Smyrna times., 1868-08-12
.MiSceIIUUeOUS.
ArnOId'S Treason.

We extract from the address of Professor
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 history can not be too
frequently reviewed by American youth, or
hearkened to by men of mature years:
On the 22d of September, 1880, General Ar
mold returned from his interview with Major
Andre, at and near the house of Joshua Hett
Smith, to Beverly, and then made all prelimi-
nary arrangements for the surrender of this
post, but without as far as is known, taking
any one into his confidence. On the oath the
British we're to come up the river and take
West Point. This was well-timed, as General
Washington was not expected to return from
Hartford until the 26th. Most unexpect-
edly, however, he changed his plans and
returned through Duchess County to FisEkil
on the oath. He stayed that night with the
French ambassador, who was there, and in hap
pyignOrance of being the snaky treason whose
final coil was being wound he took saddle be-
| fore dawn of the 25th, in order to reach Cen
Arnold's headquarters in time to breakfast
with the General and Mrs. Arnold, aud then
to inspect the works at West Point. Some
soldiers had gone before with Washington $
baggage, to announce his purpose to Arnold ;
but as he approached Arnold house, he turn
ed off toward the river. Lafayette, who was
riding with him, exclaimed. " General, that Is
the wrong way, you know Mrs. Arnold is wal
ting tor us. " Washington replied, in pleas
ant way, All the 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 | will be there by-andby." So the
staff went to ArnOlds house and took break
fast, the countenance of the host, cold blOodcd
as was the man. being unable to conceal his Sc
cret trouble and misgivings. The British haC
not come, and there were no tidngs. Wash
ingtOn had arrived two days sooner than he wa!
expected.
While at breakfast, Lieutenant Allen, o
Arnold's command, came in with a letter. /
was from below. He tore il open, expecting
TO read news of the enemy's movement up tht
river Horror and astonishment the tiding
were from Major Jameson, that Major Andre
: was in his hands, prisoner and spy. Leap
ing from his seat, he announced to his guest
that all urgent message called for his presenc
at West Point: and he left that as message
a should General Washington arrive before hi
return he would return, he said as soon a
possible. lie then went to his wifee room
and sent for her. In few words he annOun
ced the necessity OF going at once to the Brltis
e lines. Leaving her in a swoon on the floor, h
! rushed out, mounted one ofthe horses of W ash
ingtOn cavalcadc in waiting at the door, ga
= loped down a steep pathway to Beverly dock
u got INTO MS SlX-OarGu barge, ana ordered tn
Oarsmen to pull with will for Teller's Point
:, promising them an extra ration of rum and
!, reward in money, and telling them that h
o might transact his business there and retur
|. without delay to meet General Washington. A
Is they passed Teller Point and neared the WI
a a ture man Of war; he spread his white handkei
, chief as a flag of truce, and reached the Britis
ID ship, traitor, in Saety-a villain under Pre-
4 lection which could not fail. 1t was q race fo
IS fife and he won it.
ID Just after Arnold's flight Washington arri,
oi ed at Beverly. On being told that Arnold ha
a. gone to West Point, he took hasty breakfas
~ ~ and hurried over to meet him there. As tn
. boat approached the landing, Washington wa
d surprised TO ind that there was no salute, an
r no guard turned out to receive him. Indeed
the commanding officer, Colonel Lamb, of tn
artillery was leisurcly strolling down the pat
as the barge landed Confused when he saw I'll
81 General in- Chief, he stlmmerrd out, Had
:, any idea your Excelency was coming, | woul
% have given you proper reception. Sir,
ho here p g No sir. lie has not been hel
N, N, these two days, and | have not heard fro
him in that time. AstOnished, and recurrir
to his old suspicious Washington inspected ii
m. works He returned about noon to Arnold
rk; house. There Hamilton met him with Il
he proofs of the treason, all the papers taken
Ee ~, Adre boot, which had by this time arrives
Use The messenger had arrived just four hours aft
llid Arnold's escape. Looking around him,
a. 1d turned to Knox and Lafayette, and said, in
"' solemn, almost heart-broken manner: "Who
5 can We trust now Ir.