The Life and Career of Major John Andre, Adjutant-General of the British Army in America

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX. Expedients of the British to procure Andre's Liberation.--Their Failure.--Correspondence in the Case. jjAULUS HOOK was only separated from New York by the Hudson, and was almost opposite Clinton's head-quarters. The papers brought by Ogden were therefore not long in coming to his hand; and he at once summoned Mr. Smith the King's Chief-Justice of New York, Mr. John Tabor Kempe the Attorney-General, and other civilians, to meet in consultation with his general officers. Having stated the circumstances of the case and submitted Washington's letter, Sir Henry asked Smith whether in his opinion the Americans could hang Andre as a spy. The chief-justice said that a reference to the authorities on the question led him to believe they could not; and in this opinion the officers concurred. But Kempe preserving a silence, one of them put the same query to him. Without going into the law of the matter he curtly answered, "I think they will hang him.' The querist turned away in disgust, and the Attorney-General presently retired. The conclusion arrived at by the council, however, was that as the American board could not have been possessed of full evidence in the business, a deputation should proceed forthwith to our lines, armed with satisfactory proofs of Andre's innocence: and that Washington should be notified by return of his own flag of the coming envoys. So soon as Andre's imprisonment was known, Simcoe had put himself in readiness to recapture him; and begged of Clinton that in any attempt of that nature his regiment should have the honor of its charge. Thinking the prisoner might perhaps be sent on to Congress, his scouts vigilantly watched the route between our camp and Philadelphia, to give timely warning of any chance to...