I quitted my uniform, and was passed another way in the night, without the American posts, to neutral ground, and informed I was beyond all armed parties, and left to press to New York. I was taken at Tarrytown by some volunteers.
"Thus, as I have had the honor to relate, was I betrayed (being Adjutant General of the British army,) into the vile condition of au enemy in diguise within your posts.
" Having avowed myself a British officer. I have nothing to reveal but what relates to myself, which is true on the honor of an officer and a gentleman.
" The request I have to make to your excellency, and I am conscious I address myself well, is, that in any rigor policy may dictate, a decency of conduct towards me may mark, that, though unfortunate, I am branded with nothing dishonorable, as no motive could be miue but the service of my King, and as I was involularily an impostor.
" Another request is, that I may be permitted to write an open letter to Sir. Henry Clinton, and another to a friend for clothes an 1 linen.
"I take the liberty to mention the condition of some gentlemen at Charleston, who being either on parole or under protection, were engaged in a conspiracy against us. Though their situation is not similar, they are objects who may be set in exchange for me, or are persons whom the treatment I receive might effect.
' It is no less, sir, in confidence of the generosity of your mind, than on account of your superior station, that I have chosen to importune you with this letter. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your excellency's most obedient and humble servant, " John Axdre, Adjutant Ge?ieral."