Beverley Robinson Beverley Robinson ( 11 January 1721 – 9 April 1792 ) , a wealthy colonist from New York , was a son of the Hon . John Robinson of Virginia , who was the President of that colony . He is mostly remembered as the commander of the Loyal American Regiment , a loyalist regiment in the American War of Independence and for his work with the British secret service during the war . After the war he retired to Britain . Early life . Beverley Robinson moved to New York and married Susanna , daughter of Frederick Philipse , who owned an immense landed estate on the Hudson River . It is generally supposed that Susanna had been courted by George Washington as well . By this connection , Mr . Robinson became rich . When the American Revolutionary War began , he was living upon that portion of the Phillippes estate which had been given to his wife , and there he desired to remain in the quiet enjoyment of country life , and in the management of his large domain . That such was his inclination is fully confirmed by circumstances and his descendants . He was opposed to the measures of the Ministry , gave up the use of imported merchandise , and clothed himself and his family in fabrics of domestic manufacture . Colonel in the American Revolution . Robinson was also opposed to the separation of the colonies from England . However , he wished to take no part in the conflict of arms . Before long , however , friends helped to overrule his own judgment and he entered the military service of the Crown . His standing entitled him to high rank and he was commissioned Colonel of the Loyal American Regiment , raised principally in New York by himself . He also commanded the corps called the Guides and Pioneers . His sons figured prominently in the selection of officers for the Loyal American Regiment . His son , Beverley , was Lieutenant - Colonel . The regiment , which saw much fighting in the course of the war , figured most prominently in the attack on Fort Montgomery , NY on October 6 , 1777 when British and Loyalist forces overwhelmed the rebel fort on the Hudson River . Involvement with Benedict Arnold . Robinson was also heavily involved in the treason of Benedict Arnold and it is generally believed that he was acquainted with the traitor ' s purpose before it was known to Sir Henry Clinton , or any other person . And it appears certain that Arnold addressed him a letter on the subject of going over to the Royal side , before soliciting the command of West Point . As the plot matured , he accompanied John André to Dobb ' s Ferry to meet Arnold , according to a previous arrangement ; but an accident prevented an interview , and both returned to New York . Subsequently , he went up the Hudson River in the Vulture , for the purpose of furthering the objects in view ; but failed in his most material designs . Arnold now sent Smith on board of the Vulture with a letter , which was delivered to Colonel Robinson , and on the faith of which Andre went on shore . The treacherous Whig had been expected on of the ship in person , and it has been said that Robinson was much opposed to André ' s trusting himself to the honour " of a man who was seeking to betray his country . " But the zealous young officer would not listen to the prudent counsel , and determined to embark upon the duty from which he never returned . On the 23rd of September , 1780 , André was captured and on the 26th was conveyed a prisoner to Colonel Robinson ' s own house , which , with the lands adjacent , had been confiscated by the state , which Arnold had occupied as his headquarters , and of which Washington was then a temporary occupant . After André ' s trial and conviction , Sir Henry Clinton sent three commissioners to the Whig camp , in the hope of producing a change in the determination of Washington , and of showing André ' s innocence ; to this mission Robinson was attached in the character of a witness . He had previously addressed the Commander - in - Chief on the subject of André ' s release ; and , as he and Washington had been personal friends until political events had produced a separation , he took occasion to speak of their former acquaintance in his letter . After the war . At the end of the war , Colonel Robinson , with a part of his family , went to England . Like many loyalists who moved there , he reportedly felt out of place and unappreciated . He resided at Thornbury , near Bristol , and died there on April 9 , 1792 , at the age of seventy .