I have a mother and three sisters, to whom the value of my commission would be an object, as the loss of Grenada has much affected their income. It is needless to be more explicit on this subject; I am persuaded of your Excellency's goodness.
I receive the greatest attention from his Excellency General Washington, and from every person, under whose charge I happen to be placed.
I have the honour to be, With the most respectful attachment, Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, JOHN ANDRE, Adjutant General.
(Addressed) His Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton, K. B. &c. &c. &c.
Copy of a letter from His Excellency General Washington, to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton.
Head Quarters, Sept. 30, 1780.
SIR,
In answer to your Excellency's letter of the 26th instant, which I had the honour to receive, I am to inform you, that Major Andre was taken under such circumstances as would have justified the most summary proceedings against him. I determined, however, to refer his case to the examination and decision of a Board of General Officers, who have reported, on his free and voluntary confession and letters,—"That he came on shore from the Vulture sloop of war in the night of the twenty-first of September instant," &c. &c. as in the report of the Board of General Officers.
From these proceedings it is evident Major Andre was employed in the execution of measures very foreign to the objects of flags of truce, and such as they were never meant to authorise or countenance in the most distant degree; and this gentleman confessed, with the greatest candor, in the course of his examination, "That it was impossible for him to suppose he came on shore, under the sanction of a flag."