JOHN ANDRÉ AND ARNOLD’S TREASON PLOT
Had the treason of Benedict Arnold been less carefully planned there might be more excuse for his conduct. Certainly at the moment many conspired to convince him that the time was approaching when it would become necessary to make peace with the mother country. The best spies of the enemy were falling into the hands of our Colonel Sheldon’s men or visiting General Parsons, and all were forwarded to Arnold, where they were able to accomplish the work they were employed to do, which was to prejudice him against his country. Letters such as Parsons’ of September 5th, in which he says “the wretches who have crept into Congress are almost below contempt: our country will never prosper in their hands and they will starve us in the midst of plenty: to deny the very obvious justice and to insult us when we require it, is left only for Politicians of the New World.” Such, and there were others reached him besides Parsons’, must have induced him to believe that self government would not succeed. But while these may have encouraged his treason they are not sufficient to excuse it. Every detail of his plot was planned with cunning. His attempt to locate all the spies is an example. The historian Marshall says he received from Lafayette the information that Arnold endeavored to procure from General Washington the names of his secret emissaries in New York, otherwise known as the Culpers. Dunlap[36] says: “An incident which the gallant and honest Lafayette tells us, marks the character of Arnold more distinctly than ever the dénouement of his diabolical plot. Before leaving the army for West Point, he went to the marquis, and mentioning his knowledge that the noble Frenchman had spies in New York, employed at his own expense, he asked their names and addresses; suggesting that their intelligence might reach him more certainly and expeditiously by the way of West Point, and suggesting that if he was in possession of their names, he might facilitate the intercourse. The gallant and ever honorable Lafayette escaped the snare laid by the arch traitor, merely through his honest and upright sense of duty—replying that those individuals had confided in him, and he could not divulge their secret to any person whatever.”
* * * * *
With our General Howe he had better success. In his letter from Robinson’s House, August 5th, he says:
“As the safety of this Post and garrison in a great measure depends on having good intelligence of the movements and designs of the enemy, and as you have been fortunate in the agents you have employed for that purpose, I must request, with their permission, to be informed who they are, as I wish to employ them, for the same purpose. I will engage upon them to make no discovery of them to any person breathing. Your complyance will oblige Dear Sir, Your affectionate and obed. Hbl. Servt.
“B. Arnold.”
The reply of Robert Howe on August 14th, was:
“The two most intelligent and confidential I got to undertake with difficulty, and they did it with the greatest reluctance and not without my pledging in the most solemn manner my honor not to inform any person upon earth of their names, or of their acting in the capacity of emisarys, they are persons of character and property, who cannot without utter ruin get out of the enemy’s power, and yet devoted to America, have agreed to serve in a way they do not like, but which is the only way they can at present serve her in. I have written to them and urged them to let me give their address to you, but having suggested to them long since how it would benefit service if I should be removed to South Carolina if they would suffer me to inform some general officers of them, they in the most positive terms refused; and it is not without great persuasion and difficulty that they are prevailed upon to continue their acting even for me; this makes me fear they will not consent to it tho I sincerely wish they may. I cannot indeed blame this caution, as their life and the ruin of their families must be the certain consequence should any accident happen to them. I have a tolerable agent who acts by way of Long Island and has been very faithful, intelligent and useful to me; he too has property. I have written to him also pressing him to disclose himself to you and have his answer: he says that he will give you information of every circumstance which relates to your post or to any part under your command, that he will task himself to give every information of the enemy’s intentions, and will faithfully report to you every movement which relates to you; he will correspond with you under the name of John Williams, and has made me pledge my honor that you will not endeavour by any means to learn his real name and if by accident you find it out that you never disclose it; this sir I have pledged myself for your assurance of. He will mark the letters Private, and you must injoin your family not to open any letters so marked.
“Robert Howe.”
