart, and David Williams were lying by the side of the road
about half a mile above Tarrytown and fifteen miles above Kingsbridge,
between nine and ten o'clock on Saturday morning, the 23d of
September. That they had lain there about an hour and a half, as
nearly as he could recollect, and had seen several persons with whom
they were acquainted and whom they let pass. Presently one of the
young men with him said, 'There comes a gentlemanlike-looking man who
appears to be well dressed and has boots on. You'd better step out and
stop him, if you don't know him.'
"Paulding went on to say that on that he got up, presented his
firelock at the breast of the traveler, told him to stand, and then
asked him which way he was going. 'Gentlemen,' said Andre, 'I hope you
belong to our party.' Paulding asked him what party. He answered, 'The
lower party.' Paulding said he did; then Andre said, 'I am a British
officer, out in the country on particular business, and I hope you
will not detain me a minute.' Then, to show that he was a British
officer, he drew out his watch. Upon that Paulding told him to
dismount. 'I must do anything to get along,' he said, and made a kind
of laugh of it, and pulled out General Arnold's pass, which was to
John Anderson, to pass all guards to White Plains and below. Upon that
he dismounted, and said, 'Gentlemen, you had best let me go, or you
will bring yourselves into trouble, for your stopping me will detain
the general's business'; and he said he was going to Dobbs Ferry to
meet a person there and get intelligence for General Arnold.
"'Upon that,' continued Paulding, 'I told him I hoped he would not be
offended; that we did not mean to take anything from him; and I told
him there were many bad people on the road, and I did not know but
perhaps he might be one,' Paulding also said that he asked the person
his name, and was told that it was John Anderson. He added that if
Anderson had not already told that he was a British officer, he would
have let him go on seeing Arnold's pass. He also said that he
understood the pulling out of the watch to mean to show that he was a
British officer; not that he was offering it to his captors.
"Williams too gave his testimony in regard to the occurrences. 'We
took him into the bushes,' he said, 'and ordered him to pull off his
clothes, which he did; but on searching him narrowly we could not find
any sort of writing. We told him to pull off his boots, which he
seemed to be indifferent about; but we got one boot off and searched
in it, but could find nothing. But we found that there were some
papers in the bottom of his stocking next to his foot; on which we
made him pull his stocking off, and found three papers wrapped up. Mr.
Paulding looked at the contents, and said that he was a spy. We then
made him pull off his other boot, and there we found three more papers
at the bottom of his foot, within his stocking. Upon this we made him
dress himself, and I asked him what he would give us to let him go. He
said he would give us any sum of money. I asked him whether he would
give us his horse, saddle, bridle, watch, and one hundred guineas. He
said Yes, and told us he would direct them to any place, even if it
was that very spot, so that we could get them. I asked him whether he
would not give us more. He said he would give us any quantity of dry
goods, or any sum of money, and bring it to any place that we might
pitch upon, so that we might get it. Mr. Paulding answered, "No; if
you would give us ten thousand guineas, you should not stir one step."
I then asked the person who had called himself John Anderson if he
would not get away if it lay in his power. He answered, "Yes, I
would." I told him I did not intend he should. While taking him along
we asked him a few questions, and we stopped under a shade. He begged
us not to ask him questions, and said that when he came to any
commander he would reveal all.
"'He was dressed in a blue overcoat,' Williams went on to say, 'and a
tight bodycoat that was a kind of claret color, though a rather deeper
red than claret. The buttonholes were laced with gold tinsel, and the
buttons drawn over with the same kind of lace. He had on a round hat,
and nankeen waistcoat and breeches, with a flannel waistcoat and
drawers, boots and thread stockings.'
"North Castle was the nearest military post, and there they took Andre
and delivered both the man and the papers they had found upon him to
Lieutenant Colonel Jameson, the officer in command.
"It seems hard to understand how Jameson could be so foolish as to
decide as he did, to send the prisoner immediately to Arnold. He knew
that some of the papers were in Arnold's undisguised handwriting, and
it seems unaccountable that the circumstances under which they had
come into his hands should not have opened his eyes to the treachery
of that officer. He wrote a letter to Arnold saying that he sent a
certain Mr. Anderson forward under the charge of Lieutenant Allen and
a guard, Anderson having been taken while on his way to New York;
adding, 'He had a passport signed in your name, and a parcel of papers
taken from under his stockings which I think of a very dangerous
tendency.' He went on to describe the papers and to say that he had
sent them to Washington.
"Major Tallmadge, who was next in command to Jameson, was that day on
duty farther down the river. When he returned in the evening and heard
of the circumstances, he was filled with astonishment at Jameson's
folly, and boldly expressed his doubts of Arnold's fidelity. He
offered to take upon himself the entire responsibility of acting on
the belief of his guilt, if Jameson would consent. But Jameson refused
to allow anything that would seem to imply distrust of Arnold.
"Then Tallmadge earnestly begged of him to have the prisoner brought
back. Jameson gave an unwilling consent to that, but insisted on
forwarding his letter and informing the general why the prisoner was
not sent on. That was the letter Arnold received in time to enable him
to make his escape to the _Vulture_.
