Before Arnold left Smith's house, he urged him to go with Andre on board the Vulture as soon as it was dark ; but, as if to provide for obstacles, he sent two passes for Smith ; the one a permission to go " with a boat, three hands and a flag, to Dobb's Ferry, on public business, and return immediately ; " the other, to pass the guards to the White Plains, and return. To this was added a third, as follows:

" He An Quarters, Robinson's House, Sept. 22d, 1780.

' ' Permit Mr. John Anderson to pass the guards to the White Plains, or below, If he chooses ; he being on public business by my direction.

"B. Arnold, M. Oen."

A miserable day was passed by the spy in solitude, and, when evening came, Smith positively refused to go on board the Vulture ; neither had he engaged any person to row the boat. The reason he gave was an attack of ague, but this did not prevent him, as will be seen, from accompanying Andre on horse-back in his nocturnal journey, or from crossing the river with him. Thus Andre was compelled to take the route Smith chose, which was to cross the river, and proceed in the direction of White Plains. The uniform coat of the adjutant general was left at Smith's house ; and with a coat of Smith's, covered by a dark great-coat, with "a wide cape, and buttoned close to the neck," Andre was equipped for the journey. Accordingly, in the morning, he and Smith proceeded to King's Ferry.