In Arnold’s reply on the 16th he says:
“You lay me under infinite obligations to you, by interesting yourself so greatly in matters of such important concern to myself and my command.... You have my honor that I will not be solicitous about the real name of Mr. Williams and you may pledge my faith to him that if accident should disclose his real name to me, I will not discover it. I will take proper precautions that no gentlemen of my family open any letters addressed to me as Private.”
The most notorious spy during the War of the Revolution was unquestionably Major John André, of the British Army. So much depended upon the success or failure of his undertaking that every move he made is interesting. The part the spies of Washington played in holding him when he had almost succeeded in following the traitor Arnold to freedom, is excuse for the detail that follows:
When André’s fate was known he had a host of sympathizers but there were never many in this country whom he could call his friends. There was one notable exception. In John Graves Simcoe at Oyster Bay, Long Island, he had a faithful friend as well as an admirer. Simcoe, born in England in 1752, was sent to Eton at the age of fourteen. Thence he removed to Merton College, Oxford, where his classical education was completed. At the age of 19 he obtained a commission as ensign in the 35th Regiment, and after three years service he came to America. He landed in Boston on June 17th, 1775, the day of the Battle of Bunker Hill; soon purchased command of a company in the 40th Regiment and for distinguished service was made second in command of the Queen’s Rangers. This regiment originated in Connecticut with Colonel Rogers at its head (the same Rogers who made the Rock or Slide in Lake George famous) and was then known as Rogers’ Rangers. Under Colonel Simcoe it was composed of American Loyalists including a number of gentlemen of Virginia. To these he added a company of Highlanders and a company of Irish until it numbered 550. It was one of the most efficient and active corps in the service. Whenever possible their headquarters were at Oyster Bay. After the war he became a member of Parliament and on the division of the Canadas in 1791, he was appointed the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, where he served with great distinction.[37] During the war, when his headquarters were in the Townsend House at Oyster Bay the New York papers and London magazines contained much favorable publicity for him and his Rangers. There is reason to believe that many of these articles were either handed to or written by Culper Junior.
Colonel Simcoe was the first, aside from General Clinton, to know of Major André’s plotting. The twenty-third of August, 1780, found him back in his old quarters at Oyster Bay, after more than a month’s absence, on the east end of Long Island. He had seen much of Major André during that month and they had become warm friends, trusting each other with their confidences. Simcoe through him was able to “communicate his wishes and hopes to the commander in chief,” and André never failed to advise Simcoe of the progress of his coveted honors. “I am Deputy Adjutant General still and without confirmation of rank. I do not, however, despair of its being granted me” he writes on July 5th. The next day, from Flushing, L. I., he found another occasion to address Colonel Simcoe. Simcoe upon his return to Oyster Bay outlined a plan he wished André to submit to General Clinton and under date of August 29th, André reported as follows:
“Dear Simcoe—I laid before the General your proposed arrangement for giving officers to the troops & which he entirely approves of.... You are to draw a pay of Lt. Colonel of Cavalry.... I will speak today about your Cavalry joining you which I forgot to mention yesterday.... John André, Adjt. Gen.”
In this way, Simcoe says, “Sir Henry Clinton had been pleased to intrust him with knowledge of the important negotiation which terminated so unfortunately in the death of Major André, and at the same time he informed him on what service he should eventually employ him if it took effect, and directed him to obtain as minute a knowledge as he could of the country, where future operations were likely to be carried on.”
It appears that Benedict Arnold’s negotiations began about the time of his marriage to Margaret Shippen,[38] which occurred in April, 1779. He confided in Beverly Robinson that he was ready to return to the king’s service if a sufficiently interesting arrangement could be made. This information was conveyed to Sir Henry Clinton who saw in it great possibilities. Arnold was encouraged to open negotiations and André was to carry them to a successful conclusion. Matters were progressing slowly when, less than a week after André had written from Flushing, there came to him a letter entirely in the secret cipher used by Sir Henry Clinton. To André at that time the use of their code by an American General may have been a mystery, but it is now easily explained. Moody, a clever British spy, managed to fall into the hands of Arnold and helped him prepare the letter. He was in duress at West Point when Arnold took command and it is recorded that his condition excited the general’s attention. This letter is addressed to John Anderson (Major André) and advises the British commander that John Moore (Benedict Arnold) has accepted the command at West Point and will betray it. In full the letter follows:
(Original in the William L. Clements Library, by whose permission it is used.)
