History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 49

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > New York > Westchester County > History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II > Part 49

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Copy of a state of matters laid before a council of war, by llis Excel- lency General Washington, held the 6th of September, 175.

A letter signes John anderson, dated Sept. 5, 1780, to Colonel Sheldon, 1 w.is also laid before the board and shown to Major Andre, which he uc- kuoerb dged ta have been written by bine, and is as follows :

" New York, the 7th Sept. 1750. "SIR,

"I AM toll my wume is made known to you, and that I may hope your "indulgence in permitting me to meet a fiend near your out posts. ] " will endeavor to obtain permission to go out with a they which will be " sent to Dobb's Ferry on Monday next, the Ith, ut twelve o'clock, when " I shall be happy to meet Mr. G-2. Should I not to allowed to go, "the officer who is to command the escort, between whour 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 par- " ties concerned, and which is of so private a nature that the public on " neither side can te injured by it.

" I shall be happy on my part in doing avy act of kindness to you in "a finily or property concern of a familiar nature.

" I trust I shall not be detained, but shonkl any old grudge be a cause " for it, I shall rather risk that, than neglect the busines in question, " or ussaner a mysterious character to carry on an innocent atfair, and, as "friends have advised, get to your lines by stealth. I win, Sir, with all " regard,

" Your most obedient humble serrunt,

"' JOHN ANDERSON." "Col. SHEMININ."

Major Andre observed that this letter could be of no force in the case in question, as it was written in New York, when he was under the onlers of General Clinton, but that it tended to prove that it was not his intention to come within our lines.

The Board having interrogated Major Andre about his conception of coming on shore under the sanction of a tlag, he said, That it was impes. sibly for him to suppose he came on shore under that sanction ; and wilded, That if he came on shore under that sanction, he certainly might have returned under it.

Major Andre having acknowledged the preceding facts, and being asked whether he lind anything to my respecting them, answered, Ile left them to operate with the Board.

The examination of Major Andre being concluded, he was remanded inta custoily.

The following letters were laid before the Board, and read : Benedict Arnohl's letter to General Washington, dated September 2, 17-0 ; Colo- nel Robinson's letter to General Washington, dated the 25th September, 1780 ; n110 General t'hinton's letter, dated the 26th September. 17su (in- closing a letter of the same date from Benedict Arnold) to tieneral Washington.

" On board the L'allure, Sept. 25, 1780.

"THE heart which is conscious of its own rectitude, cannot attempt to palliate a step which the world may censure is wrong ; I have ever neted from a principle of love to my country, since the commencement of the present unhappy content between Great- Britain and the Colonies; the same principle of love to my country actuates my present conduct. however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seklom judge right of any man's actions.

" I have no favor to ask for myself. I have tow often experienced the ingratitude of my country to attentpt it ; but from the known humanity of your Excellence, I am induced toask your protection for Mrs. Arnold, from every insult and injury that the mistaken vengeance of my coun- try may expense her to. It ought to fall only on me ; she is as found and as innocent as an angel, and is incapatde of doing wrong. I beg she may

1 Just it be supposed that Colonel sheldon, to whom the above letter is addressed, was privy to the plot carrying on by General Arnold, it is to be observed, that the letter was found among Arnold's papers, and had been transmitted by Colonel Sheldon, who, it appears from a letter of the 9th of September to Arnold, which inclosed it, had never heard of John Anderson before. Arnold in his answer on the 10th, acknowledged he bad not rommunieated it to him, though ho had informed him that he expected a jugson would come from New York for the purpose of bring- ing him intelligence.

2 It appears by the same letter that Arnold had written to Mr. An- derson, under the signature of Gustavus, this words are " I was obliged to write with great cantion to him, my letter was signed Gustavus tu prevent muy discovery in case it fell into the hands of the enemy."

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be permitted to return to her friends in Philadelphia, or to come to me as she may choose ; from your Excellency I have no fears on her account, but she may suffer from the mistaken fury of the country.

"I have to request that the inclosed letter may be delivered to Mrs. Arnold, and she permitted to write to me.

"I have also to ask that my cloaths and baggage, which are of little consequence, may be sent to me, if required their valne shall be paid in money.

