General Washington's spies on Long Island and in New York

by Morton Pennypacker

ARNOLD AND ANDRÉ MEET

We now come to the evening of the 20th of September, 1780. Joshua Hett Smith, returning from Fishkill, met Samuel Colquhoun[45] after crossing the river near Stony Point, and asked him to accompany him to his house. When they had ascended the stairs and were in Smith’s private room he asked Colquhoun to go with him that night a piece down the river. Colquhoun told Smith he had no mind to go, and did not want to go, and Smith did not urge him. Then Smith told Colquhoun he must send him up express to General Arnold, and they should go over to the other house; but upon Colquhoun telling him again that he had no mind to go Smith seemed to urge his going and said it was great business. Colquhoun then agreed to go. They went over to the house of Smith’s brother and there Colquhoun was furnished with a horse, and a paper to Major Keirs[46] and started off to General Arnold.

The sun was rising when Colquhoun reached the headquarters of Arnold, on the east bank of the Hudson River, below West Point. The General was not up but he delivered the letter from Smith to a gentleman there[47] and in a few minutes he was informed there was no occasion for an answer. He was requested however to return as quickly as he could. That afternoon Arnold passed him and rode to Smith’s house.

When Smith again hailed Colquhoun it was near sun down as he was going for the cows. He told him to come up to his house as the General wanted to speak with him. He found Arnold there and was asked by him to go a piece that night. Colquhoun told him he could not go as he had been up the night before, and he also told him he was afraid to go, but General Arnold urged, and told him if he was a friend to his country he should do his best. Colquhoun then asked Arnold where he wanted him to go and was told on board the ship in the river. Smith told him there was a man there the General wanted to see very much. Colquhoun then asked what was the reason he could not stay till the morning and Arnold replied that it must be done that night. Colquhoun’s next excuse was that he could not go alone, and then Smith told him to go fetch his brother. In a short time Colquhoun returned and reported that his wife objected to his going and that the guard boats were out. Arnold told him there was no danger from the guard boats and also that if he did not go he would look upon him as a disaffected man. He then went for his brother and when they returned they argued awhile before consenting to go. This brother was Joseph Colquhoun, and he has left such a concise narrative that much of it is here quoted.

