Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-03-25
MAJOR ANDRES REMAINS.


lying about four miles back from the river
This place, it will be remembered, was th
headquarters of General Washington at th
time of Arnold's treason, and the scene o
the execution of the gifted but unfortunate
young Major Andre.
Although a populous' village has grown
up in the centre of the place, its genera
features have not materially changed since
the days Of The Revolution, and the different
localities connected with the history of tha
period are pointed out to the tourist with
| the most perfect diSliuCtness.
The spot of Andres execution was upon
an elevation where IL could be witnessed by
the whole army, who were encamped around
in the vicinity.
During 4 summer ramble in this neigh
| borhood, q few years since, our friend, the
late J. II. Bowles, haviog recollection o.
reading the fact that Andres remains had
been removed TO England, in 1881, and
placed near his monument in Westminster
Abbey, had the curiosity to make some in.
quiries in relation to the event, and it
chanced that the first person of whom he
sought Information was an eyewitness OF
lEe uISihtttIIltul, anu WIN gave uliu lue
following interesting account of it.
The British minister, then resident at New
York, Mr.. Buchanan having been requested
by the Duke Of York 10 obtain premisson
for the removal of the remains, if any could
be found, he proceeded to Tappan, and, on
making known the object Of his visit, re-.
ceived readily all the aid he needed in its
execution.
nr ,.,k ktoo
centre Of a cultivated field OF about dozen
acres, but the plowshare had never been
permitted to approach within four yards of
the spot, and small peach tree was grow
ing at the head of the grave, placed there
by the kindly sympathy for the unfortunate
dead.
There had been tradition that Andre 8
remains were removed to England many
years before, which was repeated at the
time but, on investigation into the matter,
it was put to rest by some Of the aged in
habitants, who were present at the inter
| ment, and who were satisfied the grave had
never been reopened
After digging to the depth of three or four
| feet, the oot1in was reached, and, on being
opened, the entire skeleton was discovered,
all the bones in the mos perfect order, and
the root of the peach tree, having protruded
through the coffin, forming network
around the skull. He was found to have
| been man of small stature.
After removing th" remains TO the sar-
cophagus provided for their reception, search
| Was made among the dust in the coffin 10
ascertain if he wa buried in his uniform
| but no buttons We're found, aud it was af-
| terward remembered l'y an aged resident
that his uniform had been given to his SER
want
The scene at the grave was said 10 have
been an affecting one, manifestiDg the great
sympathy felt for The fate Of brave but
misguided man, and on the removal of the
remains to New York, bouquets of flowers
of the most delicately beautiful description,
| and myrtle wreaths, were 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 An.
! Dire, 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 tes-
timonials of regard TO the individuals at
| Tappau 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 in.
teresiing historical associations connected
| with the place, was an exceedingly agree.
ab!e one; and nothing served to impress il
more deeply upon his mind than the above
truthful narration-PhH. Saturday Night.