Sparks) supposed he was to be sent on board the Vulture, as will appear by the following extract, which he wrote after his capture. 'Arnold quitted me,' said he, 'having himself made me put the papers 1 bore between my stockings and feet. Whilst he did it, he expressed a wish, in case of any accident befalling me, that they should be destroyed ; which I said of course would be the case, as, when I went into the boat, I should have them tied about with a string and a stone. Before we parted, some mention had been made of my crossing the river, and going another route ; but I objected much against it,

• Spark's Lile of Benedict Arnold, 180, 181, 182. An account of the second interview will be found in Cortlandtown.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 185

and thought it was settled, that in the way 1 came, I was to return.'

"Arnold left him, and went up the river to hcad-qnarters. Before he departed from Smiih's house, he urged Smith to go back with Andre to ihe Vulture as soon as it should be dark ; yet the matter seemsNo have been undecided, for he wrote and gave to Smith two passports, (dating them ' Head (Quarters,') one authorizing him to go by water, and the other by land.

" The former was in these words : * Joshua Smith has permission to pass with a boat and three hands, and a flag, to Dobb's Ferry, on public business, and to return immediately.' "a-