“John Moore” [Benedict Arnold] writes to “John Anderson” [Major André] advising the British Commander that he [Arnold] has accepted the command at West Point and will betray it.
See [page 126].
“I wrote to Capt. B—— on the 7th of June, that a F—— fleet and army were expected to act in conjunction with the A—— army. At the same time I gave Mr. S—— a manifesto intended to be pubished in C——a, and have from time to time communicated to him such intelligence as I thought interesting, which he assures me he has transmitted to you. I have received no answer to my letter, or any verbal message—I expect soon to command at W. Pt. and most seriously wish an interview with some intelligent officers in whom a mutual confidence could be placed. The necessity is evident to arrange and to cooperate.—An officer might be taken prisoner near that Post and permitted to return on parole, or some officer on Parole sent out to effect an exchange.
“General W—— expects on the arrival of the F—— Troops to collect 30,000 Troops to act in conjunction; if not disappointed, N. York is fixed on as the first object; if his numbers are not sufficient for that object, Can-a- is the second; of which I can inform you in time, as well as of every other design. I have accepted the command at W. P. as a Post in which I can render the most essential services, and which will be in my disposal. The mass of the people are heartily tired of the war, and wish to be on their former footing. They are promised great events from this year’s exertion. If—disappointed—you have only to persevere and the contest will soon be at an end. The present struggles are like the pangs of a dying man, violent but of a short duration.
“As life and fortune are risked by serving His Majesty, it is necessary that the latter shall be secured as well as the emoluments I give up, and a compensation for services agreed on, and a sum advanced for that purpose—which I have mentioned in a letter which accompanies this, which Sir Henry will not, I believe, think unreasonable. I am, Sir,
“Your hble Servt.
J Moore.”
“July 12th, 1780
“Mr. Jn. Anderson
“P.S. I have great confidence in the Bearer, but beg Sir Henry will threaten him with his resentment in case he abuses the confidence placed in him, which will bring certain ruin on me. The Bearer will bring me 200 guineas, and pay the remainder to Capt. A—— who is requested to receive the deposit for Mr. Moore.”
Moody was still at West Point when another now famous British spy arrived. He came with a letter of introduction from General Samuel H. Parsons, which enabled him to dine at Arnold’s table and sleep in his Headquarters. General Parsons foolishly wrote from Reading, August 28th, 1780, saying: “Mr. Heron is a neighbor of mine for whose integrity and firm attachment to the cause of the Country I will hold myself answerable.... I am certain he will conduct with strict honor every matter he undertakes.” To the Secret Service of General Washington William Heron was known as Hiram the British Spy.
From Arnold’s correspondence it would seem that at this particular time he was looking for some one besides his wife in whom he could confide his treasonable designs. His letters to Parsons became frequent. Elisha Sheldon’s letter in which he complains of the assignment General Washington had given him[39] may have given Arnold a reason to believe he could depend upon him, for Sheldon closed by saying: “The friendly acquaintance which I have been honoured with General Arnold, and his well known military character, will make me peculiarly happy in receiving any orders from him, which shall be implicitly obeyed.” Arnold the next day replied saying: “I am happy to have an officer on the lines in which I can place the greatest confidence.”
From Sheldon two spies from New York were sent to Arnold on August 14th, and another on the 19th.
