The "Mr. Despard" spoken of by Andre was the Col. Despard who in subsequent years became famous. His name was Edward Marcus Despard, an Irishman by birth, who, after having served till 1779 in the American war, was transferred in that year to Jamaica, and soon thereafter assisted in wresting the possessions on the Mosquito Coast from the Spanish Government. He was afterwards invested with executive power in these colonies, but was superseded in his authority in consequence of disagreements with the people whom he governed. He returned to England, however, in 1790, with distinguished honors; but, unsuccessfully preferring extensive claims against the government, he yielded his loyalty to it, and headed a conspiracy having for its object the murder of his King and a seizure of the reins of government. His associates in this insane effort were of the lowest character; and six of them, together with their leader, expiated their guilt upon the scaffold. This was in his year 1802. Thus did the friend of Andre, though in a different cause,--the one being in rebellion against his King, the other engaged in his service,--meet with a like ignominious end.
I have heard the venerable Caleb Cope say that he had prophesied Despard's fate, from his impetuous and unconciliating temper and disposition. Of their mutual friend Andre he entertained wholly different anticipations; and, though many years had rolled by since they parted, this aged protector of the renowned and unfortunate soldier never failed to weep at the remembrance of his name.
Lieut. Hughes was also, as will appear from his letters, an inmate of the house I have referred to. The B---n alluded to in one of his letters was probably one of the "Lebanon gentlemen" spoken of by Andre, and who, notwithstanding what he says, there seems reason to believe had violated his parole.
I have been informed by one of the sons of my grandfather, Caleb Cope, that another letter was written by Major Andre, then Adjutant-General of the British army, about nine days before his last capture. It was dated at New York, and included the following remark:--"To-morrow I expect to meet Sir Harry Clinton, and make up for lost time." Considering poor Andre's fate, these words are memorable.
Whilst Andre was a prisoner at Lancaster, he proposed to the father of his "young disciple," as he called the boy-artist, to take the latter to England and educate him at his own expense for the profession of a painter. For this purpose (as he alleged) he proposed to sell his commission; and on more than one occasion he stated that he had opportunities to dispose of it. Andre's friends believed that he longed to return to England, on account of his love-affair with Honora Sneyd, (afterwards the wife of Richard Lovell Edgeworth,) and that he made this proposition his excuse for abandoning the service.
His offer (I need scarcely say) was gratefully declined, on conscientious grounds, after the counsel had been sought of esteemed and reliable friends. A most unfortunate decision for both preceptor and pupil!
LETTERS FROM MAJOR ANDRE.
PHILADELPHIA, October, 1859.
C. C.
SIR,