By some oversight the boats had not been withdrawn, or it may have been expected that Arnold would come with a flag, which appears not to have been the case.

" Having landed on the west side of the river, he went down to the Ferry, where he remained till night. Whether Andre and Robinson were at the landing place on the opposite side, or whether they came up from New York in a vessel and remained on board, has not been ascertained; but, at any rate, no meeting took place.

"Not forgetting his accustomed caution, Arnold wrote a letter to General Washington while at Dobb's Terry. His passage down the river had been in so public a manner, that it could not fail to be known, and he feared suspicions might be raised concerning his motives and objects. Filling up the principal part of his letter with matters of some importance appertaining to his command, he said, as if accidentally, that he had come down to that place, in order to establish signals, which were to be observed in case the enemy ascended the river ; and also to give additional directions respecting the guard-boats, and to have a beacon fixed on a hill, about five miles below King's Ferry, which would be necessary to alarm the country. These reasons were plausible, and afforded apparent proofs of his vigilance, rather than grounds for suspecting any sinister design.

"Being foiled in this attempt to mature his scheme of treachery, he left Dobb's Ferry a little after sunset, went up the river in the night, and reached his quarters at Robinson's House, before morning. Andre and Colonel Robinson returned to New York."