" I have the honour to be, with great regard and esteem, Your Excellency's " most obedient and humble servant,

" His Excellency " General WASHINGTON."

"B. ARNOLD."

"N. B. In justice to the gentlemen of my family, Col. Varrick and Major Franks, I think myself in honor bound to declare that they, as well as Joshua Smith, Esq., (who I know is suspected) are totally ignor- ant of any transactions of miue, that they have reason to believe wero injurious to the public."

"SIR, "Vulture, off Sinsiuk, Sept. 25, 1780.

"I AM this moment informned that Major Andre, Adjutant General of his Majesty's army in America, is detained as a prisoner, by the army nuder your command. It is therefore incumbent on me to inform you of the manner of his falling into your hands : He went up with a flag at the request of General Arnold, on public business with him, and had his permit to return by land to New York : Under these circumstances Major Andre cannot be detained by you, without the greatest violation of flags, and contrary to the custom and usage of all nations; and as I imagine you will see this matter in the same point of view as I do, I must desire you will order him to be set at liberty and allowed to return imnie- diately : Every step Major Andre took was by the advice and direction of General Arnold, even that of taking a feigned uame, and of course not liable to censure for it.

" I am, Sir, not forgetting our former acquaintance, Your very humble " serrant, " His Excellency " BEV. ROBINSON, Col. " Loyl. Americ. " General WASHINGTON." "SIR, " New York, Sept. 26, 1780.

" BEING informed that the King's Adjutaut General in America has been stopt, under Major General Arnold's passports, and is detained a prisoner in your Excellency's army, I have the honor to inform you, Sir, that I permitted Major Andre to go to Major General Aruold, at the particular request of that general officer. You will perceive, Sir, by the iuclosed paper, that a flag of truce was sent to receive Major Andre, and passports granted for his return, I therefore can have no doubt but your Excellency will immediately direct, that this officer has permission to return to my orders at new York.

" I have the houor to be, your Excellency's ' most obedient and most humble seret.

" H. CLINTON. " His Excellency General WASHINGTON." " New York, Sept. 26, 1780.

"SIR,

"IN answer to your Excellcucy's message, respecting your Adjutant General, Major Andre, and desiring my idea of the reasons why he is detained, being under my passports, I have the honour to inform you, Sır, that I apprehend a few hours must return Major Andre to your Ex- . cellency's orders, as that officer is assuredly under the protection of a flag of trnce sent by me to him for the purpose of a conversation which I requested to hold with him relating to myself. and which I wished to communicate through that officer to your Excellency.

" I commauded at the time at West Point, had an nndoubted right to send my flag of truce for Major Andre, who came to me under that pro- tection, aud having held my conversation with him, I delivered him confidential papers in my own hand writing, to deliver to your Excel- lency, thinking it much properer lie should return by laud, I directed him to make use of the feigued uame of John Anderson, under which he had by my direction come on shore, and gave him my passports to go to the White Plains on his way to New York. This officer cannot there- fore fail of being immediately sent to New York, as he was invited to a conversation with me, for which I seut him a flag of trnce, and finally gave him passports for his safe return to your Excellency ; all which I had then a right to do, being in the actual service of America, under the orders of General Washington, and commauding general at West Point and in its dependencies.

" I have the honour to be, your Excellency's " most obedient and very humble serrant,

" B. ARNOLD. " His Excellency Sir HENRY CLINTON."

ii .- 21

The Board having considered the letter from his Excellency General Washington respecting Major Andre Adjutant General to the British army, the confession of Major Andre, and the papers produced to them, REPORT to his Excellency, the Commander in Chief, the following facts, which appear to them relative to Major Andre.

First, That he came on shore from the Vulture sloop of war in the night of the twenty-first of September instant, on an interview with General Arnold, in a private and secret manner.

Secondly, That he changed his dress within our lines, and under a feigned name, and in a disguised habit, passed our works at Stoney and Verplank's Points, the evening of the twenty-second of September instant, and was taken the morning of the twenty-third of September instant, at Tarry Town, in a disguised habit, being then on his way to New York, and when taken, he had in his possession several papers, which contained intelligence for the enemy.