"Jameson at once sent an express after Lieutenant Allen, who had Andre
in charge, directing him to take his prisoner back to headquarters at
North Castle.
"When Major Tallmadge saw Andre, and noticed his manner and gait as he
paced the room, he felt convinced that he was a military man and more
than ever certain that Arnold was indeed a traitor. He talked the
matter over with Jameson and partly convinced him. The result was the
removal of Andre to Colonel Sheldon's quarters at North Salem, as a
more secure place.
"There Andre wrote a letter to Washington, giving his name and rank
and a brief account of the occurrences which had brought him into his
present situation. This he handed to Major Tallmadge, who learned with
astonishment that his prisoner was the adjutant-general of the British
Army.
"The letter was sealed and sent to General Washington, and the
prisoner seemed to feel relieved. In obedience to an order from
Washington, Andre was taken to West Point and kept there until the
morning of the 28th, when he was conducted to Stony Point and from
there, under a strong escort, to Tappan. Major Tallmadge commanded the
escort and rode by Andre's side all the way. He and Andre were about
the same age and held the same rank in their respective armies. They
talked on the way as familiarly as possible. Andre told Tallmadge that
he was to have taken part in the attack on West Point if Arnold's
plans had succeeded; that he had asked no reward but the military
glory to be won by such service to his king, though he had been
promised the rank and pay of a brigadier-general if he had succeeded.
He inquired earnestly of Tallmadge what would probably be the result
of his capture. In reply Tallmadge reminded him of the fate of the
unfortunate Captain Hale.
"'But you surely do not consider his case and mine alike?' said Andre.
"'Yes, precisely similar, and similar will be your fate,' replied
Tallmadge.
"The prospect of that--the being branded as a spy--greatly distressed
poor Andre; he seemed to feel it the very worst part of his sad fate."
"To be called a spy, papa?" asked Ned.
"Yes; it is an odious name, and in his case would not have the excuse
that it was work undertaken for the salvation of his country, as it
was in that of Nathan Hale."
"Nathan Hale? Who was he, papa? and what did he do?"
"I must go on with this story now, and you shall learn that of Captain
Hale at another time," replied his father.
"Washington now made arrangements for the security of West Point,
then went to the army at Tappan. There he called together a board of
general officers and directed them to inquire into the case of Andre
and report to him, stating in what light they thought the prisoner
should be regarded and what his punishment should be. That court was
convened at Tappan on the 29th of September, and Major Andre arraigned
before it. He made a plain statement of the facts, acknowledged and
confirmed the account he had given in his letter to Washington,
confessed that he came ashore in the night and without a flag, and
answered the question whether he had anything further to say in regard
to the charges against him by the remark, 'I leave them to operate
with the board, persuaded that you will do me justice.'
"He was sent back to prison while the board deliberated long and
carefully over the question of his guilt. Their final verdict was that
'Major Andre, adjutant-general of the British Army, ought to be
considered as a spy from the enemy, and that agreeably to the law and
usage of nations, it is their opinion that he ought to suffer death.'
"The next day Washington's approval of the decision was given,
accompanied by the order that the execution should take place on the
following day at five o'clock P. M."
"What a pity!" exclaimed Grace. "I think I have read that our officers
felt sorry for him and would have been glad to spare his life. Was it
not so, papa?"
"Yes," the captain said. "There was a general desire on the part of
the Americans to save his life, and I think no one desired it more
earnestly than Washington, if it could have been done in a manner
consistent with his public duty. The only way to accomplish that was
by exchanging him for Arnold, and holding the latter responsible for
the acts of his victim. A formal proposition of the kind would not
answer,--Washington could not make, nor Clinton accept it,--but a plan
to attempt such an arrangement was decided upon. A trusty officer of
the New Jersey line, Captain Aaron Ogden, was given a packet of papers
by Washington containing an official account of Andre's trial, the
decision of the board of inquiry, and Andre's letter to his general.
Ogden was told to choose his escort of men known for their fidelity,
then go to Lafayette for further instructions.
"Lafayette was in command of the light infantry and stationed nearest
to the British. He instructed Ogden to travel so slowly that he would
not reach Paulus Hotel till near night, and he would be invited to
stay there till morning. He was then to get into talk with the
commandant of the post about this affair of Andre, and suggest that it
would be well to exchange him for Arnold if it could be done.
"It all occurred just as planned: the commandant received Ogden
courteously, sent the package across the river, invited him to stay
all night, and in the course of conversation Andre's case was
introduced.
"'Is there no way to spare his life?' asked the commandant.
"'If Sir Henry Clinton would give up Arnold, Andre might be saved,'
replied Ogden. 'I have no assurance to that effect from General
Washington, but I have reason to know that such an arrangement might
be effected.'
"'On hearing that the commandant left the company immediately,
crossed the river, and had an interview with Sir Henry Clinton. It
availed nothing, however. Sir Henry at once refused compliance; honor,
he said, would not allow the surrender of Arnold--a man who had
deserted from the Americans and openly espoused the cause of the king.
