Middletown transcript., 1868-08-08
!. S~geaf from the past.
ARNOLD'S TREASON.

We extract from the address of Profess
sOr Coppee, delivered to the graduating
class of West Point, graphic version of
the treason of Benedict Arnold, which as
,one of the most impressive lessons of his
tory, cannot be too frequently reviewed by
American youth, or hardened to by men
of mature years:
And now, gentlemen, let me spend the
very short time allotted to me in elabora-
ting one thought of common interest to
cadete find the text in the words of our
Immortal Washington, and few statistics
ofthe Revolutionary history, doubtless well
known to you all, must be given to cluci-
date it. On the 22d day of September,
1880, General Arnold returned from an in
terview with Major Andre, at and near the
house of Joshua Hett Smith, to Beverly,
and then made all preliminary arrange
Huents for the surrender of this post, but
without, as far as is known, taking any
one into his confidence. On the Oath, the
British were to come up the river and take
West Point This was well timed, as
Washington was not expected to return
from Hartford until the Goth. Most un-
expectcdly, he changed his plans and re-
turned through Duchess county to Fishkill
on the Oath. He stayed that night with the
French ambassador, who was there, and
in happy ignorance of the snaky treason.
whose final coil was being wound he took
saddle before dawn of the 25th, in order
to reach Gen. Arnold's headquarters in
time to breakfast with the General and
Mrs. Arnold, and then to inspect the
works at West Point Some soldiers had
gone before with Washington's baggage
to announce his purpose to Arnold; but
as he approached Arnold's house he turned
off towards the river. Lafayette, who was
riding with him, exclaimed: General,
that is the wrong way; you know Mrs.
Arnold is waiting for u.s." Washington
replied in a pleasant way, "All young
men are in love with Mrs. Arnold" and
added :" Go and take your breakfast, and
tell Mrs. Arnold not to wait for me; that
I will be there by and by" So the staff
went to Arnold's house and took break
fast, the countenance of the host, cold
blooded 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 he was expected. While
at breakfast, Lieutenant Allen, of Arnold's
command, came in with letter. 1t was
from below. He tore it open, expecting
to read news of the enemy's movement up
the river. Horror and astonishment the
tidings were from Major Jameson, that
Major Andre was in his hands, prisoner
and spy, Leaping from his seat, he an
nounced to his guests that an urgent mes
sage called for his presence at West Point !;
and he left that as message, should Gen
eral Washington arrive before his return !;
he would return, he said, as soon as pos
.sible. He went to his wife's room and
sent for her. In few words he announc-
ed the necessity of going at once to the
British lines, Leaving her in swoon on
the floor, he rushed out, mounted one of
the horses of Washington's cavalcade in
waiting at the door, galloped down steep
pathway to Beverly dock, got into his six
Soared barge, and ordered the oarsmen to
pull with will for Teller's Point, promis-
ing them an extra ration of rum and re-
ward in money, and telling them that he
was hurrying that he might transact his
business there and return without delay to
meet General Washington. As they pass
ed Teller's Point, and neared the Vulture,
. man-of- war, he spread his white hand
kerchief as flag of truce, and reached the
British ship, traitor, in ssafety-a villain
under protection which could not fail. II
was q race for life, and he won it. just
after Arnold's fight Washington arrived al
Beverly. On being told that Arnold had
gone to West Point, he took hasty break
fast and hurried over to meet him there.
As the boat approached the landing,
Washington was surprised to find that
there was no salute, and no guard turned
out o.receiye him. Indeed, the command
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