Part 12
“_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.
“B. ARNOLD.”
Sheldon’s reply to Arnold’s above was prompt. It is dated Lower Salem, 12 September, 1780.
“_Dear General_, In your favor of the 10th instant, you desired to know, through what channel I received Mr. Anderson’s letter. It was by a flag that came to our lines, and forwarded to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson. It came to me sealed. The person, so often mentioned, has returned from New York, where he was detained ten days before he could obtain permission to return. He was not suffered to leave his quarters, unless escorted by some person appointed by the Commanding Officer for that purpose; by which means he had no opportunity of gaining any intelligence of consequence. He will be at your quarters within a few days. His name is Elijah Hunter. General Parsons had not arrived at North Castle yesterday at twelve o’clock. I am to inform you that I have been in arrest two or three days, on a complaint exhibited to head-quarters by a villain by the name of Darius Stoddard, for defrauding the public, together with sundry other charges. I have the honor to be, &c.
“E. SHELDON.”
General Washington momentarily expected the British boats to ascend the Hudson, as is evident by his letter to Arnold preparing for that emergency. Answering it from Headquarters at Robinson’s House on September 12, 1780, Arnold in a paragraph saves the barge crew for himself and enables us to record the regiment to which they belonged. He says:
“... The order, contained in the postscript of your Excellency’s letter of the 7th, to send the eight bargemen of Colonel Putnam’s regiment to join their regiment, I conceive to be on a supposition of their being idle at West Point. I beg leave to observe, that they are now employed as my bargemen; that all the militia oarsmen had, previous to the receipt of the order, been drafted, and sent to different commands, at King’s Ferry and elsewhere, so that it is out of my power to procure a proper crew for my barge; for which reason I have thought proper to detain them until I receive your Excellency’s further orders on the subject.[41]
“BENEDICT ARNOLD.”
Arnold now started to meet John Anderson, as appointed in his letter of September 7th. For this purpose he set out in his barge on Sunday afternoon; passed the night at Joshua Smith’s house, and on the morning of the 11th of September descended nineteen miles to Dobbs’ Ferry. There is every reason to believe that André was nearby, expecting him, but as Arnold’s barge drew near some British gun boats opened such a fire that Arnold was put in peril of his life and obliged to fall back. In the hope of being followed he retired to an American post on the west shore, above the ferry, where he remained until sundown, but no flag came. That night he returned to West Point and André went back to New York.
_Simcoe Wished to Capture Washington_
During the first week in September Major André had arranged that Colonel Simcoe and the Rangers were to take an active part in the surrender of West Point. Word now reached the Colonel that he was to be ready to embark upon the arrival of Sir George Rodney’s fleet, and it was rumored for an intended expedition into the Chesapeake. This so upset Colonel Simcoe that he hastily and in great distress appealed by letter to Major André. Immediately upon his return from Dobbs’ Ferry the Major answered him, as follows:
“September 12, 1780. _Dear Simcoe_: Rely upon it your alarms are vain. Colonel Watson or you, one or the other, will not embark. I should have been happy to have seen you and have hinted that apparent arrangements are not always real ones, but I beg you to seek no explanation. I should not say what I do but I cannot, without concern, see you in any uneasiness I can relieve.
“JOHN ANDRÉ.”
André followed this letter to Oyster Bay and with Simcoe planned for the capture of General Washington,[42] which plan was not approved of by Sir Henry Clinton when it was presented to him a few days later. Simcoe nevertheless prepared for any emergency. An order among the papers of Captain Daniel Youngs reads:
“OYSTER BAY 14th September, 1780. _Sir_: By order of Colo. Simcoe am directed to desire you to furnish seven waggons or oxteams upon the next advice sent of the Regt. moving. These waggons will be discharged the first Post the Regt. halts at. This is only to intimate to you to have the teams in readiness upon the first notice that the baggage, stores &c. of the Regt, may not suffer by delay when the march is ordered. Robert Gardner, Sergt. (endorsed) Complied with, Quart. Master, Q. R.”
[Illustration: 8. Colonel John Graves Simcoe and prominent British Officers. 1. Lord Cornwallis, 2. Sir Henry Clinton, 3. Major John André, 4. Admiral Arbuthnot, 5. Gen. John Burgoyne, 6. General Riedesel, 7. Lord Rowdon.]
