Note 48 — EYEWITNESSES EXPLAIN ANDRÉ’S CAPTURE

Bancroft, vol. 10, p. 388 says: When they had delivered André to Col. Jameson they “went their way not asking a reward for their services or leaving their names.” John Jameson practically confirms this in the letter he wrote to General Washington at the time. In full it reads:

North Castle, Sept. 27th, 1780.

This will be delivered you by John Paulding, one of the young men that took Major André and who nobly refused any sum of money that he should demand. The other two young men that were in company with him are not yet found; as soon as they arrive they shall be sent on. I have just seen L. Kennecut. He thinks it will be impossible for him to go below again; he begs your instruction and assistance; almost all his furniture, clothes and money are below. Some of the slanderers from above have stole his horses which makes him very poor; he has gone down between the lines to try to get out some of his things and to give notice to some people that have assisted him in his business.

I should take it as a particular favour if you would use your influence with Governor Clinton to have some board appointed to enquire into and determine the horrid practice of plundering that is carried on in this part of the country. I have no doubt but that the plunderers above and below are connected. If some proper board could be appointed or the commanding officer on the lines vested with proper authority from Governor Clinton many petty villains near the lines may be detected I make no doubt who hold a correspondence with DeLancey’s Cow Boys. I am very sorry that I wrote to G— Arnold. I did not think of a British Ship being up the River and expected that if he was the man he has since turned out to be that he would come down to the troops in this quarter in which case I should have secured him. (I mentioned my intention to Major Tallmadge and some other of the field officers all of which were clearly of opinion that it would be right) until I could hear from your Excellency. The Queens Rangers I am informed marched from Oyster Bay last Saturday for Kingsbridge, the 17th on Sunday and some others ordered to hold themselves in readiness. Two British Officers went on board the Vulture just above Tarrytown they were out in the country cloathed in mean ragged country cloaths and at the river side changed them for fine laced regimentals. Some gentleman came out from Kingsbridge about a fortnight ago with a handkerchief full of gold; changed his clothes for an old sack coat and pushed up the North River. I am with regard and esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble servant

John Jameson.