The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-05-07

who was the author of the ANONYMOUS
epistles he was receiving. And when he
learned the name of the writer, he was
wary of his offer, rs Arnold held no i'm
portant post to bring with him to their
ranks.
Then the designing man bent his ener-
gies to obtain the command of West
Point. Washington obtained it for him,
without the least suspicion Of the ingrati-
tude that lurked in his heart. 1t seems
to me a decided proof that there was
some good in Arnold that Washington
trusted him. He did not love him as he
loved Hamilton and Henry Lee, but he
loved him as courageous man who had
been wounded in bis country's service, and
he deemed his reckless extravaganza his
worst fault.
Washington departed for his headquar-
ters to transact important business at
Hartford. Arnold's time had come. An
DIRE came up the river and held n private
conference with him, TO consumate the
hellish bargain. Every one is familiar
with the capture of that handsome young
officer on his return to New York, and his
melancholy fate. The treacherous plan
did not succeed as was anticipated. Wash
ington returned two days sooner than was
expected, and disconnected everything.
Arnold received word that Washington,
Lafayette, Knox and Hamilton would
breakfast with him. How could he look
into the face of the COMMANDMENTS Chief
with his plans all arranged for giving
West Point into the hands of the enemy
We can imagine bis uneasiness as the
hours of that night passed slowly away.
Mrs. Arnold was with him at his head
quarters at the Robinson House, having
arrived few days before from Philadel-
phia with her infant child, child Of
about six months.
AS was usual with him, Washington
rose early, and with his friends, was in
the saddle before dawn. When within a
mile of Arnold's residence, he turned to-
ward the river to examine the works there.
Lafayette reminded him of his engagement,
and limited that Mrs. Arnold might be
waiting for breakfast.
"Ah, Marquis~ said he, "you young
men are all in love with her as soon as
possible. Go and breakfast with her, and
tell her not TO wait for me. | must ride
down and examine the redoudts on this
side of the river, but will be with her
shortly"
Lafayette and Knox accompanied Gen.
Washington, and Hamilton proceeded to
Hamilton House, and, as Washington re-
quested, sat down to breakfast with the
rest of the family. 1t was an eventful
meal for Arnold Ere it was finished, a
horseman alighted and privately informed
Arnold that Andre was captured, and that
the papers found in his boots had been for
warded to Washington. Guilty man
what remained then for him but instant
flight? He beckoned Mrs. Arnold 20
their chamber, and he told her in hurried
language that he was a ruined man, and
that he must fly for his life. The poor
woman fell senseless on the floor. Ar
mold hurried down and dispatched mes
senger 10 her assistance. Then he excused
himself politely TO his visitors, saying that
he must hasten to the fort, and prepare
for proper reception of Washington.
This black lie uttered, he sprang into the
messengers saddle, and with fear spurring
him onward and infamy bowling after him
he ran his perilous race, and was safe on
board the Vulture, British ship-of-war
in the river. None need covet his future
happiness.
See his sad wife, rs she slowly comes
back to the life she loaths. Where now
are the dreams she cherished of the hon
or and fame of her husband9 Where is
the path of glory she was to tread by bis
sidei Where are the shouts of the null
titude who delight 10 do him honor
Gone! gone!-all the hopes of girlhood,
so brilliant with the roseale hues of morn
ing. Gone, all the aspirations of woman
hood, and the bright, untarnished name
she had hoped to leave as legacy to her
child.
She gave herself up to the deepest grief,
and there was none to comfort her. Her
friends were in another State, and she and
her child were at the mercy of country
her husband had just abandoned. Wash
ington had an interview with her soon af-
ter he had learnt what had happened, and
convinced that she was innocent of any
previous knowledge of her husbands
guilt This interview is touchingly des-
cribed by Hamilton, who was present.
We quote from his own language:
"She, for time, entirely lost herself.
She upbraided Washington with being in
a plot to murder her child. One moment
she raved, and another melted into tears.
Sometimes she pressed her infant to her
bosom and lamented its fate, occasioned
by the imprudence of its father, in man
ner that would have pierced insensibiIity
itself. All the loveliness of beauty, all
the sweetness of innocence, all the tender
ness of a mother, showed themselves in
her appearance and conduct"
=. H. L ,