The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-02-15
ARNOLD'S ESCAPE.

Mr.. EbeneZer chase was private III the
New Hampshire militia, which relieved the
Pennsylvania line at West Point in 1850, when
those troops, being veteran, were wanted else
where. Mr.. Chase, with several others, being
off duty was on the shore Of the Hudson when
Arnold deserted. When General Washington
assigned the command of West Point he left
his own barge in his possession. A temporary
hut was erected on the east shore, for the accom-
mediation of the four oarsmen who managed the
barge. On the morning of his desertion, Gen.
Arnold rode down to the shore from his head
quarters at Robinsons farm, very FAST as was his
custom-threw the reins to his attendant, and
ordered the barge to be manned He then d.
rected his course toward the Point but on
reaching the middle Of the river, the boat was
observed to take course down the stream, and
move very swiftly through the water.
The explanation was afterward made by the
boatmen. He hosted flag of truce and told
them to pull FIR the Vulture sloop- which
lay below, saying that he had some business
with her captain, and promised, if they would
row him down to her as soon as possible, to give
them guinea and gallon Of rum each. On
nearing the Vulture, and being in range of her
guns, Arnold opened his plan saying, Il have
served the ungrateful scoundrels long enough"
and declared if they would go with him they
should have double pay, and be made sergeants
in the British service. One of the men replied
that he did not understand fighting on both
Sides "Then," said the General, 'you are
prisoners"
When they came alongside the sloop-of-war,
Arnold assembled the deck, and was received by
the marines with presented aims. He then or
dered his men to come on board as prisoners OF
war. One Of them, who had been their spokes.
man Just before. said I" 1t was shabby trick, as
they had toi!ed to their utmost strength to get
the boat along, now to refuse the promised re.
ward, and make them prisoners to boot" The
English captain heard their murmurs and step
| ping forward ACKNOWLEDGMENT Arnold COM
mand this ship, and while | walk this quarter
deck no such transaction shall take place. |
know the meaning of my words, sir, and will
meet their comment" Then addressing the
men, he continued" My good fellows, re-
spect your principles and fidelity to your coun-
try, although you are enemies to yonr King.
Y ou shall have the liberty to go or stay as you
please. Here taking them from his purse,
are your gulneas steward, put up four gallons
Of rum for these men," The boatmen thanked
the gallant and generous sailor, and returned in
safety to headquarters to report their proceedings
to General Washington, who had just arrived in
camp. Arnold, chagrined and enraged, retired
without utering word to the cabin of the
sloop-of-war.
This statement was made by Mr.. Chase, about
a fortnight before his death 1881. He also stated
that he saw Major Andre going to execution,
riding in the centre of troop of eight horses.
Almond, before his escape, had received in
formation that John Anderson the name with
which he had filled Andres pass, was taken.
The information was sent him by the unfortu-
nate person himself. This determined his pur-
pose for sudden flight. He was afterwards dis
tinguished for the inveteracy with which he car
red on his predatory warfare against the pro-
perty of his fellow countrymen. After the war
he went to England, where, although he re-
ceived countenance of the British Government.
his good intentions in his unsuccessful plot
against the liberties of his country were dspised
by the British officers. The unfeeling wretch
called upon the widowed mother and sister Of his
unfortunate victim (Andre.)-The servant an
nounced to them the name of General Arnold !;
and they Immediately returned message that
they did not desire to see him.