The Board having maturely cousidered these facts, DO ALSO REPORT to His Excellency General Washington, That Major Andre, Adjutant- General to the British army, ought to be considered as a Spy from the enemy, and that agreeable to the law and usage of nations, it is their opinion, he ought to suffer death.

NATH. GREENE., M. Gent. President,

Stirling, M. G. Ar. St. Clair, M. G. La Fayette, M. G. R. Howe, M. G. Stuben, M. G. Suml. H. Parsons, B. Geul. James Clinton, B. Genl. H. Kuos, Genl. Artillery. Jno. Glorer, B. Genl. John Patterson, B. Genl. Edird. HImd, B. Genl. J. Huntington, B. Genl. John Starke, B. G.nl.

JOHN LAWRENCE, J. A. Genl.

APPENDIX.

Copy of a Letter from Major Andre, Adjutaut-General, to Sir Henry Clintou, K. B., &c., &c.

Tappan, Sept. 29, 178.). SIR.

YOUR Excellency is doubtless already apprised of the manuer in which I was taken, and possibly of the serious light in which my con- duct is considered, and the rigorous determination that is impending.

Under these circumstances, I have obtained Gener : Washington's permission to send you this letter ; the object of which is, to remove from your breast any suspicion, that I could imagine I was bound by your Excellency's orders to expose myself to what has happened. The events of coming withiu an euemy's posts, and of changing my dress. which led me to my preseut situation were contrary to my own inten- tions, as they were to your orders; and the circuitons route, which I took to return, was imposcd (perhaps unavoidably) withont alternative upon me.

I am perfectly tranquil in mind, and prepared for any fate, to which an honest zeal for my King's service may have devoted me.

Iu addressing myself to your Excellency on this occasion, the force of all my obligatious to you, aud of the attachment and gratitude I bear you, recurs to me. With all the warmth of my heart, I give you thanks for your Excellency's profuse kindness to me ; and I seud you the most earnest wishes for your welfare, which a faithful, affectionate and respectful attendant can frame.

I have a mother and three sisters, to whom the value of my commis- sion 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 per suaded of your Excellency's goodness.

I receive the greatest attcution from his Excellency General Washing- ton, and from every person, under whose charge I happen to be placed.

I have the honor to be, With the most affectionate attachment, Your Excellency's most obedient und most humble serrant,

Gem

JOIIN ANDRE, Adjutant-General. (Addressed) His Excellency General Sir Ilenry Chntou, K. B. &c. &c. &c.

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Copy of a letter from His Excellency General Washingtou, to Ilis Ex- celleney 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 tho most sum- mary proceedings against him. I determined, however, to refer his case to tho exmuination and decision of n Board of General Otlicers, 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. us in the report of the Board of General Officers.

From these proceedings it is evideut Major Andre was employed in the execution of measures very foreign to the objects of flags of truce, aud 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."

I have the honour to be your Excellency's Most obedient and most humble serrant,

(Addressed) G. WASHINGTON. His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton.

In this letter, Major Andre's of the 29th of September to Sir Henry Clinton, was transmitted.

New York, 29 Sept. 1780. SIR,

PERSUADED that you are inclined rather to promote than to prevent the civilities and acts of humanity, which the rules of war permit be- tweeu civilized nations, I lind uo difficulty in representing to you, that several letters and messages sent from hence have been disregarded, are unanswered, and the flags of truce that carried them, detained. As I ever have treated all flags of truce with civility aud respect, I have a right to hope, that you will order my complaint to be immediately redressed.

Major Andro, who visited an officer commanding in a district at bls owu desire, and acted in every circumstance agreeable to his direction, I find is detained a prisoner; my friendship for hitu leads me to tear he may suffer some iucouvenionce for want of uecessaries; I wish to be allowed to send hiu a few, aud shall take it as a favour if you will be pleased to permit bis servaut to deliver them, In Sir Ileury Clinton's abbeuce it becomes a part of my duty to make this representation nud request.

I am, Sir, your Excellency's Most obedient humble servant, JAMES ROBERTSON. Lt. General.

His Excellency General Washington.

Tappan, Sept. 30, 1780.

