The accuracy and nature of the intelligence soon gave Clinton concern to know with certainty its author; and once satisfied in his mind that this was no other than Arnold, he took his cue from circumstances, and delayed the final consummation until a period when the loss of a correspondent so valuable would be compensated by weightier gains than the individual defection of an officer of rank. Thus he continued to receive the most momentous revelations of our affairs; and it may possibly have been that through these means a knowledge was acquired of the condition of Carolina, that led to the fall of Charleston.'' "On August 3d, 1780, Arnold was appointed to the command of West Point and its dependencies; and it was forthwith concerted that his treason should be fully developed with the greatest possible advantage to the British."

The moment was a truly favorable one, the English were weary of the continued strife, and really anxious for peace with America on almost any terms that might not involve Independency. On the other hand, too, America was tired with the war. Various letters now passed between Andre and Arnold and an interview concerted. On Sept. 19th, Colonel Williams of the 18th, then billeted at Kepp's House on the East River, gave a dinner to Clinton and his staff as a parting compliment to Andre. How brilliant soever the company, how cheerful the repast, its memory must have ever been fraught with sadness to both host and guests. It was the last occasion of Andre's meeting his comrads in life. Four short days gone, the hands then clasped by friendship were fettered with hostile bonds; yet nine days more, and the darling of the army, the youthful hero of the hour, had dangled from a gibbet.