“Mr John Anderson, Merchant,
“To the care of James Osborne, to be left at the Reverend Mr. Odell’s, New York.”
Next from Lower Salem, dated Sept. 6th, came a letter from Sheldon to Arnold.[40] He reports having placed the messages as Arnold directed. His letter closes with the following paragraph:
“The person mentioned is not returned from his Excursion. I have forwarded Mrs. Arnold’s letter for Major Gibs to Col. DeLancey and wrote him on the subject; in answer he writes me that if any articles are sent to him for Mrs. Arnold he will take particular care of them and inform me immediately. I fear the matter may be attended with some difficulty, as I am informed Gen. Parsons will take command on the lines tomorrow, however will do the best I can to secreet the articles should they come within my power. I have the Honor to be Dear Sir, with great Esteem & Regard Your most obt. Humbl. Sert.
“Elisha Sheldon.”
With the intention of reaching Arnold, but not caring to address him directly, Major André’s next letter was directed to Sheldon, as follows:
“New York, 7 Sept. 1780. Sir: I am told my name is made known to you, and that I may hope your indulgence in permitting me to meet a friend near Your outposts. I will endeavour to obtain permission to go out with a flag which will be sent to Dobbs’ Ferry on Sunday next the 11th at 12 o’clock, when I shall be happy to meet Mr. G. Should I not be allowed to go, the officer who is to command the escort, between whom and myself no distinction need be made, can speak on the affair. Let me entreat you, Sir, to favor a matter so interesting to the parties concerned, and which is of so private a nature that the public on neither side can be injured by it.
“I shall be happy on my part of doing any act of kindness to you in a family or property concern, of a similar nature.
“I trust I shall not be detained but should any old grudge be a cause for it, I should rather risk that than neglect the business in question or assume a mysterious character to carry on an innocent affair and as friends have advised get to your lines by stealth. I am with all regard Yr most humble sert.
“John Anderson.”
Shortly before the arrival of the above letter Colonel Sheldon received a note from Arnold reading: