“Very well, sir,” concluded Arnold, who was now aware of the cold blood of a financial agent when the deal fell through. “We shall go to General Clinton and have this matter settled. I demand that you go with me. If I am not given satisfaction for the sacrifices that I have undergone, I will publish my agreement made with Andre. The world will call you a pack of scoundrels, to deceive an honest man.”
“Scoundrels!” exclaimed Barclugh. “You better ask what your friends will say as to that.”
Arnold and Barclugh walked to the headquarters of General Clinton, Number 1 Broadway. A few steps took the two up the staircase to the front entrance and then they were ushered into the presence of the English Commander.
None of the three men was in a humor to talk very much, especially Barclugh. After an exchange of formal greetings, General Arnold commenced the discussion:
“General Clinton, I must know where I stand in my financial matters and in my official position before Mr. Barclugh leaves.
“Of course, you know I promised to turn over West Point to your command and my compensation was to have been twenty thousand pounds sterling and a commission as Brigadier-General in the British army, but the fortunes of war have turned against us. I am here under your protection with nothing to insure my recompense except my compact with Major Andre.
“General Clinton, shall I receive the recompense due me or shall I be treated with ingratitude such as I have received from the Colonial Congress?”
“General Arnold,” replied Sir Henry Clinton, “His Majesty’s government certainly shall not dishonor its obligations, but we cannot be asked to pay the full amount that was promised when the transaction was entered into. For those conditions depended upon the success of your enterprise. We shall have to limit the payment to ten thousand pounds sterling, less what has been advanced to you by Mr. Barclugh. Mr. Barclugh has already advanced you about four thousand pounds, so that your balance will be about six thousand pounds sterling.
“You will receive a commission of Brvt. Brig. General and its regular pay.
“But, General Arnold, do you believe that we can win our cause now that we have failed in our enterprise against West Point?”