The three miles to the Beekman House were quickly covered and the secret agent alighted with Major Andre. The two approached the mansion and a sentry challenged them, but the Adjutant was recognized and allowed to enter. A liveried footman announced the two to the General who greeted them eagerly in the reception room.
“We are gratified to have you with us, Mr. Barclugh, and we believe that the nature of your mission will not let you remain in our midst very long.”
“I am glad to hear you address me by my own name, General Clinton,” responded Barclugh. “My voyage has been tedious, indeed, under my assumed name of M. La Fitte.”
The sealed instructions on Barclugh’s mission had been forwarded by Major Andre to the Beekman House and they were as follows:
“Whitehall, 24 Sept, 177—
“Sir: I have the great Pleasure of conveying the King’s Commands, by introducing to you Mr. Roderick Barclugh who is commissioned to act as the Special Secret Agent of His Majesty to the Men of Substance among his Rebellious Colonists.
“When the Duration of the Rebellion is considered, it has been mortifying to his Majesty to have no decisive Blow inflicted to speedily suppress the rebels; and His Majesty commands me to instruct that your Assistance to the Diplomacy of Mr. Barclugh and Lord Carlisle would be most gratifying to His Royal Pleasure.
“It is a great Pleasure to me to have another Occasion of obeying the King’s Commands by desiring you to convey to Lord Carlisle, His Majesty’s approbation of His Lordship’s mission to America.
“I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
“Geo. Germaine.
“Sir Henry Clinton, K. B.”
Lord Carlisle was much flattered by the receipt of the King’s encouragement, although Clinton noted in the letter a slight expression of unrest over the lack of results in the war.
However, Clinton did not take all of the burden of blame on himself; Lords Howe and Cornwallis had made some of the mistakes in the Jersey Campaigns and he was willing for the diplomatists to take a hand at the subjugation of the rebels, for a while, at least. They had talked much, as usual; now let them try their skill at results.
Sir Henry had to give some instructions to his Adjutant, so he turned to Roderick Barclugh as he remarked:
“Excuse me for a few moments, Mr. Barclugh. I have some urgent matters to dispose of.”
“Certainly,” returned Barclugh as he took up a discussion of affairs with Lord Carlisle, asking: