find an opportunity of displaying his own discernment by magnifying the follies and mistakes of others. In his transactions with individuals, whether with foreigners or countrymen, his conduct would be guided by the sincerity of a man and the politeness of a gentleman; not by the temporizing flexibility of a courtier, nor the fawning complaisance of a sycophant."

So high was the conception, which Hamilton had formed of the duties and character of a senator! And so far below it had the reality already fallen!

It is not possible, however, within the limits of the present work, to describe all the services which Hamilton rendered to the American cause, during the period of his residence in the military family of his chief. Throughout the campaigns of 1779 and 1780, in which Washington acted principally on the defensive, the general and his aide-de-camp were in constant, daily, familiar communication with each other, and labouring incessantly together for the promotion of the common interest. Passing over the details of these campaigns, there is one incident, the saddest and most tragical of the war, which, from the part Hamilton took in it, requires a brief notice here, and will form the subject of a separate chapter.

CHAPTER IV

MAJOR ANDRÉ.

HE city of New York being in the hands of

THE

the English, it was a prime object with Washington to secure the Highlands of the Hudson; and, with this view, the important position of West Point had been strongly fortified. A rocky promontory here commands the river, which is little more than a quarter of a mile in width, as it turns aside from its course before that natural obstruction. The enemy was as anxious to gain the post as the Americans were to defend it, for upon its possession would probably depend the safety of the country beyond the event of, at least, one campaign, and, as some thought, the ultimate fortune of the war.

It was in the summer of 1780, that Washington, yielding to the solicitations of Benedict Arnold, confided to his valour and loyalty this momentous charge. No braver soldier had drawn a sword in

the cause of independence; and his daring exploits, in the early part of the struggle, had extorted the admiration of friends and foes. There can be little doubt, that it was chiefly to him and Schuyler that Gates was indebted for his victory at Saratoga. Yet his services had not met with the gratitude they deserved; and he had the mortification of seeing his claims passed over, and the representations of Washington, in his behalf, neglected by Congress. Unable to emulate or understand the patient magnanimity of his chief, he seems to have cherished angry and bitter feelings, which were yet to ripen into schemes of violence and revenge. Moreover, he had indulged in habits of luxury and extravagance, which involved him in pecuniary embarrassments, destroyed his sense of honourable independence, and exposed him to fatal temptations. While in command at Philadelphia, he had lived in the most expensive style, engaged in questionable speculations, and incurred debts to a large amount. The envy and ill-will he provoked by his ostentation, found a vent in all sorts of charges against him. He had lately married Miss Margaret Shippen, a beautiful young lady, whose family was suspected of hostility to the American cause; and this was enough to give rise

to reports injurious to himself. He at first treated these accusations with scorn; but when they took the form of special complaints to Congress, he demanded a court-martial to inquire into his conduct. After a full investigation, the only charges that could be proved to his disadvantage were a few venial irregularities, which sink into insignificance by the side of his brilliant services. Yet he was sentenced to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief; and, although Washington performed the unpleasant task with the utmost delicacy, and tempered the reproof with many flattering compliments, Arnold could not forget that his country had been much quicker to blame than praise. In addition to all this, he was annoyed by delays in the settlement of his accounts, and felt deeply aggrieved that, while his private debts were pressing upon him, he failed to obtain the money, which he believed to be due to him from the nation.

It was in this frame of mind that he addressed himself to the French Minister, M. de Luzerne, requesting a loan to extricate him from his difficulties, and hinting that it might be for the interest of the King of France, to secure the attachment of an American general in his position The Frenchman

very properly replied, that for the envoy of a foreign power to advance money under such circumstances, would be to buy, and not to secure the desired support; and that his master, having entered into the league with the United States from motives of justice and policy, could have no objects to serve that were not based on mutual interest and good-will. He was therefore compelled to decline General Arnold's request, with many expressions of esteem for his character, and admiration of his achievements.

It was the gambler's last stake. From that moment, Arnold was not only a disappointed, but a desperate man. He contrived, however, to conceal his purpose; and, while he engaged in a treasonable correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, he impressed Washington with the belief, that he was most anxious for an opportunity of proving the injustice of his enemies, by again rendering some signal service to his country. He obtained the command of West Point, and fixed his head-quarters at Robinson House, a country-seat on the opposite bank of the river.

In the month of September, 1780, Washington had visited Hartford, to hold a conference with Count Rochambeau and other French officers, and on his return to the Hudson, accompanied by Lafayette and