His career had been unfruitful of results in America thus far, as he had failed to aid Burgoyne, and, after evacuating Philadelphia, and retreating by land to New York, had suffered disaster at Monmouth; he had failed in his attack on Fort Moultrie, and now his whole career was centered upon the capture of West Point by intrigue. Seated in one of the upper chambers of the Beekman house were Sir Henry Clinton, the Commander, Lord Carlisle and William Eden, M. P., Commissioners of the British government to America. Lord Carlisle was the life-long friend of George Selwyn,--the wag of English society and court circles in London at this time. William Eden, a mere figure-head and courtier, was the intimate friend and political supporter of both Carlisle and Selwyn. Charles Fox was the brains and political force for this entire coterie, so that the presence of Carlisle in America on his mission is obvious, since Fox was irretrievably in debt to Carlisle and Selwyn. Furthermore, Fox had been the associate of Carlisle at Eton and they had grown up to be inseparable cronies; both were involved in all the noted gambling escapades at Brooks’ and Almack’s for the previous ten years. Besides the Commander and the two Commissioners, the room contained a large round table and a sideboard well supplied with Madeira and claret. This chamber was used for councils of war by General Clinton. A map of the thirteen Colonies and the seaboard was lying carelessly on the table. Carlisle and Clinton were discussing the losses at the gaming table the night before and Eden was snuggling up to a newly-opened bottle of Madeira, while seated in a large arm-chair, enjoying a pipe of tobacco. Barclugh entered the room, following Major Andre, and was received by the three very, very cordially, but with much formality, as they had met on serious business. Here were five men authorized to treat with the Colonists in any manner that would win them back to the allegiance of the King. They could wage war, confiscate property, starve prisoners, offer rewards for treason, offer to concede every demand of the Colonies for their political welfare except independence. The utmost desire of the Commissioners was to effect some compromise with the leaders of the revolution and preserve allegiance to the mother country. Roderick Barclugh was a very important personage in this council. He had done important service in Paris for the financial interests of the English government, and was now working out plans to stop the war for the benefit of England’s Exchequer, so that, whatever he said had much weight.