Early in September he received a barrel of rum with Arnold’s compliments, which may have been responsible for his being off duty when so badly needed on September 23d. The order for the rum still exists among the Washington Papers, No. 19796, and shows that Arnold had no intentions of paying for it. In full it reads:
Head Quarters, August 28, 1780.
“Sir. In your return of Rum you will omit the puncheon of Spirits which I have ordered to be reserved for my own use. You will please to let me know how long the quantity on hand will serve the Troops and what State stores are in the Magazine. I have this day given an order for one Barrel Rum for Colonel Sheldon, that also to be left out.
“B. Arnold.”
Another now famous letter passed from Arnold to André dated August 30th, 1780. It reads:
“Sir: On the 24th instant I received a note from you without date, in answer to mine of the 7th of July, also a letter from your house of the 24th July, in answer to mine of the 15th, with a note from Mr. B——, of the 30th July; with an extract of a letter from Mr. J. Osborne of the 24th. I have paid particular attention to the contents of the several letters; had they arrived earlier, you should have had my answer sooner. A variety of circumstances has prevented my writing you before. I expect to do it very fully in a few days, and to procure you an interview with Mr. M——e, when you will be able to settle your commercial plan, I hope, agreeable to all parties. Mr. M——e assures me that he is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no means unreasonable, and makes no doubt, when he has had a conference with you, that you will close with it. He expects, when you meet, that you will be fully authorized from your House; that the risks and profits of the copartnership may be fully and clearly understood.
“A speculation might at this time be easily made to some advantage with ready money; but there is not the quantity of goods at market which your partner seems to suppose, and the number of speculators below, I think, will be against your making an immediate purchase. I apprehand goods will be in greater plenty, and much cheaper, in the course of the season; both dry and wet are much wanted and in demand at this juncture; some quantities are expected in this part of the country soon. Mr. M——e flatters himself that in the course of ten days he will have the pleasure of seeing you; he requests me to advise you, that he has ordered a draft on you in favor of our mutual friend S——y for £300, which you will charge on account of the tobacco. I am, in behalf of Mr. M——e & Co., Sir, your obedient humble servant,
“Gustavus.
“Mr John Anderson, Merchant,
“To the care of James Osborne, to be left at the Reverend Mr. Odell’s, New York.”
Next from Lower Salem, dated Sept. 6th, came a letter from Sheldon to Arnold.[40] He reports having placed the messages as Arnold directed. His letter closes with the following paragraph:
“The person mentioned is not returned from his Excursion. I have forwarded Mrs. Arnold’s letter for Major Gibs to Col. DeLancey and wrote him on the subject; in answer he writes me that if any articles are sent to him for Mrs. Arnold he will take particular care of them and inform me immediately. I fear the matter may be attended with some difficulty, as I am informed Gen. Parsons will take command on the lines tomorrow, however will do the best I can to secreet the articles should they come within my power. I have the Honor to be Dear Sir, with great Esteem & Regard Your most obt. Humbl. Sert.
“Elisha Sheldon.”
With the intention of reaching Arnold, but not caring to address him directly, Major André’s next letter was directed to Sheldon, as follows:
“New York, 7 Sept. 1780. Sir: I am told my name is made known to you, and that I may hope your indulgence in permitting me to meet a friend near Your outposts. I will endeavour to obtain permission to go out with a flag which will be sent to Dobbs’ Ferry on Sunday next the 11th at 12 o’clock, when I shall be happy to meet Mr. G. Should I not be allowed to go, the officer who is to command the escort, between whom and myself no distinction need be made, can speak on the affair. Let me entreat you, Sir, to favor a matter so interesting to the parties concerned, and which is of so private a nature that the public on neither side can be injured by it.
“I shall be happy on my part of doing any act of kindness to you in a family or property concern, of a similar nature.
“I trust I shall not be detained but should any old grudge be a cause for it, I should rather risk that than neglect the business in question or assume a mysterious character to carry on an innocent affair and as friends have advised get to your lines by stealth. I am with all regard Yr most humble sert.
