Within three hours Major Andre arrived alone with an extra horse at Fort Knypthausen, the defense at King’s Bridge, and after a few subdued words with the officer of the guard, Barclugh was hurried to a horse. His former animal was turned loose on the road to find its way back to Verplancks Point. Thus no trace of Barclugh could be followed on account of the horse that he had ridden.
Not a word was spoken by Andre to Barclugh in the guard house. Andre ordered the officer to release the stranger. The officer told Barclugh that he was to leave the guard house and follow Major Andre until the horses were found, and to not speak until well out of hearing.
After Andre had travelled a few hundred yards away from Fort Knypthausen, Major Andre grasped Barclugh by the hand and said:
“Mr. Barclugh, I am glad to see you. How are you?”
“I am nearly dead, Major Andre,” replied Barclugh, “I have been captured and made prisoner three times. I was fired on last night and my horse was killed. But after a hard journey, I am here with my plans working.
“Arnold is committed to treason. I have the plans and strength of West Point, and a great amount of information for the Commissioners.”
“Grand! Magnificent!!” exclaimed Andre. “We need a stroke like this to arouse the nation, and counteract the French coalition with America. I am devoted to your plan. I believe patents of nobility and grants of land are the only means that will subdue the Americans. Of course, results must first be brought about by the judicious use of gold to gain the leaders.
“However, Mr. Barclugh,” continued Andre gaily. “How is my friend, Mrs. Arnold? We used to have such gay times while in Philadelphia. Does she not sympathize with our social life? I have heard that after our evacuation of Philadelphia, the event was celebrated by a grand ball given by the Whig element, but, when it came to a list of those who should be invited, enough belles could not be found unless the Tories were included. So the whole list of ladies that attended our grand heraldic pageant, the Mischianza, had to be invited to be present to have a success. The Shippens, the Chews, the Bonds, the Redmans, the Willings and the whole list of our friends were there. Any of the ladies of the first circles who will not stand for the principles of aristocracy is a rara avis.”
“But you forget, Major Andre,” argued Barclugh, “that when you do find such a lady, you will have a gem of the finest brilliancy. Such a one will be a Whig out of principle, whereas a woman becomes a Tory out of sentiment,” as he recalled the argument between Mollie Greydon and Mrs. Arnold at the dinner party at Robert FitzMaurice’s.
Andre’s quarters were reached after the exchange of many pleasantries, and the soldier showed the financier a room and bed and gave the key to Barclugh to guard himself against any intrusion. Barclugh was now safely quartered where he could carry out his business with the utmost secrecy.