The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-07-25
ARNOLD,S ESCAPE.

Every scrap of authentic historical inforTna-
ton has its value, and should be preserved. In
this country, we are too negligent OF such things
We have especially neglected to avail ourselves
of the communications we might have gathered
from the soldiers of the revolution, a vast many
of whom have been able and willing, (and some
of whom still are) to furnish us with precious
records. We notice that Mr. Chase has lately
deceased in New Hampshire, who was private
in the militia, which relieved the Pennsylvania
line at West Point, In 1880. Mr.. C., with sew
eral others, being off duty, was on the shore OF
the Hudson when Arnold deserted When wash
ington assigned him the command of West Point,
he left his own barge in his possession. A tenn
porary hut was erected on the east shore, for the
accommodation CT the four oarsmen who man
aged the barge On the morning of the deser-
ton, Arnold rode down to the shore, from his
head quarters at Robinson's farm, very fast, as
was his custom-threw the reins to his attend
! ant and ordered the barge to be manned He
then directed his course towards the point; but
on reaching the middle of the river, the boat was
observed to take course down stream, and
move very swiftly through the water.
The explanation afterwards made by the
boatnen. He hsisted flag of truce, and told
them to pull for the Vulture sloop of war, which
Law below, saying that he had some business with
the 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 Vufture, and being within range OF her guns,
Arnold opened his play, saying, ''I have served
the ungrateful scoundrels long enough" and de-
clared if they would go with him, they should
have double pay and be made sergeants in the
British service. One Of them replied that che
did not understand fighting on both sides p
eeThenp said the General, styou are prisOnerSp
When they came alongside the sloop of war,
Arnold assembled the deck, and was received by
the marines with presented arms, He then or
dered his men to come on board as prisoners f
war One of them, who had been their spol1es-
man last before, said, cit was shabby trick, as
they had toiled to their utmost strength to get
the boat along, now to refuse the promised re-
ward, and make them prisoners to beot." The
English Captain heard their murmurs, and step
ping forward, observed-esGen. Arnold, COM
mand this ship; and, while walk the quarter
deck, no such transactions shall take place.
know the meaning of my words, sir, and will
meet their COMMENT Then addressing the men,
he continued-e'my good fellows, respect your
principles and fidelity to your country, although
YOU are enemies to your king. You shall have
liberty to go or stay, as you please. Here" taxi
ing them from his purse, Care your gulneas:
steward. put up four gallons of rum for these
men, The boatmcn thanked the gallant sailor,
and returned in safety to head quarters to report
their proceedings to Washington, who had Just
arrived in camp. Arnold, enraged, retired with
out uttering a word, to the cabin.
Such is the amount of the statement made by
Mr.. Chase, about fortnight before his decease,
and recorded in the Monthly Visitor.