the repository of the ammunition and
other stores of the allied armies. It was reported that the French
were to land on Long Island, and from there march against New York,
while Washington would approach it from the north with the main army
of the Americans; and the plan of the enemy was to send up the river
at that precise time a flotilla bearing a strong land force. When they
reached West Point, Arnold was to surrender to them under pretence of
a weak garrison.

"With the view of carrying out that plan, the British troops were so
posted that they could be put in motion on very short notice, while
vessels, properly manned, were kept in readiness on the Hudson.

"But now Clinton felt it necessary to make certain of the identity of
his correspondent; so he proposed a personal conference, and Arnold
insisted that Major Andre should be the one sent. Clinton had already
fixed upon Andre as the most suitable person to whom to intrust that
important mission, and so sent him. I do not know that Andre went
unwillingly, but he did not seek the service, though once engaged in
it he did his best.

"The love of money seems to have been Arnold's greatest temptation to
the treachery of which he was guilty. His first plan was to have the
interview with Andre at his own quarters in the Highlands, Andre to be
represented as a person entirely devoted to the American cause and
possessing ample means for gaining intelligence from the enemy. As
secret agents were frequently employed to procure intelligence, this
was safe ground to go upon. He sent a letter to Andre telling him of
this arrangement, and assuring him that if he could make his way
safely to the American outpost above White Plains, he would find no
difficulty after that.

"On the east side of the Hudson at that time was a detachment of
cavalry under the command of Colonel Sheldon, who had his
headquarters, with a part of his detachment, at Salem. Arnold gave him
notice that he was expecting a person from New York whom he was to
meet at his quarters for the purpose of making important arrangements
for obtaining early intelligence from the enemy. Also he asked
Sheldon to send him word to the Robinson House when this stranger
arrived.

"But the arrangement was distasteful to Andre, who had no disposition
to act as a spy. He therefore wrote a letter to Colonel Sheldon,
knowing that it would be put into Arnold's hands. He proposed a
meeting with Arnold at Dobbs Ferry, upon the