The British now desired to get into direct communication with Arnold through Colonel Robinson on the Vulture. Finesse had to be used to deceive the watchful post-commanders on the Hudson under the command of Arnold. So, under the protection of a flag of truce from the Vulture, Colonel Robinson sent a letter to General Arnold asking the military to protect his property since he had learned that his home was to be confiscated by the State of New York for his defection to the British cause. General Arnold submitted the letter to his Commander at Fishkill and in consequence General Washington did not approve of the proposal to have an interview with the enemy concerning a purely legal affair. The Commander-in-Chief informed Arnold: “Such a conference would afford grounds for suspicion in the minds of some people and I advise you to avoid it; the subject in which Colonel Robinson is interested does not come within the powers of a military officer and the Civil Government of the State is the only authority to which he can properly apply.” Arnold now used the name of Washington to answer Robinson’s letter. He, therefore, despatched a boat openly to the Vulture, under an officer and a flag. Here came Arnold’s opportunity to give the British all the information that he desired. The answer was in two letters,--one sealed within the other. The outer one gave Washington’s reply. The inner one stated secretly that he would send on the night of the 20th a person to Dobb’s Ferry, or on board the Vulture. This person would be furnished with a boat and a flag of truce. He wished that the Vulture remain where she was until the messenger reached her. The postscript of the letter said: “I expect General Washington to lodge here on Saturday night next, and I will lay before him every matter you may wish to communicate.” The inside one also contained a copy of the letter heretofore sent to Andre to meet his messenger on the east side of Dobb’s Ferry on the evening of September 20th. This was the 19th, and the three letters were despatched at once to General Clinton in New York. September 20th, Major Andre, having received Arnold’s letters, pressed on to the Vulture and arrived at seven o’clock in the evening instead of remaining at Dobb’s Ferry as at first proposed. Andre was all expectancy when he arrived on board the sloop-of-war. He waited for Arnold or his messenger, all night. The next day he wrote General Clinton that he had made a second appointment with no results. The interview must be very soon or suspicions would be aroused to upset the whole plan.