338 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



It is to the pervading interest that attached itself to Andre's story, and 

 the romantic character of his career, that the origin of the ghost-stories 

 about him may be attributed. There is yet another connected with him : 



" Miss H. B., was on a visit to Miss Andre, and being very intimate 

 with the latter, shared her bed. One night she was awakened by the 

 violent sobs of her companion, and upon entreating to know the cause, 

 she said : ' I have seen my dear brother, and he has been taken prisoner.' 

 It is scarcely necessary to inform the reader that Major Andre was then 

 with the British army during the heat of the American war. Miss B., 

 soothed her friend, and both fell asleep, when Miss Andre once more 

 started up, exclaiming, ' They are trying him as a spy;' and she described 

 the nature of the court, the proceedings of the judge and prisoner, with 

 the greatest minuteness. Once more the poor sister's terrors were 

 calmed by her friend's tender representations, but a third time she awoke 

 screaming that they were hanging him as a spy on a tree and his regi- 

 mentals, with many other circumstances ! There was no more sleep for 

 the friend ; they got up, and entered each in her own pocket-book the 

 particulars stated by the terror-stricken sister, with the dates ; both 

 agreed to keep the soruce of their own presentiment and fear from the 

 poor mother, fondly hoping they were built on the fabric of a vision. 

 But, alas ! as soon as news, in those days, could cross the Atlantic, the 

 fatal tidings came ; and to the deep awe, as well as sad grief of the young 

 ladies, every circumstance was exactly imparted to them as had been 

 shadowed forth in the fond sister's sleeping fancy, and had happened on 

 the very day preceding the night of her dream. The writer thinks this 

 anecdote has not been related by Miss Seward, Dr. Darwin, or the Edge- 

 worths, father and daughter, who have all given to the public many intre- 

 esting events in the brilliant but brief career of Majoy Andre." 



It is creditable to the British Government that in consideration of the 

 magnitude of Andre's attempted service, and the disastrous fate with 

 which his efforts were crowned, nothing was wanting to testify either its 

 care for his fame or its respect for his wishes. On the 13th November, 

 Captain St. George, Clinton's aide, delivered that General's despatches 

 of the 12th October, to Lord George Germain: 



"The unexpected and melancholy turn which my negotiations with General 

 Arnold took with respect to my Adjutant-General, has filled my mind with the 

 deepest concern. He was an active, intelligent and useful officer, and a young 

 gentleman of the most promising hopes. Therefore, as he has unfortunately fal- 

 len a sacrifice to his great zeal for the King's service, I judged it right to consent 

 to his wish, intimated to me in his letter of the 29th Sept., of which I have the 

 honor to enclose your lordship a copy, that his company which he purchased 

 should be sold for the benefit of his mother and sisters. But I trust, my lord, that 

 your lordship will think Major Andre's misfortune still calls for some further 

 support to his family ; and I beg leave to make it my humble request that you 

 will have the goodness to recommend them in the strongest manner to the King, 

 for so me beneficial and distinguishing mark of His Majesty's favor. "« 

 a MSS. Sir II. Clinton to Lord G. Germain, (Separate,) New York, 12th Oct. 1T80, S. P. O. 



