“Robinson’s House, 7 September, 1780.—Since I saw you, I have had an opportunity of transmitting a letter to the person in New York, of whom I made mention, and am in expectation of procuring a meeting at your quarters. If I can bring this matter about, as I hope, I shall open a channel of intelligence, that will be regular and to be depended upon. I am, &c.
“B. Arnold.”
Sheldon was evidently mystified by these letters, and so from Lower Salem on September 9th, 1780, addressed Arnold:
“Dear Sir; Enclosed I send you a letter, which I received last evening from New York, signed John Anderson, who mentions his being made known to me. If this is the person you mentioned in your favor of yesterday, he must have had his information by your letter, as I never heard his name mentioned before I received the letter. I hope you will not fail meeting him at Dobbs’s Ferry; if you cannot meet him yourself, pray send some person that you can confide in. I am so much out of health, that I shall not be able to ride that distance in one day. I am, &c.
“Elisha Sheldon.”
Arnold showed alarm upon receiving this letter. Probably because André had spoken in such a manner as he feared would excite suspicion. In his reply to Sheldon he says:
“Robinson’s House, 10 September, 1780.
“Dear Sir; I received last night your favor of yesterday. You judge right. I wrote to Mr. Anderson on the 3d instant, requesting him to meet me at your quarters, and informed him that I had hinted the matter to you, and that you would send any letter to me, or inform me of his arrival. I did not mention his name in my letter to you, as I thought it unnecessary. I was obliged to write with great caution to him. My letter was signed Gustavus, to prevent any discovery in case it fell into the hands of the enemy.
“From the tenor of Mr. Anderson’s letter, (in particular that part where he says, ‘The officer, who commands the escort, between whom and myself no distinction need be made, can speak on the affair,’) I am led to conjecture my letter has been intercepted. There are several things in the letter, which appear mysterious. As you are unwell, and I want to go to Verplanck’s Point to give directions in some matters there, I am determined to go as far as Dobbs’s Ferry and meet the flag. If Mr. Anderson should not be permitted to come out with the flag and should find means to come to your quarters, I wish you to send an express to let me know; and send two or three horsemen to conduct him on the way to meet me, as it is difficult for me to ride so far. If your health will permit, I wish you to come with him. I have promised him your protection, and that he shall return in safety. I am convinced of his inclination to serve the public; and if he has received my letter, and in consequence thereof should come to your quarters, I make no doubt to fix a mode of intelligence, that will answer my wishes.
“If General Parsons has arrived, I wish you to show him my letter, and tell him that my request is to have Mr. Anderson escorted to meet me. Please to write me by return of the express through what channel you received Mr. Anderson’s letter, and if your emissary has returned. I am, with great regard, &c.