“John Anderson.”
Shortly before the arrival of the above letter Colonel Sheldon received a note from Arnold reading:
“Robinson’s House, 7 September, 1780.—Since I saw you, I have had an opportunity of transmitting a letter to the person in New York, of whom I made mention, and am in expectation of procuring a meeting at your quarters. If I can bring this matter about, as I hope, I shall open a channel of intelligence, that will be regular and to be depended upon. I am, &c.
“B. Arnold.”
Sheldon was evidently mystified by these letters, and so from Lower Salem on September 9th, 1780, addressed Arnold:
“Dear Sir; Enclosed I send you a letter, which I received last evening from New York, signed John Anderson, who mentions his being made known to me. If this is the person you mentioned in your favor of yesterday, he must have had his information by your letter, as I never heard his name mentioned before I received the letter. I hope you will not fail meeting him at Dobbs’s Ferry; if you cannot meet him yourself, pray send some person that you can confide in. I am so much out of health, that I shall not be able to ride that distance in one day. I am, &c.
“Elisha Sheldon.”
Arnold showed alarm upon receiving this letter. Probably because André had spoken in such a manner as he feared would excite suspicion. In his reply to Sheldon he says:
“Robinson’s House, 10 September, 1780.
“Dear Sir; I received last night your favor of yesterday. You judge right. I wrote to Mr. Anderson on the 3d instant, requesting him to meet me at your quarters, and informed him that I had hinted the matter to you, and that you would send any letter to me, or inform me of his arrival. I did not mention his name in my letter to you, as I thought it unnecessary. I was obliged to write with great caution to him. My letter was signed Gustavus, to prevent any discovery in case it fell into the hands of the enemy.
“From the tenor of Mr. Anderson’s letter, (in particular that part where he says, ‘The officer, who commands the escort, between whom and myself no distinction need be made, can speak on the affair,’) I am led to conjecture my letter has been intercepted. There are several things in the letter, which appear mysterious. As you are unwell, and I want to go to Verplanck’s Point to give directions in some matters there, I am determined to go as far as Dobbs’s Ferry and meet the flag. If Mr. Anderson should not be permitted to come out with the flag and should find means to come to your quarters, I wish you to send an express to let me know; and send two or three horsemen to conduct him on the way to meet me, as it is difficult for me to ride so far. If your health will permit, I wish you to come with him. I have promised him your protection, and that he shall return in safety. I am convinced of his inclination to serve the public; and if he has received my letter, and in consequence thereof should come to your quarters, I make no doubt to fix a mode of intelligence, that will answer my wishes.
“If General Parsons has arrived, I wish you to show him my letter, and tell him that my request is to have Mr. Anderson escorted to meet me. Please to write me by return of the express through what channel you received Mr. Anderson’s letter, and if your emissary has returned. I am, with great regard, &c.
“B. Arnold.”
Sheldon’s reply to Arnold’s above was prompt. It is dated Lower Salem, 12 September, 1780.
“Dear General, In your favor of the 10th instant, you desired to know, through what channel I received Mr. Anderson’s letter. It was by a flag that came to our lines, and forwarded to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson. It came to me sealed. The person, so often mentioned, has returned from New York, where he was detained ten days before he could obtain permission to return. He was not suffered to leave his quarters, unless escorted by some person appointed by the Commanding Officer for that purpose; by which means he had no opportunity of gaining any intelligence of consequence. He will be at your quarters within a few days. His name is Elijah Hunter. General Parsons had not arrived at North Castle yesterday at twelve o’clock. I am to inform you that I have been in arrest two or three days, on a complaint exhibited to head-quarters by a villain by the name of Darius Stoddard, for defrauding the public, together with sundry other charges. I have the honor to be, &c.
“E. Sheldon.”
