Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-29
MAJOR ANDRES REMAINS.

AWGHLy-tDuf uilrs vi lit Aihh-pb itDHI
New York il the ancient town Of Tappan.
lying about four niles back from the
river. This place. il will be remembered
was the headquarters Of General Washing
ton at the time Of Arnold's treason. and
the scene Of the execution of the gifted but
unfortunate young Major Andre.
Although a populous village had grown
up In the centre Of the place. its general
features have not materially changed since
the days Of the Revolution. and the differ
ent localities connected with the history
oc that period are pointed out IN the tour
list with the most perfect distinctness.
The spot of Andres execution was
upon an elevation where it could be wit
messed by the whole army, who were en-
camped around in the vicinity.
During summer ramble in this neigh
borhoOd. q few years since. our friend.
the late J. II. Bowles. having a recollec-
ton a reading the fact that Andres re-
mains had been removed to England. in
1881, and placed near his monument in
Wceenninstsr Abbey. had the curiosity to
mako some inquiries in relation to the
cvea9, and IL CHANGED that the first person
Of WDosn he sought information was an
eyeswitness of the dsinterment, and who
gave him the following interesting ac-
count of it.
The British minister, then resident ut
New York. Mr.. Buchanan. having been
requested by the Duke of York to obtain
permission for the removal of the remains
II any could be found. he proceeded to
Tappan. and. on making known the OBJ
ject of hs visit, received readily all the
aid he needed in its execution.
The grave OF Andre was located in the
centre Of cultivated field of about doz-
en- acres. but the plowshare had never
been permitted to approach within four
wards Of the spot, and small peach tree
was growing ut the head of the grave.
placed there by the. kindly sympathy for
the unfortunate dead
There had been n tradition that Andres
remains were removed to England many
years before. which was repeated ut the
time but. on investigation into the mat
ter. it was put to rest by some of the aged
inhabitants. who were present mt the in
terment, and who were satisfied the grave
had never been reopened.
Alter digging TO the depth OF three or
four feet, the coffin was reached, and. on
being opened. the entire skeleton was dis
covered. all the bones in the most perfect
order. and the root of the peach tree. hav
ing protruded through the coflin. forming
network around the skull. He was
found to have been n man of small stature.
Amer removing the remains to the sar
cophagus provided for their reception,
search was made among the dust in the
ceffin to ascertain if he was buried in his
uniform but no buttons were found. and
it was afterwards remembered by an aged
resident that his uniform had been given
to his servant.
The scene mt the grave was said to have
been an affecting one, manifesting the
great sympathy fclt for the fate of a brave
but misguided man. and on the removal
OF the remains to New York. bouquets of
flowers Of the most deicately beautiful de
scription. and myrtle wreaths. were sent
by ladies' to Mr.. Buchanan. to decorate
the ssrcophagus.
The consul. rs he also learned was able to
obtain at Philadelphia the watch of Andre.
which was sent with his remains to his
surviving sisters.
A piece of plate and other articles of
value were subsequently transmitted by
these ladies'. and the Duke of York. Is
TESTING malls of regard to the individuals
at Tappan who had assisted Mr.. Buchanan
in fulfilling the object of his mission.
Il was very remarkable. as will doubt
less be conceded. that any considerable
portion OF the remains of Andre should
have been found. after the lapse of so long
a period.
Our friends visit to Tappan. from the
interesting historical associations con-
nected with the place. was an exceedingly
agreeable one; and nothing served to inn
,press 1t more deeply upon his mind than
phia Saturday Night.