282 Major Andre and General Arnold. 



remain until Washington should arrive with his forces, and shut him 

 up within his defences. 



Arnold was conscious that the betrayal of this fortress would be 

 the probable means of depriving the republican forces of its chief 

 resources, for besides the immense stores which were deposited there, 

 it contained the entire stock of ammunition destined for the entire 

 army ; he therefore spared no pains to obtain the command of the 

 place, and to effect his design he wrote an humble letter to Wash- 

 ington, expressing his contrition for his past offences and entreating 

 that he might be entrusted with the charge of West Point, in order, 

 as he said, to prove to his country that his love for her glory could 

 efface from his mind the injuries he had received at her hands. 

 Washington was at first disinclined to employ Arnold, but the soli- 

 citations of General Schuyler and a letter from Livingston, who 

 strongly recommended Arnold for the post, overcame his scruples; 

 and, importuned by men for whose advice and opinion he felt the 

 highest respect, he consented to give him a command, though, with 

 a foreboding caution he added, '* I know Arnold's talents, and if I 

 consent to employ them I should wish it to be in attacking and not 

 awaiting for the enemy. Let him appear before rne and make other 

 propositions. However, if he continues to prefer West Point he shall 

 not experience a refusal." 



It may be easily conceived that Arnold received this intelligence 

 with secret pleasure, but he was too profound a dissimulator to per- 

 mit his joy to be discovered by any outward manifestations. He 

 proceeded to the camp and thanked his commander-in-chief for his 

 returning confidence, but without betraying by his manner any exult- 

 ation but what might have been supposed to arise from the pride of 

 an honest heart. Washington received him with that mild smile of 

 benevolence which a father might bestow upon his prodigal child 

 reclaimed from his vicious courses and seeking forgiveness from an 

 indulgent parent. "I wish," said Washington, extending his hand 

 to Arnold with a frankness of manner which showed how sincerely 

 his pardon had been accorded, "I wish, General Arnold, to place 

 you in a situation which may afford you an opportunity of reinstating 

 yourself in the good opinions of your fellow-citizens, and may at the 

 same time be worthy of so brave an officer." 



Arnold bowed. 



"The British army in New York is weakened, a part of it has 

 already embarked on another expedition ; as soon as they sail I 

 purpose to attack the city." 



Arnold, by a hasty glance, ?crutinized the commander's counte- 

 nance, but it expressed no covert meaning. 



" And I propose to you," continued he, " the command of the left 

 wing of the army with which I shall advance." 



The restored general heard this tempting offer so flattering to his 

 courage with feelings it would be difficult to describe. At that 

 moment he saw within his grasp a distinction which he had long 

 sighed for, but a moment's reflection convinced him that he had gone 

 too far with Sir Henry Clinton to recede, and he was compelled to 

 relinquish an opportunity so tempting to a man greedy of fame, and 