“Mr. Smith, last Thursday night week, sent word to me to come over to his house, and he wanted to speak to me. I went. When I came there he met me at the door, and sat down on the bench with me, and on asking him what was his desire, he said he wanted me to go with him that night. On asking Mr. Smith where he wanted to go, he said, ‘A little way down the river.’ On asking him how far and where, he said ‘On board the man-of-war as a flag, on business of General Arnold.’ I told him I was sorry I was wanted for that purpose, and said, upon any other thing I was willing to serve him or the General. Mr. Smith asked me why, and said there was no hurt in going, as it was general business. On asking him whether he did not think we should be taken up by the water-guard, (meaning the Continental water guard,) he said, No, for he had a Pass from the General to go, and the countersign he said was ‘Congress,’ which, when he came up he must give, and so pass. Mr. Smith made answer to me and said, ‘Have you not always heard that I was a friend to the country, and did that which was always best for the country?’ I told him, Yes, and always thought he was, upon which I asked him why the flag was not sent down in the day time, as it ought to be done? He said because it was to be kept private from the inhabitants and common men. The officers, he said, knew it, and said there was a man on board, that the General wanted to speak to; and that he must be brought on shore and carried on board again. I then told him I did not chuse to go. He said there was no hurt in going, at all; and said if anything should come against me he would defend me, and clear me from all. I told him he could not clear me if there was any bad in it; and Mr. Smith afterwards got up and went into the house to General Arnold. General Arnold came out soon after Mr. Smith went in, and said, upon his coming out, I need not be afraid to go with Mr. Smith, and said it must be done for the good of the country; and said it was not done in private, for the officers at the Ferry knew it, the Captain of the water guards also, and had the countersign; and that it was not a secret to any persons but the inhabitants and common men. I thought at first it was not good, but thought otherwise upon the General’s mentioning that it was known. The General also said Major Kierce had agreed to send him up a boat to the creek at Colonel Hay’s landing place, but had not done it, and he did not know the reason; upon which Mr. Smith asked me if I would take his horse and ride down to the ferry, to see whether the boat was come. I said No, he ought send his negro: he ordered the negro to get the horse, and the negro went off. While the negro was gone myself and my brother concluded not to go; but both were afraid to tell the General of it, and afraid not to go for him, and the time passed away until the negro came. When he came I asked him what news concerning the boat; and he said he did not know, and he brought a letter from Major Kierce to the General, upon which I told my brother I would go up and tell the General. I had no mind to go and as I was going up, I met Mr. Smith in the entry, and he told me the General wanted to speak with me; and he passed out to the stoop, and I went into the room to the General, who was sitting by a table, with paper, and his speaking to me, I acquainted him I had no mind to go, as it was late; and said I would rather go in the morning. General Arnold said he must go to headquarters by ten o’clock in the morning; and if I would not assist when I was required for the good of my country and Congress, he would put me under guard immediately. Upon which Mr. Smith came in and I went out; and just after this Mr. Smith came out to the stoop; asked my brother and myself if we would have a dram, and gave us each one, and afterwards the General came out, and Mr. Smith and myself and brother were together. The General and Mr. Smith talked together, but what they said I do not know. My brother, Mr. Smith and myself went down to the landing, about a half mile below King’s Ferry, and passed off in the boat; and I think it was pretty well near midnight when we got off. Mr. Smith had on a whitish coat, a pretty large one, which I have seen him wear before.”

The boatman’s story is here interrupted to insert paragraphs in the words of Joshua H. Smith, more complete in detail than Colquhoun’s.

“After General Arnold had given the order for muffling the oars, that we might not be impeded by the boats that guarded the shores, a precaution necessary, as there was a regular water patrole, to prevent those disaffected to the American interest, or Tories, as the friends to the royal cause were called, from carrying provisions or intelligence to the British ships occasionally lying in the river. This precaution, however, staggered the confidence of the eldest of the watermen, who bluntly told General Arnold that if the business was of a fair and upright nature, as he assured them it was, he saw no necessity for any disguise, or to seize the veil of night to execute that which might be as well transacted in broad daylight. The watermen were simple, honest men, had been accustomed to their occupation, and were my tenants, in whom I could place the utmost confidence. General Arnold insisted on their pursuing the business, and assured them he had the command of the militia of the county for 60 miles round West Point by order of Congress....

