On the 18th September, Washington with his suite crossed the Hudson to Verplanck’s Point, in Arnold’s barge, on his way to Hartford. Arnold accompanied him as far as Peekskill, and on the way laid before him with affected frankness the letter of Colonel Robinson, and asked his advice. Washington disapproved of any such interview, observing that the civil authorities alone had cognizance of these questions of confiscated property.
Arnold now openly sent a flag on board of the Vulture, as if bearing a reply to the letter he had communicated to the commander-in-chief. His message, addressed to Colonel Beverly Robinson, reads:
“September 18th, 1780.—Sir: I parted with his Excellency General Washington this morning, who advises me to avoid seeing you, as it would occasion suspicions in the minds of some people, which might operate to my injury. His reason appears to me to be well founded; but, if I were of a different opinion, I could not with propriety see you at present. I shall send a person to Dobb’s Ferry, or on board the Vulture, Wednesday night the 20th instant, and furnish him with a boat and a flag of truce. You may depend on his secrecy and honor, and that your business of whatever nature shall be kept a profound secret; and, if it is matter in which I can officially act, I will do everything in my power to oblige you consistantly with my duty. To avoid censure, this matter must be conducted with the greatest secrecy. I think it will be advisable for the Vulture to remain where she is until the time appointed. I have enclosed a letter for a gentleman in New York from one in the country on private business, which I beg the favor of you to forward, and make no doubt he will be particular to come at the time appointed. I am, &c.
“B. Arnold.[43]
“P. S. I expect General Washington to lodge here on Saturday night next, and will lay before him any matter you may wish to communicate.”
A further note on the opposite side of the sheet reads: “As no person except His Excellency Genl. Washington shall be made acquainted with them. The bearer, Capt. D. Archibald will take particular care of your letters and deliver them to me with his own hand. B. A.”
On the same day Major André left Oyster Bay, crossed the Sound at Flushing, and on the New York side met by appointment Sir Henry Clinton, and together they rode to Mme Riedesel’s for a private interview. A paragraph in her memoirs records this visit; she says:
“The country residence of General Clinton was an hour’s ride from the city ... he invited us to spend the summer there. It was a most beautiful situation, the Hudson River running directly in front of the house.... Not far from us were the Hell-gates.... We often saw ships in danger, but only one was wrecked and went to pieces during our stay. General Clinton came often to visit us, but in hunter’s dress, accompanied by only one aid-de-camp.... The last time he came to see us he had with him the unfortunate—as he afterwards became—Major André, who, the day afterwards, set out upon the fatal expedition, in which he was captured by the Americans, and afterwards hung as a spy.”
This visit was followed by a dinner at Kip’s house in the vicinity of Kip’s Bay, which was about where 2nd Avenue and 34th Street now is. Ostensibly it was given to Clinton and his staff but in reality it was as a parting compliment to André. The next day (Tuesday) he went by way of King’s Bridge to Dobb’s Ferry and thence to the sloop of war, Vulture, then probably at Teller’s Point. Reaching her about seven p. m. he waited all the next day without message or news from Arnold. His messages to Clinton explain the situation.
On Board the Vulture, 21 September.