Arnold's TempterComfort, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Freeman)
History
Arnold's Tempter
Comfort, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Freeman)
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801 -- Fiction; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Fiction
“He is still of opinion that his first proposal is by no means
unreasonable, and makes no doubt, when he has a conference with you,
that you will close with it. He expects when you meet that you will
be fully authorized from your house; that the risks and profits of
the co-partnership might be fully and clearly understood.
“I am in behalf of Messrs. M---- and Co.
“Sir, Your Obedt. & Hble. Servant,
“_Gustavus_.
“Mr. John Anderson, Merchant.”
John Anderson answered the above letter. Then, a few days thereafter,
information was received from Gustavus, agreeing to meet him at any
convenient point, if he, John Anderson, would make his way to the
American outposts above White Plains; that he would be secure under the
protection of Colonel Sheldon, who was prepared to meet him.
Arnold had informed Colonel Sheldon that a person was to come from New
York, to the latter’s quarters, whom he desired to meet for the purpose
of establishing a channel of secret intelligence with New York.
Accordingly, Colonel Sheldon received the following letter, which was
so uncertain and enigmatical that Colonel Sheldon despatched it at once
to General Arnold:
“New York, September 7, 1780.
“Sir:
“I am told my name is made known to you and that I may hope your
indulgence in permitting me to meet a friend near your outposts. I
will endeavor to go out with a flag, which will be sent to Dobb’s
Ferry on Monday next, the 11th instant, at twelve o’clock, where I
shall be happy to meet Mr. G----. Should I not be allowed to go, the
officer who is to command the escort, between whom and myself no
distinction need be made, can speak on the affair. Let me entreat
you, sir, to favor a matter so interesting to the parties concerned,
and which is of so private a nature that the public on neither side
can be injured by it.
“(Signed) John Anderson.”
To Colonel Sheldon,
Salem.
Sheldon was confused by the mention of an officer taking the place
of John Anderson, and therefore sent the letter to Arnold, who tried
to explain the mysticisms in the letter to Colonel Sheldon as best
he could; and replied that he would meet the flag and the gentleman
himself at Dobb’s Ferry.
Arnold also instructed his subordinate that if he did not meet John
Anderson, by any mishap, word must be sent to headquarters of the
arrival of the gentleman within the lines, and that John Anderson must
be sent to his headquarters with an escort of two or three horsemen.
Arnold went down the river in his barge as far as King’s Ferry on the
afternoon of the 10th instant, and remained over night at the house of
Joshua H. Smith, who resided near the Ferry.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account