“The Vulture was then lying at the extremity of Haverstraw Bay. The night was serene, the tide favorable, and the silent manner in which we passed the fort at Stony Point, at the mouth of Haverstraw Creek, precluded any obstructions; in short, although the distance was nearly 12 miles, we soon reached the ship. On our approach we were hailed by the Sentinel on deck, ordered to bring to, and questioned whither bound? I answered, with a flag of truce to the Vulture sloop of war, upon which I was heartily assailed with a volley of oaths, all in the peculiarity of sea language, by the officer commanding the watch on the quarter deck, and commanded instantly to haul alongside, or he would blow us out of the water. Upon coming alongside, I was saluted with another discharge of the same nautical eloquence; and orders were given to hoist the rebel rascal on board, which was prevented by my climbing up a rope fastened to the main chains, and so reaching the main deck. I was questioned as to my business, and how I could presume to come on board his Majesty’s ship under colour of a flag of truce at night? To which I answered, I was so authorized by my papers, which I requested he would give to captain Sutherland, the commander of the ship, and Colonel Robinson, as I knew they were on board; this request, however, seemed to have no effect; but he poured on me torrents of abuse, threatening to hang me at the yard-arm, as he said another rebel had been a few days before; being nevertheless unintimidated, and seeing Colonel Robinson and the Captain, for whom I had letters, I raised my voice and said, he must be answerable for my being delayed: whether I was heard in the cabin or not I cannot say, but soon afterwards a boy came on deck and said, ‘the captain orders the man below.’ He conducted me into the cabin, where on my entrance I saw a venerable looking gentleman, whom I recognised to be Colonel Beverly Robinson, dressed in a regimental uniform. He received me politely, desired me to be seated, and shortly introduced me to Captain Sutherland, who lay ill in his birth. Colonel Beverly Robinson having perused the letter from General Arnold, apologized for retiring a few minutes, ordering some refreshments, and left me to converse with Captain Sutherland, to whom I related my uncourtly reception on deck; and his amiable urbanity compensated me for the incivility of his officer on deck. Having conversed with Captain Sutherland for twenty minutes on indifferent subjects, Colonel Robinson returned, and introduced Mr. Anderson to me, saying he was mentioned in General Arnold’s letter, for whom he had sent a pass to come on shore, in case he Colonel Robinson should be unable to accompany me. Colonel Robinson pleaded indisposition, and said Mr. Anderson could as effectually answer all the purposes by going on shore as himself; there seemed no reluctance on the part of Anderson to supply Colonel Robinson’s place, and he appeared in a dress equipped for the purpose, wearing boots and a large blue great-coat. For my own part it made no difference to me who bore me company, so that the object of my mission was fully answered, and the great national ends obtained, which Arnold assured me would be the result of the affair.

“Mr. Anderson being ready, we left the ship, and were rowed in a short time to the western shore, to the place which General Arnold had appointed for the interview; this was at the foot of a mountain called the Long Clove, near the low water mark, whither my servant had conducted General Arnold, on horseback, he being still lame from his wounds.

“Very little conversation passed between Mr. Anderson and myself, excepting trivial remarks about the tide, the weather, and matters of no concern. Mr. Anderson, from his youthful appearance and the softness of his manners, did not seem to me to be qualified for a business of such moment....

“On my approach to the place of appointment, I found General Arnold ready to receive me; he was hid among firs. I mentioned to him Colonel Beverly Robinson’s reason for not accompanying me, and the delegation of a young gentleman, a Mr. Anderson, whom I had brought with me, and who was then with the watermen on the strand. He appeared much agitated and expressed chagrin at the disappointment of not seeing Colonel Robinson. He desired me, however, to conduct Mr. Anderson to him, which being done, he requested me to remain with the hands at the boat. I went as directed, but felt greatly mortified at not being present at the interview, to which I conceived myself entitled from my rank in life, and the trouble I had taken to effect the meeting. At length they continued such a time in conference, that I deemed it expedient to inform them of the approaching dawn of day. Shortly afterwards both came down to the boat, and General Arnold, with much earnestness, solicited me to return with Mr. Anderson to the Vulture: But I pointed out the impracticability of effecting his wish, from the great distance, and the fatigue of the hands. He then applied to the men, who declared themselves unable to gratify his wish, through want of strength to accomplish it, and the ebb tide being against them. Convinced of the apparent impracticability of the attempt to reach the ship and return before day without being discovered from either shore by the inhabitants, whose eyes were constantly watching the movements on the river, not only from the forts, but the surrounding shores, he relinquished his solicitations, and desired I would endeavour to return the boat to the place from whence we first embarked: this with much labour, and taking the circuit of the eddies, was nearly effected, (as we left the boat at Crane’s Island) when our attention was called to the cannonade from Gallows Point against the Vulture, which was compelled to fall down the river and appeared to be set on fire.”

Joseph Colquhoun continues the narrative by saying: “When we landed at Crom’s Island, I stepped out and got down under a bush, and was drowsy, and had no conversation with Mr. Smith and I declare I have not seen Mr. Smith from that time until this day. General Arnold promised me fifty weight of flour for going on board the vessel; but I never saw it.... When we came to Mr. Smith’s house it was after day-light. I saw Mr. Arnold there. He walked lame and had on a blue coat and white breeches.”

