Becoming refreshed and more at ease, he relaxed into familiar conversation, which, with his agreeable and courteous manners, excited the interest and secured the good will of his room-mate. He resorted to his favorite resource for amusement, and sketched with a pencil a group of ludicrous figures, representing himself and his escort under march. He presented the sketch to Bronson, saying, " This will give you an idea of the style in which I have had the honor to be conducted to my present abode." In diversions of this kind the morning passed away. As it was known to Andre that the papers found on his person had been transmitted to General Washington, who must soon receive them and it being now evident, that he would not himself be sent to Arnold, he perceived that any further attempts at concealment would be unavailing and resolved to stand forth in his true character, seeking no other mitigation of his case, than such as could be granted on the strict principles of honor and military usage. With this view he wrote in Branson's room, his first letter to General Washington :

" Salem, 24 September, 1780.

'• Sir : --

" What I have as yet said concerning myself, was in the justifiable attempt to he extricated ; I am too little accustomed to duplicity to have succeeded.

" I beg your excellency will be persuaded, that no alteration in the temper of my mind, or apprehension for my safety, induces me to take the step of addressing you ; but that it is to rescue myself from an imputation of having assumed a mean character for treacherous purposes or self interest ; a conduct incompatible with the principles that actuate me ; as well as with my conduct in life.