The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-01-02

Smith endeavoured to amuse Major
Andre, (who appeared very disconsolatel
by showing him from the top of his
house the extensive prospect over the
eapacious bay Of Haverstraw and the
opposite shore but he cast an anxious
look towards the Vulture, and with
heavy sigh wished himself on board.
Smith finding himself better, ordered
the horses and they reached the ferry
at Stoney Point before dark; called at
the suffers, and drank with them cross
ed the river and rode on FIVE or six
miles, when they were challenged by Il
patrole party. The commanding officer
demanded a countersign, and the rea-
son of their travelling in the night.
Smith told him, they had passports from
Gen. Arnold, which they had that day
received; that they were on publick
business Of the utmost importance, and
he would be answerabie for their deten-
ton a moment. On coming to a light
they presented their passports, which
satisfied the officer. He, however, adj
vised them not to proceed in the night,
for patrolling parties of both armies
were out, and there was little chance of
avoiding them, and added, he had heard
them firing few minutes previous to
meeting them. Alarmed at this intelli-
gence, they concluded TO go no further
that night, although Andre was anxious
to proceed. They returned short dis
lance, and obtained lodgings.
They both slept in the same bed, and
Smith was often disturbed by the restless
motions and uneasiness of mind exhibited
by his bed-fellow, who, on observing the
first dawn of day summoned the SER
want TO prepare the horses for their de-
parture. They rode cheerfully towards
Pines bridge, over Croton river, a
branch of the Hudson, without Interrupt
ton; and, as they were passing along,
the countenance Of Andre frightened in-
to cheerful serenity; he became affa-
Bile, and displayed knowledge in the
belles-lettres, n,siek, painting, poetry,
and general history, beyond what his
companion had any idea he possessed.
So fine was the morning, so pleasant the
converse, and so ich the scenery around
them, they became insensible of time
and distance, and were surprised to find.
themselves so soon at the bridge, the
contemplated place of their separation.
After breaklasting at low Dutch house
near the bridge, and after Smith had
given his companion the necessary d.
rections of his route to the White Plains,
on crossing the bridge they took an af-
fecting leave of each ether, and Smith
returned to bis family in safety.
Andre, or arriving at the fork of the
roads, concluded the one by the White
Plains would be circuitous to go,to New
York, and having good horse, he bold
ly ventured to take the other down the
river. He had proceeded about six
miles, whenhe was stopped in narrow
part of the toad, near larry Town, by
three NeH-York militia men, John
Paulding, David Williams, and. Isaac
Van Vest, Who were on scouting par
ty between the out-posts of the two ar
mics. One of them having seized his
horse by tie bride, Andre, instead of
producing lis pass, asked where thew
belonged. They answered, "to 6elouv.r
Not suspecing deception, he replied
/" so do / )" and, declaring himselfa Brit
ish officer, ntreated that he might not
be detained, as he was on pressing busi-
ness. On finding himself in the hands
of his enemies, he offered them yalua-
bic gold watch to let him pass; but this
led to further suspicion. They there
fore took hin aside into the bushes, and.
searching hing found his papers lodged
In one of his boots. The captors then
took him to COL. Jamison, where he still
passed under the name of Anderson
and, with a view of providing for the
safety of Gen. Arnold, requested permis-
sion to send line to inform him of his
detention. Astonishing as it may ap-
pear, bis request was granted. Mai.
Andres messenger arrived at Gen. Ar
nold's lodgings (Which were then at the
house formerly occupied by Col. Robin
son, on the opposite side Of the river
from West Point, and a short distance
from the shore,) before the messenger.
Col. Jamison dispatched to Gen., wash
ington with Andres papers, and also
letter from ANDRE. disclosing his real
name and rank in the British army, ar
rived. Gen.A. on the receipt of the let
ter, seized the messengers horse, rode
fiIrinnslv down the nrecinicn nInnnef