Smith says that on his return he found General Arnold and Mr. Anderson had arrived long before him. Mr. Anderson having mounted the horse his servant rode when he followed Arnold to the Long Clove. Anderson appeared vexed that the ship had been compelled to leave her position. Breakfast was soon served and during the meal one of the topics of conversation was the arrival of the fleet at New York under Arbuthnot. A recurrence of his chronic complaint, together with loss of sleep obliged Smith to retire as soon as they had finished the meal. Arnold and André were left alone the greater part of the day.

There is no reliable statement as to where they went but it is probable that Arnold improved this opportunity to show Major André the West Point approaches. Major Tallmadge found André thoroughly familiar with them, and outlined his intentions when six days later he was escorted down the river in a barge. On that trip with Tallmadge André could point to a table of land on the west shore, which he said was the spot where he should have landed at the head of a select corps, and he was able to traverse the course up the mountain in the rear of Fort Putnam, which overlooked the whole Parade of West Point, with great exactness. Later in the day they returned to Smith’s house, and there was some talk of going to the “Vulture,” which it was noticed had nearly regained her former station; but probably the cannon that could hit the mark with one shot deterred them; General Arnold returned to West Point after suggesting that it would be necessary for Anderson to discard his military coat in exchange for a plain one, which Smith furnished. Smith says he showed André the prospect from the upper part of his house, from whence there was an extensive view over the capacious bay of Haverstraw, to the opposite shore and adds: “He cast an anxious look towards the Vulture and with a heavy sigh wished he was on board.” Smith having promised to accompany André at least part way to the White Plains by land was now urged to prepare for their departure, and his servant having been ordered to get the horses ready they started for the ferry about sun down.

Major Burroughs was the first to notice the party on their way to King’s Ferry on that 22d of September, 1780. His testimony follows:

“Between sundown and dark I was overtaken on the road, about three quarters of a mile from Stoney Point, by Mr. Smith and another gentleman; Mr. Smith’s servant, a negro boy, was with him: Mr. Smith as he passed by, spoke, and said ‘How do you do, Captain Livingston?’ I told him he was mistaken; on that he stopped, and said: ‘How do you do, Major Burroughs?’ and turned about his horse, and talked to me for about a minute, in which time, I rode up between the gentleman who was with Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith while he stopped told me he was going for Mrs. Smith and the ladies, to West Point and should be happy to see me at tea the next afternoon; Mr. Smith then turned about his horse, and rode off pretty fast; I told him I thought it rather late, and he said he had business. André had a round hat on and a blue coat or cloak, the cape of which was buttoned up tight around the neck, and the other part was also buttoned.”

Another half mile and they are before the tent of William Jameson, who records that on Friday evening, just as it was getting dusk, the twenty-second day of September, 1780, Mr. Smith came to his tent at King’s Ferry, on Stoney Point side, after sun down, with a gentleman who was in company and a waiter; the gentleman who was in company with Mr. Smith rode a little past the tent, and Mr. Smith made a halt; there were some gentlemen sitting in the tent, who handed him a bowl of liquor they had been drinking out of, upon which Mr. Smith dismounted his horse and handed the bowl to him and desired he would fill it, which he did; as he handed him the liquor again Mr. Smith spoke to Mr. Cooley, and said, “in three weeks’ time we shall all be in New York;” Mr. Cooley made answer, “Sir, I don’t know,” upon which Mr. Smith said, “Let it be three months;” Mr. Smith upon this, took his horse and went off, down to the ferry-stairs; the person with Mr. Smith had on a flopped hat and a great coat, the color I cannot recollect; the person rode a little past when Mr. Smith halted, made a little halt and he was on the ferry-stairs when Mr. Smith got down; Mr. Smith at his tent, took one drink out of the bowl, handed it about, and then went down to the Ferry-stairs.” William Jameson’s statement above was confirmed by William Cooley.

