Copy of a letter from His Excellency General Washington, to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton. _Head Quarters, Sept._ 30, 1780. _SIR,_ In answer to your Excellency's letter of the 26th instant, which I had the honour to receive, I am to inform you, that Major Andre was taken under such circumstances as would have justified the most summary proceedings against him. I determined, however, to refer his case to the examination and decision of a Board of General Officers, who have reported, on his free and voluntary confession and letters,--"That he came on shore from the Vulture sloop of war in the night of the twenty-first of September instant," &c. &c. as in the report of the Board of General Officers. From these proceedings it is evident Major Andre was employed in the execution of measures very foreign to the objects of flags of truce, and such as they were never meant to authorise or countenance in the most distant degree; and this gentleman confessed, with the greatest candor, in the course of his examination, "That it was impossible for him to suppose he came on shore, under the sanction of a flag." _I have the honour to be your Excellency's Most obedient and most humble servant,_ G. WASHINGTON. (Addressed) _His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton._ In this letter. Major Andre's of the 29th of September to Sir Henry Clinton, was transmitted. _New York, 29, Sept._ 1780. _SIR,_ Persuaded that you are inclined rather to promote than prevent the civilities and acts of humanity, which the rules of war permit between civilized nations, I find no difficulty in representing to you, that several letters and messages sent from hence have been disregarded, are unanswered, and the flags of truce that carried them, detained. As I ever have treated all flags of truce with civility and respect, I have a right to hope, that you will order my complaint to be immediately redressed. Major Andre, who visited an officer commanding in a district at his own desire, and acted in every circumstance agreeable to his direction, I find is detained a prisoner; my friendship for him leads me to fear he may suffer some inconvenience for want of necessaries; I wish to be allowed to send him a few, and shall take it as a favour if you will be pleased to permit his servant to deliver them. In Sir Henry Clinton's absence it becomes a part of my duty to make this representation and request. _I am. Sir, your Excellency's Most obedient humble servant,_ JAMES ROBERTSON, _Lt. General._ _His Excellency General Washington._ _Tappan, Sept._ 30, 1780. _SIR,_