SIR,

I HAVE just received your letter of the 29th. Any delay which inny have attended your flags has proceeded from accident, and the peculiar cirumstances of the occasion, -not from intentiouul neglect or violation. The letter that admitted of an nnswer, has received one as early us it could be given with propriety, transmitted by a flug this morning. As to messages, I am uninformed of any that havo been sent.

The necessaries for Major Audre will be delivered to him, agreenble to your request.

I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, G. WASHINGTON.

His Excellency Lieut. General Robertson, New York.

New York, Sept. 30, 1780. SIR,

FROM your Excellency's letter of this date, I am persuaded the Board of General Officers, to whom you referred the case of Major Andre, can't have been rightly Informed of all the circumstances ou which a judgment ought to be formed. I think it of the highest moment to humanity, that your Excellency should bo perfectly apprized of the state of this matter, before you proceed to put that judgment iu execu- tion.

For this renson, I shall send Ilis Excellency Lleut. General Robertson, and two other gentlemen, to give you a true state of facts, and to declaro to yon my sentiments und resolutions. They will set out to-miorne W R8 arly us the wind and tide will permit, and will wait near Dobb's Ferry

for your permission and safe conduct, to meet your Excellency, or such persons as you may nppoint, to converse with them on this subject.

I have the honour to be. your Excellency's

Most obedient and most humble sercuut,

H. CLINTON.

P. S. The Ilon. Andrew Elliot, Esq., Lieut. Governor, and the Hon, William Smith, Chief justice of this province, will attend His Excellency Lient. General Robertson.

His Excellency General Washington. I. C.

Lient. General Robertson. Mr. Elliot and Mr. Smith came up in a flag vessel to Dobbs Ferry, agreeable to the above letter. The two last were not suffered to land. General Robertson was permitted to come on shore, and was met by Major General Greene, who verbally reported that General Robertson mentioned to him in substance what is contained iu his letter of the 2d of October to General Washington.

New York, Oct. 1, 1780.

SIR,

I TAKE this opportunity to inform your Excellency, that I consider myself no longer acting under the commission of Congress : Their last to me being among iny papers at West Point, you, Sir, will make such use of it, as you think proper.

At the same time, I beg leave to assure your Excellency, that my attach. ment to the true interest of my country is invariable, and that I am actuated by the SAME PRINCIPLE which has ever been the GOVERNING RULE of my conduct, in this unhappy contest.

I have the honour to be, very respectfully,

L'our Excellency's most obedient humble sev't, B. ARNOLD.

Ifus Excellency General Washington.

Greyhound Schooner, Flag of Truce. Dobb's Ferry, October 2, 1780.

SIR,

A NOTE I have from General Greene, leaves me in doubt if his men- ory had served him to relate to you with exactness the substance of the conversation that had passed between him and myself, on the subject of Major Andre. In an affair of so much consequence to my friend, to the two armies, and humanity, I would leave no possibility of a misunder. standing, and therefore take the liberty to put in writing the substance of what I said to General Greeno.

I offered to prove, by tho evldenco of Colonel Robinson and the offi- cers of the Vulture, that Major Andre went on shore at General Arnold's desire, In n bout sent for him with a flag of truce : that he not only came ashore with the kuowledge nud under tho protection of the General who commanded in tho district, but that he took no step while on shore but by direction of General Arnold, as will appear from the euclosed let- ter from him to your Excellency.

I'nder these circumstances I could not, and hoped that you would not, consider Major Andre as a spy, for auy improper phrase in his letter to you.

The facts he relates correspond with the evidence I offer ; but he ade mits a conclusion that does not follow. The change of cloaths aud unme was ordered by General Arnold, under whose direction he necessa- rily was, while within his commaud. As General Greene and I did not agree in opinion, I wished, that disinterested gentlemen of knowledge of the law of war and nations, might be asked their opinion on the subject ; und meutioned Monsieur Knyphanseu and General Rochambault.

I related that n Captain Robinson had been delivered to Sir Henry Clinton ns a spy, and undoubtedly was such ; but that it being signified to him that you were desirous that this man should be exchanged, he had ordered him to be exchanged.

I wished that an Intercourse of such civilities as the rules of war might admit of, might take off many of us horrors. I admitted that Major Andro had n grent share of Sir fleury Clinton's esteem, and that he would be infinitely obliged by his liberation ; and that if he was permit- ted to return with me, I would engage to have any person you would be pleased to name set at liberty.

