Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1868-08-05
ARNOLD's TREASON.

lessor C0ppet, delivered 10 the graduotlng
class of West Point a graphic version Of
che treason of Blnedict Arnold, which as
oneof The IMPRESSIVE lessons of history can
not be too frequently reviewed by Amer
can youth. or hearkened to by men Of
mature years:
And now, gentlemen, let me spend the
very short time allotted to me in elaborat-
ing Que thought of common interest to
cadels. ! find the text in the words Of
our immortll Washington, and few
statistics ct TIE Revolutionary hisory,
DOUBTLESS we'll known to you all, must be
given to elucidate it. On the 22d Of Sep
tender, l7S0, General Arnold returned
from his interview with Major Andre, ct
and near the house of Joshua Hett Smith,
to Beverly and then made all preliminary
arrangements for the surrender Of this
post, but without, as far as is known,
taking any one into his confidence. On
the 9th the British we're to come up the
river and take West Point. This was
we'll timed, as Washington was not expec.
ted to return from Hartford until the 26,h
Most unexpectedly. however. he changed
his plans and returned throGSh Duckess
County to Fishklll on the 9th. He
stayed that night with the French ambas
sador. who was there, and in happy iguor'
ance of the snaky treason, whose final coil
was being wound he took saddle before
dawn of the 25th, in order to reach Gen.
erll Arnold's headq, ters in time to
breakfast with the General and Mrs. Ar
mold, and then to inspect the works at
West Point Some soldiers had youe be-
fore with Washinston's basgdge, to an.
his purpose to Arnold; but as he applo-
ached Arnold house, he turned off toward
the river. Lafayette, who was riding with
him, exclaimed General, that is the
wrong way; you know Mrs Arnold is
waiting for US Washington replied, in
pleasant way, Gall the young men are
in love with MIS- Arnold" and added,
Go aud take your breakfast, and tell
Mrs Arnold not to wait for me that
will be there ty-and-by." So the staff
went to Aruold's house and took break
fost, the countenance Of the host, cold
blocked as was the man, being unable to
conceal his secret trouble and misgivings.
The British had not come. and there were
no tidings Washington had arrived two
days sooner than be was expected.
While at breakfast, Lieutenant Allen,
of Arnold's command, came in with o
letter. 1t was from below. He tore 1t
open, expecting to read news OF the enc
my'u movement up the river. Horror
and astonishmeDt the tidiDgs we're from
Major Jameson. that Major Andre was
in his bands prisoner and a spy. Leap
ing from his seat, he announced to his
guests that an urgent message called for
his presence at West Point and he left
that as message, should General Wash
i0gton arrive before his return he would
retuiD, he said, as soon os possible. lie
then went to his wife's room, and sent
for her. In few words he announced
the necessity of going at once to the Brit
ish lines. Leaving her in swcon on
the floor, lie rushed out, mounted one
. Of the horses of Washing tons cav
alcaic in waiting at the door, gallop
cd down steep pathway to Beverly
deck, got into his six cared barge, and
orde.ed .he parsmen to pull with will
!, for Teller's Point, promising them. on
extra ration of rum and reward in
money, and telling them that he was
hurrying that lie might transact his busi-
ness there and return without delay tc
meet General Washington. AS they
passed TeIler's Point, and nearcd the
Vulture man Of war, he spread bis white
handkerchief as flag Of truce, and reach
ed the British ship, traitor in safety
a villain under protection which could
pot fail. 1t was race lor life, and h'
won it.
Just after Arnold's fight Washington
arrived at Beverly. On being told thai
Arnold had gone to West Point, he tool
a has,y breakfast, and hurried over t.
] meet him there AS the boat approached
J. the landing, Washington was sulpr'set
to find that there was no salute, and NJ
6 guard turned out to receive hint. lndeet
# the commanding officer, Colonel Lamb
y of the artillery, wa6 !eisurely strOlIinI
b down the path as the barge landed Con
j fused when he saw tie General 10 Chief
g he stammercd out, "Had any idea you
Is Excellency daS coming, would hav
0. given you a proper reception" "Sir.
h exclaimed Washington, "is not Gen. Al
d mold here ?'' mo. sir Ho has nc
& been here these two days, aud have NO