A military journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783 / describing interesting events and transactions of this period; with numerous historical facts and anecdotes, from the original manuscript. To which is added, an appendix, containing biographical sketches of several general officers. By James Thacher.

  • Thacher, James, 1754-1844.
Date:
1827
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A military journal during the American Revolutionary War, from 1775 to 1783 / describing interesting events and transactions of this period; with numerous historical facts and anecdotes, from the original manuscript. To which is added, an appendix, containing biographical sketches of several general officers. By James Thacher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    country for ever, and desired her to retire and remain in her chamber. He now called earnestly for a horse, and mount- ed the first that presented ; and instead of the usual path, he took a shorter route, riding down a very steep and dan- gerous precipice, to the landing. This has since been called *¢ Traitor’s Hill.” The barge being in readiness, he sprang into it, and ordered the boatmen to proceed down the river, and he was soon on board the Vulture, which Andre two nights before had left, and which immediately sailed with their prize for New York. Arnold was apprized that Gene- ral Washington, being on his return from a journey to Hart- ford, intended to visit him that day, and he was momentarily expected; accordingly, his Excellency arrived soon after Arnold had absconded, and not finding him at his quarters he passed over the river to West Point, to view the works, and with the expectation of finding him at his post ; but being dis- appointed, he returned to Arnold’s quarters, where he still found that no one could account for his absence. But in a few hours despatches arrived from Colonel Jameson, an- nouncing the capture of Major Andre, and this was accompa- nied by his own letter of confession. The mysterious affair was now developed. Arnold’s treason and elopement admit- ted at once of explanation. An officer was immediately sent to our fort at Verplanck’s Point, with orders to fire at Ar- nold’s barge ; but it was too late, she had already reached the Vulture. In about an hour and a half after Arnold had absconded, Dr. Eustis, who had charge of the hospital in the vicinity, was called to the assistance of Mrs. Arnold, whose situation was alarming. He found her at the head of the staircase, in great dishabille, her hair disheveled, knowing no one, and frantic in the arms of her maid, and Arnold’s two aids, struggling to liberate herself from them. She was car- ried back to her chamber, and fel] into convulsions, which lasted several hours. Ina lucid interval she inquired of the | Doctor if General Washington was in the house, expressing a wish to see him. Believing that she intended to say some- thing which would explain the secret of Arnold’s unaccounta- ble absence, he hastened below, gave notice of her request, and conducted the general to her chamber, who remained no longer than to hear her deny that he was General Washing- ton, and to witness the return of her distraction. When Ar- nold deserted his post, a corporal, by name James Lurvey, was the cockswain of his barge. After their arrival on board the Vulture, and Arnold had held an interview with the offi-