Meanwhile Benedict Arnold was uneasy. From James Livingston at Verplanck’s Point came a letter dated Septr. 13th, reading:
“_Dear General_: I am just now informed by the inhabitants of Tarry Town, that Colo. Robinson came there in a Barge under pretence of a Flagg, but think its more probable to reconnoitre the country. I have not the least doubt they will shortly send out a Foraging Party as the country between this and New York lies entirely exposed.
“If you think it advisable I will send a party to endeavour to give them a check in case they should come as high as Tarry Town. I have ordered the inhabitants to drive off their cattle should the enemy appear in force.
“JAMES LIVINGSTON.”
Arnold on the same day directed a long letter to Major Tallmadge, similar as it concerned Anderson to his letter to Sheldon of the 10th. A postscript reads:
“If Mr. James Anderson, a person I expect from New York should come to your quarters, I have to request that you will give him an escort of two Horse to bring him on his way to this place, and send an express to me that I may meet him.
“B. ARNOLD.”
Then he again addressed Mr. John Anderson, as follows:
“September 15th.--_Sir_: On the nth at noon, agreeable to your request, I attempted to go to Dobb’s Ferry, but was prevented by the armed boats of the enemy, which fired upon us; and I continued opposite the Ferry till sunset.
“The foregoing letter was written to caution you not to mention your business to Colonel Sheldon, or any other person. I have no confidant. I have made one too many already, who has prevented some profitable speculation. I will send a person in whom you can confide by water to meet you at Dobb’s Ferry at the landing on the east side, on Wednesday the 20th instant, who will conduct you to a place of safety, where I will meet you. It will be necessary for you to be disguised, and, if the enemy’s boats are there, it will favor my plan, as the person is not suspected by them. If I do not hear from you before, you may depend on the person’s being punctual at the place above mentioned. My partner, of whom I hinted in a former letter, has about ten thousand pounds cash in hand ready for a speculation if any should offer, which appears probable. I have already one thousand pounds on hand and can collect fifteen hundred more in two or three days. Add to this I have some credit. From these hints you may judge of the purchase that can be made. I cannot be more explicit at present. Meet me if possible. You may rest assured, that, if there is no danger in passing your lines, you will be perfectly safe where I propose a meeting, of which you shall be informed on Wednesday evening, if you think proper to be at Dobb’s Ferry. Adieu, and be assured of the friendship of
“GUSTAVUS.”
This letter, although promptly received by Major André, never reached Clinton’s headquarters. A copy of it was left by one of the crew of a Connecticut privateer in the pay of Sir Henry Clinton, at the Townsend House, Oyster Bay, and another copy was forwarded several days later with the following note added:
“September 18th, The foregoing I found means to send by a very honest fellow, who went to Kingsbridge on the 16th, and I have no doubt you received it. But as there is a possibility of its miscarriage, I send a copy, and am fully persuaded that the method I have pointed out to meet you is the best and safest, provided you can obtain leave to come out.”
On the 16th the Vulture again conveyed Beverly Robinson up the river. Pretending to believe that General Putnam still commanded in the Highlands, Robinson addressed a note to him requesting an interview on the subject of his confiscated property, and sent this letter by a flag, enclosed in one addressed to General Arnold; soliciting of him the same boon should General Putnam be absent. This letter was received at Verplanck’s by Livingston and forwarded to headquarters as Robinson wished it to be.
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.
“_Sir_; As the tide was favorable on my arrival at the sloop yesterday, I determined to be myself the bearer of your Excellency’s letters as far as the Vulture. I have suffered for it, having caught a very bad cold, and had so violent a return of a disorder in my stomach which had attacked me a few days ago, that Captain Sutherland and Colonel Robinson insist on my remaining on board till I am better. I hope tomorrow to get down again.”