* * * * *

Cornelius and Lambert Lambert, with their brother Henry Lambert, were the ferrymen. Smith urged them to greater speed and when they reached the shore he gave Henry, who steered the boat, an eight dollar bill. Benjamin Acker was also an observer.

The party, still consisting of André, Smith and the colored boy, all mounted, are now on the east bank of the Hudson river near Verplanck’s Point. Here James Livingston, who fired the cannon that morning at daylight, landing the first shot on the deck of the Vulture, has a word to say: “Just after dark Smith stopped at my marquee for a few minutes. I asked him where he was going. He said up toward General Arnold’s, or that route, and I gave him one letter to be delivered to General Arnold and another to General Clinton as he had informed me it was likely he would go that route. I then urged him to stay awhile and take supper or a drink of grog. He then informed me that there was a gentleman waiting for him that had just rode on, and was in a hurry to get off, and informed me his business was very urgent, and I did not insist on his staying any longer. He then rode off and I did not see the person who was with him, it being dark and he having rode forward. I desired him to request the person to walk in, and he informed me the gentleman had rode on slowly, and he was in a hurry to go after him.”

* * * * *

It was four miles to Peekskill and about eight miles to Crompond, and it is at Crompond where they are next discovered.

“Last Friday a week ago, the 22d of September last,” says Ebenezer Boyd in relating the event, “between eight and nine o’clock, as near as I can recollect, at night, the sentry stopped Mr. Smith, another person, and a negro with him. When the sentry hailed them, they answered, ‘Friends.’ The sentry ordered one to dismount; Mr. Smith readily dismounted, and spoke to the person who was with him to hold his horse, and Mr. Smith advanced till he came near the sentry; Mr. Smith asked who commanded the party; the sentry said Captain Boyd; upon that I was called for; what passed between Mr. Smith and the sentry I heard, as I have related, being close by the sentry; Mr. Smith came to me, upon my calling for him; I asked him who he was; he told me his name was Joshua Smith, and that he had a pass from General Arnold to pass all guards; I asked him where he lived, or where he belonged; he told me he lived in the white house on the other side of King’s Ferry; I asked him what time he crossed the ferry; he said about dusk; I asked him how far he was bound for, and where to? He told me he intended to go that night as far as Major Strang’s; I told him Major Strang was not at home, and he spoke something of going to old Colonel Gil Drake’s, as he was an old acquaintance of his; I told him he did not live where he used to, but had moved to Salem; I told him about his saying he was going to Major Strang’s, that his lady might be in bed, and it would incommode her much, likewise I desired to see Mr. Smith’s pass; and went into a little house close by there, and got a light; and I found that he had a pass from General Arnold, to pass all guards to the White Plains, and return, being on business of importance, I think were the words of the pass. After I had read the pass we came out, and Mr. Smith and myself talked alone privately; then I desired him to let me know something of his business; he made answer that he had no objection to my knowing it; he told me that he was a brother of William Smith, in New York, though very different in principle, and that he was employed by General Arnold to go with the person who was with him to get intelligence from the enemy; and they expected to meet a gentleman at or near White Plains, for the same purpose. I asked Mr. Smith what gentlemen he was who was with him. Mr. Smith said he was a gentleman that General Arnold had in his employ; and told me his name was John Anderson. I think Mr. Smith told me he was not so positive as that he should go himself, as far as the White Plains, or not; on this I advised Mr. Smith to put up there, at one Andraes Miller’s, close by where we were, and so start as soon as it was light; the reasons I gave Mr. Smith were, that the riding in the night would be dangerous when they got below Croton River, from the Cow Boys; Mr. Smith made answer that he would speak to his partner; whereupon Mr. Smith went to him; I was pretty close to them; and when they conversed together they spoke low; Mr. Smith told him he thought it would be best to put up, and said he thought they might be interrupted; upon that they concluded to turn back to this house, to put up; I concluded in my mind their speaking low was occasioned by what Mr. Smith had said to me before, which was, he did not want everyone to know what business they were on; Mr. Smith then asked my opinion about the roads, which would be the safest to the White Plains, and not fall into the hands of those ‘Cow Boys’ or Refugees; putting confidence in what they were upon, I gave him my opinion as to the safest road, that the safest road would be to go by North-Castle Church, and by Wright’s Mills, by reason if they went the Tarry-Town road, they would fall into the lower party’s hands—these ‘Cow Boys.’ I likewise advised him to call upon Captain Delavan, next morning, pretty early. Mr. Smith asked me if I thought that Captain Delavan would assist them with an escort or two or three horse. I told him I did not doubt but that he might when he came to understand what his business was. They then went back towards Andraes Miller’s, which was the last I saw of them that night. I was a little at a stand about Mr. Smith’s name being Joshua, as he was called by the name of Jo Smith, but his pass was in the name of Joshua. What made me put more confidence in what Mr. Smith told me, was, I had heard it frequently mentioned that General Howe used to employ Mr. Smith in getting intelligence.”

