Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-09-27

NOul tue SuoIe NC Hhub SOIue lllue previous,
applied to Arnold for two pieces of heavy ordi-
nance but to this proposal the latter of course
declined TO aecede, alleging some trivial ex-
cuse in justification of his refusal Livingston
however, still retained his former desire, and
accordingly noticing that the vessel was with
in easy cannon shot, he fred upon her with q
small four pound gun, on the morning we have
mentioned, and with such effect that she was
obliged to lift her anchor and float down with
the tide. 1t was this seemingly trifng Incl,
dent which exercised so onnipotent an influence
over future occurrences this alone caused that
fatal delay Of Andre, whose finale was his cap
ture and death. How small aud apparently
i9consderable are the means at times resorted
TO for the attainment of mighty and oVerpoW-
erng results But We anticipate.
During the morning passed at Smiths every
preliminary connected with this plot of treason
was adjusted, and an early period named for
its accomplishment. 1t was considered neceS-
sary for Andre to revisit New York, while the
British troops, already on shipboard, and pre-
pared for an expedition to Chesapeake Bay,
were to hold themselves in readiness for ascend
ing the Hudson and opening an attack on
West Point, a large portion of whose garrison
was to remoeed, and the various points in its
vicinity materially weakened. Arnold, as the
British approached, prepared to dispatch por-
tons of his army among the rayines and gorges
of the hills, ,ostensbiy for the purpous of meet.
ing the enemy and checking their advance, but
really in order to entangle them among the
briery underground Of the mountains, thereby
still more imp overiShing the garrison, aud fa-
cjlitating an unresisted capture. The plan was
certainly arranged with foresight and skill, yet
how abh0rrent and revolving are these evidence
of cold and bloolthirsty calculation Having
proceeded thus far, Arnold closed the discus
sion 10y supplying Andre with different papers
explaining IN detail the position of the troops
at West Point aud adjacent fortfcations as
we'll as stating their number and equipments,
with other matters connected Herewith which
might be deemed valuable by the British gen
eral These he particularly desired should be
placed in some closely concealed spot about his
person, suggesting the propriety Of depositing
them in lis stockings, which, it was presumed,
would scarcely be liable to search. Andre was
then provided with a passport, and Arnold,
waving him, as he supposed, a temporary
farewell, proceeded to his quarters in the con
tient belief thar success would crown his every
exeru0a. How easily did Providence Illustrate
the traitors designs
The evening drew on and Audre expressed
to Smith his desire to leave Immediately for
the Nueture, also requesting him as had been
agreed upon, to act as guide. This the letter
positively refused, stating that illueSs would
absolutely prevent him from yeuturing upon
the water he, however, undertook to convey
the major by land, if such an arrangement
should meet his wishes. Smiths real reason
was doubtless one of fear caused by the morn
ing attack but this he of course was unwilling to
coHcede. Obliged by the force of most un-
forSeen and calamtoas circumstances, Andre
consented to this plan, aud, notwithstanding,
as We have mentioned Sir Henry CiHtou's 5
orders, exchanged his uniform tor the garb Of
plain country gentleman, mounted his horse,
anG well securing the important documents
entrusted 10 his care, rode of in Smiths com
pany. The latter promised to sttead him as
far as the " lower outpostS of the American
lines" from whence Andre was to proceed as
best he might, across the country to New York
Every act We here discern was in immediate
contraYention of Clinton'S directions. but no
other alternative by which to arrivs in safety
within the British territory at that time pre-,
seated itself
Night was at hand when Andre and his con-
ductor arrived at Yerplauk's Point, post on
the opposite shore OF the Hudson, then oc-
cupied by American troops, and from thence
they hastened onward towards the mentral
grouRd At a small village, some eight miles
beyond this position. they were subjected to
considerable interruption from seutinel sta
toned there, who insisted upon bringing them
into the presence of bis officer This gentleman
was Captain Boyd aud he acuteiy cross examiu-
ed the travellers, desired to see their passports,
and after a searching investigation, during
which Andre is said TO have suffered great
uneasiness having observed nothing to warrant
suspicion, he permitted the dangerous pair TO
resume their journey. Such, indeed, was his
confidence on reading the pass of Arnold. that
be apologised for having caused any delay and
expressed much anxiety tor their safety as many
marauding tory bands infested that vicinity,
and night advance might be productive Of
danger.
Smith was a cowardly man and the remarks
@. Captain BOYD induced him to desire the
deferral Of their farther progress until the fol
lowing morning the remonstrauces Of Andre
we're Gnavailing, and accordingly they halted
at a cottage near by and took lodgings for the
night Occupying the same apartment Smith
was enabled to observe the condition of bis
fellow traveller, which be informs Us vas singu
larry distressing, aud but short period hsv,
been passed in repose. Poor Andre. possible
the thoughts of his rapidly eliminating destiny
were haunting those few, troubled moments
of rest.
Fs-Iv in the SnroaaFIinr morning the iournev
was renewed, aod so soon as Andre was In
formed that the patrollipg companies of Amer
leans were all passed, and their horses hoofs
now trod the nea,ral ground, then oil bis
wonted cheeriulness returned and he couversed