General Washington momentarily expected the British boats to ascend the Hudson, as is evident by his letter to Arnold preparing for that emergency. Answering it from Headquarters at Robinson’s House on September 12, 1780, Arnold in a paragraph saves the barge crew for himself and enables us to record the regiment to which they belonged. He says:
“... The order, contained in the postscript of your Excellency’s letter of the 7th, to send the eight bargemen of Colonel Putnam’s regiment to join their regiment, I conceive to be on a supposition of their being idle at West Point. I beg leave to observe, that they are now employed as my bargemen; that all the militia oarsmen had, previous to the receipt of the order, been drafted, and sent to different commands, at King’s Ferry and elsewhere, so that it is out of my power to procure a proper crew for my barge; for which reason I have thought proper to detain them until I receive your Excellency’s further orders on the subject.[41]
“Benedict Arnold.”
Arnold now started to meet John Anderson, as appointed in his letter of September 7th. For this purpose he set out in his barge on Sunday afternoon; passed the night at Joshua Smith’s house, and on the morning of the 11th of September descended nineteen miles to Dobbs’ Ferry. There is every reason to believe that André was nearby, expecting him, but as Arnold’s barge drew near some British gun boats opened such a fire that Arnold was put in peril of his life and obliged to fall back. In the hope of being followed he retired to an American post on the west shore, above the ferry, where he remained until sundown, but no flag came. That night he returned to West Point and André went back to New York.
Simcoe Wished to Capture Washington
During the first week in September Major André had arranged that Colonel Simcoe and the Rangers were to take an active part in the surrender of West Point. Word now reached the Colonel that he was to be ready to embark upon the arrival of Sir George Rodney’s fleet, and it was rumored for an intended expedition into the Chesapeake. This so upset Colonel Simcoe that he hastily and in great distress appealed by letter to Major André. Immediately upon his return from Dobbs’ Ferry the Major answered him, as follows:
“September 12, 1780. Dear Simcoe: Rely upon it your alarms are vain. Colonel Watson or you, one or the other, will not embark. I should have been happy to have seen you and have hinted that apparent arrangements are not always real ones, but I beg you to seek no explanation. I should not say what I do but I cannot, without concern, see you in any uneasiness I can relieve.
“John André.”
André followed this letter to Oyster Bay and with Simcoe planned for the capture of General Washington,[42] which plan was not approved of by Sir Henry Clinton when it was presented to him a few days later. Simcoe nevertheless prepared for any emergency. An order among the papers of Captain Daniel Youngs reads:
“Oyster Bay 14th September, 1780. Sir: By order of Colo. Simcoe am directed to desire you to furnish seven waggons or oxteams upon the next advice sent of the Regt. moving. These waggons will be discharged the first Post the Regt. halts at. This is only to intimate to you to have the teams in readiness upon the first notice that the baggage, stores &c. of the Regt, may not suffer by delay when the march is ordered. Robert Gardner, Sergt. (endorsed) Complied with, Quart. Master, Q. R.”
8. Colonel John Graves Simcoe and prominent British Officers. 1. Lord Cornwallis, 2. Sir Henry Clinton, 3. Major John André, 4. Admiral Arbuthnot, 5. Gen. John Burgoyne, 6. General Riedesel, 7. Lord Rowdon.
Meanwhile Benedict Arnold was uneasy. From James Livingston at Verplanck’s Point came a letter dated Septr. 13th, reading:
“Dear General: I am just now informed by the inhabitants of Tarry Town, that Colo. Robinson came there in a Barge under pretence of a Flagg, but think its more probable to reconnoitre the country. I have not the least doubt they will shortly send out a Foraging Party as the country between this and New York lies entirely exposed.
“If you think it advisable I will send a party to endeavour to give them a check in case they should come as high as Tarry Town. I have ordered the inhabitants to drive off their cattle should the enemy appear in force.
“James Livingston.”
