THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH. 303 



liim to finish "the plot of treachery" between them; it was understood 

 that Arnold was to receive a stipulated sum. The day "fixed upon, 

 Andre was to return to New York, and the British troops (already em- 

 barked under the pretence of an expedition to Chesapeake) were to 

 be ready to ascend the river. Arnold. was to weaken the post of West 

 Point by such a disposition of the garrison as would yield it an easy 

 prey to the troops brought against it. 



Every preliminary was settled, and the spy furnished with all the 

 papers explanatory of the condition of the post, and the manner in 

 which its force was to be rendered unavailable, and its garrison betrayed 

 to death or captivity. Andre required to be put in safety on board the 

 Vulture; to this Arnold assented, and, although a different route was 

 proposed, yet Andre supposed he was to be sent on board the attending 

 sloop of war. Before Arnold left Smith's house, he urged him to go 

 with Andre on board the Vulture as soon as it was dark; but, as if to 

 provide for obstacles, he sent two passes for Smith ; the one a permis- 

 sion to go " with a boat, three hands and a flag, to Dobb's Ferry, on 

 public business, and return immediately ; " the other, to pass the guards 

 to the White Plains, and return. To this was added a third, as follows : 



" Head Quarters, Robinson's House, 

 Sept. 22d, 1780. 

 " Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the White Plains, or below, 

 if he chooses ; he being on public business by my direction. 



"B. Arnold, M. Gen." 



A miserable day was passed by the spy in solitude, and, when 

 evening came, Smith positively refused to go on board the Vulture ; . 

 neither had he engaged any person to row the boat. The reason he 

 gave was an attack of ague, but this did not prevent him, as will be 

 seen, from accompanying Andre on horse-back in his nocturnal journey, 

 or from crossing the river with him. Thus Andre was compelled to 

 take the route Smith chose, which was to cross the river, and proceed in 

 the direction of White Plains. The uniform coat of the adjutant gen- 

 eral was left at Smith's house ; and with a coat of Smith's, covered by a 

 dark great-coat, with " a wide cape, and buttoned close to the neck," 

 Andre was equipped for the journey. Accordingly, in the morning, he 

 and Smith proceeded to King's Ferry. 



On the way, Smith endeavored to draw his companion into conver- 

 sation, but without success. He was reserved and thoughtful. On the 

 contrary, Smith accosted several of his acquaintances on the road ; and 

 even stopped at a sutler's tent, and joined in discussing a bowl of punch, 