* * * * *

Here Smith again takes up the narrative, saying: “With no small difficulty we returned and gained admittance into a house for the night; while such was the caution and danger of admitting nocturnal inmates, that we were obliged to take to bed or keep the family up, who would not retire until they saw us safely lodged. We slept in the same bed; and I was often disturbed with the restless motions, and uneasiness of mind exhibited by my bed-fellow, who on observing the first approach of day, summoned my servant to prepare the horses for our departure. He appeared in the morning as if he had not slept an hour during the night; he at first was much dejected, but a pleasing change took place in his countenance when summoned to mount his horse. The landlord, who was a very kind and civil man refused to take any compensation for the trouble which we had given him.... We rode very cheerfully towards Pine’s bridge without interruption, or any event that excited apprehension; here I proposed to leave my companion; but I observed that the nearer we approached the bridge, the more his countenance brightened into a cheerful serenity, and he became very affable; in short, I now found him highly entertaining.... He descanted on the richness of the scenery around us, and particularly admired, from every eminence, the grandeur of the Highland mountains, bathing their summits in the clouds from their seeming watery base at the north extremity of Haverstraw Bay. The pleasantry of converse, and mildness of the weather, so insensiably beguiled the time that we at length found ourselves at the bridge before I thought we had got half way; and I now had reason to think my fellow-traveller a different person from the character I had at first formed of him.

“This bridge crosses the Croton river, a branch of the Hudson; here we halted, and at a house on the right endeavored to obtain some breakfast, from an old matronly Dutch woman, and provender for the horses; in this expectation, however, we were disappointed; the Cow Boys or Skinners had been there the night before, and taken all the supplies of her cupboard, except some Indian meal, which she had mixed up with water, and boiled into a consistency, by the Dutch called suppon. This with the addition of some milk from a single cow they had left her, was the only fare we could procure, and of this we made a good meal, our appetites being keen from having been supperless the preceding night. While at breakfast I mentioned my determination to proceed no farther. Having discharged the bill to the woman, in the local money of the county, my companion (Major André) requested me to lend him some, and I cheerfully supplied him with the half of my pocket amount, although I was afraid it was not current below that place; the bridge being accounted the south boundary of the American lines. He was affected at parting, and offered me a valuable gold watch in remembrance of him, as a keep sake, which I refused. The horse was furnished by General Arnold; the saddle and bridle were borrowed of me, with the promise that they should be returned, or the value of them paid to me.

“Having given him directions about the road he was to take upon crossing the bridge, with a message to my brother, the chief justice, whom he knew, we parted, and I proceded on my way to Fish Kill.”