“The men of large wealth are already Tories, Mr. Barclugh, and against us. The commercial classes will be on whichever side their trade is encouraged. But the great mass of Colonists are agriculturists, whose virtue is above reproach and on whose hardihood and honesty of purpose this nation must place its reliance. If they stand firm and fight for the principles of our Declaration of Independence, this nation shall never perish, but if they allow artificial allurements of gold to buy their liberty, then we shall have expedience for our principles and laughter at our pretensions.” Barclugh saw that principles had firm root in the Commander’s mind, but he thought that he would sound for any petty prejudice that might be lurking in his heart, so he cunningly said: “However, you know, General Washington, that a great many Philadelphians seem to be ambitious after wealth. I have noticed some lukewarmness for the cause there.” Whereupon Washington at once began to get reserved and continued the conversation by asking: “Mr. Barclugh, have you any news of General Arnold?” “Yes, the last time I met General Arnold, he complained about the great social demands upon him, and that to meet his expenses he was driven almost to distraction. I could think that this good man might be ruined in Philadelphia, by too much gayety. Then you know, General, that he was never before used to it.” The Commander-in-Chief did not express an opinion about Arnold, but Barclugh observed that very careful mental note was made on what was said of Arnold. However, he continued by asking: “When you have completed your mission in New York, how do you propose to return, Mr. Barclugh? I shall be pleased to serve you. I presume your mission is entirely of a business nature and you will fight shy of the military people,” in his most gracious and pleasing manner. “I wish to return by way of the Jerseys, General. However, I may not be able to return at all.” Desiring to impress upon Washington the seriousness of his intentions, these were the concluding remarks of Barclugh’s important conversation. After the exchange of a few civilities about Philadelphia people and the exchange of mutual compliments for the pleasant evening spent together, Roderick Barclugh arose and retired to his bed, determined to start early in the morning for New York,--a journey of sixty miles. CHAPTER XXI At sunrise, the next morning after the conversation with Washington, Roderick Barclugh started with his passport signed by Colonel Hamilton. He took up his journey on the road that leads south through the highlands on the east side of the Hudson to New York. From Fishkill the road is hemmed in on both sides by steep hills. Glimpses of the river are obtained occasionally as a traveller reaches some vantage-point. An hour’s ride brought Barclugh to a view of a broad stretch of the Hudson, and there lay before him the object of all his travels and labors,--West Point in full view.