ew, at half a mile's distance, which
he told us was at that time the head-quarters of General Washington. I
turned my back suddenly upon it. The last place on earth where I would
wish to think of Washington is at the grave of Andre. I know that
military men not only sanction but applaud the deed; and, reasoning
according to the maxims of war, I am well aware how much can be said in
his defence. That Washington considered it a duty, the discharge of
which was most painful to him, I doubt not. But, thank God, the
instincts of any childhood are unvitiated by any such maxims. From the
first hour I read of the deed, until the present day, I never did, and
never could, look upon it as otherwise than cool, deliberate murder.
That the theory and practice of war commends the transaction, only
serves to prove the infernal nature of war itself.... A few years ago,
the Duke of York requested the British Consul to send the remains of
Major Andre to England. At that time two thriving firs were found near
the grave, and a peach-tree; which a lady in the neighbourhood had
planted there, in the kindness of her heart. The farmers who came to
witness the interesting ceremony generally evinced the most respectful
tenderness for the memory of the unfortunate dead, and many of the
children wept. A few idlers, educated by militia trainings and Fourth
of July declaration, began to murmur that the memory of General
Washington was insulted by any respect shown to the remains of Andre;
but the offer of a treat lured them to the tavern, where they soon
became too drunk to guard the character of Washington. It was a
beautiful day, and these disturbing spirits being removed, the
impressive ceremony proceeded in solemn silence. {644} The coffin was
in good preservation, and contained all the bones, with a small
quantity of dust. The roots of the peach-tree had entirely interwoven
the skull with their fine network. His hair, so much praised for its
uncommon beauty, was tied, on the day of his execution, according to
the fashion of the times. When his grave was opened, half a century
afterwards, the riband was found in perfect preservation, and sent to
his sister in England. When it was known that the sarcophagus
containing his remains had arrived in New York, for London, many ladies
sent garlands and emblematic devices,