(Original in the William L. Clements Library, by whose permission it is used.)
“John Moore” [Benedict Arnold] writes to “John Anderson” [Major André] advising the British Commander that he [Arnold] has accepted the command at West Point and will betray it.
See [page 126].
“I wrote to Capt. B—— on the 7th of June, that a F—— fleet and army were expected to act in conjunction with the A—— army. At the same time I gave Mr. S—— a manifesto intended to be pubished in C——a, and have from time to time communicated to him such intelligence as I thought interesting, which he assures me he has transmitted to you. I have received no answer to my letter, or any verbal message—I expect soon to command at W. Pt. and most seriously wish an interview with some intelligent officers in whom a mutual confidence could be placed. The necessity is evident to arrange and to cooperate.—An officer might be taken prisoner near that Post and permitted to return on parole, or some officer on Parole sent out to effect an exchange.
“General W—— expects on the arrival of the F—— Troops to collect 30,000 Troops to act in conjunction; if not disappointed, N. York is fixed on as the first object; if his numbers are not sufficient for that object, Can-a- is the second; of which I can inform you in time, as well as of every other design. I have accepted the command at W. P. as a Post in which I can render the most essential services, and which will be in my disposal. The mass of the people are heartily tired of the war, and wish to be on their former footing. They are promised great events from this year’s exertion. If—disappointed—you have only to persevere and the contest will soon be at an end. The present struggles are like the pangs of a dying man, violent but of a short duration.
“As life and fortune are risked by serving His Majesty, it is necessary that the latter shall be secured as well as the emoluments I give up, and a compensation for services agreed on, and a sum advanced for that purpose—which I have mentioned in a letter which accompanies this, which Sir Henry will not, I believe, think unreasonable. I am, Sir,
“Your hble Servt.
J Moore.”
“July 12th, 1780
“Mr. Jn. Anderson
“P.S. I have great confidence in the Bearer, but beg Sir Henry will threaten him with his resentment in case he abuses the confidence placed in him, which will bring certain ruin on me. The Bearer will bring me 200 guineas, and pay the remainder to Capt. A—— who is requested to receive the deposit for Mr. Moore.”
Moody was still at West Point when another now famous British spy arrived. He came with a letter of introduction from General Samuel H. Parsons, which enabled him to dine at Arnold’s table and sleep in his Headquarters. General Parsons foolishly wrote from Reading, August 28th, 1780, saying: “Mr. Heron is a neighbor of mine for whose integrity and firm attachment to the cause of the Country I will hold myself answerable.... I am certain he will conduct with strict honor every matter he undertakes.” To the Secret Service of General Washington William Heron was known as Hiram the British Spy.