Arnold on the same day directed a long letter to Major Tallmadge, similar as it concerned Anderson to his letter to Sheldon of the 10th. A postscript reads:
“If Mr. James Anderson, a person I expect from New York should come to your quarters, I have to request that you will give him an escort of two Horse to bring him on his way to this place, and send an express to me that I may meet him.
“B. Arnold.”
Then he again addressed Mr. John Anderson, as follows:
“September 15th.—Sir: On the nth at noon, agreeable to your request, I attempted to go to Dobb’s Ferry, but was prevented by the armed boats of the enemy, which fired upon us; and I continued opposite the Ferry till sunset.
“The foregoing letter was written to caution you not to mention your business to Colonel Sheldon, or any other person. I have no confidant. I have made one too many already, who has prevented some profitable speculation. I will send a person in whom you can confide by water to meet you at Dobb’s Ferry at the landing on the east side, on Wednesday the 20th instant, who will conduct you to a place of safety, where I will meet you. It will be necessary for you to be disguised, and, if the enemy’s boats are there, it will favor my plan, as the person is not suspected by them. If I do not hear from you before, you may depend on the person’s being punctual at the place above mentioned. My partner, of whom I hinted in a former letter, has about ten thousand pounds cash in hand ready for a speculation if any should offer, which appears probable. I have already one thousand pounds on hand and can collect fifteen hundred more in two or three days. Add to this I have some credit. From these hints you may judge of the purchase that can be made. 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, of which you shall be informed on Wednesday evening, if you think proper to be at Dobb’s Ferry. Adieu, and be assured of the friendship of
“Gustavus.”
This letter, although promptly received by Major André, never reached Clinton’s headquarters. A copy of it was left by one of the crew of a Connecticut privateer in the pay of Sir Henry Clinton, at the Townsend House, Oyster Bay, and another copy was forwarded several days later with the following note added:
“September 18th, The foregoing I found means to send by a very honest fellow, who went to Kingsbridge on the 16th, and I have no doubt you received it. But as there is a possibility of its miscarriage, I send a copy, and am fully persuaded that the method I have pointed out to meet you is the best and safest, provided you can obtain leave to come out.”
On the 16th the Vulture again conveyed Beverly Robinson up the river. Pretending to believe that General Putnam still commanded in the Highlands, Robinson addressed a note to him requesting an interview on the subject of his confiscated property, and sent this letter by a flag, enclosed in one addressed to General Arnold; soliciting of him the same boon should General Putnam be absent. This letter was received at Verplanck’s by Livingston and forwarded to headquarters as Robinson wished it to be.
On the 18th September, Washington with his suite crossed the Hudson to Verplanck’s Point, in Arnold’s barge, on his way to Hartford. Arnold accompanied him as far as Peekskill, and on the way laid before him with affected frankness the letter of Colonel Robinson, and asked his advice. Washington disapproved of any such interview, observing that the civil authorities alone had cognizance of these questions of confiscated property.
Arnold now openly sent a flag on board of the Vulture, as if bearing a reply to the letter he had communicated to the commander-in-chief. His message, addressed to Colonel Beverly Robinson, reads:
“September 18th, 1780.—Sir: I parted with his Excellency General Washington this morning, who advises me to avoid seeing you, as it would occasion suspicions in the minds of some people, which might operate to my injury. His reason appears to me to be well founded; but, if I were of a different opinion, I could not with propriety see you at present. I shall send a person to Dobb’s Ferry, or on board the Vulture, Wednesday night the 20th instant, and furnish him with a boat and a flag of truce. You may depend on his secrecy and honor, and that your business of whatever nature shall be kept a profound secret; and, if it is matter in which I can officially act, I will do everything in my power to oblige you consistantly with my duty. To avoid censure, this matter must be conducted with the greatest secrecy. I think it will be advisable for the Vulture to remain where she is until the time appointed. I have enclosed a letter for a gentleman in New York from one in the country on private business, which I beg the favor of you to forward, and make no doubt he will be particular to come at the time appointed. I am, &c.
