But again the hand of Providence brings about unexpected events. While these dealings were concluding, they heard the booming of cannon and saw the Vulture drop down stream out of range of the battery posted by Colonel Livingston to drive off the enemy’s ship.
Much concern now came over the principals in this drama. Arnold reassured Andre by stating that Mr. Smith would convey him by boat or land through the American lines. Passports from the Commanding-General would insure safe convoy through the district under Arnold and then when Andre reached the British outposts he could manage himself.
Providing Major Andre with three passes to meet all possible contingencies, as he thought, and leaving him in the hands of Mr. Smith as Mr. John Anderson, Arnold returned in his barge soon after nine o’clock that morning, to his headquarters to await the results of his treachery.
Following are the passes provided for the return of John Anderson, in Arnold’s own handwriting:
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 22, 1780.“Joshua Smith has permission to pass with a boat and three hands and a flag to Dobb’s Ferry on public business and to return immediately.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 22, 1780.“Joshua Smith has permission to pass the guards to White Plains and to return, he being on public business.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
“Headquarters, Robinson House,
“September 22, 1780.“Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the White Plains, or below, if he chooses, he being on public business by my direction.
“(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.”
Andre passed the day in hiding, awaiting impatiently for darkness to come that he might be returned to the Vulture. But the more Andre insisted, the more opposed Smith grew to the route by boat. However, Smith won his point for reasons not entirely logical, and after Andre had exchanged his officer’s red coat for one of Smith’s, and had wrapped himself up in a great military coat with a cape, the two set out on horseback, a little before sunset, accompanied by a negro servant belonging to Smith.
The route lay across the Hudson at King’s Ferry from Stony Point to Verplanck’s Point. The party, after stopping over the first night, proceeded successfully until they reached Pine Bridge on the Croton River where Smith left Andre to pursue his own course through the neutral country.
Smith now returned to Robinson House and reported to General Arnold where he had left Mr. Anderson. Arnold seemed to be more than pleased with the progress events were making at this report. He felt sure of Andre reaching King’s Bridge.
When Andre left Smith he also felt assured of his success, for he rode boldly along until he was near Tarrytown.