SMITH'S CHARACTER. 173 



cerity in error something of the credit due to 

 principle. 



In his treatise, Mr. Joshua Hett Smith de- 

 clares that he was on the American side, al- 

 though he thought the war had gone far 

 enough, while facts show that he was not only 

 destitute of all patriotism, but was supremely 

 selfish, and what was infinitely worse, he con- 

 nived at the betrayal of his country. 



To all indications, when the British lines 

 extended above Haverstraw, he was a loyal 

 subject of the king ; but when his property 

 came within the American lines, he lavishly 

 extended his hospitalities to the Continental 

 officers. Arnold and Burr were frequently his 

 guests, and the latter left his name carved in 

 the marble of the dining-room mantelpiece, 

 where it is shown as one of the curiosities of 

 the house. 



In his book, Smith complains that he was 

 not taken into Arnold's confidence, regretting 

 that he was therefore unable to defeat his 

 plans, while he unconsciously makes it evident 

 that he knew perfectly well the object of 

 Andre's visit, assisting in his disguise by lend- 

 ing him his own coat. It was this reluctant 

 exchange of his uniform which settled the 



