Arnold’s anxiety for a meeting was now only exceeded by that of the British, after the first failure; so Arnold stated that he would send a trusty person to the east side of Dobb’s Ferry, Wednesday evening, September 20th, who would conduct Major Andre to a place of safety where a meeting between the principals could be held without fear. Arnold added: “It will be necessary for you to be in disguise. I cannot be more explicit at present. Meet me if possible. You may rest assured that, if there is no danger in passing your lines, you will be perfectly safe where I propose a meeting.” The letter was signed Gustavus and addressed to John Anderson, Merchant. However, before these instructions reached Major Andre by Arnold’s secret messengers, the British General Clinton became very anxious and dispatched the Sloop-of-War Vulture on the scene, with an emissary on board in the person of Colonel Beverly Robinson, who was now in the secret of the negotiations. He had also accompanied Andre to Dobb’s Ferry when Arnold’s barge had been fired upon. The Vulture proceeded to Teller’s Point within view of the American lines for the purpose of awaiting developments. The unexpected, however, always happens to hinder schemes. General Washington came on a tour of inspection, at this juncture, and crossed the Hudson at King’s Ferry in full view of the Vulture soon after her arrival. General Arnold came down, of course, from his headquarters, Robinson House, to meet the Commander-in-Chief in order to throw off any suspicions surrounding his movements. Washington and his suite crossed in Arnold’s barge and as the Commander viewed the Vulture through his glass and turned and spoke to his suite in whispers it was noticed and commented upon, subsequently, that Arnold blanched and showed much concern. While still in the boat, Marquis de la Fayette turned to General Arnold and with a desire to get information of the whereabouts of the French fleet under Guichen, now approaching American waters, and with no suspicions whatever upon Arnold, pleasantly requested: “General Arnold, since you have a correspondence with the enemy, you must ascertain as soon as possible what has become of Guichen.” Arnold immediately colored up and demanded: “Marquis de la Fayette, what do you mean by asking me such a question?” The question of Arnold was surprising and uncalled for and he quickly recovered himself. Fortunately for him, the boat was nearing shore and the anxiety to land interrupted the incident. Arnold imagined that his scheme was detected and that he was to be captured in the boat. Arnold went to Peekskill with Washington and his party. The next day Washington went to Hartford to meet the French Commander and Arnold returned to West Point in his barge.