Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-05-21
Major Andres Remains.

Twenty-four miles up the Hudson from
New York is the ancient town.of Tappan,
lying about four miles back from the riv-
I er This place, it will be remembered,
was the headquarters of General Wash
| ington at the time of Arnold's treason,
and the scene of the execution of the glf-
ted but unfortunate young Major Andre.
Although populous village has grown
up in the centre of the place, its general
features have not materially changed
since the days of the Revolution, and the
different localities connected with the his
tourist with the most perfect distinct
ness.
The spot of Andres execution was upon
an elevation where it could be witnessed
by the whole army. who were encamped
around in the vicinity.
During summer ramble in this neigh
| borhood, a few years since, our friend, the
late John Bowles, having a recoll ection
of reading the fact that Andres remains
had been removed to England, in 1881,
and placed near his monument in West
minister Abbey, had the curiosity to make
some inquiries in relation to the event, and
| it CHANGED that the first person of whom
/ he sought information was an eye wit
him the following interesting account of
| it.
The British miaister, then resident at
New York, Mr.. Buchanan, having been
requested by the Duke Of York to obtain
permission for the removal of the remains
il sny could be found, he proceeded to
Tappan, and, on making known the OBJ
ject of his visit, received readily all the
aid he needed in it's 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
yards of the spot, and small peach tree
was growing at the head of the grave,
placed there by the kindly sympathy for
the unfortunate dead.
There has been tradition that Andres
remains were removed to England many
years before, which was repeated at the
| time; but, on investigation into the mat.
ter, it was put to rest by some of the aged
Inhabitants, who were present at the in
terment, and who we're satisfied the grave
had never been reopened.
| After 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 ..cofin, forming
a net work around the skull. He was
found to have been man Of small statue.
After removing the remains to the sar-
cophagus provided for their reception,
search was made among che dust in the
coffin to ascertain If he was buried in his
uniform; but no buttons were found, and
| 1t was afterwards remem bered by an aged
resident that his uniform had been given
| to his servant.
The scene at the grave was said to have
been an affecting one, manifestipg the
great sympathy felt for the fate of a brave,
but misguided man, and on the removal
of the remains to New Y FORK, bouquets of
flowers of the most delicately beautiful de-
scription. and myrtle wreaths we're sent
by ladies to Mr.. Buchanan, to decorate the
sarcophagus.
The consul. as 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, as
testimonials of regard to the individuals
at Tappan who had assisted Mr.. Buchanan
| in fulfilling the object of his mission.
1t was very remarkable as will doubtless
be conceded, that any considerable portion
of the remains of Andre should have been
found after the lapse Of SO long 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 i'm
press it more deeply upon his mind than
! the above truthful narration. Phila. Sat
swday Night.