Major Andre wont on shore at General Arnold's desire, in a boat sent for biin with a flag of truce ; that he not only came ashore with the knowledge and under the protection of the General who commanded in the district, hut that he took no step while on shore, but by the direction of General Arnold, as will appear by the enclosed letter from him to your Excellency. Under these circumstances I could not, and hoped you would not, consider Major Andre as a spy, for any improper phrase in his letter to you.

The hu ts he relates correspond with evidence I offer, but he admits a conclusion which does not follow. The change of clothes and name was ordered by General Arnold, under whose direction he necessarily was while within his command.

As General Greene and I did not agree in opinion, I wished that distinguished gentlemen of knowledge of the law of war and nations, might be asked their opinion on the subject, and mentioned Monsieur Knyphauscn aud General Rochamheau. I related that a Captain Robinson had been delivered to Sir Henry Clinton as a spy, and undoubtedly was such ; but that it being signified to him that you were desirous that the man should be exchanged, he had ordered him to be exchanged.

I wished that an intercourse of such civilities as the rules of war admit of might take off many of its horrors. I admitted that Major Andre had a great share of Sir Henry Clinton's esteem, aud that he would be infinitely obliged by his liberation ; and that if he was permitted to return with me, I would engage to have any person you would be pleased to name, set at liberty.