Evening star., 1901-04-23


Champe's desertion from the American
army, sent for him and made various in
Quiries as to the condition of Major Andre
and of the disaffection among the Ameri-
can forces, and sent him with a letter to
Benedict Arnold, who was forming a legion
among the British soldiers. Champe re-
ceived a warm welcome from Arnold, and
was assigned to comfortable quarters.
Champe next made the attempt to see the
persons to whom Washington had sent let
ters. This step was taken with the greatest
precaution. At first he saw the person
designated as one, who would assist in
keeping up constant communication with
Washington. Again he sought the second
person, who assured him that he would
spare no pains TO assist him in securing the
person Of Benedict Arnold.
For the object of being nearer Arnold and
also to learn as much as possible whether
Washington need fear that there was ad-
ditional treason to be apprehended in the
American camp, Sergeant Champe enlisted
in the army. In spite of his efforts time
passed rapidly, and although Washington
and others hoped to delay Andres court
martial order to give Champe more time
for the execution of his project, the self
convicted Andre made his full confession,
the death sentence was pronounced October
/, 1880, and the next dey Andre was exc
cuted according to custom.
Although not able to save Andre, Champe
made every effort to secure Arnold. Wash
ington sent money and letters to Champe
to encourage him, as can be seen by the
following letter.
Gen. WashingtOn's Letter.
"HEADQUARTERs.o october 20, 1880
Dear Sir: The plan proposed for taking
A. (the outlines Of which are commune
Gated in your letter. which was this mo-
ment given into my hands without date)
has every mark Of a good one. 1 thus
agree to the promised rewards, and have
In,
ment of the business as to give it my full
est appreciation, and leave the whole to
the guidance of your own judgment, with
this express stipulation, and pointed in
junction that he {Ad.) Is brought to me
alive. No circumstances whatever shall
obtain my consent to his being put to
death. The idea that would accompany
such event would be, that rufians had
been hired to assassinate him. Ny aim
is to make a public example of him, and
this should be strongly impressed upon
those who are employed. The sergeant
must be very circumspect; too much zeal
may create suspicion, and too much precip-
itance may defeat the project.
THE most inviolable secrecy must be
observed on all hands. / send you five
suineas, but / am not satisfied with the
This circumstance may also lead to suspi-
cion, as 1t is but too well known to the
enemy that we do not abound in this ar
ticle
ne lItciNicWS pCeWCOA eiic party III ana
out Of the city should be managed with
much caution and seeming Indifference or
else the frequency OF their meetings, etc.
may betray the design and involve had
consequences. But 1 am persuaded Won
will place every matter in a proper point
of view to the conductors OF this Interest,"
ing business and therefore 1 shall only add
that ] am, dear sir,
"Your obedient servant,
&c. WASHINGTON"
The Plan of Sergt. Champe.
The plan of Sergeant Champe was to
capture Arnold at night. when he usually
took a turn in his garden. Agents were
stationed in the rear to seize and gag
him. and to carry him Immediately to the
banks of the Hudson river, where q boat