During the next week, Andre could not dispel the visions of Segwuna’s prophecy. He did not dare to tell his friends, not even General Clinton, for they would think him ridiculous. He was naturally timid, and these words made him doubly so. They made him hesitate more than once as to what he ought to do. Whereas he was formerly all enthusiasm about his plot with Arnold, he now began to be doubtful and suspicious of his own ability. The thought of the ire of the Great Spirit of the Indian maiden being brought to bear against the project that he had in hand worked upon the fancy of Andre’s poetical nature and unnerved him.
However, the Commander-in-Chief, General Clinton, had ordered Andre to carry out these plans of ensnaring Arnold and taking West Point by bribery, for it had been through the correspondence started by Andre himself, that Arnold was led into correspondence with the enemy. The whole plan had to carry or fall by the exertions of Andre’s own skill.
A letter was received by Major Andre at this time which read as follows:
Phila., August 20, 1780.
“Sir: I have heard from Mr. P—— about the arrangements to sell you the goods that you spoke of in your last favor.
“He has every detail arranged, but he must meet you to make the contract in person. My authority in the matter has now come to an end.
“He is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no means unreasonable, and makes no doubt, when he has 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 co-partnership might be fully and clearly understood.
“I am in behalf of Messrs. M—— and Co.
“Sir, Your Obedt. & Hble. Servant,
“Gustavus.
“Mr. John Anderson, Merchant.”
John Anderson answered the above letter. Then, a few days thereafter, information was received from Gustavus, agreeing to meet him at any convenient point, if he, John Anderson, would make his way to the American outposts above White Plains; that he would be secure under the protection of Colonel Sheldon, who was prepared to meet him.
Arnold had informed Colonel Sheldon that a person was to come from New York, to the latter’s quarters, whom he desired to meet for the purpose of establishing a channel of secret intelligence with New York.
Accordingly, Colonel Sheldon received the following letter, which was so uncertain and enigmatical that Colonel Sheldon despatched it at once to General Arnold:
“New York, September 7, 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 endeavor to go out with a flag, which will be sent to Dobb’s Ferry on Monday next, the 11th instant, at twelve o’clock, where 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.
“(Signed) John Anderson.”
To Colonel Sheldon,
Salem.
Sheldon was confused by the mention of an officer taking the place of John Anderson, and therefore sent the letter to Arnold, who tried to explain the mysticisms in the letter to Colonel Sheldon as best he could; and replied that he would meet the flag and the gentleman himself at Dobb’s Ferry.
Arnold also instructed his subordinate that if he did not meet John Anderson, by any mishap, word must be sent to headquarters of the arrival of the gentleman within the lines, and that John Anderson must be sent to his headquarters with an escort of two or three horsemen.