THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH. 279 



Major Andre went on shore at General Arnold's desire, in a boat sent for him 

 with a flag of truce ; that he not only came ashore with the knowledge and 

 under the protection of the General who commanded in the district, but that he 

 took no step while on shore, but by the direction of General Arnold, as will 

 appear by the enclosed letter from him to your Excellency. Under these circum- 

 stances I could not, and hoped you would not, consider Major Andre as a spy, 

 for any improper phrase in his letter to you. 



The facts he relates correspond with evidence I offer, but he admits a con- 

 clusion which does not follow. The change of clothes and name was ordered by 

 General Arnold, under whose direction he necessarily was while within his com- 

 mand. 



As General Greene and I did not agree in opinion, I wished that distinguished 

 gentlemen of knowledge of the law of war and nations, might be asked their 

 opinion on the subject, and mentioned Monsieur Knyphausen and General 

 Rochambeau. I related that a Captain Robinson had been delivered to Sir 

 Henry Clinton as a spy, and undoubtedly was such ; but that it being signi- 

 fied to him that you were desirous that the man should be exchanged, he had 

 ordered him to be exchanged. 



I wished that an intercourse of such civilities as the rules of war admit of 

 might take off many of its horrors. I admitted that Major Andre had a great share 

 of Sir Henry Clinton's esteem, and that he would be infinitely obliged by his 

 liberation ; and that if he was permitted to return with me, I would engage to 

 have any person you would be pleased to name, set at liberty. 



I added that Sir Henry Clinton had never put to death any person for a breach 

 of rules of war, though he had, and now has, many in his power; under 

 the present circumstances much good may arise from humanity, much ill from 

 the want of it, if that could give any weight. I beg leave to add that your 

 favorable treatment of Major Andre, will be a favor I shall ever be intent to re- 

 turn to any you hold dear. 



My memory does not retain with the exactness I could wish, the words of the 

 letter which General Greene showed me from Major Andre to your Excellency. 

 For Sir Henry Clinton's satisfaction I beg you will order a copy of it to be sent 

 to me at N. Y. I have the honor to be your Excellency's 



Most obedient and humble Servant, 

 James Robertson. 



" This letter could have produced no effect, even if it had not arrived 

 too late ; for it touched upon no points which had not already been 

 examined and decided. The commissioners returned to New York." a 



Andre was executed at 1 2 o'clock the same day. 



"On the night of the 3d of August, 1781, about 11 o'clock, the British 

 and American guard boats met in the river near Dobb's Ferry, when a 

 considerable firing ensued ; the Americans had one man badly wounded, 

 who died soon after. The damage sustained by the enemy was not 

 known." August 7th, 1781, in the morning, about two o'clock, the 



a Spart's Life of Arnold, 2T6. 



