Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-02-14
ARNOLD'S ESCAPE.

Mr.. EbcncZor Chase was a private IN
the New Hampshire militia, which reiev-
cd the Pennsylvania line at West Point
III lTSO,whcn those troops, being veterans
were wanted elsewhere. Mr.. Chase,
with several others being off duty, was on
the shore Of the Hudson when Arnold de-
serted. When Gen. Washington assign
ed the command of West Point, he left
his own barge in his possession. A tenn
p0rary hut was erected on the east shore
for the accommodation Of the four oars
men who managed the barge. On the
morning Of his dcscrtion, Gen. Arnold
rode down 10 the shore from his head
quarters at Robinson's farm, very fast
as was his custom-thrcw the rcins to his
attendant, and ordered the barge to be
manned. lie then directed his course
toward the Point but on reaching the
middle of the river, the boat was OF served
to take Il course down stream. and move
very swiftly through the water.
The explanation was afterwards made
by the boatmcn. He hoistcd flag of
truce and told them to pull for the Nu-
turc sloop-oi-war, which lay below, say
ING 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 Nuturc, and be-
ing within range of her guns, Arnold
opened his plan, saying, II have served
the ungratclul scoundrc!s long enough"
aud declared if they would go with him
they should have dolbc pay, and be
made sargeants in the British service.
Ono Of the mon replied that "hc did not
understand fighting on both sides" 'Thcn,'
said the General you are prisoners
When they came alongside the sloop-
ol-war, Arnold assembled the deck, and
was received by the marines with pre-
sontcd arms. He then ordered his men
to come on board as prisoners Of war.
One Of them, who had been their spokcs-
man Just before, said " 1T was a shabby
trick, as they had toicd to their utmost
strength to get the boat along, now to re-
Ease the promised reward, and make
them prisoners to boot" The English
captain heard their murmUrs, and step
ping forward. obscrvcd-"Gcn. Arnold,
command this ship, and while | walk
this quartcr-dccll no such transaction
shall take place. know the meaning of
my words, sir, and will meet their COM
mcnt.' Then addressing the men, he
con.inued-"My good fellows, | respect
your principles and fidelity to your coun-
try although! you arc enemies to your
King. You shall have the liberty to 90
or stay, as you please. Here" taking
them from his purse, care your guincas {;
steward, put up four gallaons of rum for
these men, The boatmcn thanked the
gallant and generous sailor, and returned
iQ saic,Y to headquarters TO report their
proceedings f. Gcn.Washington, vino had
just arrived in camp" Arnold, chagrincd
and cnragcd, retired without uttcring a
word, to the cabin of the sloop-oi-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 Ola troop ofcight horses.
Arnold, before his escape, had received
information that John Anderson the
name with which he had flied Andrc's
pass, was taken. The information was
sent him by tho unfortunate person HIM
self. This determined his purpose for
sudden flight. He was afterwards dis
tinguished for thy inyctcracy with which
he carried on his predatory warfare
against the property ofhis fellow-country-
men. After the war he went to England
where, although he received the coun-
tenancc Of the British government, his
g00d Intentions in his unsuccessful plot
against the liberty Of his country were
dcspised by British officers. The ulitecl-
ing wretch called upon the widowed moth.
or and sister Of his unfortunate victim
(Andre) 1.-The servant announced to then
the name Of Gen. Arnold and they i'm.
mediatcl " returned a. message that they
did not desire to see him.