“B. Arnold.[43]
“P. S. I expect General Washington to lodge here on Saturday night next, and will lay before him any matter you may wish to communicate.”
A further note on the opposite side of the sheet reads: “As no person except His Excellency Genl. Washington shall be made acquainted with them. The bearer, Capt. D. Archibald will take particular care of your letters and deliver them to me with his own hand. B. A.”
On the same day Major André left Oyster Bay, crossed the Sound at Flushing, and on the New York side met by appointment Sir Henry Clinton, and together they rode to Mme Riedesel’s for a private interview. A paragraph in her memoirs records this visit; she says:
“The country residence of General Clinton was an hour’s ride from the city ... he invited us to spend the summer there. It was a most beautiful situation, the Hudson River running directly in front of the house.... Not far from us were the Hell-gates.... We often saw ships in danger, but only one was wrecked and went to pieces during our stay. General Clinton came often to visit us, but in hunter’s dress, accompanied by only one aid-de-camp.... The last time he came to see us he had with him the unfortunate—as he afterwards became—Major André, who, the day afterwards, set out upon the fatal expedition, in which he was captured by the Americans, and afterwards hung as a spy.”
This visit was followed by a dinner at Kip’s house in the vicinity of Kip’s Bay, which was about where 2nd Avenue and 34th Street now is. Ostensibly it was given to Clinton and his staff but in reality it was as a parting compliment to André. The next day (Tuesday) he went by way of King’s Bridge to Dobb’s Ferry and thence to the sloop of war, Vulture, then probably at Teller’s Point. Reaching her about seven p. m. he waited all the next day without message or news from Arnold. His messages to Clinton explain the situation.
On Board the Vulture, 21 September.
“Sir; As the tide was favorable on my arrival at the sloop yesterday, I determined to be myself the bearer of your Excellency’s letters as far as the Vulture. I have suffered for it, having caught a very bad cold, and had so violent a return of a disorder in my stomach which had attacked me a few days ago, that Captain Sutherland and Colonel Robinson insist on my remaining on board till I am better. I hope tomorrow to get down again.”
In this letter he enclosed one meant for Clinton only, which read:
“Sir: I got on board the Vulture at about seven o’clock last evening; and after considering upon the letters and the answer given by Col. Robinson ‘that he would remain on board, and hoped I should be up,’ we thought it most natural to expect the man I sent into the Country here, and therefore did not think of going to the Ferry. Nobody has appeared. This is the second expedition I have made without an ostensible reason, and Col. Robinson both times of the party. A third would infallibly fire suspicions. I have therefore thought it best to remain here on plea of sickness, as my enclosed letter will feign, and try further expedients. Yesterday the pretence of a flag of truce was made to draw people from the Vulture on shore. The boat was fired upon in violation of the customs of war. Capt. Sutherland with great propriety means to send a flag to complain of this to General Arnold. A boat from the Vulture had very nearly taken him on the 11th. He was pursued close to the float. I shall favor him with a newspaper containing the Carolina news, which I brought with me from New York for Anderson, to whom it is addressed, on board the Vulture. I have the honor, &c.”
The ingenious artifice by which he contrived to let Arnold know that he was waiting for him was written as follows:
“Vulture, off Teller’s Point, 21 September.—Sir: I consider it a duty to complain of any violation of the laws of arms, and I am satisfied that I now do it where I cannot fail to meet redress. It is therefore with reluctance I give you the concern to know, that a flag of truce having been yesterday shown on Teller’s Point, I sent a boat towards the shore, presuming some communication was thereby solicited. The boat’s crew on approaching received a fire from several armed men, who till then had been concealed.[44] Fortunately none of my people were hurt, but the treacherous intentions of those who fired are not vindicated from that circumstance. I have the honor to be, &c.”
(This was signed by Sutherland and countersigned by John Anderson, Secretary, and in André’s handwriting.)