I added, tint Sir Henry Clinton had never put to death any person for n breach of tho rules of war, though he had, and now has, many in his power. Under the present circumstances, much good might arise from humanity, much Ill from want ot It. If that could give any weight, I leg leave to add, that your fuvorablo treatment of Major Audre, will be a favor I should ever be intent to return to any you hold dear.

My memory does not retain with the exacturss I could wish, the words of tho letter which General Greene thewed ne from MI jor Audre to

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your Excellency. For Sir Ilenry Clinton's satisfaction, I beg you will order a copy of it to be sent to me at New York.

I have the honour to be your Excellency's Most obedient and most humble servant,

JAMES ROBERTSON.

His Excellency, General Washington.

New-York, October 1, 1780.

SIR,

THE polite attention shown by your Excellency and the Gentlemen of your family to Mrs. Arnold, when in distress, demand my grateful acknowledgment and thanks, which I heg leave to present.

From your Excellency's letter to Sir Henry Clinton, I find a Board of General Officers have given it as their opinion, that Major Andre comes under the description of a spy : My good opinion of the candor and just ice of those Gentlemen leads me to believe that if they had been made fully acquainted with every circumstance respecting Major Andre, that they would hy no ureans have considered him in the light of a spy, or even of a prisoner. In justice to him, I think it my duty to declare, that he came from on board the Vulture at my particular request, by a flag sent on purpose for him by Joshua Smith, Esq., who had permission to go to Dobb's Ferry to carry letters, and for other purposes not mentioned, and to return. This was done as a blind to the spy-boats: Mr. Smith at the same time had my private directions to go ou board tho Valturo and bring on shore Colonel Robinson, or Mr. John Anderson, which was the name I had requested Major Andre to assumo: At the same time I de- sired Mr. Smith to inform him that he should have my protection. and a safe passport to return in the same hoat, as soon as our business was com- pleted. As several accidents intervened to prevent his being sent on hoard, I gave him my passport to return hy land. Major Andro came on shore in his uniform (without disguise) which with much reluctance, at my particular and pressing instance, he exchanged for another coat. I furnished him with a horse and saddle, and pointed out the route by which he was to retnrur. And as commanding officer in the department, I had an undonhted right to transact all these matters ; which if wrong, Major Andre ought by no means to suffer for them.

But if, after this just and candid representation of Major Andre's case, the Board of General Officers adhere to their former opinion, I shall suppose it dictated by passion and resentment ; and if that Gentleman should suffer the severity of their sentence, I shall think myself bound by every tie of duty and honour, to retaliate on such unhappy persons of your army as may fall within my power, that the respect dne to flags, and to the law of natious, may be better understood and ob- served.

I have further to observe, that forty of the principal inhabitants of Sontlr Carolina have justly forfeited their lives, which have hitherto heen spared by the clemency of His Excellency, Sir Henry Clinton, who can- not in justice oxtend his mercy to them any longer, if Major Andre suf- fers; which in all probability will open a scene of blood at which human- ity will revolt.

Suffer me to entreat your Excellency, for your own and the honour of humanity, and the love you have of justice, that you suffer not an unjust sentence to touch the life of Major Andre.

But if this warning he disregarded, and he suffer, I call heaven and earth to witness, that your Excellency will be justly answerable for the torrent of blood that may he spilt in consequence.

I have the Honour to be, with due respect, Your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant, B. ARNOLD.

His Excellency, General Washington.

Tappan, October I, 1780.

SIR,

BUOY'D above the terror of death by the consciousness of a life de- voted to honorable pursuits, and stained with no action that can givo me remorse, I trust that the request I make to your Excellency at this serious period, and which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected.

Sympathy towards a soldier will surely induce your Excellency and a military tribunal to adapt tho mode of my death to tho feelings of a man of honour.

Let me hope, Sir, that if aught in my character impresses you with esteein towards me, if auglit in my misfortune marks me as the victim of policy and not of resentment, I shall experience the operation of these

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History of Westchester county : New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II, Part 49

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898, Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898,
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.E. Preston & Co.
Number of Pages: 1286