which now lay upon that paper, should annihilate
the confirmation of an act to which his name would for ever stand as
a sanction. He was summoned that day to do a deed at which his heart
revolted; but it was required of him by the justice of his country, the
desires and expectations of the people: he owed it to the cause in which
he was solemnly engaged, to the welfare of an infant confederacy, the
safety of a newly organized constitution which he had pledged his honour
to protect and defend, and a right given to him that was acknowledged
to be just by the ruling voice of all nations."

Andre, after he had heard his condemnation, addressed a letter to
Washington; it contained a feeling appeal to him as a man, a soldier,
and a general, on the mode of death he was to die. It was his wish to
be shot. This, however, could not be granted: he had been taken and
condemned as a spy, and the laws of nations had established the manner
of his death. But where were the humanity and feeling of the British on
this occasion? Why did they not give up the dastardly Arnold in exchange
for the brave Andre; as it was generously proposed by the United
States?[3] This they refused on a paltry plea, and suffered, in
consequence, the life of one of their finest officers to be
ignominiously lost.

On a green eminence, over which hangs the dark and funereal shade of the
willow, is the grave of this unfortunate soldier; it is a short distance
south and west of the village. "No urn nor animated bust," only a few
rough and unshapely stones, without a word of inscription, and
carelessly laid upon a mound of rudely piled earth, are shown to the
traveller as the spot where rest the remains of poor Andre.[4]

_Mag. Nat. Hist._

[3] Arnold was a General in the American service, and had
distinguished himself on former occasions like a brave soldier,
an experienced commander, and a sincere citizen; but, like
another Judas Iscariot, he afterwards thought fit to turn
traitor. He deserted to the English as soon as the news reached
him of the apprehension of Andre (because he knew then that his
name and the plans arranged previously between him and the
British General would be exposed and frustrated,) with the
expectation of receiving _a few pieces of silver_ for
betraying his country. Whatever was his recompense in this way
I know not, but I am certain he was despised as