There he met Captain Sutherland and Colonel Robinson. The latter he knew personally, for Robinson had been his neighbor on the Hudson. Smith handed over the papers from Arnold. The cunning displayed by Arnold was portrayed in these documents. Shielding himself from detection he secretly intimated his desire to meet Major Andre.
The first letter addressed to Colonel Robinson was as follows:
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 21, 1780.“This will be delivered to you by Mr. Smith who will conduct you to a place of safety. Neither Mr. Smith nor any other person shall be made acquainted with your proposals. If they (which I doubt not) are of such nature that I can officially take notice of them I shall do it with pleasure. I take it for granted that Colonel Robinson will not propose anything that is not for the interest of the United States as well as himself.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
The next letter was to deceive the guard boats, many of which were stationed along the Hudson to intercept commerce with the enemy.
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 21, 1780.“Permit Mr. Joshua Smith to go to Dobb’s Ferry with three men and a boy in a boat with a flag, to carry some letters of a private nature for a gentleman in New York, and to return immediately, he having permission to go at such hours and times as the tide and his business suit.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
The third one conveyed the knowledge secretly that Arnold wanted Major Andre to meet him on shore.
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 21, 1780.“This grants permission to Joshua Smith, Mr. John Anderson and two servants to pass and repass the guards at King’s Ferry, at all times.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
When the papers had been examined in the cabin of the Vulture, Colonel Robinson excused himself and returned in a little while with a gentleman whom he introduced to Smith as Mr. John Anderson. Smith and Anderson entered the boat and were rowed to the point of rendezvous arranged by Arnold with Smith. Arnold, concealed in the shadow of the cliff, lay near the river bank anxious for the boat to return with Major Andre. The exact spot had been agreed upon.
When the boat, which was heavy and cumbersome, at length arrived, Smith scrambled up the bank and found Arnold in the bushes. Smith returned and conducted Mr. Anderson to the spot. Arnold requested Smith to leave them to conduct their conversation privately.
Arnold looked around to be sure that Smith was out of hearing when he extended his hand to Major Andre, remarking in a subdued and resigned tone: