“Permit Mr. Joshua Smith to go to Dobb’s Ferry with three men and a boy in a boat with a flag, to carry some letters of a private nature for a gentleman in New York, and to return immediately, he having permission to go at such hours and times as the tide and his business suit. “(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.” The third one conveyed the knowledge secretly that Arnold wanted Major Andre to meet him on shore. “Headquarters, Robinson House, “September 21, 1780. “This grants permission to Joshua Smith, Mr. John Anderson and two servants to pass and repass the guards at King’s Ferry, at all times. “(Signed) B. Arnold, M. Gen’l.” When the papers had been examined in the cabin of the Vulture, Colonel Robinson excused himself and returned in a little while with a gentleman whom he introduced to Smith as Mr. John Anderson. Smith and Anderson entered the boat and were rowed to the point of rendezvous arranged by Arnold with Smith. Arnold, concealed in the shadow of the cliff, lay near the river bank anxious for the boat to return with Major Andre. The exact spot had been agreed upon. When the boat, which was heavy and cumbersome, at length arrived, Smith scrambled up the bank and found Arnold in the bushes. Smith returned and conducted Mr. Anderson to the spot. Arnold requested Smith to leave them to conduct their conversation privately. Arnold looked around to be sure that Smith was out of hearing when he extended his hand to Major Andre, remarking in a subdued and resigned tone: “At last, Major Andre, my hour of deliverance has come! I hope no difficulties stand in the way of our plans.” Andre was more than eager for the exploit,--he was rashly anxious. His voice showed evident emotion when he said: “General Arnold, we stand ready to carry out our part. Can you surrender West Point?” “I am able to surrender to your forces the stronghold of our hopes, and end the war for the mother country. It will be a blessing to my countrymen and an everlasting benefit to the kingdom of Great Britain. But, sir, how am I to be sure that the promise made me by Roderick Barclugh will be carried out?” was the reply given the question of Andre. “General Arnold, I am the authorized representative of His Britannic Majesty and for your services to the King you are to be paid twenty thousand pounds sterling, part of which has already been advanced by Mr. Barclugh, and you are to receive a commission as Brigadier-General in His Majesty’s service. These emoluments are dependent upon your accomplishment of your own proposals.” “That’s all correct, Major Andre,” returned Arnold, “but how am I to realize these terms if by chance you were to be killed or I was to be detected in this business? My only safety is in having the whole matter drawn up in the form of a writing.”