"When Ogden mustered his men at dawn the next morning a sergeant was
missing. He had deserted to the enemy during the night. There was no
time to search for him, and they returned to Tappan without him."
"Did he go over to the British, papa? Oh, what a naughty man!" cried
Ned.
"That was what his fellow-soldiers thought," returned the captain with
a smile. "But he was really obeying Washington, who wanted him to
obtain in that way some very important information. A paper had been
intercepted in which was the name of General St. Clair, mentioned in
such a way as to excite suspicion that he was connected with Arnold's
treason. The sergeant, who was an intelligent man, soon discovered
that there was no ground for such suspicion, and that the paper which
had excited it was designed by the enemy to fall into Washington's
hands and excite jealousy and ill-feeling among the American officers.
The papers were traced to a British emissary named Brown.
"Sir Henry Clinton was much distressed on reading Washington's
despatch and the letter of Andre. He summoned a council of officers
and it was at once resolved to send a deputation of three persons to
the nearest American outpost to open communication with Washington,
present proofs of Andre's innocence, and try to procure his release.
General Robertson, Andrew Elliott, and William Smith were the men
chosen as the committee, and Beverly Robinson went with them as a
witness in the case. Toward noon, on the last of October, they arrived
at Dobbs Ferry, in the _Greyhound_ schooner, with a flag of truce.
"General Greene had been appointed by Washington to act in his behalf,
and was already at the ferry when the _Greyhound_ came to anchor.
General Robertson opened the conference with great courtesy of manner
and flattering words, and was going on to discuss the subject of
conference, when General Greene politely interrupted him by saying,
'Let us understand our position. I meet you only as a private
gentleman, not as an officer, for the case of an acknowledged spy
admits of no discussion.'
"With that understanding the conference was carried on, the British
saying what they could in Andre's favor, but bringing forward nothing
that affected the justice of his sentence. Then a letter from Arnold
to Washington was produced. It was impudent, malignant, and
hypocritical; menaced Washington with dreadful retaliation if Andre
should be executed, prophesying that it would cause torrents of blood
to flow, and the guilt of that would be upon Washington. Such a letter
could not reasonably be expected to produce any good effect.
"The conference ended at sunset. Robertson expressed his confidence
that Greene would be candid in reporting to Washington the substance
of what had passed between them, adding that he should remain on board
the _Greyhound_ all night, and that he hoped that in the morning he
might take Major Andre back with him, or at least hear that his life
was safe.
"Robertson was overwhelmed with astonishment and grief when early the
next morning he received a note from Greene stating that Washington's
opinion and decision were unchanged, and the prisoner would be
executed that day.
"Sir Henry Clinton wrote to Washington, offering some important
prisoners in exchange; but it was too late.
"Andre showed no fear of death, but was very solicitous to be shot
rather than hanged. He pleaded for that with touching but manly
earnestness, importuning Washington in a letter written the day before
his death. It was, however, contrary to the customs of war, and
Washington, kind-hearted as he was, could not grant his request.
"Major Andre was executed at Tappan on the 2d of October, 1780, at
twelve o'clock. A large detachment of troops was paraded; there was an
immense concourse of people present; excepting Washington and his
staff, almost all the field officers were there on horseback. There
was a strong feeling of pity for the young man, and the whole scene
was very affecting. I suppose the general feeling was that he was
suffering the punishment that ought, if possible, to have been meted
out to Arnold--the traitor."
"I think history says that Andre went through it all very bravely;
does it not, captain?" asked Sydney.
"Yes; there was a smile on his countenance as he walked from the
stone-house where he had been confined, to the place of execution, and
he bowed politely to several officers whom he knew, they returning it
respectfully. He had hoped to be shot rather than hanged, and when he
suddenly came in view of the gallows he started backward and made a
pause. An officer by his side asked, 'Why this emotion, sir?' Andre
instantly recovered his composure, and answered, 'I am reconciled to
my death, but I detest the mode,' Tears came into the eyes of many of
the spectators as they saw him take off his hat and stock, and bandage
his own eyes. He slipped the noose over his head, and adjusted it to
his neck with perfect firmness. He was then told that he had an
opportunity to speak if he wished to do so. At that he raised the
handkerchief from his eyes, and said, 'I pray you to bear me witness
that I meet my fate like a brave man.' He had said of the manner of
his death, 'It will be but a momentary pang,' and so it proved, as, on
the removal of the wagon on which he stood, he expired almost
instantly. The body was placed in an ordinary coffin, and buried at
the foot of the gallows. And the spot was consecrated by the tears of
thousands."
"But it doesn't lie there now?" Sydney said half in assertion, half
inquiringly.
"No; in 1831 it was taken up, carried to England, and buried near his
monument in Westminster Abbey. But here we are at our temporary home
again, and further talk on these interesting historical themes must be
deferred until our usual gathering together on the porch for an
evening chat," said the captain as the boat rounded to at the wharf
below Evelyn's cottage.