Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-01-10
From tie Farmers Monthly VISITOR.
ARNoLD's ESCAPE.

MIR Ebenezer Chase was private in the
New Hampshire militia which relieved the
Pennsylvania line at West pnint in 1880,
7-.'iIe a rirUse troops, being veteran, were wan
ted elsewhere. Mir c. with several others,
being off duty, was on the shore OF the Hud-
son when Arnold deserted When General
Washington assigned him the command Of
West Point, he left his own barge in his
possession. temporary hut was erected
on the east shore for the accommodation of
the four oarsmen who managed the barge.
On the morning Of his desertion, Gen. Ar
mold rode down to the shore, from his head
quarters ut Robinson's farm, very fast, as
was his custom--threw the reins TO his al
tendant, and ordered the barge 10 be man.
ned. He then directed his course towards
the Point, but on the middle Of the river,
The boat was observed TO fake course
down stream, and more swiftly through the
water.
The explanation was afterwards made by
the boatmen lle hoisled "a Gag of truce
and told them TO pull for the yuliure sloop
Of war, which lay below, saying that he had
some business with her captain, aud promis-
ed if they would row him down 10 her as
soon as possible, to give them guinea and
a gallon of rum each. On nearing the
Vulture, and being within range OF her
guns, Arnold opened his plan saying. 4 have
served the ungratefui 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 unde-
stand fighting on both Sides Then said
the General, you are prisoners
When they came along side the sloop of
war, Arnold assembled the deck, and was
received by the marines with presented arms.
he then ordered his men 10 come on board
as prisoners Of war One of them who
had been their spokesman just before, said
1t was shabby Tick, as they had toiled
TO their utmost strength 10 get the boat along.
now 10 refuse the promised reward, and
make them prisoners 10 boot the English
captain heard their murmurs. and stepping
forward, observed-'General Arnold, /
command this ship, and while | walk the
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 con,inued-'My
good fellows, | respect your principles and.
fidelity TO your country, although you are
enemies to The King. You shall have
liberty to go or stay as you please Here
taking them from his purse, are your
euineas: steward put up four gallons of
rum for these men, The boaimen thanked
the gallant and generous sailor, and retur-
ned in safety 10 head quarters to repor.
their proceedings 10 Gen, Washington,
who had just arrived in camp. Arnold
chagrined and enraged, retired without ut
tering word 10 the cabin of the sloon Of
war.
This statement was made by Mr. Chase
about fortnight before his death in 1881.
He also stated that he saw Major Andre
going to execution riding in the centre of a
troop of eight horses.
Arnold, before his escape had received
information that John Anderson the name
with which he had filed Andres pass, was
taken The Information was sent him by
the unfortunate person himself This deter
mined his purpose for sudden fight He
was afterwards distinguished FOR tie nveter-
aey with which he carried on bis predatory
warefare against the property Of his fellow
countrymen After the war he went to
England, where, although he received the
counlenanee of the Blush government. his
good intentions in his unsuccessful plot
against the liberty Of his country were DIES.
pissed by the British officers The unfeel-
ing wretch called upon the widowed mother
and sister ofhis unfortunate victim (Andre.)
The servant announced TO them the name
of Gen Arnold and they Immediately re-
turned message that they did not desire
10 see him.
prDI0 N7r,, NJ On,