In this letter he enclosed one meant for Clinton only, which read:
“_Sir_: I got on board the Vulture at about seven o’clock last evening; and after considering upon the letters and the answer given by Col. Robinson ‘that he would remain on board, and hoped I should be up,’ we thought it most natural to expect the man I sent into the Country here, and therefore did not think of going to the Ferry. Nobody has appeared. This is the second expedition I have made without an ostensible reason, and Col. Robinson both times of the party. A third would infallibly fire suspicions. I have therefore thought it best to remain here on plea of sickness, as my enclosed letter will feign, and try further expedients. Yesterday the pretence of a flag of truce was made to draw people from the Vulture on shore. The boat was fired upon in violation of the customs of war. Capt. Sutherland with great propriety means to send a flag to complain of this to General Arnold. A boat from the Vulture had very nearly taken him on the 11th. He was pursued close to the float. I shall favor him with a newspaper containing the Carolina news, which I brought with me from New York for Anderson, to whom it is addressed, on board the Vulture. I have the honor, &c.”
The ingenious artifice by which he contrived to let Arnold know that he was waiting for him was written as follows:
“VULTURE, OFF TELLER’S POINT, 21 September.--_Sir_: I consider it a duty to complain of any violation of the laws of arms, and I am satisfied that I now do it where I cannot fail to meet redress. It is therefore with reluctance I give you the concern to know, that a flag of truce having been yesterday shown on Teller’s Point, I sent a boat towards the shore, presuming some communication was thereby solicited. The boat’s crew on approaching received a fire from several armed men, who till then had been concealed.[44] Fortunately none of my people were hurt, but the treacherous intentions of those who fired are not vindicated from that circumstance. I have the honor to be, &c.”
(This was signed by Sutherland and countersigned by John Anderson, Secretary, and in André’s handwriting.)
FOOTNOTES to “JOHN ANDRÉ AND ARNOLD’S TREASON PLOT”:
[36] Dunlap, vol. 2, p. 171.
[37] The Duke de la Rochefoucault Liancourt in his Travels in North America in 1795, says: “But for this inveterate hatred against the United States, which he too loudly professes, and which carries him too far, General Simcoe appears in the most advantageous light. He is just,
## active, enlightened, brave, frank, and possesses the confidence of the
country, of the troops, and of all those who join him in administration of public affairs.”
[38] Alexander Hamilton, in a letter to John Laurens, says: “The project seems to have originated with Arnold himself, and to have been long premeditated. The first overture is traced back to some time in January last. It was conveyed in a letter to Colonel Robinson, the substance of which was, that the ingratitude he had experienced from his country, concurring with other causes, had entirely changed his principles; that he now only sought to restore himself in the favour of his king by some signal of his repentance and would be happy to open a correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton for that purpose.”
[39] Sheldon says, in his letter of August 10th, 1780: “It mortifies me not a little, that I am obliged to tell you that more than twenty of the best of my horses, completely accoutred, are employed as common Express Riders between this place and Newport exclusive of those which I am obliged to employ on the same business in conveying despatches as an intermediate post between Head Quarters and the first stage of expresses. I hope as horses are much wanted on this advance post those Dragoons who are employed on such extra service may soon be called to more honorable duty.”
[40] Washington Papers, No. 19991.
[41] General Washington’s reply from Headquarters, Sept. 14th, 1780, was: “... Under the circumstances you mention you may detain the men of Colonel Putnam’s regiment, who are serving as bargemen to you;.... I shall be at Peekskill on Sunday evening, on my way to Hartford, to meet the French admiral and general. You will be pleased to send down a guard of a captain and fifty men at that time, and direct the quartermaster to endeavour to have a night’s forage for about forty horses. You will keep this to yourself, as I wish to make my journey a secret. I am, &c. GO. WASHINGTON. (He was delayed in setting out. It was Monday the 18th.)
[42] Hamilton says: “There was some colour for imagining it was a part of the plan to betray the General into the hands of the enemy. Arnold was very anxious to ascertain from him the precise day of his return, and the enemy’s movements seem to have corresponded to this point. But if it was really the case it was very injudicious. The success must have depended on surprise, and as the officers at the advanced posts were not in the secret, their measures might have given the alarm, and General Washington, taking the command of the post, might have rendered the whole scheme abortive. Arnold it is true, had so dispersed the garrison as to have made the defence difficult, but not impracticable; and the acquisition of West Point was of such magnitude to the enemy, that it would have been unwise to connect it with any other object, however great, which might make the obtaining of it precarious.”